November 2003
Inadequate Plumbing linked to spread of SARS
The horrific SARS outbreaks earlier this year which swept through 32 countries, infecting some 8,500 people from which over 800 died, acted as a wake-up call to those who may have become complacent about plumbing standards in some parts of the world.The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently convened a meeting of experts in Rome to look at the health issues associated with the spread of SARS.
Andy Watts, Institute of Plumbing (IoP) Chief Executive and Secretary, and Secretary of the World Plumbing Council (WPC) said: "The potential spread of SARS through infected water droplets via inadequate drainage trap seals highlights the importance of sanitary plumbing to public health. WPC's participation at the meeting of experts is international recognition of the vital role played by plumbing professionals."
ENDS (134 WORDS)
November 2003
Women's event a sell out
"Absolutely fabulous afternoon" - "Excellent presentations by all speakers" - "Inspiring!"These are just a few of the comments made at the Women in Plumbing Group (WPG) special event which took place at the RIBA, London, on 23rd October.
Ellen Cheesman, Chair of the WPG said: "When we planned the event, we thought we might draw an audience of between 40-50 people. As it turned out we had over 100 requests for places and had to turn people away."
The afternoon began with a buffet lunch, which gave attendees the chance to get to know each other. Ellen Cheesman welcomed everyone and introduced Ursula Russell MBE as the first speaker. Ursula gave a passionate talk on her involvement with plumbers in her role of Chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Learning and Skills Council. Her enthusiasm was evident for the whole afternoon as she chaired the meeting.
The next speaker was Baroness Anita Gale, who told of how she left school at 15 to work in a factory and finally aspired to become the General Secretary, Wales Labour Party between 1984 - 1999. Anita's message was clear, if you are truly motivated you can overcome the obstacles and reach the top of your chosen profession.Carmen Knowler, from New Zealand, followed on. She is currently travelling through the UK to study pipe laying and drainage, after winning the Winston Churchill Fellowship award. She told of her struggle to be taken seriously when she wanted to take up a career in drain laying. Carmen is now one of two registered female drain layers in New Zealand.
Claire Curtis-Thomas MP, dashed from the House of Commons to speak at the event. Claire is the first female chartered engineer to enter the House of Commons as an MP and as she has a young family knows only too well the pressures involved in balancing home life with work. She gave an inspiring talk, peppered with humour.
Chris Cronin, a representative from Building Services Training Ltd - talked about projects in Wales to train an equal amount of male and female plumbers. Chris said it made economical sense to employ female plumbers because of the demands of certain areas of our society. This may be from elderly or vulnerable people, or indeed from certain religious groups.
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) was represented by Jennifer Tomlinson. She asked the audience to participate in the investigation being carried out by the EOC into Occupational Segregation. And Kathryn Hopkins-Morgan, from SummitSkills, also asked for help in creating Diversity and Focus Groups. After a lively question and answer session, the Vice President of the Institute of Plumbing, Len Gold, thanked everyone for coming and gave a special vote of thanks to the sponsors; Fernox, Grundfos, Mira Showers, PTS and Worcester Bosch. Each company had profiled a woman employee who had excelled in her job.
Delegates then got the opportunity to network and discuss the issues that had surfaced throughout the afternoon.
WPG secretary Carol Cannavan said: "This event has shown us the strength of feeling amongst the people who attended. Female plumbers told me how cut off they felt from the rest of the workforce and trainees said they were often the only female in the class. Hopefully our group will enable more women in the industry to support each other."
The WPG will be holding further events next year.
ENDS (562 WORDS)
November 2003