Plumbing - PHCC WASHINGTONphccwa.org/wp-content/gallery/magazines/fall2006.pdf · most overlooked...

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PlumbingInnovationsWith a PurposeThe quality of water we use in our homes is a majorconcern for all of us. As a result, we invest in waterpurification systems to eliminate impurities. One of themost overlooked items in a new home is the piping systemthat delivers our water. Frequently we filter our water only tohave metals and chemicals leach back in as it passes through the pipes. The Zurn PEX system installed in your quality built homeensures that clean, pure water stays clean and pure. Your builder haschosen a highly engineered, quality plumbing system that is completelysanitary and has many added benefits to you and your family.

Over the past four decades, the use of plastics has dramatically changed theway we live. Therefore, it’s only logical that we look to high strength and flexibleplastic tubing to deliver our hot and cold water in today’s new homes. In fact, flexiblePEX plumbing systems have become the fastest growing product available today asmore and more homeowners realize the advantages over antiquated systems like copperand CPVC. As in the past, Zurn is at the forefront of this evolutionary process.

Zurn pioneered the first flexible residential plumbing system more than three decades ago.The heart of our system lies with our Zurn PEX tubing and QickSert I fitting system. Zurn PEX is a highly engineered and innovative product that was developed in the 1960’s to address theproblems associated with rigid plumbing systems that use materials like copper, steel and CPVC.

Zurn has been a leader in the plumbing industry for more than 100 years. With billions of feet of tubing and more than 170,000,000 Zurn PEX fittings in service throughout the world, you can restassured that your new plumbing system will provide a lifetime of reliable service.

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In Canada: ZURN INDUSTRIES LIMITED3544 NASHUA DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ON L4V 1L2, PHONE: 905-405-8272, FAX: 905-405-1292

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33http://www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Fall 2006

4 http://www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Fall 2006

PHCC of Washington News is published twiceper year for the Plumbing, Heating & CoolingContractors of Washington AssociationPO Box 64580University Place, WA 98464-0580Toll Free: (888) 891-9240Fax: (866) 272-2545http://www.phccwa.org

PHCCWA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PresidentBob LarsonVice PresidentBill BuckinghamSecretaryLarry FischerTreasurerKathy ThautSargeant of PipesRuss Crawford

For information on advertising in this magazine, pleasecontact the publisher:

Jim Aitkins • Blue Water Publishers • (360) 805-6474

A Special Thank You to Our Advertisers

Anaheim Mfg/Bailey Sales 19

Bradford White 11

Columbia Hydronics 25

Consolidated Supply Company 23

Copper Development 31

Coyne & Delaney 7

Keller Supply 22

Legend Valve 5

Liberty Pumps 12

My Building Permit.com 13

Pacific Plumbing Supply 19

Pierce County Building 32

Reid Pacific 29

Rosen Supply Company 21

SageQuest 26

Saniflo 15

Superior Cleaning & Restoration 19

T & S Brass 15, 17

Takagi 17

Tools That Rock 21

Turbonics 23

Vanguard Piping Systems 21

Viega 3

Woodford Manufacturing 25

Zurn Industries 2

FALL 2006

6 President’s Message - by Bob Larson

8 Understanding the Legislative Process - An Overview

14 PHCCWA 2006 Golf Tournament

18 PHCCWA Annual Holiday Party and Auction

20 Building a “Loss-Side” Culture

22 Federated Named to Benchmark Group

23 Plumbing Instructors Needed!

24 Is A New HVAC/R Regulation Coming?

27 Who Is Nate?

29 2006 - 2007 PHCC & Industry Events/Seminars Calendar

30 Why Are We PHCC Members?

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The craftsman I trained under was an old-timer, who

learned plumbing growing up in his dad’s shop in the

Midwest. He always used to tell me that we plumbers

were the “princes of the trades”, and back then that

included all the mechanical trades – HVAC, gas piping, flue venting,

fire sprinklers, everything. Everyone recognized the value of our con-

tribution to the health, safety and comfort of society, and as a result

we wielded tangible power.

That’s not the case today. We have done such a good job of mak-

ing Washington a safe and clean place to live that much of the public

is totally ignorant of the importance of what we do.

Also, our world is a lot more specialized today, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, business

consultants frequently tell us to pick a target market and focus our energies there. The problem with special-

ization is that the segmentation of our industry has also resulted in the decline of our influence. We’re all so

focused on our little corner of the trade that we’ve stopped working together for the overall good.

That’s why I think the talk in Olympia of getting plumbing and HVAC together under a common mechan-

ical board is a good thing. I’m as averse as anyone to government involvement in my business or my life, and

I’m sure that HVAC companies and craftsmen don’t look forward to coming licensing requirements. It can end

up being a good thing for the industry if it does nothing else but get us together on the same page, working to

make the improvements in ourselves and our businesses that we need to make in order to improve our declin-

ing image and our influence over agents of change that don’t have our best interests at heart.

Another benefit would be the requirement for continuing education. As an instructor for CE plumbing

classes, I have seen first hand the positive benefits of getting people together who normally would rarely asso-

ciate, and talk about the vitally important things that affect all of us. I think expanding that base of potential

relationships to include all the HVAC people would be a good thing.

And ideally, I would love to see all the HVAC and Plumbing people coming together at PHCC meetings,

working together to rebuild our status and influence to what it once was. Joining PHCC was one of the pri-

mary factors in me learning how to take my business from a shop run by a technician to a real Business that

operates efficiently enough to make a real profit and provide a livelihood for multiple families. If all of our

shops were run like real Businesses, it would go along way toward restoring our status and influence as the

Princes of the Trades.

BOB LARSON

The Washington State Legislature is made up of two

houses (or chambers),the Senate and the House of

Representatives. Washington has 49 legislative dis-

tricts, each of which elects a Senator and two

Representatives. Senators serve four-year terms and

Representatives serve two-year terms. The Senate and House of

Representatives meet in session each year to create new laws,

change existing laws, and enact budgets for the State.

The legislative cycle is two years long. Within that two-

year cycle, there are two kinds of legislative sessions: regular

sessions and extraordinary, or special, sessions. Regular ses-

sions are mandated by the State Constitution and begin the sec-

ond Monday in January each year. In the odd-numbered year,

e.g., 2005, the regular session is 105 days; in the even-num-

bered year, e.g., 2006, it is 60 days. Extraordinary sessions are

called by the Governor to address specific issues, usually the

budget. There can be any number of extraordinary sessions

within the two-year cycle, and they can last no more than 30

days.

The members of the House and Senate offer legislation, or

bills, for consideration. The ideas for bills come from a number

of places: something has happened in the last year that

inspires new legislation (for instance, the change in people’s

perception of crime gave rise to the youth violence bills that

were offered during the 1994 Session), a member wishes to

address an issue that is specific to his or her district, the

Legislature decides to tackle a major issue (such as regulatory

reform), changes in technology dictate a change in the State’s

laws, etc.

Once a member introduces a bill, the legislative process

begins. The process has a number of specific steps. If the bill

makes it through all the steps in the chamber in which it was

introduced (the “first house”), it goes to the other chamber (or

“second house”) and goes through the same steps there. Each

step is identified and explained below.

Prefiling: Members can prefile bills for introduction in

the month before session begins. (The House and Senate have

slightly different rules regarding when the prefiling period

begins.) Prefiled bills are officially introduced the first day of

the session.

Introduction, or First Reading: The first thing that happens

to bills on the “floor” is introduction and referral to committee.

This is also referred to as the bill’s first reading. (Bills must

have three readings in each house in order to pass the

Legislature.)

Leadership determines to which committees bills will be

referred; this is usually determined by the bill’s subject matter.

Bills that require an appropriation or that raise revenue must

also go to a fiscal committee for review.

Committee Action: The chair of each committee works

with leadership and staff to schedule bills to be heard by the

committee. Committees hold three kinds of meetings: (1) work

sessions, where issues are determined and reviewed; (2) public

hearings, where testimony from interested parties is taken; and

(3) executive sessions, where the committee decides how it will

report the bill to the whole house. Not all bills get scheduled

for hearing, so a good number of bills never get any further

than committee.

Bills can be reported in several fashions, the most usual

being do pass (pass the bill just as it is), do pass as amended

(pass the bill as amended by the committee), and do pass sub-

stitute (the committee offers a different version to take the

place of the original bill). The members on the prevailing side

sign the “majority” report; those members who disagree with

the majority sign the “minority” report. Not all bills coming

out of committee have minority reports.

Understanding theLegislative Process -An Overview



As a bill moves through the committee process, the staff

prepares the “bill report.” The bill report includes a legislative

history of the bill, background on the issue, a summary of the

legislation, the names of those who testified on the bill, and a

summary of the testimony for and against the bill. The bill

report is edited as the bill moves through the process. When the

bill moves to the opposite house, that house prepares a bill

report as well. A bill that has finally passed the Legislature

would have House, Senate, and Final bill reports.

At the start of the session, both houses agree on dates by

which bills have to be reported out of committee in order to be

eligible for further consideration by the Legislature. There is a

“cut-off ” date for bills to be out of committee in the first house

and one for bills to be out of committee in the second house.

Rules Committee: Once a bill has been reported by the

appropriate committee(s), the floor acts on the committee

report and then passes the bill to the Rules Committee.

Usually, the floor adopts the committee’s recommendation.

The Rules Committee is where leadership exercises the

most control over the process. The Rules Committee is made

up of members from both parties. Each member on the com-

mittee gets to select two or three bills that will move on to the

next step in the process. Which bills a member selects could be

the result of a party caucus, or another member approaching

that member, or a piece of legislation about which the member

feels strongly.

Rules Review/Rules White: The first step in the Rules

Committee process is called Rules Review in the House and

Rules White in the Senate (the report that lists the bills in this

step in the Senate is printed on white paper). Rules Committee

members review the bills and decide whether or not to move

them on to the next step.

Rules Consideration/Rules Green: The next step is called

Rules Consideration in the House and Rules Green in the

Senate (the report is printed on green paper). Sometimes bills

skip this step and go to the calendar for second reading. It is

another step that allows leadership to control the process.

Calendars/Bill Report Books: The Rules Committee

decides which bills will be scheduled for second reading.

Those bills that will probably require some debate are placed

on the regular calendar. Those that are probably not controver-

sial may be placed on the suspension calendar in the House,

the consent calendar in the Senate. The Rules Committee also

decides whether a bill will be placed on the regular calendar or

the suspension/consent calendar.

Each house prepares documents that list the bills sched-

uled to be heard on the floor. The House prepares “bill report

books” (containing an order of contents and the bill report of

each bill on the calendar) and “floor calendars” (a list of the

bills, a brief description for each, and the committee action on

each). The Senate prepares “calendars” (with an order of con-

tents and the bill report of each bill), and “flash calendars” (the

list with the brief descriptions and committee actions). The

Senate flash calendar lists only those bills that were “pulled”

from Rules at the last Rules Committee meeting.

Second Reading: It is on second reading that the chamber

discusses the merits of the legislation. It is here, too, where

members can offer amendments to the bill. Most bills that get

this far get their second reading in the couple of weeks follow-

ing the committee cut-off.

If a bill has been amended in committee or on the floor in

the first house, it is ordered engrossed. Engrossing a bill means

incorporating the amendments into the body of the bill so that

the second house gets one document.

If a bill has been amended in the second house, it is

returned to the first house with the amendments attached so

that the first house can decide whether or not it wishes to agree

with the changes the second house made.

Third Reading: Third reading is where the roll call vote

on final passage is taken. If the bill finally passes, it continues

in the process. If the bill fails on final passage, it goes no fur-

ther. Under certain circumstances, the chamber may decide to

reconsider the vote that was taken; in that case, the chamber

has twenty-four hours to make a motion to reconsider the bill.

If the bill passes third reading in the second house and the

second house did not amend the bill, the bill has passed the

Legislature.

At the start of the session, both houses agree on “cut-off ”

dates by which bills have to be finally passed out of the first

house and finally passed out of the second house.

Concurrence, Dispute, and Conference Committees: If the

bill has been amended by the second house, the first house has

to decide whether it will concur in the amendments or not.

Leadership decides which bills returned from the second house

will be discussed and places those bills on the concurrence cal-

endar (House) or concurring calendar (Senate). If the first

house concurs in the amendments, the bill has passed the

Legislature.

If the first house disagrees with the second house, it can

ask the second house to recede from the amendments. If the

second house recedes, the bill has passed the Legislature.

If the two houses cannot resolve their differences, one of

them can ask for a conference committee. Members from each

house meet to discuss the differences. If they agree on what is


to be done, the conference committee makes a report. Both

houses must adopt the conference committee report for the bill

to pass the Legislature. If one house does not adopt the confer-

ence committee report (whether by vote or inaction), the bill

has not passed.

Enrolling: Once a bill has finally passed the Legislature, it

is enrolled. A certificate proclaiming that it has passed is

attached and, if necessary, the amendments from the second

house or conference committee are incorporated into the body

of the bill. The bill is signed by the Speaker of the House, the

Chief Clerk of the House, the President of the Senate, and the

Secretary of the Senate and is sent to the Governor for his or

her action.

Governor’s actions: The Governor reviews the bill. The

Governor may decide to sign it, veto part of it, or veto all of it.

If the Governor vetoes part or all of it, the Legislature may

vote to override the veto. (That happens rarely.) If the governor

does not act on a bill after the allotted number of days, it is as

if it was signed. From the Governor’s desk, bills go to the

Secretary of State who assigns a session law chapter number.

Carryover: The Legislature works within the framework of

a two-year cycle. For instance, the 1999-00 Session is the 56th

Session of the Legislature. There will be a least two regular

sessions, a “long” session in 1999 (105 days) and a “short” ses-

sion in 2000 (60 days). There could also be any number of spe-

cial sessions, none of which can last longer than 30 days.

Therefore, just because a bill did not make it all the way

through during the regular session in the odd-numbered year

(e.g., 1999) does not mean it is “dead.” At the end of the ses-

sion, all bills in the second house are returned to the first

house; so a House bill in committee in the Senate when session

ends is returned to the House. At the start of the next session,

be it a special session or the next regular session, bills from the

previous session are reintroduced and retained in their present

position.

“Carryover” bills can be taken up again in subsequent ses-

sions during the biennium. The Legislature has a lot of latitude

with these bills. The first house can place the bill on the calen-

dar for third reading and send it right back to the second house,

or it can make the bill go to committee and through the whole

process again. This is in addition to the new bills introduced

during the current session.

This procedure can make it difficult to keep track of bills

during a special session or the second regular session. If a bill

does not make it through the process by the end of the two-year

cycle, it is “dead.” �


Award winning MyBuildingPermit.com (MBP.com)provides “one-stop permit services” for thirteen cities anda county where you can obtain permits; view permit andinspection status; download inspection checklists and codetip sheets; and find code training. Offered through theeCityGov Alliance, an inter-local government agency,MyBuildingPermit.com provides seamless, easy-to-useonline services for citizens and businesses.

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The MBP.com website has won numerous state andnational awards. The awarding organizations includeWashington Software Association, The Innovations Group,Microsoft, Government Technology Magazine,International City/County Management Association, Public Technology Institute, and Association of WashingtonCites.

The participating jurisdictions include Bellevue, Bothell,Burien, Duvall, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, MercerIsland, Mill Creek, Sammamish, Snohomish County,Snoqualmie, and Woodinville.

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The Online Permit section allows the customer to obtainsmall-scale mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and re-roofing permits. Contractors must register online prior toapplication, but the registration process takes only minutesand requires minimal information. Customers are requiredto provide a contractor’s Washington State license numberwith expiration date, city business license numbers withexpiration dates (specific jurisdictions), and thecontractor’s Washington State Unified BusinessIdentification Number (Kirkland).

The Permit Research section gives you access to the mostcurrent official permit information as well as information for any parcel in a particular city. Updatedtwice daily, the permit status information includes thelatest available permit approval status and inspectionresults.

The Code Reference section provides direct links to eachparticipating jurisdiction’s municipal codes and directs youto websites where you can purchase building codes andother useful code publications.

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To date, 1,300 contractors are registered to obtain onlinepermits and over 17,000 permits have been issued usingMBP.com. Jeff Jordan, owner of Fast Water Heater, says ofthe site, “I can do in one hour what used to take a day.”

A variety of training opportunities are available throughMBP.com. Visit us at www.mybuildingpermit.com toobtain your permits and to get more information.

paid advertisement

With everyone’s help the

PHCCWA 2006 Golf

Tournament was a great

success!!!

Rich Clayton with EHL Insurance, chair

of the golf committee and Cheryl Maas your

Executive Director did a wonderful job plan-

ning this year’s tournament. An unprecedent-

ed program of reaching out to members, asso-

ciates and non-members via email, facsimile,

posters and personal calls was undertaken by

Rich and Cheryl, and they were able to round

up 91 golfers and 15 generous sponsors

(listed on page 16).

Thanks to mulligan tickets, putting string

and a scramble format all the registered

teams had the opportunity to be the 2006

PHCC Golf Champions at Druids Glen Golf

Club. With the “we can win” and “let’s have

some fun” attitude it was a great day of golf.

Golfers headed for their carts for the 1:00 pm

shotgun start and at the same time Mother

Nature decided to dump a bucket of water

over Covington and the tournament. After all

were thoroughly drenched, the competition

got underway. The weather improved and we

all dried out. The course survived the down-

fall very well and was almost immediately

playable. Play went smoothly and quickly and

when all the teams had completed the beauti-

ful 6,004 yard standard course, we had a

wonderful Mexican buffet dinner and no host

bar.

Then it was time to find out our winners

for the 2006 tournament. Our first place team

was Rich Hecker with EHL Insurance, Jason

Mayer with EHL Insurance, Guy Decostero

with Safeco and Vince Terlaje with Safeco

with a team score of 60. The second place

team shot a nine under score of 63; second

place went to Mike Dannett with Keller

Supply, Jeff Wolff with Keller Supply, Butch

Linstrom with Auburn Mechanical and Steve

McCauley with JJ Plumbing. We had a four-

way tie for third place with a score of seven

under and the winning team was chosen in a

‘sudden death’ putting contest between one

representative from each of the four tied

teams. Jim Anderson with Western States

Sales, Rick Giles with Western States Sales

and guests Frank Stefonick and Ron Soreano

secured the Third Place Team Trophy. The

PHCCWA 2006Tournament

Rich Clayton (right), EHL Insurance and Cheryl Maas,Executive Director PHCCWA



long drive women’s award went to Mary Kay

Kretschman with Consolidated Supply and the

men’s long drive was awarded to Ed Lentz from B

& E Plumbing. David Monkman from Double K

Plumbing brought home the closest to pin award.

Unfortunately, we had no winners for any of the

four hole-in-one prizes; better luck next year

golfers! This year’s tournament turned out to be

one of the best in recent years. Rich and Cheryl

have plans for an even better event for you next

year.

Rich and Cheryl want to recognize and give a

huge “THANK YOU!” to our wonderful sponsors

(listed alphabetically):

Bales Cleaning and Restoration

Double K Plumbing

EHL Insurance

Enterprise Fleet Services

Federated Insurance

Health Net

Keller Supply Company

Laporte & Associates

PHCWEB.net

Puget Sound Mechanical

Rosen Supply Company

Safeco Insurance

Targeted Technician Training

Western States Sales

Wolverine Brass Company

We also want to recognize and thank the fol-

lowing volunteers for their participation and hard

work:

Aaron Lindstrom, Enterprise Fleet Services

Kathy Thaut, At Your Service Plumbing

Mark Jordheim, Skyline Business Systems

Wendy Brady, Southwest Plumbing and

Water Heaters

If you want to be included in next years event

as a sponsor or volunteer please contact Rich

Clayton at (360) 779-4448 or Cheryl Maas at

(888) 891-9240.

Tournament Winners: Rich, Guy, Vince and Jason

Second Place: Jeff, Mike, Butch and Steve

Third Place: Jim, Rick, Frank and Ron


PHCC of Washington StateCordially Invites You to Our

Annual Holiday Party & Auction

Can you believe it’s that time of year again? Last years Holiday Party andAuction was such a blast, let’s strive to make this year even better withyou in attendance. Please join us on December 2nd for the PHCCWAAnnual Holiday Party and Auction. We will have food, dancing and fun!Please see attached form for auction donations; we can use your help!

Date: December 2, 2006Time: 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.Place: Sea-Tac Marriott

3201 South 176th Street Seattle, WA 98188

Cost: 65.00 per person

We have locked in the room rate of 84.00 (tax not included) for this event. Toreserve your room at the Sea-Tac Marriott please call 800-314-0925 or 206-241-2000.When you make your reservations, please let them know you are with the PHCCWAHoliday Party. You must reserve your rooms by November 3, 2006 in order to receivethis incredible rate!

Company:________________________________ Phone: _____________________

Contact:_________________________________ Fax:________________________Count us in! We don’t want to miss out on the fun! We would like to reserve the following,

#______ Attendees @ $65 per person = $_____________

❑ Our check for $__________________ is enclosed.

❑ Please charge my credit card: ❑ MasterCard or ❑ VISA

Card Number: ________________________________ Expiration Date: __________

Card Billing address w/ zip: _____________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________

Please remit payment and registration form to:PHCCWA

PO Box 64580University Place, WA 98464

or fax to 866-272-2545


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20

For several years, Federated has conducted "initia-

tives" to help our clients prevent losses and save

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has evolved into a "loss-side culture" - a belief shared with

successful business owners that risk management practices can

help strengthen a company at the core. Incorporating safety

throughout all operations helps prevent unnecessary losses and

preserve profits. It improves efficiency, boosts employee

morale, and bolsters the company's reputation in the communi-

ty. Employees are more likely to appreciate their roles and con-

tribute more to the company's success. And, customers feel

more comfortable doing business with a company that cares

about their well being before and after the sale.

Federated has found that the greatest opportunity to help

our clients control loss costs and thereby save profits, is to

address the frequency and severity of losses. Any type of loss

adds expense for a business. Besides the costs of increased

insurance premiums and deductibles, hidden costs associated

with lost production, replacing or retraining employees, and

losing customers can eat away profits. Over time, if income

received from sales can't keep up with these loss costs, the

choice is to: 1.) raise prices, or 2.) do nothing, in which case

the difference must come from savings or profits,

or employee benefits.

These choices affect your

long-term ability to compete with other businesses. You may

not be able to provide the best customer service, offer new

products or expand in your marketplace. In essence, loss costs

limit your ability to gain new customers and retain profitable

business. Finally, they reduce the resources available for

salaries and employee benefit programs.

How can you establish a loss-side culture?A loss-side culture must be a shared commitment by man-

agement and employees at all levels to prevent losses and

retain profits. These practices can help you establish a loss-side

culture:

◆ Monitor existing trends in your loss experience.

◆ Pay attention to new and emerging loss experience that

threatens profitability or survival of your business.

◆ Consult with your industry peers and your trade associa-

tions to identify, understand, and help solve your industry's

loss issues.

◆ Take advantage of risk management programs

offered by Federated, your trade associa-

tion or industry resources to

help you prevent

losses.

Building a "Loss-Side" Culture Building a "Loss-Side" Culture

Culture: A system of sharedbeliefs, values, customs,and behaviors of a groupthat is transmitted fromgeneration to generation.

continued on page 22


Remember, when an accident happens it involves real peo-

ple-your employees or customers and their families-and, you

and your family. All too often, accidents diminish the quality of

life we take for granted. Accidents drain the bottom line profits

of a business through direct and hidden costs. Federated can

help you establish a loss-side culture and provide quality

resources that will help your business thrive and protect the

people who are most important to you. �

Federated Named toBenchmark Group

The Federated Insurance Companies has been named to

the 2006 Ward's 50 Benchmark Group of top perform-

ing insurance companies. Federated is one of only ten

companies named to both the Property-Casualty and the Life-

Health Benchmark Groups.

Ward Financial Group is a Cincinnati-based management

consulting firm that closely monitors the insurance industry.

Each year it recognizes 50 companies that have achieved out-

standing financial results in the areas of safety, consistency,

and performance over a five-year period (2001-2005). Ward

reviewed approximately 3,000 property-casualty companies

and 1,000 life-health companies during its analysis.

Upon receiving formal notification from Ward, Federated's

Chairman, President-CEO Al Annexstad commented, "I give

great credit to our Federated employees for this recognition. I

am very proud of them for their continuing efforts to secure a

bright future for the Federated organization so we can fulfill

our promises to our valued clients and trade association part-

ners." �

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YES, if you are a betting person, the chances are verygood that this time next year there will be a compre-hensive new HVAC/R law in Washington State. Thenext question is, “What type of HVAC/R regulation?”

The answer to that is wide open. There are effectively six dif-ferent HVAC/R proposals. They range from “No Change” to abrand new HVAC/R Board and comprehensive regulation of theHVAC/R industry in Washington State.

Following is:✔ A brief summary of the state’s existing HVAC/R laws✔ A brief summary of the process to date to develop the cur-

rent six options✔ A brief summary of the six different proposal✔ Who the players are in developing HVAC/R regulation✔ What to expect in the future

Currently, the HVAC/R industry is regulated as follows:● HVAC/R contractors must be registered contractors

▪ They must have a contractor’s registration bond▪ They must have liability insurance

● HVAC/R contractors who do HVAC/R electrical work must:▪ Be licensed electrical contractors▪ Have a certified electrical administrator▪ Have any workers doing HVAC/R electrical work be certified

electricians● Permits are required from local permitting agencies to install or

alter an HVAC/R system● Inspections of HVAC/R work must be done by the local permit-

ting agencyLegislation has been proposed for the past two legislative

sessions to regulate the HVAC/R industry. It has never really got-ten very far in the Legislature. In 2005, the Legislature directedthe Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee (JLARC) to do astudy of existing state laws in Washington with respect to theHVAC/R industry and make recommendations back to theLegislature. In late 2005, the JLARC recommended that theDepartment of Labor and Industries work with the HVAC/Rindustry and recommend regulatory options to the Legislature forHVAC/R regulation in Washington State. In February 2006, theDepartment of Labor and Industries set up an HVAC/R TaskForce made up primarily of interest groups from the industry. TheTask Force and its committees have had many meetings and isstill meeting. In the middle of July, they came up with five regu-latory options for the HVAC/R industry. By the first of August,there was a sixth option. The reason for 6 options – clear dis-agreements among those in the HVAC/R industry. Following is asummary of those options as of August 21st:

No Change Option This option proposes no change to the cur-rent state HVAC/R regulation. Supporters feel current regula-tions fully adequate.

Electrical Hours Verification Option Current state lawrequires that trainees for an HVAC/R electrical certificateacquire either 2000 or 4000 hours of on the job training toqualify to take the certification exam. The supporters of thisproposal feel that only the hours spent doing HVAC/R elec-trical work under the supervision of a certified electrician.Current law allows all HVAC/R electrical work to qualify inmeeting the on-the-job training requirements.

Telecom/05 Option This options proposed that each HVAC/Rcontractor be required to have one full-time supervisoryemployee obtain an HVAC/R mechanical administrator cer-tificate in addition to all of the other current state HVAC/Rregulation, including the existing HVAC/R electrical regula-tions. The mechanical administrator will have the responsibil-ity to supervise all HVAC/R mechanical work including com-pliance with mechanical code requirements and safety prac-tices. This option is similar to what is required for firmsdoing telecommunications work. One of its most unique fea-tures is that while it requires the company to have anHVAC/R mechanical administrator, it does not require eachHVAC/R mechanic to be certified by the Department ofLabor and Industries. One other elements of this proposal isto create a new HVAC/R electrical certification to includemore of the electrical work done by HVAC/R workers.

Mechanical Board I Option This option proposes to take theexisting state Plumbing Advisory Board and existing stateplumbing certification program and expand it into aMechanical Board to regulate both plumbing and HVAC/R.The BIG difference between this option and the MechanicalBoard II option is that this option brings the regulation ofelectrical HVAC/R out of the current state electrical programand transfers it to the new mechanical program. This optionrequires every HVAC/R worker to be certified after complet-ing up to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under 75%supervision by a certified HVAC/R mechanic, and pass anexam. Permitting and inspections by local permitting authori-ties will continue as under current law.

Mechanical Board II Option This option is similar to theMechanical Board I option except it does not move the exist-ing electrical program to the mechanical program. Under this

Is a HVAC/R Regulation

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option, an HVAC/R worker would have to get both an elec-trical certification and a mechanical certification. Thisoption will require an HVAC/R worker to be certified aftercompleting up to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under75% supervision by a certified HVAC/R mechanic, andpass an exam. If that same worker is also going to doHVAC/R electrical work, that same worker will have to getup to 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under 75% super-vision by a certified HVAC/R electrician, and pass anexam. Permitting and inspections by local permittingauthorities will continue as under current law.

HVAC/R Board This option proposes to establish a totallynew HVAC/R Board and program separate from either theexisting plumbing advisory board and plumbing program,and from the existing electrical board and program. It willalso form a sub-board to help coordinate the 3 boards.HVAC/R workers would have to be certified by theHVAC/R mechanic by completing up to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under 75% supervision by a certifiedHVAC/R mechanic, and pass an exam. If that worker willdo HVAC/R electrical work, they would also have to be acertified HVAC/R electrician by completing up to 4,000hours of on-the-job training under 75% supervision by acertified HVAC/R electrician, and pass and exam. Thisproposal will move the HVAC/R mechanical permitting

and inspection program to the Department of Labor andIndustries.

There are many players in this HVAC/R discussion. Fourunions, three contractor organizations with union agreements,several other HVAC/R contractor organizations, a few otherbusiness interests, some consumer interests, the PHCC-WA,and a few other interests make up interest groups to date. Likewe said before, these groups do not agree. The strongest agree-ment at this time is by three of the unions and the three con-tractor organizations with the union agreement. They supportthe HVAC/R Board II Option.

There are a lot of negotiations to occur in future months.The HVAC/R issue will be a big issue during the 2007Legislature. If you have an interest in this issue, you need tostay involved with PHCC-WA and keep informed, as this issuewill evolve over the coming months.

The Independent Business Association of Washington State andGary Smith have been assisting small business owners savemoney, save time and solve problems since 1974. You can findthe Independent Business Association of Washington online atwww.ibaw.net. You can also contact them directly at (425) 453-8621 or by email at [email protected].

Who is NATE? Is that name supposed to be

short for Nathaniel? What makes NATE

such an important person to write an article

about him?

A more suitable question to ask would be, “What is

NATE?”

NATE, or North American Technician Excellence, Inc,

is the leading certification program for technicians in the heat-

ing, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigera-

tion (HVAC/R) industry. NATE also adminis-

ters the only test supported by the entire indus-

try. Using the phrase “entire industry” is no

exaggeration either. The NATE coalition

includes:

� Air Conditioning Contractors of America

(ACCA)

� Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration

Institute (ARI)

� American Society of Heating,

Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning

Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)

� Building Performance Institute (BPI)

� Easter Heating & Cooling Council

(EHCC)

� Edison Electric Institute (EEI)

� Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

� Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

(GAMA)

� Heating Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Distributors International (HARDI)

� National Energy Management Institute

(NEMI)

� Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors-

National Association (PHCC-NA)

� Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)

� Service Roundtable

� Skills USA

� Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

� U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

� U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

?Who is

NATE

27

continued on page 28


The Department of Energy endorses NATE. Consumer

Reports has said, “It’s a plus if a technician is NATE-certified.”

The EPA tells consumers to ask if a contractor’s technicians are

NATE-certified. Under the Montgomery GI Bill, the

Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans who

take NATE tests. The U.S. Army recognizes NATE certification

for promotion points. No other certification exam enjoys this

industry support.

The HVAC/R industry struggled for years in not having

some type of standardized testing or certification for qualified

technicians. For many years, it was difficult to distinguish

between HVAC/R contractors and service companies prior to

inviting them into your home. NATE has solved this dilemma.

NATE combines industry-wide leadership in an independent,

non-profit organization. With the brightest and most talented

minds in the industry at the helm, they are able to give compre-

hensive testing and certification for HVAC technicians.

The NATE “Vision” and “Mission” statements form a

solid foundation in showing benefits to both consumers, the

technicians, contractors, the utility system and trainers/educa-

tors.

Vision: Develop and promote excellence in the instal-

lation and service of HVAC equipment and systems.

Mission: To recognize high quality industry techni-

cians through voluntary testing and certification.

NATE exams are multiple-choice, knowledge-based, and

test what 80% of technicians have an 80% chance of encoun-

tering once yearly. There are twelve NATE installation and

service tests: a core test and five specialty tests each.

Specialties include Air Distribution, Air Conditioning, Heat

Pumps, Gas Heating and Oil Heating. Candidates have four

hours to complete a NATE test session. Future tests cover

Energy Efficiency, Hydronics, and Commercial Air

Conditioning & Refrigeration.

The certification exams are not easy. 66%-68% pass, how-

ever for those that took a class or review course the passing

rates jump to an astounding 80%-92%. NATE recommends the

technician to have at least two years field experience along

with having some instruction for an educational institution,

trade association, etc. Obviously, being a PHCC member can

only help in the preparation of the NATE exams.

Why so much “hub-bub” about another organization? Why

bother? What is the point to all of this? And you probably

question why you, as an HVAC technician, should bother get-

ting NATE certified? Why should you as an employer encour-

age/require your technicians to get certified? Much like PHCC

has done, NATE was developed to strengthen our industry in

varying ways:

� Technicians taking the test can prove they’re the best and

are able to wear the NATE patch

� Contractors support the test because certified technicians

remain in the industry longer and do the job right the first

time.

� Manufacturers enjoy NATE certification because it ensure

proper installation of their products meaning fewer possi-

ble warranty returns

� Educators and training professions benefit from a uniform

standard to prepare technicians

� NATE assures consumers that a knowledgeable technician

will service their home heating/cooling system. 87% of

consumers prefer a certified technician to work on their

home. Having independent, third party certifications has

great value and implies a good reputation of the HVAC

contractor to the consumer.

NATE provides technicians a standard of which they can

strive to achieve. It renews confidence in employers when they

hire a technician that is NATE certified, and it renews great

confidence and peace of mind in the consumer. They will be

utilizing the services of an industry trained and certified tech-

nician to improve their comfort, and provides better system

efficiency, ultimately allowing them to enjoy a cost savings.

As HVAC technicians and business owners, anything you

can do to renew faith in you as a professional and in the indus-

try is a plus. NATE brings this to the table and makes your path

to excellence in service an easy stroll in the park!

For more information on the North American Technician

Excellence association, visit their website at www.natex.org.

There you can learn about the various certifications available

to you, how to get certified, as well as how you will benefit

from a NATE certification. �


Campbell’s Resort Owner’s Event and General Membership Meeting ……...............…. October 27-29

Annual Holiday Party and AuctionSea-Tac Marriott ……………………………………………….............................................……….….December 2

Owners Strategic Management WorkshopScottsdale, AZ………………………………………...…………....................................................……March 14-17

PHCC Legislative ConferenceWashington D.C. ……………………………………………....................................................……....... April 18-19

PHCC Leadership ConferenceWashington D.C. …………………………………………....................................................……….….. April 20-21

PHCC West ConventionSalishan Spa & Golf Resort, Oregon ……………………...................................................………………. May 2-6

Essentials of PHC Project Management CourseDallas/Ft. Worth, Texas………………………………….....................................................………………...June 6-9

PHCCWA Annual Golf TournamentDruids Glen Golf Club …………………………………...................................................………………… June 22

*** For more event information, go to www.phccweb.org/meetings/index.cfm ***

REID PACIFIC COMPANYREPRESENTING THE MANUFACTURER

Proudly representing these quality manufacturers:

� Lasco Bathware - A full line of acrylic and FRP bathing fixtures. Locally manufactured for quality you can trust!

� Rehau - PEX plumbing and heating systems. “We Pioneered PEX.”

� Fluidmaster - The brand of plumbing professionals for toilet repair and stainless connectors.

� Crane Plumbing - A full line of top quality vitreous china and porcelain on steel plumbing fixtures.

� Price Pfister - A 90-year tradition in brass. “It’s not a dream...It’s Price Pfister.”

5007 Pacific Hwy EFife, WA 98424phone: 253.926.9800

Two Offices to Serve You:

www.reidpacific.com

1104 NW 15th AvenuePortland, OR 97209phone: 503.228.6255

Celebrating our 45th Anniversary!


We believe in professionalism, integrity, education, heritage and profitability, that is why we belong to theoldest trade organization in the construction industry. We care about our industry and the health and safety ofthe consumer. We would not risk losing the benefits that come with membership; such as:

� Technical publications� Business management seminars� Continuing Education Training programs� Conventions and meetings� Insurance programs� Government lobbying� Discount programs� Extended warranty programs

Networking with other contractors has made our businesses more successful and more profitable; if we havea problem, we know we can call one of our many PHCC friends, locally, statewide or across the United Statesand receive help.

Remember the belief of Theodore Roosevelt:

“Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. Noman has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditionswithin his sphere.”

Cheryl Maas: PHCC of Washington Executive Director

Yes, send me information on membership and a full information packet.

Name:_____________________________________________________________________________

Company:_________________________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________

City:___________________________________ State:____________________ Zip:____________

Phone:_________________ Fax:_________________ Email:_______________________________

Mail to:PHCCWA

PO Box 64580University Place, WA 98464-0580

or Fax 1-866-272-2545email [email protected]

PRSRT STDUS Postage

PAIDSeattle, WA

PERMIT #1578

PHCCWAPO Box 64580Tacoma, WA 98464-0580

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