Archives: News Items

MCAA’s In-Person Safety Directors’ Conference a Win for Safety & Health

Last week the MCAA presented one of the most exciting Safety Directors’ Conferences ever. The first in-person conference in two years brought together safety professionals from around the country for world-class education on best practices and safety and health issues specific to the mechanical industry. Participants also heard keynotes on safety leadership from Capt. Richard Phillips, Olympian Vince Poscente, and longtime safety advocate Regina McMichael during the January 18 – 20, 2022, event in sunny Florida.

The latest innovations from over 20 exhibitors were on display, including those from MCAA Manufacturer/Supplier Council members MILWAUKEE TOOL, Tyfoom, Emerson, DEWALT Industrial Tool Company, and Victaulic, which unveiled its new QuickVic^TM System, a solution with exciting safety implications. Other exhibitors, like Little Giant Ladder, also showed off their latest solutions.

MCAA thanks CNA and MILWAUKEE TOOL for sponsoring the event, and all the safety professionals who attended.

Find the Latest from BELIMO Americas and MORSCO in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

BELIMO Americas
Belimo Energy Valve utilizes advanced analytic technology to leverage captured system data to improve coil and system performance for increased energy savings. Energy savings you can see. #SmallDevicesBigImpact

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MORSCO
MORSCO is a leading U.S. distributor of commercial and residential plumbing, HVAC, and PVF, with showrooms across the country. Since our inception in November 2011, we’ve grown rapidly through a series of acquisitions and store openings. MORSCO is a private company sponsored by Advent International and led by a team of industry veterans.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

Resource Highlight: NCPWB’s General Brazing Guidelines

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on NCPWB’s General Brazing Guidelines. These guidelines provide background information and supplementary instructions to contractors and their brazers who are using National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau Welding (NCPWB) Brazing Procedure Specifications (BPSs).

Your workers will learn about:

Mandatory practices that should be followed during the process of making brazed joints
Recommended practices that should be followed during brazing unless the brazer is otherwise directed by their supervisor
General information of interest to brazers, such as tables of copper tube and fitting sizes

DOWNLOAD

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact NCPWB’s Dariush (Nick) Nikpourfard.

MCAA’s Final Four Student Chapters Will Compete at MCAA22 in San Diego for First Place and a $10,000 Prize

Twenty three MCAA Student Chapters submitted a proposal for the Lake Placid Olympic Center Revitalization project. We would like to congratulate the Final Four and Certificate of Merit teams. Don’t miss out on seeing the Final Four compete during the Student Chapter Competition on Monday afternoon at MCAA22!

Students were asked to provide a project proposal to remove the existing R-22/R407F refrigeration system including all refrigeration equipment, related equipment and materials, controls, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and related systems inside the existing refrigeration room and the removal of the exterior cooling tower. Construction of the new R-513 indirect 1375-ton refrigeration system inside the existing refrigeration room, and new exterior cooling tower. Work includes demolition, excavation, concrete, refrigeration, equipment, pumps, piping, insulation, refrigerant, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, controls, motor control center, and building modifications.

When the project is completed, the new refrigeration system will feed the three existing indoor ice rinks and the new outdoor oval rink (existing oval rink is being replaced under a different contract). This is the same building where USA beat the Russia in the 1980 Miracle on Ice game.

Connect With the Latest Training from SLOAN and Victaulic at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

SLOAN
Sloan has the largest selection of automatic touch-free sensor faucets. Learn about the features and benefits of each in this detailed and whether you are selecting the right products for your projects.

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Victaulic
From one-hour seminars to full-day events, Victaulic University Continuing Education courses provide training on key industry concepts, including piping movement design, grooving and installation fundamentals, and gasket technology, as well as Victaulic HVAC and fire protection solutions. Request an instructor-led course or enroll in an online course today!

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

Corporate Mechanical of New England Announces New Residential and Commercial Plumbing Capabilities

Corporate Mechanical of New England (CMNE) is pleased to announce their new comprehensive plumbing capabilities, serving commercial and residential customers throughout the Boston area. The Woburn, MA, company is a member of the New England MCA and MCAA.

In 2021 CMNE became a proud member of the Plumbers & Gasfitters UA Local 12 and welcomed Ronald (Ron) Pescatore as Plumbing Operations Manager. Ron is a Licensed Master Plumber & Gasfitter and brings 29 years of industry knowledge and experience to CMNE.

“Ron’s enthusiasm and tremendous skill set will prove invaluable for our new plumbing capabilities and extension into the residential market” said Paul Battaglia, President of CMNE. “We are excited to have Ron on board.”

Corporate Mechanical of New England (CMNE) designs, constructs, and maintains mechanical and HVAC and plumbing systems for a growing customer base in the Boston area’s commercial, industrial, and higher education markets. CMNE is part of the Arden Building Companies family, one of the largest mechanical contracting companies in New England.

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and Jonas Construction Software in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Morris Group International
Acorn Controls® offers a complete line of thermostatic showering and tempering valves and controls, as well as whole-building water systems—perfect for all your tepid water plumbing needs.

Learn More

Jonas Construction Software
JONAS ENTERPRISE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE – A fully integrated and automated construction management software solution for everyday life.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

MCAA Members Are Invited to Participate in TAUC’s Union Craft Labor Supply Survey

The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) invites MCAA members to participate in its 2022 Union Craft Labor Supply Survey, the industry’s only union-specific survey focused on construction and maintenance. The survey is once again being conducted in conjunction with the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC). Survey responses are due by February 11, 2022.

The survey responses provide for a detailed, data-driven picture of the current state of the labor supply throughout the United States. The resulting data set allows for educated decision making and action that can both strengthen our industry and increase market share.

Launched in 2015, the survey has been continually enhanced based on the feedback of a wide cross-section of previous respondents, including more than 3,250 contractors, labor representatives, owner-clients and construction association representatives. This survey will drill down into the specifics of both regional and national labor supply trends and further assessment of the union craft workforce. New this year, the survey addresses COVID-19, the infrastructure deal, and more.

Your responses are confidential, submitted anonymously and will be analyzed to create a final report that will be shared with MCAA members when it is available this spring.

TAKE THE SURVEY

The Greater Boston PCA Is MCAA’s Newest Affiliate

MCAA is pleased to welcome the Greater Boston PCA as our newest affiliated association. The coalition of roughly 60 union plumbing businesses is based out of the Greater Boston area. Remarking on this milestone, Andrew DeAngelo, Executive Director, said, “I am very excited to work with you and be a part of MCAA!”

Resource Highlight: MCAA/CNA MICROLEARNING SAFETY VIDEO SERIES: Refraining from Distracted Driving

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on the MCAA/CNA MICROLEARNING SAFETY VIDEO SERIES: Refraining from Distracted Driving. This video will teach your workers how refraining from distracted driving can help prevent motor vehicle collisions.

Your workers will learn:

How talking on the phone – even using a hands-free device – takes the mind off the road and leads to inattention blindness, a phenomenon that has proven to be deadly
Why it is smart to pull off the road to a safe location before making calls, sending texts, programming a GPS, or similar tasks
The importance of taking 60 seconds to clear the dashboard and organize the vehicle before heading out

Together with our partners in safety, CNA, MCAA developed the video, which is part of the MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Video Series, a series of easy-to-watch safety videos that are under 3-minutes long.

Download or Play the Video

All the videos in this series are available in our Resource Center any time.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Supreme Court Reinstates OSHA ETS Stay on 1/13/22

Today the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a decision regarding the highly controversial OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for COVID-19 vaccination.

SCOTUS granted the application for the stay blocking enforcement and progress of the ETS.

Regarding this nationwide stay of OSHA’s ETS for COVID-19 vaccination, SCOTUS holds that challengers to the rule are “likely to succeed on the merits” of their claims because the rule is broad enough to qualify as a “public health” mandate rather than an occupational standard.

They went on to say, “OSHA has never before imposed such a mandate. Nor has Congress.”

The full decision can be read here.

Watch for Updates As They Occur

MCAA will be closely monitoring SCOTUS and OSHA developments related to this issue and will communicate updates as they occur. In the meantime, questions may be addressed to MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Bassett Mechanical Named Contractor of the Year by PHC News

Congratulations to everyone at Bassett Mechanical for being named PHC News magazine’s Contractor of the Year. The company, which is a member of MCAA and the MCA of North Central Wisconsin, was selected for its effective Behavior Based Safety Program, 85-year history, comprehensive capabilities, and customer-centered approach. Included among these pillars is the company’s long-standing motto, “We Answer to You®”, and its vision of Creating Customers for Life®.

“We are honored to be highlighted as Contractor of the Year,” said Kim Bassett, President & CEO. “We are passionate about safely providing exceptional value and Creating Customers for Life®. This is a great way to recognize our associates for their focus on safe and responsible solutions and strong customer relationships.”

The extensive feature article details many of the company’s complete solutions, additional Virtual Design and Construction enhancements, and the growth the company has experienced under its second and third generations of family leadership.

Kim Bassett states, “We continuously strive to be seen as ‘Contractor of the Year’ in our customer’s eyes and are committed to bringing their ideas to life through our uniquely customized solutions. From idea to implementation, we are here to partner with them every step of the way.”

READ THE ARTICLE

Highlighting NEI Instructor Frank Favaro

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Frank Favaro, President of ServeCentric Coaching in Cleveland, OH.

Frank is the first certified CX (customer experience) Coach specializing in our industry. He is licensed and trained by the world’s customer service authority, The Dijulius Group and John Dijulius. Frank believes the best sales and marketing strategy is a great customer experience.

His coaching track record and his experience as one of the mechanical service industry’s top account executives make him a natural fit to teach the Customer Experience Seminars (CES).

Designed for sales employees, these seminars focus on customer interactions, relationships, and service. Those who attend will learn where other companies drop the ball, and how to avoid those same mistakes.

Like our other NEI instructors, Frank brings his unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a relatively new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Even during the COVID-19 era. Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members.

NEI WEBSITE

Find the Latest from Parker Hannifin and Jomar Valve in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Parker Hannifin
ZoomLock® MAX, Press-To-Connect Refrigerant Fittings is the next step in ZoomLock’s evolution. ZoomLock MAX fittings provide better overall value than the original ZoomLock for today’s contractor.

Learn More

Jomar Valve
Jomar carries a ½”-2” lead free, press ball valve with stainless steel trim. The JP-100SSG is Italian made with dezincification resistant brass body. Buy American Act approved, NSF 372 Certified and has BIM/CAD files ready to download.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

1/10/22 Update: OSHA’s ETS on COVID-19

Today is the first day the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) can begin enforcement of the planning and record keeping mandates in its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on vaccine mandates.

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments of the appeal on January 7, 2022, but has not reached a determination. Multiple Justices expressed doubt over OSHA’s claim on a “clear” basis for the vaccine ETS. While the Supreme Court could issue a decision at any time, we do anticipate it happening before February 10, 2022, the compliance deadline for testing.

In the meantime, MCAA has provided you with all the tools to help your company comply today.

Compliance Tools

MCAA’s Updated Bulletin on OSHA’s COVID-19 ETS – The only changes to the bulletin are the new enforcement dates. This bulletin is a simple reference document for you.
The original MCAA Model COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy – This policy is for companies that require vaccines, but do not allow weekly testing and face covering use as an alternative.
The MCAA Model COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing and Face Covering Policy – This policy is for companies that require vaccines, or weekly testing and face covering use as an alternative to vaccines. It can also be easily tailored for use as your Mandatory Vaccination Policy for the companies that require vaccines, but do not allow weekly testing and face covering use as an alternative.

SAFETY BULLETIN

MODEL VACCINATION POLICY

MODEL VACCINATION, TESTING AND FACE COVERING POLICY

A Simple Record Keeping Tool

Additionally, to support the planning and record keeping deadline, TYFOOM, a member of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC), created an automated, simple, and easy process to reach all employees on a regular basis with an ETS survey.

LEARN MORE

OSHA Compliance Deadlines

January 10, 2022: all requirements except testing

February 9, 2022: Vaccines or Testing

Watch for Updates As They Occur

MCAA will be closely monitoring SCOTUS and OSHA developments related to this issue and will communicate updates as they occur. In the meantime, questions may be addressed to MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

NCPWB Technical Bulletin: Pipe Welding Basics

The most effective inspection that a contractor can do to protect himself from bad welding is fit-up inspection, and this bulletin explains why.

VIEW BULLETIN

Resource Highlight: MCAA/CNA MICROLEARNING SAFETY VIDEO SERIES: Worker Personal Health

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on the MCAA/CNA MICROLEARNING SAFETY VIDEO SERIES: Worker Personal Health. This video will teach your workers simple personal health practices that can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Your workers will learn:

How insufficient oxygen throughout the body leads to fatigue and increased risk of injury
Why it’s important to have a healthy diet and stay hydrated
How both cardio and strength-building exercise can help
Why it’s important to stretch and flex muscles several times a day

Download or Play the Video

Watch for highlights of the other videos in this series in the coming weeks. They are also available in our Resource Center any time.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards Applications Are Due by January 11, 2022 – Apply Today!

MCAA and long-time partner in safety CNA bring you the prestigious MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards Program. The annual awards honor MCAA member companies’ successful safety programs and innovative safety initiatives because nothing is more important than the health and safety of our workers. Take a moment to celebrate your company’s successes in 2021 – apply today!

To be eligible to win, a company needs to apply by January 11, 2022, describing:

Its safety and health program in 2021 and why it believes it deserves the award, and
An innovation that helped it achieve a high degree of safety excellence during the year

Companies will be divided into five categories by number of hours worked, and a winner will be chosen in each category. Each winner will receive national recognition and an award for display. The award will be presented at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast on Wednesday, March 16 in front of more than 1,000 people just before pro football hall of famer Cris Carter delivers the keynote presentation at MCAA’s national convention in San Diego, CA.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management, Raffi Elchemmas, at raffi@mcaa.org.

APPLY NOW

Connect With the Latest Training from LAARS, a Bradford White Company and Lochinvar, LLC at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

LAARS, a Bradford White Company
Laars Academy is our commitment to ensure our industry professionals have the training and knowledge needed to stay on top. Watch a recorded training session on Laars MagnaTherm FT at www.laars.com.

Learn More

Lochinvar, LLC
Lochinvar’s commitment to training and education hasn’t wavered in over 80 years. Learn with us on-line at LochinvarU.com, on-campus in Lebanon, Tennessee or at a sponsored event in your hometown.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

Find the Latest from MILWAUKEE TOOL and Cerro Flow Products LLC in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

MILWAUKEE TOOL
The M12 FUEL™ ProPEX® Expander unlocks a breakthrough in productivity for plumbing installers, delivering the fastest 3/8”-1” expansions. Featuring an auto-rotating head, the expander provides you with uniform expansions for the most consistent installations. In combination with the ProPEX® Expander Heads with RAPID SEAL™, installers will experience up to 65% faster sealing of connections as temperatures decrease, reducing the time before pressure testing.

Learn More

Cerro Flow Products LLC
Cerro Flow Products LLC is pleased to announce CerroPress® – the next generation in copper press fittings. Purposely engineered for ease of assembly and backed by a dedicated customer service team.

Learn More