Mintox RSS Feed

Building and Energy confirms extended transition to lead free plumbing products in WA

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Following a decision by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) to further delay the mandatory installation of lead free plumbing products, Building and Energy has published an update to Industry Bulletin 171 for the WA plumbing industry.

New guidance on installing gas appliances in WA

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Building and Energy has developed a new fact sheet providing industry guidance on the requirements for installing gas appliances in WA.

New guidance on gas tightness testing requirements

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Due to an increase in detections of minor gas leaks, Building and Energy have issued new testing guidance for gasfitters.

Update on LP gas cylinder valves, connectors and labelling requirements

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Plumbers and gasfitters who are asked to connect LP gas cylinders can help keep consumers safe by making them aware of the different valve types and new rules for warning labels.

We say Australian Standards should be free

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:00:00 GMT

When compliance with Australian Standards is a legal requirement, why should plumbers - or anyone for that matter - be forced to pay for them?

WA Government introducing much-needed reforms to plumbing industry regulation

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:00:00 GMT

We welcome the WA Government's announcement that it is taking action to modernise and improve plumbing regulation.

Industry Bulletin 171 has details of WA's transition to lead free plumbing products

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Building and Energy's Industry Bulletin 171 is the regulator's formal notification that from 1 May 2026, it will be mandatory in WA to use lead free copper alloy products and material in contact with drinking water.

The WA Government department that regulates our industry has a new name

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Effective from 1 July 2025, the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) is now the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS).

Have your say in review of fire systems installation regulations

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Building and Energy is reviewing the regulations for fire systems installers in WA and is inviting comments via an online survey.

Attention roofing plumbers - these new WA state variations to the NCC affect you

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:00:00 GMT

WA state variations to the National Construction Code 2022 (NCC 2022) relating to the installation of eaves, gutters and downpipes came into effect on Thursday 1 May.

Check your stock of plumbing products that don't meet new lead content requirements

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

In less than 15 months from now, it will be illegal to install copper alloy plumbing products with a lead content above 0.25 per cent, so you should be running down your inventory of old products.

WELS product nominations for 2025 now open

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

The annual WELS product nomination period has opened and will close on Friday 14 March.

WaterMark Certified flexible hose assemblies

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT

We want to remind all our members about what they risk if they install flexible hose assemblies that are not certified to the latest Australian Standards AS 3718:2021 and AS 3499:2022.

Government campaign is good news for licensed plumbers

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:00:00 GMT

We want to shout from the rooftops about this new initiative from Building and Energy and we hope you will too.

Reminder about new requirements for lead in plumbing products

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:00:00 GMT

The introduction of the new limit on lead content is an important story for plumbers. Products without the new Lead Free Watermark trademark will be illegal, but there is still time to use them.

New requirements for property sewer connections

Thu, 23 May 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Building and Energy have published Industry Bulletin 163 to inform WA plumbers that drainage plumbing includes property sewer connection all the way to the junction on the main sewer. This work must be done under the supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor and certified with the Plumbers Licensing Board (PLB).

How to quickly and easily get the Plumbing Code of Australia

Thu, 02 May 2024 16:00:00 GMT

The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is Volume Three of the National Construction Code (NCC 2022). It's available online as a downloadable file and it's free. Here's the web link that will take you straight to it.

Proposed changes to the Plumbing Code of Australia

Thu, 02 May 2024 16:00:00 GMT

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) updates the National Construction Code (NCC), which includes the Plumbing Code of Australia, every three years. The consultation phase for the 2025 revision is underway and because the ABCB wants to share information and get feedback, they are running a roadshow series in May and June, plus two webinars in May specifically for plumbers.

Starting 1 May 2024 - new rules for heated water delivery temperature

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 16:00:00 GMT

All WA plumbers should read Industry Bulletin 161 from Building and Energy. It's a reminder about the new requirements for the delivery temperature of heated water.

ABC Radio asks our CEO about amended plumbing regulations

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Our CEO Murray Thomas has been on ABC Radio Perth to talk about the changes to WA's plumbing regulations.

Building and Energy clarifies new rules for DIY plumbing work

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT

We fully support a media statement from the Building and Energy Division of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) about the effect of the recent amendments to WA's plumbing regulations.

WA plumbing regulations have changed

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

All WA plumbers should know about the first stage of amendments to WA's plumbing regulations, which came into effect on 10 February 2024. The Building and Energy Division of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) announced the amendments in Industry Bulletin 160.

The right to disconnect - what it means and when it will start

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

On 12 February 2024, the Australian Parliament passed the second Closing Loopholes Bill, allowing the Fair Work Act 2009 to be amended to give workers the 'right to disconnect' outside working hours.

Water Corporation exemptions from watering restrictions

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Under certain circumstances, Water Corporation will allow exemptions from normal watering restrictions. Here's some useful information that plumbers who work on reticulation systems can share with their customers.

Security of Payment Compliance Program and resources

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

With the final stage of WA's Security of Payment reforms starting on 1 February, the Building and Energy Division of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) has launched a compliance program. Industry Bulletin 159 has information about the program and links to resources to help industry work with the new laws.

New mobile app provides low-cost access to Australian Standards

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Great news for plumbers and gasfitters! Standards Australia has launched a low-cost mobile app that puts current plumbing and gasfitting Standards at your fingertips, even when you're offline, on site or in a remote area.

New name for DMIRS

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Starting from 1 December 2023, the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has been renamed the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS).

Reminder about working safely in roof spaces

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Building and Energy has issued a reminder to always switch off mains power before entering a roof space, plus important roof space safety tips.

Bidet backflow requirements - new technical note and radio interview

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

With bidet douche seats and toilets becoming more popular and the new Plumbing Code of Australia introducing new backflow prevention requirements, the Plumbers Licensing Board has published an important technical note for plumbers. Our CEO was interviewed by ABC Radio about this important topic.

Video that explains the new gas installation standard

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Standards Australia have released a video with important information for anyone involved in gas installation. The video explains the changes in the new version of AS/NZS 5601.1 2022 Gas Installations, Part 1: General Installations, which sets out requirements for the design, installation and commissioning of gas installations used with natural gas, LP Gas, or biogas.

Media release in support of WA Government work on plumbing regulations

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:00:00 GMT

The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA has issued a media statement to welcome the WA Government's recent amendments to the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000. The changes, which Commerce Minister Sue Ellery confirmed in an announcement on 30 June 2023, bring the regulations into alignment with the latest Plumbing Code of Australia.

New rules for multilayer pipes from 30 June 2023

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT

WA gasfitters are reminded about the new Australian Standards requirements for isolating multilayer pipes in a fire emergency.

Introduction of lead-free plumbing products delayed until May 2026

Thu, 04 May 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Manufacturers and suppliers of tapware and other products covered by the WaterMark scheme now have until 1 May 2026 to comply with the new limit of 0.25 per cent lead content.

Class I Gasfitting Permit gets logbook and REL

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

On 1 March 2023, WA introduced new rules that have improved the process for acquiring a Class I Gasfitting Permit and allow the permit holder to apply to the Electrical Licensing Board for a Restricted Electrical License to work on Type B gas appliances.

Variation to rangehood and exhaust fan clearance requirements

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

The Director of Safety Energy WA has issued a second variation notice relating to the introduction of new gas installation standards. This variation means the requirement to have 650 mm of rangehood clearance does not apply to installations in connection with a building permit obtained before March 30 2023.

$1500 fine for fake testimonial on plumbing licence application

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

A man who provided a fake testimonial for a plumbing licence application has been ordered to pay more than $1,500 in fines and costs.

Variation to requirements for multilayer pipe AS NZS 5601.1 2022

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 16:00:00 GMT

On 30 September 2022, Standards Australia published a new version of AS/NZS 5601.1 Gas Installations part 1: General installations. In Western Australia, full compliance with the new version is required from 30 March 2023, except for clause 5.2.11 which is now subject to a variation notice issued by the Director of Energy Safety.

Supply of gas installation labels

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 16:00:00 GMT

As of 31 March 2023, Building and Energy will no longer be producing and supplying a number of gas installation labels.

Rescheduled Plumbing Code of Australia seminar - Bunbury

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:00:00 GMT

If you're in the plumbing industry in the southwest of WA, don't miss this free opportunity to learn what's coming in the 2022 Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA).

$2m fine for WELS offences by plumbing products companies

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 16:00:00 GMT

In December 2022, the Federal Court of Australia handed down the judgment in the first civil penalty case under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005.

Security of Payment Act - free information sessions in Perth

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Building and Energy will hold five free information sessions in the Perth CBD about the first stage of new laws aimed at ensuring subcontractors and suppliers receive timely payments.

Educational materials for Retention Trust Scheme are available

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Stage 2 of the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2021, which starts on 1 February 2023, will see the introduction of a Retention Trust Scheme to better protect retention money held under eligible construction contracts.

Reminder - the deadline for getting a director ID is 30 November

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:00:00 GMT

If you're a company director, you must have your director ID by 30 November. Here's what you need to know.

Ban on sale of unsafe open flued gas space heaters in WA

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:00:00 GMT

WA has banned the sale of open-flued gas space heaters that lack safety shutdown features. This includes new and second hand heaters.

Plumbing Code of Australia 2022 becomes effective 1 May 2023

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 16:00:00 GMT

A Plumbers Technical Note from Building and Energy has confirmed the new Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) will come into effect in WA on 1 May 2023.

Time is running out to get your director ID by 30 November

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 16:00:00 GMT

If you're a company director, this is another reminder to apply for your director ID number. Keep reading to find out how.

Plumbing Code of Australia - Bunbury and Busselton information sessions postponed

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Building and Energy have postponed until 2023 their free regional information sessions for Bunbury and Busselton.

Reminder to get your director ID by 30 November

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:00:00 GMT

If you're a company director and don't have your director ID, time is running out. Here's what you need to know.

Understanding 'notifiable incidents' and what to do when one occurs

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:00:00 GMT

If you are a 'person conducting a business or undertaking' (PCBU) in WA, you must report any 'notifiable incident' to WorkSafe.

Take urgent action now to protect your internet identity

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:00:00 GMT

If you have a domain name that ends in .com.au, .net.au, .asn.au or similar, you have until Tuesday 20 September to prevent someone else from registering an identical name that ends in .au.

Stage 1 of WA's new security of payment laws is here

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The laws started on Monday 1 August and apply to construction contracts signed on or after that date. To help you learn about them, here's an update on educational resources and a coming roadshow.

Reminder to WA plumbers - free information sessions on new Plumbing Code

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

If you haven't already registered to learn about the new Plumbing Code of Australia, please sign up now.

The West Australian publishes important op-ed by our CEO

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The publication of an opinion piece on industry reform will lift public awareness of the need to reform the WA construction industry.

Reminder to plumbers about obtaining hot work permits

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

If you overlook safety procedures, hot work can be extremely dangerous and your insurance may be void.

Media release about WA Government decision to register building engineers

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

We have issued a media release supporting the Government's announcement that it will prepare regulations to register building engineers, but urging more reforms.

JobPass has started in WA

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

JobPass is the new name for Automatic Mutual Recognition and started on 1 July.

New security of payment laws start soon, these resources will help you

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The new payment laws for construction contracts in WA will come into effect on 1 August 2022.

Additional webinar session for NCC 2022 Volume Three

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has announced an additional webinar on National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 Volume Three - Plumbing Code of Australia.

Media release about Flushable Products standard

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:00:00 GMT

We have published a media release that declares our support of AS/NZS 5328 Flushable Products.

COVID-19 mandatory vaccination gone, effective Friday 10 June

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 16:00:00 GMT

In good news for building and construction, the WA Government is relaxing the vaccination rules.

Paid family and domestic violence (FDV) leave is coming

Tue, 31 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Paid FDV leave is coming for full-time and part-time employees.

Tax return time is coming, these resources will help you get it right

Tue, 31 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) wants you to know what deductions you can claim and what income you should declare.

Government agrees to change regulations on crane licences

Thu, 26 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The Minister for Industrial Relations has listened to our concerns about a new regulation that threatened to disrupt the construction industry.

Standards adopted for hydrogen appliances

Sun, 15 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Plumbers and gasfitters in WA need to be aware of a new list of standards for approval of Type A and Type B gas appliances.

We're telling the media about the ABCB WaterMark campaign

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

We have published a media release to promote the WaterMark public awareness campaign.

NCC 2022 preview is now available

Sun, 08 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released the preview of National Construction Code (NCC) 2022.

New for members - Vehicles as a workplace

Sun, 08 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Because vehicles are part of the workplace, we have created a Member Guide about good practices and safety considerations.

We say excavator operators should not need crane licences

Thu, 05 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

We have joined other industry groups to protest about an ill-advised new regulation that is adversely affecting contractors and workers.

Recording minor plumbing work

Sun, 01 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The requirements for recording minor plumbing work might be easier than you think.

Seminar and webinar options for NCC 2022 Volume Three

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Registrations are open for Perth and Rockingham seminars on National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 Volume Three - Plumbing Code of Australia. There is also a webinar option.

Get ready for the National Construction Code 2022

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The release of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 is coming and members should know two important dates.

Get to know the Payment Times Reporting Scheme

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

We strongly encourage members who provide services to large businesses or government enterprises to become familiar with the Payment Times Reporting Scheme.

If you are a director, you need your ID

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The director identification number (director ID) system is an example of how governments around the country are tightening things up.

Automatic Mutual Recognition is coming to WA

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Interstate plumbers who want to work in WA will soon have less red tape to deal with.

WaterMark awareness campaign has launched, free toolkit available

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has officially launched the ‘LOOK for the WaterMark’ campaign. We strongly encourage all our members to get involved and give it their full support.

WaterMark awareness campaign

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:00:00 GMT

In early April 2022, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) will launch the ‘LOOK for the WaterMark’ campaign to raise awareness of the WaterMark Certification Scheme.

New for members - Work Health and Safety Law Member Guide

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 16:00:00 GMT

We have created a Member Guide that outlines the major changes that are about to happen when WA's new Work Health and Safety laws commence.

New for members - Security of Payment Law Member Guide

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 16:00:00 GMT

We have created a Member Guide that explains what will happen when WA's new Security of Payment laws and regulations are introduced.

Attention all plumbers - asbestos is a killer, so read this

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The Australian Government has published an asbestos awareness guide that we urge all plumbers to read.

Critical worker registration for exemption from COVID-19 isolation

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The WA Government's online registration system for critical workers is now available. Registration is mandatory for businesses that employ critical workers and want them to be exempt from isolation if they become asymptomatic close contacts.

New high caseload COVID-19 rules from 8 February

Sun, 06 Feb 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Premier Mark McGowan announced on Monday 7 February that WA's new high caseload settings will come into effect from Tuesday 8 February.

The settings include a new close contact definition, new testing and isolation protocols and mandatory reporting of positive rapid antigen test (RAT) results.

ABCB Resource Library recommended for our members

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA strongly recommends that all members use the educational and training resources provided by the Australian Building Code Board (ABCB).

New WHS laws delayed until March 2022

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 16:00:00 GMT

WA's new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws will now come into effect in March 2022. They were originally scheduled for January.

Exposure drafts of the supporting regulations are now available.

Lead in Plumbing Products - Implementation Plan

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has published the Lead in Plumbing Products – Implementation Plan.

New definitions of a building and construction site for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The WA Government has issued Building and Construction Industry Worker (Restrictions on Access) Directions (No.3), which provide new definitions of a building and construction site.

We welcome the new limit on lead content in plumbing products

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:00:00 GMT

We have issued a media release supporting the decision by the Australian Building Codes Board to introduce a limit of 0.25 per cent on the amount of lead allowed in plumbing products.

WA Government action against copper theft

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

We have issued a media release in response to the WA Government's announcement on 30 August that it will introduce controls on the sale of copper.

Warning about DIY bidets and alternative toilet devices

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the toilet paper shortage due to COVID-19, the Victorian Building Authority has issued a strong warning about the risks of the do-it-yourself installation of cleaning devices and products like bidets, douche sprays and handheld hoses.