Big push for global plumbing industry

Plumbing is one of the most important industries worldwide.

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The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors of the US (APHC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Code Council (ICC), with both organisations pledging to work together to advance understanding of the plumbing, heating and renewable industry worldwide.

The ICC is an organisation with 50,000 members worldwide, which is dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of people by creating better buildings and communities. Members include employers’ organisations, government departments and other decision-makers in the built environment, all of whom agree to work towards common codes of practice.

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APHC chief executive Clive Dickin said, “The plumbing industry is one of the most important industries in the world. Decent plumbing saves countless lives every single day. People working in the industry are rightly proud of what they do. However, we face two issues: firstly, in the developed world people have become complacent about sanitation and how their health depends on it; secondly, many parts of the developing world still do not have the luxury of decent sanitation, and 4,000 children die each day because of this."

“We have formed this relationship with the ICC in order to share information and ideas. Both organisations are determined that consumers and businesses should understand the importance of our industry better. Equally we want to ensure that individuals and businesses operating in our industry keep their standards high and embrace new technologies safely. In the developing world, we want to see cost-effectives and appropriate standards in place to alleviate the suffering that water-borne diseases bring,” Dickin said.

ICC executive director: plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas Jay Peters said, “Plumbers in the developed world have done their job so well that, unfortunately, the public now takes them for granted. However, the 40% of the world’s population with no toilets certainly do not take sanitation for granted. Both of these situations must be changed, and it is only by organisations such as ICC and APHC working together that we can make the changes the world needs."

“It is important that mature plumbing industries continue to lead the way. The industry must stay cohesive, not fragmented; it must maintain health and safety as a top priority, and it must embrace new technology. With this outlook, the industry is well-positioned to use its expertise to help people across the globe,” added Peters.

APHC and the ICC will continue to work together to identify areas of co-operation, such as setting standards, furthering education, creating new products and services and enhancing the benefits of membership of each organisation.