Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
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Drainlaying





Public Register

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 requires the Board to make public the following information on it's register: full name, postal address, contact phone number, email address, registration number, registration status, current licence or exemption status. Unless otherwise notified, your mobile phone number will be the default contact telephone number for the purposes of the register. In the event you object to any of the above information appearing on the public register, please email the Registrar on registrar@pgdb.co.nz with specific details outlining the reasons for removal of the information.



 
Drainlaying > Licensing

Relicensing information for the 2010-2011 Licence Year


It's easier than ever to renew your licence online right now, all you need is your authorisation number and password. If you need a password we'll email you one.

There's an online relicensing guide that will take you through the steps necessary to activate your 2010 licence. If you need help with online relicensing, or require a form to be sent to you, contact the Board's office on 04 495 2920 or email licensing@pgdb.co.nz.




New legislation means some changes to the way plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers can operate.


The new Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act came into force on 1 April 2010. This means:
  • improved public health and safety by reducing the risk of unsafe work being carried out
  • more opportunities for qualified, competent tradesmen
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 requires the Board to make public the following information on it's register: full name, postal address, contact phone number, email address, registration number, registration status, current licence or exemption status. Unless otherwise notified, your mobile phone number will be the default contact telephone number for the purposes of the register. In the event you object to any of the above information appearing on the public register, please email the Registrar on registrar@pgdb.co.nz with specific details outlining the reasons for removal of the information.



What is changing from 1 April 2010?


Name changes for plumbers under the new Act
  • 'Registered drainlayer' to 'licensed drainlayer*'
  • 'Limited certificate drainlayer' to 'exemption under supervision - drainlayer'
  • 'Limited certificate apprentice drainlayer' to 'limited certificate trainee - drainlayer'
* Existing registered drainlayers at 1 April 2010 are able to apply for transition to Certifying Drainlayer – they must satisfy the Board that they have sufficient experience and proficiency in drainlaying work.



Limited Certificates


For workers not in formal training, limited certificates are replaced with a new exemption type called ‘exemption for drainlaying under supervision’.

For the first two years, exempt workers must work ‘in the presence of’ the certifying drainlayer who supervises them, or a licensed drainlayer who is supervised by the same certifying drainlayer. Following this the certifying drainlayer must continue to supervise people working under this exemption type, and must test and verify their work.

Time served under a ‘limited certificate’ prior to the introduction of the new ‘exemption under supervision’ counts towards the two year requirement.

The certifying drainlayer is responsible for notifying the Board and paying the required fee (which is the same as for the previous limited certificate) for all exempt workers they supervise.



Limited Certificate Trainees (apprentices)


Limited certificates for those in formal training remain largely unchanged. However, for the first year these trainees are required to work 'in the presence of' the certifying drainlayer who supervises them, or a licensed drainlayer who is supervised by the same certifying drainlayer. Following this the certifying drainlayer must continue to supervise these trainees.



Licensed Drainlayer


These people are qualified and licensed but must be supervised by a certifying person who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the work is done competently.



Certifying Drainlayer Supervision Responsibilities


Certifying drainlayer are the only people who can supervise licensed drainlayer, limited certificate holders and exempt workers. The certifying drainlayer must have sufficient control and direction of all work to ensure:
  • the work is performed competently
  • appropriate safety measures are adopted while the work is being done
  • the completed work complies with the Building Code
Where testing is necessary to ensure the work meets the requirements of the Building Code, the certifying drainlayer is responsible for the testing and verification of work done by people under their supervision. Typical tests required are described in G13 and AS/NZS 3500.

A certifying drainlayer must notify the Board if they do not intend to continue to supervise someone they have previously supervised. They continue to be responsible for the supervised person's work until this notification is received. To make any supervision changes email licensing@pgdb.co.nz.



Requirement to Carry a Licence Card


Consumers will be encouraged to ask to see a licence card before they engage someone to do drainlaying work. All certifying and licensed drainlayers, as well as limited certificate holders and exempt workers, must carry their card and produce it on demand. This is to reassure consumers that their work is being carried out by a professional.



Always carry your card
Drainlaying