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PLUMBING CONNECTION
WINTER 2016
SLOW& STEADY WINS THE RACE
I
still remember publisher Jeff Patchell explaining the
concept of vacuum toilet technology to me for the
first time. It was three years ago and I was working
on my second edition of this magazine. How time flies,
as they say.
Perhaps not so much for the four manufacturers
working towards achieving Australia and New Zealand’s
first standard for vacuum drainage technology though.
It’s been a long journey from concept to completion
– five years in fact – and countless hours, money and
knowledge has gone into the development of the new
Standards Australia Technical Standard SA TS 100:2015
Vacuum WC pans and interface valves intended for use
with vacuum drainage systems and designs.
With that being said, it’s important to understand
that standards don’t just happen by chance. A lot of time
and effort goes into their development and it can be an
exhaustive process for all involved. In this particular
instance, Avac, HI Fraser, Vacuum Toilets Australia and
WC Innovations have invested an enormous amount of
time and money to make it a reality.
Now that the Deemed-to-Satisfy solutions under the
PCA has been published for public comment, the market
for vacuum toilets is set to expand beyond the confines
of planes, boats and correctional facilities, where
vacuum toilets have been installed since the 1960s.
Suppliers expect there to be a higher degree of
commercial take up as specifiers acknowledge the
benefits that vacuum technology presents and now that
they can achieve a WaterMark.
The collaborative effort of all four suppliers, in
conjunction with PPI Group and Standards Australia has
really opened the doors to vacuum toilets, and if the
adoption of the technology in Europe and other places
is anything to go by, installation numbers should rise
considerably.
While the process began in 2011, managing director
RBA Group and chair of committee Marc Buman is
confident that the hard work will certainly pay off.
With the expected increase in popularity on the cards,
it will pay to familiarise yourself with the technology
and understand where its benefits can come into play,
particularly in building situations where installing
traditional toilets is costly or impractical.
Keep an eye out for training courses provided by
suppliers and training organisations in the near future.
EDITORIAL
FIRING UP THE GAS INDUSTRY
Traversing the gas industry seems akin to tip toeing
your way around a minefield, such is the way it is set up
and regulated by various bodies around the country.
We’ve decided to take on some extra homework and
clarify who regulates what in each state, starting with
Victoria. Michael Weber from Energy Safe Victoria explains
the difference between ESV and the Victorian Building
Authority when it comes to gas regulation and who is
responsible for the various areas that fall under the
gasfitting umbrella.
Michael reveals that in the future gasfitting may come
under the wing of the National Construction Code (NCC).
This move would support a nationally consistent approach
to construction regulation.
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is currently
seeking industry comment regarding whether the
technical requirements for on-site gasfitting should be
regulated through the National Construction Code (NCC).
Until then, we endeavour to make your journey across
the industry that little bit smoother.
Justin Felix
Enjoy the read
Vacuum toilets are set to go mainstream.