Mcabc

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

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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

MCABC Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine is published three times a year by MediaEDGE Communications Inc.

Profile

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

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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.

MIRA Rep Mike Vesterback National Hydronics Group IMIRA Rep Dave Erb Erb Technical Contracting (Victoria)

6

PLUMBING & MECHANICAL | WINTER 2017

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 Director Andrew Wong Alpha Mechanical Contracting Ltd.

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

MCABC

and

MSCBC

have

been

in

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

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.

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

8

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

from plumbing manufacturers, government,

water

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

1990s started an important conversation in the plumbing 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

systems are remotely controlled from the

as with the fire suppression system, lightweight,

WSDOT monitoring station in Shoreline, WA.

flexible grooved couplings were selected for

The bridge consists of two separate decks: an upper deck for traffic and a lower deck 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

a viaduct, with a superstructure that rests

suspend the fire system’s dry standpipe from

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

would flake off as a result of being in contact with water and negatively affect lake ecology.

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

18

PLEV When using PLEV for pump specification, it’s

achieve goals related to energy consumption,

crucial for system designers to choose pumps

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 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 100 percent full-load condition.

Mark Handzel is vice president, product regulatory

affairs

and

director,

HVAC

commercial buildings, Bell & Gossett, a Xylem

specification of pumps for HVAC systems to help

General industry practice has been to make

per cent part load, pumps still need to operate at

brand. Phil Searle is the market development manager — building services, HVAC, Xylem Applied Water Systems, a division of Xylem.

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

years with the company. Dinos started with Division

commercial

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

concrete coring and utility locating.

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 31 & APRIL 1 Business Management 1 & 2 MCABC Classroom, Burnaby

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.

APRIL 22 & 23 Estimating 201 MCABC Classroom, Burnaby MAY 4 TO 6 MCABC & MCAAB Joint Conference Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Spa, Victoria

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

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

Island.

www.div15mechanical.com 604‐214‐8730

Advanced Mechanical Solutions

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