MINUTES OF THE SECOND GAS TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2010

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE SECOND GAS TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2010 DATE: May 20, 2010 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Delta Edmonton South Darrel Hilman, Chair Glen Aspen Bob Bush Keith Carter (arrived at 9:30 a.m.) Brad Diggens (arrived at 9:06 a.m.) Bradley Gaida Mel Hess Gerald Kitchen Verne Quiring Larry Robinson Dave Schroeder (until 12:00 noon) Russell Wintersgill Sidney Manning, Alberta Municipal Affairs Celia McDonagh, Safety Codes Council (until 9:45 a.m.) Leith Atkinson, Safety Codes Council Brian Alford, Safety Codes Council (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) ABSENT: GUESTS: RECORDER: NEXT MEETINGS: Dave Scheideman Matthew Kramer, Sheet Metal Contractors Association (until 10:15 a.m.) Real LaFrance, CHBA Edmonton (until 10:15 a.m.) Frank Graumann, Service Experts Edmonton (until 10:15 a.m.) Gerald Byer, City of Edmonton (arrived at 9:30 a.m.) Chad Rich, City of Edmonton (9:30 a.m. to 1:52 p.m.) Sandi Orr AGM June 16-18, 2010 Banff Thursday, September 16, a.m. Edmonton Thursday, November 18, a.m. Edmonton

2 A. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 9:00 a.m. and a round table introduction was held. B. Adoption of Agenda The following revisions were made to the agenda: E Gas Code Regulation 3RD Party Certification E Third Party Certification Bradley Gaida / Gerald Kitchen moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes The minutes were corrected as follows: Page 3 E from the CGA PGAC meetings... Verne Quiring / Dave Schroeder moved to adopt the minutes of the March 3, 3010 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED D. Business Arising from the Minutes E Hi Altitude Rating Draft STANDATA The draft STANDATA G Appliances and Equipment Require Special Certification for Installation at High Altitude was circulated and reviewed (Handout 2). Council members were asked to review the proposed STANDATA and provide feedback to the Chief Gas Administrator. E Side Wall Vent Termination & Air Intakes Conflict Draft STANDATA A copy of the proposed STANDATA was circulated (Handout 1). Based on the information reviewed and industry concerns provided during the presentation (agenda item E ), the following action plan was established: Further information will be gathered from IGAC and other jurisdictions. Concerns from today s presentation will be reviewed. Members will provide recommendations for other changes to the Chief Gas Administrator. The STANDATA will be modified and circulated prior to the SCC AGM. The STANDATA will be reviewed during the SCC AGM. [All Available] If a quorum is not present at the SCC AGM, a letter ballot will be circulated for the adoption and release of the STANDATA. General consensus was reached that, although the interpretation may not address all issues, a STANDATA is needed when the code is adopted to provide guidelines to a generic requirement in the new code. It was agreed that even once it is published there is always the opportunity to update the STANDATA when more information and research data is available. MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 2

3 E Materials used for Air Intake to Appliances Draft STANDATA This item was deferred to the next meeting. A brief discussion was held regarding some of the issues that need to be addressed in the STANDATA. E Clearances to Kitchen Ranges - update It was asked whether there is a need to clarify the difference between the gas code and building code. The Building discipline has issued a STANDATA regarding clearances as it relates to the Alberta Building Code. Consensus was reached that no further action is required and this item will be removed from the agenda. E Regulatory Concerns re: Sunrise Propane Incident of Aug/08 Bob Bush provided a brief update on the Sunrise incident and provided examples of what industry and regulators are doing to address concerns. An update was provided regarding the study that was initiated by Ontario after the incident to review best practices for propane safety from other countries. Concerns continue to be expressed regarding the potential of a top-down push for changes based on this study. Being no action, this item will be removed from the agenda. E Gas Code Regulation The final draft of the Gas Code Regulation was circulated as information (Handout 3). Changes as recommended by Legislative Counsel were explained. It was reported that the draft is currently in the Deputy Minister s office and a July 1, 2010 in force date is still anticipated. E STANDATA review request [P-03-02, G B149.1, G SCA] The Chief Gas Administrator is awaiting feedback from council members regarding recommendations for change, applicability, etc., in relation to the 2010 Code. Brad Diggens / Bradley Gaida moved to expire STANDATA G CSA Voluntary Corrective Action Program for Bosch W125K and Aquastar AQ38 Instantaneous Natural Gas Water Heaters as the manufacturers have corrected any issues; CARRIED STANDATA # SUBJECT COUNCIL MEMBER G SCA Gas Installation Permits in Alberta Bob Bush (R1) Municipal Affairs Jurisdiction G STDS Storage Water Heaters, with Input Dave Scheideman Ratings Above 75,000 Btu per Hour ( W), Instantaneous and Circulating Water Heaters G STDS Certification of Gas-fired Water Larry Robinson [rev 2] Heaters for Installation in Alberta G CSA Product Advisory Regarding the Mel Hess Installation of Gas Fired Infra-red Radiant Tube Heaters G B149 Product Advisory Regarding the Larry Robinson Installation of Gas Log Lighters in Wood Burning Fireplaces STATUS Being reviewed Being reviewed Being reviewed Feedback provided Being reviewed MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 3

4 G Product Advisory Regarding Rheem Canada Ltd. s Voluntary Corrective Action Program for Models PV40 and PV50 Gas-fire, Power-vented Water Heaters G CSA Voluntary Corrective Action Program for Bosch W125K and Aquastar AQ38 Instantaneous Natural Gas Water Heaters G Replacement Parts for Gas-fire Appliances Keith Carter Gerald Kitchen Verne Quiring Feedback provided Recommended to expire, Review complete Being reviewed G Add-on Furnace Control Devices Verne Quiring Being reviewed P/G Requirements for Combination Gerald Kitchen Being reviewed Heating Systems: Dual Purpose Water (Potable) Heater (Combo Unit) E Incompatibility of PVC and Adhesives/Sealants discussion Documentation was circulated via to all council members. It was reported that an extensive list of compatible products is available from IPEX relative to fire stopping materials and tested sealants. As the issue goes beyond fire stopping, there may be a need to heighten awareness to industry after further review. The Chief Gas Administrator will approach the Chief Building Administrator to request that the issue be reviewed by the Building Technical Council. E How to Address Part 10 Structures Relative to Alberta s Policy Decision on out of Province Travel The Chief Gas Administrator reported that the pilot for Out of Province inspections of Part 10 structures has not been expanded upon. Applications have been received but no new additional pilots have been approved. In the meantime, a travel budget has been approved until the third party certification pilots are complete. Upon completion of the pilots, this will be brought forward to council to determine the level of certification required for SCOs conducting third party Out of Province inspections. E. New Business E Sheet Metal Contractors Association - presentation by Matthew Kramer Matthew Kramer (Sheet Metal Contractors Association), Real LaFrance (CHBA Edmonton) and Frank Graumann (Service Experts Edmonton) were introduced and provided a presentation on industry response to the proposed STANDATA on CSA B (a). Council provided background and advised that it has been at least 2 to 3 years since the Gas Technical Council began discussing issues relating to residential Side Wall Venting. It was presented that the interpretation of CSA (a) has created a great concern for industry. Some of the issues expressed by industry include: MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 4

5 35,000 Btuh encompasses nearly all appliances is there any data on the size of the culprit appliances? There is a need to clarify adjacent and adjoining. Measuring from the vent terminal to the property line reduces the distance to much less than a typical side yard setback. The actual distance from the wall to the vent terminal for an approved method of redirecting the exhaust plume is unknown. How to measure compliance of this plume redirection is not indicated and is unclear possibly leading to confusion in application and enforcement. Very few manufacturers installation instructions allow for an approved method that may comply with this STANDATA. Construction worker safety with more trades on the roof. Homeowner safety if more roof vents installed and owners need to maintain it on their roof. Property damage as a result of S636 joint failure. Limited research conducted on the root cause of the issue and this interpretation could cause other issues. It is believed that the issues are largely a result of poorly installed appliances. New Home Warranty advised that little to no complaints are received relating to side-wall venting. Issues expressed regarding the Vent/Flue Tee and whether it meets the intent of the code. Homeowners may choose not to replace aging equipment. It was suggested by industry that a Working Group be created to work with government to identify the problems and develop a solution. It was recommended that stakeholders include GTC, SMCAA, CHBA, MCA, HRAI, municipalities, AHJ, NRC, manufacturers, and AMA. The greatest concern is relative to retrofits and the fact that installers don t think of the impact that side wall venting will have on the neighbour. Council members explained a number of the issues that they have experienced in the field and provided examples of complaints received from homeowners. The Interprovincial Gas Advisory Council will be discussing this issue in more detail at an upcoming meeting with the hope of maintaining consistency across jurisdictions. Both BC and Saskatchewan are considering publishing a similar interpretation to what is being considered in Alberta. The presenters were advised that their information and concerns will be taken into consideration when determining a path forward. It was noted that even though July 1, 2010 is the anticipated in force date for the code, it does not necessarily mean that the STANDATA would be published at the same time. Concern was expressed that with little detail in the code, there is bound to be a high degree of inconsistent interpretation. A copy of the presentation will be circulated with the minutes. [Hilman / Paches] MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 5

6 E Appointment of Mayor Glenn Andersen for a term until January 31, 2013 (replaces Ted Reid) Bob Bush / Brad Diggens moved to recommend to the Coordinating Committee the appointment of Mayor Glenn Andersen to the Gas Technical Council for a term until January 31, 2013, effective immediately; CARRIED E Matrix Alterations A memo was circulated with the agenda package regarding each council being requested to review their matrix. Members were asked to review the matrix to ensure that all applicable industry segments are represented to ensure that the council has the right resources available to make the best decisions for the safety of all Albertans. Further discussion was deferred to the September 2010 meeting. E Sizing of the Gas Piping in a single family dwelling Larry Robinson brought forward concerns from AMOS regarding conflict in the industry relative to the sizing of the gas piping into a single family dwelling. It was suggested that a minimum of 1 inch main into the house be recommended to allow for additional services not originally installed when calculating the piping size (e.g. natural gas barbecue line installed later). Other concerns relate to the replacement of a hot water tank. A straight replacement does not require a permit. However, if changing from a regular hot water tank to an instantaneous hot water tank, a permit would be required. This is not being complied with in most jurisdictions. With assistance from the Chief Gas Administrator, Larry Robinson and Brad Diggens will draft a docket for submission to CSA regarding piping size calculations to take into account future requirements. [Robinson / Diggens / Manning] E Gas SCO & A Class Gas Ticket It was reported that there is a shortage of Gasfitter (A)Ticket holders which in turn is creating a shortage of Gas SCOs. Policy 4.70 Certification Levels Gas was circulated and reviewed (Handout 4). A package of policies was circulated to show examples of other entry requirements within the other disciplines (Handout 5). Just because something is inspected does not take away the accountability from the person doing the work to ensure it is done in compliance with the code. It was suggested that knowledge of the code between an A and a B Class Gas Ticket holders is no different and the key is that SCOs knows the requirements of the code. It was suggested that there is a need to review the minimum entry requirements to determine exactly what skills are needed to conduct inspections. A working group was developed to review qualifications and to bring forward a recommendation at the September 2010 meeting. [Diggens / Gaida / Robinson / Aspen / Kitchen] MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 6

7 E ABSA Jurisdictional STANDATA Review The following STANDATAs were circulated: G-01-xx-AMA/ABSA Pressure Piping in Excess of 15 PSI (Handout 6). G-01-xx-ABSA Liquid Petroleum Gas Storage Vessel Installations (Handout 7). G-01-xx-ABSA Propane Storage Tanks Designed for 200 PSIG (Handout 8). Bob Bush reported on discussions being held between the propane industry and ABSA regarding smaller propane tanks. Members were asked to review the above STANDATAs and provide feedback to the Chief Gas Administrator. The Chief Gas Administrator will circulate any revisions to these STANDATAs at the September 2010 meeting. E Vice Chair Election The floor was opened for nominations for Vice Chair. Keith Carter was nominated. After the third call and being no further nominations, Keith Carter was appointed as Vice Chair of the Gas Technical Council by acclamation. E Third Party Certification The Chief Gas Administrator explained the three methods of equipment certification in Alberta: 1. The equipment being used is already certified by a recognized certification body. 2. Uncertified equipment is used and there is a pathway for field approval by third party certification, of which a permit would be required. 3. A variance for the oil and gas industry can be used, with no permit requirement, if the engineer-stamp drawings are obtained. This Variance will remain in place until such time as there is a sufficient quantity of certified inspectors available in Alberta. It was reported that CSA will be publishing a Standard regarding an inspection body program with requirements to become certified inspection bodies. When this has been published and the industry has a sufficient number of accredited inspection bodies, it will result in the removal of the variance (#3 above) and all gasfitting will require permits in an industry that has not required permits previously. F. Standing Agenda Items a) Action Items All action items were completed or addressed under the applicable agenda items. b) Report from Chair Technical Coordinating Committee Update Being no Technical Coordinating Committee meeting since our last meeting, there was nothing to report. MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 7

8 G. Next Meeting A brief meeting will be held during the SCC Conference on Friday, June 18 at 9:00 a.m. in the Pine Meeting Room to discuss the Side Wall Vent Standata and recommended changes from the Chief Gas Administrator (see Item E ) The next meetings were scheduled for: Thursday, September 16, :00 a.m. Edmonton Thursday, November 18, :00 a.m. Edmonton Brad Diggens / Gerald Kitchen moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 8

9 -- ACTION ITEMS -- E Hi Altitude Rating Draft STANDATA Council members were asked to review the proposed STANDATA and provide feedback to the Chief Gas Administrator. E Side Wall Vent Termination & Air Intakes Conflict Draft STANDATA Further information will be gathered from IGAC and other jurisdictions. Concerns from today s presentation will be reviewed. Members will provide recommendations for other changes to the Chief Gas Administrator. The STANDATA will be modified and circulated prior to the SCC AGM. The STANDATA will be reviewed during the SCC AGM. [All Available] If a quorum is not present at the SCC AGM, a letter ballot will be circulated for the adoption and release of the STANDATA. E Clearances to Kitchen Ranges - update This item will be removed from the agenda. E Regulatory Concerns re: Sunrise Propane Incident of Aug/08 Being no action, this item will be removed from the agenda. E STANDATA review request [P-03-02, G B149.1, G SCA] Remaining STANDATAs being reviewed: G SCA (R1) Gas Installation Permits in Alberta Municipal Affairs Jurisdiction [Bush] G STDS Storage Water Heaters, with Input Ratings Above 75,000 Btu per Hour ( W), Instantaneous and Circulating Water Heaters [Scheideman] G STDS [rev 2] Certification of Gas-fired Water Heaters for Installation in Alberta [Robinson] G C SA Product Advisory Regarding the Installation of Gas Fired Infra-red Radiant Tube Heaters [Hess] G B149 Product Advisory Regarding the Installation of Gas Log Lighters in Wood Burning Fireplaces [Robinson] G Product Advisory Regarding Rheem Canada Ltd. s Voluntary Corrective Action Program for Models PV40 and PV50 Gas-fire, Power-vented Water Heaters [Carter] G Replacement Parts for Gas-fire Appliances [Quiring] MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 9

10 G Add-on Furnace Control Devices [Quiring] P/G Requirements for Combination Heating Systems: Dual Purpose Water (Potable) Heater (Combo Unit) [Kitchen] E Incompatibility of PVC and Adhesives/Sealants discussion The Chief Gas Administrator will approach the Chief Building Administrator to request that the issue be reviewed by the Building Technical Council. E Sheet Metal Contractors Association - presentation by Matthew Kramer A copy of the presentation will be circulated with the minutes. [Hilman / Paches] E Matrix Alterations Members were asked to review the matrix to ensure that all applicable industry segments are represented to ensure that the council has the right resources available to make the best decisions for the safety of all Albertans. There was discussion regarding representation from each of the two large municipalities. E Sizing of the Gas Piping in a single family dwelling With assistance from the Chief Gas Administrator, Larry Robinson and Brad Diggens will draft a docket for submission to CSA regarding piping size calculations to take into account future requirements. [Robinson / Diggens / Manning] E Gas SCO & A Class Gas Ticket A task force was developed to review qualifications and to bring forward a recommendation at the September 2010 meeting. [Diggens / Gaida / Robinson / Aspen / Kitchen] E ABSA Jurisdictional STANDATA Review Members were asked to review the above STANDATAs and provide feedback to the Chief Gas Administrator. The Chief Gas Administrator will circulate any revisions to these STANDATAs prior to the September 2010 meeting. MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 10

11 -- MOTIONS -- B. Adoption of Agenda Bradley Gaida / Gerald Kitchen moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes Verne Quiring / Dave Schroeder moved to adopt the minutes of the March 3, 3010 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED E STANDATA review request [P-03-02, G B149.1, G SCA] Brad Diggens / Bradley Gaida moved to expire STANDATA G CSA Voluntary Corrective Action Program for Bosch W125K and Aquastar AQ38 Instantaneous Natural Gas Water Heaters as the manufacturers have corrected any issues; CARRIED E Appointment of Mayor Glenn Andersen for a term until January 31, 2013 (replaces Ted Reid) Bob Bush / Brad Diggens moved to recommend to the Coordinating Committee the appointment of Mayor Glenn Andersen to the Gas Technical Council for a term until January 31, 2013, effective immediately; CARRIED E Vice Chair Election Keith Carter was appointed as Vice Chair of the Gas Technical Council by acclamation. G. Next Meeting Brad Diggens / Gerald Kitchen moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED MINUTES: Gas Technical Council Meeting May 20, 2010 Page 11