Oyster Bay-HQ PHCC-LI Issues COVID-19 Safety Rules

March 31, 2010; Oyster Bay, NY – The Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors of Long Island (PHCC-LI), headquartered in Oyster Bay, NY, has issued a letter and is sharing information with the public outlining how its members will be safely serving customers and what customers need to do when plumbers or technicians visit homes or buildings. Every PHCC-LI member is committed to continuing to service the needs and emergencies of home and business owners during the coronavirus epidemic.

PHCC-LI is part of a national organization representing thousands of plumbing and HVAC contractors. The organization works to promote high-quality work and safety, continuing education, utility and manufacturing training on equipment, apprenticeship programs, workers compensation coverage and other valuable services for its members.

Members of the plumbing industry are familiar with working in hazardous conditions while still conducting their essential and critical work.

"As the country faces the pandemic, plumbers are once again a critical aspect in providing a service that is crucial to the public's safety and health. Therefore, it was asked: How can plumbers continue to service the needs of homeowners and not jeopardize health? The guidelines for members and the public where then established," said Joseph Cornetta, Immediate Past President of PHCC-LI.

The leadership and members of the PHCC-LI want all home and business owners to ask questions and understand the responsibilities of plumbers and service technicians.

Questions to Be Asked Before Entering A Home by Service Provider:

• Is anyone in the home Sick?
• Is anyone in the home experiencing respiratory distress or receiving oxygen?
• Is anyone in the home recovering from medical issues and in a weakened state?

Responsibilities of the Service Provider and Service Tech:

• There is to be no physical contact with the customer. Techs will greet customers with a warm smile instead of a handshake.
• Service techs are given antiseptic hand wash and personal towels, as well as disposable hand wipes. They must wash their hands before they enter the home and again after the service is completed.
• Protective gloves and work booties have been difficult to purchase, but when available they wear them when within the home.
• Special awareness is given to touching doorknobs and handrails without protection.
• Any service tech who is ill is required to stay home until fully recovered.
• Any service tech who is caring for a sick family member will be required to stay home.
• All service techs are required to practice respiratory etiquette (coughing or sneezing into tissues).

These new guidelines include assessing the environment of a residential job site before a service technician enters. Technicians and customers must both be prepared for the visit and work together to ensure everyone's health and safety.

"PHCC-LI is dedicated to protecting the health, safety and comfort of society. The necessity of working in residential homes and businesses is why the PHCC developed these guidelines. The protection of our service techs and the public is paramount. All home and business owners who want to protect their health and safety should only call PHCC affiliated contractors who are committed to following these best practices," added Cornetta.

For more information about PHCC-LI and to view the full text of the letter, please visit the PHCC-LI website at https://www.phccli.org.

The Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors of Long Island is entering its 81st year as an organization of professional licensed master plumbers, heating contractors and cooling contractors operating on Long Island. Membership consists of established business men and women who recognize the advantages of membership in a professional organization that represents the PHCC industry. The PHCC-LI members are committed to protect the health and safety of the general public through establishment, adherence and compliance to detailed code requirements. This objective is realized through high ethical standards, legislative work and continuing education. Membership is open to all licensed plumbers, heating and/or cooling contractors on Long Island. For more information go to https://www.phccli.org.

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