Plumbing Connection 2-2015

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PLUMBING CO 5
In the past, the ’backflow tester course’ covered aspects
of hazard levels, risk awareness, Standards, testing,
maintenance, repair, troubleshooting as well as touching
on auditing and surveying a premise for risk of backflow.
That is until the bureaucrats became involved and reduced
the hours available to train the person which has resulted
in the emphasis being on the testing of the device for
operational effectiveness and not much else. This leaves,
troubleshooting, device repair, understanding of hazard
ratings etc. all untouched resulting in an accredited person
devoid of the knowledge needed to do the complete job.
A backflow preventer is designed to protect the water
supply from a cross connection that has the potential to
cause serious injury or death to the consumers of the water.
Why have we allowed such an important aspect of the
plumbing industry to be come at risk?
I am sure that you have seen over the years comments of
the order that plumbers save more lives than doctors but if
as an industry we continue to resist continuing professional
development and further education, we are just paying
lip service to the thought and obviously don’t believe it as
important.
That is why; we at the Backflow Prevention Association
of Australia provide conferences, technical workshops and
seminars in an effort to keep the plumber’s skills fresh.
As well we are currently developing a CPD curriculum that
specifically covers backflow prevention and the aspects
related to it.
We see the backflow plumber as a professional,
responsible for maintaining the integrity and public safety
just as a specialist doctor who needs ongoing training to
maintain their license. This is no different.
And as the great Peanuts cartoonist said, “Try not to have
a good time...this is supposed to be educational.”
Peter McLennan has been involved with Backflow
Prevention in Australia since the late 1980s. He is the
President of the Backflow Prevention Association of Australia
Inc., and Secretary of the Backflow Prevention Association
of Australia Inc. Queensland Chapter. Visit .
au to find out more about how the Backflow Prevention
Association of Australia Inc. can help you understand Cross
Connection Control and Backflow Prevention.
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UP FRONT PLUMBING
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