September, 2010
6
Who Must Be Certified
Under the EPA’s New ‘Lead Safe’ Rules
Construction ‘Prompt Pay’ Bill Signed into Law Boston - Governor Deval Patrick signed into law “An Act Promoting Fairness in Private Construction Contracts,” a bill put forward by the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts, Inc. (ASM) and otherwise known simply as the “Prompt Pay Law.” Monica Lawton It is the most significant legislation affecting private construction since the reform of the state’s mechanic’s lien law in 1996. The new law is the result of a nearly five-year effort by ASM to address chronic payment delays in construction, a growing problem in the industry that has made it difficult for small construction companies to operate, particularly in the recession. Companies typically wait three months, often longer, to receive payment for their work, while continuing to buy materials and pay workers weekly. This cash flow crunch puts such strain on small businesses that many have already closed their doors and others are at risk of doing so.
House and Senate leaders in the Massachusetts legislature recognized the damaging effect of slow payment and made passage of a Prompt Richard Fisher Pay bill a priority in the final days of the legislative session. The bill had the support of 13 local trade unions and supply companies from across the state, as well as hundreds of subcontracting companies employing thousands of workers. Thirtytwo other states currently have similar laws in place. “Jobs and businesses were on the line here,” said Monica Lawton of ASM. “This legislation provides a fair, commonsense approach to ensure companies and workers get paid—and get paid on time.” The bill initially faced strong opposition from general contractors. But the final
Salem, MA - If you thought safe handling procedures for lead paint was only necessary for demolition contractor or environmental cleanup companies, think again. Any contractor who works on a home, school or other childoccupied structure built Chris Zorzy prior to 1978 must now be certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to Chris Zorzy, president of LeadSafe Video Solutions, Inc., a Salembased contractor training company. The EPA’s recently enacted Renova-
tion, Repair and Painting Rule for contractors (informally know as the “lead safe” rule) expands the list of contractors who must be certified before working on structures outlined in the regulation. Among those types of contractors who must undergo training and certification are: painting contractor, home improvement contractor, siding contractor, window installer, roofing contractor, carpenter, insulation installer, flooring or carpeting installer, and kitchen or bath remodeler. Contractors must undergo an 8-hour training program through a company that has been accredited by EPA to provide training before being certified as a “lead safe” contractor under the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program.
Rand Worldwide, Avatech Merge Framingham, MA – Rand Worldwide, Inc. of Framingham, a global leader in providing technology solutions to organizations with engineering design and information technology requirements, and Avatech Solutions, Inc. of Owings Mills, Md., a professional services company for design and engineering technologies, announced that the companies have been combined through a reverse merger. The combined company intends to change its name to Rand Worldwide,
Inc., and the Autodesk focused operations will operate under the nameIMAGINiT Technologies when the transition is completed. Both Rand Worldwide and Avatech Solutions have been longtime, successful resellers of the Autodesk, Inc. suite of products, and the professional staff of both companies include sales and service staff that have serviced customers in the Autodesk channel for decades.
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