The National Fire Protection Association has unanimously approved the nominations of 15 Independent Electrical Contractors members to its 19 decision-making panels.
John Masarick, IEC's safety, codes and standards manager, says the membership will give the IEC the chance to have an important impact on the association's code making panels.
"We get excellent representation for the independent electrical contractor when codes and standards are being approved," says Masarick. "IEC members will definitely have valuable input on the majority of NFPA code making panels."
The newly-appointed representatives include contractors from across the country. Masarick says the independent contractors will use their membership to try and improve the industry for contractors, manufacturers, users and consumers.
Robert Baird, vice president of apprenticeship and training, standards and safety for the IEC, says this is a significant step for independent electrical contractors.
"All of us in the industry consider the NEC to be our Bible," says Baird. "Unless IEC participates fully in the effort, the code will be written for us by manufacturers, users and organized labor interests alone. IEC is proud to put its first team forward to ensure that the best interests of the independent electrical contractor are considered in the formulation of this critical industry document."
The IEC, based in Alexandria, Va., is a national trade association made up of more than 3,000 merit shop electrical contractors. For more information, visit www.ieci.org .
