CODES AND STANDARDS DE-MYSTIFIED

Transcription

1 plumbing BY MARK EVANS CODES AND STANDARDS DE-MYSTIFIED Codes and standards have a huge impact on what gets made, sold and installed in our industry, but how well do we understand the process that made and continues to make it possible for us to benefit from Canada s regulatory system? Some may scoff at viewing this country s system as beneficial, but consider the situation in the United States where as an engineer or contractor you must design and install in a country where the model code and relevant standards vary from region to region and State to State. At one time there were four major code bodies in the U.S., now however the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the International Plumbing Code (IPC) are the most prevalent. There is talk of trying to amalgamate to have only one model code and one current version. SOME HISTORY What is the hierarchy of regulation in Canada? Jack Robertson, the former head of the BC Building Standards Branch, now in Regulatory Services with Underwriters Laboratories, offers some insight. According to Robertson, In descending order governance is controlled by: legislation; acts; regulations (which include codes and standards); and policies (and guidelines for policy use) where the Constitution Act makes the provinces and territories responsible for building regulation. At one time, like the U.S. today, Canada did not have one model code, which left us with individual authority having jurisdiction creating its own regulations. It was a lengthy evolution to the high degree of uniformity we currently have (see sidebar). Today the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) develops and updates six model national codes, including: the National Building Code of Canada 2005; the THE ROAD TO UNIFORMITY The following is a dateline of major events that resulted in what we know as the NBC The National Research Council starts development of a model building regulation that could be adopted by all municipalities in Canada The first edition of the National Building Code is published. The model national building, plumbing and fire Codes are later adopted by the provinces and territories Demand for a revised code heats up. NRC creates the Associate Committee on the National Building Code to update and maintain the document and to provide for a broader input NBC is revised. New versions have been published about every five years since. NBC 2005 is the 12th edition The Associate Committee on the National Fire Code is created and produces the first edition of the National Fire Code in Associate Committees disbanded and replaced by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC). A detailed history is available at the National Research Council of Canada website ( National Fire Code of Canada 2005; and the National Plumbing Code of Canada The members of the committees and task groups that CCBFC oversees establish the content of those model codes. Typically relevant sectors and geographical areas of the country are represented. NRC publishes the model codes on behalf of the CCBFC. Provinces and territories have the opportunity to give guidance on the scope, content, format, and development process of the model codes through the Provincial/Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC). SIGNIFICANT CHANGES The last update to the National Building Code, NBC 2005, was the first in 10 years and has resulted in some significant changes. Up to and including the 1995 National Building Code, the requirements of the code were prescriptive; meaning that the methods of installation were limited to those methods and materials recognized within the intent and substance of the code. NBC 2005 is an objective-based code which allows for greater flexibility through provisions to consider alternate methods and materials for use on a given project. As it is explained at the NRC website, previous editions of the National Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes did make some provision for flexibility, however when something new was proposed: it must be demonstrated that it provides the level of performance required by the codes. The objective-based codes (published in September 2005) provide additional information that will help proponents and regulators determine what minimum performance must be achieved, thereby facilitating the evaluation of new products and construction techniques. CONTINUED ON PAGE HPAC 80 years MARCH 2006

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6 plumbing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62 of any proposed alternative solution. Under the new regime, each alternative will have to be considered and the potential for subjectivity increases unless the consideration process limits interpretation; in which case it might as well be prescriptive and can be as the prescriptive elements remain in the document. You would expect that in this objective-based approach, designers and installers will potentially have more options. However, by proposing alternatives that fall outside of what was possible under the old prescriptive code requirements, are they not exposing themselves to additional liability? The freedom to innovate will no doubt be influenced by the principles of accrued liability and the considered reality of pushing the envelope of accepted or common practice. STANDARDS EXPLAINED The range of alternatives will in some way be impacted by standards concerning construction methods, material assemblies and product evaluation. What is the difference between a standard and a code? In the construction context, a standard is generally narrow in scope. It is intended to be given force of law by being referenced NBC 2005 incorporates an objective based format. in a code adopted by a provincial, territorial or municipal authority. A code on the other hand, as defined by NRC, is broad in scope. It covers a wide range of issues and is intended to be given the The range of alternatives will in some way be impacted by standards concerning construction methods, material assemblies and product evaluation FIGURE 1 STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS Canadian Standards Association Underwriters Laboratories Canada Canadian General Standards Board Bureau de Normalisation du Quebec force of law through adoption by a provincial, territorial or municipal authority. Over 200 standards are referenced in Canada s NBC. These standards are developed by organizations accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as standards development organizations (see Figure 1). The role of these firms is not only to author new standards but also to provide compliance testing services. Beyond them, there are many other firms that are Standards Council accredited to provide testing services, but that do not play a role as standards authors. THE WILD CARD In some cases, the regulatory powers of individual cities pre-dated or superseded the provincial mandate. Cities governed by their own charter, such as the City of Vancouver, may adopt by reference any code or standard including those not currently referenced in the model National Code, giving them greater flexibility in carrying out their mandate. David Pope is the manager of the Plumbing Branch Permits and Inspections in the City of Vancouver and he explains, The charter gives council authority to adopt its own by-laws. As we move forward with the new 2005 National Building Code, many more questions will be asked and answered. This is possible because according to Pope, In this last round of development, since the work was done by committee, consensus and input from a variety of groups made this a very inclusive process. We are fortunate to have commonality and as much uniformity as we do. Canadians benefit, as does our industry since we do not have to make products specific to small regions, or deal with installation methods limited by the interpretation of isolated regulators. Mark Evans is a 20-year veteran of the plumbing and heating industry, with sales and management experience in the wholesale distribution rep agency and manufacturing sectors of the business. Reach him by at writemarkevans@hotmail.com. Author s note: This is my last by-lined feature for some time as I am taking a break from writing. Over the last four years I have learned many things from my involvement with HPAC. Thank you to everyone who has written me or stopped me at a trade show to offer an opinion on one of my articles. This has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience and I look forward to returning to it in the future. RATE THE ARTICLE! Will this information be useful? Please circle the appropriate number on the Reader Postcard. Thank you. VERY USEFUL USEFUL NOT USEFUL HPAC 80 years MARCH 2006

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8 ROTH INDUSTRIES STARTS PRODUCTION IN NORTH AMERICA Double-Wall Oil Tank and PEX Tubing Manufacturer Expands Operations PRESENTED BY SHOW & TELL ROT H C A N A DA After pioneering the introduction of Double-Wall Oil Storage Tanks to the Canadian and U.S. markets, Roth Industries Inc. is proud to announce the purchase of manufacturing facilities and the start of production in North America. Roth Industries Inc., known as Roth Canada in the Canadian market, has put into action an ambitious plan to start local production for the domestic North American market. This confirms the company's commitment to the market and to its customers. The new production facility, located in Watertown NY, will not only help the local community by adding jobs, but it will also improve customer service levels through faster reaction time and shorter lead time. Watertown was chosen as the site for this US$10,000,000 investment in part because of its ideal logistical location. The subsidiary of a German-based company with annual sales of about US$250 million, the parent company manufacturers a wide range of products including hydronic systems, plumbing systems, septic systems, heat pumps, solar and energy storage systems. Back in 1997, Roth Industries Inc. established itself in the North American market as a young company known for its innovation, reliability, service-orientation, concern for the environment and high quality products. Today, the Roth name is synonymous with confidence; confidence in product, people, innovation and, now, domestic production. The finishing of the facility and the production of the tanks is just the first phase of their expansion plans; the second phase will entail local production of Roth's PEXc tubing and the extension and improvement of the logistical capabilities to and from the location. This second phase will facilitate Roth's plans to introduce other products currently being offered worldwide by the Roth Group. The Double-Wall Oil Storage Tank has been a great success. Among its elite attributes, its weld-free galvanized steel outer tank with fire resistant seals capable of holding 110% of the inner tank are the envy of the industry. The inner tank, made of seamless high-density polyethylene, helps make the Roth Double-Wall Oil Tank some 55% lighter than regular 12 gauge steel tanks. A lifetime protection against corrosion for the inner tank, a limited 10- year warranty against leakage and a US$1,000,000 clean-up policy in case of ground contamination caused by leakage round out this industry leading product's appeal. We are excited about this project and feel that we will serve our growing customers much better by producing in North America, comments Jochen Drewniok, CEO of Roth Industries, Inc.

9 Experience the ultimate comfort As a world leader in hydronic radiant heating, Roth develops residential systems that offer unparalleled comfort. The superior quality The Ultimate Comfort Zone, Snow and Ice-Melt System, DWT Heating Oil Tanks and PEXc State-of-the-art Plumbing Systems products combine the latest technology with the most innovative designs. What s more, all Roth products are made by Roth Industries with the highest quality materials, according to the industry s highest standards. That s comfort. Roth products are designed to make life easy for installers and comfortable for consumers. Meet us at our booths, 423, 425 & 427, at the CMX/CIPHEX Ontario trade show, March 23-25, 2006, Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building Roth Canada ROTH (7684) Circle #35