Next dates:
Brisbane - Australia
8:30 am - 4:30 pm, AEST
Thu 10 Sep 2026
Register here
Online - ANZ
8:30 am - 4:30 pm, AEST
Thu 10 Sep 2026
Register here (soon)
*All online sessions are recorded, with access to the recordings granted for 30 days.
About this Course:
This course has been developed in conjunction with AHSCA QLD, CIBSE, HCAA and ICC.
The objective of this course is to equip hydraulic designers, engineers, plumbers, and regulators with the knowledge and skills to design, assess, and implement drainage systems in reactive and unstable soils, aligned with the National Construction Code (NCC), AS 2870 and AS/NZS 3500.2:2021 Appendix G.
This training establishes a practical and consistent framework for managing the challenges associated with soil movement and reactive ground conditions. It is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of current industry practices, emerging methodologies, and risk-based decision-making approaches that can help minimise reliance on performance solutions where appropriate.
While this course is not intended to be a definitive “fix-all” solution, it aims to provide valuable insights into the key considerations, principles, and requirements needed to support better outcomes across the industry. By increasing awareness and understanding, the course seeks to contribute to more informed decision-making and improved practice.
Who should attend:
- Those in the early stages of their electrical services engineering career,
- Those with international qualifications looking to understand local design requirements and framework, or
- specialising in other areas of the construction and the building services industry, wishing to gain a better understanding of electrical services design principles in Australia and New Zealand
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course you will have an understanding of the following:
- Statutory, Cost and Technical considerations for Electrical Services design and component selection
- minimum standard requirements and best practices in Electrical Services design
- key components of the electrical plant and systems
- the complexities and interrelatedness of Electrical Services and other building services, which ensure/reflect a people-first approach, over a building-first mindset.
- key aspects of Electrical Services including Generation, Distribution, Reticulation and Cabling, Load Demand Testing and Commissioning and Lighting
- the importance comfort, health, wellbeing, and safety of the people who might occupy the building when considering design, and the appropriateness of the sustainability strategy in relation to those people.
Course Agenda:
Session 1 Defining The Problem And The Context
Session 2 Ground Behaviour and Site Characterisation
Session 3 Soil–Structure–Pipe Interaction & AS/NZS 2566.1
Session 4 Drainage System Design for Reactive Soils
Session 5 Applied Code Analysis: AS 2870
Session 6 Structural Integration for Unstable Conditions
Session 7 Design Verification & Dual Case Studies
Session 8 Case Studies & Interactive Workshop
Session 9 Developing a Performance Solution
Meet the Trainers:
Chris Ferguson - course facilitator
Chris is currently a Technical Specialist with Plastec Australia and brings more than 30 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He has managed the design and implementation of Plastec's range of articulated joints and risk-proofing technologies, contributing to innovative solutions for plumbing systems in challenging environments.
Chris has also played an active role in industry standards, participating in standards working groups and development committees. He travels extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand, working closely with geotechnical professionals, regulators, engineers, hydraulic consultants, and tradespeople to promote best practices in plumbing and construction for reactive and unstable ground conditions. In addition, Chris delivers professional training to TAFEs and industry groups, sharing his expertise in plumbing and drainage design for reactive and unstable soils.
Chris Taylor - Course facilitator
After more than 40 years in the plumbing industry and nearly two decades in hydraulic consultancy, I found this training both practical and insightful. It reinforced key principles, challenged existing assumptions, and provided valuable guidance for designing, installing, and inspecting drainage systems in reactive soils. The trainers' knowledge and real-world experience were outstanding, making this a course I would highly recommend to anyone seeking best-practice outcomes.”
— Paul Lind, Hydraulic Consultant, South Australia
Course Contributors
