Relicensing information for the 2011-2012 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 2011 licence. If you need help with online relicensing, or require a form to be sent to you, contact the Board's office on 0800 743 262 or email licensing@pgdb.co.nz.

• Download the online relicensing guide
  
  

   
• Instructions to download online GST receipts
  

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.

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Exemption under supervision

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

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

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

Exempt workers must not work on any appliance connected to a gas supply and their work must be tested and certified by a certifying gasfitter before being connected to the gas supply.

The certifying gasfitter 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.

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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 gasfitter who supervises them, or a licensed gasfitter who is supervised by the same gasfitter. Following this the certifying gasfitter must continue to supervise these trainees.

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Licensed gasfitter

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.

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Certifying gasfitter supervision responsibilities

Certifying gasfitters are the only people who can supervise licensed gasfitters, limited certificate holders and exempt workers. The certifying gasfitter 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 regulations under the Gas Act 1992

When a gas certificate is required, the certifying gasfitter supervising the work is responsible for issuing the gas certificate once they are satisfied the work meets the above requirements.

When testing is necessary to ensure the work meets the requirements of the gas regulations, the certifying gasfitter is responsible for the testing and certification of work done by people under their supervision.

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Requirement to carry your authorisation card

Consumers are being encouraged to ask to see an authorisation card before they hire a gasfitter. All certifying and licensed gasfitters, 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.

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