Organization: MCAA

Explore the Latest from Viewpoint Construction Software, Winsupply and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:


Viewpoint Estimating MCAA Virtual Trade ShowViewpoint Construction Software

Tired of managing Excel formulas for managing estimation? 33% of construction companies still use Excel or manual methods for takeoff and 44% use Excel or manual methods for estimating, and, “you have a recipe for a process that is both time consuming and fraught with opportunity for human error,” reported by the 2016 JB Knowledge Technology Report.

Learn More

Winsupply
Because we bring national buying strength to local support directly to you.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Discounted OSHA 10 and 30-Hour Safety Standards Courses Available Online

Online OSHA 10- and 30-hour construction safety standards courses, and the OSHA 10-hour general industry safety standards course (for fabrication shops and mechanical service work) are available to MCAA and MSCA members at discount prices.

OSHA 10 Hour Construction (Discount not available for CAL OSHA 10-hour course)

Regular Price – $89        MCAA Member Price – $80.10

OSHA 30 Hour Construction

Regular Price – $189      MCAA Member Price – $170.10

OSHA 10 Hour General Industry

Regular Price – $89        MCAA/MSCA Member Price – $80.10

The provider of the courses… ClickSafety is one of the few companies authorized by OSHA to provide these courses online. The company has a great deal of experience presenting top-qualify safety training. To take advantage of your 10% discounts, visit ClickSafety  and use the MCAA VIP discount code: MCAA2017, which is valid through 2018.

View the Brochure

Commonwealth Plumbing Finds Viega Double Drop Elbows Are Perfect Fit for Historic Building

While renovating a historic building, Commonwealth Plumbing found that Viega’s double drop elbows were the best solution for accommodating new bathroom sinks in a tight space with limited design options. By using pressed fittings, Commonwealth not only saved time on installation but also avoided soldering in an old building with a lot of wood.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

See How Students and Contractors Came Together at the GreatFutures Forum!

The MCAA 2017 GreatFutures Forum was so successful, we made a video about it!

The video covers the entire conference, from Futures Fest, MCAA’s first-ever career fair, to Futures Frenzy, an exciting game show that let student teams to compete for cash prizes.

Interviews highlight students who hope to begin their careers with a full-time employment offer or an internship. Chapter faculty advisors talk about the opportunities made available to their student chapter members. MCAA members express their delight at meeting well-qualified students who are interested in the mechanical contracting industry … a lot them … unlike most college career fairs.

The video also captures some of the presentations—MCAA President Greg Fuller on career opportunities awaiting students searching for a great future, Kevin Dougherty on the value and importance of personal communications and Past MCAA President Mark Rogers and his team on what a typical day is like for a mechanical contractor. You’ll even catch a glimpse of the NCAA Hall of Fame.

We had so much fun making this video, next year we’re going to the movie-making capitol of the world … or close to it … Anaheim, CA. We’ll keep you posted on the details both on this site and at MCAAGreatFutures.org.

Watch the Movie

OSHA Releases Interim Enforcement Guidelines for Silica Rule – MCAA’s Resources Will Help You Comply

OSHA recently released interim silica enforcement guidelines for its Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs). The guidelines, which are attached, may be helpful to you in preparation for OSHA’s enforcement of the standard.  MCAA expects that OSHA will begin full enforcement of the standard on October 23, 2017.      Guidelines

MCAA has a bank of silica safety resources that will help you protect your workers from overexposure, and help your companies comply with the standard. All the resources, including a worker safety training video, are available to members for free as a benefit of membership.  Direct links to the resources follow.

 

 

MCAA Member Builds the Largest Construction Project of its Kind Ever Attempted in the U.S. – You Must Watch this Video!

HRSGDurr Mechanical Construction and its joint venture partner Megrant recently wrapped construction on the largest prefabricated Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) ever built in the U.S. Union built under the National Maintenance Agreement in Coeymans, New York, the HRSG was floated by barge down the Hudson River to its destination in Sewaren, New Jersey, where it will be installed at a new combined-cycle power plant.

Durr HRSG Passing Under a Bridge

The HRSG is the heart of the power generation process. This unit stands 140 feet tall, 70 feet wide, over 110 feet long, and weighs approximately 4,000 tons. Components for the HRSG came in ten 600,000-pound C-Frames along with all its piping, casing, drums, cat walks and accessories. Over seven months, the C-Frames were assembled, welded together, drums installed and dressed out with piping, valves, instruments, platforms and accessories. The penthouse was separate to allow for sufficient clearance under the Hudson River bridges.

At an average speed of 4.4 knots (5 MPH), the one and one-half day trip down the Hudson River was uneventful and it arrived at Sewaren on schedule. What wasn’t expected with the extensive public and news organization interest as the HRSG travelled down the Hudson. Durr received a constant stream of videos, photos, and comments as it made its way south.

Need to Teach Your Service Techs to Work Safely Around RF Radiation? This Video Can Help!

MCAA’s Radio Frequency Radiation Exposure and Protection Safety Training Video will teach your mechanical service technicians how to identify sources of RF radiation and protect themselves from overexposure.

Your techs will learn about:

  • Potential rooftop RF exposures
  • The best safe work practices
  • Other protective measures for situations where standard safe work practices may not provide enough protection

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Find the Latest from Uponor, Inc., Lifting Gear Hire Corporation and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:


Uponor ProPEX EP Opposing-port TeesUponor, Inc.

Uponor ProPEX® Engineered Polymer (EP) Opposing-port Tees – Ideal for use in hydronic heating and cooling riser applications, ProPEX EP opposing-port tees from Uponor reduce the number of required fittings by 75% and required connections by 60%.

Learn More

Lifting Gear Hire Corporation Virtual Trade ShowLifting Gear Hire Corporation
Hand chain hoists are available in 1-50 tons and are most ideal for shorter heights of lift. Electric chain hoists are available between 1-10 tons and can provide longer heights of lift. Air chain hoists are available between 0.5 to 60 tons and are lighter and require less headroom.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

SPX Donates Cooling Tower to Steamfitters Trades School

When the Steamfitters UA Local 602 Mechanical Trades School needed equipment to use in its apprenticeship program, SPX Cooling Technologies donated a Marley® NC cooling tower, enabling the school to present students with a real-world environment. Instructors use the complete new cooling system to teach students how to troubleshoot and fix problems with HVAC systems.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

MSCA of New York Makes MCERF Contribution

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) recently received a $2,500 contribution from the MSCA of New York, Inc. which raised it’s total contributions to $12,500.

“We are proud to support MCERF’s many efforts on behalf of our industry,” said Anthony Saporito, Executive Vice President of the MCA of New York. He added that, “…many of the members of our association benefit from the Foundation’s efforts and we want to support those efforts.”

MCERF President Mark Rogers thanked the MSCA of New York for their generous support of the Foundation.  Rogers urges everyone to find out more about MCERF’s programs and activities and to consider making a contribution.

Contact Dennis Langley for more information.

Looking for an MCAA Student Chapter Near You? Check Out MCAAGreatFutures.org!

Sure, MCAAGreatFutures.org connects you with the students who will comprise the industry’s future workforce. But do you know that it also provides an easy way for you to locate and connect with nearby student chapters?

Visit the Our Universities section of the site, one of our latest additions. There, you’ll find an interactive map that lets you filter the results to find universities near you. Or, skip the map to browse all of the universities with student chapters.

Each page provides a more detailed look at the university’s academic program, awards, and activities along with the basics, like contact information. In addition, each page highlights the resumes of the university’s students who are looking for their great futures.

So reach out and get in touch. You may just find the next star employee to ensure your company’s great future!

Check Out Our Universities

BuiltWorlds Publishes a New Report on IoT Solutions

BuiltWorlds, one of the industry’s leading resources for technology related to the building industry, released a new report titled, The Internet of Things: connecting the job site like never before.  It details how internet devices are working in conjunction with new software, hardware and processes to make the construction process more efficient and connected.

The number of IoT devices continues to grow as smart buildings are creating the demand for new ways to monitor and track building systems.  The report states that the potential impact of IoT devices is could reach $6.2 trillion annually by 2025.

As an MCAA Technology partner, BuiltWorlds has provided the report free to all MCAA members.

Discover the Latest from DEWALT Industrial Tool Company, Delta Cooling Towers, Inc. and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:


DEWALT Cordless Brushless GrindersDEWALT Industrial Tool Company

DEWALT has launched a line of cordless brushless grinders, many of which are part of the Perform & Protect™ line of tools designed to provide a high level of one or more of the following: control, dust containment or low vibration, without sacrificing performance.

Learn More

Delta Cooling Towers - TM SeriesDelta Cooling Towers, Inc.
TM Series – capacity from 250 to 2000 cooling tons – Engineered plastic tower provides longer life – Low Maintenance – CTI Certified.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Last Chance to Register for MCAA’s Technology Conference

This week is your last chance to register for the MCAA Technology Conference. The conference provides insight on new tools, processes and software that even the most established contractors are having a hard time keeping up with.

This year’s event addresses challenges for your entire team. It was designed for all areas of your company that work with technology. General sessions are combined with in-depth breakout and roundtables to allow for a dive deep for specific users:

  • For BIM experts, we have sessions on keeping BIM costs in check, optimizing productivity and learning about the next generation of tools.
  • For service contractors, we have a full slate of breakout sessions on the hardware and software being used today by service contractors.
  • IT managers will find incredible insight from Nick Espinosa on cyber security threats from a hacker’s point of view. (Check out his video interview with BuiltWorlds)
  • Operations and management will learn how to sell technology to customers, hear about software designed for their use and understand what their IT team is asking them.

There are a lot of events each year, but this conference is the only one that is MEP focused with peers sharing ideas on the latest technology. Don’t miss this opportunity. Register now and I hope to see you in Austin this November 8-10.

MSCA Social Media Survey Winners!

We Have Winners! 
Congrats to the 10 winners who won – just for completing the one minute Social Media Survey! Many thanks to all who responded to the survey for your valuable feedback!

 

$100 Amazon Gift Card Winners:
Michele Hoffman, MCA of Omaha, Inc.
Richard Cooke, ABM Building Solutions, LLC
Chris Rainwater, McKenney’s, Inc.
Ron Timmons, American Mechanical Services of Colorado, Inc
John Ferrucci, F & F Mechanical Enterprises

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card Winners:
Jodi Van Haren, Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration, Inc.
Steve Hayes, The Brandt Companies, LLC
Pattie Krippendorf, Mechanical, Inc.
Daniel Huelsenbeck, Wagner-Meinert, LLC
Roger Eineichner, Penta Technologies, Inc.

 

Winners: Please email Mia Yi, Director of Communications at myi@mcaa.org, to claim your prize!

IMI Empowers Foremen With Rhumbix, Improves Productivity in the Field and Home Office

Manual collection of paper time cards in the field is prone to errors, takes too much time, and, most importantly, takes attention away from important jobs in the field. Since rolling out Rhumbix so their foremen could go paperless, Independent Mechanical Industries, Inc. (IMI) has found, “Foremen use the Rhumbix app on their iPhones to record time cards in just minutes, [which] allows them to clear their minds and attack the work in front of them,” said David Reynolds, IMI vice president.

LEARN MORE

Need More Solutions to Boost Productivity?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Ready… Set… Go! MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition is Off and Running

MCAA student chapter members have been challenged to plan a project involving the renovation of the mechanical systems of a Brazilian restaurant in mid-town New York City—Fogo De Chao Steakhouse. The project, which was provided by Arista Air Conditioning Corporation, was announced during MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum in Indianapolis on September 30, 2017.

Project Presents Challenges

The project calls for the mechanical subcontractor to assist and coordinate the removal of the existing equipment and the installation of the new equipment using variable refrigerant flow technology (VRF). The contractor also must arrange for and coordinate the subcontracted work, manage the project within the space constraints of the restaurant (16,000 sq. ft.) and arrange all necessary city permits and licenses. The mechanical contractor may select the equipment manufacturer.

The original project design called for a chilled water system that was to be installed on the restaurant building’s roof, but the owner preferred a design option using VRF. A Simultaneous Heat Recovery system (producing heating and cooling at the same time) was selected, but bidders are to determine its design and operation.

Proposals Put Students’ Skills to the Test

Proposals are to be submitted in two segments. The first is to include pre-qualification data, such as corporate background, relevant project experience, financial information, a corporate organization chart, Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities, the company’s safety record, letters of recommendation and more. The second segment calls for project-specific information, such as a project staffing matrix, a schedule, a detailed construction and/or logistics project plan, unique means and methods anticipated, and a Total Lump Sum Cost Summary Breakdown.

Proposals also must include a Preventative Maintenance and Service Contract which must incorporate a complete energy service agreement covering all the installed equipment, complete tasking of all equipment, tracking and analysis of all energy used in the system, a monthly report of all energy used, a dedicated mechanic and a back-up familiar with the restaurant and the equipment, quarterly reviews of the energy spent, filter service, estimated labor and much more.

Bidders also must take into consideration the following requirements and information:

  • Bidders are invited to submit Value Engineering suggestions limited to alternative construction means and methods, alternative materials and items that will enhance the efficiency of the facility.
  • The city has requested that union labor perform all the construction work.
  • This is not a LEED project, and therefore no LEED certifications will be considered.
  • All rigging and hoisting are to be performed on Sunday only.
  • Construction crews are not allowed to use areas shared with other businesses in the building, including stairways and stairwells, lobbies and building entrances and exits.

Final Four Teams Will Present at MCAA 2018

Proposals, which are due December 15, 2017, will be evaluated by members of MCAA’s Career Development Committee. These members will select the top four scoring teams to present their proposals at the MCAA 2018 convention in San Antonio, TX on March 26, 2018. The winning team will receive $10,000, the second place team will receive $5,000 and the other two finalists will each received $2,500.

Have Questions?

For more information, please contact Harlee Gallo.

MCAA Tech Conference Brings Big Ideas Down to Earth

Small ideas can make a big difference to your company. The MCAA Technology Conference is an event that doesn’t just provide a few small takeaways, but a wealth of ideas that can be applied across your business. Technology is providing so many new tools, processes and software that even the most established contractors are having a hard time keeping up. The MCAA Tech Conference is your crash course on the latest tech trends in the industry and how other contractors are taking advantage of them.

This year’s conference addresses challenges for your entire team. MCAA fields a lot of questions on who should attend. This conference is designed for all areas of your company that work with technology. General sessions are combined with in-depth breakouts and roundtables to dive deep for specific users:

  • For BIM experts, we have sessions on keeping BIM costs in check, optimizing productivity and learning about the next generation of tools.
  • For service contractors, we have a full slate of breakout sessions on the hardware and software being used today by service contractors.
  • IT managers will find incredible insight from Nick Espinosa on cyber security threats from a hacker’s point of view. (Check out his video interview with BuiltWorlds)
  • Operations and management will learn how to sell technology to customers, hear about software designed for their use and understand what their IT team is asking them.

MCAA and MSCA host many educational events each year, but this conference is the only one that is MEP-focused with peers sharing ideas on the latest technologies. Don’t miss this terrific learning opportunity. Register now!

Register Now for MCAA’s 15th Annual Safety Directors’ Conference

Register now for MCAA’s 15th Annual Safety Directors’ Conference.  Join us January 23-25, 2018 at the Marriott Marquis, San Diego, California, for this “must attend” conference for all safety professionals. The 2018 conference theme is “Not on Our Watch,” where attendees will get even better at helping our fitters, plumbers, and service technicians protect themselves for workplace hazards.

Not only will attendees receive world class industry-specific education on emerging safety issues, applicable safety regulations, best safe work practices, and new safety technologies, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from  motivational speaker Neil Pasricha who will leave them feeling highly motivated and energized.

This conference continues to grow each and every year. For fourteen consecutive years the number of conference attendees has increased in large increments. We are already on target to set a new record for attendance in 2018.

Registration is $735 for members, $75 per guest and $900 for Exhibitors.

Please contact MCAA Director of Safety & Health, Pete Chaney at pchaney@mcaa.org if you have any questions.