safety is job one
Construction and maintenance sites are dynamic environments where workers engage in activities that may expose them to a variety of safety hazards, such as falling objects, working from rooftops or scaffolding, exposure to heavy construction equipment, or the use of temporary electrical circuits while operating electrical equipment and machinery in damp locations. Through implementation of safe work practices, training, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, Gittleman’s safety program aims to identify, control, or eliminate construction and maintenance related hazards.
Topics we cover on a regular basis include:
- Back and Lifting
- Confined Space Entry
- Eye Protection
- Effective Hand Washing
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Protection
- Hand/Power Tools Safety
- Ladder Safety
- Safety Equipment
- Walking Working Surfaces
- and much more…
LICENSES
When it comes to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services, there are very specific state and municipal licensing requirements in multi-family dwellings. Therefore, it’s extremely important to be aware of, and follow licensing requirements from a management, employee, and owner perspective. Engaging or permitting unlicensed individuals to perform this work in multi-family dwellings creates a liability exposure for all parties involved.
Building Contractor License
#BC635989
Plumbing License
#PC645805
Electrical License
#EA006500
Electrical
Any electrical work that includes disconnecting and re-connecting electrical line voltage wiring, installing new components or wiring must be performed by an individual with a state electrical journeyman or masters license and may require a permit. This includes light switches, dimmer switches, outlets, lighting ballasts, hard-wired smoke detectors, etc. This is one of the most important and overlooked trades: residential buildings can have a combination of 110, 208, 277, and 480-volt electrical supplies in both single and three phase operation. Wiring can be solid core copper, stranded copper, or aluminum, often in combination. Mixing wiring or using incorrect connectors, installing switches, outlets, or ballasts that are not compatible can cause explosion, fire, or electric shock. Lighting can be any combination of voltages, magnetic or electronic ballasts, high pressure sodium, High Intensity Discharge, LED, or LED with drivers. Mismatching lighting components or voltages can cause explosion, fire, and/or electric shock.
Electrical Exceptions
Licensed HVAC technicians can replace like for like HVAC components such as furnace motors, relays, etc. while servicing HVAC equipment. Registered apprentice electricians can perform certain work under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician.
Plumbing
Any plumbing work that involves water or gas pipe repairs, replacements, or installations must be performed by a licensed journeyman or master plumber and may require a permit. Any service work that involves disconnecting and/or reconnecting drain, waste, or vent piping (including garbage disposals) must be performed by a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Removing, re-installing or servicing RPZ backflow prevention devices must be performed by a licensed journeyman or master plumber who must also have a current state RPZ certification in addition to their plumbing license.
Plumbing Exceptions
Non-licensed individuals may perform leak investigations which may include installing a temporary external patch until permanent repairs can be scheduled by a licensed plumber. Servicing of residential plumbing fixtures such as rebuilding toilets, faucets, valves, and faucet replacement. Registered apprentice plumbers can perform certain work under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber.
HVAC
Any HVAC work that involves the installation or modification of heating, cooling, gas, steam, pneumatic or refrigeration pipework or equipment must be performed by a licensed pipefitter with the appropriate licenses and may require a permit. Any service work that involves adding, removing, or disposing of refrigerants must be performed by an appropriately EPA-licensed individual.
HVAC Exceptions
An unlicensed individual may perform preventative maintenance and diagnostic services on HVAC equipment including cleaning coils, condensate systems, replacing filters, lubrication, etc.
Boiler Operators
During times of boiler operation, a state-licensed boiler operator must be in charge of the safe operation and testing of all water and steam boilers. This is a requirement of the MN Department of Labor State boiler inspections department and also of property insurers. Although daily boiler inspections are recommended, the frequency of inspecting operating boilers is at the discretion of the operator in charge of the boilers but shall not be less than once per week to test and log operation of safety devices and controls. Click Here for license requirements. Note: Horsepower is the total HP of all boilers that are connected to the same system whether they are operating or not.
Boiler Operators
Steam boiler operation inspections must be daily during boiler operation times.
