- What is the PIRB's Objectives?
- To effectively administer a live and updated plumbing registration system in South Africa
- To promote and encourage the upliftment of the training and skills development at all levels in the plumbing sector, in terms of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
- To promote, monitor and maintain expertise and competencies among industry professionals
- To work with the community to address concerns and resolve complaints about work carried out by plumbers
- To monitor compliance to technical standards of plumbing work through professional industry plumbing inspectors and there by assisting authorised local and central government bodies with the enforcement of plumbing compliance
- To promote plumbing practices that protect the environment, the health and safety of consumers; and the integrity and sustainability of the water supply, waste water, hot water heating and solar water heating systems; through the application and enforcement of South African National Standards and Codes of Practice
- To actively promote and support a consistent and effective regulatory environment throughout South Africa
- What does the PIRB do for me?It is more about what the PIRB does for the Plumbing Industry as a whole. The objectives of the PIRB are:
- Effectively administering and maintaining a live and updated plumbing industry registration system.
- Monitor and re-enforce compliance to the national technical application of plumbing regulations, standards and best practices.
- Promote compliant plumbing practices that protect the environment, the health and safety of the public, and the integrity and sustainability of the South African Plumbing Industry.
- Promote and monitor expertise and competencies among the PIRB registered professionals.
- Increase awareness of the PIRB and effectively communicate the vision, mission, objectives, and activities to all its stakeholders.
- What is a Professional Body?A professional body is an approved organisation that maintains an oversight of the skills, conduct, and practice of a specific profession or occupation.
- What is a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) accredited professional body?The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act requires the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to recognise professional bodies and register their professional designations on the NQF. This only happens if the professional body meets the SAQA Policy and Criteria for recognising professional bodies and registering professional designations. A SAQA professional body is a body constituted to represent and/or regulate a recognised community of expert practitioners. PIRB is the Plumbing industry registered Professional Body with SAQA – http://pbdesig.saqa.org.za/viewProfessionalBody.php?id=831
- Is the PIRB a private Company?The PIRB is not a Private Company and thus does not have any shareholders. PIRB is formally registered as a Non-Profit Organisation with CIPC.
- What is the difference between the PIRB and IOPSA?The PIRB is the Professional Body for the Plumbing industry and is a registrar of individuals that have to meet the stated requirements of registration. The Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) is a member association that provides an industry forum for plumbing companies, suppliers and manufacturing members. Unlike IOPSA, PIRB is not a member organisation.
- Who Owns and Governs the PIRB?The PIRB is not owned by any individual. It is a Non-Profit Organisation that is governed and guided by a Constitution and an elected board of trustees. Further oversight of the PIRB is done through third party yearly audits and bodies such as The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- How does the PIRB generate income?The majority of the PIRB’s income is generated through its yearly registration fee which pays for the administrative and functions of the PIRB. Further income is derived through the sale of the plumbing certificate of compliances. Income derived from the COC is used solely for the auditing related process and activities to uplift the plumbing industry to drive accountability and compliance into the sector.
