MCA Alberta Virtual Member Meeting:
New CCDC Requirements and the Risks Associated – Do you know what you’ve agreed to?
February 18 @ 3:00 PM
Join MCA and Steve Beeston from Aon where he will discuss:
- New CCDC Language,
- What to look for,
- Questions to Ask at bid stage and award stage, and
- How to prepare for increased costs to insurance.
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Plumbing & Heating History
In 2015 MCA unveiled a wall that was put together by the MCA Old Timers Committee and SAIT to capture the Plumbing & Heating History over 75 years.
In 2020 the wall was updated with 2 extra panels complimentary of SAIT! We would like to thank SAIT for their time and the cost to make this complete. If you are at the Aldred Centre at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Plumbing Mechanical Department stop by to reminisce.
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Armstrong Fluid Technology is February's Sponsor
Armstrong Fluid Technology is a global manufacturer of intelligent fluid flow equipment, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, controls, and fire safety solutions that deliver smarter, better building performance.
To learn more about Armstrong’s green technologies visit here
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The following Gas STANDATA is now available on the Alberta.ca website.
Follow the links below to view or print copies.
Notice: Prohibited installation or use of non-certified gas fireplaces manufactured by Canadian Fire Hearth Mfg. Inc. and Luxor Mfg. Inc.
Notice: Gas codes in force under the new regulation
Notice: Servicing intervals for pressure relief valves on tanks 2500 USWG and less
Notice: Code requirements for propane fuel tanks
Notice: Field approvals, permits and variances
Many revisions including Temporary heat for construction sites 20-GCB-14 [Rev3] and more
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Building Blocks information and discussion series.
Join us for the February's session of the City’s monthly Building Blocks information and discussion series.
Date: February 24, 2021
Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm
Location: Online webinar via Google Meet
This presentation will include a review of the Passive House building standards and design methodologies and how this contributes to an overall reduction in building energy consumption and carbon emissions within the context of application in Canada's cold climates (ASHRAE Zone 7+). It will include a look at local examples, covering envelope systems, HVAC systems, and lessons learned.
Safety codes & Permit Updates
Temporary Heat Permits
With the winter season firmly upon us, we want to remind builders about permit and inspection procedures for all temporary construction heat sources. Learn more.
Safety Notice: Gas Fireplaces
Alberta Municipal Affairs has issued an important notice regarding the prohibited installation or use of non-certified gas fireplaces manufactured by Canadian Fire Hearth Mfg. Inc. and Luxor Mfg. Inc. Learn more.
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PHVAC experts look ahead in 2021: Market predictions and expected trends for the year ahead.
The dawning of a new year has PHVAC industry experts cautiously optimistic about new opportunities that lie ahead in 2021.
“People are spending more time at home due to the pandemic,” he notes. “Many more are working at home and, in addition, they are not spending money on vacations and entertainment due to travel and capacity restrictions. As a result, individuals are choosing to invest disposable income into home improvements — many which are plumbing related. This definitely creates an opportunity for plumbing manufacturers.”
Read the whole article here
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YOUTH INTERNSHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM
The Youth Internship Incentive Program (YiiP), supported by the Alberta Government and other partners, helps qualified employers cover the costs of providing paid internships. The program is broken down into different levels to provide flexibility, however the goal is quite simple: increase the number of employers supporting work integrated learning internships in skilled trades and technologies. CAREERS: The Next Generation has been connecting students and employers for over two decades.
Let us connect you to your future skilled workforce today. Click here for all details
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FEATURED AFFINITY PROGRAM |
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Upgrade your knowledge and skills by engaging in live webinars, self-paced online learning and virtual Instructor-led online training.
Virtual Instructor led training (live)
February 10: Managing Shop Drawings, Samples and Submittals. Register here.
February 10 & 11: Construction Estimating. Register here
February 11: Field Productivity 101. Register here
February 16: MS Teams. Register here
February 26: Field Scheduling 101. Register here
Product Technical Training Webinars
February 10: Duct Design. Register here
Created for MCA February 16: Heating, Cooling and DHW using Combination Systems. Register here
February 17: Air Distribution & Static Pressure Troubleshooting. Register here
February 23: ECM Essentials. Register here
Created for MCA February 23: Press fit installation. Register here
E-learning (self guided) NEW
Featuring: TRUSTED ADVISOR TRANSFORMATION©
The whole course is 15 minutes a day for 7 days, which means you can view an entire module over a coffee break. It’s all done with online videos you can view anytime, anywhere on your desktop or mobile device. All you do is watch the videos and apply the concepts. See all information here
Great for Service Technicians!
All E-Learning is self paced and online. We have a variety of courses for all details click here
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Attention all suppliers and Manufactures.
If you have training available for service technicians that is either live online or can be scheduled as face to face please let us know.
We are also developing a resource page for our installers and technicians and want to see if you have PDF's, links or videos prepared that we could highlight. These materials are not sales on specific products but how to or best practices for troubleshooting or maintenance.
For all details please contact lisa@mca-ab.com
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Shawn Brennan
Silverback Steam & Heating Rentals
225 Burnt Ridge Road
Red Deer, AB
T4S 0K6
Cell: 1-403-702-1305
Toll-Free: 1-866-511-7011
Silverback Steam & Heating have a giveaway for MCA members. Click on their link or logo and you will be entered into the draw.
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WCB Updates
Are you Hiring?
Our Training-on-the-Job (TOJ) program helps people who are no longer able to go back to their regular job and employer, by connecting them to new employers like you through a unique recruitment opportunity.
By participating in the TOJ program, you receive:
- Protection from the cost of injury—and any new injury—during the program.
- Subsidies for training wages.
- Help with pre-screening and developing training plans.
Register for a 30-minute virtual session on Feb. 10 or Feb. 25 and find out how you can enhance your hiring strategy for 2021!
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SAFETY TALKS
Do you need ideas for tool box meetings? Here we will list different topics each month that you can take and use at your company.
Dropped Objects
Objects and tools dropped from higher levels is a serious hazard for many worksites.
Objects as small as a bolt can cause serious injury or even death when dropped from a higher level and striking an employee working on the ground. Outside of injuries and deaths, dropped objects are responsible for a large cost to employers due to property damage incidents as well.
Read full Safety talk here or print for your use.
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LET’S
TALK
ANGER
Anger triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response. While it is normal to experience these emotions in the short-term, failure to control anger can be problematic. Unfortunately, most people dealing with anger have not sought professional assistance. The longer anger issues persist, the more risk there is for long-term effects, such as violence, anxiety, high blood pressure, headaches, and even stroke. Before anger issues worsen, Mayo Clinic recommends these tips to help with short-term relief:
1.Think before you speak - In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything. Walk away and place some distance between you and the cause of your anger.
2.Once you’re calm, express your anger - As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but non-confrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.
3.Identify possible solutions - Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Remind yourself that anger won't fix anything and might only make it worse.
4.Practice relaxation skills - When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.
NEED HELP NOW? CALL THESE CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINES
24-Hour Crisis Line: 403.266.HELP (4357)
Print this poster and put up in your lunch room. We will provide a new topic each month for you to promote.
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Homewood HealthTM EFAP is pleased to release the February 2021 edition of our Vitality newsletter, “Mandatory Mask Mandates: (Associated Anxiety and Coping Strategies)"
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Check out our Member Discount Programs
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Harassment and violence in the workplace
Did you know a harassment prevention plan and a violence prevention plan are OHS requirements?
Harassment and violence can take place at any work site and may range from disrespectful remarks to physical aggression. Addressing acts of bullying and harassment early on can prevent them from progressing to acts of physical violence.
Read Government of Alberta's OHS requirements here
MCA has an instructor that provides a complimentary 30 minute video, online test and certificate of completion that can be used as part of your legal requirement to training your employees. Click here for all details.
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6 Ways Upskilling Staff Benefits Your Business
The pandemic has brought upskilling into sharp focus. Over the past year, we’ve all learnt new digital tools to be able to connect and collaborate remotely.
Many employers have taken their small businesses online to increase sales and reach out to customers during lockdowns. Even without a pressing cause like a pandemic, upskilling should be a part of your company culture.
What is upskilling?
Upskilling means learning new skills through training or education. When you upskill your workforce, you provide them opportunities to acquire new skills that’ll help them either perform their current job more efficiently or fill in a position with more responsibilities.
To read full article click here
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About MCA Alberta
Since the early 1900's, Alberta's plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, gasfitters and mechanical contractors have utilized the united voice, programs, information, service and social network of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Alberta (MCA Alberta).
Today, the MCA Alberta strives to create value for its members by identifying and mitigating issues that affect the industry, the development and delivery of high-quality education programs, providing a competitive group health insurance benefit plan, facilitating member benefit programs and services, and providing opportunity for social and professional networking.
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