Organization: MCAA

New EPA Refrigerant Management Regulations Go Into Effect

cloudsThe new updated EPA safe handling requirements for refrigerants under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act went into effect January 1, 2017.  This includes a provision that reclaimed refrigerants, including CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and HFOs, may not be resold unless it has been reclaimed by a certified reclaimer.  In addition, the rule requires the following:

  • Lowers the leak rate thresholds that trigger the duty to repair refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment containing 50 or more pounds of refrigerant.
  • Requires quarterly/annual leak inspections or continuous monitoring devices for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment that have exceeded the threshold leak rate
  • Requires owners/operators to submit reports to EPA if systems containing 50 or more pounds of refrigerant leak 125% or more of their full charge in one calendar year.
  • Requires technicians to keep a record of refrigerant recovered during system disposal from systems with a charge size from 5–50 lbs.
  • Revises the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Exam to include ODS substitutes

Download the EPA Fact Sheet for HVACR Technicians here. 

Additional information on the ruling can be found on the EPA website here.

What contractors need to know

Additional changes to the ruling go into effect on January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019.

 

Safe Work Distance Finally Established for Service Work on Low-Slope Roofs

 

In the past, mechanical service technicians were required to have fall prevention or protection systems in place while servicing HVAC equipment on flat roofs, regardless of how far they were working from the roof’s edge. OSHA’s newly  revised walking-working surfaces rule now allows service technicians to perform their tasks without fall prevention or protection systems, but only under specified conditions.

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Get Your Copy of the New Tool and Equipment Rental Guide

MCAA has released the 2016-2017 edition of its Tool and Equipment Rental Guide. The guide puts the latest comprehensive cost recovery information for commonly used tools and equipment at your fingertips. The single download includes both a PDF version and an Excel spreadsheet. The guide is free as a member benefit.

The rental rates are based on ownership and operating costs for contractor-owned equipment and are derived from formulas and data developed by the experts at EquipmentWatch and from analytic methods used in the construction industry.

Generally, these methods consider the purchase price, depreciation, maintenance and overhaul costs, indirect equipment costs and average annual use hours.

Profit, project overhead and general company overhead costs such as office facilities and supplies are not included in the rates.

Download your copy here.

Registration for Popular MSCA Service Managers Training Program Now Open

The 2017 MSCA Service Managers Training Program is now open for registration. Scheduled for March 27 – 30, 2017 in Baltimore, MD, this intensive four-day class will provide service professionals with critical management and leadership skills to enhance their performance, provide added-value to their company and ensure their success.  The program was developed with the service manager’s typical day-to-day problems in mind and will address key topics in financial management, communication, conflict resolution, leadership, coaching and motivation.  Class size is limited and program sells out quickly so register today. To download a brochure and registration form click here.

It’s Not too Late to Find an Intern, and Get a Grant

MCAA_GREAT_FUTURESIf you are considering hiring an intern for this summer and you haven’t yet lined up candidates, go to MCAA’s website, MCAAGreatFutures.org.

Over 200 resumes of well-qualified students from across the U.S. and Canada are posted and they’re eager to work for a mechanical, mechanical service or plumbing contractor to learn the business.

And, once you’ve hired someone, you can apply for a Student Internship Grant from the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF). The grants are $1,200 each and you may apply for up two grants (if you hire two interns).

View Resumes

Apply for a Grant

MCAA Releases Safety Bulletin on OSHA’s Final Rule to Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

MCAA has just made available its Safety Bulletin with information about the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) revised recordkeeping rule to Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses.

The revised rule requires affected employers to electronically submit, annually, specified occupational injury and illness information directly to the agency. The bulletin provides information on key compliance dates and a summary of recently amended provisions in the rule (29 CFR 1904).

MCAA Safety Bulletin on Final Recordkeeping Rule

MCAA’s Construction Technology Webinar on 3D Scanning

James Benham, who led several sessions on new and emerging construction technologies and cyber security at MCAA 2016,  presented his research findings in the first of a multi-part webinar series on construction technology on April 7, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time during MCAA’s Construction Technology Webinar.

The report, which is now available, provides a comparative analysis of 3D scanning technology. In 2016, MCAA partnered with JBK Labs to release this research.

Each part of the series evaluates and compares the benefits of specific products and software that contractors can apply in their operations.

James Benham, founder of JB Knowledge and its research wing, JBK Labs,  discusses the results of the first part of the study series on 3D Scanning Technology during this webinar. He explores and compares the differences in 3D scanning products, software and processes, also providing a glimpse of 3D scanning solutions that are still emerging.

If you missed the webinar, view our archived version here.

Download the report.