Objective: To promote and assist in Plumbing Industry Education and Training, recognising the need for appropriate standards and their international recognition.
Mission The mission of the World Plumbing Council is to unite the world plumbing industry to safeguard and protect the environment and the health of nations, for the benefit of all. The Role of the Plumbing Industry in Global Health
In this paper, Robert Burgon, Deputy Chairman of the World Plumbing Council (WPC), outlines its mission and objectives, and stresses the importance of plumbing as a contributor to global health, citing historic and recent examples of the way in which plumbing and public health are linked.
It suggests that the connection between plumbing and health has been largely forgotten in many developed countries. The paper refers to the joint publication by WPC and the World Health Organisation (WHO) of "Health Aspects of Plumbing" which aims to assist developing countries tackle the issues relating to the improvement of health through water supply and sanitation.
The paper refers to the importance of both industry and public education and refers to a number of initiatives being carried out to share good practice in the field of plumbing training. These include the WPC's annual Lecturers/Trainers Scholarship.
Reference is also made to the need for appropriate registration and licensing arrangements. The paper concludes with some suggestions for future action.
Health aspects of plumbing
The World Health Organization and the World Plumbing Council present this publication on health aspects of plumbing noting that sustainable health, especially for children, is not possible without access to safe drinking-water and basic sanitation facilities.
This publication describes the processes involved in the design, installation and maintenance of effective plumbing systems. It recommends a number of plumbing system design and installation specifications that have demonstrated their validity from years of experience. It also examines the microbiological, chemical, physical and financial risks associated with plumbing, outlines the major risk management approaches that are used in the plumbing industry and emphasizes the importance of measures to conserve supplies of safe drinking-water.
This publication is dedicated to assisting in achieving the best possible plumbing levels to ensure the highest health benefits from use of sound plumbing practices. It is aimed at administrators and plumbers working in areas that are served by a mains drinking-water supply or sewerage system, or are about to install a mains drinking-water supply or sewerage system. It should be of particular value to those working in countries or areas that are in the early stages of introducing effective plumbing systems.
More details, including transcripts and radio interviews, are available on the WHO website.
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Health aspects of plumbing [pdf 1.23Mb]
Objectives
To develop and promote the image and standards of the Plumbing Industry worldwide.
To encourage and facilitate the exchange of information, ideas and technology between Plumbing Industry Organisations and individuals worldwide.
To promote and assist in Plumbing Industry Education and Training, recognising the need for appropriate standards and their international recognition.
To create an awareness of the Plumbing Industry's role in protecting the environment by providing safe fresh water and sanitation through proper management, care, reuse, and conservation of natural resources.
To provide and share information regarding research projects and technology that may be applicable to the Plumbing Industry and the people they serve.
To meet at a World Plumbing Conference at least every three years, and to assure continued growth and member affiliations.
