M I N U T E S FOURTH BUILDING TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2010

Transcription

1 DATE: September 9, 2010 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: M I N U T E S FOURTH BUILDING TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF :30 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. Executive Express Hotel, Leduc Maurice Otto, Chair REGRETS: RECORDER: NEXT MEETINGS: Bill Barnowich, Vice Chair South Scott Lee Don Dessario David Dixon Barry Laviolette Ken McLaren Chuck Perry Robert Zifkin Chris Salvian, Alberta Municipal Affairs Sidney Manning, Alberta Municipal Affairs (until 1:00 p.m.) Leith Atkinson, Safety Codes Council Celia McDonagh, Safety Codes Council Ken Block Burgess Bredo, Vice Chair North Colin Friesen Hermann Gloge Cal Ploof Steve Walton Mark Iantkow (Regular Guest BFC Liaison) Keven Lefebvre (Regular Guest FTC Liaison) Sandi Orr Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in Calgary

2 A. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:37 a.m. and a round table introduction was held. B. Adoption of Agenda The following new items were added to the agenda: E Building Envelope (article in Journal re: Leaky Houses) E Fire Rating on Balconies E Hold Open Devices 4 Storey Buildings E Draft STANDATA General Information on STANDATAs F. e) Correspondence Barry Laviolette / Scott Lee moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. (a) Adoption of Minutes Page 4 E was corrected to read:...building SCOs would not inspect them. Barry Laviolette / Don Dessario moved to adopt the minutes of the June 3, 2010 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED D. Business Arising from the Minutes E Approval of Revised & Updated Building SCO Certification Course Material Comments from the review of the Building, Group A2, Part 3 (Units 1 and 2) course were circulated and reviewed (Handouts #1 & #2). It was reported that the feedback was reviewed and the course material was changed accordingly. A discussion was held on the review process and it was reported that although it somewhat slows down the process, it is working well. Ken McLaren / Chuck Perry moved to approve the course material for the Building, Group A2, Part 3 (Units 1 and 2), as revised based on the review; CARRIED The Acting Manager of Training requested volunteers to review the drafted course material for Building, Group A3, Part 3 Subjects for a Level 3 Safety Codes Officer. Ken McLaren and a representative of the City of Edmonton volunteered to review the course material and provide feedback to the SCC by no later than September 30, [McLaren/Otto] E Barrier Free Items a) Parking The Chair reported that the Barrier Free Council is still working on a parking guideline to include a proposed change to the number required and the dimensions of stalls. MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 2

3 b) Draft STANDATA Barrier free seating It was reported that a sub-committee is working on this and the primarily issues being reviewed are: Defining scattered seating. Reviewing the ratio of barrier free seating required. Reviewing Ontario s Government Funded Buildings Guideline c) Enforcement of barrier free issues update The agenda item was corrected to read [Iantkow] [Paches] The Barrier Free Council believes there is a need to clearly define the issues before developing a resolution. A discussion was held regarding some of the issues. It was suggested that barrier free provisions (e.g. parking markers) are conditional as part of the development permit and if not complied with, enforcement should be through municipal bylaws. It was suggested that the Barrier Free Council should be insisting to escalate Barrier Free Standards to a higher level to maintain not only consistency across Alberta but throughout Canada, similar to the American Disabilities Act. A discussion was held regarding the opinion of the Safety Codes Council relative to enforcement of these types of issues. Previously, it was the President/CEO s opinion that Building SCOs were accountable for the enforcement of ensuring barrier free provisions continue to remain in place. There was varying opinions on the issue. For example, maintaining barrier free parking should be the role of bylaw officers where ensuring barrier free washrooms continue to be provided should be the Building SCO. It was requested that the Safety Codes Council Administration provide the BTC with their position on barrier free enforcement and suggested that this may be an issue that should be escalated to the Technical Coordinating Committee level. The Chair and Ken McLaren will draft a letter to the President/CEO and the TCC Chair requesting clarification. [Otto / McLaren] E GTC Mechanically Vented Appliances draft STANDATA Sidney Manning, Chief Plumbing and Gas Administrator, was introduced and welcomed to the meeting. The draft STANDATA G Requirements for Protection from Depressurization of Natural Gas and Propane Appliances was circulated as information (Handout #3). Since this crosses both disciplines, it was suggested it might be more suitable to be issued as a joint STANDATA by the Gas and Building disciplines or only as a Building STANDATA. The Chief Plumbing and Gas Administrator provided an in depth explanation of the information contained in the bulletin and the issues that are trying to be addressed. Recommendations for revisions were provided and a redraft will be presented at the next meeting. MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 3

4 The draft STANDATA G Sidewall Vent Terminations was circulated as information (Handout #4). It was reported that this will be reviewed at the next GTC meeting scheduled on September 15, It was requested that the measurements for sidewall ventilation termination be listed in metric. [Manning] A discussion was held regarding the term adjacent property. It was recognized that the initial purpose of this STANDATA was to address complaints from neighbours on issues from sidewall venting. A discussion was held regarding venting underneath a veranda, porch or deck and it was noted that this is under the jurisdiction of the Gas Code and that a docket to the National Gas Code may be suitable. E FTC/BTC Liaison - update ABC Definition of Nurse update This item was deferred to the next meeting. E Sept. 11/08 Letter from MD of Rockyview #44 Re: depressurization in houses It was reported that any issues contained in the letter from the MD of Rockyview #44 are being addressed within the STANDATA referred to under E The Chair will respond with the MD of Rockyview #44 about the draft STANDATA and will emphasize that enforcing provisions above and beyond the code is neither acceptable nor permissible. [Otto] E Review of the Matrix It was reported that the Task Group has had a few meetings but are not ready to make a recommendation. The Task Group is looking at the request from the Electrical Contractors Association (E ). E Lateral Bracing Guidelines for Foundations An updated draft of the STANDATA was circulated with the agenda package and reviewed. The new address of the Canadian Home Builders Association Alberta was corrected to read: 328. Don Dessario / Scott Lee moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCI-XXX Lateral Bracing of Residential Concrete Foundation Walls Generic Engineering Details, as amended; CARRIED E Table Steel Beams This item was carried forward to the next meeting. MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 4

5 E Iconic Structures A draft STANDATA was circulated and reviewed (Handout #5). Robert Zifkin provided background on some of the issues and reported on the meetings held with related stakeholders. It was noted that there are some inconsistencies with Professional Involvement requirements in the code. It was suggested that requirements should not be so prescriptive and it should simply state that Professional Involvement is mandatory for Grain Elevators. It was noted that the STANDATA was specifically limited to Grain Elevators and not all iconic structures. An explanation was provided on the difference between a historic building and an iconic structure. It was noted that the province has designated only 11 (not all) grain elevators as historic structures. It was clarified that all measures contained in the STANDATA would be requirements. The Acting Chief Building Administrator will review the wording proposed by HIP Architects for inclusion into a Building STANDATA. The following action remained outstanding: A copy of the fire investigation will be requested from the Fire Commissioners Office. E Permitting of Temporary Structures A draft copy of the Permit Amendment Regulation was circulated and reviewed (Handout #6). It was noted that this has not yet gone to Cabinet for approval and will not likely occur until the fall. The Acting Chief Building Administrator reviewed each of the changes in the Regulation relative to permitting temporary structures. Ken McLaren / Barry Laviolette moved to recommend to the Minister, through the Technical Coordinating Committee, adoption of the Permit Amendment Regulation and to waive the 90 day review process; CARRIED E Certification Levels Building Policy 4.30 A redrafted copy of the SCC Policy 4.30 was circulated and reviewed (Handout #7) and the changes were highlighted. The following revisions were made: Page 2 1.d....experience in the building construction industry outside... Page 2 1.e....mentorship program at the discretion of the Administrator. Page 5 1.d....experience in the building construction industry outside... Page 5 1.e....mentorship program at the discretion of the Administrator. MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 5

6 Don Dessario / Chuck Perry moved to recommend to the Technical Coordinating Committee the adoption of the redrafted Policy 4.30 Certification Levels Building, as amended; CARRIED E Draft STANDATA Ventilation Air for Dwelling Units In Multi-Unit Residential Buildings A draft of the STANDATA was circulated with the agenda package and reviewed. Although it was requested that transfer grills be included, it was noted that this would be in contradiction with the introduction of the STANDATA. However, an individual could always submit an alternative proposal proving that the system works. Scott Lee / Ken McLaren moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCB-XXX Ventilation Air for Dwelling Units in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, as circulated; CARRIED (one noted opposition Don Dessario) E. New Business E Firefighter Emergency Operation (FEO) It was reported that a meeting was held with the Acting Chief Building Administrator, Chief Fire Administrator, Chief Elevator Administrator and Keven Lefebvre, and it was agreed that the Elevator STANDATA would be revised. However, as a result of an Amusement Ride incident, that investigation has taken priority and it will be a while before a new STANDATA is released. E Renovations & Barrier Free Access Harold Wicke and Mark Iantkow are attempting to define when renovations occur, when barrier free access should be incorporated. For example, although an extensive renovation was made to a mall, the washrooms were not renovated and therefore the washrooms did not have to be converted to barrier free requirements. This issue is still being reviewed and discussion was deferred to a future meeting. E Request from Electrical Contractors Association for seat on BTC A request from the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta to have a seat on the Building Technical Council was circulated with the agenda package. It was reported that the Matrix Task Group has this letter and are reviewing the request. E Draft STANDATA - Freezing of Wet Chemical Systems A draft of the STANDATA was circulated with the agenda package and reviewed. Don Dessario / Barry Laviolette moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCB- XXX Freezing of Wet Chemical Systems, as circulated; CARRIED E Draft STANDATA - Wind Turbines A redraft of the STANDATA was circulated with the agenda package and reviewed. It was explained that minor revision was required to including the foundation. MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 6

7 Don Dessario / David Dixon moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCI- 030R1 Wind Turbines, as circulated; CARRIED E Draft STANDATA - Asbestos Abatement A draft of the STANDATA was circulated with the agenda package and reviewed. Barry Laviolette / Scott Lee moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCB-XXX Asbestos Abatement, as circulated; CARRIED E Draft STANDATA - Air Contaminants and Corrosion of Fuel-Fired Appliances A draft of the STANDATA was circulated with the agenda package and reviewed. Barry Laviolette / Don Dessario moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCB- XXX Air Contaminants and Corrosion of Fuel-Fired Appliances, as circulated; CARRIED E Building Envelope (article in Journal re: Leaky Houses) It was reported that an article appeared in the Edmonton Journal titled Province shelved report on leaky houses in July It is anticipated that another article is expected in the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald this week. It was noted that the report, from a very small sampling of houses where the Building Envelope has failed, is on the Alberta Municipal Affairs website under Residential Construction Practices. A discussion was held regarding some of the issues being dealt with by Municipal Affairs and various jurisdictions regarding EIF systems. An in depth discussion was held regarding whether the systems work, related failures, workmanship, consumer protection and the public misconception of the Safety Codes Council s responsibilities. It was reported that one of the recommendations of the report was the training of SCOs for inspection of the building envelope. The Acting Manager of Training reported on the work being done on the development of this training. It was reported that the Technical Council will need to determine if the course developed on the Building Envelope will be mandatory, for which levels and groups, and if mandatory what time frame the course would have to be taken in order to maintain certification. E Fire Rating on Balconies Discussion was held regarding ABC Fire Rating for Balconies. The City of Calgary and the City of Edmonton has varying opinions of the code requirements. It was suggested there may be a need for a STANDATA to clarify and ensure consistent interpretation. Upon review, it was the opinion of the Acting Chief Building Administrator that the code is very specific and there should be no misinterpretation of the requirements. Don Dessario will work with the Acting Chief Building Administrator if there are any other issues that continue to need resolving. MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 7

8 E Hold Open Devices 4 Storey Buildings Clarification was sought regarding the hold open devices being permitted in 4 Storey buildings with firewalls. The issues were explained and it was suggested there is a need to determine if a code change or STANDATA is suitable. The Acting Chief Building Administrator will research this with NRC. E Draft STANDATA General Information on STANDATAs A draft of the STANDATA was circulated and reviewed (Handout #8). It was suggested that this will be a perpetual STANDATA that will be reissued every code cycle. The following suggestions were made: Page 2 2) Technical Council will also apply consider the contents... Page 3 Development...address the safety concern issue that has... The council members will review the STANDATA for discussion at the next meeting. [All] F. Standing Agenda Items a) Technical Coordinating Committee Report The next meeting is September 23, With an Appeal scheduled that day in Calgary, the Chair will check on whether a Vice Chair is available to attend the TCC meeting. b) Appeals/Review of Orders It was reported that the decision regarding appeals and orders being published on the website is moving forward. It was reported that there were no appeals heard since the last meeting and three orders reviewed or in review. c) Alberta Building Code 2006 (i) Professional Involvement Committee There was nothing to report. ii) Upcoming Code Cycle There was nothing new to report. d) Conditional Grant Agreements It was reported that there are four conditional grant agreements, one of which is the building envelope training. Further information on each of the grant agreements could be provided if the council wishes. MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 8

9 e) Correspondence This item will be added as an ongoing Standing Agenda item. [Paches] The following correspondence was received: City of Calgary regarding SCO requirements (Handout #9). This is being addressed by the Administrator of Certification. Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing supporting design standards developed by the City of Calgary. from Wolski Design regarding Professional Stamps. G. Next Meeting The schedule for the remainder of the year was reconfirmed as follows: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in Calgary Barry Laviolette / Ken McLaren moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 3:55 p.m. MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 9

10 ACTION ITEMS E Approval of Revised & Updated Building SCO Certification Course Material The Acting Manager of Training requested volunteers to review the drafted course material for Building, Group A3, Part 3 Subjects for a Level 3 Safety Codes Officer. Ken McLaren and a representative of the City of Edmonton volunteered to review the course material and provide feedback to the SCC by no later than September 30, [McLaren/Otto] E c) Enforcement of barrier free issues update The agenda item was corrected to read [Iantkow] [Paches] The Chair and Ken McLaren will draft a letter to the President/CEO and the TCC Chair requesting clarification. [Otto / McLaren] E GTC Mechanically Vented Appliances draft STANDATA The Chief Plumbing and Gas Administrator provided an in depth explanation of the information contained in the bulletin and the issues that are trying to be addressed. Recommendations for revisions were provided and a redraft will be presented at the next meeting. The draft STANDATA G Sidewall Vent Terminations was circulated as information (Handout #4). It was reported that this will be reviewed at the next GTC meeting scheduled on September 15, It was requested that the measurements for sidewall ventilation termination be listed in metric. [Manning] E Sept. 11/08 Letter from MD of Rockyview #44 Re: depressurization in houses The Chair will respond with the MD of Rockyview #44 about the draft STANDATA and will emphasize that enforcing provisions above and beyond the code is neither acceptable nor permissible. [Otto] E Iconic Structures The Acting Chief Building Administrator will review the wording proposed by HIP Architects for inclusion into a Building STANDATA. A copy of the fire investigation will be requested from the Fire Commissioners Office. E Hold Open Devices 4 Storey Buildings The Acting Chief Building Administrator will research this with NRC. E Draft STANDATA General Information on STANDATAs The council members will review the STANDATA for discussion at the next meeting. [All] F.e) Correspondence This item will be added as an ongoing Standing Agenda item. [Paches] MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 10

11 MOTIONS B. Adoption of Agenda Barry Laviolette / Scott Lee moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. (a) Adoption of Minutes Barry Laviolette / Don Dessario moved to adopt the minutes of the June 3, 2010 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED E Approval of Revised & Updated Building SCO Certification Course Material Ken McLaren / Chuck Perry moved to approve the course material for the Building, Group A2, Part 3 (Units 1 and 2), as revised based on the review; CARRIED E Lateral Bracing Guidelines for Foundations Don Dessario / Scott Lee moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCI-XXX Lateral Bracing of Residential Concrete Foundation Walls Generic Engineering Details, as amended; CARRIED E Permitting of Temporary Structures Ken McLaren / Barry Laviolette moved to recommend to the Minister, through the Technical Coordinating Committee, adoption of the Permit Amendment Regulation and to waive the 90 day review process; CARRIED E Certification Levels Building Policy 4.30 Don Dessario / Chuck Perry moved to recommend to the Technical Coordinating Committee the adoption of the redrafted Policy 4.30 Certification Levels Building, as amended; CARRIED E Draft STANDATA Ventilation Air for Dwelling Units In Multi-Unit Residential Buildings Scott Lee / Ken McLaren moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCB-XXX Ventilation Air for Dwelling Units in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, as circulated; CARRIED (one noted opposition Don Dessario) E Draft STANDATA - Freezing of Wet Chemical Systems Don Dessario / Barry Laviolette moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCB-XXX Freezing of Wet Chemical Systems, as circulated; CARRIED E Draft STANDATA - Wind Turbines Don Dessario / David Dixon moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCI-030R1 Wind Turbines, as circulated; CARRIED MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 11

12 E Draft STANDATA - Asbestos Abatement Barry Laviolette / Scott Lee moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCB-XXX Asbestos Abatement, as circulated; CARRIED E Draft STANDATA - Air Contaminants and Corrosion of Fuel-Fired Appliances Barry Laviolette / Don Dessario moved to adopt and release STANDATA 06-BCB-XXX Air Contaminants and Corrosion of Fuel-Fired Appliances, as circulated; CARRIED G. Next Meeting Barry Laviolette / Ken McLaren moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED MINUTES: Building Technical Council September 9, 2010 Page 12