More checks in place the better.....but there are less today than there ever have been...




https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/114365242/christchurch-explosion-northwood-one-of-first-suburbs-with-piped-gas

hi guys, the first thing to do when you are going to work on an existing gas system is to get your manometer hooked up turn the gas off and test for existing leaks, a must do.  So when you have seen that the system is sound you continue with whatever you have to do then when finished you test again and if is all well you can do no more except give cert to say that system is `safe to use`. 
 So as far as i can see if the gasfitter involved did this then it has to be another problem, if he did not he is up the creek and the heavens will fall on him like a ton of bricks, was he licenced/authorized ? if he wasn't he should not have been there, i feel so sorry for this guy if it was another fault because 99% of the evidence has been destroyed. If i was him i would not admit anything, cheers   

CE Update : Christchurch gas explosion
MARTIN SAWYERS — AUG 23, 2019

The Christchurch gas explosion has created a lot of interest in gas amongst consumers. In the past few weeks, we have seen a surge in complaints about gas related issues and practitioners have reported an increase in consumers wanting their gas tested.

In terms of the Christchurch explosion, there is not much that I can say at this time as it is subject to investigation by a number of regulators, including the Board.

However, like all investigations, the process for the Board is the same:

Firstly, to establish what caused the explosion and,
secondly, to determine if an individual is responsible in any way.
The Board will share any information with the industry once it is able to and any learnings for practitioners, in general, are likely to be the subject of future CPD.

I have heard some ill-informed commentators suggest that the current form of CPD is somehow responsible for the explosion.

From the limited information I have about what occurred I can confidently say that nothing could be further from the truth.

The reinvigorated CPD scheme

The current form of CPD replaced a system that saw many practitioners struggle to fulfill their points requirements with meaningful courses.  Sadly, that framework saw some of the providers delivering courses that were of little educational value.

The new scheme was introduced in response to a consultation.  The industry's dissatisfaction expressed with the former approach brought about the new scheme.

We now have half-day training sessions where the topics are chosen by the industry and developed in collaboration with the industry.  It is also a  system that allows us to deliver core information including material on common issues to all practitioners.

As the Board has previously made clear, all practitioners should still undertake further training as necessary to ensure competence in the areas you specialise in is maintained.

The Board has faith that practitioners take their jobs and responsibilities seriously and do undertake further training as necessary.

For instance, you will have noticed Master Plumbers have recently offered gas appliance servicing courses throughout New Zealand. Interest in those courses has been good and those courses have sold out.

The relatively few complaints that the Board receives, the nature of those complaints, and the success of courses such as the one of Mater Plumbers, all indicate that the system is working well.


More Myth-busting

When visiting the many CPD events nationwide, and during the course of site visits, we often hear practitioners describe how they think the Board systems, processes and compliance requirements work. Most of the time, those theories are accurate, but sometimes they are not.

Do take a look at the link below where some recent incorrect theories have been detailed and ensure you have a good understanding of what is a myth and what is accurate.

See the common misconceptions here

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Peter Jackson, Chairperson — Peter Jackson is registered as a Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer. He is the Director of H2O Design Ltd. Peter's Board appointments include Chair of Site Safe New Zealand, a Trustee of the Apprenticeship Training Trust, a Trustee of SIT, Director of Southern Lakes English College and Member of the Construction Strategy Group. He is also the NZ Executive Member of the World Plumbing Council assigned with the research and development portfolio, and a Charter Member of the Institute of Directors. Peter served an earlier term on the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board during 1992-2000. He was appointed in September 2010 and is from Queenstown. by comms@pgdb.co.nz
A word from the Chair
PETER JACKSON — AUG 23, 2019

Welcome to my final Chairman message. My term as Chairman ends mid-September. As I make my exit, in a reflection of my last nine years on the Board, I would have to say my various roles has been nothing short of fulfilling.

When I accepted the role of Chairman, myself, fellow members and the Chief Executive set out to re-establish the Board as an innovative regulatory body.

We set out to intensify our efforts in working collaboratively with the industry and gaining the support of those we regulate in the attempt to drive our industry forward.

There was an ambitious amount of work incorporated, but with the current environment facing rapid change and the challenges to finding the solutions to address housing shortages, we had to move fast.

While there are no quick-fix solutions, we have implemented many new initiatives through effective collaboration with the industry. We have made a strong start to tackling the challenges and ensuring the good reputation of the trades.


Some of the main achievements have been:

Good growth experienced in authorisations issued across all licence classes. Particularly pleasing has been the strong growth in trainee Limited Certificates issued.

Reinvigorated continuing professional development (CPD). The new scheme has brought popular half-day training sessions where the topics are chosen by the industry and developed in collaboration with the industry.

Throughout the years, there have been many highlights – this being one of the biggest. Being a trade representative member on the Board, it was great to see this initiative introduced in response to a consultation, where the industry had expressed dissatisfaction with the former approach to this requirement.

The successful implementation of electronic exams, the oral competency exams, and the new literacy programme are all draw-cards I see that have significantly expanded opportunities for those progressing through the licence tiers, and for those looking to join the trades.

Unauthorised work creates significant health and insurance risks for consumers. An advanced effort toward public perception and consumer awareness has been another focal point of the Board that has driven success.

The establishment of the report-a-cowboy app (R.A.C), has played a prominent part. The support and commitment experienced from practitioners, stakeholder organisations, councils, and the electrical and building regulators far exceeded our expectation.

The Board’s public awareness campaign Sort the Pros from the Cons has been another well-supported initiative by stakeholders and practitioners. It has not only made it easier for the industry to raise awareness with consumers around restricted work, but also provided better brand awareness in terms of the value of the trades.

Being part of one of the first quick-adapting organisations in our industry to begin the journey to increasing communication channels and service delivery through AI chatbot technology has been interesting.

The Board’s upcoming website re-development will be the first initiative to unfold from the implementation of this technology.

During my tenure, I have been particularly proud of the Board’s expansion of new initiatives within its investigations and complaints processes, the delivery of fresh ideas, and the way that the innovative solutions as mentioned have been incorporated into our regulatory system.

The industry greatly benefits from this type of approach to governance that is geared toward the advancement of our trades.

That said, the people who really make the Board work are the Chief Executive and his secretariat.

In my time, I have seen this group of professionals committed to the service of the industry, in what can be trying circumstances. I am exceedingly grateful for the level of dedication, drive and support that each of these employees provides and the skill sets they bring to the table.

Without them, none of the initiatives or the success experienced by the Board would be possible. Thank you for this partnership and that great team spirit you share when I walk in the door.

As I leave, I also wish to acknowledge my fellow Board members for their support, and above all else, I have enjoyed the time spent meeting with practitioners to develop opportunity through a collaborate approach in the effort to drive our industry forward.

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 by comms@pgdb.co.nz
Check you've got it right
COMMS@PGDB.CO.NZ — AUG 23, 2019

See the most common myths we've come across recently during licence checks and CPD events.

When visiting the many CPD events nationwide, and during the course of site visits,  practitioners often describe how they think the Board systems, processes and compliance requirements work. Most of the time, those theories are accurate, but sometimes they are not.

Do take a look at the myths below to ensure your understanding is right.


[ MYTH ]  I can work under my bosses’ ticket without having my own licence

No, legally you must have your own licence to do sanitary plumbing/gasfitting/drainlaying work.
Anything else is illegal and you can be prosecuted/disciplined and face criminal charges and significant fines if found guilty.
Get your licence sorted here - or alternatively give the licensing team a call on 0800 743 262.
[ MYTH ] I have passed my exam - registration is automatic

No, registration is never automatic.
To enter and be approved for a new registration class you must make a one-time formal application.
Application forms are available here
[ MYTH ]     I have old qualifications - I’m automatically classed as Journeyman

No, you need to apply to enter this new registration class.
Application forms are available here
[ MYTH ]     I have sent in a Ministry of Justice Criminal Record and/or overseas Police Certificates so I don't have to send them in when I move up to the next registration class

Each time you apply to enter a new registration class, you do need to submit a current NZ Ministry of Justice Criminal Record and /or overseas Police Certificates.
Under the Act, the Board must be satisfied that people are fit and proper every time they apply to enter a new registration class.
[ MYTH ]     I have been in the trade for years so I definitely have the 24 months required for Certifying registration

Not necessarily.
If you’ve renewed late in the year, or have not kept the Board updated when you changed supervisors, then this can impact your 24 months.
Before you start a Certifying registration application, call the registration team on 0800 743 262 and check whether you have the 24 months required.
[ MYTH ]     I can have multiple supervisors in one trade

No – you have one supervising Certifier who is responsible for your work.
For some jobs, your supervising Certifier may nominate another currently licensed Certifier or Tradesman in the same trade to provide physical supervision of you (called a ‘Nominated Person’), but at the end of the day, they are responsible for any work you carry out.
[ MYTH ]     I’ve had other licences in the same trade, many years experience, and now I’m working under an Exemption Under Supervision. The direct presence requirement for supervision doesn’t apply to me

It does, and it applies to everyone who gets the Exemption for the first time.
Direct presence for the very first 24 months is a requirement of the Exemption itself, rather than the Exempt person.
You and your supervising Certifier must ensure you work to the conditions required.