The function of the SR 50 heating and plumbing documents is to lay out a Code of Practice for plumbing works carried out on domestic dwellings using solid fuel, gas, oil and other fuels for heating. It is envisaged that the SR 50 documents may be used as part of an industry training course in the future with a regulatory regime not unlike the Registered Gas Installer of Ireland (RGII) scheme.
SR 50 documents are aimed not only at trainee plumbers and heating installers but also at the mature craftsmen who may obtain new knowledge on their craft. The committee and its projects are being project managed by Fergal Finn.
It is worth noting that the work carried out in the development of Irish Standards is carried out by NSAI technical committees made up of industry experts who freely volunteer their time on behalf of their companies, associations and organisations for the benefit of the industry. Heating and Plumbing Association of Ireland (HAPAI) is privileged to have involvement on the committee of this standard.
The purpose of HAPAI is to help make significant improvements in the plumbing and heating Industry. The association includes plumbers, installers, heating engineers, oil and gas boiler service engineers, solar, solid fuel, heat pump, trade suppliers and manufacturers. A range of informative, professional tutorials on the latest industry products can be accessed on HAPAI’s website, as many times as you like from the comfort of your own home and in your own time.
According to members of HAPAI, one of the biggest issues in the industry right now is a shortfall in labour. SMEs across the country small are struggling with a lack of skilled labour to service the industry’s growing demands, so much so that now it’s affecting not just Dublin, but the rest of the country. According to Richie Burke, HAPAI Director, apprenticeships might be on the up but it will take a few years before these new entrants will be capable of filling in for the labour shortage. “Many projects are well on the way, but we see smaller projects with delayed start dates or even cancelled due to lack of skilled labour. We must commence attracting tradespeople back to Ireland and enticing young people back into trades. I don’t think career guidance in schools does enough to promote entry into trades.”
Another concern from HAPAI members is the additional delay to the commencement of nondomestic gas regulation. “The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has now announced that the introduction of non-domestic gas regulation has been officially deferred until January 2021.
The register for interested parties remains open and can be applied for via www.rgii.ie. This is very disappointing news, but we do agree that the system must be fit for purpose and in place prior to its commencement,” said Shane Henderson, HAPAI Director.
HAPAI offers three membership types – Associate Membership which is currently free of charge, Full Membership at a cost of only €50 per annum and Corporate Membership.
For more information, to keep up to date and to join the Heating & Plumbing Association of Ireland, visit www.hapai.ie
