Essential workforce designation
The US Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has updated its Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce advisory list to more accurately define the plumbing and mechanical industry, a list that now includes language for which IAPMO advocated. Workers such as builders, contractors, HVAC technicians and landscapers were added to the Public Works sector heading, which was changed to Public Works and Infrastructure Support Services, and the list has been expanded to include “… workers at distribution facilities, workers who transport basic raw chemical materials to the producers of industrial and consumer goods, including hand sanitizers, food and food additives, pharmaceuticals, paintings and coatings, textiles, building materials, plumbing, electrical, and paper products.” Read the full release here.
Seeking technical committee members
IAPMO is seeking volunteers, with technical background in plumbing systems and specific knowledge of plumbing pipe lining and rehabilitation systems — such as jurisdictional authorities, testing lab and educational facility representatives, as well as manufacturing experts, to participate on the IAPMO Z1351 Technical Subcommittee (TSC). The scope of IAPMO Z1351 covers applied in place pipe rehabilitation (AIPPR) systems intended for use in 40 to 400 DN (1.5 to 16 NPS) gravity and pressure applications such as DWV, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, electrical conduit, ventilation, process piping, and non-potable supply piping systems. The deadline to apply is May 1. Applications can be downloaded here . Read the full release here.
Staying relevant through training during the COVID-19 crisis
IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney has sent a letter to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the NGA Vice Chair, to recommend the nation’s governors enact a series of measures be taken to maintain an educated and knowledgeable plumbing workforce as one of the nation’s 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Click here to read a copy of the letter. Click here to read the full release.
IWSH scholarship essay competition
The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH), the charitable arm of The IAPMO Group, invites students and plumbing trades apprenticeship program participants to enter its 2020 Scholarship Essay Competition. This year’s topic is With which like-minded organizations should IWSH partner and how would these specific partnerships advance and enhance the IWSH mission to deliver clean water and safe sanitation to those most in need? The 11th annual competition will award monetary scholarships to three students and/or trade apprentices with an interest in how the plumbing and mechanical industry can create and promote positive change both here and abroad. The essay entry deadline is April 3. Read the full release.