the official publication of the mechanical contractors association of British columbia
WINTER 2016 Vol.5 No.3
Plumbing & Mechanical
PM 40063056
Royal Bay Secondary School
Zanron Fabrication & Machine Co Ltd. Technology | PIPING
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Contents
WINTER 2016 Vol. 5 No.3 PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Managing Editor Cheryl Mah Graphic Design Tang Creative Inc. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracey Block, Robin Brunet Chris Gray, Al Phillips Geraldine Rayner, Alyscia Sutch B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.549.4521 ext. 223
PUBLISHED BY
PRESIDENT Kevin Brown
Features over Story 08 C
Royal Bay Secondary School was a challenging project, requiring Pitt Meadows Plumbing and Mechanical Systems, and All Valley Metals Ltd. to deliver unique solutions.
12 Profile
Zanron Fabrication & Machine Co Ltd. celebrates 30 years of providing fabrication and machining services to the Kitimat area, northwestern B.C., Western Canada and into the United States.
15 Technology
Technology for Modern Mechanical Contractors BIM Requires New Thinking
vancouver office
2221 Hartley Ave. Coquitlam, BC V3K 6W9 Tel: 604.549.4521 Fax: 604.549.4522
Toronto office
1000-5255 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6P4 Tel: 416.512.8186 Fax: 416.512.8344
Copyright 2016 Canada Post Canadian publications mail sales publication agreement no. 40063056 – ISSN 0834-3357 Return all undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Suite 1000 – 5255 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6P4
PRINTED IN CANADA
MCABC Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine is published three times a year by MediaEDGE Communications Inc. REPRINTS: No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form — print or electronic — without written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission to reprint any portion of this magazine should be sent to the publisher. For all subscription inquiries or address changes, please contact customerservice@mediaedge.ca or call 416.512.8186 ext. 259.
18 Piping
Pipe Lining Technology Training Workers for LNG Projects
Departments 04 Executive Vice President’s Message 06 President’s Message 20 Association Corner 22 Safety Scene ON THE COVER: Royal Bay Secondary School.
Courtesy of HCMA Architecture + Design
Dana Taylor Executive Vice President Jane Andrew Director of Membership Development Services and Event Planning Rivka Lipsey Director of Communications and Marketing Berry Lam Administrative Assistant Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MCABC) 223 - 3989 Henning Drive, Burnaby BC V5C 6N5 Ph: 604.205.5058 Fax: 604.205.5075 Email: staff@mcabc.org Visit us Online: www.mcabc.org
Plumbing & Mechanical magazine is the official magazine of the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC published three times a year by MediaEdge Communications Inc. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily endorsed by the MCABC or MediaEdge Communications. Editorial inquiries should be sent to the editor at cherylm@mediaedge.ca.
executive vice president's message
Getting Training Right
O
ver the past couple months I’ve been both guest and participant at key groups with mandates for improving trades training. At the invitation of the four Lower Mainland First Nations, I participated with other industry representatives in a workshop over two sessions that was organized to review the results of an aboriginal youth survey. This survey identified the barriers and requirements to improve training opportunities and outcomes, particularly in the apprenticed trades. The initiative is called ‘Linking Paths: Strengthening First Nations to Industry’. The four Lower Mainland nations had preselected approximately 20 construction or construction related ‘careers’ (including 15 apprenticed trades), and mapped career paths for entry and completion to access those careers — they had asked industry representatives to review and validate the ‘pathway.’ Additionally, they were looking for guidance to help address and overcome some of the barriers identified in their survey. As a result of this workshop, a few disconnects were identified: the kind and type of jobs being sought were not necessarily available in the Lower Mainland (heavy road construction); few employers were able to provide assistance in transportation and childcare; technical training required for most trades is not available at or near the place of work; many of the job-seekers required education upgrading for entry to many of the positions being sought. Some other interesting takeaways were as follows:
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Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
1. First Nations are bound and determined to solve the problems of indigenous youth unemployment and un-employability, and their leadership is willing to ensure resources are utilized to make it happen. 2. First Nations continue to cultivate and grow their economic resources, which by any definition mean opportunity for industry. The construction sector would do well to pay attention to First Nations economic development since the buildings and jobs that will eventually be forthcoming will go to those entities and organizations that helped them achieve their objectives in the early days. The four Lower Mainland nations have big building plans representing billions of dollars of new construction work. To provide details of some of these plans MCABC will arrange for a presentation at a future chapter meeting. The training system by the provincial government is a different matter. My second opportunity to engage in this topic came as a participant of the Construction Association Sector Advisory Group (CASAG). The Industry Training Authority (ITA) acting on the recommendations of the McDonald Report released in 2014, created Sector Advisory Groups (SAGs) for the various industry sectors that train and employ the apprenticed trades. Construction is unique in that it has two advisory groups, one that is strictly employers, and the other that represents the employer trade associations. There is probably an official reason why two advisory groups were created, but from my experience on the ground these creations occurred as an attempted concession to an otherwise irreconcilable industry where all of the disparate parts of the power system could not get on the same page. Essentially some of the players, as represented by parallel associations, did not wish to concede the SAG appointment system to a democratic or consensusbased process. Instead, argued to ‘reserve the right’ to intercede directly with the ITA or minister responsible on any matter with which they disagreed, regardless of whether a clear majority of industry agreed otherwise. This resulted in certain groups excluding themselves from the SAG representative nomination process. Rather than let a few bully their way to frustrate a consensus process, the ministry or the ITA decided to create a home for the various construction trade associations possessed of a strong interest or commitment to training. In this way no one construction group could argue that they did not have access to the training advisory system or that their voices would not be heard. Despite these historical frictions, there is much ITA is doing that is positive and merits favourable comment. The fact that the goings-on have to be shared between two CSAGs puts the emphasis on improving communication with all stakeholders. There has been a commitment to investigating feedback mechanisms on innovative delivery models, training targets, realigning training investments, and key sector statistics, all of which suggests that the SAGs are getting down to work by assembling useful, timely information that will assist the advisory role. Getting the right trades training and getting trades training right has been a challenge to successive governments for over 20 years. Politicking has only muddied the waters and delayed real progress. A process seems to be emerging that puts achievement over bickering, and should achievements be reached the noise of complaints ought to fade away. Dana Taylor Executive Vice President, MCABC
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president's message
Thank You board of directors EXECUTIVE President Wayne Davidson Davidson Bros. Mechanical Contractors Vice President, Lower Mainland Dale Miller Division 15 Mechanical Vice President, Lower Mainland Andrew Wong Alpha Mechanical Contracting Ltd. Secretary – Treasurer Dean Loewen Altac Mechanical Executive Vice President Dana Taylor DIRECTORS Associates Chairman Earl Storey B.A. Robinson Associates Vice-Chairman Mark Humphrey Bartle & Gibson Director Brian Bradshaw Altac Services Inc. Director Brad Haysom Tight 5 Contracting Ltd. Director Richard McLatchie Lockerbie & Hole Director Ross MacDonald Control Solutions Ltd. Director Angus Macpherson Cairnview Mechanical Ltd. Director Mike Ohlmann Fred Welsh Ltd.
Director Brad Popoff Equity Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Director Dan Taillefer Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd. Director Len Voon Aarc West Mechanical Insulation
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Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
W
ith 2016 already underway and B.C.’s winter months coming to an end, MCABC activities are just getting started. Since January, we’ve seen a number of events successfully completed. As MCABC heads into its spring calendar, I near the close of my term as association president. It has been an exciting road, and I have learned a great deal about leading a dynamic trade association such as ours. I hope you have enjoyed my occasional updates regarding goals that we have pursued together as a professional community. I would also like to thank you for all the support you have given me during this time. It has been a pleasure and an honour to serve as your president. Earlier this year, we kicked things off with a brand new course called, “Calculating Labour Rates”. We wanted to offer our members a chance to improve their understanding of how to calculate labour hours for an estimate coupled with an ability to manage projects for profit. This course provided an insight into calculating labour hours based on benefits, charge-out rates, crew rates and productivity rates. Furthermore, in alignment with CCA’s national certification program, this course is gold seal accredited. As a result of the success of this course, we will be bringing it back into MCABC’s course schedule later this fall. MCABC’s course line-up for 2016 will also include some highly popular courses from our course archives. You’ll see a re-introduction of MCABC’s Dispatcher Training, Business Management Modules 1-4, and our very own Safety Manual sessions. A recent achievement for MCABC has been the development and deployment of a customizable health and safety manual template for individual companies. The produc-
tion of this manual is the collaboration of member volunteers and the BC Construction Safety Alliance. Due to its high demand, MCABC will be repeating the orientation sessions for companies looking to take advantage of this beneficial offering. Keep checking our website for up-to-date information about MCABC course offerings and don’t forget to keep your finger on the MCABC pulse. Coming up soon, we dive head-first into golf season and our annual line-up of provincial golf tournaments. As many of you know, the annual MCABC conference and AGM is the association’s biggest event of the year! It’s a weekend full of entertainment, networking, activities, camaraderie and team building. This year, we’ll be heading up to the Delta Okanagan Grand Resort and Hotel in Kelowna (April 29th and 30th) and look forward to seeing you there. Be sure to bring the whole family, as MCABC’s conferences have something for everyone. We have activities for spouses, kids and teens — it doesn’t get much better than that. I’d like to remind our members that being an MCABC contractor member gives you complimentary membership with MCA Canada as well. As a contractor member, this dual membership is certainly something you’ll want to explore — there may be new benefits for your company that you are currently unaware of so check out their website www.mcac.ca. I cannot express what an honour it has been to serve as your president from 2014 to 2016. I thank all of you who have supported me, including my fellow board members, committee members, and our hard working staff Dana, Jane, Berry and Rivka (who has just left the MCABC team for bigger goals). Thanks to the commitment and devotion shared by all of the people who make up this organization, MCABC continues to strengthen its foundation, expand its community and build its reputation for professional industry excellence. Come April 29th, you and your fellow members will elect a new president. I’m looking forward to seeing new growth in the years ahead and I’m confident that the society will be in good hands. Meanwhile, I will continue to be involved with the association on many levels, and I will continue to support MCABC in achieving its mission to be the largest professional organization in B.C. dedicated exclusively to the mechanical trades.
Wayne Davidson President, MCABC
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cover story
custom Solutions
The new Royal Bay Secondary School in Sooke was a complicated job, requiring unique mechanical solutions and systems delivery. By Robin Brunet
S
chool District 62’s Board of Education calls the new Royal Bay Secondary School in Sooke on Vancouver Island “a vibrant, modern, high tech educational centre of excellence and a gathering place where students want to be.” But for Wes Robinson, partner at Pitt Meadows Plumbing and Mechanical Systems, and Daniel Taylor, project manager for All Valley Metals Ltd., Royal Bay allowed them to provide unique custom solutions and systems delivery. “Better still, despite the challenges of procuring talent and transporting material from the mainland to the island, this was an exciting project due to the experience and professionalism of DGS Construction, Rocky Point Engineering Ltd., and many other trades,” says Taylor.
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Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
cover story
The design build delivery system was instrumental in the sheet metal and the mechanical contractors’ success. “This is a LEED Gold facility with elements such as hydronic chilled beams, heat recovery ventilators, custom vertical air handling units, medium pressure VAV systems, and displacement ventilation with custom designed and fabricated grilles, so we had to be involved early in the design process,” says Robinson. Royal Bay accommodates 800 students from grades 9 to 12, with flexibility to support future
The design build delivery system was instrumental in the sheet metal and the mechanical contractors' success. expansion to 1,200; it includes a neighbourhood learning centre, a 350-seat theatre, and a rubberized, international standard athletic track. Taylor describes the project as “large in scope: for example, we used 135,000 pounds of sheet metal in total.” And although Robinson notes there’s nothing especially new about chilled beams and recovery system per se, “Efficiency of
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cover story
design, construction, and installation were our ongoing goals, given that the school had to be ready for students by September of 2015.” One aid was Revit software: a mechanical three dimensional Revit model was overlaid on corresponding architectural and structural models, which enabled Taylor to eliminate many conflicts with other trades before they occurred and was a handy visual representation for his crew on site. Another aid was pre-fab, which Pitt Meadows Plumbing has developed into a specialty. “We created the school’s entire mechanical room in our 15,000 square foot Maple Ridge shop,” says Robinson. Essentially, Pitt Meadows Plumbing designed the room, the components were procured, and then they were arranged in puzzle fashion on the shop floor in their assembly configurations. “We then weatherproofed everything and spent a week doing all the welding and grooving, and putting together the boilers, heat pumps, buffer tanks, and other components,” says Robinson. “Then we disassembled key components, transported them to the Sooke job site, and reassembled.” 10
Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
Not only did this enable Pitt Meadows Plumbing to install the mechanical room in two weeks instead of the standard four to six weeks, “it resulted in a higher quality product, with less manpower required to complete the job,” says Robinson. “But again, design build was crucial in us being able to collaborate early with the architects and determine correct space sizes.”
It’s a prime example of how genuine teamwork and careful planning can facilitate a complicated job... The hydronic chilled beams were used in the office and administration areas, while three rooftop heat recovery vents redirected exhaust back into the water system for a savings of 1.5 million BTUs.
Taylor points out that Royal Bay “used a variety of different sheet metal systems: low pressure, medium pressure, fully welded kitchen exhausts, acoustically lined round spiral ductwork in the theatre, as well as displacement ventilation in the classrooms and atrium.” In order to meet stringent new WorksafeBC standards, the wood shop’s dust extraction system contained infrared spark detectors and fire suppression and extinguishing systems in the ductwork. “It’s a state of the art recirculating system that filters the exhausted air from the collector and returns it back to the classroom for energy efficiency,” says Taylor. “Every fitting was custom fabricated to meet SMACNA standards.” Another showcase for All Valley Metals was the displacement ventilation throughout the school. “We designed, manufactured, and installed the grilles according to the engineer’s criteria, plus we helped design the millwork surrounding the grilles,” says Taylor. “The air is perfectly and evenly distributed along the entire face of each grille.” That applies to a massive, 76-foot long grille in an atrium bench that also wraps around a podium step.
cover story
Robinson says of the air displacement in the classrooms, “We were concerned about potential noise in each room, so in the design stage we decided to cluster four classrooms around a single big handler, and that configuration proved to be very quiet and efficient.” Taylor and Robinson stress the importance of teamwork in the timely completion of Royal Bay. “Take transportation logistics as an example,” says the former. “In order to keep costs down, we had to ensure that our trucks making the trip from the mainland to the island were fully loaded, and this meant everyone on the job site had to be super-organized.” Special attention also had to be paid to storage. “It was an extremely windy site, so we were scrupulous in where and how to store our sheet metal so it didn’t fly around or get dirty,” says Taylor. Although All Valley Metals and Pitt Meadows Plumbing are now heavily involved in other projects, Taylor and Robinson look back proudly on Royal Bay. “It’s a prime example of how genuine teamwork and careful planning can facilitate a complicated job,” says the latter, to which Taylor adds, “The good will exhibited by DGS Construction, Rocky Point Engineering Ltd. and the other trades made this fun. We looked forward to going to work every day, and you can’t always say that about other jobs.” PM
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WINTER 2016 | Plumbing & Mechanical
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profile
Fabricating
Success ZanRon Fabrication & Machine Co. Ltd. celebrates 30 years. by Tracey Block
RonPol Industries repairs 2,000
E
ven in 1985, making a move from Vancouver to Kitimat could be a real gamble. But it was one Ed Rooney was willing to make. And he never looked back. Rooney is the owner of ZanRon Fabrication & Machine Co. Ltd., celebrating 30 years providing fabrication and machining services to the Kitimat area, northwestern B.C., Western Canada and into the United States. The hand was dealt to Rooney in 1980 when he was living in Vancouver. “A small [Kitimat] company was looking for a general manager,” explains Rooney. At the time, Rooney’s wife was struggling with the Lower Mainland’s overabundance of teachers and few teaching positions. 12
Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
Together they went up to Kitimat “to look at the situation,” says Rooney, who assured his wife she’d find a teaching job up in B.C.’s northwest. Rooney took the position and in 1984, with partner Renzo Zanardo, bought the business from its owner. By 1985, ZanRon was born and soon became indispensible in servicing the region’s aluminum operations, and pulp and paper, mining and petrochemical industries. Although Rooney bought his partner out two years ago, the company name remains. Back in 1984, the two played with different blendings of their names to “come up with something catchy.” Not wanting to be confused
with a popular TV show of the time, Rooney says of the feasible RoZan combination, “we came to ZanRon.” Rooney remembers the assignment that gave the company a foothold in the industry. “ZanRon’s first job was for Eurocan [Pulp and Paper Co.],” he explains. “This was back in ’84 during a major recession. Eurocan asked us to underpay a particular job — and that was beautiful.” While not much money, it was the start they needed to get ZanRon some recognition. Of the company’s workforce, Rooney adds, “Lots of those people who were [working] with us back then are still with us now. That’s amazing. We don’t lose people very easily.”
Ri o T i nto A lcan
pound anodes for Rio Tinto.
profile
Three decades is a testament to any company’s success. “But this market has seen its ups and downs,” says Rooney, “with the financial crisis, the pulp and paper industry decline and Methanex closing down.” Methanex Corporation’s methanol production plant and its associated ammonia plant closed its Kitimat operations in 2006. “We’ve seen some difficult times...and who knows, we may end up seeing some more,” he adds. “But, we have managed to grow.” Rooney says he survived through flexibility. “You say, okay, instead of just doing a few things, we need to do more.” In 2011, global mining and metals company Rio Tinto announced plans to modernize the region’s aluminum smelter. Rooney immediately recognized a need, leading to the creation of a new business to further service B.C.’s aluminum industries. Partnering with Charl-Pol Inc. from Quebec’s Saguenay region, Rooney’s second business is RonPol Industries, repairing 2,000 pound anodes for Rio Tinto critical to aluminum production. “During the aluminum making process,” explains Rooney, “anodes burn out every 28 days.” RonPol Industries secured a contract to repair for the next five years. “Anodes are unwieldy and difficult to transport, so we decided to build them here in Kitimat and now we work at repairing them.” “We also formed an arrangement with ECL Cranes,” says Rooney of his third business venture. “They needed someone locally to repair all the cranes and associated parts — the lifting and transferring equipment, heaters and hoppers — that break down during production. So we set up a business partnership with them.” Successes aside, Rooney recalls an incident he wasn’t sure ZanRon would survive: his company provided defective welds for a job with Bechtel, the engineering, construction, management corporation assisting in the modernization of Rio Tinto Alcan’s smelter. Repairing the welds caused project-wide delays and numerous investigations, but he credits his
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profile Rio Tinto’s modernized Kitimat smelter
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Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
team and staff for pulling them through. “Everybody worked day and night . . . getting [it] done correctly,” he says. “We didn’t make any money on it. But we were able to get through it.” To keep up with technology, “we’ve hired younger engineers including a manager from Rio Tinto,” says Rooney. “They bring the newest technology into the company. So, I keep learning and I see it as a great benefit.” Now 69, Rooney came to Ontario from Scotland in 1968, following some buddies who moved a year earlier. “And then I came out to the West Coast for a holiday and said: I’m not going back to Ontario — it’s gorgeous here!” In B.C., Rooney found work in construction and the railway. After studying at BCIT, Rooney’s commerce and economics degree at SFU was interrupted by the job opportunity in Kitimat. While his son has no interest in the business, Rooney says the future for fabrication and machining services is bright. “Absolutely it is — it’s a great business. You’ve really got to know what you’re doing, or you won’t have any customers, you’ll only have unhappy people.” Rooney admits he’s been a member of the MCABC so long he can’t remember when he joined. Regardless, he says, even up in Kitimat he feels connected to the organization. “Oh yeah,” says Rooney, “whenever I go down [to Vancouver], I often . . . bump into people I’ve met through the years. We like being involved with the mechanical contractors because, essentially, that’s what we actually do. We are mechanical contractors.” PM
Ri o T i nto A lcan
This Isn’t Practical
Rooney says the future for fabrication and machining services is bright.
technology
Technology for Modern Mechanical Contractors By Chris Gray
Eagle Creek Village, Victoria
T
he basic ideal installation of building mechanical systems has greatly evolved since the advent of indoor plumbing and air conditioning, but never more so than in the last few years. What once was thought of as too complex and costly to install is now common place, in part thanks to LEED and various levels of governments requirements, pushing the industry towards constructing greener buildings. Advances in digital technology have presented vast new possibilities to think about how to incorporate these into our work. Where conversations used to be about toilets and fans, copper and cast, air and water, now they are filled with discussions about heat recovery, new materials, Apps and wearable comfort monitors, district and neighbourhood energy systems, variable flow, and ECM motors etc. For certain the landscaping for the mechanical contractor has changed forever. With new technologies come new challenges and trying to navigate those challenges is a daily chore. Certainly trying to provide the best, most efficient and reliable systems installations to the end clients within the working budget without creating future servicing nightmares and expensive replacements is one of the key goals. There are so many new gadgets and APPs available to help with energy modeling, energy use and tracking and personal comfort, its necessary to filter through it all and find out what is right and worthy to use and what is a waste of time or potentially a fad. Many times escalating overall construction costs reduce the budget available for mechanical installations as owners and contractors continually balance constructions budgets. Starting off with a “Cadillac system” in the initial design is fine, but are we doing anyone a service if it’s clear the budget is not there for it? Balancing the mechanical
design and budget, incorporating new technology and energy savings where it’s warranted and possible will make clients happier than cutting key features as the budget gets stressed. New technology and product offerings recently have allowed mechanical contractors to incorporate far more energy savings concepts and ideas than ever before. By careful selection of equipment, most times simple items such has heat recovery and down field use of that recovered heat energy is easy to obtain. Another important item to keep in mind is what type of building is it? What is the expected energy use, loads and timings of those loads? There is no point trying to capture energy (heat) if there is no viable way of storing it and using it effectively within the budget. One of the best areas of the new technology that seems to be growing every day in the HVAC world is wearable comfort monitors, software and APPs that will follow an individual, monitor the surrounding space and temperature and adjust as the individual moves freely in the environment be it at work or home. Of course the mechanical backbone of the HVAC systems has to be designed and installed to function for the use of this new tech. Mini drive low voltage dampers, actuators and vents and further zoning capability that interact with the wearable device and software have to be incorporated in the design. The real energy savings from such devices and systems is simple to see: why heat and cool a space when no one is there. Software such as this is really the right direction. Consider the further benefits of real-time large scale interconnect smart monitoring of spaces such as multiunit apartments, large office buildings and other similar structures and the advanced software that can move energy from where it’s not needed to where it is. Does the building (home or work)
know if there are 100 people in it or 300 at any given second? Certainly if it doesn’t now it will in the near future. Interconnected management systems that incorporate all of the environmental conditions such as light, sound, security, heat/cool and personal preferences are all available now. Innovative environmental control software, its design and upkeep is a really bright spot for the mechanical contractor, the possibilities it allows are endless. Let’s not leave our old reliable friend plumbing stuck in the past either. Did someone forget to close the lid of the toilet this morning? There’s an app for that now. Although not as exciting as some of the advances in HVAC technology, the plumbing world and the plumbing manufacturers are also providing many more options every day. Smart toilets, smart faucets and smart shower systems that turn on and off and adjust based on who is using them. For example, the shower will automatically turn on and adjust to a favourite temperature. On the sanitary front, bacteria stands much less of a chance with the advent of bacteria reducing materials and coatings on fixtures and self-cleaning options. It’s still pipe, water and fixtures but the advancement in materials, designs and APPs has allowed contractors to offer clients many more options. Another area that promises to change the plumbing and HVAC world is 3D printing. While not an every day item at the moment, the time is coming when this technology will allow for even more flexibility and more innovation in the industry. The possibilities for its use in the mechanical contracting world are exciting and endless. PM Chris Gray is president of Connelly Mechanical Systems Ltd. WINTER 2016 | Plumbing & Mechanical
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technology
BIM Requires New Thinking By Geraldine Rayner
O
nce upon a time, design consultants would generate design documents by drawing on trace and Mylar, the equivalent of driving a horse and buggy on the road. Then along came ‘Computer Aided Drafting’ (CAD) which was going to make our lives so much easier! The change from manual drafting to CAD was like replacing the horse and buggy with a car; same process, different tool. We are still, though, generating disconnected drawings and diagrams to represent what is to be built. The productivity and statistics accumulated over the past few decades would indicate that this is not working very well. Productivity is down and change orders are up. Our clients, the owners and operators of the facilities we design, are understandably fed up.
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Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
So, how do we solve these problems? Most aspects of our modern lives, from television to music, email and even our phones, are now digital. We no longer use paper telephone directories to look up numbers. We search digitally, select the number we want and the phone connects us. When we switch mobiles, we do not print out the entire contact list and then manually re-enter it into the new device. When it comes to construction documents, though, this is still generally considered acceptable. Our clients are expected to search through paper drawings and binders in order to validate data before manually re-entering it into endsource software for facilities. We interact with computers and digital data in almost every aspect of our daily lives, yet the architectural engineering and construc-
tion industry (AEC) is lagging behind. The term BIM is used widely with no clear definition attached to it. Some consider it simply a piece of software, while others think of it only in terms of 3D. The truth is that it is a process, with database software at its core that changes the dynamics of how we work. Now the data can be displayed in a way that supports the communication of design intent. It has intelligence and, when structured properly, it can be exported and consumed by other software solutions. As objects understand their size and location relative to other objects, we have a choice regarding how they are viewed, whether it be conventional plan, section and elevation or 3D, with or without colour to aid in identification. Also, since views are queries of a dataset,
technology
Top: How the information is currently presented. Bottom: How do we want to see the information presented.
ation. The majority of issues on site are due to lack of coordination between disciplines. Firms that resolve them while digital, avoiding delays and cost creep, will become owners’ preferred partners and the downstream benefits of structured digital data will greatly offset the initial cost. We live in a 3D world, so why would we not choose to work in a 3D design environment? Historically, mechanical and electrical drawings have been diagrams, with symbols representing design intent. BIM requires a rethink with regard to planning and communication with other disciplines. Since it relies on realism for clash coordination, for example, ducts and pipes need to
...the architectural engineering and construction industry is lagging behind.
if anything is altered, then every view showing that object is automatically updated. Referring back to the earlier analogy of a horse and buggy and a car, compared to manual drafting and CAD, adopting BIM is like taking a flight. The process involved is totally different. It goes beyond a simple change in the design of the vehicle. Planes are not designed to travel on roads. Like flying, a BIM process requires discipline and adherence to rules if we wish to enjoy the benefits. It blurs the lines between different scopes, requiring cooperation and collaboration in order to share and use the work output of others. Based on the testimonials of those who have redesigned their design process to meet the requirements of a BIM process, the rewards far
outweigh the effort. Does it require a rethink in our fee structure and contracts? Yes. Should we be rewarded for bringing additional value, beyond what we are currently required to do? Certainly. What happens if we don’t change? To quote from ‘Design at the Speed of Thoughtware’ by Paul Doherty (president/CEO of the digit group inc.), “…the old ways of doing things are just not sustainable. Aptitudes for change and growth are the single biggest challenges to the design profession. …When the dust from the transition to the New Economy settles, the architectural landscape will be strewn with carcasses of firms that were unable to adapt. Don’t let yours be among them.” Mechanical and electrical (M&E) consultants and contractors are not excluded from this situ-
be modeled accurately, complete with bends and slopes. Owners are now being offered final deliverables consisting of an interactive dataset with a graphic and report view, where all information is linked to the related objects and the graphic views show what really matters to facilities. It is collected digitally during construction and provided at handover, not months later. This structured data set can then be mapped to end source software. No more manual data entry. Since design fees typically account for only 2 per cent of lifecycle costs, given a choice between a low design fee based on a paper-based process subject to the inherent problems noted above and a more expensive digital process that avoids time and cost overruns and provides a digital handover, it is reasonable to expect that owners will increasingly choose the latter option. Firms, including M&E, that offer this option will survive and thrive in these changing times. PM Geraldine Rayner is a director of Summit BIM, a leading BIM consultancy that can help companies unlock the value of their building data in all phases of the design, build and operation of buildings. Contact her at geraldine@ summitbim.com WINTER 2016 | Plumbing & Mechanical
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piping
Pipe Lining Technology By Alyscia Sutch
Before
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or years homeowners, property managers and municipalities have resorted to traditional pipe replacement methods to fix their cracking, leaking and root intruded pipes. The process to dig up and replace the pipes is not only time consuming, but the renovation costs can be expensive, especially in a situation where pipes are located behind finished walls, underneath tiled flooring or below landscaped lawns. A traditional repipe consists of demolition of whatever is covering the pipe, whether it is a tiled floor in a hospital, a ceiling in a school or a parking lot of a hotel. If the pipes were located in the ground, the system would be shut down, followed by the concrete foundation being dug up and removed, along with any fill. The pipes would then be removed and discarded. The new pipes would then be installed, tested and the fill would be delivered. Once complete and after much downtime the pipes are operational. Contracted works would then need to repair and walls, floors or ceilings destroyed during the repipe. A better solution is trenchless pipe lining. Trenchless pipe lining technologies are not new — some of the technologies have been used for decades, passing the test of time. For example, starting in the late 1980s, all of the U.S. Navy’s Aircraft Carriers’ collection, hold and transfer pipe systems have been lined with Nu Flow’s blown-in epoxy coating. With pipe lining it is important to keep the proper perspective on what results are being accomplished. Old drainpipes are getting rehabilitated back to a usable pipe, the pipes are being recycled without removing them and creating landfills full of construction waste. Lining companies want to provide a cost effective solutions to owners of buildings and homes, and owners want a cost effective way to solve their slowly 18
Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
After
failing infrastructure without destroying the building in the process. Most facilities built prior to the 1970s have sewer lines composed of cast iron and clay. The most common problem in these lines is cracking at the joints, root intrusion and the bottom of the pipe rusting out; this can ultimately be a result or lead to root intrusion. Root intrusion in sewer pipe systems is reported to cause 50 per cent of all sewer blockages. Traditional care for root intrusion is rarely a long-term fix. With the pipe lining method, roots can be removed and a liner can be pulled into place, creating a structurally sound pipe within the existing pipe. Other common problems include calcification in sewer lines and ground movement. Millions of linear feet of drain and lines have been saved using the Pull-in-Place process. Today, the most effective and growing solution for failing pipe systems both inside and outside of buildings is pipe lining technology. Liners are Pulled-in-Place inside the pipe systems without destruction and can protect the pipes from many types of common failures, including lead leaching, debris build-up, corrosion, leaks and root intrusion. Most importantly, pipe liners protect the carried contents from mixing with the metals within the pipes, which can result in decomposition or lead leaching into drinking water. Not only are potable water lines and drain lines being rehabilitated, but the technology to retrofit vertical applications, roof drains and mechanical systems, including fire suppression and HVAC systems is available. Pipe lining technology requires no digging or destruction and is the most effective, long-term solution for failing pipe systems located both inside and outside of buildings. Pipe lining is the optimal solution to increase flow, eliminate root intrusion and prevent leaks. It can hold up to the
structural strength of a new pipe, without the costly digging and replacement repairs. A project begins with mapping the internal plumbing system and camera inspection of drain and sewer lines. A plan is implemented to minimize disruption and afford the most efficient timeline for work completion. Depending on the lining method to be used, pipes may be drained and/or air-dried. After testing for leaks, the pipes are prepared for cleaning. The next step involves removing roots and calcite in order to return the pipe to its original functioning diameter. Removal methods may include jetting the lines or the use of pneumatic tools such as a scorpion cutter. Cast pipe may require additional preparation if there is significant corrosion or missing sections of pipe. Existing access points are used to pull an epoxy-saturated felt liner into the host pipe. This lining method provides the ability to line multiple 45° and 90° angles, as well as the option of lining specific sections of pipe without lining the entire length. Once complete, a final leak test and camera inspection is performed and the system is now a smooth, jointless pipe within the existing host pipe. With alternatives to tradition pipe replacement available, it is no wonder that many homeowners, property managers and municipalities are turning to trenchless pipe lining to rehabilitate their pipe systems. PM Alyscia Sutch is the marketing coordinator for Nu Flow Technologies licensing and manufacturing facility. Nu Flow Technologies manufactures, installs and distributes costeffective, green repipe alternatives and no-dig solutions, including epoxy coatings for potable water lines and mechanical systems and structural liners for drain lines.
piping
Training Workers for LNG Projects How the LNG industry may affect those in the mechanical industry. By Al Phillips sions which will ultimately affect the future direction of capacity building in the province. Currently three projects are approaching a FID and may move forward this year: 1. Shell’s proposed LNG Canada project in Kitimat which is estimated to cost US $40 billion will include a marine terminal, rail yard, storage tanks and a water treatment facility. At peak construction, LNG expects to employ 7,500 workers. Shell has recently delayed its final investment decision, but has received most of its environmental certificates and has the support of the community and Haisla Nation.
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ver the next few years the landscape and work picture in British Columbia for apprentices and journeypersons in the mechanical trades may change dramatically. We are anticipating and hopeful for an FID (Final Investment Decision) for one of the proposed LNG export facilities in the first quarter of 2016. The training of the apprentices and journeypersons who will be working on these jobs is extremely important. What LNG and the prospect of this growing industry means to those in the mechanical trades is huge. The opportunity of constructing these types of facilities will allow British Columbia to prosper. Not only will the construction industry prosper, but the entire economy will benefit from this industry with the additional taxes collected, spin off jobs created and the amount of income generated. There are some misconceptions that this type of work is new or too difficult for the skill sets of those currently working in the industry. On the contrary, we train hundreds of apprentices in the piping trades every month and are continually training journeypersons in the newest skills required. Having worked in LNG over 20 years ago, be assured these skills are not new, nor unachievable. In fact, we are testing welders and sending qualified red seal welder steamfitters and sponsored apprentices to an LNG facility in Delta, currently under construction by Bantrel Constructors and working alongside other members from the construction craft unions that belong to the British Columbia Bargaining Council of Building Trades Unions. With the many opportunities associated with LNG, there are also many challenges. In 2013, the provincial government and the premier formed a committee called the Premier’s LNG Working Group, with representation from organized labour, First Nations and industry. The group was asked to work together to examine the skilled training needs and workforce requirements of LNG and how to resolve some of the anticipated skills gap shortages. The Working Group developed a report with 15 non-binding recommendations that focused on skilled training/planning, training and apprenticeship, and marketing with the common goal of building a sustainable workforce for LNG. Since then, four LNG sub committees have been formed to implement the Working Group recommendations: committees on data, gap, foreign worker and implementation. As a representative on two of these sub committees (foreign worker and gap committees), I have the privilege of representing our industry in these important discus-
2. Petronas’ PNW LNG project announced a conditional final investment decision last year for their proposed $11.4 billion export terminal on Lelu Island in the Pacific NorthWest. This project is expected to employ 4,000 workers at peak construction. Petronas’ decision hinges on an environmental certificate from Canada’s Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) which has been delayed because of environmental concerns over the potential impact from the construction of transportation infrastructure needed to pipe LNG to a loading terminal off Flora Bank. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has since reported that the project would have “low potential of resulting in significant adverse effects” on fish and fish habitat. Support from the First Nations community is still pending as Lax’ Kwalaams First Nation has launched an aboriginal rights and title claim to Lelu Island. 3. In the Lower Mainland, Woodfibre LNG’s proposed $1.6 billion gas export facility is one step closer to realization. The province issued an environmental assessment certificate for the project subject to 25 conditions intended to protect marine life. Woodfibre is still waiting for federal environmental approval as well as permits from B.C.’s Oil and Gas Commission. As a training provider in these uncertain times, our challenge is to balance the need to fulfill an anticipated skilled labour shortage gap, while awaiting FIDs which cannot be assured nor can their timing be predicted with any accuracy. UAPICBC has promoted regional training by taking our training and upgrading programs into communities close to future worksites such as: Terrace, Kitimat, Masset, Kispiox, Hazelton, Moricetown, Prince George, and Campbell River. We are also working in partnership with First Nations groups, including Lax’ Kwalaams, delivering assessments and upgrading/ training programs in Prince Rupert and surrounding areas. UAPICBC’s regional training model was endorsed in the premier’s Working Group recommendations as a good example of “…re-locating training to areas where jobs are needed. Enabling training to occur near worksites may encourage workers to stay in the area after completion of training.” Moving forward, we are optimistic for the future of our apprentices and journeypersons in this growing industry. We are ready and skilled to perform the work required and are eager to play an integral role in building capacity to meet the ongoing skilled labour needs of our province. PM A.D. Al Phillips, RSE, is a steamfitter and executive director of the Piping Industry Apprenticeship Board, a sponsor of over 800 pipe trades apprentices in B.C. and the executive director of the UA Piping Industry College of BC. WINTER 2016 | Plumbing & Mechanical
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association corner
Members Corner In Dec 2015 Robert Chalanchuk celebrated 20 years working with clients and their families as an investment advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns. His team is starting their fourth year as associate members of MCABC. They work with clients in a strategic planning process to achieve their wealth goals.
ECCO Supply announces the appointment of Paul Deneve as director of sales branch operations. Paul joined ECCO in December 1996 as commercial/industrial sales representative with the ECCO Supply Regina branch. With this new appointment as director of sales branch operations, he has relocated and has joined the executive team at corporate operations in Langley. Division 15 Mechanical has successfully completed all phases of UBC’s District Energy System, one of the largest steam-to-hotwater conversion projects in North America. Division 15’s District Energy journey at UBC started in 2011 with award of the UBC DES Phase 1 and was recently concluded with the completion of Phase 9. During these four years, Division 15 installed almost 15 kms of a new underground distribution piping system and converted more than 60 buildings from steam to hot water. UBC estimates that upon completion of this project, the campus greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 22 per cent or more, while reducing the annual operational and energy costs up to $5.5 million. Hays Specialist Recruiting Vancouver announces the addition of Courtney Lee to their growing construction and property team. The team already has three senior consultants approaching five years of experience, and a senior manager with more than 10 years. This addition adds more depth to support their clients in the B.C. construction market.
CORRECTION Phase Mechanical should have been listed under the Mechanical Contractor section of the MCABC Buyers Guide 2015 edition.
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Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
Last fall, John Coughlan, of TransCold Distribution Ltd. acquired a majority stake in the share capital of Polar Industries Ltd. Polar Industries developed its reputation in the refrigeration and HVAC industries as the company to go to “when nobody else could do it”. This was accomplished under the direction of brothers Dave and Lyle Sergius over the last 45 years. Polar will continue its service in refrigeration and HVAC industries with its new, majority owner, John Coughlan. Dave, Lyle and Darcy Sergius will continue to actively work with John in creating innovative ways for Polar to better service its customers and develop new markets for the company. As a result of these changes, Polar has moved its headquarters to Annacis Island — next to TransCold’s offices. Their new address is 1454 Cliveden Avenue, Delta, BC V3M 6L9. The phone numbers remain the same. Paul Myers, owner of Keith Plumbing and Heating Co. Ltd. has made what is believed to be the largest individual donation to a hospital foundation in B.C. Paul gave $25 million to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, which will be used to redevelop the 268-bed hospital, located in North Vancouver. He came to know Lions Gate Hospital both as a patient and through his work as a mechanical contractor for public and private projects. The South Acute Tower at the hospital has been renamed the Paul Myers Tower and a new building in the redeveloped hospital site will also take his name. Lisi Mechanical Contractors Limited has moved to a new office location in Port Coquitlam. Lisi Mechanical has seen exciting growth and expansion over the past 10 years in Western Canada. The new location has a larger shop area for all of its prefabrication and storage needs as well as offices to accommodate current and future office staff. MCABC Member, Omega Mechanical (formerly MOchanical) is proud of their success in achieving their goals of both raising $1,000 for
men’s health during the month of MO-vember, “and looking damn good” while doing it. As a team Omega Mechanical raised $1,475.00 with contributions from friends, family and industry partners. “It’s actually been a funny month, I don’t think any of us would have expected to have multiple nicknames in addition to our furry over the lip friends. In meetings we all sit there itching our lips like we’re being attacked by our 1980’s stache, but always smiling as you can’t help it when you’re looking across the table at these things.” Earlier this year, MCABC said goodbye to Clint Cassia — long-time association friend and member of the industry (April 7, 1949 — January 21, 2016). Clint passed away peacefully with his family at his side at the age of 66. Beloved husband of Maureen Cassia of 44 years. Clint will be forever remembered by extended family, friends and everyone in the plumbing industry which he was a part of since the age of 18.
UPCOMING EVENTS Find complete events listing at www.mcabc.org/events TBA Island Chapter Meeting March 12th & 13th Estimating 101 April 9th and 10th Estimating 201 April 29th & 30th MCABC Annual Conference & AGM May 6th & 7th Business Management Module 1 & 2 May 27th Fraser Valley Golf Tournament June 10th Vancouver Golf Tournament June 18th & 19th Business Management Module 3 (Projects under $100,000) +4 _______________________________________
New & Returning Members National Fire Equipment Burnaby Pacific Flow Control Ltd Langley Schubert Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Mission
association corner
Holiday Fundraiser Success
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n behalf of MCABC and the Foundation for Prader Willi Research Canada (FPWR Canada), we’d like to thank all our silent auction donors, our cash donors, and our enthusiastic participants who contributed to the grand success of our Holiday Fundraiser on December 3rd, 2015. Thanks to your support, we continue to raise generous funds for honourable charities in British Columbia. Together, we raised nearly $5,000. This money will be used to further research initiatives and help families in need of support.
Together, we raised nearly $5,000. Currently there is no cure for Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS). Only increased research offers hope for more effective treatments and an eventual cure. Without the generous donations from people and companies, this could not be possible. We are so proud of our collective accomplishment! For anyone still wishing to make a donation to the foundation, please visit their website for more information: http:// www.fpwr.ca/donate/ Thank you once again for your unprecedented generosity. It’s time to pat yourselves on the back for a job well-done!
WINTER 2016 | Plumbing & Mechanical
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safety scene
Lowering Injury Rates By Mike McKenna
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University of BC study has found that participation in WorkSafeBC’s Certificate of Recognition (COR) program is associated with lower injury rates in the construction and forest industries in particular. The study looked at differences in injury rates between certified companies and non-certified control companies in three categories: (a) long-term disability (LTD), short-term disability (STD), and fatalities; (b) serious injuries; and (c) health-care only (an injury that did not lead to time loss) — over a 10-year period (2002 to 2012). Four industry sectors were examined: construction, forestry, manufacturing, and transportation/ warehousing. Results were obtained by calculating differences in pre- and post-COR injury rates and then comparing the results with injury rates of the non-COR firms over the same time period. According to a research brief issued by UBC’s Partnership for Work, Health, and Safety, (PWHS), which conducted the study on behalf of WorkSafeBC, the results showed that, on average, construction and forestry had 12 per cent and 16 per cent lower LTD, STD, and fatality rates; and 16 per cent to 21 per cent lower serious
Between 2005 and 2012 COR companies averaged a 12 per cent lower STD, LTD, and fatality injury rate and a 17 per cent lower serious injury rate compared to non-COR firms. injury rates, respectively, compared to non-COR companies. The reductions were the greatest between 2009 and 2012 — also the years with the highest number of certifications. Between 2005 and 2012 COR companies averaged a 12 per cent lower STD, LTD, and fatality injury rate and a 17 per cent lower serious injury rate compared to non-COR firms. No differences were found in the health care-only category and only small or no differences were found in the manufacturing and transportation/warehousing sectors. For comparison purposes, differences between COR and non-COR firms such as num-
t:604.942.0012
www.div15mechanical.com 604‐214‐8730
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Plumbing & Mechanical | WINTER 2016
Advanced Mechanical Solutions
ber of employees, years in operation were accounted for using statistical methods, in order to carry out the most relevant comparisons. Dr. Chris McLeod, Co-Lead with PWHS, says the results are positive in that they reveal an association with COR and good safety performance. “Overall, we identified reductions in injury rates in almost all of the categories we looked at, and the 17 per cent reduction in serious injuries was an especially interesting finding. What this indicates is that having COR can make a difference.” McLeod stressed, however, that the study’s results must be viewed with caution because association is not the same as causation: “ On average, we found that COR companies had lower injury rates than non-COR, but this is not the same as saying COR caused the results,” he said, adding that the potential impact of other factors, including the volunteer nature of the program itself, can’t be ruled out. “Self-selection is always a primary challenge when attempting to determine if participation has a causal effect. It might be, for example, that COR companies are already in a better position, safety and resource-wise, to achieve and maintain the certificate. But there are also non-COR companies with lower injury rates. The only way to know for sure if COR itself is having an impact is by conducting additional research that focuses on how the COR process itself facilitates change in a company’s OHS practices.” BC Construction Safety Alliance (COR certifying partner for construction industry employers) will be partnering with WorkSafeBC and other industry organizations with a view to enhancing and expanding COR program-based research. PM Mike McKenna is executive director of the BC Construction Safety Alliance. For more information, please visit Partnership for Work, Health, and Safety at http://pwhs.ubc.ca/ research/policy-and-program-evaluation/ certificate-of-recognition-audit-program/
2014-2016
MCABC BOARD MEMBERS President Wayne Davidson Davidson Bros. Mechanical Contractors
Executive Vice President Dana Taylor
Vice President Dale Miller Division 15 Mechanical Ltd.
Vice President Andrew Wong Alpha Mechanical Contracting Ltd.
Secretary Treasurer Dean Loewen Altac Mechanical
Associates Chairman Earl Storey B.A. Robinson
Associates Vice-Chairman Mark Humphrey Bartle & Gibson
Director Brian Bradshaw Altac Services Inc.
Director Brad Haysom Tight 5 Contracting Ltd.
Director Richard McLatchie Lockerbie & Hole Contracting Limited
Director Ross MacDonald Control Solutions Ltd.
Director Angus Macpherson Cairnview Mechanical Ltd.
Director Mike Ohlmann Fred Welsh Ltd.
Director Brad Popoff Equity Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
Director Dan Taillefer Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd.
Director Len Voon Aarc West Mechanical Insulation Inc.
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