The Virginia Elevator Safety Association held a general meeting on October 5, 2011 at the Prince William County Government Center (Board of County Supervisors Chambers) in Prince William County, Virginia from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The meeting was called to order and opening comments were made by Mike Henley after participants signed the sign in sheet. Mr. Jim Brune’s accomplishments for the industry and VAESA were recognized, and the meeting was dedicated to Mr. Jim Brune.
Following an opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance, Mike Henley went over the proposed agenda, and detailed the sign in sheet/CEU requirements for the meeting. Mike Henley also went over subjects as the VAESA representative at the NAEC Professional Member Caucus and NEII Safety Committee Meetings at the recent NAEC Convention. Of significance is that VAESA and the State of Michigan requested the NEII Safety Committee (Elevator Industry Field Employees’ Safety Handbook publishers) to consider an industry position on RF (before OASHA issues regulations). A short RF hazard update presentation is scheduled at the next VAESA meeting.
Paula Johnson (host jurisdiction) gave a brief introduction of speakers, and detailed the location logistics.
At that time, Dale Powers presented a current code Phase I key switch dilemma and requested meeting comments on the Phase I Fire Service key requirements from members present. Dale had requested clarification from the State Fire Marshalls Office, and has not received (at this time) any comment. After comments from several jurisdictions and participants, there was a consensus that the current VUSBC language as written and DHCD comments were confusing. Please see the website for details referencing the different code sections (VUSBC 3006.2.1 & 506.3) for several issues involving new construction and existing buildings.
Dale Powers also announced openings in the organization and a reminder of the voting that will take place in Januarys’ meeting. Following comments and presentation by Dale Powers, the first education topic (Elevator Inspector Certification and Elevator Inspection Continuing Education Requirements in the State of Virginia) was presented by Sandi Morris (DHCD). This presentation reviewed the Commonwealth of Virginia initial Elevator Inspector certification requirements of a State Core Module training class and an approved submitted test (QEI or NCPCCI). She also detailed the continuing education requirements of 1) code cycle update training every code cycle (now due) and 2) the continuing education hour requirements.
The meeting took a quick break, and the second educational topic (Legal Presentation on Virginia Property Maintenance Code) was presented by Barbara McMillen (Prince William County). She covered the Property Maintenance Sections adopted by Virginia, with an emphasis on existing buildings and elevators. The legal aspects of unsafe conditions and how jurisdictions deal with non code compliant owners were discussed.
At the conclusion of the second educational topic, the meeting took a lunch break at 11:45 AM.
After lunch break, the next education topic continued at 1:15 PM and was the Inspection Presentation by J. A. Marchack. Mr. Marchack gave an overview of changing factors and operations impacting and influencing inspectors that have occurred over the last twenty plus years.
After the last education topic was finished, the following general VAESA business and operational items were discussed with Dale Powers presiding:
The minutes of the last meeting were approved as posted on the web and emailed.
There was no unfinished business that had not been completed.
Under new business, Dale Powers went through a couple operational items and information updates:
1) He indicated for those to contact him who had interest in any position (in preparation for the upcoming elections).
2) The next scheduled quarterly meeting was announced as January in Newport News. Charlie Stainback for the City of Newport News will host this meeting.
A motion to adjourn was passed and the meeting closed at 3:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael S. Henley
Secretary
Virginia Elevator Safety Association