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Communications Corner: Remember to thank Natural Gas Workers

Posted By IAMU, Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Friday, March 18 is national Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day. Take time to thank the natural gas workers who serve your community.

In 2015, the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Marketing & Sales Committee began discussing how they believed natural gas utility workers deserved a day to be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. After several months of planning, the committee named March 18 the day on which natural gas utility workers around the country will be honored each year. 

The decision to hold this day on March 18 was made by a poll on the APGA Community. March 18 is the date of the New London, Texas, school incident in 1937 that led to the widespread odorization of natural gas and an increased emphasis on safety. Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution, and the employees of distribution companies endeavor to make natural gas delivery as safe as possible.

Ideas for recognizing natural gas workers:

  • A simple thank you – either in person or by call or text
  • A shoutout on social media. You can find sample social media posts on the APGA website.
  • A celebratory meal – a continental breakfast or potluck lunch
  • Posters throughout your facility

Tags:  Communications Corner  Gas  Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day 

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Digital Gold Rush: The Opportunity Cryptocurrency Presents for Utilities

Posted By IAMU, Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are very popular right now. The processes of mining these digital assets requires large amounts of electricity. Join the IAMU conversation about cryptocurrency miners to find out how to best serve these customers and the potential benefits they may provide to your system.

Click here to register.

Tags:  Energy Services  Webinar 

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IAMU Mobile Crane Operator Certification Classes - Upcoming 2022 Dates

Posted By IAMU, Tuesday, March 15, 2022

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities will be holding mobile crane certification and examination classes for digger derrick, service truck, and mobile crane operators.  OSHA’s updated crane standard REQUIRES that operators of lifting equipment be trained, evaluated and tested in order to obtain certification.

Background Information:

Although the new standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, specifically exempts the digger derrick and the operator from meeting the requirements of the standard, the exemption applies only when it is used for work within the provisions of the power generation, transmission and distribution standards, or for construction work within the telecommunications standard.  The exemption does not apply if the digger derrick is used for lifting materials or to operate in working environments outside the scope of the standard because the equipment is essentially being used as a mobile crane.  For example, unloading materials from a truck, lifting a motor from a pump house to assist your water department, or providing assistance to any other city department will mean that the exemption no longer applies.  When equipment is used as a mobile crane, all provisions of the standard apply, including the operator certification rule.  OSHA also now requires that an operator be certified in specific areas when they operate equipment outfitted with a boom and winch and able to lift at least 2,000 pounds.  This includes service trucks in your public works, or water departments.

The new standard has very specific operator requirements, one being to obtain operator certification from an independent testing organization accredited by a nationally recognized organization.  OSHA’s updated crane standard, 1926.1427 in Subpart CC, requires that for a testing organization to be considered accredited to certify operators, it must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency based on that agency’s determination that industry recognized criteria for written testing materials, practical examinations, test administration, grading, facilities/equipment and personnel have been met.  IAMU is an Accredited Assessment Center through theNational Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER). We areauthorized to conduct both hands-on assessments and practical examinations which are part of our Mobile Crane Operator Certification Program.  Additionally, we are offering Qualified Hand Signal Person and Qualified Rigger programs (available at a future date).

Who Should Attend:

Digger derrick and service truck crane operators who do not currently hold a mobile crane operator’s certification.

What Do These Classes and Certification Consist Of:

Classes will be a week long, requiring classroom instruction, an on-line exam that has a 80% pass requirement, a practical exam for certification of mobile crane, and then finally a short class and practical exam for the signalperson and rigging qualifications. Students who pass the written and practical exams receive nationally recognized certification from the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER).

Where Do These Classes Take Place:

IAMU Training and Office Complex
1735 NE 70th Avenue
Ankeny, IA  50021

When Will Classes Be Held:

Dates have been scheduled for 2022 at the IAMU complex.  Please click HERE or visit the IAMU website for available dates.

April 25th - 29th

May 31st - June 2nd (Re-Certified class)

June 20th - 24th

August 22nd - 26th

September 27th - 29th (Re-Certified class)

October 25th - 27th (Re-Certified class)

December 13th - 15th (Re-Certified class)

 

Mobile Crane Operator Certification/Examination Class Schedule:

 

Class Day

Times

Classroom/Exam

Monday

9:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Classroom

Tuesday 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. Classroom

Wednesday

8:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Classroom/Exams

Thursday

8:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Practical Exams

Friday (if needed)

8:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Retake Exams

Class/Exam

Examination retakes are $100 and may be taken during any scheduled exam date.

Additional Notes:

  • There is a maximum of 8 participants per class session.
  • Lunch will be provided Monday through Thursday.
  • All participants will attend classroom days. Exams will take place on the Thursday of each class session. Depending on the number of participants, Wednesday evening and Friday may also be used for exams.
  • Each participant will need to create an account with NCCER before class; step-by-step instructions are included with the study guide.  Please bring your account number with you to class.

For additional information about the classes and online registration for each event, click HERE.

Questions?

If you have any questions in regards to the classes, or requirements, please contact:

Margret Meade, IAMU Safety Outreach Coordinator (mmeade@iamu.org)
Phone:  (800) 810-4268

Tags:  Mobile Crane  NCCER 

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NFPA 70E 2021 & OSHA Workshop – April 1, 2022

Posted By IAMU, Tuesday, March 15, 2022

How to Implement an Electrical Safety Program

Who Should Attend:

Those responsible for overseeing electrical work. Transformer to outlet; medium to low voltage.

License does not equal qualified.

Cost:

IAMU Members - $150; Non-IAMU Members - $205

Location:

IAMU Training and Office Complex
1735 NE 70th Avenue
Ankeny, IA  50021

Registration:

For registration and additional info, please click HERE.

Tags:  NFPA 70E  OSHA  Safety 

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Trenching and Shoring Workshop – March 24, 2022

Posted By IAMU, Tuesday, March 15, 2022

The competent person is required to evaluate site safety and resolve existing and potential hazards.  This workshop is an excellent opportunity to become qualified as a competent person (or stay current with the responsibilities).

The DNR has approved 0.4 CEUs for WD and WW only.

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is designed for city and utility employees and outside contractors employed by a city, or any working in a trenching and shoring situation.  The training received will cover the overall requirements of the law, including:

  • Employee safety                     
  • Dealing with traffic
  • Soil identification    
  • Emergency equipment
  • Determining if shoring is needed
  • Proper methods of trenching and shoring

Contact the contractors that work for your city / utility and encourage them to register and attend. 

Cost:

IAMU Members - $150; Non-IAMU Members - $205

Location:

IAMU Training and Office Complex
1735 NE 70th Avenue
Ankeny, IA  50021

Registration:

For registration and additional info, please click HERE.

Tags:  Competent Person  Safety  Trenching & Shoring 

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