What's the Difference Between Form 7 and Form 9 in QLD?
Quick Answer
In Queensland, a Form 7 (Notification of Responsible Person) notifies the local government of who is taking responsibility for plumbing and drainage work, while a Form 9 (Registration and report on inspection and testing of testable backflow prevention devices) is used to register, inspect, and test backflow prevention devices under AS/NZS 3500.1 and AS/NZS 2845.3.
For licensed plumbers and drainers operating in Queensland, navigating the paperwork required by the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (PDA) and the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 (PDR) is just as critical as the physical work on site. Two of the most commonly misunderstood documents are the Form 7 and the Form 9. While both are mandatory compliance documents submitted to local government authorities, they serve entirely different purposes, trigger different regulatory requirements, and carry distinct penalties for non-compliance.
Form 7: Notification of Responsible Person
The Form 7 is fundamentally about accountability. Under section 63(5) of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019, a Form 7 must be submitted to notify the local government of the "responsible person" for specific plumbing and drainage work. The responsible person is the licensed plumber or drainer who either performs the work or directly supervises it.
When is a Form 7 Required?
A Form 7 is required when a licensed contractor takes over responsibility for plumbing and drainage work, or when they cease to be the responsible person before the work is completed. Common scenarios include:
- Change of Contractor: If a client replaces their original plumber halfway through a rough-in, the incoming plumber must submit a Form 7 to notify the council that they are now the responsible person for the remaining work.
- Commencement of Work: For certain types of permit work, the council requires a Form 7 to officially register who is undertaking the installation.
- Withdrawal of Responsibility: If you walk off a job due to non-payment or a dispute, you must submit a Form 7 to formally withdraw as the responsible person. Failing to do so means you remain legally liable for any subsequent defective work done by others on that site.
Legislative Context and Penalties
The requirement for a Form 7 is tied to the broader obligations under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018. Failing to notify the local government of a change in the responsible person can attract significant penalties. In 2026, the maximum penalty for failing to comply with notification requirements under the PDR can exceed $3,000 AUD for an individual, and significantly more for a corporation.
Form 9: Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Registration
Unlike the administrative nature of the Form 7, the Form 9 is a highly technical document. It is the mandatory Registration and report on inspection and testing of testable backflow prevention devices, governed by sections 102(2) and 103(3) of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.
The Purpose of Form 9
Backflow prevention is critical to protecting the potable water supply from contamination. Under AS/NZS 3500.1 (Water services), testable backflow prevention devices such as Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) devices, Double Check Valves (DCV), and Pressure Type Vacuum Breakers (PVB) must be installed in high and medium hazard situations. Once installed, these devices must be tested at commissioning and then annually thereafter. The Form 9 is the official record of this test, and it must be completed by a plumber who holds a specific backflow endorsement on their licence.
When is a Form 9 Required?
A Form 9 must be completed and submitted in the following instances:
- Initial Installation and Commissioning: When a new testable backflow device is installed.
- Annual Testing: Every 12 months, as required by local councils to maintain the registration of the device.
- Maintenance or Replacement: If a device fails its test, is repaired, or is replaced, a new Form 9 must be submitted to record the updated test results and serial numbers.
Legislative Context and Penalties
The testing procedure must comply with AS/NZS 2845.3:2020 (Water supply - Backflow prevention devices - Field testing and maintenance of testable devices). Under section 103(3) of the PDR, the endorsed tester must submit the Form 9 to both the local government and the owner of the premises within 10 business days of conducting the test. Failing to submit a Form 9, or submitting a fraudulent Form 9 (e.g., "drive-by testing" where the device isn't actually tested), is a severe offence. Penalties under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 for failing to test or report can result in fines exceeding $7,500 AUD, and the QBCC may take disciplinary action, including the suspension or cancellation of your plumbing licence.
Compliance Pitfalls and Common Mistakes
Even experienced plumbers can get caught out by the administrative nuances of these forms. Here are the most common mistakes made on site and in the office:
- Failing to lodge a Form 7 when walking off a job: If you have a dispute with a builder and leave the site, you are still the "responsible person" on the council's file until you lodge a Form 7 stating your withdrawal. If the builder gets an unlicensed worker to finish the rough-in and it fails inspection, the council will hold you responsible.
- Using an outdated Form 9: The Queensland Government regularly updates the Form 9 to align with changes in AS/NZS 2845.3. Submitting an outdated version will result in the council rejecting the submission, requiring you to re-do the paperwork.
- Missing the 10-day window for Form 9: Section 103(3) of the PDR strictly mandates that the Form 9 must be submitted to the council and the owner within 10 business days. Plumbers who batch their paperwork at the end of the month frequently breach this requirement.
- Incomplete test kit details on Form 9: The Form 9 requires the serial number and the date of the last calibration/verification of your backflow test kit. If your kit is out of calibration, the test is invalid, and the form will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I submit a Form 9 if I don't have a backflow endorsement?
No. Only a plumber who holds a current backflow prevention endorsement on their QBCC licence is legally permitted to test testable backflow devices and submit a Form 9. Performing this work without the endorsement is a breach of the QBCC Act 1991 and carries severe penalties.
Do I need to submit a Form 7 for minor maintenance work?
Generally, no. A Form 7 is typically required for permit work (notifiable work or compliance assessable work) where the council needs a record of the responsible person. Minor maintenance, such as changing a tap washer or replacing a like-for-like fixture, does not usually require a Form 7.
Who pays the council lodgement fee for a Form 9?
Most local councils in Queensland charge a lodgement or registration fee for a Form 9. While the plumber is responsible for submitting the form, the cost is typically passed on to the property owner or client as part of the invoicing for the annual testing service. Always check the specific council's fee schedule, as rates vary significantly across QLD.
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