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 changed from 1 April 2010?
Name changes for plumbers under the new Act
- 'Craftsman plumber' to 'certifying plumber'
- 'Registered plumber' to 'licensed plumber'
- 'Limited certificate plumber' to 'exemption under supervision - plumber'
- 'Limited certificate apprentice plumber' to 'limited certificate trainee - plumber'
Limited Certificates
For workers not in formal training, limited certificates are replaced with a new exemption type called ‘exemption for plumbing under supervision’.
For the first two years, exempt workers must work:
- ‘in the presence of’ the certifying plumber who supervises them,
- or a licensed plumber who is supervised by the same certifying plumber.
Following this the certifying plumber 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 plumber is responsible for notifying the Board and paying the required fee for all exempt workers they supervise (which is the same as for the previous limited certificate).
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 plumber who supervises them,
- or a licensed plumber who is supervised by the same certifying plumber.
Following this the certifying plumber must continue to supervise these trainees.
Licensed Plumber
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 Plumber Supervision Responsibilities
Certifying plumbers are the only people who can supervise licensed plumbers, limited certificate holders and exempt workers. The certifying plumber 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 plumber is responsible for the testing and verification of work done by people under their supervision. Typical tests required are described in G12 and AS/NZS 3500.
A certifying plumber 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 plumbing work. All certifying and licensed plumbers, as well as limited certiicate 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 |
