In November of 2016 the EPA updated the Section 608 Refrigerant Management program. This ruling phased in changes over a three-year period. On October 1, 2018 the EPA issued a new ruling that will revise refrigerant regulations, again.

One significant change is to rescind the refrigerant management requirements of subpart F, (sales restriction) from substitute refrigerants. The removal of this sales restriction would enable anyone (do-it-yourselfers “DIY”), to purchase substitute refrigerants. If these refrigerants could be purchased by anyone, they could also be sold by anyone, including big box retailers and online stores. This change would be detrimental for manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors.

The HVACR industry collaborated with the EPA for two years, to modernize the Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program. While no regulation is perfect, this regulation has always been good for business and the environment, and we should voice our opinions to keep it that way. You can view the ruling and comment here.

Please take the time to submit a comment to the EPA letting them know that such a change could be harmful to the public at large. Allowing anyone to purchase substitute refrigerants could result in unqualified individuals working on equipment and handing refrigerant in an unsafe manner. Comments due no later than November 15, 2018.

MCAA’s recently revised injury and illness recordkeeping guide is now available to MCAA and MSCA members for free as a benefit of membership. Several recent changes to OSHA’s recordkeeping regulation prompted the revisions, which include new work-related injury illness reporting requirements, electronic submission of injury and illness records, deadlines for reporting, etc. If you have any questions about this publication or any of OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements, please contact Pete Chaney at pchaney@mcaa.org or 301-990-2214.

MSCA and its members welcome new chair of the MSCA Board of Managers, Kip Bagley. Kip is the Vice President of Service at MESA Energy/Emcor Services in Irvine, CA, overseeing HVACR service operations, production and recruiting in Mesa’s twelve offices. Kip supports the maintenance/repairs, automation, and energy needs of client facilities and assures a single line of communication for all multiple-site clients within Mesa’s national and regional service divisions.

Kip has 17 years of field experience after completing his apprentice training in Los Angeles. He holds an AA degree from Fullerton College and a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Fresno.

He has served as chairman of the MSCA Education Committee for the past six years.  Kip began his term on the MSCA Board of Managers in 2013. He is also active on the local level both in southern and northern California.

We would like to extend a special welcome to all our new Board Members and officers.

 2018—2019 MSCA Board of Managers

Kip Bagley, MESA Energy/Emcor Services, Irvine, CA, Chair

Steve Smith, ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc., Glendale, CA, Vice Chair

Michael Star, Lane Associates, Inc., Island Park, NY, Treasurer

Jaimi Lomas, A.O.  Reed & Company, San Diego, CA, Past Chair

Kane Armistead, AMI Services, Inc., Waldwick, NJ

Mark Crockett, Crockett Facilities Services, Inc., Bowie, MD

Robert Dills, Western Allied Mechanical, Menlo Park, CA

Renee Fiorelli, Peterson Service Company Inc., Medford, NJ

Rich Happel, University Mechanical, Mukilteo, WA

Adam Wallenstein, Neptune Plumbing and Heating, Co., Cleveland, OH

The D.S. O’Brien Award of Excellence was established in 2000 to recognize those individuals who exhibit extraordinary dedication and outstanding commitment to our industry, and to MSCA. This year’s recipient, John Gentille, CEO of MCAA, has been extremely instrumental in elevating MSCA and MCAA to new levels of excellence and providing extraordinary value to our members. The D.S. O’Brien was presented to John during the recent MSCA Education conference, held October 21—24 in Huntington Beach, CA.

Through his foresight, vision and leadership, John has ensured MSCA and MCAA are world class organizations providing all the tools and resources our member companies need to grow, succeed and compete.  Through his guidance, MCAA has become THE education association, with over 400 resources available and free to every member.

John played a key role in the development of the Safety Excellence Initiative, Advanced Leadership Institute, Women in the Mechanical Industry Initiative, National Education Initiative, web-based Labor Estimating Manual and many of our other hands-on training programs. Early on, he recognized the impact technology played in association management and as a valuable tool for our members and introduced programs and resources, including a first-class website, to ensure the association and its membership are always on the cutting-edge of technological innovation.

John has been a great supporter of our student chapters and spearheaded the creation of a Career Development Initiative to help recruit talented young people into our members’ ranks.

As stated by MSCA Chair, Jaimi Lomas, A.O Reed, during the award presentation, “I can go on but just suffice it to say that since he began his tenure at MCAA, the association has taken giant steps forward and never looked back”.     

This year’s recipient of the MSCA Everyday Hero Award was Ted Stutz, Director of Quality Control for Emcor Services/MESA Energy Systems in Irvine, CA.  Jaimi Lomas, MSCA Chair, announced the winner during the recent MSCA Education conference, held October 21—24 in Huntington Beach, CA. Four years ago, the Everyday Hero award was created to recognize an employee from one of MSCA’s member companies who, in their own extraordinary way, quietly gives of their time and skills to benefit others.  These compassionate people lend a hand to others solely out of the goodness of their hearts and seek no recognition or compensation.

In addition to managing the facilities of MESA’s 12 offices, Ted serves on the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Orange County. Ted serves on numerous committees, raises money, volunteers his time and expertise. He is a committed advocate, making sure the Clubs are providing the very best for the youth in the community.  Each Christmas, Ted supports and spearheads the Salvation Army’s Little Angels gift drive, collecting gifts for over 100 less fortunate families and children.

Although Ted does not have any of his own children on the teams, he coaches Pop Warner Football and Little League Baseball for local youth organizations. He has opened his home and his heart over the years to countless friends and family members in need.  At one point in time the Stutz home housed seven family members in addition to Ted, his wife Rhonda and their 2 children.  For the past ten years, his home has been the permanent home for his niece and nephew.  He has graciously protected these children and is now their legal guardian.

As one of his nominators stated: “Until I met him, I had never met a hero or seen what they do first hand.  He gives back quietly and without fanfare and is not looking for any kudos.  He makes us all want to be a better person.   We all have a long way to go to be like him.”