What is a PIRB Certificate of Compliance or PIRB CoC?

A PIRB CoC is a self-certification and declaration by the PIRB licensed plumber that the work undertaken by them is up to standard and professionally conducted as per their training.

When must I issue a PIRB CoC?

Subject to the requirements for issuing a PIRB CoC, a PIRB CoC must be issued on all plumbing work undertaken by a Licenced plumber which includes but is not limited to geysers, solar water installations, heat pumps, etc.

Why does a PIRB CoC cost so much?

Part of the PIRB purpose is to monitor compliance of a plumber works. Through the CoC process, 5% of all plumber’s work is physically audited and if required the plumber is notified of any non-compliance. This physical audit and the associated administration functions bear a cost that is recovered through the associated cost of the PIRB CoC.

The cost of the CoC has always been kept as low as possible without jeopardising the mandated functions of the PIRB and that of being a registered professional body.

How can I purchase an electronic CoC?

How can I purchase a paper-based CoC?

Why can only Licenced Plumbers issue PIRB CoC’s?

Licensed plumbers have not only met the prescribed requirements of PIRB registration but have undertaken and passed the required PIRB assessment. Furthermore, licensed plumbers have maintained their prescribed 25 CPD points throughout their registration cycle.

Is it a legal requirement to issue a CoC?

In terms of the PIRB requirements and a licensed plumber maintaining their PIRB registration, a licensed plumber must issue a CoC on all plumbing work undertaken by them which, includes but is not limited to geysers, solar water installations, heat pumps, etc.

I have lost a PIRB CoC, what now?

Contact the PIRB as soon as possible to discuss the matter. If you suspect that it was stolen, or if it has already been fraudulently used by another party, please make sure you obtain all details about the incident.

What does ‘logging’ a PIRB CoC mean?

All PIRB CoC’s are uniquely numbered. Once you have requested a PIRB CoC(s), the CoC will be allocated to you. A certificate allocated but not issued or associated with work undertaken by you is referred to as an “unlogged” certificate. Once a certificate is written out, issued and captured on the PIRB auditing system this certificate is referred to a “logged” certificate.  The action of capturing the details on the PIRB auditing system is referred to as “Logging”. A PIRB certificate is only logged once it is issued and captured on the PIRB auditing system.

Why must I log a PIRB CoC?

Without logging a PIRB CoC, the PIRB considers that CoC to be unissued (although it has been allocated to you). You can only have a limited number of unlogged CoC’s in your possession, and in turn, limiting the practice of issuing without logging. It is a requirement that a CoC is logged within five days of issuing.

How do I log a CoC?

To log a CoC, log onto your profile on the PIRB system or the Plumbers App and navigate to the “CoC Statement” function for a list of your CoC’s logged and unlogged. Select an unlogged CoC and after completing all the necessary fields, clicking “Log CoC”.

How soon after completion of the work should I issue a CoC?

A PIRB CoC’s must be “logged” within 5 working days after completion of the work. The physical issuing of the PIRB CoC must be done within a reasonable time frame or as agreed by the owner of the property where the work was undertaken.

Why can I only purchase a limited number of CoC’s?

You are not limited to the number of PIRB’s CoC’s that you can purchase, but rather limited to the number of “unlogged” PIRB CoC, that you may have in your name. This prevents a plumber from just purchasing CoC’s without logging and not allowing for the 5% auditing process to take place. For example, assuming your limit of unlogged PIRB CoC’s is 10, to be able to purchase 5 more you need to issue and log five, which will reduce you unlogged count down to 5 and put you in a position to purchase five more.

I am a qualified Plumber. Why can I not issue a PIRB CoC?

Because you can drive a motor car does not mean you can legally drive. In the same way just because you have a qualification in plumbing does not necessarily mean you can do plumbing work and or, more importantly, that you are complying with the respective South African National Standards and regulations. Your qualification merely denotes that you have met the requirements at a point in time. The PIRB process including that of the PIRB CoC and CPD denotes ongoing checks and balances of you as a professional. Only PIRB Licensed plumbers can issue PIRB CoC. Licensed plumbers have not only met the prescribed requirements of PIRB registration but have undertaken and passed the required PIRB assessment. Furthermore, licensed plumbers have maintained their prescribed 25 CPD points throughout their registration cycle.

I have my own CoC. Why can I not use that?

If you have your “own” driver’s license, it does not mean that you are legal to drive. Similarly, you can have and issue your own CoC, however subject to the requirements for issuing a PIRB CoC, a PIRB CoC must still be included and issued on all plumbing work undertaken by a Licenced plumber which includes but is not limited to geysers, solar water installations, heat pumps, etc. Furthermore, there are no real substances to a plumber having their own CoC. If this is the case they would be acting as the “Judge, Jury and Hangman”.

Can I issue CoC’s on another plumber’s work?

If you can prove that the work undertaken by another “plumber” was done under your adequate supervision, then as the professional and accountable plumber you are allowed to. We do however like to draw your attention to the fact that once you have signed a PIRB CoC you are not only self-certifying that the work is done correctly and compliant, but YOU are personally and legally accountable for the said works. Signing a CoC without doing the actual work and or under your adequate supervisors is fraught with dangers, so beware.

When must I log a COC?

A PIRB CoC’s must be “logged” within five working days after completion of the work. The physical issuing of the PIRB CoC must be done within a reasonable time frame or as agreed by the owner of the property where the work was undertaken.

The client has not paid me, can I withhold the CoC? 

Unless a contract prescribes and/or your client agrees otherwise, you may withhold the issuing of the physical PIRB CoC for payment, however, it does not detract from the fact that you must still “log” the PIRB CoC within five workings days after completion of the work.

Can I issue one PIRB CoC in a complex or group of houses? 

No, each installation should have its own CoC issued. In terms of issuing a PIRB CoC on installation, the PIRB’s defines an “installation” as any plumbing works that is downstream of any installed water-meter. For example, in the case of a complex or group of houses, it is a legal requirement that each unit or house in a complex or group of houses must be individually metered with a water-meter. As such, each unit or house constitutes an installation and a CoC must be written out for every unit/house.

What constitutes an installation?

In terms of issuing a PIRB CoC on installation, the PIRB’s defines an “installation” as any plumbing works that is downstream of any installed water-meter. For example, in the case of a complex or group of houses, it is a legal requirement that each unit or house in a complex or group of houses must be individually metered with a water-meter. As such, each unit or house constitutes an installation and a CoC must be written out for every unit/house.

How can I track my CoC’s?
Click on the ‘COC STATEMENT’ option to see if your CoC’s are logged, not logged, being audited and whether the audit is complete or not.