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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SPRING 2016
SETTING THE STANDARD
A
n initiative of Plumbing Connection Magazine, in
conjunction with Plumbing Products Industry Group
(PPIG), the 2016 Plumbing Supply Forum attracted
over 150 delegates across all areas of the industry. It’s no
secret that the plumbing industry regulatory heads have
copped resistance by suppliers, merchants, consultants and
plumbers themselves. Frustration is prolific, and not just
a feeling reserved for those who must abide by the rules.
Governing bodies, decision makers and enforces are often
tainted with the one brush, while all playing very different
roles. But with so many bodies around the country, it’s hard
to keep up with who is in charge.
That’s exactly what this Plumbing Supply Forum aimed
to do; allow those in charge, in a legal sense, to clarify roles
and responsibilities and explain the process involved when
it comes to making decisions that affect the industry as a
whole. By doing so, those in attendance garnered a greater
understanding of how decisions are made and who to
contact when questions or issues arose in the future.
Over the course of the day, delegates were engaged
by topics that not only affected their businesses but the
industry as a whole. Speakers were carefully selected based
on their knowledge and expertise and from the feedback
received they were all well-received.
Chief executive officer, Standards Australia Dr Bronwyn
Evans started proceedings by explaining the role of Standards
Australia and defining what it does and does not do.
“Standards Australia facilitates the development of
internationally harmonised Standards and other solutions
that make a positive contribution to Australia. We do not
make laws or regulations, nor do we test or certify products
or systems,” Bronwyn said.
To provide a more detailed explanation of Standards
Australia and its role in the plumbing sector, national sector
manager Daniel Chidgey was called upon.
General manager Australian Building Codes Board Neil
Savery delivered some interesting statistics regarding
the National Construction Code and its uptake since
becoming free and available to download online. Of the
86,081 registered users, only 2000 or so downloads had
been recorded from plumbers and hydraulic consultants.
That’s quite a stark contrast to the 14,000 plus that had
been downloaded by residential builders alone. With that in
mind, Neil stressed the importance of spreading the word
and increasing the awareness regarding the NCC and its
availability.
The morning session was rounded out by Dr Peter
Hughes and Richard McLoughlin who detailed the revised
WELS standard as well as outlining the 2015 compliance
operations focused on online supply (eBay) and their
continued work anticipated in the field.
“The largest and most complex online market is eBay.
Since late 2015 WELS compliance has been working with
eBay to improve the compliance rate of eBay listings. The
initial inspection uncovered approximately 900 eBay sellers
THE RECENT PLUMBING SUPPLY FORUM PROVIDED A SUCCESSFUL PLATFORM FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS TO COME
TOGETHER AND DISCUSS THE LATEST ISSUES AFFECTING OUR INDUSTRY.
FORUM WRAP-UP
IMAGE 1:
Stuart Henry addresses the delegates.
IMAGE 2:
Dr
Bronwyn Evans, CEO of Standards Australia.
IMAGE 3:
Neil
Savery, general manager Australian Building Codes Board.
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