ROCKVILLE, Md. - The Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) has announced its new MSCA STAR Qualification program, developed to assure building owners and facility managers that their STAR qualified contractor is providing the highest level of skill, quality, value, and professionalism in the industry, says the association.

According to the MSCA, contractors designated as a STAR qualified contractor will belong to an elite group of contractors who are setting the standard in the mechanical service industry. These contractors will have verified that they uphold a strict code of business ethics, employ the best trained and most qualified workforce, maintain a superior safety record, offer outstanding customer service, and focus on continuing education and training for all employees.

To be designated as an MSCA STAR, contractors will have to meet the following criteria:

  • Be involved in the industry for a minimum of five years;

  • Have a proven track record in the HVACR or plumbing service industry;

  • Have a minimum of 25 percent of its current workforce UA STAR certified;

  • Have a documented service safety and health program and maintain an outstanding safety record compared to the industry average;

  • Provide on-going educational training to employees;

  • Have an established truck and major tool inventory control system;

  • Maintain the highest levels of customer service standards; and

  • Provide and require photo ID cards to be worn by all field personnel for security purposes.

    Contractors must provide documented proof of criteria to be considered by the MSCA STAR Review Committee.

    The UA STAR certification program for service technicians, implemented in 2002, is a prerequisite of the MSCA STAR Qualification program. The program, developed and offered by the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters of the United States and Canada, is designed to assure contractors and users that employees have been adequately trained and have demonstrated the skill and knowledge necessary to do their job correctly, safely, and efficiently. The UA STAR exams are accredited by the American National Standards Institute and are recognized by the International Organization for Standardization.

    The first group of MSCA STARs will be announced in early 2004. They will be posted on the MSCA STAR Web site at www.mcaa.org/msca/mscastar.

    Publication date: 11/10/2003