Don’t Miss CERTA Application and Train-the-Trainer Session at this Year’s MRCA Conference

The CERTA training program is ideal for contractors whose work involves torch applications.

These programs train experienced roof system installers on the safe use of roofing torches used to apply polymer-modified bitumen roofing products. CERTA training shows how proper roof system configuration design and application techniques can result in fire-safe installations. These sessions include all meals and access to the Exhibit Hall.

Certified Roofing Torch (CERTA) Classes

Tuesday, October 17th 7:00 am – 6:00 pm            CERTA Train-The-Trainer New Authorizations 7:00 am – 2:00 pm            CERTA Train-The-Trainer Re-Authorizations

Wednesday, October 18th  7:30 – 11:30 am                 CERTA Applicator Course Classroom Portion 1:00 – 5:00 pm                   CERTA Applicator Course Hands-On Portion

What is CERTA?

In 1986, the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) in conjunction with industry organizations, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, and United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers developed a curriculum to train roofing workers in the safe application of torch-applied roof systems. This program was named the Certified Roofing Torch Applicator program.

With continuing changes in technology, federal regulations and work practices, it became necessary for MRCA to revise and update the CERTA program. With the cooperation of contractors, manufacturers and other associations MRCA created the ad-hoc CERTA Committee.

In 2003, insurance industry representatives approached NRCA to address concerns about increasing incidents and losses occurring during roofing workers' torching activities. NRCA recognized torching activities are and will continue to be a major part of the roofing industry, and roofing workers traditionally have been trained on torch use with on-the-job techniques. On-the-job training methods typically focus on application skills without adequately addressing safety concerns. The need for focused safety training addressing torching activities became apparent. NRCA arranged with MRCA to adopt and revise the CERTA program. The current CERTA program provides the best practices and new industry requirements for torching activities. Click here for CERTA Specification Information.

In 2007, NRCA retained Hughes Associates INC., a nationally recognized fire consulting firm, to help plan and conduct a test program designed to investigate heat transmission through component layers of torch-applied polymer-modified bitumen membrane flashings during installation over combustible roof decks. Based on the findings, the CERTA guidelines were revised. Direct torching over combustible substrates (with specific stipulations) was allowed.

CERTA delivers these requirements through a certification program where authorized trainers delivering effective behavior-based training to roofing workers. MRCA continues to work with NRCA to make sure the program is up-to-date and of the highest quality. There is no comparable training program available in the roofing industry. Click here to see the Applicator Manual.

The CERTA training program is ideal for contractors whose work involves torch applications. The full-day program trains experienced roof system installers on the safe use of roofing torches used to apply polymer-modified bitumen roofing products. CERTA training shows how proper roof system configuration design and application techniques can result in fire-safe installations.

For more information, contact Bob Pope, MRCA Executive Director at: (800) 497-6722 or mrca@assnsoffice.com or Janice Davis, NRCA's manager of education and risk management, at (847) 299-9070, ext. 7505, or jdavis@nrca.net.