THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
PM 40063056
Keith Plumbing & Heating installs specialized systems at Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre
SULLIVAN MECHANICAL LTD. TECHNOLOGY | PIPING/PUMPS
WINTER 2017 Vol.6 No.3
ENERGY CONSERVATION SPECIALISTS. THE EXPERTS.
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Contents
WINTER 2017 Vol. 6 No.3 PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca MANAGING EDITOR Cheryl Mah GRAPHIC DESIGN Jody Sparkes CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jackie Brown, Rosanna Chipkin, Mark Handzel Rick Proulx, Phil Searle B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.549.4521 ext. 223
PUBLISHED BY
PRESIDENT Kevin Brown
Features 07 Cover Story
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 2017 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
Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre is a world-class facility that required Keith Plumbing & Heating to install an array of specialized equipment.
PRINTED IN CANADA
11 Profile
MCABC Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine is published three times a year by MediaEDGE Communications Inc.
Prince Rupert’s largest commercial service contractor Sullivan Mechanical Ltd. is finding success in the Northwest with a bright outlook for more opportunities ahead.
15 Technology
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.
The Tech Advantage Thermostatic Mixing Valve Benefits
17 Piping/Pumps
World’s Longest Floating Bridge Specifying pumps to maximize efficiency
Departments 04 Executive Vice President’s Message 06 President’s Message 19 Tool Box 20 Association Corner 22 Safety Scene ON THE COVER: Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre.
Photo credit: Ema Peter
Dana Taylor EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Jane Andrew DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND EVENT PLANNING Vicky Noble COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR 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
Fostering Innovation in Construction
T
he BC Construction Association (BCCA) has stepped up to the plate with an initiative — the Construction Innovation Project — that has been a long time coming in British Columbia and in Canada. Details of the project
can be found at https://www.bccassn.com/media/bcca-report-constructioninnovation-2016.pdf. Kudos goes to BCCA for beginning this valuable work. The report outlines what many of us in the industry have been aware of for years but were reluctant to admit — there is little culture of innovation in the B.C. construction industry. From the report: B.C. construction firms will have to adapt and innovate or risk being left behind. Although B.C. is strong in green building and wood technologies, we have catching up to do in other areas. Public and corporate investment in innovation in B.C. lags behind other highly developed countries. The mechanisms for knowledge sharing and collaboration outside of projects do not exist. Fundamentally, the industry has not fostered a culture of innovation that transcends day-to-day problem solving on a construction site. The study identifies five pillars: Leadership, Performance, People, Growth and
Resilience, and Research and Development. I will address the last pillar: research. To be an industry that successfully develops and innovates, the industry must first do its research. However, there is little or no primary research done on the construction industry in B.C. or across Canada. The one bright light captured by the study is the wood industry. Substantial investment in research and product development on wood construction has resulted in new market opportunities for the sale and export of B.C. wood products. An area of research where B.C. construction has done well is in forecasting the building trades’ manpower needs. Since BuildForce Canada began tracking labour market information more than a decade ago, it has been able to refine its data because, as users within the construction industry learned to understand its content, they generated increasingly reliable inputs. Buildforce’s forecasts are widely used as predictors of workforce size and makeup and to allocate training resources. Innovation in construction methods is another story. B.C. and Canada have traditionally looked elsewhere in the world to identify trends and then relied on companies in those places to test them. Domestically, successful innovations have come only from niche companies in specialized fields. We have good examples of this in the mechanical sector. Before 2010, there might have been only two or three mechanical companies skilled in BIM. In June of 2010, MCABC ran a half-day presentation on BIM with a panel of
HVAC | Plumbing | Heating Drain Cleaning | Refrigeration
three contractors — one from Toronto and two from the United States. While attendees expressed interest, there was no groundswell of demand for more BIM development in B.C. Rather, a few attending companies recognized the opportunity, then quietly developed their own BIM capability and marketed it
Davidson Bros. welcomes the opportunity to provide our proven expertise from bid specifications work to any new existing HVAC, plumbing or specialized mechanical project that you might require. We would also be pleased to solve any of your urgent HVAC and or plumbing problems with our fully qualified service division. At Davidson Bros. Mechanical we believe the future is bright for British Columbia and look forward to increasing our construction relationships, new or existing, over whatever project requirements you may have.
successfully. Since BIM began about 15 years ago, other jurisdictions have embraced it, but, for the most part, B.C. continues to stick with the older methods. Technology like BIM, robotics, drones or remote-controlled equipment are not widely used here, which is causing the industry to fall behind. Research is also lacking in construction procurement and retrofit trends. While US research has identified a world-wide expansion in the past half-decade of re-construction or retrofitting buildings, there is no comparable Canadian data. Business investment decisions are far better based on sound evidence than on hunches. If an outcome of the BCCA Innovation Study is to draw the B.C. construction industry together to begin to foster ‘a culture of innovation that transcends dayto-day problem solving of the construction site,’ then MCABC will be right there
7388 Hedley Avenue Burnaby, BC V5E 2P9 O: 604-522-4798 F: 604-522-9587 www.davidsonbros.ca
beside them providing our support. Dana Taylor Executive Vice President, MCABC
4
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
Blocked sewer? Call before you clear. On rare occasions, a natural gas line may have been unintentionally installed through a sewer service line. These intersecting lines can go undetected and co-exist safely until the clearing of a blocked sewer damages the pipeline.
Don’t risk hitting a gas line. 1. Call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886. It’s free and available 24 hours a day. 2. Tell the agent you’re calling about a sewer service line blockage. 3. Wait for FortisBC to come on site and identify if lines are intersecting. We’ll make every effort to respond within two hours or less. 4. Smell gas? Go outside and call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or call 911.
Learn more at fortisbc.com/callbeforeyouclear.
Natu
ral g a
s line
ine
ice l v r e er s Sew
FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (15-252.1 09/2015)
president's message
An Exciting Year Ahead if they’re ready. If they are, then the workshop will help them get the best
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016-2018
price for their business and reduce EXECUTIVE President Dale Miller Division 15 Mechanical Ltd.
their risk when selling. The workshop also works well for those on the other side of the transaction and are looking to buy a business. Look for this course in Fall 2017.
Vice President Richard McLatchie Lockerbie & Hole Contracting Limited
Other courses coming in the near future include our popular Business Management 1 & 2 and Estimating
Vice President Brian Bradshaw, Altac Services Inc.
201. In February, MCABC hosted Dispatcher
Vice President Mike Ohlmann, Fred Welsh Ltd.
which ran in late February, is now Gold Seal Certified, great news for those on the Gold Seal track. For your convenience, all courses now support online registration and payments through the MCABC website. Next on the schedule is the MCABC
DIRECTORS Associates Chairman Mark Humphrey Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd.
Director Henry DeJong, ESC Automation Inc. Director Chad Kinsley R.H Jones and Son Mechanical
2017 conference, A Royal Island Experience, in Victoria, B.C., at the Westin Bear Mountain Hotel and Spa
W
May 4 to 6. MCABC’s annual general e have emerged mostly in tact from
meeting will also be happening during the
the unusual deep freeze that hit our
conference. This year’s conference is being
province over the end of 2016 and
held jointly with MCA Alberta for the first
into this year. Some of us may have suffered
time in almost 20 years so it will be a fantastic
fender benders due to refusal to buy snow tires
opportunity to renew existing and create
(‘I live in Vancouver! I don’t need snow tires!’)
new business alliances with our Albertan
or bruised bones unaccustomed to walking on
colleagues. Bring your family! This is a fun-
ice. The lucky ones escaped to sunnier climates
filled event with activities for everyone. If you
and missed it all.
haven’t done so already, you can register for
Business
has
gone
through
the
usual
both the conference and your accommodation
Christmas and New Year’s slow down but
at Bear Mountain through the MCABC website.
construction is now starting to ramp up with Director Stuart Morrison Northland Mechanical Contracting Ltd. Director Dan Taillefer Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd. Director Len Voon Aarc-West Mechanical Insulation (2013) Inc.
projects and new tenders.
A full roster of MCABC-organized golf tournaments is in the early stages of planning
At MCABC, we are back in the swing of things,
and will be sure to help us forget winter for
well into planning mode for the upcoming
good. I personally love these events that
year. Membership renewals have been sent out
mix business with pleasure and get me out
with the addition of the Non-Voting Affiliate
on the golf course chasing the little white
Member category, a membership with flat-rate
ball. Maybe this year I’ll get that hole-in-
dues and no voting privileges. This category
one and win the jackpot! Or maybe you will.
was created in response to requests from some
Registration for the earlier tournaments will
of our affiliate members who feel they don’t
be opening online soon.
need voting privileges. Please consider carefully
MCABC
and
MSCBC
have
been
in
Director Andrew Wong Alpha Mechanical Contracting Ltd.
before choosing this option because it also
regular planning sessions to implement
comes with fewer perks like discounts on events
an educational program to help service
and eligibility for bursaries.
contractors serve their clients. This program
MIRA Rep Mike Vesterback National Hydronics Group
In 2017 we are offering a full line-up of courses
will also bring benefits for all MCABC
and have added a new one to the mix that is timely
contractors. Please watch for news from the
for the wave of boomers nearing retirement: Exit
Education and Leadership Project soon.
IMIRA Rep Dave Erb Erb Technical Contracting (Victoria)
6
Nanaimo
Vancouver Island. Blueprint Reading,
Executive Vice President Dana Taylor
Director Brad Haysom Tight5 Insulation Contracting Ltd.
in
for our members and friends on
Secretary Treasurer / Past President Wayne Davidson Davidson Bros Mechanical Contractors Ltd.
Associates Vice-Chairman John Fu Noble BC
Training
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
Readiness. This one-day workshop developed exclusively for MCABC will be valuable for those
Dale Miller
thinking about an exit strategy and wondering
President, MCABC
cover story
INSTALLING
SPECIALIZED
AQUATIC SYSTEMS BY CHERYL MAH
KEITH PLUMBING & HEATING CO. LTD.
(KPH) is no stranger to complicated or unique projects. Operating for more than 100 years, KPH is one of the largest mechanical contractors in B.C. and was acquired by Modern Niagara in October 2016.
WINTER 2017 | PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
7
cover story
The company offers diverse expertise in the mechanical contracting field and has completed
numerous
major
construction
projects in the province. One of the most unique pool projects that KPH has worked on is the new Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre (GHAC) in South Surrey. Officially opened in March 2016, the 94,000 square foot aquatic centre is located on the corner of 168th Street and 24th Avenue and anchors the eastward expansion of the Grandview
Heights
neighbourhood.
It
is
connected to a potential district energy hub, the first of its kind for South Surrey. The three-level aquatic centre offers a range of aquatic and fitness amenities for the community, while providing the capacity to host competitive swimming and diving events. GHAC features a 10lane, 50-metre FINA-certified competition pool with a 10-metre high dive tower. It also includes a 5,000-square-foot leisure pool with a lazy river, fountain features and a waterslide. Combined, the pools contain a total of 4.7 million litres of water. Other amenities include family and adult hot tubs, steam room and dry sauna, universal change area, fitness centre overlooking the natatorium and seating for up to 900 spectators. “It’s a fantastic facility in South Surrey,” says KPH construction manager Kevin Collier. “It has
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PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
cover story
WINTER 2017 | PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
9
cover story amazing architecture. Anyone can design a square
The most visually dramatic feature of the aquatic
box and put a pool inside — to pull off something
centre is its roof. The building boasts the world’s
like this is quite unique.”
most slender, long span timber catenary roof that
Indoor swimming pools have many specialized system
requirements
including
is both striking and functional. With the waterslide
filtration,
and diving platform creating natural high points at
disinfection, ventilation and heat recovery. The
opposite ends, the undulating roof (free spanning
amount of equipment required for GHAC was
180 feet and 120 feet) dips down in between to
significant and included pool fixtures, Vortex water
create a low profile that reduces the building’s
features, pool filters, chemical pumps, speed drivers,
volume. This effectively reduces the amount of air
CPVC chemical piping and condensing boilers.
to be heated and de-humidified, cutting operational
“Pools are very labour intensive and coordination intensive,” says Collier.
costs and sequestering carbon. The unique roof structure is comprised of paired
KPH spent almost two years on the project,
curved glulam beams (measuring only five inches
installing all the HVAC and plumbing with
wide x 10.5 inches deep) suspended between post-
substantial completion achieved in September 2015.
tensioned concrete buttresses. Glulam “cables”
Peak manpower was about 30. The $55-million
were used instead of conventional steel roof trusses.
world class facility was built by EllisDon Corporation
While suspended catenary steel cable systems are
and designed by HCMA Architecture and Design.
not uncommon particularly on bridges, the use of timber as long spanning tension cables is rare.
This Isn’t Practical
The unique roof design meant mechanical systems had to be installed in the basement. It was a very tight space to fit all the equipment and required careful planning and BIM modeling to make sure everything would work and fit. “The main challenge was the tight confined space. We had to re-layout all the sheet metal and piping in the plant room to create enough room for maintenance and clearance,” says Collier. “We had lots of issues with interface clashes and had to use 3D modeling to work it out.” The LEED certified building’s mechanical system uses high efficiency, heat recovery chillers to move heat recovered from the exhaust air stream to areas requiring heat. Condensing boilers provide back-up heat. It also features an exhaust system to extract trichloramines from the pool surface to provide a more pleasant environment for swimmers. To
avoid
unsightly
exposed
mechanical
ducting, the vertical steel facade columns along the south wall were used as ducts to eliminate condensation at the exterior glazing. Because swimming pools have higher humidity levels than most environments and require more air conditioning, the air quality at GHAC needed to be carefully regulated. The technical demands of the systems and the harsh environment of chlorine and water meant all materials needed to be durable. “Corrosion was a big concern,” says Collier. “The
Employee Benefits ARE
hangers needed to be corrosion resistant and so did the duct work.” The design of this distinctive facility has earned not only local but international attention. The GHAC most recently received three prestigious international honours for architectural, innovation
1 855 922 5327
bclearbenefits.ca info@bclearbenefits.ca
and technical excellence at the World Architecture Festival and from the Institution of Structural Engineers. The project earned KPH a 2016 VRCA Silver Award of Excellence. “It was a team effort by everyone to get this job done,” says Collier. PM
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PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
profile
NORTHERN
SUCCESS BY CHERYL MAH
WINTER 2017 | PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
11
profile
Working in northern B.C. has its challenges,
“We service the Telus and Rogers wireless
“I was installing and repairing plumbing
but Brian Sullivan wouldn’t change a thing. The
sites up on the mountains as a sub for Standard
systems on the side while working at the pulp
owner and president of Sullivan Mechanical
Mechanical. We do regular service calls, which
mill and decided I could develop a business,”
Ltd. moved to Prince Rupert in 1989 and has
requires a helicopter ride,” he says.
says Sullivan, who also has his ticket in
seen both the good times and bad times.
Sullivan, who is Red Seal Certified as a plumber and a steamfitter, has been operating
So he established Sullivan Mechanical in 1995
tough years. Now every contractor in town is
his full service company for plumbing, heating,
and it was a good move, because two years later
very busy,” says Sullivan. “I feel very positive
refrigeration and air-conditioning systems for
the Skeena Cellulose pulp mill closed, leaving
about all the potential opportunities in the
22 years. At 58, he oversees daily operations and
hundreds unemployed and paralyzing much of
Northwest — LNG facilities and pipelines… the
still “jumps in” when he is needed. The company
Prince Rupert’s economy.
new propane export terminal and container
has a staff of about eight to 10 including one of
expansions at the port.”
his daughters.
The major projects (planned and underway) in
“I
enjoy
the
“The early years were pretty lean because of the mill closure,” recalls Sullivan, who
interaction
with
people…
contemplated leaving town like so many did,
the region will drive many spinoff opportunities
love being able to show them new product
that small businesses like Sullivan’s will benefit
opportunities available and getting systems
It was risky to start a new company in that
from. If Alberta increases its beef exports to Asian
back up and running — seeing the smiles on
economic climate but Sullivan said he survived
markets, the region will see even more opportunity.
faces,” he says.
by diversifying. “We became involved in
but decided to stick it out.
“Prince Rupert is the closest port to Asia —
Born and raised in St. John, New Brunswick,
more than just plumbing and heating. We got
we are 36 hours closer to Asia via ship than
Sullivan grew up with an interest in the
involved in refrigeration and air conditioning as
Vancouver. If the beef comes through here,
mechanical trade, influenced by his brother
well as commercial food equipment.”
there are spinoffs associated with it and added
who is a mechanical engineer and relatives
business that I will be able to obtain,” says
who were plumbers. After a short stint in
building
Sullivan, pointing out the beef will require
community college, he moved to Edmonton in
commercial food equipment services with a
refrigerated shipping containers.
1981 to attend Northern Alberta Institute of
solid list of clients that include Tim Horton’s,
Technology where he earned his plumbing and
McDonalds,
Class A gas fitter certifications.
Safeway and major hotels in town. The company
As Prince Rupert’s largest commercial service contractor, Sullivan Mechanical is comprised of a
Since then, the company has grown steadily, on
its
commercial
Overwaitea/Save
HVAC
on
and
Foods,
team of professionals including licensed journeymen,
With minimal work available after graduation in
plumbers, gasfitters, refrigeration and sheet metal
1984, he returned to New Brunswick and worked for
fabricators. The company takes on local jobs and
his uncle who owned Moncton Plumbing & Supply.
“Our willingness to be flexible for the
remote ones on the Queen Charlotte Islands (an
When the company was sold, he moved to Prince
customer and doing anything from maintaining
eight-hour ferry ride) as well as on mountain tops.
Rupert in 1989 and went to work at the pulp mill.
different aspects of their equipment to sanitary
“Mechanical Insulation and Firestop Specialists” Serving BC since 1995 With our highly trained staff of estimators and technicians we look forward to serving the lower mainland and surrounding areas for all your mechanical insulation and firestop needs. Tight 5 Contracting Ltd 108 - 4238 Lozells Ave Burnaby, BC V5A 0C4 www.tight5.net rfq@tight5.net — Request for Quotes Ph: 604.874.9615 Fx: 604.874.9611
12
steamfitting from BCIT.
“Prince Rupert has gone through some
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
also has maintenance contracts with Brookfield Integrated Solutions and SNC-Lavalin.
profile
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
WINTER 2017 | PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
13
profile
sewer lines and potable water filtration systems …has been key for us,” says Sullivan, adding word of mouth also generates new business. The company’s newest major client is Civeo, one of the largest integrated providers of workforce accommodations and facility management services to the natural resource industry. Civeo has built a 2,200-person camp in Kitimat in anticipation of upcoming LNG projects. “We are servicing the equipment in the camp,” explains Sullivan. “They have elaborate kitchen ovens called Rationale. We are the service provider for Rationale ovens in the Northwest.” The Rationale ovens are also being used by hospitals, he continues. The company services hospitals from the Queen Charlotte Islands to Houston, B.C. “Down in Vancouver, you may have multiple reps for that kind of highend equipment. But when you get up north, you have limited people with the experience and willingness to invest the time and money to train people. You also have to carry inventory and warehouse parts.” The company has completed installations in the past but providing full commercial mechanical services is now the main focus. “We have done some significant past installations such as replacing the hydronic boiler systems for BC Housing in 2011, but I prefer to do commercial service. It’s keeping us busy,” says Sullivan. “Big projects become stressful and the risk is high in meeting the required deadlines.” Another major client is CN Rail which is currently keeping the company busy with a number of different jobs. “They have a job camp up here where the operators of the trains reside — rotating crews — and the camp needs many different maintenance requirements. We replaced their commercial washers and dryers recently and are currently installing a high-tech water
Proud Member of
filtration system for them and their sanitary systems need upgrading,” says Sullivan, adding they also service several post offices in the region.
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Staying ahead with service requirements in the industry means having trained staff is important. “Most of the training facilities are down in the Lower Mainland so it becomes a huge expense but the customers are there so it’s worth the investment,” he says, who takes full advantage of MCABC’s education seminars and is a regular attendee himself. Sullivan has been a MCABC member since 2013 and also sat on the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) board of directors for 10 years. The company recently hired two new people but Sullivan says finding
Large inventory in our massive Vancouver warehouse Rush manufacturing & delivery available for custom sizes
qualified tradesmen is his biggest challenge. Despite trying many different options from travelling to Ireland and recruiting bodies to trying the union halls in Vancouver, there is no interest. “Guys are not willing to relocate to Prince Rupert and there is a limited amount of people in the Northwest that are qualified or available,” he says. Looking ahead, the company is planning to open a small showroom in their shop to draw potential residential clients. “I want to start with some heating/cooling equipment first, followed by some plumbing
3610 East 1st Avenue Vancouver, BC 604-294-8281 airsystemsupplies.com
fixtures,” says Sullivan. Outside of work, the father of two has been married for 30 years and enjoys skiing, driving his sports car and camping in the summer. PM
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PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
technology
The Tech Advantage Two technological investments that will give contractors an edge BY ROSANNA CHIPKIN
R
emember plum-bobs and tumble kits? If you do, you will definitely remember having to search for a landline to use
on-site when you needed to call your dispatcher or running long extension cords just to drill a few holes. Whether it be laser levels, combustion analyzers, cordless drills or smartphones, each new technological development has not only made a technician’s life on-site easier, it has made their day entirely more efficient and this translates directly into increased work volume and revenue for a mechanical contractor. Overall, technology has elevated and redefined people’s expectations and this, coupled with a
competitive
economy,
means
that
any
mechanical contractor worth their salt better be willing to embrace and utilize this new tech if they want to remain a real contender in the commercial HVAC game.
SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS
never a bad idea. Having a larger screen on which
customer contact information can be instantly
Ask any journeyman what piece of technology
to view manuals and mechanical drawings can be
sent to their trucks so that when they get in, all
has changed their working lives the most and it
the difference between a job getting done in one
they have to do is turn on the engine and hit
is fairly likely that they will tell you it has been
day or a return visit being required. Depending
“route drive” to get underway. If technicians find
the advent of smartphones and tablets. This
on what kind of database that is used in the
they need a part that they are not already carrying
may seem like old news, but these tools are
office, you can also develop digital work orders
with them, they can also quickly find nearby
the driving force behind the changing HVAC
for technicians to fill out that can instantly be
wholesaler locations that can be preprogrammed
landscape and making sure your technicians
accessed by internal staff when a customer calls
in. Finally, all throughout the day a GPS system
are outfitted with quality, reliable products is
with a question about their service. Depending on
will track technician’s driving speeds, fuel usage,
now essential to keeping operations moving at
the size of the company, purchasing smartphones
locations and when they arrived at and left any
a competitive pace. With the swipe of a screen,
and tablets for all technicians could be a major
given site. All of this allows an owner to assess
air conditioning mechanics, plumbers and gas
expense, however they are quickly becoming
strengths and weaknesses within their team and
fitters alike have access to a wealth of knowledge
indispensable tools of the trade so, if you haven’t
rectify any recurring problems that are adversely
and resources that often far exceeds that of any
already, it is time to take the plunge.
affecting customer service. Whether it be more
company’s staff experience combined. There are countless blogs discussing potential problems
efficient dispatching, reduced wait times for
GPS TRACKING
customers or savings in fuel costs, a GPS system
and workarounds for pieces of equipment, videos
According to a study by Software Advice,
is one technological tool that is proven to reduce
demonstrating troubleshooting procedures and
a customer who is left waiting for an hour or
overhead and keep businesses running efficiently.
installs and apps like Refrigerant Slider and
more is about 36 per cent less likely to rehire
One quick note however, it is vital that you
HVAC Buddy that will help simplify diagnostics
that contractor, than they would rehire one who
involve your staff in decisions to implement GPS
procedures on-site. This kind of crowdsourcing
showed up on time. Installing GPS in your fleet
tracking in your fleet. Taking the time at the
of information has proven so valuable that even
of trucks can not only help you provide customers
outset to highlight that it is as much a tool for
NASA is experimenting with ways to do it. On
with more accurate arrival times by way of their
them as it is for you in keeping them accountable
top of this, these devices allow technicians
built-in traffic monitors, they can also help
will make the entire implementation process
to instantly relay information, pictures and
allocate labour more efficiently and assist with
much smoother. Your technicians are the
videos back to their office counterparts which
staff accountability. A dispatcher’s work can be
service you sell, so taking the time to hear their
can greatly reduce turnaround times in getting
unrelenting, but having GPS-enabled trucks can
concerns before a decision is made will not
quotations and recommendations out the door
offer them a life preserver on those days when the
only demonstrate you value their opinions, it
to customers. In an industry where urgency
phone never seems to stop ringing. With a quick
will help ensure successful uptake of this new
often applies, being able to provide such a rapid
glance, they can assess which technicians are
technology when it is implemented. PM
response can be the very thing that makes the
closest to site, who is most likely to be available
sale, as it demonstrates that you are invested in
first and which have the right skills and equipment
your customer’s needs.
to get the job done properly the first time.
While smartphones and tablets are analogous
After a quick call to the technician to confirm
in many ways, arming technicians with both is
they can attend, the work order details and
Rosanna Chipkin has spent the last nine years working as a sales representative for Gordon Latham Limited, a commercial mechanical contractor based out of Vancouver, B.C.
WINTER 2017 | PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
15
technology
Thermostatic Mixing Valve Benefits BY RICK PROULX
W in
ater
has
mixing valves (TMV) for fixed location shower
dramatically improved since storage
heads. Showers having a single tempered water
water heaters were first introduced
supply that is controlled by a master thermostatic
domestic
heater
applications
technology
in
the
1900s.
mixing valve conforming to CAN/CSA-B125.3
Temperatures within the various sections of the
were exempt. Having the master thermostatic
water heater can vary depending on the heat
mixing valve also satisfies the code requirement
source and using the water heater thermostat to
that the temperature of water discharging into a
control the outlet water temperature is never the
bathtub should not exceed 49 °C (120 °F).
right solution. In spite of all the technological
As with any change, there were concerns from
advancements, there are limits to precise water
people in our industry about this update to the
temperature control using a thermostat and
code and adoption rates for use of TMVs was
this lack of precision can lead to serious safety
slow in provinces where it was not mandatory
implications. Water heated to 50 °C (122 °F)
as they bring an added cost to the end-user.
takes five minutes to generate a second-degree
However, TMVs bring considerable benefits
the scalding and bacteria issues, a TMV is a safe
burn. Water heated to 60 °C (140 °F) can cause a
both to the public and to the plumbing industry.
and effective way to address numerous safety
second-degree burn in five seconds of exposure. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, several organizations
began
petitioning
issues associated with hot water distribution
BENEFITS
and usage.
plumbing
Young children, the elderly and people with
TMVs provide added convenience for users,
industry associations and government about
disabilities are susceptible to injuries from hot
as raising the temperature of water at the hot
the serious issue of thermal shock injuries.
water scalding and possibly thermal shock.
water heater can provide as much as double
Organizations such as Safe Kids Canada and
Children have skin that is more sensitive than an
the amount of hot water to a residence. In
Too Hot for Tots, not-for-profits dedicated to
adult’s and do not have the wherewithal
promoting children’s safety, raised concerns
to
about the number of children sent to hospital
sources.
not mandatory, the above stated
injuries
benefits provide a considerable
each year with scalding injuries from household
suffered by elderly people include
series of selling points for
water sources. One of the suggested solutions was
scalding, but can also include falls
contractors to use to educate
to institute regulations to lower the temperature
that result from a combination of
of water generated by water heaters.
limited mobility and
the
proposed
solution
hot
water
provinces where the use of TMVs is
output
However,
navigate
Additionally,
could
have led to another problem in that lower water temperatures can result in the growth of bacteria in water heaters — specifically the Legionella bacteria, which can spread to humans when breathed in and which causes Legionnaire’s Disease, a form of bacterial pneumonia that can be fatal.
homeowners
Ensuring the safety of the public in the development and distribution of products and
16
on
the numerous safety benefits provided by the use of a TMV.
practices is the first and foremost concern
attempts to get out of the way of
for our industry. As a result of the concerns
scalding water.
The initial concerns raised by
the
children’s
safety
raised, and to address these issues and
TMVs accurately control the
come to a workable solution, stakeholders
temperature of water leaving the
1990s started an important
from plumbing manufacturers, government,
water
conversation in the plumbing
healthcare and public safety organizations
throughout
convened to determine how best to address the
Because a TMV is a precise control
TMVs has steadily grown across
issue. Over a period of years, numerous studies
device, it ensures uniform control of
the country and with continued
were conducted and two committees were
hot water going into the distribution
convened to review all implications of water
system with no spikes in temperature,
heater regulations and changes to the National
reducing the possibility for over heated
Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC). In 2004,
water reaching a point-of-use device such as a
legislation was passed in Ontario and changes
faucet or shower and endangering anyone. And
to the NPC were implemented in 2010, which
because the mixed temperature at the valve
Rick Proulx is director of sales, Canada, for
have subsequently been revised, ratified and
outlet is precisely controlled, the temperature
Cash Acme/Reliance Worldwide Corporation
adopted by several provinces including B.C.
within the tank can be heated to a minimum
(Canada) Inc. Rick has more than 40 years
Changes to the NPC called for the use of
of 60 °C (140 °F) — a temperature in which
industry experience and is a proponent of safe
individual pressure-balanced or thermostatic
bacteria cannot survive. As it addresses both
hot water delivery.
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
heater
and
the
subsequently
whole
system.
organizations
in
the
late
industry. Since then the use of
education
and
dialogue,
the
plumbing industry can continue to make a difference in the lives of the people it serves. PM
piping/pumps
World’s Longest Floating Bridge Seattle’s Evergreen Point Bridge features fire suppression and rainwater management systems.
C
ompleted in 2016, the new State Route 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge is the longest floating bridge
in the world. Spanning Lake Washington and connecting Seattle on the western side of the lake to Medina on the eastern side, the 7,710-foot-long bridge replaces the previous 7,578-foot bridge, which was the longest floating bridge in the world. Two
important
components
of
the
construction of the bridge were the design and construction of the dry standpipe fire systems and the mechanical wastewater removal system (to remove rainwater from the road surface and filter it before returning it to the lake). Contractors
for
these
systems
needed
grooved pipe couplings, hangers, and other piping products that would meet or exceed the needs of this unique bridge style.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Photo Credit: Breanna Singleton
The new bridge is designed with a wider span to reduce traffic congestion and improve
The fire standpipe is split into two separate
wells built into the bottom deck of the bridge.
safety compared to the former State Route
systems. Each system has two 180PSI 1250
These sump wells are located in the middle of
520 Bridge. The bridge features two standard
GPM vertical turbine fire pumps and motorized
the pontoons, so that the rainwater flows back
travel lanes, as well as an HOV lane, a shared
valves as primary and secondary sources of
into the lake, but is separated from the rest of the
14 footwide bike/pedestrian access path, and
water, ensuring backup in the event of a pump
lake water so that oil from the roadway doesn’t
shoulders of four feet to the inside and 10 feet.
failure. The systems are interconnected with
contaminate the water and can be cleared off of
on the outside. It is also designed to be better
a motorized valve, which is a third source of
the surface of the isolated wells periodically.
resistant to severe storms and earthquakes
water in the extremely unlikely event that
The motion of the bridge from the water was
than the previous one.
the first two sources should fail. All of these
also of concern with the wastewater pipes. Just
The bridge consists of two separate decks:
systems are remotely controlled from the
as with the fire suppression system, lightweight,
an upper deck for traffic and a lower deck
WSDOT monitoring station in Shoreline, WA.
flexible grooved couplings were selected for
for maintenance and operations. The bridge
The
fire
suppression
systems
includes
their ability to handle the pipes’ motion.
features remotely controlled fire protection
approximately 8,000 feet of eight-inch Schedule 40
The hot-dipped zinc galvanized couplings
dry
it
piping, all of which must be joined with appropriate
were sent to a company in Portland, OR for
features a mechanical wastewater removal
pipe couplings that meet the specific needs of the
an epoxy coating. This step was deemed to be
system that handles the removal of rainwater
floating bridge: that is, they need to be flexible so
necessary for ecological reasons by the bridge
from the roadway. Approximately 1.5 miles in
that they can withstand the bridge’s motion.
designers, who feared that the galvanization
standpipes
systems.
In
addition,
length, the bridge is constructed much like
Hanger assemblies were also necessary to
would flake off as a result of being in contact
a viaduct, with a superstructure that rests
suspend the fire system’s dry standpipe from
with water and negatively affect lake ecology.
between 14 and 80 feet above the 23 pontoons,
the underside of the bridge’s upper deck and
In total, the rainwater removal system
the largest of which are 360 feet in length. The
give it the flexibility to move independently of
contains approximately 15,000 feet of pipe,
design and construction of the bridge took
the bridge, which is critical to the pipe’s ability
3,000 pipe couplings, and 1,500 pipe fittings.
approximately four years.
to withstand the motion of the bridge from the
It is located under the bridge’s traffic deck on
water. The couplings and components of the
both sides, and spans the length of the bridge.
hanger assemblies were all hot-dipped zinc
It took approximately 14 months to install, and
galvanized, a critical project requirement.
was completed in March 2016. PM
MECHANICAL WASTEWATER REMOVAL SYSTEM
International, one of the largest and most
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM ENSURES SAFETY Because the bridge is too long to rely exclusively on fire trucks for fire suppression water supply, it requires dry standpipes along
This complete
article
was
submitted
manufacturers
of
by
pipe
Anvil
fittings,
the length of the bridge in order for fire trucks
Rainwater flows off bridge deck into a series of
to access water. Once they arrive, trucks
160 catch basins on the bridge, designed to trap
pipe hangers and piping supports systems.
can access one of the hose stations along
sediment at the bottom. From there, it filters
For more info, contact Rob D Sayers, Anvil
the bridge, drawing up lake water for use in
through Schedule 40 pipe ranging from 10 inches
International, commercial account manager:
fighting fires.
down to 6 inches and ends up in the 44 sump
rsayers@anvilintl.com or Cell-778-227-2364.
WINTER 2017 | PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
17
piping/pumps
Specifying pumps to maximize efficiency BY MARK HANDZEL AND PHIL SEARLE
A
s all segments of the building industry move toward the 2030 goal of net zero energy buildings (buildings that produce
as much renewable energy as they consume on an annual basis), Canada and the United States are building on existing efforts to accelerate clean energy development to address climate change and foster sustainable energy development. In 2016, the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council agreed to take steps to align and improve appliance and equipment efficiency standards by 2020. In January, Canada introduced Amendment 13 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations, which will align the Canadian appliance regulations with U.S. energy conservation standards by 2020. The
In response to industry demand for the most
PLEV load profile is heavily weighted at part load
amendment illustrates Canada’s commitment
efficient pump selection, a new specification
conditions mainly 75 per cent and 50 per cent
to reducing unnecessary regulatory differences
formula called Part Load Efficiency Value (PLEV)
operation. These load profile points alone account
between Canada and the U.S. and improving energy
was developed to help HVAC system designers
for 87 per cent of operating hours. It is important
efficiency standards for consumer and commercial
select pumps that maximize efficiencies while
to note that designers need to be aware that even
products, including clean-water pumps.
reducing energy costs.
though a majority of the building’s operation is 87
Last year, the U.S. Department of Energy issued
PLEV is a calculation that represents the efficiency
the Energy Conservation Standards for Pumps,
of a centrifugal pump at partial flow rates and can
which sets minimum efficiency standards for clean-
be used to gauge true pump performance within a
When combining highly efficient pumps with
water pumps. When the regulations take effect in
hydronics system. It is derived from the Integrated
the PLEV selection criteria, system designers can
2020, only pumps that meet the pump efficiency
Part Load Value (IPLV) performance calculation
maximize operational performance while realizing
index (PEI) rating will be allowed in commerce in
developed by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
energy and cost savings, as well as environmental
the United States.
Institute (AHRI) in AHRI 550/590-1998. The proven
benefits. Ambitious goals for net zero energy
Modern pump designs incorporate cutting-edge
formula describes the equipment efficiency while
buildings along with more stringent pump efficiency
computational fluid dynamics technology to sustain
operating at various capacities of a chiller system
standards are spurring system designers to seek
higher levels of efficiency over a broader range of
and is crucial in supporting energy use and operating
smarter ways to specify pumps. The PLEV selection
operating conditions. Using high-efficiency pumps
costs throughout the lifetime of the system. Due to
criteria and selection software offer them the tools to
with properly applied variable speed controls will
its wide acceptance by chiller manufacturers as a
meet and exceed efficiency requirements. PM
result in significant energy savings for a given
baseline comparison between manufacturers, similar
hydronics system.
correlations can be adopted for centrifugal pumps used in both heating and cooling systems.
NEW TOOLS FOR THE INDUSTRY While
many
manufacturers
offer
online
the 100 percent full-load condition.
Mark Handzel is vice president, product regulatory
affairs
and
director,
HVAC
commercial buildings, Bell & Gossett, a Xylem
PLEV
brand. Phil Searle is the market development
specification of pumps for HVAC systems to help
When using PLEV for pump specification, it’s
manager — building services, HVAC, Xylem
achieve goals related to energy consumption,
crucial for system designers to choose pumps
Applied Water Systems, a division of Xylem.
efficiency and system costs, designers typically do
that operate at the highest efficiencies across the
not apply load profiles to pumps as part of their
largest segment of the pump curve. Using high-
selection process, resulting in systems that are not
efficiency pumps with properly applied variable
fully optimized for efficiency.
speed controls will result in significant energy
General industry practice has been to make
18
per cent part load, pumps still need to operate at
savings for a given hydronics system.
pump selections based on a system’s design load,
PLEV also can be used to accurately compare
or the maximum capacity of the system, even
pumps from different manufacturers to identify
though centrifugal pumps installed in HVAC
overall operational efficiency. The 30 per cent of
systems operate a majority of the time at part-load
TDH, or calculated minimum control head within
conditions. Flow requirements fluctuate constantly
the equipment schedule along with specifications,
throughout the year based on the heating or cooling
will ensure a fair comparison among manufacturers.
load of a building at any given time. However, with
PLEV provides system designers more latitude
the traditional pump selection approach, pumps
in selecting pumps slightly to the right of BEP, as
were selected at 100 per cent load conditions, even
long as a detailed system head loss is calculated.
though the system generally operates at that level
Pump selections to the right of BEP may have a
during only one per cent of its yearly operation.
higher PLEV than other selections because the
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
THE PLEV EQUATION IS AS FOLLOWS: PLEVv = __________1___________ 1% + 42% + 45% + 12% ABCD A, B, C and D are the pump efficiency values at 100 per cent, 75 per cent, 50 per cent and 25 per cent of flow rate and at the corresponding head value on the control curve. Based on the equation, during any given year the pump will operate at 100 per cent flow (duty point) only 1 per cent of the year; 75 per cent flow 42 per cent of the year; 50 per cent flow 45 per cent of the year and 25 per cent flow 12 per cent of the year.
toolbox
CHILLER The Daikin Pathfinder AWV air-cooled screw chiller features an industryfirst Variable Volume Ratio (VVR) technology which allows the chiller’s compressor to adjust its own internal compression ratio as water and air
PEXGUN
temperatures fluctuate.
Pexology’s PEXGUN is an automatic, lightweight and compact handheld tool that attaches PEX pipe to rebar or wire mesh in less than one second. Ideal for use in radiant heating and cooling, and snow and ice melt applications, the PEXGUN facilitates affixations that are three times faster than plastic staples, and five times faster than zip ties.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION TABLE Altac Interative’s DCT is a rugged, 50 inch touch-screen computer that lets you edit and store all of your project-related documents electronically. It is also tough enough for any jobsite. The DCT is progressive, rugged and easy to use. The DCT uses cutting-
SELF CLEANING TOILET
edge interactive touch-screen technology to streamline communications,
American Standard’s ActiClean self-cleaning toilet cleans itself, combining
procedures and policies, thereby increasing efficiencies in time and
the power of revolutionary VorMax flushing technology — which delivers
cost while cutting back on and even eliminating paper waste. The DCT
the cleanest flush ever engineered — with a fully integrated self-cleaning
applies familiar computer technology coupled with the industry’s need
system. Simply press a button, walk away, and let the toilet do the rest.
for durability, quality, and easy manipulation and sending of digital files.
WINTER 2017 | PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
19
association corner
3
4
1
5
2
6
BUYER'S GUIDE 2016 ADDENDUM GAS CONTRACTOR
HVAC CONTRACTOR
Dual Mechanical Ltd.
Vanguard Mechanical Ltd.
208 - 19232 Enterprise Way Surrey, BC V3S 6J9 Phone: 604-576-2739 Fax: 604-576-4739 Website: www.dualmechanical.com Email: Jason@dualmechanical.com
#6, 11435 – 201A Street Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0Y3 Phone: 604-465-0132 Fax: 604-465-0133 Website: www.vanguardmechanical.net
Contact: Jason Collett
Email: jacob@vanguardmechanical.net
1. $2,325 was raised by the MCABC Island Golf Tournament held at the Victoria’s Olympic View Golf Course for the BC Cancer Foundation. Left to right: Dana Taylor (MCABC), Cynthia Durand-Smith (BC Cancer Foundation), Debbie Greenway (BC Cancer Foundation), and Russ Hepworth (Tech Mechanical Systems). 2. A festive good time was had by attendees of MCABC’s 2016 Holiday Open House December 2016. Pictured, clockwise (left to right): Abigail Thom and Susan Pospisil of Turner Construction; and Richard McLatchie, Lockerbie & Hole Contracting.
Contact: Jacob Kuehne
3. Grant Harris, Viaduct Sheet Metal (left), chats with Liam Kelly, William Kelly & MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR
Sons Plumbing Contractors (1989) Ltd, at the MCABC Holiday Open House.
Dual Mechanical Ltd.
Dual Mechanical Ltd.
208 - 19232 Enterprise Way Surrey, BC V3S 6J9 Phone: 604-576-2739 Fax: 604-576-4739 Website: www.dualmechanical.com Email: Jason@dualmechanical.com
208 - 19232 Enterprise Way Surrey, BC V3S 6J9 Phone: 604-576-2739 Fax: 604-576-4739 Website: www.dualmechanical.com Email: Jason@dualmechanical.com
4. MCABC executive vice president Dana Taylor, left, presents a cheque
Vanguard Mechanical Ltd.
Vanguard Mechanical Ltd.
5. MCABC’s Texas Hold’Em Poker Tourney, held on November 2016, saw
#6, 11435 – 201A Street Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0Y3 Phone: 604-465-0132 Fax: 604-465-0133 Website: www.vanguardmechanical.net
#6, 11435 – 201A Street Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0Y3 Phone: 604-465-0132 Fax: 604-465-0133 Website: www.vanguardmechanical.net
Email: jacob@vanguardmechanical.net
Email: jacob@vanguardmechanical.net
Contact: Jason Collett
Contact: Jacob Kuehne
20
PLUMBING CONTRACTOR
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
Contact: Jason Collett
Contact: Jacob Kuehne
for $4,912 to Jennifer Wong of Crohn’s & Colitis Canada. Funds were raised through the generous contributions of MCABC members and friends at the 2016 Holiday Open House. The funds will go to research into these chronic inflammatory bowel diseases that affect one in every 150 Canadians.
fortunes made and lost. Juanita Lo (centre), Fred Welsh Ltd., was the first place winner! 6. Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation received $3,120, raised by the MCABC & ECABC Joint Prince George Golf Tournament. L-R: Judy Neiser (SOTNHF), Merv Harvey (Bartle & Gibson), Chad Kinsley (R.H. Jones & Son), Karen Emerson (Westcana), and Darcy Bryant (Bryant Electric).
association corner
Members Corner Lindsay
Brooks,
commercial
market
Dobbin
BC
offers
top
quality
commercial
years with the company. Dinos started with Division
manager/account manager business development
plumbing
Chicago
15 as a project manager and has been the operations
with Universal Supply Co. Ltd, is recognized
Faucet, Elkay, Lawler, Guardian and McGuire.
manager for the past two years and head of the district
for 30 successful years with the company. Lindsay
For more information, please contact Rob at
energy department. He has 20 years of international
became
rbennett@dobbinsales.com
experience in the mechanical industry and holds a
Universal’s
business
development
products
from:
Sloan,
or
604-454-4378.
manager about four years ago and now mentors
master’s degree in business administration. the
GeoScan Subsurface Survey Inc.’s Health
relationships with builders, manufacturers and
appointments of Lawrence Corso and Sean
and Safety Program is now COR certified by the BC
local agents and has become the driving force of
Hutmacher
joins
Construction Safety Association. Managers worked
the company.
ECCO Heating Products Ltd. as director of
hard over the past year to ensure the company met
A positive attitude is Lindsay’s key to success
procurement and marketing. His professional
all requirements. These include monthly safety
in the industry, according to Universal Supply’s
knowledge and more than 20 years of experience
meetings, continuous updates to employee health
director David Reed. “We started him with a broom
will serve ECCO well as he takes the reigns of
and safety training and writing and adhering to
in hand and after doing every warehouse and
buying and marketing initiatives.
safe work practices specific to concrete scanning,
its young salespeople. He has built strong
The
ECCO as
Group directors.
announces Lawrence
counter job, we gave him a set of car keys and sent
Sean has been appointed director of ECCO
him out into the wild world of plumbing sales,”
Supply’s sales branch operations, bringing more
David remembers. “As things turned out, Lindsay
than 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry.
became not only our top sales representative, he
He possesses technical knowledge of most of
is still one of the top producers in our industry
ECCO Supply’s product offering residentially and
today.” Congratulations Lindsay!
commercially while bringing with him expertise in several potential growth segments. His knowledge,
The annual Viaduct Charity Poker Night
experience and attitude will serve him well as
brought out 57 players January 13, 2017 to enjoy
he takes the reigns of ECCO’s sales branches,
a fun night for a good cause and raised $5,920 for
providing them with clear direction and focus in
the Langley Forest Preschool. Chris Ceraldi, CEO
achieving their growth initiatives.
of Aarc-West Mechanical Insulation, was the Dinos Hadjiloizou has been appointed general
big poker winner of the night. The tournament itself raised $1,960 for the
manager of Division 15 Mechanical Ltd. after 10
concrete coring and utility locating.
UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 31 & APRIL 1 Business Management 1 & 2 MCABC Classroom, Burnaby APRIL 22 & 23 Estimating 201 MCABC Classroom, Burnaby MAY 4 TO 6 MCABC & MCAAB Joint Conference Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Spa, Victoria
charity which was promptly and graciously matched
by
Brian
Bradshaw
of
Altac
Services. Later, Andrew Welsh of Fred Welsh Mechanical and Mark Halvorsen of Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd. each generously contributed an additional $1,000. Funds go to Langley Forest Preschool, the first of its kind in the Fraser Valley offering full immersion outdoor education in all weather. The unique preschool seeks to build a relationship between its young students and the natural environment. Driving Force has opened a new branch at 2685 Gilmore Avenue in Burnaby, B.C. In addition
t:604.942.0012
to the Burnaby location, branch manager Adrian Wyant will also oversee the Langley location at 9522 – 200 Street. Adrian is welcomed from Klondike Motors Inc. in Whitehorse, Yukon and has 20 years of retail automotive experience. Adrian takes over from Harvey Carr, a Driving Force veteran of 31 years. Harvey takes the role of area manager for locations in Mississauga, Guelph and Richmond Hill, Ontario in April 2017. 2016 GOLD WINNER MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR
2016 SILVER WINNER MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR
2016 MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Dobbin Sales B.C. announces the addition of Rod Bennett to the sales team. Rod will be working with architects, engineers, contractors and wholesalers in Vancouver’s Lower
Mainland
and
Vancouver
www.div15mechanical.com 604‐214‐8730
Advanced Mechanical Solutions
Island.
WINTER 2017 | PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
21
safey scene
The Many Paths to an NCSO Designation BY JACKIE BROWN
L
eah-Ann* has a construction safety specialist
Derrick is an NCSO in Manitoba who has just
“We had credentials that often differed in name
(CSS) designation from the BC Construction
accepted a job with a B.C. company. He’s looking
only but managed to keep both employers and safety
Safety Association (BCCSA), but has decided
forward to starting his safety career on the West Coast.
professionals from making choices in the best interests
to apply for the National Construction Safety Officer
Derrick has learned that, for his NCSO certificate
of their companies and careers,” says McKenna. “Now,
(NCSO) designation. She wants to be able to work as a
to be recognized in B.C., he will need to take some
instead of confusion and barriers, we have a designation
safety officer in different parts of Canada and the NCSO
jurisdiction-specific training that includes a course on
that will provide standardization, stability, mobility
will allow her to do just that. As a CSS holder, she has
B.C. construction safety legislation and administration
and, most importantly, will enhance workplace safety.
already done the majority of training required to earn
(which will be of particular importance in his new
We encourage everyone — from current CSS and CSO
the designation — all that’s left is for her to complete
job) and fall protection. Derrick is pleased that his
holders to those looking to build a career as a safety
three additional courses and pass the provincial and
Manitoba credentials are recognized and knows the
professional — to consider the NCSO.”
national exams. What’s more, her application in the
transition to B.C. will be smooth.
program will be prioritized.
22
Although the NCSO is considered to be an entry-
Each of these scenarios illustrates why the buzz
level designation, this should not be construed as
Ian has been working as a CSO ever since he
around the NCSO designation is getting louder.
“less than,” says Urvi Ramsoondar, BCCSA assistant
completed the training program at BCIT in 2012.
This “new kid on the safety credentials block” offers
director of operations. “Throughout the development
He’s heard lots of good things about the designation
increased mobility and job opportunities for safety
of this designation, the focus was on ensuring that it
but isn’t sure whether he is ready for this “next step”
professionals; opens the door for smaller employers
be credible and respected in the field. After all, we’re
or will be able to manage the workload. It will be a
especially to hire a safety officer; and as more sign on
talking about maintaining safe jobsites in a very
challenge, but Ian will receive equivalency for some
to take advantage of the benefits, will help increase
dangerous industry.”
of his CSO course work. His construction experience
the pool of safety professionals industry wide, filling
and current safety knowledge are sure to help with
an identified gap.
Accordingly, the program’s requirements are comprehensive. Candidates will need at least three
the courses and exams and he can go at his own pace.
The Canadian Federation of Construction
years of hands-on construction industry experience;
And Ian is working for a construction company so he
Safety Associations (CFCSA) approved the NCSO
must complete a suite of course work that includes
qualifies for no-cost training through the BCCSA. He
in the summer of 2016, after many years of
jurisdiction-specific training to ensure sufficient
is more ready for the NCSO than he thinks.
lobbying on the part of BCCSA (one of its biggest
knowledge of provincial H&S rules, regulations
Julie and Mark are co-owners of a small construction
boosters) and other CFCSA members. Designed to
and legislation; must pass both a provincial and
firm in Keremeos. They are very safety conscious and
replace various credentials Canada-wide, here in
national exam and must maintain the designation
their future plans include earning the Certificate of
B.C. it will be offered instead of the Construction
by completing mandatory professional development
Recognition (COR) from BCCSA. They would also like
Safety Specialist, which will be phased out as of
within every three-year cycle.
to hire a full-time safety officer, but up until now this
August 31, 2017.
has been a challenge in terms of affordability. Now that
For BCCSA executive director Mike McKenna,
the NCSO is here, their options have opened up. Not
whose organization began offering the NCSO
only will a holder of this entry-level H&S designation
in January, perhaps the best thing about the
be a perfect fit in terms of their safety officer needs but
designation is an end to what he calls an “alphabet
he or she will also be able to serve as the COR internal
soup” of credentials that was acting as a drag on
auditor. Julie and Mark’s safety goals are in reach.
everyone concerned.
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017
“At the end of the day, NCSO holders will have the recognized skills and experience to serve as effective safety officers,” says Ramsoondar. PM Visit bccsa.ca for information on obtaining the NCSO designation or email: ncso@bccsa.ca *Last names have been withheld to protect privacy
2016-2018
MCABC BOARD MEMBERS President Dale Miller Division 15 Mechanical Ltd.
Executive Vice President Dana Taylor
Vice President Richard McLatchie Lockerbie & Hole Contracting Limited
Vice President Brian Bradshaw Altac Services Inc.
Vice President Mike Ohlmann Fred Welsh Ltd.
Secretary Treasurer / Past President Wayne Davidson Davidson Bros Mechanical Contractors
Associates Chairman Mark Humphrey Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd.
Associates Vice-Chairman John Fu Noble BC
Director Brad Haysom Tight5 Insulation Contracting Ltd.
Director Henry DeJong ESC Automation Inc
Director Chad Kinsley R.H. Jones and Son Mechanical
Director Stuart Morrison Northland Mechanical Contracting Ltd.
Director Dan Taillefer Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd.
Director Len Voon Aarc-West Mechanical Insulation (2013) Inc.
Director Andrew Wong Alpha Mechanical Contracting Ltd.
MIRA Rep Mike Vesterback National Hydronics Group
IMIRA Rep Dave Erb Erb Technical Contracting (Victoria)
B:8.75” T:8.5” S:8.25”
HVAC HVACDesign Designhas has Changed Forever Changed Forever
ANNOUNCING THE WORLD’S FIRST WATER-SOURCE, 575V VRF SYSTEM ANNOUNCING THEMODULAR WORLD’S FIRST WATER-SOURCE, MODULAR 575V VRF SYSTEM
Whether for new buildings or for retrofits, our new water-source, 2-pipe VRF system less than 4-pipe Whether for new buildings or foruses retrofi ts,materials our new watersystems and VRF has asystem significantly lower maintenance cost. source, 2-pipe uses less materials than 4-pipe Best ofand all, has it’s 575V, socantly no transformer is needed.cost. systems a signifi lower maintenance Best all, it’s 575V, so no transformer needed.there is no Andofbecause it’s modular and installedisindoors, need for cranes or heavyand equipment. fact, our newis575V And because it’s modular installed In indoors, there no VRFfor system is or so heavy compact it is easierIntofact, incorporate need cranes equipment. our new into 575V anysystem design,is plus it is lessitexpensive toincorporate install and maintain. VRF so compact is easier to into any design, plus it is less expensive to install and maintain. Mitsubishi Electric’s new water-source,
575V VRF Electric’s system is new a game changer. Mitsubishi water-source, 575V VRF system is a game changer.
MULTIPLE SPLIT-TYPE MULTIPLE SPLIT-TYPEVRF VRFSYSTEMS SYSTEMS For more information: CityMulti.ca
For more information: CityMulti.ca