News Articles

ACCA Aligns with OSHA in Safety Partnership
Accident Prevention Key Element of Agreement

ACCA National has formalized an alliance with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure a safer and more healthful workplace for contractors and employees in the HVACR industry. Key to the alliance is the agreement to ensure ACCA members and others are armed with information related to safety supervision, equipment and materials handling, driver and vehicle safety, ladder and lift use, and lock-out/tag-out issues. OSHA and ACCA agreed to work together to identify available resources and stimulate the development of new training programs and materials. Cross training of OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals is on tap, as is participation in forums and roundtable discussions on multi-employer worksite issues to raise construction industry safety awareness.

Safe Refueling of Your Vehicles:
Can Cell Phones Start Fires?

The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which cell phones ignited fumes during fueling operations. In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling. It rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump. In the second, an individual suffered burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their vehicle. And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car.

You should know that:

1. Cell phones can ignite fuel or fumes.
   
   
2. Cell phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition.
   
   
3. Cell phones should not be used in gas stations or when fueling lawn mowers, boats, etc.
   
   
4. Cell phones should not be used and must be turned off around other material that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust.
   
   

1. Turn off your engine.
2. Don't smoke.
   
   
3. Don't use your cell phone; leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off.
   
   
4. Don't reenter your vehicle during fueling.

Governor Signs ACCA Oklahoma Legislation

Governor Brad Henry has signed into effect Senate Bill 545, dealing with the Oklahoma mechanical contractor licensing law and the Construction Industries Board. Thanks to the leadership efforts of ACCA Oklahoma and to Senators Mark Snyder-R, Edmond, and Randy Brogden-R, Owasso, ACCA was able to have a major impact on the outcome of this important legislation.

In its original form, the bill would have required all mechanical contractor’s licenses to be renewed on their birth date. This would have included journeymen and apprentices to be registered, as well, on a birth date renewal at the local municipality. However, after significant negotiations with the Oklahoma Municipal League, the Construction Industries Board and the authors of the legislation, ACCA Oklahoma agreed to the birth date renewal language, but was able to change the language to require only licensed mechanical contractors to be registered at the local municipality — excluding journeymen and apprentices.

Provisions of the bill include:

• Municipalities that license mechanical, plumbing and electrical contractors may only levy the fee on the licensed contractor and not on the licensed journeyman or apprentice.
• The amount of the fee levied by municipalities shall be based on the number of licensed journeymen or apprentices under the supervision of the licensed contractor.
• Adds two additional members to the Construction Industries Governing Board.
• Gives the CIB the authority to levy fines to anyone denying access to a CIB representative to a job site for purposes of enforcing the Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical or Inspectors Licensing Act.
• Beginning July 1, 2004, all licenses shall expire on the birth date of the licensee.
• Journeymen and contractors shall complete the required six hours of continuing education.