Dahme Mechanical Industrial
Safety Licensing and Certification
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When comparing plumbing and HVAC companies in the Chicago area, you want to choose a team of professionals with the proper licensing and certifications to back up their skill set. Having a basic understanding of the local requirements can help you make the most informed choice when hiring a new technician. The following guide provides a basic overview of state and national licensing requirements and why Dahme Mechanical Industries is your best option for Chicagoland services.
HVAC Technician Requirements
Although Illinois doesn't have any statewide licensing requirement for HVAC technicians, most entry-level technicians must complete an HVAC trade school program to obtain a job with a reputable company. Those starting out on their own must also obtain a business license in addition to completing an HVAC program.
A good HVAC curriculum will prepare technicians to identify HVAC systems and components, understand HVAC and refrigeration theory, and learn the procedures for working in residential and commercial settings. Local programs, like those offered at HVAC Technical Institute and Coyne College, also provide hands-on experience in the Chicago area.
Despite not having any licensing requirements, Illinois does require HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants to possess an Environmental Protection Agency certification. EPA certifications show that a technician is qualified to maintain, repair, service, and dispose of appliances containing regulated refrigerants using the proper handling techniques outlined by the EPA. Successful completion of HVAC curriculum coursework will prepare graduates to sit for the EPA Section 608 Certification exam.
Plumbing Licensing Requirements
The Illinois Department of Public Health has outlined detailed licensing requirements for plumbers in the interest of protecting the public. The reason for these strict requirements is that improper plumbing can introduce harmful pathogens into drinking water or allow toxic gases to escape, leading to adverse health effects and disease. As such, the plumbing trade is closely regulated, and all plumbers and plumbing companies must maintain a minimum code of standards.
According to the IDPH website, the department licenses approximately 2,000 apprentice plumbers and 8,900 plumbers in the state. In order to obtain a plumbing license, individuals must work as a licensed apprentice for 48 to 72 months and then pass a state licensing exam.
State requirements don't end with new plumbers. Existing licensed plumbers must maintain and improve their skills related to the plumbing industry by completing a certain number of continuing education requirements each year.
Retired plumbers can also maintain their license without intending to practice plumbing. To obtain a retired plumbing license, they must be at least 62 years old or physically unable to work and voluntarily surrender their Illinois plumbing license. Carrying a retired plumbing license can serve as proof of competence in the trade and provide the option of reinstating an active plumbing license without allowing it to expire.
Businesses that advertise plumbing services must also adhere to requirements set by the IDPH. Any business that provides these services must display at least one member's plumbing license and maintain a listing of every employed plumber's name and license number. Advertisements must include the company's plumbing license number somewhere in the ad.
Cook County Contractor Requirements
All contractors, regardless of their industry, must register with the Department of Building & Zoning if they plan on working in unincorporated Cook County, Illinois. To do this, the business owner must register in person, provide proof of insurance, and have the required licenses. Cook County also charges a fee of $105 per trade.
Contractors renewing their registration still need to show proof of general liability insurance naming Cook County Building & Zoning as the Certificate Holder. All contractors need to renew their registration every year. At DMI, we ensure our licenses and registration are always up to date.
What Makes Dahme Mechanical Industries the Best Choice in Chicagoland?
With more than 50 years of plumbing and HVAC servicing experience in the Chicago area, DMI's team of unionized professionals understands the complexities of commercial and residential requirements. We hire only the most professionally trained and licensed technicians to address your HVAC, plumbing, and municipal piping needs, and we'll make sure your house or building follows the most recent codes and standards.
While other companies focus only on either residential or commercial settings, we take a different approach to ensure we're the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry. From private homes and businesses to wastewater treatment facilities and other municipal settings, we do it all, which requires training in the most advanced construction techniques. As such, we pride ourselves on exceeding the state's licensing standards.
Safety is DMI's utmost priority, so we're committed to ongoing training and retraining our union employees on important safety standards. We're licensed with the City of Chicago, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Cook County, DuPage County, and many other Chicagoland municipalities. Our technicians and field personnel carry numerous safety certifications and licensing, such as:
- OSHA 10-Hour.
- OSHA Competent Person.
- Medical Gas Training.
- Cross-Control Device Inspection.
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Certification.
- Chicagoland Construction Safety Council Scaffold Training.
- OSHA Hazard Communication.
- OSHA Underground Excavation.
Members of our plumbing and HVAC team are also members of various professional organizations, including:
- Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago.
- The Chicagoland Better Heating and Cooling Council.
- Certified Welding Bureau.
- Chicago Journeyman Plumbers Union, Local 130 UA.
- Great Lakes Construction Association.
- Wester Trades Association.
- Pipe Fitters' Local Union 597, UA.
- North and West Side Master Plumbers Club.
- Lake County Contractors Association.
- West Suburban Association of Plumbing Contractors.
When you hire DMI for your HVAC or plumbing needs, you can feel confident that your technician will arrive on time, offer affordable, top-of-the-line products, act professionally, and represent the qualities of a family-owned and locally operated business that's been a staple of the community for over 50 years.
Whether you're in the market for residential, commercial, or industrial plumbing or HVAC services, Dahme Mechanical Industries, Inc. is the best choice for all your needs. When you're ready to set up an appointment, contact us to request an estimate. We'll be happy to address all your HVAC and plumbing needs.