Check that plumbers are qualified and registered
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc says as people in Christchurch start thinking about rebuilding it is important they safeguard themselves by checking that a plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer is registered.
Summarised from a Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ media release 30 June 2011.
Master Plumbers Membership and Marketing Manager Kelvin Trumper says it is important to focus on how crucial plumbing is to New Zealanders' health and safety. 'It is all too easy for viruses, bacteria, and parasites to be spread through inadequate plumbing work, and there are also safety risks with hot water,' says Trumper. Gas can cause fire or explosions if care is not taken, and there is also a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty installations.'
The industry is regulated to protect public health and safety. This means in practice that certain work can only be legally undertaken by tradespeople registered and authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
All plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers authorised by the Board carry an authorisation card Trumper urges people to ask to see the card, and check that their licence covers the work they are doing. In addition to Board registration, tradespeople who belong to Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc are committed to excellence. 'Our members offer a guarantee, abide by our Code of Conduct and Code of Practice, and keep up to date through ongoing upskilling,' says Trumper. 'If you hire a Master Plumber, you can trust their expertise and experience, and rely on their guarantee.'
Master Plumbers is working with members in Christchurch to provide enough qualified, registered tradespeople for the work ahead. People can check whether a plumber is authorised on the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board website www.pgdb.co.nz(external link) and can find a Master Plumber on www.masterplumbers.org.nz(external link).