10-17-2013 - MA Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Continuing Education - 12 Hours - Worcester, MA

DAY 1:

I.  Employee Relationships in Building/Remodeling Firms

This two-hour session addresses human resources considerations for building/remodeling firms. It will cover the employee relationship and important considerations when dealing with workers. The overview explains the importance of each of the considerations, procedures, and policies, and the downside—and risks—of not adequately addressing each. This will include the standard, expected components such as written policies, safety training, and job reviews. It will also cover the more complex and equally vital legal requirements, bookkeeping procedures, as well as the importance of defined job roles and accurate "time cards."  The session also addresses workers comp insurance requirements, along with an explanation of employee roles, and when it is acceptable (and when not) to treat workers as independent contractors.

Topics To Be Covered Include:  

• Introduction and Session Objectives
• Legal Definitions 
• Job Risks and Insurance Considerations
• Implementation
• HR and Company Policies
• Licenses, Legal Requirements and Procedures
• Bookkeeping Procedures
• Orientation
• Company Staff Introduction
• Company Policy Review
• Training 
• Evaluations
• Performance and Financial Reviews

II. Workplace Safety: Ladders, Nail Guns, and Hand Tools

This workplace safety session focuses on the use of basic tools that many tradesmen handle on a daily basis. The training goal is two fold:

1. To make users aware of hazards currently encountered on a typical jobsite, and
2. To emphasize and clarify the requirement for proper use and training

The session begins with a detailed look at ladders. Types, ratings, material, usage, inspections and training are discussed in detail. A ladder inspection form is provided to guide students to employ a JOB SITE SAFETY PROCEDURES MANUAL for their field use.

The second half of this session deals with commonly-used hand tools, touching upon several categories ranging from non-powered, powered, pneumatic (nail guns), powder actuated and jacks. This section introduces the attendee to a wide range of topics dealing with hazard recognition, PPE requirements, basic safety tips and training.

Topics To Be Covered Include:

• Introduction to Ladder Safety
• Types of Ladders and Ladder Selection
• Best Practices, Hazard Recognition and Hazard Controls
• Ladder Maintenance and Ladder Inspection
• Competent Person and Supervisor Obligations
• Introduction to Power Tools
• Nail Guns Injury Stats 
• Nail Gun Trigger Types and PPE
• OSHA Violations and Injury
• Nail Gun Safety
• Hand Tools - Powered and Non-Powered 
• Pneumatic Tools 
• Guarding

III. Lead-Safe Work Practices on the Construction Job Site

This two-hour session is designed to give builders, remodelers, painters, and other construction contractors a vital overview of lead and safe procedures to have in place when working in the presence of this poisonous material.

Topics To Be Covered Include:

• The History of Lead and How It Affects Ss
• Safe Work Practices When Lead Is Present
• Protecting Yourself While Working
• The concept of CCP:  "Control, Clean, and Protect"
• Dust Containment
• Cleaning Your Site and Yourself

DAY 2:

I. Project Management for Residential Construction and Remodeling

This two-hour session is designed to give builders and remodelers a vital, fundamental overview of project management with a focus on the two most important outcomes: profitability for the contractor and satisfaction by the customer. We will stress the crucial importance of those two concepts to a successful, sustainable business, and will walk through the key operations one must employ to achieve this success. From proper planning to having systems in place to manage the fixed and anticipated details, a smoothly-run, carefully planned project is a profitable one, and also should deliver on the expectations of the client. The course will give a summary of essential project management components, including preparation and estimating, production, administration, and client hand-off.

Topics To Be Covered Include: 

• Introduction and Session Objectives  
• Preparation 
• Construction Documents
• Estimate and Schedule
• Permits and Resources
• Pre-Construction Meeting
• Production
• Job-Site Setup
• Execution and Supervision
• Safety Standards
• Project Administration
• Client and Sub/Vendor Meetings 
• Site Meetings and Inspectional Requests
• Project Completion
• Cleanup and Inspections
• Punch Lists and Client Hand-off

II. Massachusetts Residential Code Review for CSLs

Staying up to date, navigating, and understanding the code is of paramount importance to Construction Supervisor License holders. The 8th Edition is now the code of record in Massachusetts. Did you know it is made up of the 2009 International Residential Code and separate MA amendments?  And what are the reference codes to be aware of? This two-hour session provides an overview of the current code format and ways to navigate the component pieces, and goes into the "Building Planning" sections of the 8th edition (Chapter 3), with an introduction to key code standards for various home elements, applicable to both new construction and remodeling projects. 

Topics To Be Covered Include:  

• How to Use the Code Books
• IRC and IECC 2009
• MA State Building Code 780 CMR 51.00 - 8th Edition
• MA Sheet Metal Regulations
• MA Specialty Trades
• Fire Code/Local Fire Offical
• Chapter 1 - Scope and Administration 
• Building Official Duties 
• Authority and Permits 
• Construction Documents and Inspections 
• Chapter 3 - Building Planning 
• Fire Resistant Construction
• Light, Ventilation & Heating
• Room Sizing
• Sanitation - Toilet, Bath and Showers
• Garage & Carports
• Emergency Escapes and Means of Egress
• Fire Sprinklers, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Foam Plastics and Protection of Wood Decay
• Flood Resistant Construction
• Licensing of Construction Supervisors 

III. Weatherizing Your Kitchen and Bathroom Projects

This session will identify and explore the areas of a typical kitchen or bath project that today"s remodelers and builders must take into consideration regarding energy preservation/conservation, from design considerations to insulation and ducting. Material selections and installation practices are discussed, taking into account the various code regulations that might alter how you approach your project.

Topics To Be Covered Include: 

• Introduction to the Healthy Homes Concept 
• Design Considerations
• Room Components 
• Code Applications
• Installation Methods and Materials