June Member News from the North East Roofing Contractors Association

Massachusetts and NFPA to Require Hot Works Training Statewide.

In an email to those currently registered as hot works trainers, the NFPA announced that Massachusetts has recently amended their state fire prevention regulations to require anyone performing hot work to have successfully completed the NFPA program.

The NFPA also stated that they would be setting up a database for verifying who has completed the training requirements. Starting on June 18, 2018, the database will be available at ww.nfpa.org/hotwork-lookup where users can find the first and last name, city/town and state of residence, certificate number, and successful exam date. The database will not include information on people who have taken the class but have not passed the exam or earned their certificate.

For those who have already passed the course, no action is required, but for those who haven’t, they will have until July 1, 2018 to comply.

NERCA is a certified hot works training provider with the help of Contractors Risk Management (CRM). We would be happy to offer an additional hot works course if there is sufficient interest. If any of our members require training, please contact the Association office or email jferrante@nerca.org.

OSHA Crane Certification Rule Amended

OSHA has issued a new proposal to revise testing and qualification requirements for crane operators. This was a response to widespread opposition to the proposed rule which would have required operators to be certified on every type of crane they would be operating including for individual capacities.

Critics said the rule which would have become effective in November 2018 created unrealistic certification mandates and prevented employers from determining the qualifications of their operators. Among the concerns were an OSHA requirement that operators be certified based on the type of crane and lifting capacity.

The original rule also stated that with certification, an operator would necessarily be qualified to operate a crane. Opponent argued that certification alone did not qualify an operator, but that experience, and advanced training are also necessary. The proposed changes leave it to employers to determine who is qualified. Employers have argued that qualified operators require more training and experience than a certification course can provide.

Therefore, the new rule adds specific training and recordkeeping requirements for employers’ qualification programs. The current standards require training but don't specify training requisites. The proposal details the minimum skills and knowledge an operator needs in order for the employer to declare the operator is qualified. The requirements include the ability to perform hoists and use software and safety devices to determine lifting capacity and needed counterweights. In addition, the employer must document the evaluation in writing, including the make, model, and configuration of the crane used to judge the operator's abilities.

OSHA is aiming to issue a final rule in time for new requirements to take effect on Nov. 10. The proposal acknowledges OSHA might not be able to meet that goal if the final rule is issued after July. The public has through July 5 to comment on the recommendations.