The Plumber Protects the Health of the Nation
Robert W. Clarke, Plumbing Inspector
Olean Municipal Building, Room 212
P.O. Box 668,101 E. State St.
Olean, New York 14760 (716) 376-5683, (716) 376-5707 (fax)
Click here for the pdf version of this letter.
To all City of Olean Licensed Plumbers;
The old cliché, “the Plumber Protects the Health of the Nation,” is not
just a saying. It comes from the fact that potable water systems, as
well as waste disposal systems, need to be designed and installed
correctly to prevent a possible failure that could result in personal
damage, a health hazard or even death. It is important to keep in mind
that quality plumbing installation practices often go unnoticed by the
public and are therefore assumed as routine. Often, poor plumbing
practices are not perceived as a serious health or safety risk and,
therefore, their importance is minimized.
Strict license laws and strong codes along with dedicated inspection
practices are a necessity to insure compliance of prescribed rules and
regulations.
There are those who see plumbing regulations as an obstruction to their
objectives – to build as cheaply as possible with unskilled labor and
few restrictions. It is essential that those of us who share the
concerns and objectives of the plumbing trade maintain its standards. We
believe that our industry is critical to the health and safety of the
public. Therefore, the statement that “The Plumber Protects the Health
of the Nation” is one that we should all take seriously.
The New York State Attorney General, in opinion number I 85-74, stated
in part, “the Court reasoned that plumbing work may be a potential
source of danger to the health and safety of many persons including
those outside the premises where the work is being performed. We know of
no trade, business or calling in the community which more vitally
affects the public health and safety of city dwellers than that of
plumbing.”
Very truly yours,
Robert Clarke
Plumbing Inspector
BWC/ks