In each issue of Working Pressure, we ask 10 questions to a training coordinator or instructor of an ASSE-approved training provider. Some questions are work related, some are personal, and others are just for fun. We learn our trade through local colleagues, mentors, and instructors, but what can we learn from others across the country? Let’s learn about the people we learn from. In this issue, we’ll get to know Donald Summers, IPP, FASSE, Assistant Director of Training at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 Training Center in St. Louis.
If you’d like us to ask 10 questions to your ASSE-approved training coordinator or instructor, send us a note telling us why at editor@workingpressuremag.com.
How long have you been affiliated with your training center/school?
I started as a welding instructor for Plumbers Local 35 in 1991 and became Director of Education in 1997. In 1999, Local 35 merged with Pipefitters Local 562 and I became the Assistant Director of Training.
What is your background as it relates to your job?
I completed my Plumbing Apprenticeship and became a Journeyman Plumber in 1978. I was a foreman on many jobs and became a general foreman for Murphy Company until I was asked to teach full-time. I have worked on residential, commercial, and industrial jobsites, was certified in Arc Welding, MIG Welding, and TIG Welding, and have been a Licensed Journeyman Plumber in St. Louis County and St. Louis City since 1978.
How did you become interested in ASSE certification programs?
When I became Director of Education for Local 35, ASSE asked me to join the Cross-Connection Control Committee. From there, my involvement with ASSE grew due to my interest in our industry. I was, and continue to be, fascinated with how standards and certification programs are developed.
What ASSE certifications are you currently offering?
Our Training Center currently offers several ASSE Certifications:
- ASSE 5000 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester and Repairer
- ASSE 6010 Medical Gas System Installer
- ASSE 7000 Residential Potable Water Fire Protection System Installer and Inspector
- ASSE 12000 and 12020 Infection Control Risk Assessment
- ASSE 12060, 12061, and 12062 Water Quality (currently applying for approval)
- ASSE 13010 Service Plumber
Are any ASSE certifications required in your city or state?
Currently, ASSE 5000 Tester Certification is required by state law and ASSE 7000 Installer and Inspector Certifications are required by St. Louis County and St. Louis City Plumbing Code Ordinances.
How do you get students interested in the classes you’re offering?
First of all, we have our fifth-year plumbing apprentices get ASSE 5000 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester and Repairer Certifications at the end of their apprenticeships. Also, St. Louis City and St. Louis County have continuing education requirements for plumbing and pipefitter licenses, which helps encourage our Journeymen to take the different certification classes that we offer.
What do you think about the new ASSE Water Quality Certification?
I really believe this certification will be ASSE’s next big certification. When hospitals and long-term care facilities begin complying with the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services’ (CMS) mandate for all healthcare facilities to have water management programs, they will be looking for professionals to start sampling their water. I know the United Association is backing this certification and they believe that this is going to be a great tool for us.
Why do you think the new ASSE Water Quality Certification is important?
We are all entitled to clean water and that is not the case everywhere. As an example, the Flint, Mich. story is still not over – they continue to find new problems with their water. It started with lead in the water, then bacteria, metals, and chemicals. This is not an isolated case. There are so many instances of Legionella outbreaks across the country and even around the world. Our outdated water infrastructure, premise piping, and distribution piping – inside and outside the fence – needs to be looked at. I really believe that ASSE is on the cutting edge with this new certification program.
What’s your favorite sports team?
Well, it used to the St. Louis Rams … who are now the LA Rams ☹. So now I’m beginning to follow the St. Louis Blues. I also enjoy watching the St. Louis Cardinals and following golf. My favorite active golfer is Phil Mickelson, and my favorite Champions Tour golfer is Fred Couples.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
HIDE! No really, I would. Depending on how much I won, I’d first make sure that my mother and children were taken care of by making them millionaires, like me. If there was still some left, I’d give money to my siblings and then splurge on a new motorcycle, house, car, etc.
