News

The Building Australia's Future conference will be held in Brisbane from 15 to 18 September this year.

Proudly supported by the Australian Building Codes Board, together with Master Plumbers Australia and the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, conference organisers have assembled leading industry practitioners and professional speakers to present an extensive program featuring both building and plumbing plenary streams. Find out more

Our industry briefing events continue in May with Master Plumbers visiting Bairnsdale and Sunshine!

Have a chat to Master Plumbers staff, meet with fellow plumbers and find out more about contracts, safety and licensing.

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Saniflo introduces Saniaccess 3
Installing an extra toilet or bathroom in sheds, man caves, attics or just in an area far away from the sewer line has always been easy thanks to Saniflo Macerator pumps.

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EPA Victoria is hosting a series of Wastewater Code of Practice forums to provide an overview and clarification of key changes in the revised EPA Code of Practice.

Events will be held in Melbourne, Traralgon, Bendigo and Ararat. Find out more

You’ve heard the talk, now come and see what the fuss is about at the Masters Hawthorn East Trade Open Day.

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Master Plumbers will be visiting Warrnambool on Wednesday 17 April for another of our industry briefing events.

Have a chat to Master Plumbers staff, meet with fellow plumbers and find out more about contracts, safety and licensing.

Food and drink is provided and your staff are more than welcome to attend.

Event details

The Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPSISC) and the International Specialised Skills (ISS) Institute Inc are offering an international Fellowship in the amount of $12,500.

The aim of this Fellowship is to promote the acquisition of higher-level skills and an appreciation of international best practice in the Australian building, construction and property services industries.

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Hot Water Professionals are experienced leaders in the hot water industry. Hot Water is what they know! Hot Water Professionals have been operating in Melbourne since 2000, and are highly regarded as specialists in their field.

They supply customers with new gas, solar and electric hot water systems, as well as servicing and repairing existing systems. They also carry out some general maintenance plumbing.

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Plumbing practitioners were recognised for their commitment to training at the annual Plumbing Industry Training Awards held on Thursday 14 March 2013.

The awards recognise individuals and companies in the Victorian plumbing industry for their commitment to ongoing training.

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The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia is a registered national employer organisation and operates a Group Training Scheme in Victoria and South East Queensland.  The Group Training Scheme employs apprentices and places them with businesses in the plumbing trade to develop the next generation of skilled professionals.

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That time of the year is nearing whereby many plumbers will need to renew their plumbing licence.     

As you prepare to renew your license, perhaps it’s also time to reconsider your insurance requirements.

Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (MPIB) can help you arrange insurance that best suits your particular business at the most affordable price. With over 10 years experience arranging insurance for the plumbing industry, we have a thorough understanding of the work you do and the risks you face.

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Yarra Valley Water is introducing a new easyACCESS system. In preparation, there will be changes to metering arrangements, allocation of PIC numbers and the payment of application fees, plumbing products and New Customer Contributions from April 2013.

Find out more on the Yarra Valley Water website or download the fact sheet

Assist tomorrow's plumbers and gas fitters today

New e-mentoring pilot program, just one hour a week.

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Just drop into your local Tradelink Plumbing Centre before 31st May, 2013 and purchase an Apricus ‘Solar Ready Tank’, ‘Retro-Fit Kit’or ‘Solar Hot Water System’, for your chance to win one of six tickets to STATE OF ORIGIN Game II at Suncorp Stadium in June, 2013. 

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The March issue of Australian Plumbing Industry magazine is out now!

This issue is dedicated to all things safety, with features on men's health and the top hazards in plumbing. It's also packed full of Association and industry news, plus all our regular features including workplace relations and product news.

View the March issue online

The Victorian State Government plans to cut regulatory red tape by 25 per cent by the end of the year by allowing less scrutiny from WorkSafe inspectors for employers with a good OHS record. Reducing the costs imposed by "high-impact or high-volume" compliance and administrative activities are outlined in new guidelines.

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The MightyLift is a powerful lightweight lifting device that is designed to be versatile, portable, strong and most of all safe. The beauty of the MightyLift is that it is designed to lift plant and equipment in a safe and responsible manner. The MightyLift is an approved health and safety product which won 1st prize in the 2008 work safe awards.

Read more...

The Building Australia's Future conference will be held in Brisbane from 15 to 18 September this year.

Proudly supported by the Australian Building Codes Board, together with Master Plumbers Australia and the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, conference organisers have assembled leading industry practitioners and professional speakers to present an extensive program featuring both building and plumbing plenary streams. Find out more

 

Do you have a son, daughter or friend who wants to get into plumbing? A Plumbing Preapprenticeship is the first step in a successful plumbing career. 

Master Plumbers' next Plumbing Preapprenticeship course is due to commence at PICAC in Brunswick in April 2013.

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Masters is celebrating all things trade this February with the launch of Masters first-ever Trade Month – spotlighting extra discounts and offers for trade customers and the re-launch of the popular Masters Trade Account.

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On 25 January 2013, Standards Australia Limited (Standards Australia) and the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) formally entered into an agreement for the transfer of the administration of the WaterMark Certification Scheme from Standards Australia to the ABCB.

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Group Training Australia (GTA) last week welcomed the announcement of Minister Chris Bowen as the new Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research.

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National Licensing, contracts and safety are all key issues that affect your business.

Join us in February for a series of enlightening and enjoyable discussions and meet with other members and industry stakeholders.

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Standards Australia has published a new edition of AS 1851-2012, Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment.

The revision of AS 1851 is a result of extensive consultation and input from industry participants, regulators, government, fire and emergency services, and technical committee members who all provided significant assistance by engaging the necessary stakeholders throughout the revision process.

Read the full story

 

AIRAH has released a draft discussion paper for public comment.

The discussion paper relates to the 'Transition to low emission HVAC&R issues and solutions'.

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About 28,000 Victorians lodged an injury claim in 2012 - the lowest on record. However, there were  12 fatalities recorded in Melbourne and six in regional Victoria.

Four of these involved men falling from roofs or through ceilings.

Members are reminded that precautions must be taken when working on roofs and at heights.

Read the full story

 

Safety blitz heads west

WorkSafe inspectors will be targeting housing construction sites in the western part of the state in February as part of Operation SafeSite.

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Due to high demand, Master Plumbers is now offering a special block delivery of Type B gas appliance servicing course during April-May.

Find out how to install, test adjust commission and services Type B gas appliances.

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Get paid for creating VEECs

The Victorian Government has created a scheme called the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target or VEET scheme.

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Thousands of people across the state have been displaced as a result of a number of devastating bushfires, with many losing their homes and properties.

Police say that more than 250 homes or other buildings have been destroyed in the fires, including a school in the small town of Dunalley.

Read more...

Do you have a son, daughter or friend who wants to get into plumbing? A Plumbing Preapprenticeship is the first step in a successful plumbing career. 

Master Plumbers' next Plumbing Preapprenticeship course is due to commence at PICAC in Brunswick in March 2013.

Read more...

The January-June PICAC Training Schedule is out now.

Check out the latest courses on offer and start the new year with some training while you are still fresh and energetic.

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The Australian government recently announced a new Apprentice Kickstart Bonus scheme for eligible employers. 

A bonus of up to $3,350 is available for each new apprentice employed before 28 February 2013 who remains with your business for more than 12 months.

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Gerimex Design Pty Ltd was established in 2012 as an Australian and Malaysian company based in Sydney, Australia.

Gerimex understands the importance of access to clean, fresh water and creates innovative, forward-thinking water protection products and water saving devices.

To see a full range of products and find out more, visit the Gerimex Design website

 

 

Did you know that you may be eligible for a $5000 tax deduction when you purchase a new motor vehicle for your business?

Small businesses can claim up to $5,000 as an immediate deduction for motor vehicles, with effect for vehicles acquired from the 2012-13 income year.

The remainder of the motor vehicle value is pooled in the general small business pool (depreciated at 15% in the first year and then 30%).

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At recent General Meeting of the World Plumbing Council in Brisbane, delegates voted to support the proposed bylaw amendments that has now seen the introduction of a new category of 'Individual Members' to the World Plumbing Council.

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“November and December are the deadliest times of the year for workplace fatalities, so don’t drop your guard before Christmas.”

That’s the message to every Victorian employer and worker from WorkSafe, which is striving for a fatality-free countdown to the end of the year.

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Planning Minister Matthew Guy today announced he would reform the oversight of building industry regulation to meet the 21st century needs of consumers and industry participants.

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The Australian Water Association is holding a workshop to discuss the value of rainwater tanks in urban environments.

When: Tuesday 27 November 2012, 5.30pm
Where: Places Victoria, Collins St, Docklands

Full details and registration

 

The latest updates regarding work health and safety harmonisation, workers compensation and WorkHealth checks...

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End of year workplace parties are regarded as an extension of the workplace.

As an employer, you are required to take reasonable steps to ensure duty of care to OHS and EEO.

Consider the following when planning your Christmas event:

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Master Plumbers, in conjunction with the University of Ballarat, is delivering a plumbing preapprenticeship course at PICAC. The preapprenticeship gives young people the opportunity to learn basic practical plumbing skills and develop an understanding of the plumbing industry before they look for a plumbing apprenticeship.

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Join us in Warragul for our next Industry Networking Evening!

The evening will include presentations on a number of key issues including National Licensing, commercial contract law and workplace health and safety.

When: Wednesday 31 October, 5.45pm for a 6pm start
Where: West Gippsland Arts Centre, Cnr Albert & Smith St, Warragul

View the event flyer for details and to RSVP 

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The Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council is encouraging industry stakeholders to help recognize the key industry skills and training needs and to inform the development of the 2013-14 Environmental Scan (E-Scan).

You can provide input into the 2013 E-Scan by completing the quick (five minute) online Stakeholder Survey

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Don't risk missing WorkSafe Week in 2012! It's the easiest and most effective way to find solutions and get the latest on health and safety, return to work and health and wellbeing.

With over 100 free seminars and events across the state, it's your chance to learn everythign you need to make improvements at work.

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National Asbestos Awareness Week will be held in the last week of November and will involve a number of events. This includes an Asbestoswise Commemoration Service on Friday 30 November.

View the event invitation

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It's time to defend your industry
The Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) outlining proposals for the National Occupational Licensing System for Plumbing and Gasfitting Occupations has been released and is now available for comment.

The document outlines three possible options for occupational licensing reform – the status quo, various levels of national licensing and automatic mutual recognition.

Protect your trade
Certain aspects of the National Licensing System pose a serious threat to our trade and community health and safety.

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WorkSafe has released a Safety Alert about how to manage the risk of explosion from leaking portable flammable gas cylinders inside work vehicles.

Workers have died or sustained serious injuries after their work vehicles exploded. These explosions occurred when gas from leaking portable gas cylinders ignited inside the vehicles. In many cases, the ignition source was the vehicle’s electrical system.

Read more...

ACCI has released the results of it's National Red Tape Survey.

The Survey was conducted by ACCI members (Chambers and industry associations) in August / September, and secured responses from 870 businesses.

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Join us for a new series of Industry Networking Evenings throughout October and November!

This series will focus on 'The Law and You' and we will address a number of key issues including National Licensing, commercial contract law and workplace health and safety.

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When you apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN), or update your details in the Australian Business Register (ABR), it is important to ensure the information you provide is true and correct.

Penalties can now apply for false or misleading statements made to the Registrar when applying for or maintaining an ABN registration.

 

Read more...

WorkSafe has released a Safety Alert highlighting the dangers associated with using synthetic fibre slings (often known as soft slings).

The alert provides advice on how to control the various risks associated with their use.

View the Safety Alert

Melbourne Water has introduced a new Healthy Waterways initiative, the '10,000 Raingardens' program, to encourage homeowners to help manage residential stormwater through the building of raingardens.

Do you know what a raingarden is? Find out here

The following plumbers have completed the Master Plumbers/Melbourne Water Raingardens training course and can help you understand the different types of raingardens and their construction and installation.

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The September issue of Australian Plumbing Industry magazine is out now - look out for your copy in the mail!

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Master Plumbers welcomes Thermotec Australia as a new corporate affiliate member. Thermotec have been supplying the Australian plumbing industry for 25 years.

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R U OK? Day is a national day of action on Thursday 13 September. On this day, all Australians are encouraged to regularly ask one another, 'are you ok?' to help stop little problems beocming bigger.

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Our Carbon Monoxide testing training courses are running again throughout September - this is your last chance to complete training in 2012!

Carbon monoxide can be deadly, are you up to date with best practice test procedures?

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The Master Plumbers Annual Charity Golf Day is on again!

Plumbers, tradies and general public welcome - great prizes, huge raffle and auction - all funds are donated to Camp Quality, the children's family cancer charity. 

Friday 5 October 2012
Neangar Park Golf Club, Bendigo
9am BBQ brunch / 10am tee off

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Early bird registration is still available!

Register now for the 2012 Australasian Plumbing Conference and save.

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Since 1 July 2012, as part of the Clean Energy Future Plan, synthetic greenhouse gas (SGG) refrigerants now attract an 'equivalent carbon price' based on their global warming potential (GWP).

AIRAH has released five fact sheets relating to the new Carbon Equivalent Levy of HFC refrigerant gases. These fact sheets cover a range of important topics, including how the levy is applied, managing financial risks, alternative refrigerants and safety and energy saving strategies.

Read more...

Last week the National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA) released Regulation Impact Statements (RIS) outlining proposals for the National Licensing System. 

The NOLA Taskforce has now released a schedule of public information sessions on the RISs that will take place in each capital city in the coming weeks.

Read more...

The Regulatory Impact Statements (RIS) outlining proposals for the National Licensing System have been released and are now available for comment.

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WorkSafe has released a reminder relating to the dangers associated with trenches after an incident last week where a trench collapsed on a plumber while he was connecting a sewer at a housing construction site in Packenham. 

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Return to Work Inspectors will be visiting Laverton, Hoppers Crossing and Werribee employers throughout August to ensure they are meeting their return to work obligations for injured workers.

Workplaces where workers have suffered an injury and have been unable to return to work will be the primary focus for inspectors as part of the visits.

Read more...

Join us tonight for a Master Plumbers industry networking evening!

Tuesday 14 August, 5.45pm for a 6pm start
Alexandra on Lydiard, 30 Lydiard St, North Ballarat

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A Rochester family of six has escaped a potentially lethal dose of carbon monoxide poisoning thanks to Master Plumbers member, Geoff Moroney.

The family were suffering from the early symptoms of poisoning when the called Geoff to check their gas heater. When he arrived he found carbon monoxide levels were 10 times the acceptable level.

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24-26 October, Cairns
Registration is now open for the 2012 Australasian Plumbing Conference and you can save $200 by registering before 31 August!

Master Plumbers can register for just $595 by booking during the early bird period. Bring your partner along to enjoy the partner's program and save another $175!

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Imaca has released the Neopower Solar Hot Water System, an advanced system able to deliver reliable and efficient solar hot water for Australian lifestyle conditions.

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Jonda have designed and manufactured Leafless, the most reliable aluminium leaf guard system on the market.

Made from lightweight, quality aluminium, it simply rolls and shapes to the contours of a roof keeping them free from leaves, twigs and other fire hazards.

Read more...

Enrol now for Homesglen's Diploma of Building & Construction (Building) - Professional Program.

Intake begins Monday 30 July 2012.

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Master Plumbers will be at the Greensborough RSL next Tuesday, 31 July.

Join us for our first industry networking evening! All welcome - food and drinks provided and door prizes to be won!

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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has warned it will be keeping a close eye on the work-related claims of people in certain occupations, including plumbers, defence force personnel and IT managers.

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Master Plumbers has partnered with the University of Ballarat to deliver Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) at PICAC in Brunswick.

Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) is a 14 week course that includes two weeks of work experience. It gives an introduction to the plumbing industry and provides participants with industry knowledge, workplace exposure and hands on experience.

Read more...

Master Plumbers will be at the Waltzing Matilda hotel in Springvale next Tuesday, 24 July.

Join us for our first industry networking evening! All welcome - food and drinks provided and door prizes to be won!

Read more...

Master Plumbers has released an updated version of the Labour Rate Calculator.

The latest version encorporates the most recent Award rate changes which took effect as of 1 July 2012.

To find out more about how our Labour Rate Calculator can benefit your business, why not attend one of our Industry Networking Events where you can see the calculator in action.

 

The Association marks with sadness the passing of Ron Letten, former President and Life Member of the Association. A friend and Association stalwart who will be sadly missed.

Ron was President of the Association from 1970 to 1973, he also served as Treasurer and was on a number of Association committees. He was awarded Life Membership in 1984 and will be remembered for his contribution to the Association and his passion for the industry.

There is a risk of a fire causing property damage and injury to plumbers involved in electrofusing polythene pipes and fittings because of the application of excessive heat over a short period of time. A draft effect may occur during the process, overheating the polyethylene and causing the material to catch alight.

Read more...

Are you installing equipment such as evaporative air conditioners and split system units the old fashioned way? Manually lifting equipment on and off roofs puts your workers, your equipment and your business at risk.

Master Plumbers is offering a portable lifting device rebate program, supported by WorkSafe and the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

Read more...

WorkSafe inspectors will visit small businesses in Shepparton in August to check on health and safety compliance as part of an ongoing campaign across regional Victoria.

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A Horsham company has been fined $50,000 after a worker’s leg became entangled in an unguarded sweep auger, causing the calf muscle on his right leg to detach and lacerations requiring about 100 stitches.

Read more...

Is the cold, wet weather getting you down? A raingarden might make you look at rain in a different way!Image source: Melbourne Water

Raingardens are changing the way we manage stormwater sustainably.

They are popping up in backyards and public spaces across the state and represent a unique business opportunity for plumbers.

Read more...

Is your business at risk? Health and safety, insurance coverage and wages are all essential to running a successful business.

Our Industry Networking events will explore key areas of risk to your business.

These events are also great opportunity to meet with other members of the industry including fellow plumbers, industry suppliers and key stakeholders.

Read more...

Want to know more about the leading innovations in the plumbing industry right now and get ‘hands on’ with the latest tools?

Then don’t miss the DesignBUILD expo next week from 27 – 29 June at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, proudly supported by Master Plumbers.  

Read more...

A new WorkSafe campaign targeting musculoskeletal injuries, which are the most common workplace injury and cost nearly $1 billion a year in medical costs, wages and other expenses.

Statistics reveal musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), which include slips, trips and falls and dangerous manual handling, continue to be Victoria’s leading source of workers’ compensation claims.

Read more...

WorkSafe is investigating the death of a labourer who fell from the roof of a factory that was being renovated at Oakleigh South last week.

WorkSafe’s initial inquiries indicate he may have fallen up to 5m on to the floor of the building which was having its roof replaced.

Read more...

South East Water has released important information regarding the introduction of revised water meter assembly drawings and adoption of single check valves (testable) on fire services.

Commencing 1 July 2012 all new water meter assembly installations need to comply with the new revised Water Metering and Servicing Guidelines and its related drawings. However where design and contracts have been undertaken prior to this date, an exemption may be considered on a case by case basis for up to a three month period

Read more...

As part of the Green Skills for Trades program, we are offering free solar hot water training for apprentices at Gordon TAFE in Geelong.

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Working on roofs and at heights presents the opportunity for potential workplace hazards.

Did you know Master Plumbers provides Safe Work on Roofs training?

This one day program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to enable them to work safely on roofs using correct fall protection and appropriate anchor points. Full course description

Read more...

The July-December PICAC training schedule is now available.

Check out the latest courses on offer, including Geothermal Heat Pump Systems (part of the Green Plumber suite of training courses) and the new licence level courses on offer.

Read more...

The June issue of Australian Plumbing Industry is out now!

In this issue:

  • Geothermal revolution - a new way to harness energy
  • Blue is the new green - preserving our water resources
  • Hot stuff - efficient heating

    Read more...

An unlicensed asbestos removalist has been convicted and fined $13,250 for doing unlicensed asbestos removal, his second offence in two years.

In November 2010, Geelong-based Joshua Luke Marshall, operating as Affordable Demolitions and Asbestos Removals, told a renovation company he was licensed by WorkSafe to carry out asbestos removal at an Anglesea property, although he didn’t hold a licence.

Read more...

WorkSafe inspectors will be visiting businesses in Traralgon this week as part of the Safe Towns campaign.

The Safe Towns campaign involves inspectors visiting regional areas to check on health and safety compliance and return to work laws.

Read more...

To celebrate 75 years of working alongside Australian plumbers, Rheem is giving away 75 x $1000 grants as part of the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants!

Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants are now available to apprentice plumbers right across the country who are in need of financial assistance to complete their relevant training.

Read more...

The Carbon Monoxide testing course is back by popular demand!

The course will be delivered in Wangaratta on Tuesday 26 June at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE.

Training is free for plumbers!

Read more...

Do you think you can match it with the best when it comes to sport and safety trivia?

Register now for WorkSafe Victoria’s Top Tradie competition at www.toptradie.com.au, which kicks off from 21 May.

Read more...

Save time and money with safer, smarter tools on show at DesignBUILD, 27-29 June 2012.

DesignBUILD returns to Melbourne with a host of new features and improvements including all new Tool Demonstration Stations as well as over 250 leading suppliers and manufacturers, making it a must attend event for tradies and builders.

Read more...

Our Plumbers ACTion (PACT) book can help keep you and your employees safe.

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The new National Construction Code (NCC) came into effect on 1 May 2012.

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Carbon monoxide can be deadly - are you up to date with best practice test procedures?

Master Plumbers, in conjunction with the PIC, PICAC and Energy Safe Victoria, are offering a Carbon Monoxide Testing training course.

Read more...

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