THE VOICEof the Licensed Master Plumber FEBRUARY 2019IN THIS ISSUE:

• New Con Edison Gas Restoration Procedure

• Local Law 152 Effective as of January 01, 2019

• GMI Gas Leak Detector Updates

• Operator Qualification for DOT Interior Gas Pipe

• Gas by the Numbers (and Letters)

• DOB Proposes Rule for Local Law 150

• Limited Gas Work Qualifications

• Persons who Applied for Grandfathered Applications

• DOB Proposes Change to the Administrative Code

• Robert John Daly Memorial Training Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

• Stop Sexual Harassment Act

• NYC Council Member Speakers at General Membership Meeting

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD:Happy New Year to everyone! This year will be a very busy one for the plumbing industry. The enforcement of Local Law 152 and DOT Gas Operator Qualification requirements will start shortly. Everyone will also need to have their employees qualified to meet Local Law 150 requirements on January 01, 2020.

Most Code Revision Committees should be wrapping up by early Summer and will submit their work to the managing Committees. At some point, the revised Code will end up before the City Council in the form of proposed legislation. Some of the proposed changes are listed in this addition of the Voice. Commissioner Rick Chandler has resigned effective February 01, 2019. The DOB has named Deputy Commissioner Thomas Fariello RA. as the Interim Commissioner. The reaction from some is that a change in leadership could eliminate some of the perceived problems plumbers have with the DOB. In fact, under his tenure, very aggressive, and more importantly effective, action has been taken to prosecute cover-up plumbers and we cannot thank him enough for that. On the flip side, the Commissioner genuinely believed that, in most cases, the high rate of failures for gas authorizations and sign off requests are the fault of the licensee. How could the DOB’s reality of a situation differ so much from ours? Will that change under new leadership? The answer to this and all of our “issues” can be found in a famous movie line “What we have here is a failure to communicate”. To dispel a popular misconception, communication is not dialogue. It is a one way process where an idea is delivered to a person or group. The DOB has been communicating a very clear message to the plumbing industry. The message is that they do not believe the industry should have a role in many aspects of the development or regulation of the Code. This is evidenced in the proposed rules for Local Laws 152, 150 and some of the proposed Code changes.

The DOB does provide the industry with the opportunity to contribute, voice our opinions and engage in dialogue at every level. This is evidenced by our participation on various committees. When an issue is brought to their attention, they generally provide a written response. Many plumbers feel the DOB doesn’t listen well. Here’s a newsflash. They are under no obligation to listen to anyone. It is up to us to continually press our message and issues in various ways.

What is our message? Our message is simple. As life safety professionals, we exist to protect the safety of all people that build, work and live in NYC by strictly working within the regulations of the Construction Codes. In order to provide the highest level of public safety an effective process that is Code based, clear and transparent must be in place.

What is the DOB published message? The DOB exists to promote the safety of all

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The Master Plumbers Councilof the City of New York, Inc.

240-21 Braddock Avenue,Bellerose, NY 11426

P: 718-793-6300 | F: 516-677-5374voice@nycmpc.org | www.nycmpc.org

Richard BonelliPresident

Timothy DonohueVice President

Leonard WilliamsTreasurer

George Bassolino, IIISecretary

John F. DeLillo, Jr.Executive Director

The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber, a membership publication of the NYCMPC.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:The information provided in this newsletter is to be used only to educate businesses and the general public on plumbing and related construction issues that may affect their daily business or personal lives. All opinions

expressed herein are those of the individual authors only and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the NYCMPC, its officers, Board

of Directors, the NYCMPC newsletter or its editors. The NYCMPC does not guarantee the accuracy or the correctness of adverting, articles or

references to information sources herein, nor does the NYCMPC intend to endorse, rate, or otherwise officially comment on products available. Therefore, the readers are cautioned to rely on information contained herein at their own risk. All information that is available to you through this newsletter is provided “as is” without warranty or condition of any

kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

The information contained in the newsletter is believed to be correct and accurate. However, the NYCMPC cannot and will not assume

responsibility for the consequences of errors contained in the articles or misapplication of any information provided. NYCMPC expressly disclaims any liability for any special, incidental, or consequential

damages, including without limitation, lost revenues, or lost profits, resulting from the use or misuse.

STOP SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACT:On May 9, 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act, a comprehensive legislative package aimed at addressing and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, into law. Included in the package is an expansion of the City Human Rights Law in cases of gender-based harassment to increase the statute of limitations from one year to three years and expand protections to all employees, regardless of the size of their employer.

Additional obligations for employers include:

1. Under Local Law 96 of 2018, employers with 15 or more employees are required to conduct annual anti-sexual harassment training for all employees. Effective April 2019, employers have one year to implement the training for all employees and must ensure all employees are trained annually thereafter. The Commission will develop and share an online training to be available on its website that will satisfy this requirement in the coming months. Employers may also choose to provide their own annual anti-sexual harassment training for employees provided that it includes the following elements:

• An explanation of sexual harassment as a form of unlawful discrimination under local law;• A statement that sexual harassment is also a form of unlawful discrimination under state and federal law;• A description of what sexual harassment is, using examples;• Any internal complaint process available to employees through their employer to address sexual harassment claims;• The complaint process available through the Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, including contact information;• The prohibition of retaliation including examples;• Information concerning bystander intervention, including but not limited to any resources that explain how to engage in bystander intervention; and• The specific responsibilities of supervisory and managerial employees in the prevention of sexual harassment and retaliation, and measures that such employees may take to appropriately address sexual harassment complaints.

Employers shall keep a record of all trainings, including a signed employee acknowledgement. These may be kept electronically.

Under Local Law 95 of 2018, all employers in the City are required to conspicuously display anti-sexual harassment rights and responsibilities notices in both English and Spanish and distribute a factsheet to individual employees at the time of hire which may be included in an employee handbook.

For more information, please visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/cchr/law/stop-sexual-harassment-act.page

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/cchr/law/stop-sexual-harassment-act.pagehttps://www1.nyc.gov/site/cchr/law/stop-sexual-harassment-act.page

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people that build, work and live in NYC by strictly enforcing the Construction Codes. While they seem similar, they are actually two very different messages. To keep the public safe there must be workable Codes, procedures and processes. The main difference of opinion we seem to have is what role, if any, should the industry have in the development of the process.

We offer you the following questions for your consideration. Who are the most qualified persons to make a decision on what is the best qualification for a LL 152 inspector, an exam for a gas work qualification, a 16 hour course for a limited gas work qualification, or LAA Build Now? Should public safety be promoted through Codes, rules and procedures that are designed to protect the DOB from future accountability if the system fails? The public, which we all serve, deserves the most effective processes. Is that best achieved without the participation of the most qualified subject matter experts? Without the participation of persons who will ultimately be responsible for making the process work? We all agree that public safety is our primary objective. The issue is how do we best achieve it?

The industry needs to double down and continue to press the decision makers at the DOB. We work on a daily basis with the DOB, at the Committee level, to

make positive changes that benefit the entire industry. Some examples, to name a few, are the ability for a licensee to delegate alternate persons for inspections, obtain gas authorizations prior to filing a PAA, and the ability to not have a gas authorization or RSO request rejected outright if the only issue is a missing document. All of these improvements that benefit our entire industry started as MPC issues presented to the DOB at committee or industry meetings. While all of our members appreciate these changes, some are quick to point out that many of these issues could have been identified in the development of the particular systems and then the DOB would not have to circle back to address them.

What can you do? The reality is that you can’t do anything to effect change. However, you do have a voice and need for your opinion to be heard. The best way you can do that is to join a plumbing association. The MPC, through this publication, is expressing our members’ voices. Remember, inaction on your part is taken as a sign that this is really not important. In politics and policy making, there is strength in numbers.

As the MPC grows, so does your voice. Join the MPC today. We are the Voice of the Licensed Plumber and a plumber’s best hope. Visit www.nycmpc.org to join!

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD: (CONT.)

The MPC welcomed NYC Council Building and Housing Committee Chairman Robert Cornegy to our General Membership Meeting on February 05, 2019. As the NYC Council Member for the 36th District, Robert represents the people of Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, and has emerged as one of the most effective lawmakers in the city. In just four years, he has fulfilled every campaign promise he’s made and passed legislation in almost every committee on which he has served.

Since his election in 2013, Robert has ushered an impressive number of substantive bills into law, which is virtually unheard of for a Council Member of his tenure. Prior to attending the meeting, he made his Chief of Staff available to us to discuss our immediate issues. When he addressed membership, he was very well versed in our issues. More importantly, he was able to see past the minutia of an issue and grasp the real problem. He spoke specifically about the proposed rule for Local Law 152 and the fact that the DOB was seeking to propose qualifications and other procedures that were, perhaps, not the best for the safety of NYC residents.

Mr. Cornegy also spoke about his role as the Chair of the Housing and Buildings Committee. This role provides him with oversight of the DOB. The presentation went well, and Mr. Cornegy took questions from membership. Members, Alex Lewis (pictured) and Anthony Vigilante, were able to ask very pointed questions about the role

the DOB is taking in the rule making process for Local Law 152, as well as the upcoming Local Law 150. Mr. Cornegy was able to provide direct and concise answers to their questions.

He was quick to admit that, while he lacked some of the technical knowledge of the subjects, our issues seemed simply about common sense. Two of those issues were possibly not making the requirements for Local Law 152 as safe as possible and the other is the fact that the DOB has created and advertised an exam for Local Law 150 gas work qualification prior to passing a rule for it. He stated that he would direct his staff to call the DOB to follow-up and try to get to the bottom of the issue. He also promised to come back to future meetings and asked us to provide him with our top three issues so he can discuss them with us.

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER SPEAKS AT GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

http://www.nycmpc.org

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NEW CON EDISON GAS RESTORATION PROCEDURE:Con Edison has unveiled a new emergency gas restoration procedure. This procedure was presented to the industry at the January DOB Plumbing Sub-Operations Meeting. In our opinion, this procedure, as written, is very confusing and, very possibly, could hinder a plumber’s ability to restore gas in the event of an emergency.

This procedure does not exempt you from ANY of the DOB published requirements.

For expedited turn on after a shutdown NOT utilizing the DOB EWN procedure:

1- Interruption must be due to an emergency2- Only critical gas service applies3- Only minor repairs were made4- Repair completed and filed with Con Ed within 30 days of the shutdown

For EWN expedited turn on:

1- Case filed and all repairs done within first 5 days of gas being turned off. OR2- Minor repair was made before the meter and no repair work was made after the meter*.

For all other work, unathorized valve operations or

fire jobs, you must conudct all required inspections and obtain gas authorization.

The MPC is addressing this very important issue. If you have had Con Edison refuse to restore gas after an emergency repair, we would like to hear from you. Please email info@nycmpc.org.

MPC Utility Committee Notes: Both the Utility and DOB Committees are working on this issue. The Code is clear on the possible actions that can be undertaken for emergency restoration of gas piping systems. NYC Administrative Code 28-105.4.1 permits the work to be done on interior piping systems by the licensed master plumber and a permit application must be submitted within two business days of commencement. Another section is NYC Administrative Code 28-105.4.3.2, which permits a plumber to work with the Utility to restore gas and apply for a permit upon completion. It is important to note that the DOB EWN process utilizes 28-105.4.1 and that is the reason a permit must be submitted within two business days of obtaining an EWN or starting the work. Plumbers need to have the ability to immediately address a situation, rectify it and have essential gas service restored to all buildings in NYC. This is not a step in the right direction.

http://www.nycmpc.org/Files/5ac406f4-e473-44ef-801e-bb0bdb689986/CE%20Emergency%20gas%20restopration.pdfhttp://www.nycmpc.org/Files/5ac406f4-e473-44ef-801e-bb0bdb689986/CE%20Emergency%20gas%20restopration.pdfmailto:info%40nycmpc.org?subject=

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LOCAL LAW 152 EFFECTIVE AS OF JANUARY 01, 2019:This law went into effect on January 01, 2019. Before the law can be enforced, the DOB must promulgate a rule that will identify the requirements for qualifications and other important items, such as frequency of inspections, where they will start and the exact procedures for the inspection. In late November the DOB proposed a Rule and held a hearing on January 02, 2019. The MPC provided comments that urged the DOB to adopt all of the same requirements set forth under the DOT regulations.

The DOB has proposed a rule that does not align with all of the federally mandated DOT rules and procedures for interior gas inspections. Some aspects of the proposed DOB rule may not maximize the full potential of this very important law. The industry and Utilities have requested that the DOB align with the federal requirements, so that plumbing contractors will be able to conduct both the Federal and DOB inspections concurrently. If the requirements that the DOB ultimately adopt are less stringent than the federal regulations, plumbers and their employees will to be able to complete the inspections for the Utilities.

I have seen plumbers and engineers offering their services to conduct these inspections. How is that possible if no one is DOB qualified, the procedure is not finalized and the specifications for the gas detector are not approved yet?

We have been receiving articles, proposals and advertisements where organizations, or persons, state that they can conduct these DOB inspections. Some of the advertisements are from licensed plumbers and some are from engineering firms. There have also been articles written in a few real estate magazines

that were not one hundred percent accurate.

At the time of this writing, NO ONE is qualified to conduct the DOB Interior Gas Inspection. There is NO final inspection process, NO official reporting process and NO starting point. All of this information has been proposed and is under review. Once the rule is finalized, it will go into effect within sixty days. The MPC will post information on our website to provide everyone with the most current information.

MPC Committee Notes:At this time, you have a business decision to consider. Do you want to be a company that actively pursues this work? Both you and your employees are obligated to report any leaks or hazards that are encountered. That statement is true whether or not you are conducting a gas inspection or a routine jobbing call. Many of your customers will call and ask you to do a “pre-inspection”. There is no such thing. If you go to a building and find a leak, or defective conditions, you must take the proper actions.

The MPC is developing procedures for their members that will help them to manage issues that can arise both when these inspections occur and when conditions are encountered during their normal work day. The Utilities have been doing baseline interior gas inspections for the past year. This is virtually the exact same process as the DOB inspection should be, with the exception that it stops at the meter outlet. They have encountered some issues, but for the most part, the inspections have gone relatively smooth with minimal service interruptions.

GMI GAS LEAK DETECTOR UPDATES:The MPC has been receiving many inquiries about the PS200-LMP unit that was built specifically for LL152 and the DOT mandated inspections. We have not seen the final product, but we assume it is very similar to the one that was used during training and testing. This device is the first of its kind, state of the art monitor that, in addition to detecting gas leaks, monitoring CO, and purging fuel gas systems, it has the ability to transmit inspection reports directly from the device.

We have been told that the device should be fully approved and available for purchase on or around February 14, 2019. Regrettably, the proposed price for the device may have a much higher price point than expected. The source for ordering the devices has also not been finalized at the time of this printing. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

One of the biggest concerns MPC members have is that additional hands on training with the device is needed to make everyone more competent in using the device. Since the start of the development of the DOT Gas Operator program, the MPC has stressed that anyone who will use this device must receive additional factory authorized training and certification. This practice is common in our industry and will further strengthen and maintain the integrity of the program. Due to the lack of available information, we have recommended that our members consider waiting to purchase any device until all of the information about the device, training and certification is available. As well as wait until Local Law 152 Local Law Rules are finalized.

http://www.nycmpc.org/Files/3d979e88-c549-4838-b92b-5af67a7c430a/MPCLL152%20comments.pdf

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OPERATOR QUALIFICATION FOR DOT INTERIOR GAS PIPE:THE ENFORCEMENT OF CT 87 HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL 15, 2019, PROVIDING ALL DETAILS ARE FINALIZED.

The implementation of the requirement for persons performing certain aspects of installation and maintenance on DOT jurisdictional gas pipe (required CT 87) program has been temporarily delayed.

Con Edison is in the process of updating their red tags and Yellow Book, prior to the official rollout. They are also finalizing their enforcement process. National Grid is finalizing their plans for implementation and enforcement, as well.

At this point, the MPC has trained over 800 people at their training course. The Plumbing Foundation is processing applicants through their Gas Operator Qualification group. They can be reached at: https://www.plumbingfoundation.nyc/gas-operator-qualification

We anticipate full enforcement of this program being implemented very shortly, and we urge anyone who wants to continue to do this work, in the near future, immediately apply. The entire qualification process can take weeks to complete, which is an estimate based on the present demand.

Utility Committee Notes: We strongly recommend that you have at least a two persons in your company with the proper qualifications to do this work. A couple of weeks ago in Westchester County, Con Edison inadvertently started to implement this policy ahead of schedule. Con Edison representatives correctly refused to move forward with a job without the plumber presenting their DOT OQ. Members from the IMPW, a Westchester County Plumbing Association, reached out to Con Edison directly and explained that the program had not started yet. The takeaway is that enforcement will be real. Don’t have this happen to you.

Members from the MPC DOT OQ Committee were scheduled to attend a meeting on February 06, 2019 to discuss the final issues that need to be resolved prior to launch. What we do know is that red tags will be changed to show the requirement to only use DOT qualified companies under certain circumstances. A website list of qualified companies is being created and it behooves you to be on that list.

The ability to turn out DOT qualified operators is limited. Don’t wait, enroll now.

Want up to the minute information? Become a member of the MPC today!

GAS BY THE NUMBERS (AND LETTERS):Confused by the above article? By now, every plumber should know the difference between all of the newly (and soon to be) enacted gas laws and regulations. The MPC prepared and delivered a presentation to our members, which explained the differences (and similarities) between the various gas laws.

NYC & Federal Gas Legislation

Local Law 150 of 2016 DOB Gas Work Qualification

Local Law 151 of 2016 Final gas inspections

Local Law 152 of 2016 Periodic inspections of interior gas piping systems

DOT Interior Gas OQ Inspections and maintenance of DOT jurisdictional piping

Local Law 153 of 2016 Tennant safety plan

Local Law 154 of 2016 Notification required by utilities to DOB

Local Law 159 of 2016 Violations related to gas work are immediately hazardous

http://www.nycmpc.org/Files/3d979e88-c549-4838-b92b-5af67a7c430a/NGA-Covered-Task-Descriptions.pdfhttp://www.nycmpc.org/Files/3d979e88-c549-4838-b92b-5af67a7c430a/NGA-Covered-Task-Descriptions.pdfhttps://www.plumbingfoundation.nyc/gas-operator-qualificationhttps://www.plumbingfoundation.nyc/gas-operator-qualificationhttps://www.plumbingfoundation.nyc/gas-operator-qualification

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DOB PROPOSES RULE FOR LOCAL LAW 150:The date for this law to go into effect is January 01, 2020. The law requires that anyone working on gas pipe after that time must either be a licensed master plumber or a person that holds a gas work or limited gas work qualification.

The DOB has proposed a rule to determine what requirements must be met for a person to obtain a gas work qualification. The rule proposes that the applicant apply for and take a written test. Interestingly enough, the DOB website already states that a test will be required and has a list of costs associated with the exam.

MPC Comments:How is it possible that the DOB has published pricing, an application and a cost for an exam, before a rule has even been proposed and finalized?

We are not opposed to an exam that will test the knowledge of an applicant. However, we are curious as to what exact knowledge this exam will test. Shouldn’t the industry have been consulted prior to the creation of this exam? We are the biggest stakeholders in this process and the Code (Administrative Code Section 28-17.1.3) maintains that we can be a part of the process.

The MPC submitted commments on this matter to the DOB on February 13, 2019 (click here).

LIMITED GAS WORK QUALIFICATIONS:Any helpers that have not applied for a limited gas qualification, during the grandfathering period in 2018, will be required to take a DOB approved 16-hour training course. There are currently a few courses being offered. At the time of this writing, to the best of our knowledge, the only approved courses available to non-union persons are being provided by safety companies with instructors who lack the required subject matter expertise in gas work. If this is true, how is the DOB permitting this?

MPC Comments:While any approved courses will be recognized by the DOB, we believe any course should provide the limited

work candidate with the best possible training. The whole purpose of passing these laws is to increase public safety. You are investing both time and money into the employee and should expect that they get the best training available.

We recognize that, as an industry organization, we should have an obligation to develop a training program and we intend to do that in the future. Since all of our members are volunteers, it will take us a little bit of time to put a course together. The course requirements, developed by the DOB, for a 16-hour training course are very encompassing.

PERSONS WHO APPLIED FOR GRANDFATHERED APPLICATIONS:If your employees submitted applications prior to the December 31, 2018 deadline they should be processed, and, if the application is correct, be approved. Please be patient as the DOB has received thousands of applications and they have been very helpful in approving applicants. If they reject an application, it will usually be because they want a change to a form or a different document. We recommend that you comply as quickly as possible.

MPC Comments:It was unfortunate that, with two years to get ready for the rollout of registering persons for these qualifications, it was finally implemented with just six weeks left in the year. In defense of the DOB, plumbers had two years to have their employees apply for journeyman registrations, yet many waited until the last minute. With the limited time to apply, the DOB received thousands of applications in a very short period of time.

The MPC would like to personally thank William Hinckley, Director of the Licensing Division, for all of his efforts in making this process work. Mr. Hinckley and his dedicated staff have gone over and above what was required in trying to make sure that applicants had their applications processed. They also afforded applicants the opportunity to apply for the Journeyman Registered status and Gas Work Qualifications simultaneously.

http://www.nycmpc.org/Files/f3b6298f-afbd-402b-acb8-3ae59cb7eb7f/LL150%20MPC%20Response%20%20Proposed%20Rules.pdfhttp://www.nycmpc.org/Files/f3b6298f-afbd-402b-acb8-3ae59cb7eb7f/LL150%20MPC%20Response%20%20Proposed%20Rules.pdfhttp://www.nycmpc.org/Files/3d979e88-c549-4838-b92b-5af67a7c430a/16_hour_limited_gas_work_course_requirements.pdf

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ROBERT JOHN DALY MEMORIAL TRAINING CENTER RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

On January 31, 2019, the Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new training center. The Robert John Daly Memorial Training Center was named in honor of Robert John Daly and his lifetime commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of NYC through his leadership and guidance of the city’s licensed plumbers. The center will host courses offered by the MPC to its members and the industry.

The special event was attended by Mr. Daly’s wife, daughter and other family members. Robert’s family was presented with a plaque, from the MPC.

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust was a cause near and dear to Robert and his family. In his honor, the MPC donated $2,500 to the foundation. For more information about this great cause and how you can help, please visit www.reverserett.org.

Also in attendance were representatives from the NYC Department of Buildings, including Dimitri Dits Assistant Commissioner, Central Inspections, and Tarek Khalil, Director New York City Department of Buildings Boiler Unit, as well as many Boiler Division Inspectors. We greatly appreciate that the DOB personnel were able to attend and help us honor and celebrate the memory of this very special person.

Another benefit of having the boiler inspectors there was that they were able to tour our training center first hand. They seemed to be impressed with the facility and made some valuable suggestions for future improvements. Prior to starting the ceremony, MPC President, Rick Bonelli, made it clear that all boiler displays and gas piping was inert and we are happy to report no violations were issued.

We would also like to thank our affiliate members who helped to make the training center possible. They contributed appliances and equipment that we will be using in our gas safety classes.

Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. With the temperature at a record low, the MPC is extremely grateful for everyone who was there.

THE ROBERT JOHN DALY MEMORIAL TRAINING CENTER

About 18 months ago the opportunity became available for the MPC to obtain additional space adjacent to our headquarters. The MPC Board of Directors immediately decided to secure this space with the vision that it could be utilized to provide both additional safety and gas service training for our members. This dream became a reality thanks to the efforts of MPC President, Richard Bonelli, and Vice President, Timothy Donohue. In addition to operating successful businesses, they run this association and spent many hours of their personal time in the planning and creation of this very incredible learning center. The center is presently used to conduct the NGA Seven Hour DOT Interior Gas Operator Qualification course, as well as several different gas appliance classes. The MPC has plans to add additional programs in the near future. As the space was under renovation, it became clear that the end product would be huge and therefore, required a special name. During this current Code revision cycle, a number of people have expressed interest in having Bob’s, now famous, memos incorporated into the Code in some way. When looking at possible names for the center, it became a no brainer that this new facility could only bear Bob’s name. In his tenure at the DOB, Bob always emphasized safety first and applied common sense solutions to some very complicated issues. He was a great communicator and problem solver. This was just a little something we could do to show our appreciation for him.

http://www.reverserett.org

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DOB PROPOSES CHANGES TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODEAs many of you may be aware, the Code revision process is in full swing. The MPC Administrative Code Committee has been busy attending meetings. They are in the process of reviewing Chapter 4, which is titled: licensing and registration of business trades and occupants in building work. The DOB reviews each Chapter, makes proposed changes and submits the Chapter to the Committee for review. Here are some of the highlights proposed so far:

• Discontinue issuance of the plumber’s plate• Disband the Plumbing License Board• Refused to correct the loophole that ensures that no one with less than 7 years’ experience starts the process to obtain a plumbing license• Eliminate the ability for a license to be reinstated• Require a “dedicated” business location in NYC, but are declining to define the term• Ability to suspend your license for up to 30 days. Presently, this requires written notice and a hearing within five days. • Proposed to deny a licensee the ability to serve in any capacity in a licensed firm if the licensee had their license revoked. That included working as an employee. The new licensee would be subject to disciplinary actions if they hired them. The language has since been modified to potentially allow a revoked

license holder to work as an employee in a new firm.• Rejected our proposal to allow a licensed master plumber to obtain an additional three years of experience (under a master fire suppression contractor) and apply for a master fire suppression license.• Denied any sprinkler work done on a plumbing permit to count as experience for a fire suppression application• Declined to define the term “personal and immediate” supervision, which is a requirement under Local Law 150.• Proposed to refuse to renew a license indefinitely if they believe they need to conduct an investigation on a licensee that may have committed a violation.• Declined to define “fitness”, as it pertains to a licensed master plumber• Declined to list or define “endorsements for license”, as it pertains to a licensed master plumber

MPC Comments:These are just some of the proposed changes. We will discuss each in more detail in future issues and in our weekly membership updates. What can you do to save your industry? Join the MPC today. The MPC is a PLUMBER’S best hope.

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http://www.nycmpc.org/Membership.aspx

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Master Plumbers Councilof the City of New York, Inc.240-21 Braddock AvenueBellerose, NY 11426(718) 793-6300www.nycmpc.org