Stronger regulations to improve WA plumbing standards

The Western Australian government has made moves to improve plumbing standards across the state, focusing on safe, high-quality plumbing systems according to the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association WA (MPGAWA).

The WA Government has amended the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000 to align with the latest Plumbing Code of Australia.

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This will result in the expanded regulation of plumbing work to reduce risks to public health, safety and the environment – covering installations, plumbing products and a new requirement for temperature control devices in water heaters from 1 May 2024.

Additionally, there will be consistent protections across WA, including regulation of plumbing work on unmetered water supplies in regional and remote areas. There will also be additional plumbing inspectors for greater monitoring and compliance.

MPGAWA chief executive Murray Thomas, says that the suite of plumbing reforms is welcomed by licensed plumbers and would help drive higher standards across the entire building and construction industry.

“These reforms are in line with the measures The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA has sought to ensure that plumbing systems are installed and maintained to appropriate public health standards right across the state,” Murray says.

“Our Association is dedicated to highlighting and seeking solutions to health and safety risks posed to Western Australians by substandard plumbing services in all parts of the state.

Murray adds that the Association strongly urges the WA government to maintain its focus on implementing recommendations outlined in the national Building Confidence report, especially compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) training.

“Compulsory CPD training for the sector will lift standards broadly and enable specific cross-skilling to leverage new hi-tech opportunities, for the benefit of the entire community,” he says.

Photo courtesy of charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

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