January News Briefs

J. F. Ahern Co. recently purchased the assets of Airgas North Central’s Fire Services Division. The deal is expected to be completed Feb. 1, 2011. Ahern plans to hire all 40 of Airgas’ fire equipment employees as part of the acquisition. It will allow Ahern to increase the reach of its fire equipment sales and service business, while enabling Airgas to focus on its core operations of distributing industrial, medical and specialty gases, along with related equipment and supplies.

North American Technician Excellence certification testing will be available during the AHR Expo 2011 in Las Vegas on Jan. 31, hosted by Baker Distributing. All HVACR technicians are encouraged to get certified. Candidates can earn installation and/or service certification in nine specialty areas: air conditioning, air distribution, heat pumps, gas heating, oil heating, hydronics gas, hydronics oil, and commercial, light commercial refrigeration and senior efficiency analyst.

NSF International recently launched a new certification program that provides third-party verification of consumer product claims asserting they can be safely disposed of via toilet flushing. The NSF Flushable Consumer Products Certification Program addresses consumer products making flushability claims - such as facial tissues, baby/cosmetic wipes, kitty litter, pet refuse bags, disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products - and provides a solution to many clogging issues associated with wastewater treatment systems.

The Radiant Professionals Alliance Built Environment Systems Technology conference and trade show will take place during the Indoor Air Expo, Feb. 15-17, 2011, in San Antonio. RPA will offer a wide range of classes during the show: Radiant I (basic installer course); Radiant II (advanced installer course); Radiant Precision (designer course); Radiant Architecture; introductory and advanced “new” hydronics; Internet-based integrated building controls; and integration of radiant heating with solar and geothermal systems.

ISH China and the China International Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning Expo have merged together and will present their first joint-venture show - ISH China & CIHE - March 3-5, 2011, at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing. Exhibition space is expected to span 11 halls to accommodate more than 700 exhibitors. The increased exhibitor number resulted in a change of venue from the China National Convention Center. For more information, visit www.ish-china.com.