Indeed, the months are flying for most and if not, something is wrong.
PA June 2023
While this issue is the sixth month, activity in our industry is strong. Sure, it could be better if government really started on their infrastructure spend in a meaningful manner, but many are still busy.
This issue looks at poor plumbing and the effects on people’s health – Steve van Zyl of IOPSA looks into this matter and clearly shows the impact of poor plumbing and the various diseases and illnesses caused. The article itself, while not directly addressing the issue of ongoing learning to improve oneself, connects well with the article on Competency. It will be worthwhile to have a look at the Hierarchy of Competency illustration – see where you fit in.
We introduce a regular column from SA Watermark, formed to provide a definitive list of approved products according to SANS. Such a listing plays a critical role and needs the support of all SANS accredited manufacturers and suppliers. The article spells out the raison d’être for the listing, especially with the flood of non-compliant products and unqualified people entering openly into our market.
Our ‘Women in Plumbing’ and ‘Women on Site’ regular contributions continue to show how women are making themselves felt in our industry and good on them! The IAPMO colouring book in this issue written by a woman plumber makes the observation that “[P]lumbing knows no gender.” And how right she is.
Our ‘Tell me Why’ series is back in Gauteng after a sojourn to the Cape last month and next issue will focus on KZN.
Uwe Putlitz continues his series and now tackles weather conditions and construction. The activities that take place in poor conditions are governed by law in the OSH Act and obviously working in such conditions is dangerous to employees.
Our ‘Steps to a successful exhibition’ piece applies to both readers/visitors and exhibitors and explains that the need to engage is primarily the opportunity to speak face to face.
Vollie Brink reinforces the Quality Assurance aspect in plumbing.
This issue sees the catalogue for the Durban/KZN exhibition and we include the workshop programme which has broadened to let us hear from a Water inspector and wet services engineer plus IOPSA on Compliance.
The feature on heat pumps, while briefer than our usual features, offers a more holistic view on heat pumps which will be an important growth area in future as we look to use less energy.
The project is Royal View which is an upmarket apartment complex alongside the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club and is impressive both as a structure and for the plumbing design.
Our series on valves continues, highlighting the critical role they play. PA
Enjoy this issue!
Rory Macnamara, Editor | rory@interactmedia.co.za
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