Report from our Sub-Councils: Q4 2022

February 7, 2023 admin Sub-councils

Our sub-councils continue to discuss the issues of importance to Alberta’s safety codes system. Here’s the Sub-Council Report for Q4, 2022.

Electrical Sub-Council

Reviewed draft content for a proposed STANDATA regarding energy storage systems under CE Code Section 64.
Moved to support issuance of the Shipping Containers STANDATA as a joint STANDATA, focused on addressing the use of shipping containers as buildings and when they would be subject to the building and fire codes.
Moved to develop a code change request that closes the gap regarding support of Class 1 and Class 2 circuits in regards to non-metallic outer jacket cables.
Submitted a code change proposal to CSA to address color coding of conductors.

Elevators Sub-Council

Moved to form a working group to review the next edition of the CSA B44 after it is published.
Discussed the SCO Curriculum Modernization project and the potential to include QEI certification in Level 1 Elevator SCO requirements.

Building Sub-Council

Reviewed proposed changes to the National Building Code (Alberta Edition) and provided comments to Municipal Affairs for consideration for the next edition.
Moved to support issuance of STANDATAs; Occupant Load, Engineer Authentication for the Qualification of Structural Steel Fabricators, and Elevator and Passenger-Elevating Devices
Moved to form a working group to review alternative solutions being used in other jurisdictions and the alternative solution process being used in Alberta regarding small-scale distilleries, with participation from the craft distilling industry.
Discussed changes to testing procedures for air conditioning efficiency and the impact this may have on the building code.

Electrical Utilities Sub-Council

Moved to created two working groups to begin review of potential code changes to the next edition of the Alberta Electrical Utility Code.
Discussed a request for input regarding the need for increased service sizes in new developments.

Private Sewage Sub-Council

Discussed a request from the Private Sewage Disposal Systems Administrator to develop guidance on determining the qualifications of individuals to work on complex systems.

Pressure Equipment Sub-Council

Received a presentation about hydrogen, including high-level information about replacing natural gas with hydrogen, storage options, permeability and leakage, compression, piping, embrittlement, and various Albertan initiatives.
Review has begun of AB-513 and AB-526
Provided input to ABSA on their Regulatory Information for Power Engineers seminar and educational opportunities in general.

Amusement Rides Sub-Council

Discussed the Portable Rides Operators industry segment on the sub-council matrix.
Received updates from AEDARSA about the amusement rides operating season.

Fire Sub-Council

Review has begun of all current STANDATA for alignment to the upcoming National Fire Code (Alberta Edition) as well as any other updates that should be considered.
Moved to support a language change to code clause 6.9.1.1. to align with current terminology.
Moved to form a joint working group with BSC to review alternative solutions being used in other jurisdictions and the alternative solution process being used in Alberta regarding small-scale distilleries, with participation from the craft distilling industry.

Plumbing Sub-Council

Moved to support adoption of the National Plumbing Code 2020 as written.
Moved to support reissuance of several STANDATA with updates to align with the new edition of the National Plumbing Code and other updates.
Reviewed the draft Shipping Containers STANDATA for issuance as a joint STANDATA that includes the plumbing discipline.

Gas Sub-Council

Moved to support issuance of the Fuel Gas Pressure Piping in Plants STANDATA.
Discussed the provisions regarding roof access to equipment in the building code and the gas code.
The sub-council heard information about a CSA statement on the use of hydrogen in CSA-certified gas appliances.