Important Dates: World of Concrete - Las Vegas (January 18-21, 2011) Carbon Monoxide Monitors As announced at the recent IHSA ad-hoc Labour-Management Cement Finishing Safety Committee meeting, the CFLRA will be purchasing and distributing carbon monoxide detectors as a pilot program to each signatory ICI cement finishing employer across Ontario. The initiative by the Board of Directors is a positive step forward to monitor and eliminate these hazards in our workplace. Each year cement finishers are exposed to increased carbon monoxide levels in construction workplaces as buildings are sealed to contain temporary heat during the winter months. The use of indirect fired furnace-type heaters would resolve most of these problems, but the vast majority of contractors continue to employ direct-fired salamander type heaters which pump carbon monoxide directly into the work space. The use of monitors does not solve the problem of carbon monoxide creation but it will help to identify hazardous CO levels. Distribution of the monitor units will commence prior to the upcoming winter season. If you are not listed in the CFLRA Directory, please call the association office at 289-837-1627. 2010-2013 Memorandums Ratified The CFLRA in conjunction with the constituent memebrs of the Labourer's and Cement Mason's Employer Bargaining Agencies have ratified the 2010-2013 ICI provincial collective agreements for cement/concrete fisnihing (including the related epoxy and restoration trades). Click HERE for the details. New Ultra Low CO Emissions Bartell are promoting their ultra-low emission GESi exhaust systems for trowel machines. These systems are reported to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by 90% - with no loss in engine power. Click HERE for the details. CFLRA Board of Directors Elected The elected representatives to the 2010-2011 Board of Directors are: Mr. Paul Bravo, Bravo Cement Windsor Mr. Nunzio DiLecce, Metro Concrete Floors. Mr. Paul Garibotti, Bravo Cement Toronto Mr. Danny Tersigni, Belmont Concrete Finishing Mr. Jim Woods, Apollo Concrete Mr. Paul Garibotti was also elected to continue as Chairman of the Board. The devotion that all Board members make to the industry is extraordinary - the industry thanks the 2008-2009 Board members for their leadership over the past 2 years: Mr. Paul Garibotti (Chairman), Mr. Paul Bravo (1st Vice Chair), Mr. Frank Calvi (2nd Vice Chair and Immediate Past Chairman), Mr. Gerry Simone (Treasurer), Mr. Bill Corradetti (Associate Members Rep) and Mr. Geoff Kinney Jr. (Executive Director) NEW Work Safe Bulletin: Isocyanates A new Work Safe Bulletin has been issued for Isocyanates - click HERE The Cement Finishing Labour Relations Association represents the safety interests of the cement finishing industry. Work Safe Bulletins are designed to provide specific hazard information and promote the discussion of safe work practices. All accidents can be prevented through proper planning, training, supervision and care ! [MORE] CSA A23.1-2009 Approved The new 2009 version of CSA A23.1 Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete Construction has published and now replaces the existing 2004 version. Please click HERE to order a copy.