The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and SoCalGas, a Sempra Energy utility, are working together to create and administer the Natural Gas Foodservice Equipment Installer Training and Certification program.

The three-day training program is designed to provide the training and expertise necessary for installers of commercial kitchen equipment in foodservice facilities to install this equipment safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the manufacturers’ intended use and installation instructions.

Training will be done with actual appliances and equipment, providing attendees with an up-close and personal training experience that will be both interesting and interactive. Also discussed during the program will be the relevant provisions from the codes and standards that impact these installations, basic kitchen design and layout, installation and equipment safety, natural gas piping and gas distribution, boilers and water heaters, important plumbing concepts, equipment utilizing computerized technology, and the CaEnergywise rebates and website.

“IAPMO is a world-renowned organization that is not only the authority on plumbing and mechanical codes, but also has expert educators in maintaining manufacturer equipment specifications,” said Will Morris, senior program advisor at the Food Service Equipment Center. “The position of the Natural Gas Commercial Foodservice Equipment Installer Certification is in high demand and is a must for foodservice restaurants, technicians and facilities groups looking to learn, network and grow.”

The program will conclude with the certification exam. Attendees who pass the exam will be credentialed as Certified Natural Gas Foodservice Equipment Installers.

“IAPMO is excited to work with SoCalGas on this project in an effort to increase the knowledge, skills and ability of commercial kitchen equipment installers,” said Tony Marcello, IAPMO vice president of Training and Credential Services. “This initiative not only helps to further increase the quality of these installations and provide a greater level of safety to workers and the public, but it is also a great demonstration of the expertise that SoCal Gas and IAPMO can provide.”

Roger Fuller, retired chief building official for Sacramento County, California, brings 40 years of industry experience and 18 unique inspector certifications to his instruction of the program, which will be presented at SoCalGas’ Energy Resource Center in Downey, California.

“Holding these classes at SoCalGas’ Downey location provides a unique opportunity to provide detailed training using actual equipment and appliances that are commonly found in foodservice facilities, making this program very dynamic and highly interactive,” Marcello said. “This is another great benefit of working closely with SoCalGas on this initiative.”

The program will debut Oct. 21-24. For more information or to register, visit www.bit.ly/iapmo-socalgas.