Leading North American Plumbing organizations come together

Chicago — For the first time, leading North American plumbing organizations came together on June 7, 2011 to discuss current issues impacting the plumbing community. Stakeholders represented included plumbers, contractors, engineers, inspectors, code officials, standards development organizations, and manufacturers. The meeting was facilitated by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and was held at the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) facility in Chicago.

The key issue discussed by the group was a presentation on electronic (hands-free) faucets provided by Johns Hopkins University staff at a recent national conference and the subsequent media coverage. During the June 7th meeting, the participants reviewed the Johns Hopkins presentation based on the limited public information available and also heard presentations from Dr. Paul Sturman, PE, from the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University, who spoke on biofilms; Doug Erickson from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), who discussed the status of a project that is surveying hospitals on their use of electronic faucet systems; and Jim Mann, Executive Director of the Handwashing Leadership Forum.

The following conclusions and recommended actions resulted from the meeting:

• The use of electronic faucets provides significant benefit by reducing the potential of cross-contamination from faucet handles to healthcare providers’ hands.

• Broad industry participation (manufacturers, engineers, subject-matter experts, and installers) early in any research process would enhance the research regarding accuracy and results.

• As no one in the group had seen the actual study, additional information is needed concerning the results presented by Johns Hopkins, and the group agreed that outreach should continue. Questions prepared by the group will be provided to Johns Hopkins, along with an invitation for them to participate with the group in further research and data collection.

• Full support was given to the position statement recently published by ASHE and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

• The ASPE Research Foundation will coordinate research projects designed to address questions raised by the Johns Hopkins presentation.

• A separate position statement on the use of electronic faucets will be developed by the group for future release.

• There is tremendous value in bringing together stakeholders to discuss important industry issues. While this meeting was the first of its kind, it will not be the last, as significant benefits resulted from the cross-industry communication on the issue.

Organizations represented at the meeting included:

• Alliance for Water Efficiency
• American Backflow Prevention Association
• American Society of Plumbing Engineers
• ASPE Research Foundation
• Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating
• Canadian Standards Association
• International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
• International Code Council
• Mechanical Contractors Association of America / Plumbing Contractors of America
• NSF International
• Plumbing Contractors Association of Chicago and Cook County
• Plumbing Manufacturers International
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
• Underwriters Laboratories

Hydronic Businesses promote ‘Beautiful Heat’

Toronto — Eleven manufacturers of heating equipment have joined forces to launch “Beautiful Heat,” a comprehensive marketing program to promote the benefits of hydronic heating.

Hydronics is one of the oldest forms of household heating and has evolved into a sophisticated system of home comfort that delivers clean and quiet heating and cooling solutions through combinations of floor, wall and ceiling panels, radiators and ducts. Hydronic systems are compatible with geothermal and solar technologies to provide homeowners with the most energy-efficient systems available today.

To help increase market awareness and growth, Beautiful Heat will target consumers to inform and educate them about the many benefits of hydronic heating. Beginning in September 2011, the program will incorporate targeted campaigns of public relations, consumer advertising and Internet marketing to raise the profile of hydronics and establish it as a high value household fixture.

Strategic alliances will be forged with homebuilders, architects, designers, renovators and realtors and the program will also ensure continuity of the value stream by establishing a strong referral mechanism to connect buyers with knowledgeable contractors.

Beautiful Heat partners include Armstrong, Bell & Gossett, Grundfos, LAARS Heating Systems, Raypak, Taco, Tekmar Control Systems, Uponor, Viessmann, Watts Water Technologies and Weil-McLain Canada.realtors and the program will also ensure continuity of the value stream by establishing a strong referral mechanism to connect buyers with knowledgeable contractors. Beautiful Heat partners include Armstrong, Bell & Gossett, Grundfos, LAARS Heating Systems, Raypak, Taco, Tekmar Control Systems, Uponor, Viessmann, Watts Water Technologies and Weil-McLain Canada.

“The RPA is currently working with the Canadians to bring a U.S. version of Beautiful Heat here in the States. It would be good for all of us. So much of the market is shared and the Internet makes the border essentially disappear,” said Ted Lowe, RPA executive director.

NAOHSM changes name to OESP

The National Association of Oilheating Service Managers (NAOHSM) has changed its name to the National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP). Executive Director, Judy Garber, says the new title honors the association’s past while looking toward the future of the industry. “It builds on NAOHSM’s more than half century of accomplishment. OESP remains dedicated to the advancement of all energy service professionals through education and support.”

NAOHSM was founded in 1954 with Hugh McKee as its president. It was the year that Joe DiMaggio married Marilyn Monroe, RCA manufactured the first color TV set, and Elvis Presley recorded his debut single, “That’s All Right.” Since then, there have been many changes to the world, as well as to the heating industry.

Members approved the official name change on May 24, 2011 at their 58th Annual Convention in Hershey, PA. To commemorate this important change, OESP invites you to take advantage of a free, six-month trial membership. Network with other service professionals in your chapter and attend training programs that will advance your skills.