Ontario, Calif. — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is accepting applications on its Web site from individuals wishing to participate on task groups, working toward the development of the 2012 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code.

The UPC and UMC are developed using an American National Standards Institute accredited consensus process, signifying that the procedures used by standards setting organizations such as IAPMO meet the Institute's requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process.

This process brings together volunteers, representing a variety of viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on plumbing and mechanical practices. The UPC and UMC are the only plumbing and mechanical codes of practice to be named American National Standards.

In accordance with the rules and regulations that govern these procedures, a Technical Committee or Technical Correlating Committee may create task groups to address a specific topic or problem. Persons serving on a task group need not be members of the TC or TCC.

Task groups meet in person or via conference calls to discuss solutions and then forward their recommendations along with a report of any underlying issues to the TC or TCC for action.

IAPMO is seeking volunteers for the UPC Correlation Task Group to identify technical and editorial inconsistencies within the 2009 UPC. The UPC Standards Task Group needs volunteers to add cross-references to Table 14-1 Index of the 2009 UPC, indicating where code sections of standards are referenced, and to update the format of standards.

Volunteers are also need for the UMC Ventilation Task Group and the UMC Standards Task Group to identify inconsistencies and add cross-references, indicating where code sections are referenced and to update the format.

Applicants must submit their completed application form by Sept. 18, 2009. Additional information and downloadable application forms can be found at: http://www.iapmo.org/Pages/TaskGroupInformation.aspx.