The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) has called on government leaders and health professionals to acknowledge that licensed plumbing and drainage contractors provide an essential service in the fight against COVID-19.

MPAQ executive director Penny Cornah is adamant that licensed plumbing and drainage contractors provide an essential service that some people take for granted.

“Plumbers protect the health and safety of the community, providing clean drinking water and the removal of sewage and other wastewater. Without plumbers, we would always live with the risk of widespread water-borne diseases,” Penny says.

“Plumbers are licensed and trained professionals and Queensland would have a permanent and potentially catastrophic public health problem without them.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygienic conditions is essential to protecting human health during all infectious disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ensuring good and consistently applied water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and waste management practices in communities, homes, schools, marketplaces and health care facilities will further help to prevent human-to-human transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Penny adds that the work of plumbers goes beyond the provision of plumbing systems; they must manage the risks associated with plumbing installations and ensure that they don’t have to put their own health at risk when they protect the public.

“Due to current shortages, and to continue providing their vital services, the government must take steps to ensure that plumbers have access to all the protective personal equipment (PPE) they need including facemasks, goggles, protective suits and gloves.”

“Policy makers must get the message out that the current emphasis on enhanced personal hygiene means professional plumbers are more essential than ever.”

Licensed plumbers that have the support of their industry association can be found by visiting www.mpaq.com.au/find-a-plumber.