NZ Plumber August-September 2016

Save the date now for the 2017 NZ Plumbing Conference in Nelson!—See p6

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

TAKING SHAPE Pipe in the making

FOIL UNDERFLOOR INSULATION Why it’s been banned

FLYING HIGH Using drones in construction

BOXING CLEVER Plumber kicks up a storm

ASBESTOS REMOVAL Have you got your licence yet?

For digging it up.

Or laying it down.

We’ve got a great range of vehicles that are

up for anything. So whatever the job calls for,

call us on 0800 58 58 58 or visit budget.co.nz

With Budget, you’re good to go.

EDITORIAL

Volume 68, Number 4 MAGAZINE TEAM CEO Greg Wallace EDITOR Beverly Sellers 03 543 2008 beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz DESIGN Sally Travis Design www.sallytravisdesign.co.nz PRINT Service Printers 258 Taranaki Street Wellington 6141 SUBSCRIPTIONS NZ Plumber is published six times a year by Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ. MPGD members receive all six editions.

Non-members can subscribe online at www.masterplumbers.org.nz MAILING LIST For enquiries, or to update your details: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz Non-Master Plumbers’ members with address detail changes should notify the PGD Board, giving their registration number licensing@pgdb.co.nz TO ADVERTISE Contact Catherine Schuster 027 839 8398 cschuster@masterplumbers.org.nz

NZ Plumber is the official magazine of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc. Contact details for the MPGD Board, Society staff and Regional Associations are available at www.masterplumbers.org.nz ©NZ Plumber 2013. Registered as a Newspaper, GPO, Wellington, ISSN 0111-4379. NZ Plumber is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication, unless initially specified otherwise.

All letters and other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled ‘Not for Publication’. Views expressed in articles in NZ Plumber magazine are not necessarily those of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc, or of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication, the publisher and the Editor take no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this information. Publication of advertising material implies no endorsement of either a product or service.

It’s all about people Look out for each other—and yourself!

THE OTHER DAY, I went to hear Sir John Kirwan speak at our local community centre. The hall was packed and the car park full to overflowing. Not bad for a presentation on mental health! His message was a powerful one about the need to recognise that depression is an illness, not a weakness.

I approached JK at the end of the talk and asked if we could include some of his comments from the night in NZ Plumber and he said go for it—so we have. Turn to our article on p42 to read more.

Depression is not uncommon among those working in the construction industry. It’s a sad fact that among the most vulnerable groups in a recent study, tradespeople came out top of the list for the highest risk of suicide. There is much to be done to bring those figures down in terms of awareness, education and open conversation on the topic.

In our article, we include a number of contacts where you can seek support if you, or anyone you know, is battling anxiety or depression. There are so many amazing people in our trades, and we need to look out for our mates and work colleagues through the good times and bad.

JK also said that wellness is about recognising the things you love doing and making time for them in your daily life. On p17, we profile someone who does just that: champion Muay Thai kick boxer James Hall, who works at Hadlee and Brunton in Timaru. And turn to p32 for a feature on Feilding plumbing firm owner Kevin True who, at 75, has no plans to retire because he loves his job—but also finds time to enjoy the deer farm on his property.

What does wellness mean to you?

Beverly Sellers Editor, NZ Plumber, beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz PS: You might have noted from our front cover that NZ Plumber has just received a 2016 'Tabbie' Award. These magazine awards are presented by Trade Association Business Publications International and we're thrilled to have been selected for a Silver award in the Best Department category.

We also received an Honourable Mention in the Best Single Issue category—making it into the top 25 of all entries worldwide. This is credit to the whole team and to our advertisers, contributors and readers. Thanks for all your support!

OVER TO YOU The best email, letter or tip published on this page wins a $30 Hunting & Fishing voucher! Do you have a picture, story or news to share?

Or feedback on any of the articles you’ve read in NZ Plumber?

Email the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz. Or give me a call on 03 543 2008.

Green fingers We have been growing the seeds from the Marley and Dux night at conference.

This is a photo of the result to show that their gift was appreciated.

Jeff Burrow, Plumbing/Engineering Foreman, Property Services Section, University of Otago This issue's Hunting & Fishing voucher on its way to you, Jeff.

August/September 2016

3

PAGE TAG

42

48

17

Inside this issue

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

WHAT’S ON 6 Industry events calendar MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS 8 CEO Greg Wallace on advocating for members; strategic plan; Best in Brand winner; Silver Partner Aber on promoting gas products; and OfficeMax locations.

IN FOCUS 12 Product assurance

Check out products before you use them

15 Foil retrofit ban

Why foil insulation retrofits have been banned

REAL LIVES 17

Muay Thai champion Plumber James Hall realises his dream

32 Staying true

Kevin True is still working at 75 60 Project delivery

Meet this award-winning contracts manager 4

August/September 2016

NUTS & BOLTS 20 Passive fire protection

Controlling the spread of fire

22 The Hydrocarbons

We have a problem…

25 Tech points

This issue’s technical updates 26 In the pipeline

Join us on a Buteline factory tour 31 Gas ring

A word of warning when working around gas meters

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 34 Process of improvement

Pipework installation at Skellerup’s new dairy rubberware factory

INDUSTRY TALK 38 Sam’s spot

Plumbers are serial offenders, says Sam!

38 People

Movers and shakers

39 Wanganui winners

Trophies for top achievers in Certifying exams 39 Earthquake-prone buildings

Establishing nationally consistent rules 40 Affordable housing: the cost tower

The true costs of building affordable housing 40 Wipes in the bin

A new ‘flushable’ wipes advisory group 41 Recent convictions

Fines for unauthorised plumbing and false representations 41 Open air

Real-time air quality data now available online

HEALTH MATTERS 42 Mental wellness

Heeding the signs of depression and anxiety

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER Save the date now for the 2017 NZ Plumbing Conference in Nelson!—See p6

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

26

TAKING SHAPE Pipe in the making

FOIL UNDERFLOOR INSULATION

15

Why it’s been banned

50

34

SMART BUSINESS 46 Asset finance

You don’t always have to pay cash for high-value assets

47 Workplace bullying

The need to create a safe, secure workplace environment

SAFETY FIRST 53 House rules

Who are the PCBUs when working on a home?

54 Asbestos removal

Have you applied for your licence?

47 Biz brief

Business news snippets

56 Play it safe

New series of health and safety videos for plumbers

48 It’s a scam!

Don’t fall for it, says Inland Revenue

TECH SAVVY 59 Paper-free management

SUPPLY LINES 49 Design excellence

Product design award for Methven

66 Innovation—more than great products

Customer-led innovation at Marley

INNOVATION 50 Bird’s eye view

Using drones in the construction industry

Transforming a kitchen table business using new technologies

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES 63 Sustainable leaders

Water and energy saving champions at the EECA Awards

FLYING HIGH Using drones in construction

BOXING CLEVER Plumber kicks up a storm

54

ASBESTOS REMOVAL Have you got your licence yet?

17 Cover photograph: Quality control at the Buteline factory.

NEXT GENERATION 70 Southern men

Top blokes in Otago and Southland

71 Supporting your apprentice

Five top tips from The Skills Organisation

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 73 Testing the new Toyota Hilux ute; plus new products from Rheem, Greens Tapware, Irwin and Schweigen.

AND FINALLY 76 Offcuts

Jokes and media clips 78 Dodgy plumbing

The bad, the worse and the ugly

TIMES PAST 67 Apprenticeships over the ages

How plumbing training has changed over the past century

August/September 2016

5

EVENTS

What’s on

See what’s coming up on the industry calendar.

2017 NZ Plumbing Conference

If you have an event you would like to promote in a future edition of NZ Plumber, please email the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz

NZ Gas Industry Forum Date: 2-4 November

Date: 10-12 April 2017

Venue: Queenstown

Venue: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson

The 2016 NZ Gas Industry Forum will be held at the Millennium Hotel in Queenstown. Speakers include representatives from Rinnai NZ, Powerco, Elgas, Energy Link, WorkSafe, Contact Energy and the World LPG Association.

There will also be a full-day workshop on emergency preparedness for gas distribution companies, run by the UK Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers. To book your accommodation at forum room rates, call Freephone 0508 707707, noting you will be attending as part of the Gas Industry Forum.

Join us in sunny Nelson for the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Conference! With speakers, exhibitors, activities and functions all aimed specifically at the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, this is an event not to be missed.

Save the date now! More details coming soon.

Asbestos licensing workshops Dates: September 2016

For status updates, visit www.lpga.org.nz

PGDB and Mico CPD Training Dates: Now-16 September

Venues: Nationwide

Venue: Nationwide

Master Plumbers is running a series of one-hour toolbox talks on the topic of asbestos. Find out how to protect yourself and your team.

Register for a workshop at www.masterplumbers.org.nz

Cost: $30 inc GST

2016 CONZTRUCT Trade Show Dates: 20 September17 November

Register for your local CPD session, helping you towards your licensing requirements for the 2017 licensing year.

Morning sessions start at 7am with breakfast and trade stands at selected venues, with CPD content delivered from 8:30am12:30pm. At venues not hosting a trade show, morning tea (instead of breakfast) will be served during the CPD session.

Afternoon sessions start at 1pm where a trade show is being hosted, with the CPD content delivered from 2:30-6:30pm (including afternoon tea), followed by happy hour and nibbles. At venues not hosting a trade show, the event will start at 2:30pm with the CPD training.

Register online at www.skills.org.nz/pgdb

Venues: South Island

Auckland Build 2016 Expo

Cost: Free

Date: 16-17 November

Discover the latest products and solutions across the plumbing, building and electrical trades at the trade-only CONZTRUCT Trade Show, supported by Plumbing World.

Be in to win some great prizes, including trips to the Bledisloe Cup, the Bathurst 1000 and the NRL Grand Final!

The final round for 2016 will travel around the South Island, taking in Christchurch, the West Coast, Nelson, Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown. All 4-7pm.

Register online at www.conztruct.co.nz 6

August/September 2016

Venue: Auckland Cost: Free Come and discover more about construction developments, strategies and opportunities at the Auckland Build Expo 2016.

With 150+ exhibitors, 50+ speakers, training workshops and meet the buyer VIP sessions, this event caters to a broad range of construction sectors, including commercial, healthcare, education, environmental, retail, light commercial and institutional.

Register for your visitor pass at www.aucklandbuildexpo.com

NEW Echo Slide Shower 3 Adjustable wall brackets for retrofit installation 3 Updated handset, hose and rail design 3 1 or 3 function handset 3 5 year warranty

1 function

3 function

For more information visit Methven.com

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Advocating for members We’ve recently had reason to stand up for plumbers’ rights.

IN THE FEBRUARY/ March edition of NZ Plumber, we reported on a hearing attended by Master Plumbers relating to the Canterbury Air Regional Plan. Among proposed changes to the Plan was the requirement for any installer of domestic solid fuel appliances in the region to be accredited as a Solid Fuel Appliance Installation Technician by the New Zealand Home Heating Association, or to have the installation approved by such a person.

We strongly opposed this proposal and are pleased to be able to report that it was subsequently reversed. It is very clear-cut that plumbers are trained to be able to do this work as part of their NZQA-approved apprenticeship qualifications. We think it is unreasonable to expect plumbers wanting to install solid fuel appliances to have to join the Home Heating Association and do their three-day course.

Unfortunately, we have since heard that installers in Auckland are being

NEW MEMBERS A warm welcome to new members: • • • •

Flush Plumbing in Balclutha North Shore Plumbing in Auckland Queenstown Plumbing Superb Trades in Auckland

Want to join?

Discover the business benefits of becoming a member of Master Plumbers! Contact Catherine Schuster on 027 839 8398 or email cschuster@masterplumbers.org.nz SPECIAL TWO-YEAR MEMBERSHIP DEAL AVAILABLE!

8

August/September 2016

told of the same requirement. We have written to the council with our concerns and we would challenge any council that decides to apply unfair costs of this kind to plumbers.

On a different note, we are really pleased with the roll out of the new Master Plumbers’ Health and Safety app, which we believe to be of real value for members as an efficient way to manage day-to-day health and safety requirements without the need for paperwork.

We will continue to look at enhancements to the app and appreciate feedback from the industry to ensure we are covering all the forms you require.

Developing value-add member resources of this kind is only possible with the ongoing support of our Business Partners, and we thank them for this.

We have been working closely with our Business Partners on ways to develop and grow membership, with some incredible offers of extended benefits for members.

We couldn’t survive without our Business Partners and we are greatly appreciative of their support.

In recent weeks, I have had the pleasure of attending some of the annual general meetings held by our regional Associations. With proposed amendments

to the Incorporated Societies Act likely to be in place by the end of the year, Master Plumbers has made a submission on the proposals, as they would affect our regional Associations quite significantly. In essence, the incorporated society structure would be more closely aligned to a company structure, with greater onus on the directors.

We are delighted to announce that the Nelson Master Plumbers Association will be hosting the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Conference at the Rutherford Hotel. We’re excited to be returning to the South Island for the event—and particularly to the Nelson region.

We’ve had to make some adjustments to the date to accommodate the Easter Break. The conference will now be held from 10-12 April, and we hope you will be able to take advantage of the break to enjoy all that Nelson and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Greg Wallace, CEO Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ

Meeting with the Minister

We've been in discussions around industry training.

Master Plumbers recently had a robust discussion with Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce around industry training. We went to the meeting with statistics around pre-trade course outcomes. While the numbers are debatable, Steven Joyce agreed that pre-trade courses are not delivering positive outcomes for the industry.

Two reports on construction published recently by MBIE show that nationally we will require an additional 13-15 percent of plumbers across New Zealand, with 38 percent more needed in Auckland alone.

Master Plumbers talked with the Minister on a range of issues, including the two reports, industry training and industry involvement in training. It's likely that we will meet on a more regular basis in future and we have subsequently also been contacted by the Chief Executive of the TEC to arrange meetings with them around industry sector training.

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Plan of action

Master Plumbers has a constant drive for improvement, as our new strategy shows.

The Strategic Plan 2016Consumer awareness 2020 for Master Plumbers, Our ongoing consumer Gasfitters & Drainlayers marketing campaign NZ was released in July. provides targeted brand It outlines the Master communications to the New STRATEGIC PLAN Plumbers’ vision, purpose Zealand public through both 2016-2020 and key roles along with print and digital platforms. our success drivers.

To date, this has included These include effective billboard, back of bus, engagement with our magazine, newspaper and members and strong digital advertising, together consumer brand awareness. with a comprehensive update One of our key roles of our promotional material to OSE OUR PURP is to ensure the reflect our new branding.

AND VE ISION brand has a strong We want to be the OUR PURPOS OUR VALUES reputation for quality.

OUR VISION most trusted industry KEY ROLES We are constantly brand when consumers improving and choose a plumber, OUR SUCCES S DRIVERS developing gasfitter or drainlayer. membership resources The Master Plumbers and initiatives, with Guarantee is key to this the goal of supporting perception of value. member businesses wherever possible in providing Advocating for service excellence to their clients. We also members offer high-quality training opportunities Master Plumbers has enjoyed a good and apprentice mentoring through our level of media coverage in recent times, MasterLink programme. with our views sought on a number of The stronger the membership, the issues, including substandard products more we can provide collective industry and the current shortage of plumbers. We representation of plumbers, gasfitters and strive to be the key voice for the industry drainlayers. Advocating for our members in New Zealand. is another of our key roles.

Find the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan at www.masterplumbers.org.nz in the to our members and add value To represent ying industry. ing and drainla plumbing, gasfitt

t the largest We will represen businesses the proportion of , gasfitting and in the plumbing drainlaying industry.

Quality

Advocacy

Membership services

Professionalism

Consumer awareness

A strong brand Collective industry with a reputatio n representation of of quality plumbers, gasfitters and drainlaye rs

Quality training and mentorin g for members and apprentic es

‘go-to’ We will be the and place for services resources.

Brand ambassadors

It’s great to see more and more members using the new logo.

As you might expect, Master Plumbers National President Martin de Gouw was one of the first out of the traps to rebrand his business. So, we’re giving this issue’s Best in Brand prize to Martin for blazing the trail! Well done to Clyne & Bennie Plumbing—a $200 prize voucher on its way.

Be in to win!

Show us how you’re using the new branding in your business for a chance to win our next Best in Brand prize.

Just send photos to Vanessa Price vprice@masterplumbers.org.nz by 15 September 2016.

Innovation

will be the Master Plumbers consumers, first choice for the industry. member’s and

r awareness Strong consume is the that Master Plumbers organisation leading industry associated and for plumbing services.

Membership growth

Effective engagement with our members

Strong consume brand awarenes r s

Leadership courage and commitment to improve

Resources to support key designated initiatives

Above: Tony Hawker-Illes models Clyne & Bennie’s winning workwear branding.

Master Plumbers at CONZTRUCT

We’re enjoying being a part of this huge travelling trade show for the construction industry.

The CONZTRUCT construction trade show has been journeying around New Zealand since May and it’s given us a great opportunity to catch up with plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.

MasterLink and Master Plumbers team members have attended shows MasterLink stand has attracted interest from businesses considering taking on apprentices—particularly in Canterbury.

The show, which is supported by Plumbing World, brings together specialist

trades, builders, architects, designers and engineers, with over 65 exhibitors. The next stop is the South Island, starting in Christchurch on 20 September.

Pictured here is the Methven stand at the Tauranga venue—the Fraser 7 sportscar proving a crowd puller. Methven’s Craig Alexander has owned the car for over six years and raced it for four, winning the sportscar championship twice until he “smacked the wall” at Pukekohe. Craig then completely restored it.

Above: Methven’s Tauranga stand couldn't fail to attract attention.

August/September 2016

9

MASTER SUPPLY LINESPLUMBERS NEWS

Easy ordering with OfficeMax Work life isn’t always easy. Ordering office supplies should be.

Master Plumbers’ members can access extra discounts on OfficeMax’s already low prices. You can order the way that suits your business best: online, phone, fax or in store.

As well as office supplies, OfficeMax supply safety gear, technology, office furniture, coffee, tea and lunchroom supplies and cleaning and hygiene products.

Auckland - Glenfield - Mt Eden - Manukau

Whangarei Tauranga

Hamilton Rotorua New Plymouth Hastings Palmerston North

Nelson

Wellington

Open an account To open your Master Plumbers’ account, just email plumbers@officemax.co.nz You can also take advantage of the discounts without the need for an account. Just provide evidence of your Master Plumbers’ membership in store, or purchase online using the OfficeMax code available in the member log-in at www.masterplumbers.org.nz. It’s easy!

Christchurch

Dunedin Invercargill

Silver partner

Shared responsibility

It is in all our interests to promote gas fuel and home heating products, says Gregg Brown of Aber.

Hamilton-based family firm Aber has a longstanding footprint in the New Zealand plumbing and gas industry.

It has been bringing quality, high performance products from top local and international manufacturers to the New Zealand market for more than three decades.

Aber Managing Director Gregg Brown understands that innovation is the key to ongoing success, offering continuous product improvements and ensuring their product offering meets NZ’s unique and challenging climatic requirements.

Today their heating product range includes leading brands such as Bonaire (gas ducted central heating), Paloma (water and space heating) and Regency (high-efficiency gas fires).

10

August/September 2016

The product range is heavily geared towards residential home heating applications with a strong bias towards products that provide high efficiency, but just as importantly also provide desired performance and affordability.

But Gregg also understands the success of equipment suppliers lies heavily in the hands of their partners, such as plumbers and gasfitters who also share in the value chain.

“In today’s environment, where energy companies are multi fuel with no bias towards gas (and one may argue more bias towards electricity), it is even more important that we all take responsibility to promote our fuel and products where

they have natural advantages particularly in the area of home heating—both water and space. We therefore see our relationship with the plumbing and gas industry as important as we both have a vested interest in seeing the gas industry grow. Therefore we all, both equipment suppliers and gasfitters, have responsibility to help in this growth.”

For more information on Aber visit www.aber.co.nz

Silver partner

GIVE YOUR PLUMBING BUSINESS THE COMPETITIVE EDGE Become a Master Plumber Get training, business resources and savings for your plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying company. We have supported and protected the industry for 100 years, advocating for excellence and helping you provide customers with quality assurance.

masterplumbers.org.nz

IN FOCUS

Product assurance Check out products before you use them and be careful around product substitution, advises MBIE’s John Gardiner.

A RECENT ISSUE of this magazine (April/May) highlighted the risks of using counterfeit and substandard products, as these may not meet the relevant performance requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has a number of investigations into building products underway at the moment—and we’re grateful to all those who have already sent in details to our dedicated email products@mbie.govt.nz. We encourage you to keep letting us know if you come across any products that aren’t fit for the job.

So far this year, we’ve issued advisories on the safety and suitability of some external claddings, supported the Commerce Commission’s investigation into steel reinforcing mesh, and issued a ban on retrofitting residential buildings with foil insulation following safety concerns (go to www.building.govt.nz for the latest updates).

Care around product substitution

All this underscores is the importance of checking any evidence supplied with products used in building work, as well as the need to take greater care around product substitution.

Under the Building Act 2004 (Section 14G), product manufacturers and suppliers must make sure that their products will—if installed in accordance

with their technical data, plans, specifications and advice—comply with the relevant requirements of the Building Code.

We’ve been conducting a major product assurance campaign in recent months to help increase the awareness of manufacturers and suppliers regarding these obligations.

Product technical statements

We have also been encouraging them to create more product technical statements

we’ve been conducting a major product assurance campaign (PTSs) to summarise Code compliance and other critical details, so you should start to see more of these. PTSs can be useful for you, as they should provide clear links to construction, installation and maintenance details so you don’t

Who relies on product information?

Role

Product suppliers and manufacturers

Designers

Building consent authorities

Builders (including plumbers)

Building owners

Building Act section

Section 14G

Section 14D

Section 14F

Sections 14C and 14E

Section 14B

Specifying products

Granting a building consent

Using products in building work and maintenance

Installing a DIY product or carrying out maintenance

When

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August/September 2016

IN FOCUS

have to go hunting for this information.

If you are carrying out residential building work, PTSs can also help you meet your obligations under the Building Act and the Building (Residential Consumer Rights and Remedies) Regulations 2014 to provide guarantee, warranty and maintenance information to the owner on completion of building work.

Don’t forget that Section 14E of the Building Act also requires builders (which includes plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers) to complete building work in accordance with consented plans and specifications. This means that any specified products must be used unless substitutions have been approved by the appropriate people.

If a building consent is not required, you must carry out any building work in accordance with the Building Code. That means you’re responsible for assessing the suitability of any products used in this

building work, rather than being able to rely on a building consent authority to approve them.

Everyone has a role to play

What it comes down to is that all parties have a role to play in ensuring that building products used in building work are suitable for their intended use.

Products may be appropriate for some uses but not others, so you need to check the scope of use and make a judgement on whether a PTS (or other evidence) can be relied on. Our quick guide to PTSs can help you with this. If you rely on a PTS that seems relevant, credible and complete you can also reduce your liability if the product fails.

As mentioned earlier, you also need to take care with product substitution. If this is not handled properly, the substituted product may have no evidence of compliance with the relevant Building Code requirements, can invalidate

PTSs can also help you meet your obligations under the Building Act

various contract conditions and the implied warranties in the Building Act, and can lead to work that the building consent authority can’t sign off for a code compliance certificate. ■ Find out more at www.building.govt.nz/ product assurance. This includes MBIE’s quick guides to product substitution and PTSs. About the author: John Gardiner is Determinations and Assurance Manager at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

ALLPROOF PIT CREW Allproof would like to announce the arrival of two new pits to our crew. The addition of these two 350mm plastic pits provide an economical option for commercial projects and a larger option for domestic projects. Complete with multiple grate options including Cast Iron, Stainless Steel and Plastic we are certain we have the solution for you.

DRAINAGE PITS FOR EVERY SITUATION

allproof.co.nz

Platinum Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Platinum Partners for their support:

Gold Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Gold Partners for their support:

Silver Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Silver Partners for their support:

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August/September 2016

IN FOCUS

Foil retrofit ban All rental properties will have to be insulated by July 2019—but foil insulation retrofits are banned.

THE NEW INSULATION requirements under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (RTA) apply to social housing as of 1 July 2016. By July 2019, all rental properties will be required to have underfloor and ceiling insulation where it can be practically installed.

For rental properties occupied by low-income tenants, insulation grants are available to landlords and tenants through the government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes initiative.

Landlords must now also include a declaration of the level of underfloor, wall and ceiling insulation in all tenancy agreements—and insulation installed from July 2016 must be to the latest 2008 standards.

The new RTA regulations will require landlords to install insulation in accordance with NZS 4246, which is currently being revised.

No foil insulation in retrofits The government estimates that around 180,000 rental properties will need to be retrofitted by 1 July 2019 to comply with the new regulations. However, it won’t be possible to use foil insulation products to do this.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has introduced a ban, as of 1 July 2016, on retrofitting foil insulation in all existing residential properties (not just rentals)—with fines of up to $200,000 for any breaches. This is the first time a ban has been issued under the Building Act. Foil used to be the most common material for underfloor insulation in New Zealand. About half of all existing houses with underfloor insulation use this form of insulation. However, its use has declined in recent years as other betterperforming products have come on the market.

Concerns over its safety also led to the government to issue guidance in

conductive thermal insulation is fitted, the Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) must now include specific verification of the installation. An updated CoC template is available from the Energy Safety website.

Working safely around foil

the first time a ban has been issued under the Building Act 2007 about the hazards of retrofitting foil insulation. Foil insulation was excluded from the Warm-Up New Zealand and EnergyWise government insulation subsidy programmes a short time after they began due to safety, performance and durability concerns.

Foil conducts electricity, and if the foil or staples used to fix it coming into contact with live electric wires, there’s a serious risk of electrocution.

Between 2005-2008, four people died— three homeowners and a professional installer—as a result of electrocution when installing underfloor foil insulation.

Another homeowner died from a fatal electric shock when coming into contact with live foil wall lining in a garden shed.

WorkSafe’s Energy Safety team has developed a new electrical code of practice for managing electrical risks associated with electrically conductive thermal insulation, which was released in July.

If you are working around this type of product, ensure all power is switched off at the main switchboard before you start any work. You always need to be careful when accessing a confined space where there is any electrical wiring, appliances or cabling.

Wiring could be old, hidden or damaged, and metallic staples may have been incorrectly used when fixing conductive foil. ■ Find the new Code of Practice ECP55 ‘Managing electrical risks associated with electrically conductive thermal insulation’ at www.energysafety.govt.nz

Foil in new builds Foil insulation can still be installed in new houses with suspended timber floors. However, BRANZ data shows that most new houses in New Zealand are built on concrete slabs, with only 15 percent of new houses having some form of timber floor at ground level.

For new electrical installations where

Above: The new electrical code of practice from Energy Safety.

August/September 2016

15

Toolbox talk

COMIN SOONG

ASBESTOS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Learn how to protect yourself and those you care about

Master Plumbers will be conducting 1 hour toolbox events throughout New Zealand in September 2016 Tauranga Rotorua Whangarei Auckland x 2 Hamilton Dunedin

Cromwell Invercargill Wellington Christchurch Kapiti Nelson

Events are open to everyone and for further information www.masterplumbers.org.nz

Napier Masterton Palmerston North Whanganui New Plymouth

REAL LIVES

Muay Thai champion Fight photographs courtesy of Fight Entertainment Ltd/Lex G Collections

Plumber James Hall has channelled his fighting spirit into a competitive combat sport, as Matthew Lowe reports.

JAMES HALL HAD long dreamt of winning a title since taking up the combat sport of Muay Thai as a tearaway teenager in his native Scotland.

However, he never expected it would take nearly 20 years for him to realise his ambition and for it to happen on the other side of the world.

The plumber with Timaru firm Hadlee & Brunton is now a South Island champion after starring in the headline bout at an event in Templeton, near Christchurch, in May. The 35-year-old scored a unanimous points victory over Christchurch’s Louis Bentley in front of more than 600 spectators to claim the World Kick Boxing Association South Island title.

“It was pretty much a full war,” James says. “I knocked him down, and he cut my eye with a spinning elbow. The third round was even and I beat him in the fourth and fifth to secure the points.

“It was definitely a back and forth battle, and great to win a belt on someone else’s home turf.”

Training and discipline James first took up Muay Thai—a combat sport of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with clinching techniques—in 1997 and has been involved with the sport on and off since.

“I was a naughty boy and couldn’t stop fighting, so I went to learn some discipline and it worked. I’d encourage youngsters to do the same,” he says.

“I joined Base Muay Thai Gym in Falkirk and I trained with them until I came here—they had a big hand in getting me to be a good boy when I was a youngster.

“Once you get the discipline you do not think about fighting outside of the ring.”

To prepare for his title fight, James embarked on a tough eightweek regime with his club, Kicksports Timaru, which involved training six days a week.

“There was running, gym work, sparring, strength and conditioning, and dieting,” James says.

“It’s not much fun when you get up to train, then go to work and you’re back training again in the evening.

“When training got difficult I would think what is the other guy doing? He’s going to be training and if I do another 10 reps then I’ve done 10 more than him. The more effort you put in then technically the easier the fight should be, although it just comes down to whatever happens on the night in the ring.” > Above: James (left) and Louis Bentley battle it out in the ring.

August/September 2016

17

REAL LIVES

Above: Rolling with the punches.

Above: The winner is announced.

Plumbing firm support James says his employers were really supportive and allowed him to use one of the firm’s vehicles to get to trainings. As a thank you, he wore a Hadlee & Brunton T-shirt into the ring before his bout.

“I’m glad they were supportive because there was a good chance I’d be injured. I had booked a week off work for after the fight just in case, but I was fortunate to come out with just sore legs and a cut above my eye.”

James did his plumbing apprenticeship on leaving school at 16 and during his career spent four years working in Queensland, Australia. He was keen to head back Down Under, but into cooler climes, and moved from Stirling to Timaru in March 2015 after the city was recommended to him by a friend who had made the same transition.

“I hate busy cities and traffic. Initially, I was going to Auckland but my friend told me to come to Timaru and here I am.

“I was here four days and then started working for Hadlee & Brunton. I love Timaru—it’s nice and quiet, close to the beach and they’ve got the Thai boxing club. I’m definitely staying here and have no plans on going anywhere.”

From competing to coaching

Above: James shows off his winner’s belt back at work.

18

August/September 2016

Having got his hands on a Muay Thai championship belt, James has decided to retire from competition, especially as he and his partner Aliesha Currie are expecting their first child this year.

“I’ll now be coaching and training and helping youngsters. I still love the competitive side but I’ll leave it up to the others to win some titles now.

“I was supposed to have a couple of opportunities to fight for titles in the UK but I got injured twice leading up to them. A Muay Thai boxing title was something I always wanted, so it was good to have the chance here and I’ve done what I set out to.

“I would have regretted it if I had never had a title fight but now I’ve got the belt and a scar to prove I did it.” ■

PGDB/MICO CPD ROAD SHOW 2016 By attending a training session you will be meeting the CPD requirements towards renewing your practising licence on 1 April 2017.

WIN, EAT, LEARN, NETWORK • Attend the interactive training session • Your chance to ask the questions you need answering • Get the latest product updates at the trade stands • Get access to exclusive trade stand deals • Have a catch up with other industry members • We’ll feed you at all the sessions • Have a bite and a drink on us at the Happy Hour

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NUTS & BOLTS

Passive fire protection VERY FEW NEW Zealand companies manufacture passive fire protection products. Products of this kind are designed to control the spread of fire and smoke for a limited time by containing them in the compartment of origin.

Auckland-based Allproof Industries is one such company, and Operations Manager Adam Jackson knows just how critical material selection and understanding performance are to their manufacture. “We conduct significant evaluation of material during our material selection process,” he says.

The intumescent technology used in making their fire protection product range lies at the core of its performance. The flexible, rubber-like material expands when exposed to heat.

As its volume increases with significant expansion pressure, it produces a stable char. This char is a poor heat conductor, retarding heat transfer and retaining the integrity of service penetrations through fire-resistance rated walls or floors.

Since its early days, Allproof Industries has supplied passive fire protection products as an add-on for plumbers. Adam’s parents, Ian and Maureen Jackson, started this family business around 25 years ago, originally offering a range of waterproofing products while still operating their plumbing maintenance business, Jackson Plumbing.

Adam Jackson of Allproof Industries tells NZ Plumber about the company’s involvement with passive fire protection.

Above: Plastic pipe installed for Allproof testing on a concrete floor slab.

Product testing critical

“However, we really started to focus on this product category in 2005, when we started conducting research and development, and local product testing,” says Adam.

“Whilst the materials in these products are important, the most critical aspect is product testing. We get ours tested to local NZ and Australian Standards AS4072.1 and AS1530.4 by

Above: The Allproof team.

20

August/September 2016

Above: An Allproof cast-in fire collar inside the furnace during fire testing.

Above: A plasterboard wall with Allproof collars ready for testing.

accredited independent test laboratories. Products have to be tested according to different installation scenarios that occur in the construction industry.

“To do this, we construct fire-rated floors and walls, and test different penetrating elements. We are always on hand to install and witness the testing, so we can better understand product performance.”

Products are tested using an open/closed format, meaning the pipe is capped on the side of the fire during the test, and open on the non-fire side. When fire-testing plastic pipes, 2m of pipe projects out of the supporting wall or floor, and is deemed to be representative of general pipe systems for soil, waste and vent, water supply and reticulation.

Adam oversees the design, development and testing of the company’s product range, which includes pipe collars, pipe wraps, cast-in collars, low cast-in stack collars, drop in fire collars and fire bands. His dedication to passive fire protection was recognised at this year’s New Zealand Plumbing Awards 2016 when he was awarded 2016 New Zealand Industry Supporter of the Year. The company’s commitment is further demonstrated by the fact that it is a member of the Fire Protection Association of New Zealand.

DESIGNED FOR LIVING

Advice for installers

Visit your local Plumbing World to see the range and pick up the latest Oasis catalogue.

When it comes to fire protection product installation, Adam’s advice is to understand the fire rating of the building, and to understand the product literature, brochures and product performance in different installation scenarios.

“Never modify one of our products and always contact us if you are not sure,” he says. “Being better prepared and getting advice early on with technical installation issues can greatly reduce costs further down the construction schedule.”

While formal training is not mandatory, it’s a great idea, he adds. “We offer a formal training programme that’s specific to the installation and performance of our products.”

Today, Allproof Industries employs around 70 people across three sites—the manufacturing factory warehouse on Auckland’s North Shore and warehouses in Christchurch and Melbourne.

The whole Jackson family works at the company, with Adam’s brother Jared and sister Jacinta also heavily involved in the operations of Allproof. ■

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NUTS & BOLTS

The Hydrocarbons: We have a problem…

The Hydrocarbons have just experienced a really bad day, but things are about to go from bad to downright dangerous.

THE NIGHT AFTER Mrs Man’s coffee group, Winter paid a visit to their home. Next morning, the usual hot water cycle was to be repeated. Following the request from Water Heater, Regulator opened the door to cylinder one and asked the boys to head out—but Propane wasn’t home. Though Butane tried his hardest to give the burners what they needed, he was just not up to the task.

Regulator desperately contacted cylinder two for help. Most of the Propane reserves had checked out of here too, and what remained of Butane was even less motivated to go to work for Water Heater.

All the Butanes got together and went on strike. They cited their employment contract, which stated that, firstly, they were supposed to have equal assistance from Propane, who just wasn’t to be found. Secondly, that they would only work if the conditions were humane (that meant warm enough—they were not obliged to work when it was so cold). Lastly, that they were only employed to do the work; it was Regulator’s job to maintain the pressure and Butane didn’t see how they could be made responsible for that!

Starved, Water Heater gave up. Mr Man plodded unhappily downstairs and flicked on Gas Heater. Regulator, while sympathetic to the Butanes’ complaints, appealed to their humanity and asked if they could just do this little favour for Man, who was freezing in his house.

They agreed to do what they could, so Gas Heater got down to business. However, he found that Butane offered a slightly different service to Propane and caused his flames to flutter with a yellow glow. Not only that, but his breath smelled funny as he spread his warm air round the room. But he had a job to do, so he ramped up his efforts to get the room up to temperature as quickly as possible.

It was a similar story when Hob one came on line, asking for help to give Kettle the hots. While he didn’t notice much difference (he was a bit thick that way, being all macho and all), Kettle started complaining that he was leaving grubby black marks on her bottom.

Mrs Man came down quite a bit later to find out why Mr Man had exited the bathroom so noisily and stormed off downstairs, but hadn’t yet left for work. She entered the lounge and nearly choked. Gasping for breath she called out to Mr Man, asking what the hell he was doing that made such an acidic smell.

Getting no answer from him, she noted that it was still cold even though the heater was running. The window was slightly ajar, so she closed it tight and nudged Gas Heater to his maximum setting before wandering into the kitchen. Mr Man was there at the table with his head in his hands. “I’ve got a thumping headache, and I’m NOT paying Doctor Gasfitter’s 22

August/September 2016

he was beginning to feel a little light headed bill. Damn shower was cold.” The Mans decided to head out for breakfast before going on with their day’s plans, and left the gas system guys to themselves.

Heater continued to shuffle along unhappily. By now he was noticing that Butane was leaving sooty deposits, and his breath was getting worse. It wouldn’t be so bad if he was flued, but having to re-breathe his own emissions was downright nauseating.

NUTS & BOLTS

About the author: Nick Foster lives in Mt Eden with Christine, his wife of 38 years. He operates Vapor Gas Equipment Ltd from his home office, with a storage warehouse and workshop nearby.

His passion for the gas industry includes heavy involvement in industry bodies, promoting training events, assisting in the creation of new gasfitter qualifications, and continued membership of Standards committees.

‘Meet the Hydrocarbons’ is the first of a series of light-hearted articles designed to present industry issues in a storybook setting, interspersed periodically with technical explanations. Nick believes almost every issue facing operators and consumers in the NZ marketplace has a technical solution, and most are incredibly simple. However, correct diagnosis of root cause is often very complex, requiring both a broad view approach and acute attention to detail.

Contact Nick at Vapor Gas Equipment Ltd; www.vaporgas.co.nz; 09 630 3389 or nickfoster@vaporgas.co.nz

caused his flames to flutter with a yellow glow

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Regulator was faring a little better. Having tried both cylinder teams earlier, he had signalled again for a replacement, but was finding that Butane was able to keep up the pressure needed by Heater if Regulator just opened up a bit more than usual.

Without Propane’s help, Butane was struggling a bit in the cold weather, but finally the sun came out and provided the warmth Butane needed to ease his stiff joints and make it a little easier to do his job of supplying Heater.

Doctor Gasfitter arrived and tried to coax Water Heater into action without much success. Water Heater screamed in agony when Regulator couldn’t find enough energy left in either cylinder team to satisfy Water Heater’s demands. It was just then that the cylinder guy arrived and, after passing the time of day with Doc and hearing the problems, replaced both cylinder teams.

Regulator relaxed slightly, and Doc was able to get Water Heater to fire up fully. Heater suddenly noticed more happening with Burner, and being still on maximum setting roared away.

He felt his breath was still getting worse, and he was still recycling his earlier emissions, and noted he was beginning to feel a little light headed as if he couldn’t get enough air. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Burner was also complaining of a lack of air and noted again that his flames were yellowing and smoky.

Had Doctor Gasfitter been able to access the inside of the house, he would have noticed that Propane and Butane were not producing their finest work. Instead, he left unaware that Heater was having problems.

The Mans arrived home. Mrs Man was first in and nearly choked in the stale heat and acrid smell of aldehydes. She went to turn off Heater and open the window for some fresh air just as Mr Man came home. He also rushed into the lounge and tripped over Moggy their cat.

Moggy was sprawled asleep in the middle of the hallway door and didn’t wake up when Mr Man kicked her. With Heater off and the windows open, the Mans regrouped outside with Moggy in Mrs Man’s arms. “What the hell is that smell, and what is wrong with Moggy?” she asked. “I think we may have a gas problem,” said Mr Man. ■ In the next episode we explore the issues the Hydrocarbon brothers experienced with the rest of the gas system…

23

13/07/16 4:17 p

® ® Veil Veil Intelligent Intelligent Wall Wall Hung Hung Toilet Toilet

- V- V TOILETS TOILETS / INTELLIGENT / INTELLIGENT INTINT

Product Product • Veil • Veil wallwall hung hung intelligent intelligent toilet toilet

Kohler Kohler Code Code K-5402A-0 K-5402A-0

Included Included Components Components • Veil • Veil wallwall hung hung toilet toilet with with integrated integrated bidet. bidet.

• In• wall In wall cistern cistern - Hydro - Hydro tower tower 500500 (4.5/3L).

(4.5/3L).

• Touchless • Touchless flush flush button button panel. panel.

• Wireless • Wireless oneone touch touch remote. remote.

• Waste • Waste pipes pipes (S & (SP&trap) P trap) & straight & straight inlet inlet connection connection pipe. pipe.

• Wall • Wall fixing fixing bolts. bolts.

Flush Flush Panel Panel

Remote Remote

WELS WELS RATING RATING (4 Star (4 Star 3.5L3.5L av. flush) av. flush)

Toilet Toilet Features Features • Touchless • Touchless flush flush button button panel panel in Honed in Honed White.

White.

• Ergonomic • Ergonomic french french curve curve seat seat with with antibacterial antibacterial material. material.

• Sensor • Sensor activated activated auto auto open open andand close close function function for for seat seat lid.lid.

• Insulated • Insulated in-wall in-wall cistern cistern - fully - fully framed. framed.

• Automatic, • Automatic, touchless touchless or manual or manual Dual Dual flush flush (4.5/3L).

(4.5/3L).

• Built • Built in LED in LED night-light. night-light.

• Deodouriser • Deodouriser function. function.

• Back • Back up up shut-off shut-off valve valve located located on on cistern. cistern.

• Rimless • Rimless panpan design. design.

• Vitreous • Vitreous china. china.

Bidet Bidet Features Features • Instantly • Instantly heated heated water water with with stainless stainless steel steel wand. wand.

• Spray • Spray wand wand features features adjustable adjustable water water pressure pressure andand temperature, temperature, andand oscillate oscillate andand pulsate pulsate functions. functions.

• Air • Air blower blower andand heated heated seat seat with with adjustable adjustable temperature. temperature.

• Self • Self cleaning cleaning andand UVUV sanitising sanitising nozzle. nozzle.

Technical Technical Details Details Weight: Weight: PanPan - 36kg - 36kg Approx Approx In-wall In-wall TankTank - 16kg - 16kg Approx Approx

TopTop View View

In wall In wall cistern cistern

13~62 13~62

438 438 438 438

215 215215 215

438 438

150 150

150 150150 150

SideSide View View

478 478

Front Front View View

675 675675 675

Power supply Power supply entry above entry above this this support support

1027* 1027* 1027* 1027*

Fixing Fixing holes holes 435 435435 435 350 350 350 350 260 260 260 260

Fixings Fixings Fixings Fixings 398*398* 393* 393*

50 50 55 55

Signal Signal wirewire

S-Trap S-Trap pipepipe

Water Water supply supply to bidet to bidet

48* 48*43* 43* Finished Floor Finished Floor Finished FinishedFloor Floor

90mm 90mm

180 180 230 230

* Nominal * Nominal dimensions dimensions based based on on in-wall in-wall tank tank being being installed installed at designated at designated height. height.

This This height height cancan be be adjusted adjusted to suit to suit user user preference. preference.

Installation Installation Notes: Notes: • Water • Water supply supply pressure pressure range: range: MinMin 70kPa 70kPa - Max - Max 500kpa.

500kpa.

• Power • Power supply supply requirements: requirements: Dedicated Dedicated 10A 10A min, min, 220~240V 220~240V AC,AC, 50/60Hz 50/60Hz supply supply with with ELCB ELCB or GFCI. or GFCI. Rated Rated power:1000W. power:1000W. Max Max instant instant power: power: 1600W. 1600W. • In-wall • In-wall cistern cistern hashas an an adjustable adjustable height height andand is designed is designed to be to be fixed fixed to the to the floor floor andand studs studs using using thethe supplied supplied bolts. bolts.

• IMPORTANT: • IMPORTANT: This This toilet toilet must must be be installed installed in accordance in accordance with with AS/NZS AS/NZS 3500.1 3500.1 Plumbing Plumbing andand Drainage.

Drainage.

Australia Australia New New Zealand Zealand Sizes Sizes are are approximate. approximate.

JanJan 2016 2016 www.kohler.com.au www.kohler.com.au www.kohler.co.nz www.kohler.co.nz All measurements All measurements shown shown are are in millimetres. in millimetres. 1268465-A04-A 1268465-A04-A

Tech points AUCKLAND INSPECTION FAILURES The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board recently joined with industry stakeholders to conduct research into the issues around inspection failures in Auckland.

The research identified that plumbing and drainlaying issues were not the main contributors to these failures. Plumbing issues account for five percent of overall inspection failures, and drainage issues for seven percent.

However, some things were identified that plumbers and drainlayers should take note of and improve their practices if necessary. The reasons for plumbing failed inspections include the plumber not having a current licence and a lack of minor variation documentation.

Pre-line building inspections account for 18 percent of inspection failures. This is sometimes down to incorrect drilling and notching of framing, with plumbers being the main instigators.

Identified issues in relation to drainage include the designer not reading the contour plans, resulting in insufficient or no fall; retention tanks not being taken into consideration at the design phase; and higher density housing meaning tighter sites.

In final inspections, some of the common reasons for failure include: • inadequate flashings around service penetrations • lack of backflow prevention devices on outside taps • no haunching on the gully trap • lack of signage for non-potable water • undersized cesspits for the size of the catchment area • terminal vents not having a vent cowl and cheap plumbing fittings failing inspection.

NEW EXCAVATION SAFETY GUIDANCE WorkSafe NZ has released new Good Practice Guidelines for Excavation Safety.

This supersedes the previous approved code of practice and provides practical guidance to manage health and safety risks. Find it at www.business.govt.nz/ worksafe/information-guidance

PROPOSED AS AND VM CHANGES MBIE is proposing changes to a number of Building Code reference documents. This involves amending 32 existing Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods (including G12 and G13), updating the references to Standards and other industry documents cited in them, and introducing two new Acceptable Solutions: - E2/AS4 for Torch-on Memberane Systems for Roofs and Decks - E3/AS2 for Internal Wet Area Membranes.

The aim is to reflect the latest industry developments and building practice. Public consultation was held during July and August. Read more about the proposals at www.mbie. govt.nz

NUTS & BOLTS

This issue’s technical pointers include an update on building inspection failures in Auckland.

HJ COOPER CYLINDER ELEMENT SEALS Some of you will be aware of some recently failed element seals in HJ Cooper cylinders. This is a good example of a low-cost component compromising a larger system. The issue arose from a small batch of improperly vulcanised seals due to a process error in their manufacture. The faulty seals were mixed into a larger supply of seals to Rinnai and these were installed into hot water cylinders from June to September 2015. The faulty seals do not fail until a combination of heat and pressure is applied, and the time to fail can be several months. Therefore, there was no obvious way to identify that the seals supplied were actually faulty at the time of manufacture.

On learning of the issue in April, Rinnai immediately replaced all the seals in stock at merchants and at Rinnai to ensure that any new cylinders could be installed with confidence.

Future supply of the seals are tested and certified as being correctly manufactured to avoid any repeat of this problem.

The incidence of failures is rapidly declining as the faulty seals are worked through the system. Rinnai will stand behind the cylinders supplied with faulty seals and pay reasonable costs for any replacements required.

BACKFLOW UPDATES The Water New Zealand backflow group presented workshops on a range of topics at this year's NZ Plumbing Conference. Kevin Healy presented a session on the legal obligations regarding backflow prevention. The NZ Building Code requires backflow to be installed as near to the potential source of contamination.

Yet section 69 of the Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2007—which is about protecting the health and safety of people and communities "by promoting adequate supplies of safe and wholesome drinking water from all drinking-water supplies"— applies "if a networked supplier considers there is a need to protect the networked system from risks of pollution caused by water and other substances on properties connected to the networked system". Kevin questioned whether there is a conflict or if one area of legislation isn't sufficiently robust and installations so suspect that boundary protection is necessary.

Graeme Mills presented a session on best-practice backflow prevention programmes and where to get assistance in developing these. Tauranga City Council opts to test boundary devices and have an independent audit of 10 percent of the tester work. The council also carries out five-yearly property surveys to ensure the water network is still protected, rather than relying on 'change of use'.

Backflow practitioner and consultant Aaron Rink outlined Hamilton City Council's backflow philosophy, which changes the dynamic when building consents are applied for. The Water NZ Backflow Group believes that if every regulatory authority took this council's approach, there would be less confusion and uncertainty around protecting potable water.

August/September 2016

25

In the pipeline In-house engineering expertise and innovation lies behind the success of Buteline’s New Zealand-made plumbing system, as NZ Plumber discovered on a tour of the factory.

NUTS & BOLTS

THE EXTRUSION MACHINE is the beating heart of the Buteline factory in Auckland. It is used to make lengths and coils of Polybutene-1 (PB-1) pipe for Buteline’s hot and cold water plumbing system.

PB-1 granules, sourced from Europe, are fed from a hopper into the extruder. The melted material is then forced into the extrusion die before passing along a pin through two holding tanks to form piping of exact thickness. As the pipe passes from the hot tank through an air gap to the colder tank, it is marked at every metre with a braille-like indentation to show it’s genuine Buteline product.

The process demands constant checking, recording, testing and calibration. A technician stands by with a run sheet to take regular readings of the wall thickness and diameter of the pipe to ensure a quality product.

At the end of the extrusion line, the custom-built pipehandling machine cuts pipe to 5m and 10m lengths or winds them into coils. Samples are automatically cut every 15 minutes for quality assurance, and Buteline keeps samples for seven years to meet its ISO-certified manufacturing standards. “The completed pipe takes six days to cure,” explains Buteline Sales Manager Mark Lunjevich. “The combination of the extrusion process and the long cure time is where it gets its strength from.”

Time-efficient plumbing Buteline is the brainchild of engineer David Picton, originally from London. He established this New Zealand owned company in 1980 and remains the Managing Director today. His son Llewellyn Picton works onsite as the company General Manager.

What began as a small family business has since grown to employ over 150 staff in New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and the UK. David Picton’s goal has always been to provide New Zealand’s plumbers with a time saving, reliable hot and cold water plumbing system. Its one-piece design enables installers to make secure joints by inserting the pipe into a range of Buteline fittings, pre-fitted with aluminium sleeves, and clamp them in place using a proprietary clamp tool.

Pre-assembled fittings The aluminium sleeves are sourced and cut into clamp rings in the factory. They start out as lengths of tubing, which is cut by automated feed, multiple rings at a time. As with the PB-1 pipe manufacture, all the aluminium tube handling and pressing machinery has been custom designed and built by the company’s in-house engineers. >

Opposite: Taking pipe lengths to the packing area. Above: Factory staff assembling and packing fittings.

August/September 2016

27

Above left: This state-of-the-art CNC machine cuts the dies for fittings manufacture.

Left: The extrusion machine.

Above: Affixing the ‘New Zealand made’ stickers.

The plumbing fittings themselves are made from tough thermoplastic polymer or brass, with many injection-moulding machines in the factory used to make the polymer range.

Waste is kept to a minimum wherever possible. Plastic sprues from the fitting manufacture are chopped up and reused to make the company’s pipe clips. Swarf from the clamp ring manufacture is also sent off for recycling, and any pipe that doesn’t meet exact size requirements is sent to an Australian plastic waste processing company to be returned to PB-1 granules.

The final step in the fitting manufacturing process is a handson process, with an experienced team machine pressing clamp rings onto the polymer mouldings and nuts onto mouldings.

This also allows for a final visual check before products are packaged ready for dispatch.

Put to the test Quality control is an essential part of the factory process. All system components are checked, monitored and tested— manually and electronically—at every stage to ensure they meet New Zealand and international standards and approvals, including WaterMark.

28

August/September 2016

“At the production test lab, we batch test everything we manufacture,” explains Mark. “We conduct short-term pressure tests to 1500kPa at 95°C and carry out long-term testing in tanks of water ranging from 20°C to 95°C.” Pull-out tests are also conducted, with pipe and fittings placed in a steaming tank and tested against a 150kg weight to evaluate their tensile strength.

Buteline’s ISO 9001 certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to quality management and constant improvement.

Research and development is a key part of the business and it can take thousands of hours to extrapolate test data before new fittings go to market.

Making ideas happen New ideas begin life by talking to plumbers about their needs, and this is followed up with prototype solutions to ensure viability. The engineering team’s initial CAD drawings are turned into tactile test products using a 3D printer. “It takes around five to six hours this way, compared with days to machine cut,” says Mark.

“Our value lies in being able to develop and manufacture our own New Zealand made innovative fittings. An example of this

BOILING, CHILLED AND FILTERED WATER BY RHEEM

The Rheem On-Tap Range

is the new 12mm system that we introduced last year, which allows hot water to arrive much quicker to the tap and enables compliance with the efficiency requirements of NZS 4305.”

At first glance, the Buteline tool room looks traditional, filled with lathes and other machining equipment. Head further inside, however, and there’s a huge, state-of-the-art CNC machine; a major investment and in constant use. This four-axis machine is used to cut the dies for Buteline’s fittings, such as elbows, tees and crosses.

It takes skill and precision to set up the cutters and tools, and to programme the machine to follow the engineers’ CAD drawings to the letter. It’s not a quick job either, taking up to three days (and nights) to machine a detailed die.

Bagged, boxed and stamped with a New Zealand Made sticker, finished goods are dispatched to the Christchurch warehouse and to quality merchants around New Zealand. The Buteline plumbing system is also shipped to export markets in Australia, Malaysia, the Pacific and the UK, where it has been used on a varied range of projects, from palaces to hotels, universities and housing.

“Buteline take pride in being a New Zealand owned and operated company,” says Mark. ■

The next generation of performance is here: • Premium 3 in 1 solution • Available in two stylish tap designs - Aqua & Azure • Up to 170 cups of boiling water p/hr • Up to 175 cups of chilled water p/hr • Sink Free options available

For your own personal, hands-on factory tour, call 0800 BUTELINE.

Azure

Available from leading plumbing merchants or for information call 0800 657 336 or visit www.rheem.co.nz Above: Using a gauge for a final manual check of pipe sizing before packaging.

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NUTS & BOLTS

Gas Ring This issue’s news for gasfitters includes a word of warning when working around gas meters and distribution systems.

Gasfitters and gas meters

In its latest Business Update (July 2016), Energy Safety notes that it occasionally receives reports from gas meter owners that meters have been removed and placed in houses or garages for storage while work is underway on the consumer’s property.

Worse still, it has had reports of distribution system pipes being dug and up and thrown into a corner of the property.

The Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations (GSMR) 2010 state that gasfitting starts at the outlet of the gas meter.

Most gasfitters do not have the permission of the meter owner or distribution system owner to work on the gas meter or the upstream supply pipe, says Energy Safety.

“Unless they have permission, the only thing a gasfitter can do is remove the union on the outlet of the meter. A gasfitter cannot undo the union on the gas meter inlet, or the unions related to the regulator. This does not preclude operating the meter inlet valve to isolate the installation.

“If a gasfitter, or any person, interferes with a gas meter or the supply pipe, the GSMR impose a penalty—you can be prosecuted for doing this work without permission from the equipment owner.”

Energy Safety goes on to say that if someone needs to remove a gas meter or distribution pipe, they should contact the consumer’s gas supplier who will arrange for an authorised technician to do this work.

“The only time an unauthorised person may work on a distribution system or meter without prior permission is to make the site safe in an emergency. After this emergency it is most likely that you will also have to notify WorkSafe under either the Gas Act 1992, or the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, as well as notify the distribution system owner.”

To test an installation without removing the gas meter test point, gasfitters should have a test rig that connects at one end to the gas meter outlet flexi or the installation pipework, and at the other end to the manometer tubing.

If access is limited, or the meter is hard piped, it is acceptable to rotate the gas meter slightly on the union on the inlet to the meter to fit the test.

Gas Industry Forum speakers

Online registration is now open for the NZ Gas Industry Forum, being held from 2-4 November at the Millennium Hotel in Queenstown. Speakers include: - John Evans, Head of Elgas - John Kidd, Head of Research at Woodward Partners - Stuart Dickson, General Manager of Gas Powerco - Greg Sise, Managing Director of Energy Link - David Tyler of the World LPG Association - Nick Tuffley, ASB Chief Economist - Andy Sibley, Head of Business Improvement at Contact Energy.

There will be a range of technical presentations and trade displays at the event. The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers will also be running an emergency response planning workshop on 2 November.

More information at www.lpga.co.nz

Proposed new gas industry qualifications

The GANZ Training Committee (GTC) has been working to ensure appropriate training, qualifications and competency management arrangements for the industry’s workforce.

The qualifications required for the industry have been determined as: • Transmission and Distribution • Metering and Pressure Control • Instrumentation • Retail.

Industry specialists have collaborated with the Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) to review the industry Unit Standards to align with the proposed new industry qualifications.

MITO and the gas industry will submit the Unit Standards to NZQA later this year.

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Staying true REAL LIVES

FEILDING-BASED PLUMBER Kevin True has just turned 75. He still enjoys his job and can’t imagine retiring—though he does find time for his deer farm on the 50-acre property he’s lived in for 40 years.

Kevin has been in Feilding all his life, apart from a brief spell working in the capital. “I started my business in 1964 having done my apprenticeship with HT Allen and worked in Wellington for a year and then Hogan Plumbing in Marton.” Over the years, he has trained 10 apprentices, with eight of them going on to own their own plumbing businesses.

Kevin still does maintenance plumbing on the bathrooms he installed for some of his earliest customers—as well as for second and third generation families. For many years, he had a retail showroom, selling bathroomware, diesel heaters and woodburners, and was a member of the Consolidated Bathroom Centre Group.

That all changed, however, with the advent of the larger merchants and he now conducts his business from a workshop in a commercial complex in town.

For young and old

When the Master Plumbers conference rolled into Palmerston North back in 1970, Kevin became a member, enticed by being a shareholder of the recently formed NZ Plumbers’ Merchants Society. He joined the committee of the Manawatu/Wairarapa Master Plumbers Association in 1973, became President in 1979 and has been a long-standing regular at Manawatu Master Plumbers Association meetings ever since, still serving on the executive committee.

Above: Kevin on his deer farm.

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August/September 2016

Describing himself as the ‘oldest plumber in town’, Kevin True has seen plenty of changes over the years.

Above: Kevin started his business in 1964.

He’d like to see more young business owners attending meetings, as they are a good forum for discussing local issues with other members, learning from guest speakers and sharing knowledge for the benefit of the industry. Having a local Association can also be useful when there’s lobbying to be done.

Kevin remembers a meeting with the local MP about a shortage of replacement bathroom products following damage to homes from a major earthquake in the lower North Island in the early Seventies.

“McSkimming Industries made all the toilet pans and basins at the time, and there wasn’t much imported product.”

Product brand growth

Much has changed since those early days, he says. “Housing was simpler and it was easier for apprentices to learn plumbing maintenance and insurance work.

“Now there are a lot more product brands on the market and the technology is far more sophisticated. Customers have become fussier and often choose their own products for installation. We do very few jobs now where we quote and select.”

In most cases, clients opt for good quality fittings, though he has had to refuse to install some inferior imported products, particularly tapware. “I’m a straight copper plumber,” adds Kevin, noting that he uses only high-quality Australian-made copper that he’s confident to stand by.

Rural landscape changes

The nature of the Manawatu region has also changed over the years. Kevin’s firm used to do a lot of farm housing but many farms have now merged, causing families to move into Palmerston North and the surrounding towns. With a dwindling rural population, some of the country schools have been forced to close.

Feilding remains a progressive country town, however, with strong housing development on reasonably priced sections—so, there’s plenty to keep Kevin busy in the job he loves.

He won’t be handing the business over to the next generation of the True family any time soon, though. “I have three daughters: the eldest a Doctor of Political Science & International Relations at Monash University in Melbourne, one a pediatrician in Brisbane and the other a lawyer in Wellington.” ■

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Process of improvement In a massive and lengthy project, Foleys Plumbing has installed the pipework at Skellerup’s new dairy rubberware factory. Matthew Lowe reports.

EXPERTS AT FOLEYS Plumbing didn’t have far to go whenever they needed to head back to the drawing board while working on Skellerup’s new factory in Christchurch.

The company has been involved in helping Skellerup create a new manufacturing facility in Wigram, which is just round the corner from the plumbing firm’s workshop.

Skellerup is one of the world’s largest suppliers of dairy rubber products, which includes the liners and tubing used to take milk from cows in the milking shed.

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August/September 2016

The new factory has been fitted with more than 5.3km of stainless steel piping (ranging from 15mm to 108mm in diameter) to carry cold water, temperate water, vacuum lines and compressed air.

Streamlining the system Foleys project manager Aaron Bates says his team worked alongside Skellerup staff, who have been designing the new facility.

Photograph courtesy of Skellerup Holdings.

Photograph courtesy of Fonterra.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Left: Skellerup’s new factory in Wigram, Christchurch.

Top: Cows grazing.

Above: Inside the new factory.

“Skellerup’s pipework at the old site is a bit of a rabbit warren and it was about trying to streamline and improve the process at its new site,” he says.

“The new facility is about 100 metres from our workshop so it made it easier when trying to resolve problems. When we hit an obstacle we could easily get together and come up with an answer between us.

“We’ve been on site around 18 months and were involved with the design about six months before that. About 6,000 man hours of work has gone into the project—it’s been massive.

“It’s not been your stock standard, conventional project and has been good to learn all the processes involved with the machinery they have.”

fitted with more than 5.3km of stainless steel piping Pipework for the project Foleys chose to use Europress stainless steel press fit piping for the project after a successful trial in the old factory.

Aaron says the price of using Europress was offset by the speed it could be installed compared to galvanised pipework, which was used at the old Skellerup site.

“We installed some on a current system to make sure the client was happy and they were over the moon with it. We have found it good to install; it’s quick and easy.” > August/September 2016

35

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Above: A range of pipe sizes from 15mm up to 108mm were used.

Above: Europress was used for four main applications: chilled water, tempered water, compressed air and vacuum.

Chilled water will run through the network of pipes at about 5°C at 300kPA, the tempered water at about 40°C at 300kPA, the compressed air runs at 8 Bar, and the vacuum system is powered by eight vacuum pumps.

Waterworks Wholesale in New Plymouth supplied the Europress materials and made sure Foleys had the necessary stock when required to keep the project on track.

“In the initial stages of the Skellerup project, Waterworks worked closely with Foley Plumbers, providing technical advice around specifying the correct materials for the various

applications that Europress was required for,” says Waterworks Wholesale Marketing Manager, Martin Thomas. “The key advantages of Europress over traditional welded systems is the speed and ease of installation.”

“For plant maintenance, Europress can reduce plant down time by up to 50 per cent because of the installation speed, and it can be pressed wet or dry. There is no need to completely drain the system before pressing the join.”

STAINLESS STEEL TAPWARE

Foleys also secured the contract to install all the civil plumbing and drainage at the 19,000sq m Skellerup site, which includes an office block.

The plumbing firm will likely remain involved as Skellerup transfers its operations from Woolston to Wigram and connects machinery to the new pipework. The facility is already being used and is due to be fully operational this year.

Skellerup is making the move from its Woolston site, where it has been manufacturing dairy rubber items for 76 years, due to damage sustained to buildings during the Christchurch earthquakes. ■

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August/September 2016

Above: Vacuum lines awaiting final connection in the vacuum pump plant room.

Photograph courtesy of Foleys.

PURITY

Ongoing involvement

MASTER PLUMBERS MAKES HEALTH AND SAFETY EASY Master Plumbers new Health & Safety App is the latest initiative aimed at providing you with accessible, easy to use, health and safety guidance and data.

The intuitive, easy to use App comes complete with three primary sections: onsite safety checklists, pre-job checklists and business forms, including a full policy document that can be edited to suit.

When completed, your Health & Safety checklist data is emailed to your PCBU and others working on the job as well as being stored on the App for easy access.

All Master Plumbers members are able to access the application.

Contact Flo Pitovao at flo@masterplumbers.org.nz to receive your User ID and password and FREE 5 day trial.

Download your on-the-job safety tool now!

Search MPGD Health and Safety in the App Store or Google Play.

Search Youtube for Master Plumbers App to see how it works

KEY FEATURES: Onsite

Pre-Job Checklists

Business

• Quick Specific Safety Checklist

• Vehicles and Machinery

• Task or Job Analysis Worksheet

• Accident Incident Register

• Pre-Job Site Management (JSA) (PCBU)

• Personal Protective Equipment Checklist

• Pre-Job Site Emergency Evacuation Plan

• Notification of Particular Hazardous Construction Work

• Working at Height (onsite or pre-job)

• Safety Training and Competency Register

• Visitors’ Register

• Confined Spaces (onsite or pre-job)

• PCBU Evaluation Form (Contractors etc)

• Toolbox Safety Meeting Minutes

• Working with Effluent (onsite or pre-job)

• PCBU Induction Form

• Gas Jobs final checklist

• Worker Well-being

• New Worker Induction Form

• Critical Health Risks

• Annual Health and Safety Plan with Monthly Tasks (Administration)

• Asbestos Checklist • Emergency Situations • Moving Material

Contact Flo Pitovao to receive your user password flo@masterplumbers.org.nz

• Health & Safety Policy Document

INDUSTRY TALK

Sam’s spot

It seems plumbers are serial offenders, says Sam Tyson.

Every two months I attend a BIG (Business Interest Group) meeting initiated by our local District Council. The group has representatives from all the master trades in our district and I go along representing Taranaki Master Plumbers. The vision statement for BIG is, ‘By sharing constructive ideas and communicating with trust and respect, we contribute to a continually improving experience for the building owners and occupiers’.

The meetings have been valuable for the fact that, as various trades, we can all get together, shoulder to shoulder, in a room, to talk about what’s happening in the construction industry—what our gripes are, what we are appreciative of—and in turn form better relationships with each other. However, our most recent meeting left me feeling a tad embarrassed about our trade.

New Plymouth District Council has been conducting an audit on COAs (Certificates of Acceptance). This is where a person applies for unconsented building work to be approved after the work has been carried out. Often the need for the certificate arises when the property owner is selling, the LIM report has identified work that has been completed where a building consent was not obtained, and the purchaser wants certainty that all is good.

From a Council’s perspective, COAs end up causing headache after headache. It’s hard to prove work is compliant after the fact, and they often end up looking like the bad guy when duty-bound to issue ‘notices to fix’ and infringements. In their investigations into who the serial offenders are, plumbers came out on top! Hence my embarrassment at the meeting as the representative of our trade.

Obviously there are lots of good reasons for being compliant— so why is it as plumbers we are carrying out unauthorised work so readily? Is it a time and cost issue? Are we being persuaded by our customers to carry out work illegally? Is it a lack of knowledge? Or are we simply not insisting or informing the property owner that a consent is required?

Before I owned a plumbing business, I know that I myself had some plumbing work done at a property and, towards the end

Sam Tyson.

of the job, my plumber mentioned we really should have had a consent for it. I remember thinking how was I supposed to know. But I said, “I won’t tell if you don’t.” Guilty!

Whatever the reason, if reflects badly on our trade. We all need to make a concerted effort to do the right thing for ourselves, our customers and our fellow tradesmen… and especially for me, so I won’t be red faced at our next BIG meeting.

EECA CE to retire After almost 10 years as Chief Executive of EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), Mike Underhill is set to retire towards the end of the year. “It has been a privilege to lead EECA’s long-term efforts to establish the importance of energy efficiency and conservation to our economy and people’s everyday wellbeing,” he says.

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August/September 2016

INDUSTRY TALK

Wanganui winners

Trophies were presented in Wanganui recently to the region’s top achievers in the Certifying exams.

Some special awards were presented at the Wanganui Master Plumbers Association AGM in May, which was also attended by Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace.

Each year, the Association recognises the region’s top achievers in the PGD Board’s Certifying registration exams, with certificates and the RJ Bell Cup for Plumbing, the Buchanan/ Wadey Cup for Gasfitting, and the Nelson Palmer Cup for Drainlaying.

The 2016 Plumbing winner was Duane Irvine of Rivercity Gas, which is run by Graham Hardie and Linda Marks. Duane is also a Certifying Gasfitter, having achieved 91 percent in this exam in 2014. “I love the technical challenges of the job,” he says.

Jesse Simkin of Palmer’s Plumbing and Heating was the Gasfitting winner. Jesse received his cup and certificate from Wanganui Association President Braden Hammond and Association Life Member John Wadey.

No award was presented for Drainlaying this year.

Also at the AGM, Life Membership was bestowed on Robert Brian Rhodes FCA, who has been the Wanganui Association’s Secretary for the past 42 years. Brian was presented with his framed certificate at the Association’s following general meeting.

Top right: Duane Irvine (right) receives his certificate from President Braden Hammond.

Right: Life Member John Wadey and Braden presenting the certificate and Buchanan/Wadey Cup to Jesse Simkin.

Earthquake-prone buildings

The Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act aims to standardise rules around NZ. set according to their location and level of The new legislation, which will come into risk. For example, in high risk areas TAs force within two years, contains major will have to identify potentially earthquakechanges to the previous system for identifying prone buildings within five years, and and remediating earthquake-prone buildings. owners must strengthen or demolish them The aim of the new system is to establish a within 15 years. In medium risk areas, these nationally consistent framework, while also timeframes extend to 10 and 25 years. prioritising the riskiest geographic areas, The new legislation also defines a new buildings and parts of buildings. category of ‘priority buildings’ in high and There will be a national register of medium risk areas. These include some earthquake-prone buildings, and territorial education and hospital buildings, and authorities (TAs) will be able to identify buildings used as emergency shelters or for potentially earthquake-prone buildings in Above: The new framework for managing emergency services. These will need to be their districts using a new Earthquake-Prone earthquake-prone buildings. identified and remediated within half the Building (EPB) methodology. timeframe of other earthquake-prone buildings.

New Zealand will be categorised into three areas of low, New regulations are currently being developed, and medium and high seismic risk. High risk areas include public consultation on the final form of these and the EPB Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim and Christchurch. methodology will take place later this year.

Timeframes for TAs to identify earthquake-prone buildings, and deadlines for building owners to remediate them, will be August/September 2016

39

INDUSTRY TALK

Affordable housing: the cost tower

A new ‘cost tower’ shows the true costs of constructing affordable housing.

Until now, no one has taken a good look at the actual costs of building affordable housing in Auckland, says Beacon Pathway. Together with the NZ Institute of Economic Research, Beacon set out to provide a “firm empirical basis” for understanding the costs of delivering affordable new builds.

Focusing only on Auckland, they gathered cost data from five builders/ developers, covering 69 affordable and social homes built in 2015. Together with these groups, they agreed on the seven key components of a ‘housing cost tower’. “The work focused on the costs of housing as opposed to the final price that might be charged for the dwelling,” it says.

“The first thing we found is that builders and developers are not good at collecting actual costs and comparing them to estimates. Often tax paid is the only indication of how well a project has met estimated costs.

“Fundamentally, to improve cost management performance, builders need to measure how well they are doing. Knowing where costs fall, and being able to compare your costs to what others are doing, brings the opportunity to explore where and how to reduce costs.”

The ‘cost tower’ shows that land costs amount to just 25

percent of total costs and Council consenting costs to just four percent.

“This indicates that the best place to save costs is within construction and land rather than in other areas,” says Beacon.

“Large variances between top and bottom quartiles show there is considerable room for improvement—the cheaper houses were built for a surprising 51 percent less. Why are some houses built for so much less than others?

That’s a question the cost tower will help builders and developers explore.”

In a bid to free up more land for housing, the government has introduced a new national policy statement (NPS) on urban development, which will require councils to adjust their plans to allow for more development if necessary.

There were 9,353 new residential building consents for Auckland in the year to April 2016, but 13,000 are needed to meet the city’s growing population.

In June, a 196-home development was signed by the Minister with Fletcher Residential on Crown land in Massey East, allowing a 9.2ha block of former Ministry of Education land to be freed up for housing. The first homes will be completed by next August. The agreement is the first under the Government’s Auckland Crown land housing development programme.

Find out more about the cost tower at www.beaconpathway.co.nz

Wipes in the bin

A new advisory group is overseeing initiatives to stop blockages caused by ‘flushable’ wipes.

Water New Zealand has formed a wipes advisory group to coordinate actions it is taking to tackle the problem of so-called ‘flushable’ wipes. Sewage system operators around New Zealand are facing issues caused by wipes being flushed down the toilet instead of being put in the rubbish bin.

“These wipes cause blockages that result in major headaches and unnecessary costs for consumers, plumbers, local bodies and wastewater treatment plants,” says Water New Zealand.

Earlier this year, the Nelson Mail reported that Tasman District Council had had to clear the impellers at the bottom of both pumps at its Ruby Bay station when they blocked on the same day. This council also reported blockages at four of its other pump stations and said these were on the increase.

In June, Whangarei District Council told a Stuff reporter wet wipes had cost it almost $100,000 in blockages in the past year.

It had dealt with 232 separate pump station incidents and 110 sewer incidents caused by fat and wipes.

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August/September 2016

The Water New Zealand advisory group includes representatives from the Food and Grocery Council, Citycare, Watercare, Wellington Water and Hasting District Council. You can check for updates from the group at www.waternz.org.nz/ WipesBlockage

INDUSTRY TALK

Recent convictions Unauthorised plumbing Levin man Daniel Robertson has been charged with installing a pump product as part of a residential plumbing system when not authorised to do this work. He was sentenced to a $1,000 fine and ordered to pay $132 court costs. The PGD Board put out a notice to consumers that no particular qualification is required to service or repair a pump, provided it is not connected as a component of a sanitary plumbing system. If the pump is set up as part of the plumbing system on a residential property that is taking water to sanitary fixtures and appliances, then its fixing or unfixing is sanitary plumbing.

Fine for failure to supply building guarantees Gerard Thomson, Director of construction business Flaxmill Ltd, has been fined $12,800 and ordered to pay $16,700 in compensation to two of three complainants for making false representations about providing Certified Builders’ Homefirst building guarantees to homeowners.

The Commerce Commission brought the case against Gerard Thomson after three Canterbury homeowners complained of not receiving a builder’s Homefirst guarantee when they contracted on the basis that he would apply for the guarantee.

In fact, he never intended to apply for an independent

guarantee and, as a result, his customers didn’t receive the protection they were led to believe they had.

In sentencing, the judge said the contract specifically provided that a Homefirst Guarantee would be applied for and most home buyers, particularly first home buyers, rely on the confidence they can expect from a guarantee such as this.

Commissioner Anna Rawlings said he created the impression that his customers would receive an independent Certified Builders’ Homefirst Guarantee for Flaxmill’s building work and this is an important reason why consumers choose a particular builder. “Two of the complainants discovered faults in Flaxmill’s workmanship, which may have been covered by the guarantee, but his failure to make the application meant they didn’t receive the independent cover that they should have,” she said.

The homeowners have been unable to remedy the situation, as the Homefirst Guarantee application must be made before building work starts.

“Representations about building contracts need to be scrupulously accurate, not least because of the importance of the purchase. Whether they are making promises orally or in writing, the building services provider needs to do what they’ve committed to do. We also encourage consumers to follow up where possible to make sure they are getting the service they think they are getting,” Anna Rawlings said.

Open air

Real-time air quality data is now available online.

The Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website now includes realtime air quality data, giving public access to this information. “Air quality in New Zealand has improved significantly due to tighter regulation of home heating, vehicle fuels, car exhaust systems and industrial discharges,” said Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith on its release. “However, we still have areas where particulate pollution exceeds World Health Organisation standards, particularly on still nights in winter.”

This air-quality data has been made available by regional councils around New Zealand. The Ministry of the

Environment is also working with councils on their air quality management programmes and progress towards their National Environmental Standards (NES) for Air Quality targets.

The NES aims to set a guaranteed minimum level of health protection for New Zealanders. It is made up of 14 separate standards, including a design standard for new wood burners installed in urban areas. This requires that all such wood burners must have a discharge of less than 1.5 grams of particulate for each kg of dry wood burnt, and a thermal efficiency of at least 65 percent.

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August/September 2016

41

Mental wellness HEALTH MATTERS

A worrying new report on the high levels of suicide in the construction industry shows the importance of looking after our mental health and heeding the signs of depression and anxiety.

PLUMBING EMPLOYERS NEED to be more aware of mental health issues, says one Wellington drainlaying company owner.

“As employers, we see physical injuries but not the mental issues.

These are actually more common than people think.”

He is right. One in eight New Zealand men and one in five women will experience depression at some point in their life— and, tragically, some don’t get through it. A new report (see box opposite) shows construction workers and tradesmen to be at highest risk of suicide among New Zealand’s most vulnerable sub-groups. Suicide is an uncomfortable subject, with strict laws around media reporting, but it’s a very real cause for concern.

This particular employer has first-hand experience of the wide impact that results from a sudden death within the team. The young man’s death was a tragedy that deeply affected staff, with one needing five weeks’ leave from work to come to terms with what had happened. Four other staff members also took a week’s leave to deal with their distress.

He managed to keep the business going throughout but admits it was a struggle. It was also challenging to get the necessary support for his workers, he says. He has nothing but praise for the Victim Support contact he dealt with, but feels that this organisation is under-staffed and under-resourced.

there needs to be more awareness and support

“Statistics show that around 500 people in New Zealand take their lives each year. That’s higher than the road toll and drowning. There needs toprovisional be more awareness and support, ” he Annual suicide statistics says.

2014/15

75% of deaths by suicide are males

428 males died by suicide

136 females died by suicide

Males

The number of people who died by suicide

Females

Number of people

400

405

419

401

394

428

405

388

385

200

134

137

140

139

142

153

144

136

2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

2013/2014

2014/2015

Source: Coroner’s office MORE INFORMATION justice.govt.nz/coroners n 09 916 9151 n officeofthechiefcoroner@justice.govt.nz

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MOJ0195_OCT15

HEALTH MATTERS

‘A more open conversation’

Each year, the Chief Coroner releases national provisional suicide statistics to help inform prevention efforts. “Over the last eight years I believe we’ve seen a shift in society’s preparedness to have a more open conversation about suicide, but we are not seeing any movement in what is an unfortunate static annual figure,” says Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall.

A coroner’s role is to investigate each case of suspected suicide to try and shed light on what factors prompted it. “By looking at background information from every case we can help form a bigger picture around the common aspects, such as recent relationship issues, drug or alcohol abuse and economic hardship,” she says.

She acknowledges the greater effort being put into suicide prevention, including a recently launched suicide prevention toolkit for District Health Boards. “Suicide prevention is not the job of any single agency or group, but involves all New Zealanders,” she says. “Greater co-ordination of efforts may be the key.”

The Auditor-General has identified the need for more readily available information on suicides in New Zealand. It will publish a performance audit report on collecting and using information about suicides before the end of the year.

In the meantime, the Wellington drainage boss’s advice to fellow business owners is to look out for each other. “Larger companies also need to support the one-man bands, who can suffer depression due to the pressures of work.” >

Construction workers vulnerable “Sadly, we have some of the highest youth suicide rates in the OECD,” says a May report by the newly formed Suicide Mortality Review Committee on the findings from its Suicide Review Feasibility Study. According to the report, every week, on average, 10 New Zealanders die by suicide.

The Committee’s study between 2007-2011 focussed on the three most vulnerable groups, which together comprised 71 percent of all suicides during the five-year period: Maori youth (15-24 years), working age men (25-64 years) and people who accessed mental health services in the year before their death.

A total of 1,272 men of working age died in this five-year period.

Almost half had no record of publicly funded mental health service use. Of this group, construction workers and tradesmen made up the highest percentage, at 6.9 percent. Farm and forestry workers were close behind, at 6.8 percent.

The Committee hopes that the review will improve the situation significantly. “Enhancing the ability of agency frontline staff to better support people in distress and to understand potential suicide risk factors are important prevention strategies,” says Committee Chair, Professor Rob Kydd. “There is also a real need to investigate further the role of alcohol and drugs in suicide.”

Due to the high numbers of suicides in the construction trades, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) explores opportunities for suicide prevention in this sector. This could include looking at initiatives such as ‘MATES in Construction’ in Australia, it says.

Getting through it John Kirwan (JK) played for the All Blacks for a decade, scoring 199 first class rugby tries. He was knighted in 2012 for his services to rugby and mental health, having taken the brave step to share his personal story of struggling with mental illness.

“I was dead inside,” is how Sir John Kirwan describes his five-year-long battle with depression. It was only when he accepted that depression was an illness not a weakness that he reached out for help. The final straw came in 1990 on an overseas trip to Buenos Aires. Suffering a major panic attack and “shaking like a haunted dunny”, he was terrified he might jump out of his 10th storey hotel room.

When he finally plucked up the courage to see a psychologist, she compared his mental state to a tight hamstring needing treatment. Acceptance of his depression took the fear out of it, he says.

JK’s road to recovery was a gradual process, starting with rediscovering

enjoyment in the small things, such as a shower or a cup of coffee. Now, he makes sure he finds time to look after his wellness every day by doing the things he loves, which include reading, cooking and surfing.

don’t be afraid to reach out for help Difficult stuff happens in everyone’s life, and the important thing is to have a plan to help you stay on track, he says. “With a plan you can cope with whatever life throws at you.”

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from people you trust—be it friends, family or health professionals. There is still a stigma around mental health and there needs to be more awareness, says JK. “The greatest thing you can give people is understanding and love.”

Sir John Kirwan introduces stories from other New Zealanders who have got through depression at www.depression.org.nz

Sir John Kirwan is actively involved with mental health awareness campaigns and has written two books, ‘All Blacks Don’t Cry’ and ‘Stand by Me’. He features on www.depression.org.nz, a website that helps provide a better understanding of depression and how to get better and stay well.

August/September 2016

43

HEALTH MATTERS

The WorkSafe view Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, there is a general duty for a PCBU to ensure the health and safety of workers. So, there is a need to identify and address all workplace health and safety risks so far as is reasonably practicable, including risks that might lead to stress or affect mental wellbeing.

“Some of our programmes have developed information that supports workers’ health and wellbeing in the workplace,” says a WorkSafe New Zealand spokesperson.

“Our Canterbury Rebuild programme has developed resources around impairment in construction, including a factsheet on fatigue. The programme has also runs events on fatigue, alcohol and other drugs in for the construction sector. The programme works closely with the Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter. One of their 10 commitments is health and wellbeing, and one of the eight actions under this commitment includes promoting the importance of worker’s mental health and wellbeing.”

In the forestry sector, WorkSafe says it is supportive of the industry’s move, under the leadership of FISC, to address drug and alcohol issues, which often can be precursors to self-harming and suicide. “We also support the Mental Health Foundation/Farmers Mutual Group’s FarmStrong programme in the agriculture sector (WorkSafe has an MOU with Farmers Mutual Group). As ACC provides direct funding to this programme, we play an observer role at this stage.” Guidance on the WorkSafe website www.worksafe.govt.nz includes: • Factsheet on morale, distress and healthy work • Healthy work: managing stress and fatigue in the workplace • Stress fact sheet • Advice for employers and employees on reducing the impact of stress and fatigue.

WorkSafe’s dedicated construction website at construction. worksafe.govt.nz includes fatigue factsheets with the following guidance on emotional wellbeing. “Where possible, be aware of personal circumstances that affect your employees and provide support. Allow time off where circumstances require. As appropriate, ensure co-workers are aware of any important issues affecting their colleagues.” ■

Where to find help • • • • •

•

• • •

Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354; www.lifeline.org.nz Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757 Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116 Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666 Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz Your local Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP) Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797.

You can also text 8691 for free Employers can consider providing staff with access to an Employee Assistance Programme. There are a number of companies offering this service in NZ.

Focus your energy on the things that matter.

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SMART BUSINESS

Asset finance

In the second in our new financial advice series, BNZ looks at how to grow your plumbing business through asset finance.

YOU DON’T ALWAYS have to pay cash for high-value assets, even if you have the cash ready to go. You might like to consider a little finance debt, which could help save your cash for other things.

There are flexible asset finance options that provide you with more opportunity to use your working capital to grow your business. Businesses often make the mistake of leveraging everything off their personal assets—more often than not the family home. The equity you build could allow you and your family to grow personal assets and freedom.

What can you use it for?

Kiwi businesses use asset finance to help fund an assortment of new or used assets. This could include vehicles such as company cars and vans, or manufacturing equipment like machinery and specialist technology.

Decide what you really need

Before seeking finance, it’s a smart idea to decide on the type of assets that are really going to grow your business. If you’re weighing up a new purchase, this could include considering whether the asset allows you to: • operate more efficiently, such as utilising the latest technology or practices, and • grow your business by using equipment to overcome staff movement, production limitations or enter new markets.

Knowing how and when your equipment will generate income could help you determine the best way to pay for it. You may also want to consider the expected productive life of an asset. There’s little point spending up large on an asset that’s going to wear out or become obsolete before you generate a return on your investment.

Free up your cash

Most businesses don’t have enough cash available to purchase assets outright, which could make asset finance an attractive option. For example, a plumbing company could choose not to pay all the cash upfront for their fleet of vans. Instead, they could leverage an equipment loan to help reduce their capital expenses. ■

How BNZ can help BNZ Asset Finance could help you to align repayments around your cash flow situation and may even help you to claim tax deductions.

Thinking BNZ Asset Finance could be a great option for your business? Here’s what BNZ can offer1: • Tailored funding: Get up to 100% funding for new or used equipment for your business.2 • Varied terms: Flexibility to choose a loan term that best suits your business (from one to five years).

• Fixed or variable rates: The interest rate for the loan can be fixed or floating (variable).

• Flexible repayments: Structure your repayments to meet your seasonal cash flow or choose to pay monthly.

Talk to us today about our special Master Plumbers Asset Finance rate. Call 0800 269 763 or visit bnz.co.nz/masterplumbers 1.

2.

BNZ lending criteria, terms and conditions, and fees apply. Minimum loan amount of $5000.

Asset finance loan is to be secured by the asset or other current business assets if additional security is required. You will be required to insure the asset. Insurance covers are subject to the terms and conditions and exclusions contained in the relevant policy document and schedule.

The GST component must be repaid within the first three months of the loan term.

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August/September 2016

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Workplace bullying

SMART BUSINESS

Bullying in the workplace can have serious implications if not managed by the employer, says Lisa Duston.

WHAT IS BULLYING? Bullying is considered to be intimidating, humiliating or offensive behaviours to others.

Bully behaviours can include constant put downs, threatening behaviour, failing to acknowledge contribution or achievements, and something that someone repeatedly does or says to gain power and authority over another.

Bullying can happen on all levels. It isn’t necessarily just managers targeting employees—bullying can also be between colleagues.

It is the employer’s responsibility to create a safe and secure working environment for their employees, taking all reasonable steps to avoid exposing employees to unnecessary risk of physical or emotional harm.

Ask yourself: is your business supporting employees to ensure this does not happen in your workplace?

• Employers should have systems in place to deal with complaints about bullying in the workplace • Encourage a workplace culture that does not tolerate bullying or harassment • Have a nominated representative

•

for the business who employees can go to if they feel they are being bullied Get in touch with an organisation that can come into your business and provide an anti-bullying training session.

Raising a complaint

If an employee wishes to raise a complaint, it is the employer’s responsibility to investigate these claims, keeping in mind this needs to be handled with some sensitivity.

The employer would then arrange to meet separately with both parties and their support person, and let them explain their side of events. Following these initial meetings, you may need to do further investigating with other witnesses to ensure you have the full version of events.

Once you have a clear picture of the situation, you will need to think about what happens next. Having had these concerns raised may be all you need to have this resolved informally. Or, maybe it warrants more work, which could result in a formal investigation that may require HR or WorkSafe NZ to become involved. ■

Biz Brief Construction law update From 1 September 2016, design, engineering and quantity surveying work is included in the Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015, which provides a process for dealing with payments under a construction contract. Residential and commercial construction contracts are treated the same under the Act. From 31 March 2017, retention money withheld under commercial construction contracts must be held on trust.

Reduction in motor vehicle levies The 2016/2017 Motor Vehicle levy rates came into effect on 1 July. Most car

For further information on workplace bullying or assistance on investigating a bullying claim, please contact Lisa Duston (details below) or WorkSafe New Zealand on 0800 030 040 or h&sconcerns@worksafe.govt.nz About the author: HR Consultant Lisa Duston is here to support your business, ensuring you and your team have the tools to get it right. Lisa can assist with your recruitment needs, from placing ads through to supplying you with a shortlist of potential well-screened applicants ready for interviewing. Master Plumbers’ members can access HR support from Lisa Duston at specially reduced rates. Call Lisa on 03 388 4066 or 021 245 1704 during normal business hours. Or email lisa.duston@masterlink.co.nz

This issue’s business news clips.

owners, as well as goods service vehicles, will enjoy lower levies. For most car owners, the ACC levy portion of the rego has gone down. The levy rates for light and heavy goods service vehicles are also reduced for both petrol and non-petrol vehicles. The petrol levy remains at the current rate of 6.9 cents per litre. Find out more at www.acc.co.nz/motorvehicle There have been some changes to the Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) to better reflect the risk of injury with different cars. The rating band of some vehicles has changed but most will pay a reduced levy.

Find out if it affects you at rightcar.govt. nz/rego/acc-new

Tips for chasing debtors Don’t let unpaid invoices and debts build up. business.govt has tips on chasing debtors. Check out their Getting paid on time guide at http://www.business. govt.nz under Tax & Finance (Businessfinance-101)

Claiming household bills If you run a business from home, can you claim the full amount of household bills?

Take the new Tax 101 quiz at business. govt to find out. You’ll find it in the Tax & Finance section.

August/September 2016

47

SMART BUSINESS

It’s a scam!

Don’t fall for phone scammers alleging tax evasion, says Inland Revenue.

NEW ZEALANDERS ARE being warned about a spate of scam phone callers saying they are from Inland Revenue and trying to recover unpaid taxes.

Inland Revenue has received notifications of the scam calls from more than 2,500 customers all over the country, and unfortunately at least three people have been caught out by the scam.

Customer Services Group Manager Eleanor Young says the scammers generally allege the recipients of the call are being investigated for historic tax fraud or evasion, before threatening them with legal action unless they pay some money.

“These callers are quite clever and are particularly aggressive, so people need to be wary of being caught out. This is a particularly widespread scam, it’s happening all over the country and has been going for several weeks,” Eleanor Young says.

In some cases, people are told they must pay a debt urgently or face jail, and to avoid that fate are told to ring a Wellington or Auckland landline number and speak to a Kenneth Matthews or a person with a similar sounding name.

They are then told to purchase iTunes cards, and phone back with the serial numbers, after being told iTunes is an acronym for individual taxation underpayment notarised electronic scheme.

“New Zealanders can be assured we would never phone them and take this

very aggressive approach, threatening them with legal action or arrest unless they make an immediate payment. We would also never demand anyone pay Inland Revenue using iTunes cards or any other sort of redeemable voucher.”

Calls have been made to both landline and mobile numbers, and messages have been left on customers’ voicemails stating they are subject to criminal action for tax fraud.

“We recommend that if anyone receives a call of this nature they hang up and if they have any concerns to email us with all the details of the call to phishing@ird.govt.nz” If customers have received what they think is a scam call and need some reassurance, they are also welcome to ring one of Inland Revenue’s 0800 numbers, she says. The customer services representative

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will be able to verify if the customer has recently been called by Inland Revenue, as all customer calls are logged.

Eleanor Young says it’s important people be constantly vigilant about protecting their personal information.

“You can’t be too careful. Be absolutely sure you’re talking to a bona fide person before giving any personal details such as your address, IRD number, bank account number or credit card information.

“And if you’re not 100% sure who you’re talking to, ask for their name and number, and call back using an 0800 number or publicly available number. Or simply hang up.” ■ For more information on email and phone scams, go to http://www.ird.govt.nz/ identity-security/scam/scam-alert.html

Plumber/Drainlayer/Gasfitter

Plumbing vacancy

We are a Wellington based company requiring a person with plumbing and gas fitting qualifications and experience. Certifying skills would be an added advantage.

The position requires you to have good written, verbal and IT skills to deal with a wide range of people and situations. Our company has a busy environment with a friendly team. Teamwork ability is important but also the confidence to work alone where necessary.

If you are reliable and honest and you are looking for a change, apply to jeff@nve.co.nz. You will need a positive attitude, clean driver’s licence and NZ residency.

Are you sick of travelling across Auckland for work? Wanting to work for an organisation who will assist you with your professional development?

Counties Manukau Health is looking for a Registered Plumber (or near registration) to be based at Middlemore Hospital. To be successful in this role you will need to be either a Registered or Certifying Plumber.

In return for your skills you will receive mentoring from senior managers and support in your studies whilst qualify as a Certifying.

If you are interested in this amazing opportunity contact Zoe Taylor in the Recruitment Centre at zoe.taylor@middlemore.co.nz

48

August/September 2016

Design excellence

SUPPLY LINES

Methven has won a prestigious product design Red Dot Award for its Aurajet Aio Shower.

THE RED DOT Award was founded in 1955 and is the international seal of outstanding design quality. Now in its 61st year, the 2016 awards attracted a record number of entries, with 5,200 products from 57 countries vying for Red Dot honours. Only products that set themselves apart through their excellent design receive the sought-after quality seal from the international Red Dot jury.

MADE IN AUCKLAND, LAUNCHED GLOBALLY The Aurajet Aio Shower range is Methven’s most advanced and most invigorating shower experience ever.

Its breakthrough spray technology and unique halo shape are intrinsically linked in a union of form and function.

Aurajet delivers 20 per cent more spray force and twice the water contact on the skin than conventional showers, yet uses as little water as nine litres per minute.

This continues Methven’s commitment to savings on water and energy bills for consumers without compromising the shower experience.

“The hugely successful Aurajet® shower technology, which was designed, developed and manufactured by the team in Auckland, was launched globally in

Above: The research and development phase for the Aio Shower System.

Above: Methven’s Aio Shower System in situ.

Below: Aurajet® technology delivers 20 percent more spray force.

March 2015,” says Methven Group CEO David Banfield. “It is on track to be our most successful product launch yet.”

Methven has a strong history of innovation and design, having successfully commercialised a number of international award-winning bathroom technologies, including Satinjet® and Aurajet®.

NEW INTERNATIONAL TEST MARKETS “Leading with Aurajet, we have gained agreement to launch in five new international test markets to better leverage our international patents and help drive future sales growth,” says David Banfield. “This recognition from the world-renowned Red Dot jury will serve to further enhance our growing international reputation.”

These latest awards take the total number of global awards to 12 for its breakthrough shower system Aurajet and Aio tapware collection, both in New Zealand and internationally, making it the most awarded Methven range ever.

“We are proud to take the Methven brand, products and technologies onto the world stage and prove that technically and commercially we are able to challenge the best.”

EXTENDING THE AIO RANGE Methven’s Aurajet® Aio range includes a handset, wall shower, hi-rise shower, hand shower and rail shower.

Most recently, it has launched the Aio 220mm overhead shower and Aio shower system, which provides the best of all worlds by combining the 220mm overhead shower and hand shower in one cleverly designed system. Both products are available in chrome or chrome and white.

An integrated diverter allows for easy switching from handset to overhead shower, while a rail with an inbuilt water delivery point eliminates the need for a separate wall elbow or hose. ■

Platinum partner

August/September 2016

49

INNOVATION

Bird’s eye view Travelling a short path of inevitability, drone platforms (UAVs) are now being used in the construction industry.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF drones from home enthusiast operator to commercial pilots and applications has not taken long. In the case of construction, use of pilotless aircraft makes complete sense to maintain an overall scope of a project. In the right hands, they are not particularly dangerous, they are not noisy and the quality of images now available is fantastic.

Video evidence from close-up hovering drones is now being accepted in inspection circles. It is quick, cheap and less hazardous than specialist rappellers dangling down the side of 60-storey buildings. In theory, the applications are many and varied, from lifting guide ropes to be fitted through elevated pulleys, maintaining a separate eye on tricky lifts and placements, and doing initial inspections after storms or quakes.

video evidence from close-up hovering drones is now being accepted in inspection circles

50

August/September 2016

Above: Inspecting a brittle roof.

Right: Drone in action.

Below: Close up of where roof repairs are needed.

Surveys on high

AirproX Director Josh Owen surveyed the upper reaches of Dunedin’s St Paul’s cathedral, interior and exterior, with a high definition drone camera, looking to isolate a major leak. It was cheaper and safer than a complex array of scaffolding, he says. “There was debris blocking the rainhead. When it rained heavily the week before, pooling accrued and the water found its way inside. It was very obvious in the photos.”

The immediacy of drone use is another major plus. Putting a UAV in the air after

INNOVATION

a storm is many hours ahead of roofers and plumbers having to climb over roofs for up-close-and personals.

Video goggles worn by an expert can greatly improve the image relevance, says Josh. Simply instruct the UAV pilot on where you would like a closer look and watch real time as the camera is moved into position. “The number of video displays on a site is limitless. So when craning that difficult lift, all can have the benefit of the aerial view.”

looking to isolate a major leak Modular approach

commonsense laws and requirements in place.

“This means you may find a novel idea that could potentially solve big problems in your industry. There are no doubt a wide range of applications for drones in various industries that have yet to be explored, so if you have a problem, give an operator a call!” ■

Top: Up close on the masonry at St Paul’s.

Above: Flying inside the cathedral.

All photographs by AirproX.

Another advantage of this new age tech is that it is mostly modular. “That is to say, if you have an application UAVs could help you with, you may be able to attach a tool for the job. With lightweight thermal cameras as an example, even more information can be at your whim. Find holes in a roof or valley by spotting where the inside heat is escaping. You can attach ropes, guidelines, lights, laser scanners, 3D cameras and more.

“In New Zealand we have a freedom that others around the world do not share,” says Josh. “Internationally, commercial drones are in most cases banned. In New Zealand our governing body (Civil Aviation Authority) has considered the scope of this technology and left it open for exploration with

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August/September 2016

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SAFETY FIRST

House rules

If you’re doing work in a home, it counts as a workplace under the new health and safety legislation. But who are the PCBUs? Rob Coltman of Duncan Cotterill Lawyers explains.

“The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) sets out duties for any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure the health and safety of its workers and any other workers whose activities are influenced or directed by it, and to ensure that the health and safety of any other person isn’t put at risk from the work being carried out.”

THE DUTIES IN the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) apply to people in a workplace. Workplace is defined widely, and means “a place where work is being carried out… for a business or undertaking”. As a plumber undertaking work on a house, such as plumbing maintenance, repairs or renovation, you are creating a workplace at the house.

Usual rule for homes The HSWA specifically says that a PCBU doesn’t include an occupier of a home, even where the occupier employs or engages another person to do residential work. Residential work comprises both “domestic work done or to be done in the home” and “work done or to be done in respect of the home”.

This means that a homeowner or a tenant won’t be classified as a PCBU, even if they engage a plumber to do work on the house.

But, as above, the plumber doing the work will be.

Moreover, a plumber running a business from their own home will be classified as a PCBU, as this is not residential work.

Usual rule doesn’t apply to landlords The exemption from being a PCBU specifically refers to occupiers of a home. It only applies to people who live in their own home, and tenants of a rental property. It doesn’t cover landlords, as they are not the occupiers.

Owners of rental properties will therefore owe the duties of a PCBU when engaging plumbers for any work on the property.

And plumbers will owe those duties as well.

What you need to do as a plumber Given the nature of the likely work, there will generally be multiple PCBUs. The landlord will be one, while the plumbing contractor undertaking the work will be another.

However, the landlord cannot just rely on the plumbing contractor to manage the health and safety risks. Nor can a plumber specify in their sub-contract that the head contractor will take care of all health and safety matters as contracting out of the duties in the HSWA is prohibited.

A plumber must do everything reasonably practicable to protect their workers from any risk to their health and safety. It is not sufficient to answer that practicable steps are expensive or inconvenient.

the landlord cannot just rely on the plumbing contractor to manage the health and safety risks To comply with the HSWA, there are a number of steps that you as a plumber can take: • Identify, document and manage the risks on the property and connected to the work to be undertaken • Ensure workers are sufficiently competent to perform the work and that any independent contractors have their own individual health and safety plans • Ensure workers and contractors understand their health and safety requirements, particularly in relation to the risks identified • Meet with the head contractor or the client or the project manager on site at the property and discuss risks and health and safety requirements, and make notes of the meeting and discussion.

A plumber should also consider whether they should obtain statutory liability insurance, which can provide cover for any reparation and for the cost of defending a prosecution (although insurance cannot cover any fine).

However, insurance policies will not cover deliberate or reckless disregard of health and safety obligations. ■ About the author: Rob Coltman is a Partner at Duncan Cotterill Lawyers in Auckland. If you have any questions about the HSWA and how it applies to you or your property, please contact Rob on 09 374 7187; rob.coltman@duncancotterill.com

August/September 2016

53

SAFETY FIRST

Asbestos removal Have you applied for your asbestos removal licence yet?

If you do this kind of work, you need a licence now!

APPLICATIONS OPENED IN June for the two classes of asbestos removal licences introduced under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

If you’re a PCBU (whether a company, sole trader or selfemployed person) carrying out building, demolition or renovation work on buildings built before 1 January 2000, you may be removing material that contains asbestos.

Under the Asbestos Regulations, the PCBU may need an asbestos removal licence to remove asbestos legally. There are two classes of asbestos removal licence.

Asbestos removal licence class

Type and amount of asbestos that can be removed under that licence

Class A

Any type or quantity of asbestos or ACM, including any amount of: • Friable asbestos or ACM • ACD1 • Non-friable asbestos or ACM

Class B

•

•

Over 10m2 (cumulatively, over the whole course of the site’s removal project) of non-friable asbestos or

Class A Asbestos Removal Licence

LICENCE HOLDER

ACM ACD associated with removing over 10m2 (cumulatively, over the whole course of the site’s removal project) of non-friable asbestos or ACM2

2.

> business or sole trader > can be the nominated supervisor if criteria met > licensed to remove friable and non-friable asbestos > will require a certified safety management system by April 2018

NOMINATED SUPERVISOR

NOMINATED SUPERVISOR

> 3 years relevant industry experience > aged at least 18 years

ACM = asbestos containing material ACD= asbestos-contaminated dust 1.

ASBESTOS REMOVAL LICENSING GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS

> can have as many as required

> training requirements satisfied

Except ACD associated with removing non-friable asbestos, or when the ACD is not associated with asbestos removal and is only a minor contamination.

Except when the ACD is not associated with removing 10m2 (cumulatively, over the whole course of the site’s removal project) of non-friable asbestos or ACM.

REMOVAL WORKER > not named on the licence

> can be nominated on multiple licences

REMOVAL WORKER REMOVAL WORKER > can have as many as required

Who holds the licence?

Only a PCBU that carries out, or proposes to carry out, asbestos removal work may apply for an asbestos removal licence. This authorises them to remove the type of asbestos covered by the licence class. The licence holder can nominate supervisors on the licence to supervise asbestos removal workers. There is no limit to how many supervisors can be on the licence—but there must be at least one.

Class A licence holders must provide evidence to WorkSafe that they have a certified safety management system in place by 4 April 2018.

Licences expire five years from the day they were granted unless cancelled earlier.

Apply for your licence online, or download the PDF application form, at www.worksafe.govt.nz (see under Asbestos).

WorkSafe keeps a register of all asbestos removal licences on its website.

Figure 1: Class A Asbestos Removal Licence

Class B Asbestos Removal Licence

LICENCE HOLDER > business or sole trader > can be the nominated supervisor if criteria met > licensed to remove non-friable asbestos

NOMINATED SUPERVISOR > 1 year relevant industry experience > aged at least 18 years > training requirements satisfied

REMOVAL WORKER > not named on the licence

REMOVAL WORKER REMOVAL WORKER > can have as many as required

Figure 2: Class B Asbestos Removal Licence

54

August/September 2016

NOMINATED SUPERVISOR

4

NOMINATED SUPERVISOR

NOMINATED SUPERVISOR

> can have as many as required > can be nominated on multiple licences

SAFETY FIRST

Selecting supervisors Supervisors can be nominated on more than one licence. They must: • be at least 18 years of age • have at least three years’ relevant industry experience in removing friable asbestos for a Class A licence • have at least one year’s relevant industry experience in removing non-friable asbestos for a Class B licence • be competent to oversee removal work and to make sure it’s done safely.

Formal NZQA Level 5 training in carrying out and supervising asbestos removal is expected to be available from late 2016/ early 2017. Supervisors are required to satisfy these training requirements by 4 April 2018 to be nominated on a Class A or B licence.

In the meantime, nominated supervisors can satisfy the training requirement by meeting one of the following:

1.

2.

Non-Certificate of Competence holders applying for a Class B licence can continue work between 4 April and 4 October 2016 as long as the PCBU: • has applied for a licence • does removal work according to Asbestos Regulations requirements • notifies WorkSafe when removal work will be conducted. ■

Competence for restricted asbestos work

To-do list

Holding a current Certificate of Competence for

Things you need to do now: • Apply for your Class A or B removal licence • Name at least one supervisor on the licence (can be you, eg, if you’re a sole trader) • Have enough evidence to prove the nominated supervisor(s) satisfies WorkSafe criteria • Provide evidence about the PCBU’s compliance history, giving details of any breaches regarding asbestos or hazardous substances.

•

•

4.

Transitional period

Holding a ‘full’ (non-specified) current Certificate of

restricted asbestos work for one or more of the following: • friable insulation or fire protection (Class A or B) • friable lagging (boilers, ducts, furnaces or pipes) (Class A or B) • demolition or maintenance containing friable asbestos (Class A or B) • friable asbestos encapsulation (Class A or B)

3.

For Class A removal work, the supervisor must be present at the removal area when the work is being carried out.

For Class B removal work, the supervisor must be in the vicinity and readily available to workers when the work is being carried out.

The licence holder can nominate themselves as a supervisor if they meet the competency requirements.

PCBUs can apply to WorkSafe at any time to add or remove supervisors from a licence.

using on cement or bonded products: - cutting or abrasive power tools (Class B) - other equipment resulting in release of dust (Class B) dry sanding of floor coverings (Class B)

Passing a supervisor competency test at a WorkSafe office (written and oral for Class A; written for Class B).

Find the test application form at www.worksafe.govt.nz Successfully completing formal training for: • Class A removal and supervision, or • Class B removal and supervision.

Useful resources •

• •

•

Go to www.worksafe.govt.nz for more information about asbestos, including a comprehensive Asbestos Removal Licensing Guide Read the Asbestos Regulations at www.legislation.govt.nz WorkSafe is developing an Approved Code of Practice for the Management and Removal of Asbestos, which will be available on its website For more support, email asbestos@worksafe.gov.nz or call 0800 030 040

Friable or non-friable?

•

•

Friable asbestos is asbestos in a powder form or able to be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.

Non-friable asbestos is asbestos that is not friable. This includes material containing asbestos fibres reinforced with a bonding compound.

Ban on asbestos-containing products In June, the Government announced it was to ban the import of asbestos-containing products. An import permit will be issued for a very limited number of specialist products, such as gaskets, seals and brake linings, where no alternative is available or the alternative would be disproportionately expensive. Asbestos in no longer imported for use in buildings.

August/September 2016

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SAFETY FIRST

Play it safe MASTER PLUMBERS TAKES health and safety seriously. It wants to help members understand the new health and safety legislation—so they can make it work in their businesses.

A new series of videos gives plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers practical tips on health and safety at work.

To get the key messages across in a digestible way, Master Plumbers has developed a series of You Tube videos. Aimed specifically at our industry, the videos explain how the new health and safety regime works in practical terms.

Documentation is the most important thing, says Chris. If you don’t document things as they come up, they get forgotten about and you don’t learn from the experience. His advice is to share the information around for the greater good.

If one of your staff sees hazards in the environment, it is their responsibility to inform someone and take an active role in risk prevention and elimination. “It’s not somebody else’s job; it’s also your job to prevent these things from arising,” he says.

K10’s 6 Tips:

Chris and Lee-Anne Coopey: K10 Plumbing, Auckland Chris Coopey says that K10 Plumbing deals with health and safety requirements by encouraging the guys to take responsibility and do due diligence. Plumbers come across unique environments each day and it’s not always possible to control these or foresee what you’ll come across, he says.

Chris empowers his guys to have the skills to identify hazards themselves and the confidence to tell him and the people around them when the situations around them are not safe.

K10 Plumbing holds regular health and safety meetings, and toolbox meetings on larger sites. The guys use the note section on their digital job cards to put down all the hazards they come across for the next person to see, and also bring them to the attention of the foreman on site.

Vadim Spice: WorkSafe Vadim Spice works in WorkSafe’s national programmes team, which gives guidance and support to inspectors to increase their capability. ”I raise awareness of risks and take information

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August/September 2016

Be smart in your vehicle: Built-in hands free and reversing cameras save lives.

Log it: Document health and safety meetings so all staff are on same page.

Inspect your van: Make sure safety equipment is in place and remove all loose items.

First aid: Keep an up-to-date first aid kit so you can deal with first aid injuries on site.

Talk to each other: Ensure clear communication between staff and clients.

In case of fire: Keep a working fire extinguisher in the van and make sure staff know how to use it.

from the industry, so they can help share it. Thirty-eight people have died on sites in the last four years and that’s absolutely unacceptable.”

You need to be aware of the risk process and how to manage it, says Vadim. Your workers can best describe the job process and understand the challenges, as they’re the ones actually doing it.

You might take the same tools and van out each day, but every site changes. The risks at a school, with little kids running around, might be completely different to a commercial construction site.

Some hazards and risks are common to your industry. The WorkSafe website has information for dealing with common risks in specific industries, so pick the one that’s right for your company. “A lot of information’s there. You may not need to reinvent the wheel and you certainly don’t need to come up with new solutions if they’re already in place,” says Vadim.

PAGE TAG

for a whole range of resources, fact sheets, quizzes and an online tool to help you work out if an accident or incident is notifiable.

You can print off fact sheets and guides, such as the one for small to medium business owners and company directors.

Marcus’ 5 Tips:

Marcus Nalter: WorkSafe Marcus Nalter is WorkSafe’s Programme Manager for Construction and Engineering. He says to start by being smart about risks. Every business is different and has different risks.

“What are the risks in your business? Have a conversation with your workers about the things that could injure you, make you ill or, even worse, kill you in your workplace. They’re the ones that know the hazards that they face and you can get their ownership around how they could prevent people from being hurt.”

WorkSafe is continuing to engage with the industry and understand the challenges the industry faces. At the business level, it provides guidance, resources and tools to help you better understand risks and make good decisions so people go home healthy and safe.

WorkSafe has worked with Master Plumbers to customise its Absolutely Essential Health and Safety Toolkit pocket guide specifically for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. “This is a great starting point,” says Marcus. “A great little guide and a great initiative by Master Plumbers.”

Marcus encourages tradespeople to visit the WorkSafe website

Vadim’s 5 Tips: Get real: At toolbox meetings, get out in the yard and take the opportunity to do some in-house training.

Note the good things: While documentation is important, don’t forget what it’s about. Workers should take note of their good practices and how they manage to control harms, so they can learn from it.

www.worksafe. govt.nz: The best place to start is the WorkSafe website, with heaps of resources and tools for the busy plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer.

Absolutely Essential guide: All the critical risks are identified in this guide and it’s great for your toolbox talks. Keep a copy in your ute, pocket or toolbag.

Talk to your team: Businesses that do well have a good level of engagement with their workers. At smoko or staff meetings, talk about the things that could potentially hurt them, and get them involved in coming up with ideas for how to prevent those injuries from occurring.

Make good decisions: Health and safety isn’t about the paperwork; it’s about the quality of decisions you make around health and safety. Involve your workers, make good decisions and you’ll go home healthy and safe.

Change the way you think: New Zealand’s health and safety record is nothing to be proud of. The new Health and Safety at Work Act is part of the change but we’ve got to do more. We need to change the way we think around health and safety and make better decisions about the way we do our work.

Quoting on site with staff: If you’re quoting or estimating, take into account how the job is going to be done. Talk with your workers or, even better, bring them with you to get an insight of how the job is going to get done.

It’s called an induction: Pass on to clients all the dangerous activities you’ll bring to their place so they’re prepared for you, and if you’re visiting a site, be aware of any dangerous activities that could affect you.

Here to help: Health and safety doesn’t need to be complicated.

Use WorkSafe’s industry guidance—they’re here to help.

View the videos at www.masterplumbers.org.nz and www.masterlink.co.nz

August/September 2016

57

HEALTH & SAFETY PACKAGE CHOOSE THE OPTION TO SUIT YOUR BUSINESS: Printed Health & Safety Manual

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$175 +GST

Additional set of Manual PDFs

$35 +GST

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HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING: Member companies (5 or more employees)

$750 +GST

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$450 +GST

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Paper-free management

TECH SAVVY

This Northland plumbing company has moved from kitchen table outfit to 21st-century business.

STARTING OUT AS a one-man band, Russ Louie has been faced with several challenges as he’s grown his Northland plumbing business over the past 10 years.

He and his BPS Plumbing team do a range of rural work, from irrigation supply, dam supply, pumps and water tanks to sewerage and septic tanks. The business also does urban plumbing work.

With three vans and a ute, the team covers Paihia, Kaikohe and Kerikeri, often driving an hour to a job site—or further if the plumber needs to visit a merchant for parts.

Vehicle tracking and maintenance

As his fleet grew, Russ found he was having problems handling vehicle maintenance. He didn’t know exactly how far the vans had travelled, so it was hard to schedule regular maintenance.

Maintenance bills were coming in but, as they weren’t always charging out mileage correctly, the costs weren’t being covered.

To help manage his fleet, Russ chose the Teletrac Navman GPS fleet management system. In late 2015, BPS Plumbing had tracking units installed in their vehicles and started using Teletrac Navman’s DIRECTOR software.

Strategic thinking

This was just part of Russ’ strategy to uplift his business. He also enlisted the help of a business mentor to help him with expansion.

The GPS fleet tracking system has become a management tool, says Russ.

“I use the smartphone app a lot, and it’s great. Wherever I am, I can take a quick look at where all the guys are to make sure everything is OK. “The maintenance scheduling and reporting has been crucial for us, as Northland has more metal roads than anywhere in the country, so it’s pretty rough on the vehicles.”

Fleet and job management

Integrating the GPS fleet management

Above: Online fleet and job management.

software with job management software has been another big leap forward. This software covers a range of things, including job costing, quoting, scheduling, timesheets and invoicing.

“Before that I had a typical ‘kitchen table’ business—slaving over paper invoices at night. I’d put off the invoicing for as long as possible, and then the paperwork would really build up.

“All my major suppliers use job management software, so it makes ordering and invoicing much easier. I can also see how a job is progressing. Bigger pieces of work might be carried out over several months, so I can keep a close eye on how costs are going.”

The integration between the systems allows Russ to generate reports about where and how far his plumbers drove, and how long they were there, then compare this with the timesheets.

“If one of the boys travels from Kerikeri to Paihia, then to a merchant in Kerikeri, then to a side job, then back to the Paihia job, I now have all the information to correctly assign the travel charges to the right clients.”

The integration has also created time and paperwork savings. “We’re now keeping on top of invoices. I monitor big

jobs on a weekly basis and check the costs against the quote.”

Staying safe when remote

BPS Plumbing often has plumbers travelling to remote areas of the Hokianga. Russ knows how long it will take them to get there, but mobile coverage can be patchy, so safety is a concern. One of their big clients has several unmanned job sites across the Hokianga, so when one of his staff does a site visit, they’re on their own.

With the GPS tracking system, Russ can see where vans are, if they are travelling or stationary at the site, and can watch them returning. “It’s about better safety management and helping us meet our duty of care,” says Russ.

Having GPS fleet management has also stopped a lot of speeding. “We introduced a $20 fine if our guys go over a pre-determined speed limit on the GPS tracker—it’s a great contribution to our social fund!”

“I’m now running a 21st century business,” says Russ. “We are efficient and responsive, and I can see where invoicing is going really quickly, so I can project cash flow much better.” ■ August/September 2016

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REAL LIVES

Project delivery Whatever projects are on the go, Contracts Manager Grant Jefferson gives them his all… earning him recognition at this year’s New Zealand Plumbing Awards.

Grant Jefferson has two mottos. The first is “Do it once, do it right”.

Commercial work is a two-step process, he says—what’s behind the wall and what’s in front of the wall—and getting the hidden stuff right is paramount. “If it’s not, the fixtures won’t fit properly or they won’t work.”

Grant instils high standards into everyone on the commercial team at Hutt Gas and Plumbing. “You have a duty to set the standard because if you let things slide, others will too,” he says.

His second motto is “Do nothing for free”. By this, he means that no work should slip through the cracks due to poor communication with the client. The paper trail should be well defined and any variations highlighted up front.

INFORMATION FLOW Communication is key to the Contracts Manager role, he explains.

“The number one challenge is to maintain a flow of information through to the guys on site, by email, text and regular site visits.”

For larger projects, this can be upward of 15 people, including plumbers, gasfitters, drainlayers, and myriad subcontractors.

The main contractor is the point of contact for any communication with architects, engineers and consultants on a given project. Getting to grips with their different job management programmes can be a challenge, he adds, but a valuable tool once mastered.

Grant joined Hutt Gas and Plumbing 16 years ago as an apprentice—his previous refrigeration engineer training enabling him to complete his plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship in just 18 months.

He has stayed loyal to the firm since, rising through the ranks to foreman and lead foreman before taking on his current role, which can see him managing as many as 15 contracts of various sizes at any one time. He works alongside Commercial Manager Scott Adin, who handles project estimating and quoting surveys.

SEAMLESS AND OUT OF SIGHT Grant’s first major project as a foreman was an upgrade to the Rimutaka Prison staff facilities, which comprised seven independent buildings inside and outside the wire.

Then, as lead foreman, he worked on the three-storey Hub campus building at Wellington’s Victoria University. This involved excavating the previous quad structure and integrating the Hub with three other campus buildings. “All the existing services ran through the excavation area, so we were doing several temporary

clients often expect the work to be invisible

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August/September 2016

Above: Grant at the 2016 New Zealand Plumbing Awards.

jobs and a great deal of pre-fabrication work to maintain water, toilets, hot water and gas throughout the project. It had to be seamless.”

Clients often expect the work to be invisible, too. For the plumbing team, this can mean late night and early morning shifts.

For example, the firm’s current project with Hawkins on the Wellington International Airport development has called for work to begin as soon as the last piece of baggage leaves the carousel and to end at 4am with the first flights to Australia for the day.

Hutt Gas and Plumbing does its best to avoid weekends, though, as the directors realise their staff have families and lives outside of work. Grant himself is married with three children, and finds time to coach his two sons’ cricket and rugby teams and to play rugby himself.

Changes to health and safety have seen an increase in the paperwork required before starting on site, but it helps the guys understand what they’re up against, he says. “It primes them to be aware of the hazards, make notes and identify what hazards

REAL LIVES

may occur before, during and after the work is underway. On the airport project, Hawkins uses a ‘Wingman’ safety programme, which encourages everyone to look out for their mates.”

WINNING FORMULA If Grant is running a project, clients know the job is in good hands, says Hutt Gas and Plumbing General Manager Colleen Upton. Colleen nominated him for 2016 New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer of the Year and was thrilled to see him win.

“Grant understands that a good job means working in with other trades on site, and he builds good relationships. It is a message he constantly gives to those working under him, and he imparts these relationship-building skills to our foremen. I have so much respect for him; he is very hardworking, very loyal and very professional—and far too modest to say any of these things about himself.”

Grant participates in upskilling at every opportunity, and encourages the team’s licensed tradespeople to continue on to certifying. He also gives his senior foremen professional development by involving them in meetings with architects and consultants on projects, so they gain experience in networking in a positive, professional manner.

Over the years, he has worked with more than 30 apprentices at the company, and says he has enjoyed taking trainees under his wing. “Apprentices have tech and book learning, but 90 percent of what they learn is on the job. I believe it’s the role of all licensed tradespeople to train apprentices for the industry’s future.” ■

Above: Grant at the awards with Hutt Gas and Plumbing General Manager Colleen Upton.

EXCLUSIVE

NZ PLUMBER NOW AVAILABLE DIGITALLY TO MASTER PLUMBER MEMBERS! Taking on an apprentice? Read tips from 2016 Training Leader of the Year—p68 CONTENTS

21

ON THE COVER Book your place now at the 2016 New Zealand Plumbing Conference! – See page 7 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Art and Craft

17

Sheetmetal mastery at the Len Lye Centre

12

JUNE/JULY 2016 24

28

43

60

Inside this issue

37

Mud, glorious mud Tradies join the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 37

WHAT’S ON

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

7

17

Registrations are open for the NZ Plumbing Conference 2016

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS 8

OVER THE RAINBOW

CEO Greg Wallace talks marketing and membership; Master Plumbers gets the big tick from ACC; National President on tour; awards entries; new members; and two Gold Partner updates

22

IN FOCUS 12

Commercial leases One of your most important business contracts…

REAL LIVES 14

Pumping snow to the skifield

Out West Why West Coast plumbing takes planning

28 To the rescue This plumber’s a fire truck driving dynamo!

4

Mirror, mirror Sheetmetal mastery at the new Len Lye Centre

NUTS & BOLTS 21

INDUSTRY TALK 30 Bathed in glory Bathroom Excellence winner 31

Occupational regulation review MBIE plans to simplify

Preventing Legionnaire’s Keeping water systems safe

31

Innovation for Green Star Rating tool gets an update

Best practice: rainwater Top tips from Marley

31

Involving the industry PGD Board establishes a liaison group and proposes a new CPD model

24 Backflow know-how Questions installers should ask themselves

32

Sam’s Spot A plumber’s tools are sacred, says Sam!

25

The gas ring This issue’s updates for gasfitters

32

27

Tech points Some online projects afoot for the industry

34 Recent convictions Licence checks are proving effective 35

People NZPM Board; vale Nigel Mason

Raising the roof Winners at the RANZ Roofing Awards

Fees in focus New regular column for PGD Board CEO Martin Sawyers

SMART BUSINESS 39 Eyes on insurance Covering your tools… and keeping your insurance current 43 Growing your business Business development advice from The Icehouse 44 Biz brief Employment law changes and more…

46 Understanding GST The IR has the low-down 47 Recruit to suit Kicking off our new HR series with recruitment

TIMES PAST 48 Wartime apprentice A gust of wind leads to hair-raising results for Ernie MacManus

Commercial leasing

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF

What you need to know

BACKFLOW KNOW-HOW Installer basics

OUTWARD BOUND Tomorrow’s leaders

70 Cover photograph by Patrick Reynolds: Len Lye Centre facade

SAFETY FIRST

NEXT GENERATION

50 H&S reform: one step closer The Health & Safety Reform Bill has passed

66 Why hire an apprentice?

MasterLink videos have the answers!

AROUND ASSOCIATIONS 53

Active in Auckland Q&A session with Auckland Master Plumbers President Regan Frost

WORLD VIEW 54 Water for future Plumber Trevor Gatland volunteers in Timor Leste 62 On the world stage Kiwi plumber at the World Skills Internationals

HEALTH MATTERS 58 Asbestos alert Ignore the risks of asbestos on worksites at your peril!

TECH SAVVY 60 Accounting add-ons You need them but be selective

58

ASBESTOS ALERT Worksite risks

69 Got a Trade The first-ever Got a Trade Week 70 To the limit Ten apprentices test their mettle with Outward Bound 72

MasterLink winners Success down South

72

Following the code An apprenticeship code of practice

73

Making 2015 a success Skills looks at credit completion

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 75

What’s new to the marketplace

AND FINALLY 76 Offcuts This issue’s media snippets 78 Dodgy plumbing Will they ever learn?

October/November 2015

5

October/November 2015

Get ready for the 2016 NZ Plumbing Conference in Rotorua – See page 7

PLUMBERS NEEDED!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

What solutions to the skill shortage?

Learning the trade

Touring two training centres

BORN TO TEACH Long service in Canterbury

WINTER WARMER Hydronic central heating

JUGGLING ACT Balancing business growth demands

Perfect or defect?

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF

12-month defect repair guidance

CELEBRATING INNOVATION How new products evolve

HR ADVICE LINE New service for Master Plumbers

PLUMBERS WITHOUT BORDERS Lending a hand where it’s needed

Available via www.pocketmags.com

Just log-in to enjoy on your iPad, iPhone, Android device, Mac, PC or Amazon Kindle Fire

www.masterplumbers.org.nz

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

Sustainable leaders

Water and energy savings are high on the list of sustainability priorities for these winners at the 2016 EECA Awards.

Energy solutions

NZME Business Service Excellence – Energy Solution Providers Energy Solution Providers (ESP) have spent 15 years developing their energy management programme. They continually refine their software and reporting methods to present simple, easyto-understand data in an engaging, motivating way.

ESP consolidate gas, water and electricity consumption into a single online dashboard tool that enables detailed analysis.

Results are presented alongside meaningful energy reduction solutions, including cooling projects, LED lighting upgrades and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning improvements.

To date the company has achieved cumulative savings of more than $18.5 million.

Good sports

Fujitsu General NZ Community Award and EECA Supreme Award – Project Litefoot Trust An original Kiwi idea for using energy efficiency to pay for sport is going global.

Here’s how it works. Sports personalities compete with each other to achieve the lowest environmental impact. An online league table shows their progress and this is used to promote energy, water and waste efficiency to community sports clubs.

Project Litefoot Trust, as it’s known, won the EECA Supreme Award of 2016 for its achievements. For every dollar invested, the Trust saves $2.53 for rugby, cricket, tennis and other community-level sports.

The mobile LiteClub team visits local clubs for a free talk about their environmental impact. During the visits, they install pipe lagging and insulation on hot water cylinders, along with water-saving devices, LED light bulbs and recycling stations.

So far, the commitment has avoided nearly 4,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, diverted 2,453 tonnes of waste from landfill and conserved 22.4 million litres of water. The money saved on energy can then be invested in sport.

Over 710 community sports clubs have signed up to the service and 20 new clubs are visited each month, with an Efficiency Action Plan written up after each visit. With around 3,000 community sports clubs in New Zealand, it should take nine years to sign them all up to LiteClub, says Project Lightfoot Trust founder Hamish Reid.

The Trust estimates that New Zealand’s community sports sector could be saving up to $25 million a year in energy, water and waste efficiency—which means the potential to pay for a lot of local sport.

This Kiwi efficiency model has been applied to a feasibility study in three Australian states and a 20-club pilot programme is being rolled out in the UK.

Waterfront water use

Vector Energy Leadership Award – Viv Heslop The Wynyard Quarter on Auckland’s waterfront is New Zealand’s most ambitious and highestvalue urban regeneration project. Dr Viv Heslop at Panuku Development Auckland is in charge of its energy efficiency and sustainability.

For the 20-year project, Viv has developed partnerships and a detailed strategy, which incorporates technologies that are new to New Zealand. She created the scope and championed the concept for a ‘smart precinct’ that displays real-time water and energy use. This data can be monitored, captured and reported for all residential, commercial and public areas—a ground breaking smart energy project for NZ and internationally.

Viv sets clear energy-reduction targets for developers, with practical tools to achieve them, such as NABERSNZ for the $1 billion property holdings overseen by Panuku.

The judges noted that Viv has “a strategic approach that is set to change the energy efficiency landscape in Auckland. > August/September 2016

63

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

Food for thought

EMANZ Energy Management Award – ANZCO Foods Being energy efficient makes good business sense to ANZCO Foods. The company set up energy-management committees at each of its nine sites and invested $3.9 million in a programme that included upgrading their hot water systems, improving refrigeration and rendering heat recovery, and replacing old plant with energy-efficient technology.

When ANZCO reached its target of 36 gigawatt-hours in annual energy savings nearly two years ahead of schedule, it realised it would need to raise the bar even higher.

So far, ANZCO has realised a 17 percent reduction in overall energy use and saved $2.6 million each year in fuel bills. Progress is constantly monitored with adjustments to equipment and processes to keep energy efficiency at optimal levels.

SPEED CLIPS

*

Heat recovery

University of Waikato Innovation Award – Hellers and Active Refrigeration Hellers consumes a significant amount of hot water, which was traditionally generated by LPG-fired steam boilers. By upgrading the hot water system and installing a unique refrigeration heat recovery system, combined with a high temperature heat pump (HTHP), it has made significant energy savings.

Engineering company Active Refrigeration provides technology that recovers waste heat and uses it in another area of energy generation. Its ammonia-based refrigeration creates simultaneous cooling and high temperature heating from the same plant. Energy savings are achieved by capturing heat produced as a byproduct of the cooling system.

Hellers’ new heat recovery tank and ammonia-based HTHP has redirected wasted energy back into production. Rather than take energy from a -18°C source and reject the heat to the atmosphere at around 25°C, the system takes the reject heat at 25°C and discharges usable heat at 65°C, which is then used for heating water.

Since work took place in 2014, the cost of heating water is down by nearly 84 percent, hot water-related greenhouse gas emissions are down by 91 percent and Hellers is saving $148,000 a year on energy costs.

ABEY INTEGRATED CLIPPING SYSTEMS

1978 to 2016 Abey’s world first integrated clipping system

Abey’s Revolutionary “nutless” system

*Patent applied for.

DISTRIBUTED BY

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August/September 2016

Commercial success

Opus International Consultants Public Sector Award Te Puni Kōkiri and Argosy Property The 1940s façade of Te Puni Kōkiri House in Wellington belies its modern, energy efficiency credentials. The retrofit preserved its heritage while improving comfort and sustainability. It is the first building in NZ to use electro-commutated fan coil units

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

to improve control of air conditioning. A 4 Green Star rating was anticipated for the project, which was revised in 2014 and upgraded to a 5 Green Star rating, with a 4 Star NABERSNZ rating for energy efficiency in a commercial building.

The value of the building, owned by Argosy Property, has increased by $7.9 million. As energy savings are passed on to tenants—in this case The Ministry of Māori Affairs)—$80,000 goes back into the public purse each year.

The project saw 90 percent of construction waste reused or recycled and water use reduced by 29 percent.

A solar heating system supplies hot rainwater to energy efficient showers, which were installed to encourage more staff to get on their bikes. Overall, Ceres is saving more than 266,000 kilowatt hours of energy each year since taking on their new home.

Charging ahead

Z Energy Transport Award – Charge Net NZ Charge Net NZ wants to change the way we think about electric vehicles (EV). They’re increasing the number of charging stations in NZ to counter the commonly-held belief that EVs will run out of electricity on long journeys. The company is placing the stations in highly populated areas, near EV users such as councils who own EV fleets. The stations are spaced so that an EV with a 120km range can comfortably reach the next station with an 80 percent charge.

It has already opened six rapid charge stations, with two in construction. By the end of 2016, it plans to open 30 more and by 2017 its ambition is to have 100 up and running. A credit card pre-pay charging system is in place, supported by cloudbased technology. ■

Organic growth

Smart Energy Solutions Small to Medium Energy User Award – Ceres Organics Electricity costs are down by $40,000 each year at Ceres Organics’ new warehouse and offices. In 2012, this environmentally-minded business found an ideal new, larger home on a brownfield site in Mount Wellington, Auckland.

Determined to incorporate sustainability, they persuaded property owners Norak Property to demolish the existing structure and start again. The result is a 5 Green Star Industrial Built rated premises. A fully-automated Building Management System monitors the LED lighting along with CO2 emission levels, water and energy use.

EFFICIENT, EASY & EFFORTLESS

August/September 2016

65

SUPPLY LINES

Innovation—more than great products Neil Davies, Innovation Manager at Marley, discusses change and why Marley puts customer-led innovation at the heart of everything it does.

WE ARE LIVING IN exciting times, watching the world experience constant accelerating change. Some commentators and visionaries say we are at a turning point that will bring opportunities and challenges never seen before.

Digitisation, urbanisation, technology, population shift, science, climate, social, political and economic changes like we’ve never seen before. By the year 2100, it is expected that 85 percent to 95 percent of people in the world will live in cities.

Our access to technology and its effect on our lives is profound, and we haven’t seen anything yet. The adoption rate of new technology over the past few years is startling. Innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship is a leading force behind change. People are thinking differently, challenging existing paradigms and seeking new ways of doing things.

Successful businesses not only realise that innovation is the new basis of competition but, more importantly, customer needs and expectations are constantly changing.

Marley has always held a pioneering spirit being the first company in New Zealand to design and manufacture plastic guttering and downpipe systems.

That started back in 1969. Today Marley views innovation as one of its key pillars for growth and sustainability. We see innovation as the ability to develop new and useful ideas that provide value to our customers and our organisation.

Customer-led innovation is at the centre of everything we do. We are focused on ever greater connection with our customers and end users of our products, systems and services.

We believe close relationships with our customers and end users provides us with the necessary insights to create future innovative products and services.

3D printing has transformed our design and innovation processes. 3D printed prototypes allow us to quickly gain feedback from customers on new ideas and make sure we’ve got things right before setting up to manufacture.

In late 2014, we released our rejuvenated RP80® round downpipe

system that not only offers streamlined aesthetics but smart time-saving installation features. Throughout the innovation process we generated over 50 3D printed prototypes for market feedback and functional testing.

In the past few years we have also been heavily focused on developing our Stratus Design Series® coloured rainwater systems. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes on new co-extrusion technology and material developments to now offer all the benefits of streamlined durable rainwater solutions, in the most popular contemporary colours.

In 2015, Marley launched the dBlue® acoustic DWV system to reduce waste system noise in buildings throughout New Zealand. This innovative polypropylene system eliminates the need for lagging PVC pipe systems in noise sensitive environments.

Keep an eye out for our next wave of innovative products. No matter what the future brings, you can be assured that Marley will be supporting your changing needs. What’s changing in your life and your industry? ■

Platinum Partner

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August/September 2016

Apprenticeships over the ages

TIMES PAST

The way plumbers are trained has changed significantly over the past century, but ‘boom and bust’ employment cycles remain.

In the second in our series of excerpts from Eric Shaw and John Simpson’s commemorative book recording the first 100 years of the Otago Master Plumbers Association, we focus on apprenticeship training.

LITTLE HAS BEEN recorded on apprenticeship matters in the early part of the century, say the book’s authors. It is known, however, that apprentices were being ‘indentured’ (contractually bound) to the trade. Technical classes were also established “for providing a thorough grounding in the aspects of trade that were sometimes overlooked in on-site training”.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, finding work for apprentices was difficult due to “darkening economic clouds”.

The first mention of apprenticeship matters at a Dunedin Master Plumbers meeting was not a positive one.

On 20 December 1897, it was minuted: “That all surplus Apprentices under 3 years at the trade be dispensed with to take effect by the 1st April.” It was also noted in the minutes that apprentices three years at the trade and over were to be allowed to work out their time.

Technical school

For all these economic difficulties, Dunedin Association members were “at all times conscious of their responsibilities as employers and in the role expected of them, in adequately preparing apprentices for their future”, say the authors. “In October 1901, it was resolved that all apprentices must attend Technical School classes until they were qualified to pass City and Guilds of London examinations.”

Just three months later, at the second convention of the National Association, the move was carried unanimously that “all members of Associations affiliated to the National Association of Master Plumbers of New Zealand make it compulsory that all apprentices in their employ shall attend the Technical Classes—if such classes exist in the district—or will have passed City and Guilds of London or local examinations.”

Discussion among delegates at this meeting showed there to be no Technical School in Christchurch at the time but that “splendid” Technical Schools existed in Dunedin, Wellington and Wanganui.

this dungeon like building held a special place in the hearts of all who trained within its confines

In the 1930s, accommodation for plumbing apprentices at the Dunedin Technical School was a matter of concern to the Association. In November 1938, it was proposed to remove the classes to an old garage building, “which was described as being most suitable for the purpose of teaching the plumbing apprentices”, say the authors.

“For almost forty years this dungeon like building held a special place in the hearts of all who trained within its confines.

Many a story has been told of exploits perpetrated and skills achieved in this venerable ‘seat of learning’!”

Returned servicemen

Under the Rehabilitation (Plumbers) Regulations 1945, the normal period to be served at the trade before examination was considerably reduced for returned servicemen wanting to take up plumbing. The Dunedin Association’s Annual Report of 1945 expresses some doubt about this ruling. “It will no >

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NEXT GENERATION

Photograph by Leigh Blackall.

doubt be recognised as a duty to afford every possible assistance towards the re-establishment of returned servicemen in civil occupations, but it is feared that the short cut training methods in operation must produce an ill equipped generation of tradesmen.”

The authors note, however, that these concerns were never realised, “with history showing that without the intense and shortened contracts that were established, the void of skilled tradesmen would have been much more serious than was the case.”

Apprentice shortages

In 1949, members at a Dunedin Association general meeting responded in the affirmative when asked if there was a shortage of apprentices in Otago. This was thought to be due to a lack of publicity about the trade, say the book’s authors.

“The solution to the recruitment of suitable apprentices could be through canvassing schools and advising school leavers of the attractions of the trade. Additionally the Secretary was requested to obtain from the District Commissioner for Apprenticeship, the number of apprenticeship vacancies there were in the area.

This was later suggested to be in the range of 24-30.

“The shortage of apprentices in the building trades was further illustrated in 1954, when a letter from the Master Builders’ Association was tabled which requested that a joint promotion be launched to solicit apprentices for the building, bricklaying, plastering and plumbing trades.

“The proposal was for the group collectively to use screen advertising at the local movie theatres to spearhead their campaign to help relieve the problem. The programme was agreed to by the Association for a four-week trial period, at the cost of seven pounds, three shillings ($14.30) per week.

“Although there was a shortage of apprentices coming forward, there was certainly not a lack of quality,” continue the authors. “Each month the Association sent of couple of their number to visit the Technical College and discuss all pertinent matters with the tutor, who by this time was the highly respected Mervyn (Mac) McKenzie. In April 1955 Mac sent the delegation back to the Association with the information that the previous examination passes were of a very high standard.”

The authors go on to note that the problems suffered through insufficient apprentices in the late forties, fifties and most of the sixties were to a large degree eliminated in the late sixties.

“The ability of employers to be selective when choosing apprentices was a far cry from the situation that had been normal for the past thirty years. And selective they were, for as was recorded at the end of 1969, Mr McKenzie was conducting pre-trade entry tests on behalf of prospective employers to determine the suitability of lads coming forward.”

This practice was later forbidden by the Labour Department.

Off-site training

The authors note that there have been numerous changes made to the methods of off-site training provided for apprentices over the years. “Initially it was all performed in the apprentice’s own time. Then there was a period in which there were paid day 68

August/September 2016

Above: The carpentry block at Otago Polytechnic. Plumbing, gasfitting and sheetmetal training ended here in 1993.

there was a shortage of apprentices coming forward classes and compulsory unpaid evening classes, with all training eventually being held in the day time with full pay applicable.

Additionally there have been correspondence classes.

“The mix of day time training has varied over the years with ‘day release classes’, ‘one week block courses’, ‘two week block courses’, and ‘three week block courses’. ‘Pre-trade’ training, where prospective plumbing and gasfitting apprentices did an intensive three month study course, has been tried latterly with the most recent development being a modular system with apprentices having to become proficient at a host of skills to qualify for a completed apprenticeship.”

Political football

Evidence of the “great changes that were about to sweep clean every aspect of the traditional way New Zealanders and most of the developed world had gone about their business” hit home to the Dunedin Association in August 1991, with the announcement of the expected closure of the plumbing, gasfitting and sheetmetal training facilities at Otago Polytechnic.

“It was stated that the small number of apprentices attending block course had brought about the possible closure of these technical classes that had been such an important part of the apprenticeship system in Otago for nigh on one hundred years.

In December 1993 it became official; there would be no more technical class training given in Otago.”

In 1997, at the time of writing the book, the authors say, “It is sad but true that over the past fifty years the apprenticeship system has been tampered with incessantly, to the detriment of the industry. It has been allowed to become a political football.

Hopefully, early in the next one hundred years of Association endeavour, a training system will evolve that fulfils the real needs of the industry, rather than the perceived needs of everchanging Governments.” ■

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NEXT GENERATION

Southern men

Celebrating a clutch of winners in Otago and Southland!

FOUR HIGH-ACHIEVING apprentices received awards at the Southland and Otago Master Plumbers annual general meetings, both held in July.

Mac McKenzie Awards Each year, the Mac McKenzie Award is presented to two top-performing apprentices in these two regions, with one taking out the overall award. The award is judged by plumbing and gasfitting tutors at SIT. MasterLink apprentice Kyle McKenzie, who works at Rutledge Plumbing in Invercargill, was the 2016 winner in Southland. Ashley Hale of Currie Plumbers in Wanaka was the Otago and overall winner.

It’s been a particularly stellar year for Kyle, who was the nationwide Plumbing Finalist for the James Douglas Medallion, presented at the 2016 NZ Plumbing Awards. He was also selected as last year’s MasterLink Award winner in Southland.

MasterLink Awards Also recognised at this year’s Southland and Otago Master Plumbers AGMs were the top MasterLink apprentices in each region. Apprentices are judged on overall performance, along with feedback from their hosts and tutors.

The 2016 winners are Kelly Adam of Impact Roofing & Plumbing in Dunedin and Ian Hill of Fry’s Plumbing in Te Anau. “Kelly qualified as an accountant but didn’t enjoy the work, so he decided on a plumbing apprenticeship,” says MasterLink South Island Manager Roger Herd. “He’s very clever and has picked it up easily.”

Ian, meanwhile, spent 10 years making hot water cylinders before training to be a plumber. “He spent a year looking for work in Christchurch around the time of the earthquakes when not many employers were taking people on,” says Roger. “An opening came up in Te Anau, so Ian and his wife took the gamble and moved there—and they’ve found paradise!”

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August/September 2016

Above left: MasterLink Award winner Kelly Adam (right) with Master Plumbers National Chairman Craig Foley. Above right: Mac McKenzie award winner Ashley Hale (right) with Jeff Burrow.

The man himself…

MasterLink South Island Manager Roger Herd was himself acknowledged at the awards ceremony. He was bestowed with Life Membership of the Otago Master Plumbers Association at the event, in recognition of his long service to the Association and its members.

A Master Plumbers’ member for over 25 years, has served on the Otago executive for most of that time and is a past Otago President and National President. He is also a past winner of the Outstanding Services to Industry Award.

It was Roger’s passion for apprentice training that led him to work with MasterLink from its earliest days, having previously run A&T Burt Ltd in its various guises for 42 years. He started part-time at MasterLink with three apprentices on his books and now has 64 in his full-time role, with support in Canterbury from part-time Regional Coordinator Geoff Hooker. This sees him travelling from Bluff to Blenheim and most places in between for the quarterly appraisals.

Over the years, Roger has trained and mentored well over 100 apprentices. “They educate me all the time with upskilling, mobile phones and computers,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve put through some great guys and it’s still a buzz to see apprentices progress to running a business and having apprentices of their own.”

Mac McKenzie’s legacy Mervyn, alias ‘Mac’ McKenzie was Head Plumbing Tutor in Dunedin from 1952 until his untimely death in 1975. The polytechnic, known then as King Edward Technical College, was having difficulty finding a suitably qualified person to fill this vacant position, so the local Master Plumbers Association organised a roster of its members to temporarily fill the breach. ‘Mac’, a partner in the Dunedin Plumbers business, arrived as a relief tutor and ended up staying for 23 years…

He was respected by all who knew him, not only for the person he was, but also for the calibre of his tuition. It was a great loss to the industry when he died tragically in a hang gliding accident. The plumbers of Otago and Southland contributed to a trust to be established in his memory, known as the Mac McKenzie Trust, which today’s top apprentices still benefit from. Roger Herd is one of its two trustees.

NEXT GENERATION

5 ways to support your apprentice

Stephen Bocock, Industry Manager at The Skills Organisation, shares his tips on helping your plumbing apprentices succeed.

IF YOUR BUSINESS employs apprentices, it’s important that you provide them with the right level of support. Not only will this allow them to learn in the best possible way, it will also boost their productivity and help them produce results for your business. Here are five key tips to keep in mind.

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SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS

Managing your relationship with your apprentice is crucial— so make sure early on that there is a clear understanding of what is expected from both sides. You should recognise their existing knowledge, and work out together what the training will cover.

Remember that different people learn and develop at different rates, so be patient if they are just starting out.

2

MAINTAIN GOOD COMMUNICATION

Effective and consistent communication is essential.

Schedule regular meetings with your apprentice to check on their progress and their current needs. Encourage your apprentice to come to you with any issues they have.

Stephen Bocock.

PROVIDE ONGOING FEEDBACK

Positive feedback and encouragement can boost morale and spur your apprentice to achieve more. Take the time to acknowledge their achievements and successes. If they are a fast learner, challenge them with new tasks to keep them engaged.

BE FLEXIBLE

Your apprentice won’t just be learning at work; off-job requirements are also a key part of the training process.

Be flexible with work hours and training schedules to allow your apprentice to complete their other components, such as block courses and night classes.

5

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR ITO

Remember that the industry training organisation is an important party in the employer-apprentice relationship, and is there to help both you and your apprentice. Your account manager from The Skills Organisation will conduct regular visits to check on your apprentice’s progress. They also provide ongoing support, so if you have any queries, just call! ■

Get ahead of the competition Can your business meet the growing demand for qualified plumbers, gasfitters and drainers in New Zealand?

Take on an apprentice today.

To find out more call 0508 SKILLS (0508 754 557) or visit skills.org.nz/TRADES August/September 2016

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Toyota to the test Mike Wilson of plumbing firm FB Hall gives the new Toyota Hilux ute a run for its money.

It’s been a busy few years in the New Zealand ute market and tradesmen are having to make more decisions when purchasing a new work vehicle. Toyota has had a loyal following over the years when it comes to a 4x4 ute on the building site or farm— and now with the new Hilux line-up, there is a lot to choose from. Toyota has promised big things with this ute and I was excited to give it a drive.

This time around, there are a lot more options in the Hilux range.

They have brought out a high riding 2-wheel drive option, which is going to appeal to those who want the high stance ute look, but don’t really need 4-wheel drive.

I got to test drive a SR5 dual-cab, 2.8L four cylinder turbo diesel auto and a 6-speed manual. The engine is smaller than some of its rivals but still has 130kW, which is more than enough for what I need. The cab was well laid out and had heaps of room for my long legs while still fitting a couple of the apprentices in the back with no complaints.

There is a big screen as a display for your audio and bluetooth features, as well as the reversing camera, which was really great for backing up to the trailer and reversing it as well. This ute is not as wide as some of the competitors, and that is great for navigating around some tight spots on the building site. The style of the ute, especially the new front, will be a bit different for loyal Toyota fans but it grows on you. Seen a few around with bull bars on the front and they look pretty good as well.

this ute is not as wide as some of the competitors, and that is great for navigating around some tight spots on the building site

Above: Tick of approval from the dog.

Above: The dual-cab SR5 turbo diesel auto.

I tested the 6-speed manual first and the gears shifted smoothly without too much trouble from the first time I drove it. There is a handy hill start assist system that makes those hill starts a lot easier, especially when towing, and you can get up the speed limit comfortably without having to work the gears too hard.

Next I tested the 5-speed auto. I have never been a big fan of the auto but this was great to drive. The gears changed easily when you wanted them to and had great speed from a stationary position. It drops the gears nicely when overtaking, and has a lot more control in more trying conditions as well. The only down side for the auto is that the towing capacity drops down a bit compared to the 6-speed manual.

As for outside work time, this ute will cater for all the needs of the family and recreation—wife didn’t mind traveling around in it as it still felt comfortable like a SUV, and the daughter liked all the connectivity with Bluetooth, so she could play the latest songs through the impressive speaker system. Even dog on the back had a smile!

My dad is a retired farmer and has always had Hilux utes, so was keen to give this one a go. As mentioned before, the new style will have to grow on him but he did enjoy the ride and feels as though it is a good step forward for Hilux, especially with a lot of different models to choose from.

As for us plumbers, I do think you will start to see more of these utes on the building sites as people get used to the new style.

You cannot fault a Hilux ute as a work ute in New Zealand.

August/September 2016

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES

New RT and HS series

by Rheem Rheem launches its new RT series of storage tanks, and HS series of commercial solar systems.

The RT series of storage tanks are available in 1000L (pictured here), 2000L, 3000L, 4000L and 5000L capacities. Multiple tanks of the same capacity can be manifolded in parallel to store larger volumes of fluid.

The RT series cylinders can be supplied in either carbon steel for indirect applications (up to 500kPa), or stainless steel for direct applications (up to 850kPa).

A variety of fittings are included which allow multiple configurations to be connected such as boosting by: • Auxiliary heat pump or gas water heaters • Solar or waste heat • Electric three phase elements from 15 to 180kW. The HS series incorporates the carbon steel storage tanks of the RT series to provide solar systems for use in commercial applications. The HS series includes two skids: the system controller and dual solar pump skid, and a separate plate heat exchanger delivery skid. This provides unprecedented temperature control and eliminates legionella bacteria concerns.

Contact Rheem on 0800 657 336.

Star performer Create a style statement with the new ASTRO range from Greens Tapware.

The all new ASTRO range from Greens Tapware is now available in Chrome or the Noir black finish. Designed in New Zealand, the range offers both form and function. It has a timeless elegance that will match any home’s style, giving that perfect finish in the kitchen or bathroom.

The contemporary black look will add a statement of style to any renovation or new home.

ASTRO and ASTRO NOIR ranges are suitable for all NZ water pressures, and include a new gooseneck sink mixer. The shower mixers feature a FloBOOST™ technology option.

Find out more at www.greenstapware.com 74

August/September 2016

Silent bathroom Remove bathroom steam and odours in seconds with the Schweigen BR500 exhaust system.

Schweigen, the makers of New Zealand’s first silent rangehood, deliver a powerful bathroom extraction system. The Schweigen BR500 Silent Bathroom Exhaust System removes steam and smells in seconds. It is perfect for any installation where users need to remove odours or to prevent condensation in bathrooms, toilets, laundries, offices and garages.

Silent: The exterior mounted Schweigen Isodrive fan quietly whisks away fumes and odours in seconds. You won’t even know it’s on.

Powerful extraction: With 650m3/hr of air extraction, this bathroom exhaust removes steam and eliminates condensation from mirrors, glass and windows, providing the most powerful extraction in New Zealand.

Mould prevention: Keeps the bathroom fresh at all times by hygienically removing steam, odours and airborne bacteria to eliminate the build-up of mould, without needing harmful chemicals.

Two-room extraction: Vents in two rooms with just the one exterior motor.

Quick handling Fed up wasting time using a hand screw to manually tighten and loosen a vice? Here’s the answer…

The Quick-Adjusting Workshop Vice (RRP $159.99) by IRWIN uses a fast release level that allows the jaw to be locked and unlocked, without the use of the handle. The free movement provides an ease of worker effort for switching between larger and smaller objects.

Every tradie will be impressed by the time-saving device, especially when it comes to completing tight deadlines. The vice features a fused steel handle that will bend before the tool can be overstressed, an integrated hardened anvil, steel jaws and a built in safety catch to prevent the jaw separating from the body.

It is built for durability, as the vice is cast from close grained grey iron. The tool also has a swivel base with a 120 degree rotation.

For more information about IRWIN vices, please visit www.irwin.com.au

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August/September 2016

75

AND FINALLY

Offcuts The new guy

This issue’s funny stuff, cool stuff and media stuff.

There’s hope for us all

Whispering sweet texts

An elderly couple had just learned how to send text messages on their mobile phones. The wife was a romantic type and the husband was more of a no-nonsense guy.

One afternoon the wife went out to meet a friend for coffee.

She decided to send her husband a romantic text message so she wrote: “If you are sleeping, send me your dreams. If you are laughing, send me your smile. If you are eating, send me a bite.

If you are drinking, send me a sip. If you are crying, send me your tears. I love you.”

The husband texted back to her: “I’m on the toilet. Please advise.”

Beard season set to grow

Here at NZ Plumber, we’ve just heard about Beard Season and we think it’s a great idea. This non-profit charity has started a global movement, turning beards into life-saving conversation starters. It all started when the Australian founders lost one of their best mates to skin cancer at the age of 26. A skin check is a huge part of the puzzle in fighting melanoma, one of the world’s deadliest cancers but also one of the most treatable if detected early. Become a Beard Season Ambassador by signing up at beardseason.com.au and make it your mission to challenge as many people as you can to get a skin check. Take a photo with them doing the ‘beard season point’ and share it on social media with #beard season. OK, so Beard Season is officially winter, but there’s still time to get growing! And, since New Zealand and Australia have the highest melanoma incidence rates in the world, it’s always the right time to get the message out.

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August/September 2016

Rats on the rampage

Record temperatures have triggered “an explosion in the bug population” reports the NZ Herald. Unusually warm winter weather has allowed far more wasps, flies and mosquitoes to survive the colder months, which is keeping pest control companies busier than ever before. They’re not the only ones.

Apparently, rodents are on the increase too, with rats playing havoc with households’ wiring and plumbing. NIWA says the first size months of 2016 have been the warmest start to a year since records began in 1909, reports the paper.

Mammoth find

Mexican drainage workers have found the remains of a 14,000-year-old mammoth just six feet beneath a busy suburban road in the city of Tultepec, reports the Daily Mail Australia. Experts believe the mammoth grew to 16 feet tall and weighed as much as 10 tons. The skull alone measures three foot wide, with ten-foot long tusks. The placement of the bones suggests the mammoth was cut up after it died, most likely by humans, for meat. It is believed to have died at the age of 20-25, and may have become stuck in the mud due to its massive size.

“A strange odour”

A plumber who was called to fix a leaking tap at a secondfloor apartment in a working class Istanbul neighbourhood may have smelled the explosives used by the suicide bombers at the devastating attack on Turkey’s Ataturk Airport, reports America’s CBS News. The bombers are believed to have lived in the apartment in the weeks before the attack. When the plumber asked one of the men what the strange odour was, he was just waved away, he told the news channel. Explosives experts believe it could have been a chemical precursor used in the suicide vests.

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World’s biggest builder arrives

NZ Herald Property Editor Anne Gibson reported in July that the world’s biggest construction company had arrived quietly in New Zealand for work worth $375 million. China Construction New Zealand—part of the giant China State Construction Engineering Corporation—had won the $200 million contract to build the Park Hyatt Hotel in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, she noted.

It also planned to bid for the $175 million St James apartment tower contract for a new building on Queen Street in Auckland’s CBD. Both contracts were with the locally-owned Hawkins Group, she said.

Plumber offers spiritual cleansing

Texan plumber Armando Villalobos is driving a trailer of portable showers round town to help the homeless. This master plumber is also a pastor for the Holy Spirit Ministry and wants to use his talent to give back, reports WLTX 19.

His mobile showers have answered the prayers of people who otherwise have to get under a sprinkler to get clean.

Armando provides the towels and soap himself, and the water is supplied by a 100 gallon tank on the trailer.

Plumbing sorted... but no Pokemon Go!

Meth in the sewage

Sewage tests in Western Australia have revealed this state’s citizens are using about two tonnes of methamphetamine each year, with a street value of $2 billion, reported The New Zealand Herald in August. Raw samples from a number of treatment facilities were analysed at the University of South Australia.

The initial 12-month samples revealed that 31.6kg of meth was consumed in the Perth metropolitan area each week. Similar research in 42 European cities has revealed cocaine use is heaviest in London, Antwerp, Amsterdam and Zurich, according to the paper.

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As this edition went to print, the 2016 Olympics were about to get underway in Rio de Janeiro. Preparations had been marred by budget issues for the city, security concerns, Zika virus fears and complaints about substandard plumbing at the Olympic Village. The Brits had even employed their own plumber to come in each day to deal with leaks and blocked toilets at the village, reported Sport24 in August. All seemed to be falling into place for the accommodation until... athletes discovered Pokemon Go was inaccessible at the village! Since launching in July, this game has caught on like wildfire, reported the NZ Herald in July, with players trying to capture, battle, train and trade virtual Pokemon that appear through the real world. Any Olympics-bound athletes might need to stray further afield during their training runs around Rio if they wish to catch any Pokemon, advised the newspaper.

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The bad, the worse and the ugly.

Leak proof?

Thanks to Marshall Weenink of Gas Engineering Services for sending in this photo. “How good are these composite systems. Not crimped, halfway off and still not leaking at 3kPa.”

Seeing the light

Hamish Reid from Glennies noticed this the other day on a job in downtown Wellington. “Now here’s a bright idea.”

What the???

“Found this beauty in a Christchurch EQC repair,” says Jered Chapman.

Bits and pieces

“One way of getting a water trap in your line,” says Theo from Duyvestyn Drainage in Tokoroa.

Don’t be silly

“Not so much dodgy gasfitting but certainly dodgy homeowners who do silly things after installations,” says Richard Hitchcock, who sent this photo in.

Togetherness Please send the biggest size photos you have.

The bigger the file, the bigger we can show it on the page!

78

August/September 2016

“One of my plumbers spotted this when asked to look at a mate’s vanity that wouldn’t drain,” says Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing. “Owner had done it himself.”

PGDB/MICO CPD ROAD SHOW 2016

DATES & LOCATIONS Venue information available online

SESSION DATE

LOCATION

Tuesday 23 August

Tauranga afternoon session

Wednesday 24 August

Tauranga morning session & afternoon session

Thursday 25 August

Rotorua afternoon session

Tuesday 30 August

Auckland Central afternoon session

Wednesday 31 August

Auckland Central morning session & afternoon session

Thursday 1 September

Auckland Central morning session & afternoon session

Tuesday 6 September

Wellington (Petone) afternoon session

Wednesday 7 September

Wellington (Petone) morning session & afternoon session

Thursday 8 September

Wellington (Masterton) afternoon session*

Monday 12 September

Christchurch afternoon session

Tuesday 13 September

Christchurch morning session & afternoon session

Wednesday 14 September

Oamaru afternoon session*

Thursday 15 September

Timaru afternoon session*

Friday 16 September

Ashburton afternoon session*

SESSIONS MORNING SESSION (including trade show) 7:00am – 8:30am (Car park BBQ or in-house Breakfast + browse trade stands) 8:30am – 11:30am (CPD session)

MORNING SESSION (excluding trade show) 8:30am – 11:30am (CPD session, including morning tea)

AFTERNOON SESSION (including trade show) 1:00pm – 2:30pm (Browse trade stands) 2:30pm – 5:30pm (CPD session, including afternoon tea) 5:30pm – 6:30pm (Happy Hour)

*No Trade Show at this session

The PGDB/Mico CPD Road show is now in full swing, with the turnout surpassing expectations!

For the venues hosting a trade show, it’s a great chance for members to get the latest product information from industry suppliers, as well as the chance to win some great prizes.

AFTERNOON SESSION (excluding trade show) 2:30pm – 5:30pm (CPD session, including afternoon tea) 5:30pm – 6:30pm (Happy Hour)

The feedback on the CPD training has been really positive.

Tradespeople have enjoyed the networking opportunity that the event provides, and the fact that they are meeting their CPD requirements within one sitting. As far as the training topics go, ‘Supervision’ has been the most popular, with some attendees considering the presentation a “real wake-up call” and an “eye-opener”.

With a few more sessions to go until the end of the road show, be sure to register for the event in your region today.

SAVE THE DATE FOR YOUR LOCAL CPD SESSION. REGISTER AT WWW.SKILLS.ORG.NZ/PGDB 0800 101 999 | www.mico.co.nz

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