IAPMO India established, Uniform Plumbing Code for nation announced

 Ontario, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2007) – The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has completed giant strides in cultivating a strong cooperative presence in the nation of India, establishing IAPMO-India and partnering with the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) to develop a Uniform Plumbing Code for the nation.

 The Government of India has approved the establishment of a new Corporation in India: IAPMO Plumbing Codes and Standards India Private Limited, to be known as IAPMO-India. Simultaneously, IAPMO and the IPA, both members of the World Plumbing Council (WPC), agreed upon a comprehensive plan to work together to establish a model code of plumbing installation and maintenance for all of India, the Uniform Plumbing Code – India.

 IPA President Sudhakaran Nair informed the assembled World Plumbing Council, “The IPA and IAPMO have completed the Uniform Plumbing Code – India, and it will be introduced to all of India at the IPA Annual Meeting, Feb. 11-13, 2008, in the City of Mumbai. It will truly be a world class event, including an ISH Exhibition, and I invite everyone to attend this important event.”

 Over a period of little more than a year, an IPA Code Committee worked with IAPMO staff in creating a document that recognized and utilized proven international concepts, always taking into consideration the proven plumbing practices and customs within India. The Uniform Plumbing Code – India is the result of that diligent effort.

 “I am very proud that IAPMO and I are associated with the IPA and the Uniform Plumbing Code – India,” stated GP Russ Chaney, IAPMO executive director. “It was a massive effort for everyone involved, but the commitment in both time and knowledge by the Code Committee and the leadership of IPA has resulted in an extensive code of plumbing practice that will serve the people of India for years to come.”

 In addition to these announcements, IAPMO, the IPA and the Indian Institute of Plumbing (IIP) announced the formation of a partnership agreement to provide plumbing training and education throughout India. The agreement identifies four distinct target markets: Existing and emerging Engineers, Plumbing Project Managers/Supervisors, basic Plumbing Apprenticeship and task training certification of labor skills. A joint Committee of the organizations has been appointed and is already working on the curriculum for each of the four components of the project and development of the training and educational materials.

 The three organizations will formally introduce the project at the IPA Annual Meeting in February.

 “Given the level of involvement of IAPMO with the Indian Plumbing Association in publishing and promoting the Uniform Plumbing Code – India, and with the Indian Institute of Plumbing and IPA in providing training and education throughout India, the establishment of IAPMO - India is vital,” Chaney said. “It is absolutely the best way to achieve our goals and objectives in working with these two dedicated organizations.”

 He went on to announce the opening of a new IAPMO India Corporate office, located in the City of Bangalore. In making the announcement, Chaney noted, “An architect has already been retained and the design of the IAPMO -India offices has begun.

 “This office will provide major efficiencies in conducting the code work and training and education throughout India, and I anticipate it will grow in focus in coming years to manage the increasing opportunities of IAPMO to work with surrounding countries in Asia.” 

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Sponsor of the Uniform Codes, IAPMO – The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials – works in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary plumbing and mechanical systems. Learn more about IAPMO at www.iapmo.org.