MINUTES OF THE FIFTH GAS SUB-COUNCIL MEETING OF 2015

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE FIFTH GAS SUB-COUNCIL MEETING OF 2015 DATE: September 24, 2015 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Radisson Edmonton South Sub-Council Members Lawrence Unser, Chair Glen Aspen Hal Austin Bradley Gaida Simon Jolly Nathan Lesage Marcel Mandin Robin Montgomery Dave Schroeder Jeff Skeith Mike Turek Denis Turgeon Safety Codes Council Michelle Plaizier, Peter Thomas, Erin Stroud Alberta Municipal Affairs Sidney Manning, Harry Li, Karen Pottruff, Josh Berger, Claude Valliere Guests (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) Scott Semple, Rick Jeanes, Brian Fenske & Kevin Pirotin of Navien Inc. Linda Girard, City of Edmonton ABSENT: RECORDER: Mel Hess Sandi Orr 2015 MEETINGS: November 5

2 A. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 9:00 a.m. B. Adoption of Agenda The agenda was amended to include: E Nominee to representing Large Gas Utilities E SCC Variance Policy E Notice for Propane E Side Yard Vent Termination Brad Gaida / moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes The minutes were reviewed and the following corrections made: Under E b), Administrator was corrected to read Chair In the second last paragraph under E , October 2015 meeting was corrected to read November 2015 Nathan Lesage / Mike Turek moved to adopt the minutes of the May 28, 2015 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED D. Business Arising from the Minutes E Working Group Third Party Certification The agenda will be revised to reflect [Manning / Turgeon]. [Paches] The Chief Gas Administrator reported that the Province-wide Variance was extended with an expiry date of June 30, The Working Group worked with the Chief Administrator to develop a notice for industry to ensure a good understanding of the expiry date (Handout #1). These Notices are managed internally by AMA, but because of the magnitude of the impact, the document was brought to this sub-council for endorsement. Denis Turgeon / Glen Aspen moved to endorse the publishing of Notice Expiration of VAR-GAS [Rev1], as circulated; CARRIED Denis Turgeon provided an overview of the course outline changes that will be occurring for gasfitters in The Chief Administrator advised that reports will be received from the certification and inspection bodies on their capacity to get this work done. Legacy Equipment Management Plan - STANDATA During the discussion of the Notice, it was questioned regarding the Legacy Equipment Management program not being referenced in the Notice. It was explained that this is not included so as not to confuse industry on the two different topics. MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 2 of 14

3 E b) CSA-Z Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Production, storage and handling Background was provided regarding the re-evaluation by the Ministry of Energy and their decision to remove their exemption and take over jurisdiction of LNG. Utilization and dispensing would still be under the jurisdiction of the Safety Code Act. Although it has been agreed that this standard will not be included in the Regulation, there are still challenges to address regarding jurisdiction. The Chief Administrator will continue to take this forward and work with ABSA and the Pressure Equipment Subcouncil for the small scope still under the Act. [Manning] It was reported that all sub-council meetings for all disciplines are included on the portal should anyone wish to attend a future Pressure Equipment Sub-council meeting. E Continuing Education for SCOs It was reported that a working group meeting was held to review the proposed revisions based on additional stakeholder feedback. An overview was provided on several of the areas being discussed and changes is the model being considered. An electronic tracking system was deemed critical for SCOs to log their continuing education and this has delayed the launch until A soft launch on a voluntary basis is being considered and work continues on an implementation plan. It was questioned and confirmed that a wide-spread communication and consultation was held and significant feedback was received from SCOs. It is anticipated that the same wide spread communication would occur well in advance of implementation. Examples were provided on the technological changes being worked on to provide online access for SCOs that would not only include self-reporting but also their current SCO status, Designation of Powers, etc. E Draft Regulation Working Groups: B149.1, B149.2, B149.3, B149.5, B108, B109 The 3-column document for the Gas Code Amendment Regulation was reviewed on screen. Karen Pottruff reported on the work being done to revise the regulations to allow for future automatic code adoption. If exceptions are recommended, significant rationale will be required to defend the reasons why Alberta needs to be unique. Presentations will be provided on future code adoption processes. It was explained that these 3- column documents provide an overview for the Minister on the rational of the code recommendations. An overview was provided of the significant work that will take place between now and 2017 to harmonize the Alberta Building and Fire Codes with the National Codes. Each of the amendments were reviewed, clarification of the changes were provided and the following noted: The wording relative to Standards as amended or replaced from time to time is in preparation for automatic adoption in future code cycles. It was questioned about the time frame of within one year and clarified that changes are being MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 3 of 14

4 worked on in the Administrative Items Regulation. It was also noted that adoption could take place earlier or be delayed, through Ministerial Order. It was questioned whether 3-column documents will be necessary in the future and clarified that these will still be needed for the sub-councils and the Minister to understand the changes. It was explained that the Alberta amendments from the previous regulation have been incorporated as proposed changes in the 3-column documents. The working groups need to review their 3-column document on these changes to determine if it is acceptable to remove them. If it is believed we can t live with the changes, rationale needs to be defensible. It has been asked of the Chief Administrator if a Province-wide Variance could be used for Alberta amendments. The Chief Administrator reminded the sub-council that a variance needs to provide an alternate path for an equal or greater level of safety and cannot be a relaxation of what is law through regulation. One pathway being considered is a Standard of Practice or something similar instead of embedding the Alberta-specifics in regulation. An overview was provided on the national codes and standards consultation process and how critical it is that if there is something Alberta believes needs to be changed, the sub-council needs to be involved in the process and influence changes. As openings come up, sub-council members will be giving greater opportunity to participate on national committees. It was announced that recommendations from the working groups need to be provided to the sub-council for consideration by mid-october 2015 in order to meet the goal of having the regulation adopted by cabinet in January It was questioned regarding the repeal of Section 4 and clarified that this is already being handled by Advanced Education and the section was considered redundant. There are no changes to the current processes and acceptance. Depending on the conclusion of today s meeting, working group members were encouraged to continue work on their reviews or to conduct their business through teleconference or s in order to expedite their review. E Code Review Process for Working Groups A report was provided by each of the workings groups. STANDARD CSA-B Natural gas and propane installation code CSA-B Propane storage and handling code WORKING GROUP MEMBERS (Chair) Jeff Skeith Lawrence Unser Mike Turek Hal Austin Lawrence Unser Jeff Skeith Mike Turek REPORT / CURRENT TASKS The current draft of the 3- column document was circulated to working group members There was nothing new to report The current draft of the 3- column document was circulated to working group members MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 4 of 14

5 CSA-B Code for the field approval of fuelrelated components on appliances and equipment CSA-B Installation code for propane fuel systems and tanks on highway vehicles CSA-B Natural gas fuelling stations installation code CSA-B Natural gas for vehicles installation code CSA-Z or 15 Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Production, storage, and handling Third-party Certification Hal Austin There was nothing new to report There are currently no Alberta Dell Wickstrom specifics and the working group Glen Aspen recommended supporting the Denis Turgeon code of the standard without change It was recognized there is a need to discuss different types of fuels during the next code Marcel Mandin Hal Austin (AMA Perry Wager) cycle It is believed the changes will not have a lot of impact in Alberta The current draft of the 3- column document was circulated to working group members Nathan Lesage The current draft of the 3- column document was circulated to working group members The working group has no issues with alignment with the national standards Marcel Mandin Nathan Lesage Glen Aspen Keith Carter Nathan Lesage Denis Turgeon Glen Aspen Lawrence Unser The current draft of the 3- column document was circulated to working group members The working group has no issues with alignment with the national standards There was nothing new to report Work will continue on the topic but it was noted this working group s task are not critical to the Codes and Standards review process / Denis Turgeon moved to recommend that the CSA-B Code for the field approval of fuel-related components on appliances and equipment, be included in the Regulation, without variation; CARRIED Letter Ballots will be used to move forward with recommendations for all of the other CSA standards. MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 5 of 14

6 E Fuel Gas Pressure Piping in Plants - STANDATA G ABSA STANDATA G ABSA Fuel Gas Pressure Piping in Plants was recirculated with a few minor changes and clarification but no change to the intent (Handout #3). This new draft is supported by ABSA and the Pressure Equipment Sub-council. Glen Aspen / moved to endorse the publication of G ABSA Fuel Gas Pressure Piping in Plants, as redrafted; CARRIED E Joint Plumbing and Gas Working Group 6-storey Combustible Construction Denis Turgeon reported the working group has not yet meet. Photographs were shown on screen and feedback was sought from utilities on any potential issues regarding the main line and metering that would need to be considered by the working group. E Combination Heating STANDATA It was reported that the STANDATA is being reviewed by the Plumbing discipline s Review of STANDATAs and Province-wide Variances working group. This STANDATA, in its current wording, would no longer be suitable for new installations based on the 2014 Alberta Building Code which references the CSA-B214 - Hydronic Heating. On behalf of the Gas discipline, Glen Aspen volunteered to work with the Plumbing discipline s working group. E. New Business E Venting Materials Navien Tankless Water Heaters Scott Semple, Rick Jeanes, Brian Fenske & Kevin Pirotin of Navien Inc. were welcomed to the meeting and provided a presentation regarding the Navien Tankless Water Heaters. A package of information, including their new Technical Bulletin, was circulated (Handout #2). Highlights of the presentation included: Overview of Navien today s World leader in condensing technology Two NPE Tankless Models available in 4 different sizes An overview was provided of the gas supply requirements, venting exhaust and intake, gas valve combustion fan, safety and certification approvals and energy efficiencies Typical applications of the Standard and Advance models, waterways, and ComfortFlow technology was explained There are a lot of misconception regarding the pipe sizing Diagrams were shown of installation examples An overview was provided of operating the water heater (Temperature 37 C to 60 C) for residential models An overview was provided of Vent Temperatures Various water heater set temperatures and their corresponding exhaust temperatures in comparison with the PVC ULC limit Vent pipe sizing needs to be done in accordance with the installation manual Navien s Technical Bulletin 2015-A-005 Use of CPVC Venting for High Exhaust Temperatures was shown on screen and explained MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 6 of 14

7 Common venting of applications allowed under latest CDA-B149-1.Code, CSA tested and certified, an external backflow damper is available Cascading of multiple NPE units with up to 16 NPE units commonly vented The floor was opened for questions and the following clarified: Can only commonly vent with multiple NPE units Installation manual has been updated to highlight cautions regarding using the appliance above the maximum set venting temperature Some jurisdictions are red-flagging all Navien units Not all contractors are up to speed and this is a matter of education Even though redundant, mechanical accessory must be installed, as required by CSA Clarification was provided on the challenges relative to replacements It was questioned regarding the stock that might be in Alberta that would still have the old installation manual included. It was clarified that the current manual is available on line but potentially a notice could be circulated to industry to not only highlight the availability of the new installation manual but to also explain the validity of the Navien Technical Bulletin. The Chief Administrator will work with Navien on this safety notice. [Manning] An in depth discussion was held later in the meeting regarding CSA certification, in general, and exactly what parts of equipment are actually tested and certified. From an SCO perspective, it was reported that SCOs have no choice but to look at the certification as a complete assembly. The Chief Administrator will take these concerns to the IGAC for further discussion. [Manning] The following handouts were circulated for discussion at the next meeting: G Direct Vent Appliances and Equipment (Handout #7) G B149.1 [Rev 3] PVC, CPVC and PPE Venting Systems (Handout #8) E Vice Chair Appointments North & South It was questioned regarding the need to have both a Vice Chair North and Vice Chair South and the sub-council was advised that this is entirely up to the members. Consensus was reached that only one Vice Chair was needed. The floor was opened for nominations for Vice Chair and Glen Aspen was nominated. After three calls and no further nominations, Glen Aspen was appointed as the Vice Chair, by acclamation, for a two year term. E CSA-B Clause Relative to the new requirement within Clause of CSA-B , the issues regarding the huge impacts to industry were explained. With skids already having a small footprint, an emergency shutdown 25 feet from the tank or vaporiser is not practical. In addition, with it not being stationary, this creates a greater safety risk than a permanent attachment to the skid because it could be moved to an unsafe location. The Chief Administrator reported that he is unaware of this issue being discussed at CSA and advised that if the sub-council does nothing regarding this clause, the MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 7 of 14

8 requirement will come into effect. A province-wide variance could be issued if an equal or greater level of safety is demonstrated of current practices or the sub-council could ask for a variation to the standard. It was suggested that a code change proposal be submitted to that CSA technical committee along with rationale on why current practices are safer. The Chief Administrator will provide Hal Austin with contact information to submit a national code change proposal. [Manning] E Permit Regulation re: Gas discipline permit holder 13(1)(g) As Darrell Reinhart was not available to attend today s meeting, this item was deferred to the next meeting. It was reported that Linda Girard from the City of Edmonton was in attendance that morning as she wished to discuss this as well as a few other topics that might be added to the next meeting agenda. E Governance Review A brief overview was provided on the Governance Review currently being undertaken by the Council. E Appeals Update Peter Thomas, the new Manager of Policy, Legislation and Appeals Coordination, provided an overview of new processes relative to appeals, including contracted hearing facilitators. A detailed report was provided relative to the 2015 Appeals Statistics report included on the portal. An update was provided on the progress of the current appeals. It was reported that work is being done with AMA on the processes needed for the right to appeal the refusal of a variance as this has the potential to significantly increase workload. Members were advised of the upcoming training for sub-council members: November 9, 2015 Appeals training in Edmonton November 10, 2015 New Member Orientation in Edmonton E Nominee to represent Atco Gas (Replacement of Keith Carter) The credentials of the three nominees, presented by Atco Gas, were thoroughly reviewed. Nathan Carter Doug Brown Ryan Germaine It was questioned regarding the submission of three nominees. It was reported that the Council s standard letter requesting nominations asks for 2 nominees. Typically, only one nominee is provided and it is rare that as many as three would be offered. Nominations were held to determine a recommendation to the Board. MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 8 of 14

9 Brad Gaida / Hal Austin moved to recommend to the Board the appointment of Nathan Carter to the Gas Sub-council representing large gas utilities for a term until January 31, 2019, effective immediately; CARRIED It was questioned regarding the status of a nominee representing APEGA. The Manager of Stakeholder relations will follow up on the vacancy. [Stroud / Paches] E SCC Variance Policy General Information Regarding a Variance Request (Handout #4) was circulated and an overview was provided regarding the challenges in the lack of information that is being submitted. The goal of this document is to provide clarity that could hopefully be updated in the Council Policy as the current wording is insufficient. Members were asked to review and provided comments. [All] E Notice for Propane An overview was provided on the Safety Notice Propane Tank Servicing Intervals for Pressure Relief Valves on Tanks 2500 USWG and Less (Handout #5). It was questioned regarding 250 PSI tanks in relation to the new code. It was reported that there is quite a challenge out there for legacy equipment and this will be taken back to ABSA. Working group members were reminded that once they have reviewed their CSA Standard, they should review any related STANDATAs for relevancy. E Side Yard Vent Termination STANDATA - Location of Sidewall Vent Terminations was circulated (Handout #6). It was reported that the purpose is to clarify the conflicts between the building and gas codes and the intent is that this would be issued as a Joint Gas and Building STANDATA. Members were asked to review and provide feedback. [All] F. a) Action Items All action items were completed or included on the agenda. b) Report from Chair Technical Coordinating Committee Update There was nothing new to report. G. Standing Agenda Items There were no Standing Agenda Items. H. Next Meeting MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 9 of 14

10 In addition to the 2 STANDATAs referenced previously in the meeting, it was requested that the following be added to the next meeting s agenda: Walkway and Guardrails Cross Discipline Food Trucks [Paches / Unser] The next meeting was reconfirmed for Thursday, November 5, Brad Gaida / Hal Austin moved the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m. MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 10 of 14

11 -- ACTION ITEMS E Working Group Third Party Certification The agenda will be revised to reflect [Manning / Turgeon]. [Paches] E b) CSA-Z Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Production, storage and handling The Chief Administrator will continue to take this forward and work with ABSA and the Pressure Equipment Sub-council for the small scope still under the Act. [Manning] E Venting Materials Navien Tankless Water Heaters The Chief Administrator will work with Navien on this safety notice. The Chief Administrator will take these concerns to the IGAC for further discussion. [Manning] [Manning] E CSA-B Clause The Chief Administrator will provide Hal Austin with contact information to submit a national code change proposal. [Manning] E Nominee to represent Atco Gas (Replacement of Keith Carter) It was questioned regarding the status of a nominee representing APEGA. The Manager of Stakeholder relations will follow up on the vacancy. [Stroud / Paches] E SCC Variance Policy Members were asked to review and provided comments. [All] E Side Yard Vent Termination Members were asked to review and provide feedback. [All] H. Next Meeting In addition to the 2 STANDATAs referenced previously in the meeting, it was requested that the following be added to the next meeting s agenda: Walkway and Guardrails Cross Discipline Food Trucks [Paches / Unser] MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 11 of 14

12 -- MOTIONS B. Adoption of Agenda Brad Gaida / moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes Nathan Lesage / Mike Turek moved to adopt the minutes of the May 28, 2015 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED E Working Group Third Party Certification Denis Turgeon / Glen Aspen moved to endorse the publishing of Notice Expiration of VAR-GAS [Rev1], as circulated; CARRIED E Code Review Process for Working Groups / Denis Turgeon moved to recommend that the CSA-B Code for the field approval of fuel-related components on appliances and equipment, be included in the Regulation, without variation; CARRIED E Fuel Gas Pressure Piping in Plants - STANDATA G ABSA Glen Aspen / moved to endorse the publication of G ABSA Fuel Gas Pressure Piping in Plants, as redrafted; CARRIED E Vice Chair Appointments North & South Glen Aspen was appointed as the Vice Chair, by acclamation, for a two year term. E Nominee to represent Atco Gas (Replacement of Keith Carter) Brad Gaida / Hal Austin moved to recommend to the Board the appointment of Nathan Carter to the Gas Sub-council representing large gas utilities for a term until January 31, 2019, effective immediately; CARRIED MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 12 of 14

13 WORKING GROUPS STANDARD CSA-B Natural gas and propane installation code CSA-B Propane storage and handling code CSA-B Code for the field approval of fuel-related components on appliances and equipment CSA-B Installation code for propane fuel systems and tanks on highway vehicles CSA-B Natural gas fuelling stations installation code CSA-B Natural gas for vehicles installation code CSA-Z or 15 Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Production, storage, and handling Third-party Certification WORKING GROUP MEMBERS (Chair) Jeff Skeith Lawrence Unser Mike Turek Hal Austin Lawrence Unser Jeff Skeith Mike Turek Hal Austin Dell Wickstrom Glen Aspen Denis Turgeon Marcel Mandin Hal Austin (AMA Perry Wager) REPORT / CURRENT TASKS The current draft of the 3-column document was circulated to working group members There was nothing new to report The current draft of the 3-column document was circulated to working group members There was nothing new to report There are currently no Alberta specifics and the working group recommended supporting the code of the standard without change It was recognized there is a need to discuss different types of fuels during the next code cycle It is believed the changes will not have a lot of impact in Alberta The current draft of the 3-column document was circulated to working group members Nathan Lesage The current draft of the 3-column document was circulated to working group members The working group has no issues with alignment with the national standards Marcel Mandin Nathan Lesage Glen Aspen Keith Carter Nathan Lesage Denis Turgeon Glen Aspen Lawrence Unser The current draft of the 3-column document was circulated to working group members The working group has no issues with alignment with the national standards There was nothing new to report Work will continue on the topic but it was noted this working group s task are not critical to the Codes and Standards review process MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 13 of 14

14 CONTACT LIST: Working Group Phone [Cell] Member Glen Aspen [ ] Hal Austin Keith Carter [ ] Bradley Gaida Nathan Lesage Marcel Mandin Dave Schroeder [ ] Jeff Skeith Mike Turek x8453 [ ] Denis Turgeon Lawrence Unser Sidney Manning, AMA MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting September 24, 2015 Page 14 of 14