David Hawkins of Local 94 on cooling tower operator certification

Good afternoon, Chair Shulman.

My name is David Hawkins, and I am the training director of the International Union of Operating Gears, Local 94.

Before I begin, I would like to send my union's condolences to the families of the people that passed away in the latest outbreak.

Local 94 represents approximately 7,000 members who work as engineers, help as fire persons throughout the New York City, serving in commercial buildings, hotels, New York City public schools, power plants, and a wide variety of other facilities.

Local 94 engineers are on the front lines of many safety-related mechanical issues in our city.

They are no greater responsibilities than protecting the lives of our residents.

Local 94 represents some of the best trained stationary engineers in the country, and we are extensive training and first-hand experience operating and maintaining New York City's complex building systems.

Our members are uniquely positioned to assist the city in both the prevention and mitigation of Legionnaire's disease.

Cooling tower water treatment is a complex issue and requires true partnership between city, building owners, engineers, and water treatment companies.

Because Legionella is prevalent in cooling towers and other building systems, the FDNY Refrigeration Machine Operators Q01 Certificate of Fitness Holders must receive the highest levels of education and training effectively to contain and prevent future outbreaks.

For this reason, Local 94 urges the city to mandate specific water treatment training for operation and maintenance of cooling towers and other building systems with Legionella.

Our recommendation to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene create a streamlined version of the existing New York State 7G certification rebranded as DOHA 7C Cooling Tower Operator Certification.

The certificate would focus on new requirements under Chapter 8, which require building owners with cooling towers to collect and report dates of Legionella samples at least monthly, as well as proper oversight and administration of cooling tower maintenance as it relates to minimizing the presence of Legionella.

The CTOC will also focus on a responsible person's role that is outlined in Chapter 8 cooling tower rules.

Education on these requirements is essential and success that Chapter 8 and safety of our citizens in New York City.

This additional certification should be

Summarize the rest of it and then you'll submit it.

Okay, I'm sorry.

7C cooling tower certification could also serve as a prerequisite.

We recommend 7C required for all Q01, Q99 as recertifications.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next.