FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Two members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC), Past President John Garvelink and national zone director Malcolm Sweet, recently presented remarks from a p-h-c contractor's perspective at the International SARS Symposium in Los Angeles.

The PHCC representatives report that a draft consensus statement from the conference will recommend adoption of strong codes and the need for training to prevent the spread of diseases like SARS. Also, attendees learned there is current research occurring in Scotland that seems to reinforce the old thought process of installing water seal P-traps with individual vents to help prevent the spread of disease through plumbing systems.

Conference participants also were reminded of the important role all industry professionals play in providing overall plumbing system quality to protect public health and safety. This involves proper engineering, design standards, inspection, installation by people trained and licensed in the trade, and follow-up maintenance. PHCC was a co-sponsor of the symposium, which was hosted by the World Plumbing Council and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).