ST. LOUIS, MO — Missouri Councilman Charlie Dooley (D-1st District) has been congratulated by the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Eastern Missouri for his part in introducing a proposed ordinance (392) that would allow the licensing of persons or entities performing mechanical work under the Mechanical Code.

Key goals of the proposal include:

Ensuring the health and safety of citizens of St. Louis County by establishing a board of Mechanical Examiners that will qualify contractors and tradespeople, and by defining the type of work each license holder can perform, thereby preventing license holders from performing work outside of their training;

Preventing poor installations or shoddy work by raising skill levels and establishing penalties for non-compliance; and

Ensuring that contractors and tradespeople meet minimal standards and skill levels through the use of independent tests, and requiring each applicant to prove experience in his or her trade. There is a requirement for 7,500 hrs of classroom and on-the-job training for apprentices, and 24 hrs of continuing education every three years for journeymen. The bill’s grandfather clause allows all who are currently performing mechanical work and can prove experience to continue working.

Publication date: 12/04/2000