The BCICA QAC: A quality assurance program for mechanical insulation applications

The BCICA QAC

A quality assurance program for mechanical insulation applications

The BC Insulation Contractors Association (BCICA) is pleased to announce the availability of a Quality Assurance Certificate (QAC) program for new and retrofit mechanical insulation projects throughout B.C.

Under the QAC program, available only through BCICA members, the mechanical insulation contractor who is the successful bidder on a project registers the project with the BCICA, which then assigns an independent third-party certified insulation inspector (CII), to oversee the work.

In order to achieve CII recognition, individuals must complete a specialized mechanical insulation inspector-training program through the B.C. Institute of Technology (BCIT). Once the courses have been completed successfully, CII’s then apply to BCICA for consideration as a “designated” inspector, able to inspect QAC work on behalf of the association.

BCICA partnered with BCIT to develop the Mechanical Insulation (MI) inspection courses. All courses, except one, are available online. The final bring learning to LIFE www.chparchitects.com 604-793-9445 course requires a hands-on practicum at BCIT. The courses were developed by BCICA in conjunction with BCIT and are designed to prepare competent individuals to provide inspection services for mechanical insulation work performed in the commercial, industrial, institutional, multi-residential, and marine industries.

In order to complete the designation process, CII’s must also attend a one-day inspector-training course and exam facilated by BCICA staff. The seminar focuses on the logistics and the inner workings of the QAC program. After successful completion of the QAC proprietary training course, an application for “designated” inspector is presented to the BCICA

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approved, designated inspectors will be assigned QAC work and will be responsible for ensuring the QAC work complies with the project specifications.

The QAC process means that the CII must perform a pre-construction meeting with the insulation contractor, a series of site inspections (the number of which is determined by the size of the project), and a final inspection and report. All reports are submitted to the BCICA office with copies distributed to all the stakeholders—insulation contractor, mechanical contractor, and engineering firm.

Further support for quality assurance comes in the form of the Quality Standards for Mechanical Insulation Manual, published by the BCICA. The manual contains detailed information on MI installation best practices, as well as a list of ASTM and CAN/ ULC Standards applicable to all MI materials accepted for use in the QAC program. The manual is a resource freely available to specification writers that support mechanical insulation contractors whose work is not compromised by the culture of value engineering.

The manual, as well as an independent, properly trained, independent third-party inspector, working to a defined, reviewable standard of quality by which they can enforce quality stan-

Some things are better kept hot.

You can relax now. The BCICA Quality Assurance Certificate has you covered; the very best materials, Red Seal certified installations, purpose-trained independent inspectors. Only a BCICA member can offer you this comfort. For new construction or retrofits, ask for the QAC on all your mechanical insulation projects.

Br itis h Columbia Insulation Contractors Associ ati on

Find out more.

www.bcica.org

604.438.6616 brian.bcica@telus.net

dards, ensures that the work is done to specification. It provides the mechanical engineer and the owner with the peace of mind that the work, as well as the materials used in the application process, meet specification.

With the number of checks and balances for quality assurance clearly defined by the QAC, it is understandable that one of the largest mechanical engineering firms in B.C., Integral Group, has endorsed the QAC program by including it in its master specification.

And finally, and perhaps one of the most important questions that should

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be asked when considering a QAC for any project, what if the QAC has been specified and a dispute arises? BCICA has met that challenge head on by requiring all its contractor members to be bonded. BCICA holds surety bonds on all contractor members as a continuing requirement of membership. This will ensure that all parties will work diligently to resolve any workmanship and/ or material deficiencies promptly. Only BCICA has this membership requirement and that is why only BCICA members can provide a quality assurance certificate. b