Topic: Significant Changes of the 2021 IECC and Its Impact on Buildings

When: Friday, June 4, 2021, Noon-1:00 p.m. ET

Presenter: Eric Lacey, Chairman, Responsible Energy Codes Alliance (RECA)

Register Now!

The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) brings improved energy savings and new opportunities for states and cities to meet their energy-saving and carbon-reduction goals. This webinar will highlight significant changes in the 2021 IECC and how they will impact the design and construction of residential and commercial buildings.

At RECA, Eric leads a nationwide campaign to promote state and local adoption of up-to-date building energy codes. Eric is a Principal in Stone Mattheis, Xenopoulos & Brew, P.C.

Free Webinar! Click here to register.

Registration is open for NIA's Understanding Specifications Course, taking place online June 24! During this 5-hour virtual course, participants will learn about the purpose and complexity of specifications, how they vary between market segments, and how to apply that knowledge to benefit their company. Click here to view a sample agenda.

NIA's Understanding the Submittal Process is an intermediate-level course that will teach students how to identify the type and scope of submittal requirements, the components and importance of the submittal package, and the purpose of the submittal process.The first course will take place in a virtual format on Oct. 5.

We are excited to offer in-person and virtual training courses this fall at intermediate and advanced levels.

Growing Our Industry Network: Together for Tomorrow

During his term as NIA’s President, Dave Cox's theme is Together for Tomorrow, which focuses on the power of industry relationships to build confidence for the future. Now is a great time to put Dave's theme into action and tell others about all of NIA's benefits. Now through July 5, 2021, new companies will be able to join NIA for 50% off the normal dues rate and receive full benefits from July 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.

If you know of a company that should be a member of NIA, please contact Aimee Doyle at 703-464-6422, ext. 113, or email membership@insulation.org. We are happy to reach out to them to share this membership promotion. Click here for more details about membership.

NIA and 115 other organizations urged U.S. Senate and House leadership to protect family-owned businesses from tax increases by defending stepped-up basis and opposing any changes to current law. The letter with an accompanying economic study illustrates how repealing stepped-up basis by imposing capital gains taxes when assets transfer ownership at death would force many family-owned businesses to liquidate assets or lay off employees to cover the tax burden. This new tax would be imposed on top of any existing estate tax liability, further compounding the negative impacts and creating a second tax at death.

In a 180-degree shift in policy, OSHA said that employers do not need to record adverse reactions from COVID-19 vaccines on their OSHA 300 logs. The new guidance is in effect at least until May 2022 and applies regardless of whether an employer requires, recommends, or incentivizes employees to get vaccinated. It rescinds previous guidance that said that employers that require their employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment must record any adverse reactions to the vaccine if the reaction is:

In its updated guidance, the agency said it is working diligently to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations and "does not wish to have any appearance of discouraging workers from receiving COVID-19 vaccinations," and also does not wish to disincentivize employers' vaccination efforts. As a result, OSHA will not enforce 29 CFR 1904's recording requirements to require any employers to record worker side effects from COVID-19 vaccination through May 2022.

OSHA has issued a notice of an informal hearing on the agency’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) for Sept. 21, 2021, at 10 a.m. ET, and will be held virtually. Individuals interested in participating in the hearing must submit a notice of intent to appear at the hearing, along with any submissions and attachments, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2019-0001, electronically at www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Submissions and requests to appear must be received by June 18, 2021. Read the Federal Register notice for additional details (www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-05-20/pdf/2021-10523.pdf).

OSHA is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard.OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip, and fall hazards. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems.This proposed rule does not reopen for discussion any of the regulatory decisions made in the 2016 rulemaking. It focuses solely on clarifying some of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems finalized in 2016, and on providing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s newer requirements. Follow the online instructions at the Federal eRulemaking portal to submit comments by July 19. For more information, read the Federal Register notice.

Take a selfie with your issue of NIA's magazine—at home, in front of the insulation at your plant, or on vacation—to promote insulation anywhere and everywhere. Send your photos to editor@insulation.org and post them on social media with #NIAmeets.

Connect with NIA on social media to share your photos!

From aquaculture and grain to defense and energy, the world’s marine sector literally directs the flow of goods that power and protect our planet.

Don't miss out on promoting your brand through advertising or editorial (or both!) in the August issue of Insulation Outlook! Email editor@insulation.org today if you want to suggest a topic that should be covered or ads@insulation.org to build your brand.

The processing and storage of flammable liquids and gases poses significant fire risk for facilities. Proper insulation systems can help safeguard personnel and protect industrial systems. During this webinar, you will learn about design considerations and how thermal insulation can provide passive fire protection on industrial process piping and equipment.

Are you interested in sponsoring a webinar? Contact training@insulation.org for more information.