MINUTES OF THE SECOND GAS SUB-COUNCIL MEETING OF 2016

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE SECOND GAS SUB-COUNCIL MEETING OF 2016 DATE: May 19, 2016 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Radisson Edmonton South Sub-Council Members Lawrence Unser, Chair Glen Aspen, Vice Chair Hal Austin Bradley Gaida Mel Hess Simon Jolly Nathan Lesage Marcel Mandin Dave Schroeder Jeff Skeith Mike Turek Safety Codes Council Michelle Plaizier, Brian Alford, Tyler Wightman, Peter Thomas Alberta Municipal Affairs Sidney Manning, Claude Valliere, Harry Li, Kristopher Schmaltz GUEST: ABSENT: RECORDER: Paul Delano, ATCO Gas Nathan Carter Robin Montgomery Verne Quiring Denis Turgeon Sandi Orr 2016 MEETINGS: Thursday, September 15, 2016 in 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 items were added to the agenda: E Sheet Metal Worker Permit E Ontario Natural Gas Policy Glen Aspen / Jeff Skeith moved to adopt the agenda, as amended, with a flexible order of business to allow for presentations; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes The following corrections were made: Under E Glenn was corrected to read Glen Under E Hal Aspen was corrected to read Hal Austin Brad Gaida / Glen Aspen moved to adopt the minutes of the January 28, 2016 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED D. Business Arising from the Minutes E Working Group Third Party Certification It was reported that many requests have been received to change the process relative to third party certification of uncertified equipment but every one of the defenses error on the side of safety. There has been no direction from the Ministry to change the retirement of the Variance on July 1, It was reported that 2 additional inspection bodies will be added to the list. The Working Group is being asked to help examine what s happening in the industry once the variance expires. This feedback will be brought back to the sub-council. Legacy Equipment Management Plan - STANDATA It was reported that there are 100,000 pieces of equipment registered by approximately 100 companies in the legacy management program. It is believed this represents less than 50% of the uncertified equipment in use. Under the program, companies are required to provide AMA with the location and condition of each of these pieces of equipment and how they will gain compliance within the 5-year period given. The oil and gas industry has been able to bring 20% of these pieces of equipment into compliance within the first year of the program. One volunteer company has removed themselves from the program and this information has been provided to the municipality for follow up. MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 2 of 12

3 Each piece of equipment is either compliant or not compliant. If non-compliant, the owner must take out a permit or get third party approval. The Gas SCO might not have the expertise to determine if the equipment creates imminent danger or not, as these are very specialized pieces of equipment. The Chief Gas Administrator will provide the Administrator of Accreditation with a list of those companies signed up in the Legacy Program to determine which organizations are accredited. [Manning] It was questioned whether line heaters used by utilities are part of the scope and clarified that those pieces of equipment would be done under the Utility Branch. But there is still a need for the owner to ensure the equipment is safe. E b) CSA-Z Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Production, storage and handling A brief update was provided regarding the work being done regarding the pressure equipment and gas disciplines regarding determining jurisdiction. However, with these being evaluated on a case by case basis and AER now taking over jurisdiction, this item was considered closed. This item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] E Draft Regulation Working Groups: B149.1, B149.2, B149.3, B149.5, B108, B109 It was reported that the regulation was completed, adopted and published. The working groups have been reviewing STANDATAs for potential revisions. It was noted that all those expiring were not included in the portal. Each of the STANDATAs was reviewed. The following correction was made: G [Rev1] Sidewall Vent Terminations rationale was changed to not less Nathan Lesage / Brad Gaida moved to endorse the reissuance of the following redrafted Information Bulletin STANDATAs: G-01-03B149 [Rev2] Replacement Parts Gas Fired Appliances G [Rev1] Sidewall Vent Terminations, as revised G [Rev1] Direct Vent Appliances and Equipment G [Rev1] DFMAH G [Rev1] Walkways and Guard Rails G-02-01a [Rev1] Uncertified Appliances Special Inspections G [Rev1] High Altitude G ABSA [Rev1] LPG Storage Vessels G [Rev1] Oil and Gas G [Rev1] LEMP G [Rev2] Utility Gas G ABSA [Rev2] Fuel Gas Piping in Plants G ABSA [Rev1] Propane Tanks Designed For 200 PSIG G B149 [Rev2] Outdoor Propane Appliances G B149-1 Rev3 Residential Appliance Venting G [Rev1] Damage due to Strain from Building Settlement MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 3 of 12

4 G B149-1-B149-2 [Rev2] Temporary Heat on Construction Sites; CARRIED Glen Aspen / Mike Turek moved to endorse the reissuance of the Province-wide Variance Var-G01-13 [Rev2] Engineered Designs; CARRIED It was also reported that the Gas Fired Appliances and Equipment Safety Tips document will continue. E Code Review Process for Working Groups It was reported that IGAC is meeting on June 13, 2016 in Vancouver, along with CSA technical committees. The IGAC will review proposed changes and the Chief Administrator will bring these forward to the working groups. E Joint Plumbing and Gas Working Group 6-storey Combustible Construction The Chair reported that the working group is getting the sense that the majority of other provinces are remaining silent on this and leaving it up to the engineer of record. Any revisions to the existing STANDATA will be dealt with through the working group. This item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] E Combination Heating STANDATA It was reported that the Plumbing Sub-Council is still working on this STANDATA and it will be brought back at a later date. It is being suggested that references to the Gas discipline be removed. After an in depth discussion regarding the item, consensus was reached that it was important for this to remain as a joint plumbing and gas STANDATA as there are still gas appliances that will need certification. A brief discussion was held regarding permitting requirements. E CSA-B Clause It was reported that there has been a lot of industry discussion relative to vaporizers. There are no issues with the ones that are permitted and a lot of testing is being done. It was recognized that there is a learning curve and it was suggested that something could be added to the temporary heat brochure to create further awareness. The Chief Administrator, Technical Advisor and industry representatives will continue to work on this item for further discussion at the September 2016 meeting. [Manning / Valliere / Mandin / Austin] MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 4 of 12

5 E Ballot Draft STANDATA Side Yard Openings It was reported that a great deal of documentation was gathered during regional meetings and a summary of this feedback is being compiled. E Proposed BTU loads not installed at the time of inspection It was reported that no new information has been received from Calgary and Edmonton on this item since the last meeting. E. New Business F Quality Assurance Framework The Director of Corporate Strategy and Communications provided background on the initiative, including the Council planning process and governance review. The AMA representatives were introduced and Kristopher Schmaltz provided a presentation on building a Quality Assurance Framework. The following documentation was included in the portal and reviewed: Backgrounder Gas Quality Assurance Framework Overview Questions for consideration Each of the questions was reviewed and the following noted: Q1: System Description: What are the objectives and outcomes of this discipline? Desired outcomes depend on perspective Zero incidents Safety is number one Sustainable system Compliance through permits Timely and meaningful enforcement Ensure people are doing the right thing Consistency Permits Safe installation at least meets the minimum code requirements Q2: Processes and Means: What practices and processes are in place to ensure these outcomes? Public education (e.g. safe temporary heat) Stakeholders vs public Access to information Q3: Are there any gaps in the system? Enforcement, no financial repercussion for non-compliance Unpermitted work Public education Challenging for SCOs to inspect if the work isn t permitted Not enough or not the right tools available Issues everywhere, not just in accredited or unaccredited municipalities Competing agencies costs vs quality MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 5 of 12

6 Make permits more accepted No consistency Overlapping creates a lack of clarity Gas needed to purchase particularly products (e.g. water heater) Gas shouldn t be turned on if the work isn t inspected, more challenging when it isn t new construction Industrial non-compliance, high rate of unpermitted work Lack of knowledge of requirements (e.g. temporary heat, new permits not pulled) Education gaps (e.g. permitting, regulations, etc.) Relocatable installations Gaps to support oversight Site specific Natural gas requires permit and inspection before turning on the service, others don t Enforcement gaps Inconsistencies across the discipline propane vs. gas Timeliness of inspections limits enforcement (e.g. gas gets turned on without inspection or could delay by months) 3 to 4 months before being notified of inspection of secondary gas lines Provincial tools Clarity of roles and responsibilities Shouldn t allow two-tiered system e.g. natural gas vs propane for temporary heating What s the role of the QMP? Gasfitters / tradespersons not required to take code update training Code compliance vs. workmanship Are there enough inspectors? Risk-based inspections, incentive for installers, focuses resources Enforcement Q4: What are the most significant risks associated with this safety discipline? No additional risks were added Q5: What information and metrics are available to assess risks and gaps, and measure the success of this discipline? Accident reporting for data collection How do we know what permits were taken out and inspections haven t been done? Realtors rely on selling the property. Industry knows where and when installations are (e.g. gas utility customer data base) Occupational Health & Safety, Office of the Fire Commissioner, Alberta Energy Regulator data Sales of equipment Q6: Is the discipline successful at achieving its outcomes? Although challenges with propane installations, it is believed that the system is working well Low incidents Balance between regulation or not Overall working well People want to do the right thing, people want to be safe MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 6 of 12

7 A brief overview was provided of some of the emerging themes. It was confirmed that a summary report will be provided back to all sub-councils. F Bylaw Amendments The President and CEO provided background on the reason for the presentation and the goal to answer all questions now to reduce the amount of questions that might come forward at the AGM. Members were reminded of the Annual General Meeting held in conjunction with the Council s conference and the importance of members attending. A comprehensive presentation was shown on screen of the proposed changes to the Council Bylaws and the reasons those changes are required. A brief overview was provided of the mandate and roles document which outlines expectations between the government and the Council. Reasons for the proposed amendments include: Housekeeping Required updates to align with the changes in the Act, current practices and gaps Extensive revisions needed to the appeals section Implement best practices one of the most important area of changes The process and timelines were provided with the goal to adopt the proposed changes at the 2016 Annual General Meeting. The presentation, existing bylaws and proposed changes were included in the portal as information. Members were asked to review the changes and if any questions to contact Peter Thomas, Manager of Policy and Legislation. [All] The floor was opened for questions and the following noted: It was questioned regarding public members not reference in 4.1. It was clarified that public members are referred to in the Safety Codes Act. E Appointment of Gregory Stene OR James Maddocks for a term to Jan. 31, 2019 Both nominations were reviewed and given due consideration. Jeff Skeith / Mike Turek moved to recommend to the Board the appointment of James Maddocks to the Gas Sub-Council for a term until January 31, 2019, effective immediately; CARRIED E Table B149.1 A4 regarding 1 ½ psi pressure drop on 2 PSI lines It was reported that this table is just relative to 2 PSI lines. However, it has been questioned regarding when there is more than a 50% drop in pressure because of a code article that used to exist stating that a drop can t be more than 50%. Members were asked if they find that code article to provide this information to the Chief Administrator. [All] MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 7 of 12

8 In the meantime, industry will continue to be advised to meet the code and that they can use that table where applicable. Members were reminded that tables are just informative and that good engineering practices could come up with very different calculations. E Sheet Metal Worker Permit The Chief Administrator reported on his meetings with the Provincial Advisory Committees. There is a desire to change the permit regulation to allow sheet metal workers to take out permits for other appliances as they are already doing a lot of this work under the Gasfitter that holds the permit. However, there is a need to know exactly what is being asked for and what is in their training to justify any changes. It was noted one of the key things is to ensure that a sheet metal worker doesn t have the ability to do something that a Gasfitter B is allowed to do. It was questioned if the ask is for sheet metal workers to get their Gasfitter B ticket and clarified that this is not the intent. E Ontario Natural Gas Policy This item was brought forward as information: F. a) Action Items All action items were completed or included on the agenda. b) Report from Chair Technical Coordinating Committee Update The Chair provided an overview of discussion from the last TCC meeting: SCO Professional Development Safety Management for LNG Distribution & Sales update Temporary Propane Installations update Alberta Safety Codes Authority Update Administrative Penalties Regulation Gas Code Amendment Regulation Food Trucks Relative to food trucks, it was reported that a STANDATA is being developed by the Fire discipline and will be brought to the sub-council at the September meeting. The Chair reported that this will be his last meeting now that he s retired. Lawrence Unser was thanked for his contribution to the sub-council and the safety system. G. Standing Agenda Items There were no Standing Agenda Items. H. Next Meeting The nomination of Chair will be added to the September meeting agenda. [Paches] MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 8 of 12

9 Glen Aspen / Mike Turek moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m. MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 9 of 12

10 -- ACTION ITEMS E Working Group Third Party Certification Legacy Equipment Management Plan - STANDATA The Chief Gas Administrator will provide the Administrator of Accreditation will a list of those companies signed up in the Legacy Program to determine which organizations are accredited. [Manning] E b) CSA-Z Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Production, storage and handling This item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] E Joint Plumbing and Gas Working Group 6-storey Combustible Construction This item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] E CSA-B Clause The Chief Administrator, Technical Advisor and industry representatives will continue to work on this item for further discussion at the September 2016 meeting. [Manning / Valliere / Mandin / Austin] F Bylaw Amendments Members were asked to review the changes and if any questions to contact Peter Thomas, Manager of Policy and Legislation. [All] E Table B149.1 A4 regarding 1 ½ psi pressure drop on 2 PSI lines Members were asked if they find that code article to provide this information to the Chief Administrator. [All] H. Next Meeting The nomination of Chair will be added to the September meeting agenda. [Paches] MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 10 of 12

11 -- MOTIONS B. Adoption of Agenda Glen Aspen / Jeff Skeith moved to adopt the agenda, as amended, with a flexible order of business to allow for presentations; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes Brad Gaida / Glen Aspen moved to adopt the minutes of the January 27, 2016 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED E Draft Regulation Working Groups: B149.1, B149.2, B149.3, B149.5, B108, B109 Nathan Lesage / Brad Gaida moved to endorse the reissuance of the following redrafted Information Bulletin STANDATAs: G-01-03B149 [Rev2] Replacement Parts Gas Fired Appliances G [Rev1] Sidewall Vent Terminations, as revised G [Rev1] Direct Vent Appliances and Equipment G [Rev1] DFMAH G [Rev1] Walkways and Guard Rails G-02-01a [Rev1] Uncertified Appliances Special Inspections G [Rev1] High Altitude G ABSA [Rev1] LPG Storage Vessels G [Rev1] Oil and Gas G [Rev1] LEMP G [Rev2] Utility Gas G ABSA [Rev2] Fuel Gas Piping in Plants G ABSA [Rev1] Propane Tanks Designed For 200 PSIG G B149 [Rev2] Outdoor Propane Appliances G B149-1 Rev3 Residential Appliance Venting G [Rev1] Damage due to Strain from Building Settlement G B149-1-B149-2 [Rev2] Temporary Heat on Construction Sites; CARRIED Glen Aspen / Mike Turek moved to endorse the reissuance of the Province-wide Variance Var-G01-13 [Rev2] Engineered Designs; CARRIED E Appointment of Gregory Stene OR James Maddocks for a term to Jan. 31, 2019 Jeff Skeith / Mike Turek moved to recommend to the Board the appointment of James Maddocks to the Gas Sub-Council for a term until January 31, 2019, effective immediately; CARRIED H. Next Meeting Glen Aspen / Mike Turek moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 11 of 12

12 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 REPORT / CURRENT TASKS MEMBERS (Chair) Verne Quiring The working group to review applicable Jeff Skeith STANDATA and make Lawrence Unser recommendations for revisions. Mike Turek Hal Austin Lawrence Unser The working group to review applicable Jeff Skeith STANDATA and make Mike Turek recommendations for revisions. Verne Quiring Hal Austin Verne Quiring The working group to review applicable Dell Wickstrom STANDATA and make Glen Aspen recommendations for revisions. Denis Turgeon Marcel Mandin The working group to review applicable Hal Austin STANDATA and make (AMA Perry Wager) recommendations for revisions. Nathan Lesage The working group to review applicable STANDATA and make recommendations for revisions. Marcel Mandin Nathan Lesage Verne Quiring Glen Aspen Keith Carter Nathan Lesage Denis Turgeon Verne Quiring Glen Aspen Lawrence Unser The working group to review applicable STANDATA and make recommendations for revisions. MINUTES: Gas Sub-Council Meeting May 19, 2016 Page 12 of 12