Discussion paper: National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners

Reaching agreement between states on licensing and mutual recognition would be difficult, particularly with different states regulating plumbing, wet fire and stormwater drainage works differently.

A national registration framework is generally a good idea, but having mechanical and civil engineers only signing of on performance based plumbing solutions may not improve compliance with the NCC. There are many parts of the Plumbing Code of Australia and associated Australian Standards mechanical and civil engineers may not be familiar with. A hydraulic consultant with a Diploma in Hydraulic Services Engineering and the relevant experience would in many case be more appropriately qualified to design performance based and DTS plumbing solutions.

Hydraulic engineering designers Level 1 - page 76

This should not be limited to engineers as in the absence of a "hydraulic services engineering degree" at university level, this could fall under mechanical and civil engineering degrees. These qualifications do not appropriately cover stormwater designs, backflow prevention systems, venting systems, etc. A person holding a Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design CPC50612 (or equivalent) and with the relevant experience may be more appropriately qualified to design performance based plumbing solutions

The NRF for hydraulic engineering designers and plumbing technical designers has the functional effect of restricting the design of Performance Solutions (not done in accordance with a prescriptive standard) to registered professional engineering hydraulic designers)" page 76

As above, experienced consultants with a Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design qualification should not be excluded from designing performance based solutions.

Performance based solutions for hydraulic services design

Professional engineer qualifications must be accredited to the Washington Accord. - page 76.

I don't believe an appropriate hydraulic engineering degree exists in Australia. A mechanical or civil engineering degree does not automatically provide adequate training in backflow prevention, stormwater design, stack and vent systems and other parts of hydraulic services designs. The Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design CPC50612 in conjunction with NCC training and the relevant experience would in many cases be more appropriate to design and certify performance based solutions.

Plumbing technical design Level 2—Technical Limited page 82

Plumbing technical design work for NCC Class 1 and 10 buildings, and for NCC Class 2 to 9 buildings to a maximum of six storeys above a storey used for the parking of vehicles. - page 83

A Cert IV qualification is not sufficient for this size building as there could be multiple above ground carpark levels increasing the effective height of the building and also FPAA101D hydraulic designs required. A CertIV qualification should be limited to buildings with a rise in storey of no more than 3.

An approved certificate IV in plumbing and services

In QLD, Plumbing inspectors issue compliance certificates for designs as well as plumbing installations. A building surveyors qualification does not adequately cover hydraulic services. Plumbing installations present a specific health risk to the public and there should be a specific "inspect and certify hydraulic services" license class.