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Implementation of The Plumbing Code of Practice: 8.1 Application and Approval Process
Implementation of The Plumbing Code of Practice: 8.1 Application and Approval Process
plans, and the code should contain details of the authoritys requirements. Some flexibility is appropriate. Relatively simple domestic jobs may require basic plans whereas proposals for larger installations in multi-storey apartments or in industrial or commercial premises should be shown in considerable detail. In some cases it may be appropriate to require no more than notification of certain categories of work rather than require the submission of a formal application for approval. This will largely depend on the nature of the work, the inspection resources of the authority (which are often limited) and the terms of the code of practice. Advance notification is typically required and the code of practice should specify the number of days before the work is due to begin. The authority will usually reserve the right to inspect the site at any time before, during or upon completion of the work, and prior to it being put into service. Failure to notify is likely to be treated as a breach of the code. Once the application and plans are submitted an inspector should be given responsibility either to approve or reject plans or to recommend their approval or rejection to the authority. Rejection should only be on the grounds that the proposals do not comply with the code of practice, or may indicate a health risk or significant failing, and the reasons for rejection should be specified by the inspector. Negotiations would usually be capable of resolving differences. There have been examples of bribery of inspectors and this should be scrupulously prevented. Inspectors must be well trained and aware of their fiduciary responsibilities as public health and welfare officials.
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the authoritys approval criteria. Work completed under a system of self-certification may also be subject to periodic audit by the authority, and the ability to issue future self-certification may be withdrawn in the light of any significant problems arising from the audit. The authority may provide its own apparatus for testing (such as pressuremeasuring equipment and drain plugs) or it may require the plumber to supply these items. Where the authoritys equipment is used, it is common for the plumber to collect it, set up the test and return the apparatus after successful completion. A rental fee may sometimes be charged by the authority for this service.
authority; allowing water to be wasted or contaminated through misuse or neglect of pipes or fittings; using water for unauthorized purposes; interfering with valves or other apparatus belonging to the authority, or tampering with the operation of any meter upon which water charges are based; and refusing admission to the authoritys inspector, or otherwise obstructing the inspectors in the performance of their duty.
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