Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine June 2018

News Magazine June 2018

halls with calls for “economic freedom” and “opportunity”. Who can be against such appeals to our American spirit and core values? Certainly not anyone in the HVACR industry; however, when it is followed by efforts to allow, even encourage good folks to enter a trade for which they have no or little training, we have concerns. Not only are they encouraged to enter the trade for which they are unprepared, they are encouraged to open a business, “hang out their shingle” and present themselves to the public as professionals. After all, the public believes that a business must have some training to perform the promised task. The public believes that a business must be qualified and insured or the state would not permit their existence. Most do not ask for proof of proficiency or insurance. Arkansans just trust. Regretfully, it is all too often to their detriment. Even the Governor’s mansion is not exempt, April Issue, Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine, pg 12. Those that believe in less regulation and fewer licensing are sincere in their efforts to help Arkansans and reduce government’s burden on its citizens; however, the well intentioned effort should have limits. For example, one representative stated, “I believe in economic freedom. I believe that the consumer should be able to hire whomever they want.” That makes superficial sense and is almost defensible; however, it is the same thing as “buyer beware” which we heard in the 2015 session. Buyer beware says that it is the buyers responsibility and right to choose whatever contractor they desire and gain the benefit or pay the price for their decision. That is a little like saying, “if ABC contractor improperly installs a furnace and kills my grandparents with carbon monoxide poisoning, I’ll know not to buy from them next time.” When it so clearly involves health and safety, do we really want to go down that road? Shouldn’t Arkansans be able to expect that in “some” businesses and trades, the government has the right and the responsibility to assure that the business has some modicum of knowledge and experience. Shouldn’t the consumer be able to assume that the business is staying current with their trade and is able to provide a product or service that serves the need of the homeowner or business in a manner that is effective and safe? It is inconceivable to expect consumers to know about or be able to make informed decisions about some purchases without the safety net of the government assuring that the pool of service providers from which they can choose have some level of competency. We do not doubt this when it comes to doctors, but some assume that trades like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing can be learned and practiced without risk to the consumer or need for the government to require a license and continuing education. It is frequently a lack of knowledge or respect for the complexity and inherent danger in the HVAC, electrical, or plumbing trades that supports these opinions. We would encourage anyone to ask a local HVAC municipal or state inspector what they think about the need for HVAC licensing. These inspectors are on the front line of protecting the consumer by enforcing code. They have firsthand experience of how important training and licensing is for the HVACR industry. As these hearings move forward, it is imperative that we compliment their sincerity yet reinforce the need for protecting the public health and safety as a matter of conscience and responsibility.