The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) updated its “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list to more accurately define the plumbing and mechanical industry, a list that now includes language for which IAPMO advocated.

“Workers who support the supply chain of building materials from production through application/installation, including cabinetry, fixtures, doors, cement, hardware, plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, refrigeration, appliances, paint/coatings and employees who provide services that enable repair materials and equipment for essential functions” have been added to the list, which may be read at: www.iapmo.org/media/23610/dhs_critical_workforce_20.pdf.

Workers such as builders, contractors, HVAC technicians and landscapers were added to the Public Works sector heading, which was changed to “Public Works and Infrastructure Support Services,” and the list has been expanded to include “... workers at distribution facilities, workers who transport basic raw chemical materials to the producers of industrial and consumer goods, including hand sanitizers, food and food additives, pharmaceuticals, paintings and coatings, textiles, building materials, plumbing, electrical and paper products.”

“This is big news, not only for IAPMO, but the entire plumbing and mechanical industry,” IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney said. “By explicitly citing the entire supply chain for plumbing products as essential, the federal government has clarified how important each facet of the industry is, from manufacturer to distributor to plumber.”

IAPMO recently published a guidance for plumbing professionals working under the threat of COVID-19 authored by Peter DeMarco, executive vice president of advocacy and research for The IAPMO Group, that can be viewed at www.pmmag.com/articles/102722-understanding-coronavirus-exposure-for-plumbing-pros. 

For more information on IAPMO and its proactive initiatives in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, visit www.iapmo.org/ibu/whats-new/coronavirus-resources.