WPC Review | May 2023

WPC-REVIEW-Title

MAY 2023 | Chairman’s Message

I recently returned from the ISH conference in Frankfurt, Germany, where we had a general member meeting. Among the topics we discussed was the need to find qualified workers. Many countries have the same demographics as the United States and face the same issues: not only are there fewer qualified workers, but the problem of funding retirement benefits for the aging retirees is common everywhere.

I always thought you could throw money at a problem and that would entice someone to come to work, but today’s generation wants more than money. Believe me, money is a driving force, but they also want more time off; in the U.S., we do not have the holiday benefits that most other countries enjoy.

With a global economy and social media connections between today’s youth, they are sharing working conditions, which has affected the way we are recruiting new applicants.

All over the world organized plumbing associations are sharing best practices for recruiting. This consists of getting the message out that plumbing is not just a job, but a career that offers free training that allows the participant to earn as they learn. It is a career that starts with health and pension benefits on the first day at no cost to the new employee. Free training, no college debt when they graduate is the point to make, to not only the applicant but their parents as well. This is the best-kept secret that we need to emphasize. We do not do a good job in selling these important points.

What can we do to get the word out? Advertising. Open houses at training centers, starting to recruit earlier in the high schools. Offering summer jobs to high school students. Selling the concept that you can see the world through the WPC by reciprocity of training and licensing requirements. The opportunity to work in Ireland or Australia is very exciting to a young applicant. We are working on making that easier to fulfill at the WPC.

At my organization we have implemented many changes for recruiting our next generation of workers. Women make up half of our population is women, but they represent only 5% of our membership. As a result, we hired a national recruitment specialist to implement new recruiting initiatives: recruiting through social media, career seekers, preparation organizations, diversity committees, and Girl Scouts, and showcasing women in leadership roles. Word of mouth is your best advertisement. If someone has a nice house, a nice car, boat, etc., that is a great advertisement for success The best way to sell wine is to taste it. Let job seekers try out the job before they commit. Also, we offer free SAT fees for members’ children. Little things like these go a long way.

In North America, the end users have offered bonuses on billion-dollar projects that have aggressive schedules requiring long hours for six days a week. These bonuses are for employees who report to work every day. They also are paying per diem to employees who are traveling from other cities to work on these projects.

At the World Plumbing Council, we share best practices by sharing information through membership. I encourage all attendees to visit us at wpc.com for more information.

ISH Frankfurt, which I mentioned earlier, is the biggest plumbing and HVAC trade show in the world. This year I was amazed by how many brands and types of heat pumps were displayed at the show. With electrification as the replacement for fossil fuel appliances this was the place to be if you were in the market for a heat pump. This year, IWSH had plumbers from eight different countries participating in a plumbing challenge in the conference hall that showcased their skills to attendees walking past their exhibition space. The plumbers prefabricated two-bathroom pods at the show, then transported them to an offsite athletic facility. The plumber who participated from the United States was from my home local in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was proud of all the attendees who represented the plumbing trade and their respective countries.

Don’t forget the World Plumbing Council is accepting scholarship applications for 2024. For information, visit www.worldplumbing.org. I look forward to reviewing and judging the applications.

WPC Chairman
Tom Bigley

NEW GLOBAL COMMITMENT ANNOUNCED TO ELIMINATE LEAD FROM ALL DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS BY 2040

The World Plumbing Council joined a consortium of governments, manufacturers and civil society partners at the United Nations (UN) 2023 Water Conference on March 23 to launch a global commitment to achieve lead-free drinking water.

There is an urgent need to reduce human exposure to lead in the environment, including lead in drinking water — a source of exposure that is wholly preventable. An invisible, odorless and tasteless chemical contaminant present in water supply systems worldwide, lead is a toxin that irreversibly impacts neurological and cognitive development. Exposure in childhood or during pregnancy can cause lifelong harm, yet globally, 800 million — or roughly 1 in 3 — children have elevated levels of lead in their blood.

The primary source of lead in many drinking water systems is lead-containing pipes and parts that leach lead into the water. While there is growing awareness of the long-term dangers posed by lead in drinking water, new systems across the globe continue to be built with unsafe materials.

Founding members of the consortium presented “A Global Pledge to Protect Drinking Water from Lead,” which aims to build momentum around local and global initiatives to progressively reduce lead exposure from drinking water and protect public health.

The pledge highlights actions to eliminate the use of lead-leaching parts in the construction of new drinking water systems and to improve the monitoring and remediation of existing systems that leach lead into drinking water.

“In order for water and sanitation resources to be sustainable, there must be a strong local industry to support it. This is why skilled labor must be a part of the solution in helping to deliver clean water free from lead and other contaminants. It makes perfect sense for us to wholeheartedly support the goal and ideals of the Global Lead Pledge at the United Nations,” said World Plumbing Council Chair Tom Bigley, who attended the event. “We look forward to working with industry associations worldwide to support better design and governance of water and sanitation systems and to advance education and training of workers critical to providing lead-free drinking water.”

Founding members of the consortium include the governments of Ghana, South Africa and Uganda; the World Health Organization; World Vision; WaterAid; the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation; LIXIL; RTI International; the Rural Water Supply Network; the Skat Foundation; the University of Leeds; The Water Institute at UNC; the International Water Association; the International, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH); the World Plumbing Council; and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) and the The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) have also signed the pledge.

Take the Lead Pledge, Work Collaboratively

The consortium invites governments, the private sector, manufacturers, suppliers, development banks, financial institutions, and philanthropic organizations and individuals to support global efforts by joining the Lead Pledge at www.globalleadfreewater.org and by working collectively to protect drinking water through the following actions:

  • Ensure that all new water systems are constructed with products and materials that meet international standards for lead-leaching, material safety, and performance.
  • For existing water systems that may contain lead-leaching materials, develop and implement plans for periodic water lead monitoring and data sharing, including the communication of monitoring results.
  • Investigate water systems reporting lead levels at 10 parts per billion (the WHO guideline value) or above to identify contamination sources and implement necessary interim or long-term remedial measures to reduce human exposure.
  • Support communities to reduce or eliminate exposure to lead through education and action such as designating safe taps for drinking and cooking.

To implement these commitments, the consortium will support:

  • Adoption of national policies and regulations based on international standards and testing/certification requirements for products and materials used in drinking water systems that address lead-leaching, material safety, and performance.
  • Manufacturing of products and materials used in drinking water systems that meet international standards for lead-leaching, material safety, and performance.
  • Affordable access to fittings, fixtures and filters that meet international standards for lead in drinking water.
  • Development of low-cost technologies to enable widespread testing for lead in drinking water and materials to better understand the sources, impacts and mitigation/remediation of lead contamination in drinking water.
  • Training and certification of professionals to oversee the design and construction of safe drinking water systems.
  • National and local laboratory and monitoring capacity to assess and monitor lead in drinking water and materials to support the implementation of these commitments.
  • High-quality research to better understand and identify sources, impacts and effective prevention and remediation methods and approaches to minimize harm from lead in drinking water.

A video of the event is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNouEmd66Ac

PLUMBING CHAMPIONS COMPETE AT ISH FRANKFURT

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) collaborated with the International, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) in launching “Plumbing Champions”, a unique education and training showcase at ISH Frankfurt 2023: the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC + Water which returned in-person to its home city of Frankfurt am Main following a hiatus since 2019. Over the course of five days, 12 apprentices from eight different countries worked on a series of bathroom installations, which were subsequently moved and installed at a local sports club.

“As an organizer it is always extremely satisfying to witness the journey of young people who join these projects; in Germany, we welcomed up-and-coming plumbers, some of whom had never worked outside of their hometowns or travelled outside of their own countries before,” said Sean Kearney, IWSH Foundation Managing Director. “For many of the team, working with this particular plumbing system assembly (GIS, generously provided by Geberit) was a completely new experience, alongside contending with the day-to-day actions that we take for granted in terms of communications, cultural understanding, and getting from A to B. It was a pleasure to watch the group gel and new friendships blossom — new contacts around the world whose paths will cross again in the future, all sharing the common language of plumbing and willingness to use their skills to showcase their profession and also to help other people.

Several WPC member organizations from around the world nominated and sponsored the participation of their young talent, including The United Association in North America, PICAC in Australia, the Connect Trade Union (Ireland), Apprentice Training Trust (New Zealand), and the Frankfurt branch of Innung Sanitär Heizung Klima (SHK): the master craftsperson’s guild for sanitation, heating and air conditioning in Germany.

The WPC and IWSH would like to thank MesseFrankfurt for their donation of the ISH booth space for WPC and IWSH.

INDUSTRY MOURNS PASSING OF BERNARD BATEMAN

Longtime industry figure and inaugural Secretary and founder of the World Plumbing Council Bernard Bateman passed away peacefully on 26th January at the age of 78, following a year-long illness.

Bernard was proactively involved in World Plumbing Conferences, most notably the 1990 conference in London and the 1993 conference in Hong Kong. Through his travel agency he arranged flights and accommodation to many WPC events, and was active in many tradeshows across the globe.

In 1965 he joined the Institute of Plumbing (IoP), (which later became the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), and was active in running the IoP trade exhibitions. He was an Honary Fellow of CIPHE in 1987 and served as the National President of the organization from 1980-81. He was also a member of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.

Bernard was awarded an MBE in 1988 for his services to the plumbing industry.

In 1999 he was also appointed to the Water Regulations Advisory Committee by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and integral in the introduction of dual-flushing into the UK, saving millions of litres of water every year.

He became active in politics from an early age, becoming the youngest ever Cardiff City Councilor at the age of 22; the Mayor of Ripon in 2002 and Mayor of Harrogate in 2018/19; Chairman of North Yorkshire County Council and was a Councilor on Harrogate District Council until he was taken ill in 2021.

Bernard is survived by his wife Linda, their two sons, Liam and Nicholas, and four granddaughters.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2023 WPC CONFERENCE IN SHANGHAI

Early-bird registration is open for the 2023 WPC Conference taking place in Shanghai, China, 17-20 October. Register today at https://www.wpc-sh.com/

The World Plumbing Conference, an international water conference organized by the World Plumbing Council that integrates seminars and exhibitions, provides an efficient business platform for the development and technical exchange of the global water industry.

In conjunction with the Shanghai International Exchange Seminar on Water Supply and Drainage Equipment, Technology, the World Plumbing Conference will be held in Shanghai, China, on 17-20 October, 2023. With the theme of “Greener, Smarter, Safer,” the conference has launched multi-angle and all-around in-depth exchanges in light of the new trends and characteristics of the global water supply and drainage industry in the post-epidemic era. The conference is committed to creating a high-end platform for one-stop environmental technology exchanges in politics, industry, academia and research.

We hope to see you there.

WORLD PLUMBING COUNCIL INVITES SUBMISSIONS FOR ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The World Plumbing Council is accepting applications for its three annual scholarships, two of which are awarded to plumbers to travel internationally to learn more about the industry, and the third of which goes to a trainer/instructor to attend the annual UA Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The scholarships are available to individuals actively involved in their local plumbing industry, particularly in education and training. They help create an educational exchange between plumbing industry participants from different countries; increase awareness of the contribution plumbing has made to global health, sustainability, and the environment; and provide a platform for networking and relationship building on a global level, helping strengthen the inter-connectedness of the global plumbing industry.

The application deadline for each scholarship is Sept. 30, 2023.

More information can be found here: https://www.worldplumbing.org/scholarship/

WORLD PLUMBING DAY 2023 CELEBRATIONS

World Plumbing Day was celebrated globally in March, and once again we were impressed with the response from the plumbing industry. Thank you to all who took the time to share your activities and celebrations. We have compiled your submissions and posted them on the WPC website World Plumbing Day recap page, which can be viewed here. Thank you to all you contributed in bringing awareness on March 11 to our important profession.

THE INSTITUTE OF PLUMBING AUSTRALIA’S PLUMBING HUB

Submitted by The Institute of Plumbing Australia

The Plumbing Hub is the official information centre of The Institute of Plumbing Australia Inc.

You will find the latest plumbing information in Australia available in one platform, easily accessible via mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop.

  • Amendments to regulatory controls/standards/compliance changes and obligations
  • WaterMark products
  • Information on the Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design
  • Material, tools and systems, including clipping systems, pipe sizing, charts, jointing methods and products
  • Plumbing events /tradeshows
  • Information on product performance and installation requirements
  • Education and training availability
  • Calculation software
  • Research

Members of The Institute of Plumbing Australia Inc have free access to the Plumbing Hub.

2023 QUEENSLAND PLUMBING AMBASSADORS SET TO INSPIRE PLUMBERS OF TOMORROW

Submitted by Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ)

Three outstanding individuals from the plumbing and gas industry were named 2023 Queensland Plumbing Ambassadors by Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) to help promote plumbing and gas fitting as a career and champion a sustainable future of the industry.

Warwick Royal, director at Plumbaround Pty Ltd; Jacinta Marshall, office manager of Plumbrite Solutions; and Nick Anderson, apprentice at Evermore Plumbing & Gas, were revealed as the ambassadors during MPAQ’s World Plumbing Day breakfast. The event was held on Friday, 10 March 2023 at Rydges South Bank in South Brisbane.

The idea of plumbers helping plumbers this lies at the heart of MPAQ’s Queensland Plumbing Ambassadors program.

Some of the key conversations that ambassadors want to spark are: raising awareness about plumbing as a professional career among the youth, engaging businesses to ensure the future of plumbing by training more apprentices, and educating the community about how the growth of the plumbing community can positively impact public health and safety.

Every year, World Plumbing Day is recognised all over the world on 11 March to celebrate and promote the link between good-quality plumbing, health, environmental sustainability, and, increasingly, economic prosperity. For the MPAQ, the World Plumbing Day Breakfast has become an annual social assembly for members and people from Queensland’s plumbing industry to meet, collaborate, and start new conversations on the current state and future of plumbing not just in the state, but in the whole country.

Click here to view the full media release.

PLUMBING MANUFACTURERS INTERNATIONAL’S INSPIRING LEADERS PROGRAM TO TAKE OFF AT SEATTLE’S MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

Submitted by Plumbing Manufacturers International

Amelia Earhart, an American aviator who set many flying records, said, “Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?”

Like Earhart, those who participate in this year’s Plumbing Manufacturers International Inspiring Leaders Program at Seattle’s Museum of Flight will break through boundaries and, perhaps, find their way toward fulfilling career dreams and aspirations.

The museum will provide an exciting backdrop for the program, which takes place on the first day of the Oct. 23-26 PMI23 Manufacturing Success Conference in Seattle. The PMI Inspiring Leaders Program fosters leadership, teamwork, creativity and innovation within an inspiring and supportive environment, with an emphasis on small-group dynamics.

Now in its fourth year, this program draws from art, sports and other fields of endeavor to inspire participants to cultivate the creative skills we all have to become better leaders, innovators and teammates. This event previously occurred at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. Learn more at https://www.safeplumbing.org/events/inspiring-leaders-program

MPAQ AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING AND GAS CONFERENCE RETURNS IN 2024

Submitted by Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ)

Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) is thrilled to announce the return of its conferencing in 2024 with the highly anticipated Australian Plumbing and Gas Conference (APGC). The APGC provides an exceptional opportunity for plumbers, gas fitters, industry experts, business owners, and support staff to connect with like-minded professionals and expand their industry and business knowledge.

The conference boasts a remarkable lineup of inspirational speakers, engaging workshops, interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and empowering leadership sessions. Delegates can expect a diverse range of sessions covering plumbing and gas technical topics, safety, future innovations, marketing, business best practice, technology, and more.

The event’s nationwide promotion aims to increase participation and engagement across the country, and delegate and partner registration are now open.

The Star Gold Coast will be the primary location for APGC 2024 from 6-8 March 2024. With its luxurious accommodations, impressive events centre, award-winning restaurants and venue spaces, and location in the heart of the Gold Coast, the Star has everything we need under one roof.

5 REASONS TO HEAD TO InstallerSHOW IN JUNE

Submitted by InstallerSHOW

InstallerSHOW is the UK’s largest event for heat, water, air and energy technology professionals.

Heading to the NEC Birmingham on 27-29 June 2023, InstallerSHOW will attract more than 400 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors, all keen to discuss the latest updates in the plumbing, heating, electric and renewables industries.

Here are five reasons why it’s a must-attend event:

Get hands-on with the latest products

InstallerSHOW is THE place to learn about the latest products and technologies for plumbing and heating engineers. With net zero and sustainability making headlines, never has more attention been put on our water and energy resources. At InstallerSHOW, you can get hands-on with the latest products and innovations, talk to the technical experts and have your questions answered, and find out more about the latest trials and case studies taking place in the UK today.

Talks, interviews and debates

InstallerSHOW 2023 will include a comprehensive schedule of live debates, interviews, seminars and famous faces.

A jam-packed three days of free content is available for visitors, from hot topics to hands-on product training. Expert speakers from across the industry, from installers to specifiers and even famous faces, will be inviting you to join the conversation.

Content Zones include:

  • Bathroom Zone with the BMA
  • elemental Decarbonising Buildings Theatre
  • elemental Housing Hub
  • InstallerPLAZA
  • Installing the Future Now
  • Net Zero by Design with BEAMA
  • InstallerTRAINING Theatre

Meet the inventors

InstallerINVENT is one of the most popular features of InstallerSHOW and will be bigger than ever in 2023.

The idea is for budding inventors to have a stand free of charge to showcase their innovations. The products can be in the prototype stage, or ready to launch, but it gives the inventor the chance to get invaluable feedback from the people who will be using the kit day in, day out.

Here are the products looking to make a big impact this year:

Get future-proofed

It’s an exciting time for the plumbing, heating, electrical and renewables industries. With net-zero legislation, changes to building regulations, and a key focus on sustainability, there’s a lot of room for disruption and new products on the market.

The pathway to what our buildings will look like in 2050 isn’t clear, but we have products now that can drastically improve water efficiency, save energy, and lower bills.

At InstallerSHOW in 2023, under the roof of the NEC, we will have everything the UK needs to hit its goals: installers and designers, manufacturers and products, education and advice, policymakers and advisors — the tools to get the job done and everything in between. A trip to InstallerSHOW will give you the tools to future-proof your business for the years to come.

Network and have fun

InstallerSHOW is a great place to meet your industry colleagues, share your experiences, and enjoy hospitality provided by InstallerSHOW and its exhibitors. Plus there’s free parking, free WiFi and free entry, so we hope to see you there.

InstallerSHOW is the UK’s largest event for heat, water, air and energy technology professionals. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 27-29 June 2023, InstallerSHOW is THE place to see and try new product innovations, meet your peers, make connections with manufacturers and gain industry insights to keep your business ahead of the curve. For more info and to register for your free ticket, please head to https://installer-2023-visitor.reg.buzz/wpc-newsletter

NO FAST TRACK TO GAS SAFETY, BPEC WARNS

Submitted by BPEC

Beware of training providers that offer shortcuts to becoming a gas engineer without giving learners the proper work experience or time needed to gain vital skills and knowledge, the BPEC cautions.

There are two primary training routes in the UK for new entrants looking to become a gas engineer: the Gas Engineering Apprenticeship or the Gas Managed Learning Programme, both of which culminate in the Gas ACS assessment which needs re-taking every five years.

Both training routes not only require extensive work experience alongside a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, but also take a substantial amount of time to gain all the necessary skills and knowledge to become a fully qualified gas engineer.

Unfortunately, some training providers offer shortcut training solutions to “fast track” new entrants into the industry.

“There is no fast track to gas safety; quicker and cheaper is not the way,” BPEC CEO Neil Collishaw said. “Those providers cutting corners are not only doing learners a disservice but also the industry, by turning out people who are not fully trained.”

All Gas Managed Learning Programmes (MLPs) should comply with the IGEM standard (IGEM/IG/1 — Domestic Natural Gas training specification) which gives guidance on the minimum on- and off-the-job training requirements. All training providers who deliver the Gas MLP should be working to that industry standard and should be approved by IGEM.

“At BPEC we pride ourselves on meeting the IGEM standard and do not compromise on quality or safety,” Collishaw continued. “Our approved training centres across the UK uphold these standards with our learners and the public in mind.

“We encourage those looking to enter the industry to research courses carefully and ensure you will receive sufficient practical and real-life experience over a period of time, in order to become fully qualified.”

Established more than 30 years ago, BPEC is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the industry via The BPEC Charity. BPEC-approved training centres may be found at: https://bpec.org.uk/learners/centres/

LECTURE: WHO NEEDS UNIVERSITY, WHEN APPRENTICESHIPS ARE BETTER?

Monday, 15 May 2023

Keynote Speakers:

Carl Arntzen, CEO Worcester Bosch

Neil Collishaw, CEO BPEC

Kevin Wellman, CEO CIPHE

The demand to deliver new environmentally sustainable technologies, which are required to meet the energy supply and climate change challenges we face, is huge. The big question is, can we meet this demand in time? Our eminent speakers at the 2023 lecture will set out the industry requirements, and then discuss how we need to deliver training and education to meet them as quickly and effectively as possible.

The discussion, led by the keynote speakers, will focus on the benefits of paid apprenticeships versus university, and the variety of pathways that are available to those who begin their careers by gaining hands-on work experience alongside additional training.

Register: https://www.plumberscompany.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/WCP_Annual_lecture_flyer_2023.pdf

PLUMBER’S TRADES: ASBESTOS AND YOU

Plumbers across Great Britain are being warned about the hidden dangers associated with asbestos.

Submitted by CIPHE

The warning comes as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Asbestos and You campaign targeting tradespeople about the personal risks from asbestos that still exist in properties across the country today.

About 5,000 people die each year from asbestos-related illnesses, and asbestos can still be found in buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000.

HSE warns that despite the ban on its use, many buildings still contain asbestos, which still presents a serious risk to anyone exposed to it at any age.

Read more: https://www.ciphe.org.uk/news-and-advice/news-articles/plumbers-trades-asbestos-and-you/?returnpageid=207.

THE 2023 PLUMBING & FIRE INDUSTRY AWARDS CELEBRATED ON 10 MARCH 2023

On March 10th, the 2023 Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards (PFIAs) were held at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne, Australia. The event celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of professionals and apprentices who have made remarkable contributions to their industry or company.

The PFIAs cover a wide range of industry activities and contributions, including Indigenous and female professionals, excellence in occupational health and safety, education and sustainability, and outstanding contributions from the fire protection industry.

The sold-out event was attended by over 500 people who came to celebrate the achievements of their peers. Comedian and MC Lehmo entertained guests in style, and later in the night, the Motown supergroup Oz Boys delivered hit after hit.

The Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards is a collaborative effort of key industry stakeholders, including the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia, the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union, the National Fire Industry Association, the Association of Hydraulic Service Consultants Australia, and the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre.

For a complete list of award recipients, please click here.

 

IAPMO PUBLISHES MANUAL OF RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR TOILET ROOM DESIGN: ALL GENDER, HEALTH, SAFETY, PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Submitted by The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®)

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®) has published the Manual of Recommended Practice for Toilet Room Design: All Gender, Health, Safety, Privacy and Security. On Sept. 15, 2021, IAPMO initiated the Bathroom Design Task Group to create a manual to provide code enhanced and adoptable language for all-gender restrooms.

The task group’s work culminated in the release of this manual, which addresses toilet room design, specifically when it comes to all-gender accessibility and privacy concerns. While developed as a guidance document, it is written in mandatory language so building and health departments can easily adopt and codify the requirements. Additionally, this standalone document includes excerpts from the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) and an appendix with sample signage to provide industry with examples. The task group consisted of industry experts from across the nation.

“The task group worked diligently to create a manual that addresses the concerns of restroom accessibility for all genders while also providing consideration for safety and privacy within the restroom environment,” IAPMO Vice President of Technical Services and Research Christoph Lohr said. “This manual is a great step in equal consideration for all human beings. Special thanks to our task group chair, Brian Hamner, and the rest of the volunteer group that was able to find holistic solutions in addressing simultaneous and varying concerns.”

The IAPMO manual may be downloaded for free HERE.

For questions, please contact Christoph Lohr at (909) 731-0219 or christoph.lohr@iapmo.org, or Hugo Aguilar at (909) 472-4111 or hugo.aguilar@iapmo.org

HELP THE WORLD PLUMBING COUNCIL GROW

Do you know of an organization or individual interested in joining the WPC?  Share this link (https://www.worldplumbing.org/shop/) so they can join and become part of our global plumbing community!

DATES FOR DIARY

Installer Show 2023
27 – 29 June 2023
NEC, Birmingham
www.installershow.com

IAPMO/ASSE Co-Located 94th Annual Education and Business Conference
24 – 28 September 2023
San Antonio, TX, USA
www.iapmo.org/ibu/events

Service World Expo
3 – 6 October 2023
Phoenix, AZ, USA
www.serviceworldexpo.com

WaterSmart Innovations 2023
3 – 10 October 2023
Las Vegas NV, United States
www.watersmartinnovations.com/

WPC’s Conference 2023
17 – 20 October 2023
Shanghai, China
www.wpc-sh.com/

CIPHEX West
18 – 19 October 2023
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
www.ciphexwest.ca

Installer Show 2023
27 – 29 June 2023
NEC, Birmingham
www.installershow.com

Contact secretariat@worldplumbing.org to provide an event report or request listing of an upcoming event.