MINUTES OF THE THIRD PLUMBING TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2011

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE THIRD PLUMBING TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2011 DATE: May 17, 2011 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Delta Edmonton South Richard Burk, Chair Cameron Braun (until 1:45 p.m.) Gerald Wayne Ducharme Greg Francis Sean Leonard, Vice Chair North Dean Taylor Joe van Weenen, Vice Chair South Sidney Manning, Alberta Municipal Affairs Mike MacPherson, Safety Codes Council Alf Durnie, Alberta Municipal Affairs REGRETS: RECORDER: NEXT MEETING: Mark Cardwell Charles Hallett Ken Padfield Kenneth Wigmore Sandi Orr Tuesday, September 13, 2011 Edmonton

2 A. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:09 a.m. and a round table introduction was held. B. Adoption of Agenda The agenda was amended to read: F. b) Private Sewage Initiatives / Uniform QMP for Private Sewage Wayne Ducharme / Dean Taylor moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes The minutes were corrected to read: E Presentation & Review of 2010 NPC Code Changes o (c) where 2 water closets are connected at the same level it shall be by means of a double sanitary T fitting or double Y fitting if the event pipe is vertical and by means of a double Y fitting if the vent pipe is horizontal. Sean Leonard / Gerald moved to approve the March 8, 2011 meeting minutes, as corrected; CARRIED D. Business Arising from the Minutes & Review of Action Items E Rain Water Harvesting with Water Reuse update on pilot course The Chief Plumbing Administrator reported on the pilot course in Calgary. The condensed course was well received. Another condensed course may be offered in Edmonton. The handout and guidelines are now available on the AMA website. Relative to the Rain Water Harvesting course, this item was considered closed and will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] The discussion led to interconnections and requests for relaxations to allow the use of an RP. It was noted that NPC states that you cannot connect a non-potable water system to a potable water system. However, the code does not state that you can t do the reverse by connecting a potable water system to a non-potable water system. It was noted that other jurisdictions are allowing this. When considering the adoption of the regulation, there may be a need to consider Alberta s interpretation of that provision. A great concern is relative to maintenance of these systems in single family homes. A discussion was held regarding new technologies and although it is not the intent to stifle new technology, there are appropriate channels manufacturers need to take. It was reported that a national committee meeting is scheduled in August 2011 and the Chief Plumbing Administrator will request this item be placed on their agenda. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 2

3 E At-Grade Effluent Disposal Method update It was reported that the Chief PSDS Administrator is still awaiting the final report and further discussion was deferred to the fall meeting. E Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Flow Through NFPA 13 d) for discussion The Chief Plumbing Administrator provided background on the NFPA reference in the plumbing code and that an amendment is proposed to limit the length of dead ends. There were no concerns expressed regarding the proposed amendment included in the Plumbing Code Regulation. It was noted that the National Plumbing Code references the 2007 version of the NFPA 13. Sean Leonard / Joe van Weenan moved that an amendment be included in the Plumbing Code Regulation referencing the 2010 NFPA 13 d); CARRIED The Chief Plumbing Administrator will forward a copy of NFPA 13 d) to Dean Taylor. E Composting Toilets and Waterless Urinals Waterless Urinals Being no further action by the Technical Council, waterless urinals will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] Composting Toilets It was noted that other provincial jurisdictions are allowing the use of composting toilets. However, these jurisdictions already have guidelines in place for these types of systems and work closely with other departments such as Environment. There is a need to consider whether these systems should be allowed in Alberta and if so, if there is a need to reference this in the Plumbing Code Regulation or whether to continue to address these systems through alternative solutions. A discussion was held regarding the harmonization of the Building Code and that there may be a need to review this again when the Alberta Building Code is adopted. An in depth discussion was held regarding all of the issues relative to the use of these systems. As there are no Canadian Standards to adequately evaluate and certified these systems, it was suggested that addressing through alternative solutions continues to be the best pathway to ensure that all safety and environmental concerns are addressed. The Chief Plumbing Administrator will circulate a copy of Standard ANSI 141 for discussion at a future meeting. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 3

4 E Shock Absorbers for Water Lines It was reported that no further research has been conducted at this time. No feedback has been received from AMOS. Municipalities have been addressing this through policy. The Chief Plumbing Administrator will continue to research this for the possible issuance of a STANDATA for clarification. E Presentation & Review of 2010 NPC Code Changes Members were asked to continue to review the three-column document and to report any errors or concerns to the Chief Plumbing Administrator. [All] Joe van Weenan reported on work that is being done regarding water line pipe sizing. A working group is developing more information and drawings but this will not be completed until September When completed, a presentation will be provided to the PTC that could be presented to industry or included in a clarifying STANDATA. [van Weenan] A discussion was held regarding what information is currently available from authorities having jurisdiction regarding flow rates and this could impact how to address the code how it is currently written. Cameron Braun reported further on his research regarding the CSA reference in the code and the issues related to the certification of equipment. It was reported that this reference is already being confused with the design and installation requirements for nonpotable water systems and misapplication of this Standard. This could be addressed through an amendment in the Regulation. Members were asked to review NPC (1) to determine what, if any, amendment might be required. [All] It was questioned whether NSF documents could be referenced and it was clarified that this would be feasible. It was noted that public comment is being requested for the 2015 National Plumbing Code by the fall of It was suggested that the council review the code to attempt to influence change of some of our Alberta amendments rather than addressing them through regulation. E Cross Connection Control Devices for Residential Irrigation Systems The Chair reported on concerns expressed by municipalities regarding the testable devices for cross connection control for residential irrigation systems being too restrictive. A copy of a letter from the City of Calgary (Handout #1) will be circulated with the minutes. [Paches] It was noted that the Chief Plumbing Administrator is not prepared to reduce the requirements of the code through province-wide variance. It was suggested that a STANDATA could be developed to include devices that could be used without providing relaxations. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 4

5 E Combination Hydronic Heating Systems It was reported that as a result of the adoption of the Gas Code, two conflicting STANDATAs exist. The proposed revision to paragraph 2.7 was presented. An in depth discussion was held regarding the most effective wording to ensure clarification. The STANDATA was revised to add a new additional 2.8 The total length of a Combination Heating System utilizing radiant piping shall not exceed 15 m (50 feet). Sean Leonard / Wayne Ducharme moved to adopt and release STANDATA P/G Requirements for Combination Heating Systems: Dual Purpose Water (Potable) Heater (Combo Unit)-[REV3], as revised; CARRIED E Review of all STANDATAs NUMBER TITLE DATE ACTION P Acceptable Certification Marks for Jan 01 Plumbing Equipment QAI It was recommended that this be expired and referenced to a link to CIPH Information Bulletin. Acceptable Certification Marks of P Plumbing Equipment IAPMO It was recommended that this be expired and referenced to a link to CIPH Information Bulletin. Sep 02 Grease Interceptors P Most addressed in new code. This will be sent to Wayne Ducharme in MS Word to remove requirements that are now in the code and reference applicable standards. Code now only talks about interceptors, so this could be combined with P Expansion and Contraction P Suggested the STANDATA remain relatively as is. Elongated Water Closets P This will be sent to Wayne Ducharme in MS Word to use building code for reference, consideration regarding large plants, etc. Garage Floor Interceptors P Drawings to be updated, could be combined with P07-02 P Protection from Frost Wayne Ducharme / Alf Durnie will work on possible additional drawings from Rainwater Harvesting Course and add reference. P Cleanouts for Drainage Systems This STANDATA is considered still MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 5

6 useful as it is not addressed in code. The document may be fine as is but final review needed to ensure there are no conflicts in the code. P P P P P/G P P P P P Length of Fixture Outlet Pipes and Trap Location Gerry to be sent this in MS Word to update for 2010 code and to disallow the use of the drawing in Appendices A (1) Required Venting of Roughed-In Fixtures It was suggested this STANDATA be considered for expiration. Alternative devices for Pressure Balanced Shower Valves Gerry to be sent this in MS Word to review whether there is a need for this STANDATA and if so, to update to reflect 2010 Code. It was suggested that this could likely be expired. Method of Venting Island Fixtures This STANDATA will be sent out in MS Word to add disallowing the use of the drawing in Appendices A (1) and updated code references. Requirements for Combination Heating Systems: Dual Purpose Water (Potable) Heater (Combo Unit) Already addressed earlier Single Wall Heat Exchangers This STANDATA will be sent out in MS Word as it was considered valuable, but may need updating. Backflow Preventers for the Potable Water System Burk in MS Word to clarify for lawn sprinklers. Clothes Washers and Pressure Zones Burk in MS Word to correct color in drawing. Oil Interceptor Installation and Piping Material Burk in MS Word for possible combining with P-07-01, P Drainage of Water from Elevator Pits Mar 08 Mar 08 May 08 Oct 10 Sep 08 Nov 09 MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 6

7 P P P Burk in MS Word for updating. Floor Drains and Trap Seal Replenishment Burk in MS Word for updating. Requirements for Residential Storm Sumps - Piping Choices for Pump Discharge Burk in MS Word for updating. Floor Sinks - Drainage and Venting Requirements Burk in MS Word for updating. Dec 09 Oct 10 Oct 10 REVIEW OF ACTION ITEMS All other action items were completed or included on the agenda. E. New Business E Review of Plumbing Regulation - deletion of amendment (1) - deletion of drawings in NPC Appendix (1) The draft Plumbing Code Regulation was reviewed and the following was noted: 4(5) Corrected to read new added 4(5) (e) NFPA 13 d to reference 2010 instead of 2007 new added 4(12) proposed deletion accepted 4(17) addition accepted 4(18) policy change needed to move forward 4(18) need to consider single family vs., multi-family and whether additional requirements be included in the regulation. As water reuse is considered a change in government policy a stakeholder consultation will be required. There is a need to clarify roles and responsibilities and thusly is now on hold until reviewed by the government for policy change. It was noted that the Health Canada standard is available on the AMA website under wastewater working group page. The BC Code of Practice for the Use of Reclaimed Water dated May 2001 was circulated as information (Handout #2). The Municipal Sewage Regulation was circulated as information (Handout #3). MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 7

8 F. Standing Agenda Items a) Technical Coordinating Committee Update There was nothing new to report. b) Private Sewage Initiatives / Uniform QMP for Private Sewage STANDATA PST-xxx Design Required for Private Sewage Systems was circulated and reviewed (Handout #4). A few minor edits were recommended. Sean Leonard / Wayne Ducharme moved to adopt and release NDATA PST-xxx Design Required for Private Sewage Systems, as corrected; CARRIED The Chief PSDS Administrator reported briefly on other PSDS work in progress. c) Education & Training Update It was reported that the SCC is developed a pamphlet for homeowners on what you need to know regarding PSDS. A contract has been awarded for the development for Group A course and code update training. It was also reported that the SCC is looking at hiring a multi-media specialist to develop more comprehensive drawings for SCO course material. d) Plumbing Code Questions The greatest issue foreseen is how to deal with water line pipe sizing. e) AMOS Update A brief update was provided on the last AMOS meeting and the development of a new website. f) Conditional Grants A brief update was provided on the projects underway from conditional grants received from AMA. g) Private Standard of Practice Review It was reported that funding has been approved for task group work on updating the Standards of Practice. Comments on the draft handbook are requested to be provided to the SCC by no later than June 10, [All] The Training Coordinator will investigate the feasibility of the handbook being available on line. [MacPherson] MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 8

9 G. Next Meeting The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m. in Edmonton. The following was provided as information: P NPC-05 Requirements For Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems (Handout #5) E Legionellae vs. Scalding Article (Handout #6) Sean Leonard / Joe van Weenan moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 9

10 --- A C T I O N I T E M S --- E Rain Water Harvesting with Water Reuse update on pilot course Relative to the Rain Water Harvesting course, this item was considered closed and will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] It was reported that a national committee meeting is scheduled in August 2011 and the Chief Plumbing Administrator will request this item be placed on their agenda. E Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Flow Through NFPA 13 d) for discussion The Chief Plumbing Administrator will forward a copy of NFPA 13 d) to Dean Taylor. E Composting Toilets and Waterless Urinals Waterless Urinals Being no further action by the Technical Council, waterless urinals will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] Composting Toilets The Chief Plumbing Administrator will circulate a copy of Standard ANSI 141 for discussion at a future meeting. E Shock Absorbers for Water Lines The Chief Plumbing Administrator will continue to research this for the possible issuance of a STANDATA for clarification. E Presentation & Review of 2010 NPC Code Changes Members were asked to continue to review the three-column document and to report any errors or concerns to the Chief Plumbing Administrator. [All] A working group is developing more information and drawings but this will not be completed until September When completed, a presentation will be provided to the PTC that could be presented to industry or included in a clarifying STANDATA. [van Weenan] Members were asked to review NPC (1) to determine what, if any, amendment might be required. [All] E Cross Connection Control Devices for Residential Irrigation Systems A copy of a letter from the City of Calgary (Handout #1) will be circulated with the minutes. [Paches] MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 10

11 E Review of all STANDATAs NUMBER TITLE DATE ACTION P Acceptable Certification Marks for Plumbing Jan 01 Equipment QAI It was recommended that this be expired and referenced to a link to CIPH Information Bulletin. Acceptable Certification Marks of Plumbing P Equipment IAPMO It was recommended that this be expired and referenced to a link to CIPH Information Bulletin. Sep 02 Grease Interceptors P Most addressed in new code. This will be sent to Wayne Ducharme in MS Word to remove requirements that are now in the code and reference applicable standards. Code now only talks about interceptors, so this could be combined with P Expansion and Contraction P Suggested the STANDATA remain relatively as is. Elongated Water Closets P This will be sent to Wayne Ducharme in MS Word to use building code for reference, consideration regarding large plants, etc. Garage Floor Interceptors P Drawings to be updated, could be combined with P07-02 Protection from Frost P Wayne Ducharme / Alf Durnie will work on possible additional drawings from Rainwater Harvesting Course and add reference. P Cleanouts for Drainage Systems This STANDATA is considered still useful as it is not addressed in code. The document may be fine as is but final review needed to ensure there are no conflicts in the code. P P Length of Fixture Outlet Pipes and Trap Location Gerry to be sent this in MS Word to update for 2010 code and to disallow the use of the drawing in Appendices A (1) Required Venting of Roughed-In Fixtures It was suggested this STANDATA be considered for expiration. MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 11

12 P P P/G P P P P P P P P Alternative devices for Pressure Balanced Shower Valves Gerry to be sent this in MS Word to review whether there is a need for this STANDATA and if so, to update to reflect 2010 Code. It was suggested that this could likely be expired. Method of Venting Island Fixtures This STANDATA will be sent out in MS Word to add disallowing the use of the drawing in Appendices A (1) and updated code references. Requirements for Combination Heating Systems: Dual Purpose Water (Potable) Heater (Combo Unit) Already addressed earlier Single Wall Heat Exchangers This STANDATA will be sent out in MS Word as it was considered valuable, but may need updating. Backflow Preventers for the Potable Water System Burk in MS Word to clarify for lawn sprinklers. Clothes Washers and Pressure Zones Burk in MS Word to correct color in drawing. Oil Interceptor Installation and Piping Material Burk in MS Word for possible combining with P , P Drainage of Water from Elevator Pits Burk in MS Word for updating. Floor Drains and Trap Seal Replenishment Burk in MS Word for updating. Requirements for Residential Storm Sumps - Piping Choices for Pump Discharge Burk in MS Word for updating. Floor Sinks - Drainage and Venting Requirements Burk in MS Word for updating. Mar 08 Mar 08 May 08 Oct 10 Sep 08 Nov 09 Dec 09 Oct 10 Oct 10 MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 12

13 F. g) Private Standard of Practice Review Comments on the draft handbook are requested to be provided to the SCC by no later than June 10, [All] The Training Coordinator will investigate the feasibility of the handbook being available on line. [MacPherson] B. Adoption of Agenda --- M O T I O N S --- Wayne Ducharme / Dean Taylor moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes Sean Leonard / Gerald moved to approve the March 8, 2011 meeting minutes, as corrected; CARRIED E Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Flow Through NFPA 13 d) for discussion Sean Leonard / Joe van Weenan moved that an amendment be included in the Plumbing Code Regulation referencing the 2010 NFPA 13 d); CARRIED E Combination Hydronic Heating Systems Sean Leonard / Wayne Ducharme moved to adopt and release STANDATA P/G Requirements for Combination Heating Systems: Dual Purpose Water (Potable) Heater (Combo Unit)-[REV3], as revised; CARRIED F. b) Private Sewage Initiatives / Uniform QMP for Private Sewage Sean Leonard / Wayne Ducharme moved to adopt and release NDATA PST-xxx Design Required for Private Sewage Systems, as corrected; CARRIED G. Next Meeting Sean Leonard / Joe van Weenan moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED MINUTES: Plumbing Technical Council Meeting May 17, 2011 Page 13