Ops Talk Magazine Fall 2019 by DEL Communications Inc.

Covering all aspects of educational facilities and operations.

Talk

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Fall 2019

Building child care with the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund Getting a district back on track after fire burns down Kamloops school w ww

m .efmabc.co

Feasibility study lays out issues and economics for electric school buses

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In this issue Message from the president of EFMA, Rick Delorme................................................. 8 2019-2020 EFMA executive members................................................................................ 10

Published by:

Message from the Minister of Education, Rob Fleming............................................ 12

Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road

EFMA member profile on Calvin Morven..........................................................................14

www.delcommunications.com

Building child care with the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund.............................. 16

DEL Communications Inc. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0G5

President / Publisher David Langstaff

EFMA BC 2019 Conference in review...................................................................................18

Managing Editor

Directors Workshop 2020........................................................................................................... 20

shayna@delcommunications.com

School on fire: Getting a district back on track..............................................................22

Dayna Oulion

First electric school bus envisioned: Feasibility study lays out issues and economics.......................................................... 24 Long-term roof protection: Maximize roof life. Delay replacement................. 26 UV light filtration in HVAC systems....................................................................................... 28 Due diligence & BC Fire Code: Responsibilities and inspections...................... 30 Frequency changes to all wireless mic systems in the 600Mhz range in Canada................................................................32 Dyson launches the Airblade 9KJ Hand Dryer............................................................. 36 Does your facility’s DHW heating measure up?........................................................... 38 Lead in drinking water: Filtration as a fix........................................................................... 42 Why conduct a facility condition assessment?............................................................. 44 Burnaby School Board implements a lighting system that’s great for energy management and learning..................................................... 46 Thoughts on: Work........................................................................................................................... 49 Index to advertisers.......................................................................................................................... 50

Shayna Wiwierski

Advertising Sales Manager Toll Free: 1.866.424.6398 Advertising Sales Gary Barrington | Jennifer Hebert Dan Roberts | Gary Seamans Contributing Writers Nicholas Charlton Chuck Morris Gail Sjuberg Production services provided by: S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Art Director Kathy Cable Layout Dave Bamburak Copyright 2019. EFMA. All rights reserved.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.

ON THE COVER At one time throughout the province, if you went to school you may have attended a one- or two-room schoolhouse. This is the restored schoolhouse in Barkerville, B.C. and a great example of an old historical building used for education. Many of us know of other single- or two-room schoolhouses. 150 Mile House has one near the highway, and Victoria and Saanich have good restored examples. If you know of any, please send an email to chuckmorris@telus.net.

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF EFMA

Rick Delorme As we start another year, I would like to

ing times in my career, and EFMA has been

thank the membership for giving me the

a big part of that.

opportunity to be president of EFMA.

This association is all about its mem-

EFMA is an association of hardworking,

bership and support of each other. When

dedicated, and highly skilled professionals

I started in the school district, EFMA was

whose sole purpose is to make educational

there to support me and help guide me

facilities efficient, safe, and fun. The amount

as my learning curve was straight up. The

of knowledge and expertise within our as-

interaction with other members and the

sociation is outstanding and the sharing of

Ministry of Education has been a key to my

that knowledge is a big part of what this

success. I encourage every member to get

organization is all about. My career has taken many turns as I have been in maintenance for over 39 years and have been working for School District #42 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows as the director of maintenance for the last 13. I originally came from private industry starting in pulp and paper as an instrument mechanic. I then moved to the petrochemical industry where I was an instrument/electrical technician, then as a coordinator. Following that, I worked as an electronic technologist for a large grain terminal before moving back to pulp and paper as an instrumentation foreman and then became

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

involved in the association, the zone meetings, the conference, the executive, and the professional development sessions we put on. We now have over 39 new members and it is important that we support them in their new roles. This year’s theme for the conference is “Pride and Excellence – Raising the Bar”. I believe this theme represents what our members are all about. We take pride in our work, we strive to excel, and we are continuously looking for a better way to do things. We recently finished a new elementary school in our district, and as I watched

the instrument-electrical superintendent. I

the students and staff enter the building for

then took on the role of maintenance su-

the first time I was overwhelmed by the ex-

perintendent-project manager for a large

citement and positive comments. It made

wood manufacturing company for 10 years

the long days and hard work all worthwhile.

in three different mills, the last being a to-

It is a beautiful facility and I don’t know how

tal rebuild. If someone had told me when I

I will top it, but I will try.

graduated from college that I would even-

I look forward to working with you all in

tually be working in a school district I would

the coming months, and remember, this as-

not have believed it. In saying that, I have

sociation is for you, so please get involved

to say that these last 13 years have been

and let us know what you need and how

some of the most rewarding and challeng-

we can help you. n

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2019 – 2020 EFMA EXECUTIVE MEMBERS President: Rick Delorme Tel: 604-466-6154 SD #42 Maple Ridge Email: rdelorme@sd42.ca Vice-President: Chuck Morris Tel: 250-920-3401 SD #61 Victoria Email: cmorris@sd61.bc.ca Past President: Heather Simm Tel: 250-365-8331 ext. 801 SD #20 Kootenay-Columbia Email: hsimm@sd20.bc.ca Secretary-Treasurer: Archie Stogianos Tel: 250-549-9210 SD #22 Vernon Email: astogianos@sd22.bc.ca

Directors

Certification/Education Director: Travis Elwood SD #82 Coast Mountain Conference Director: Harry Kumar SD #37 Delta Glen O’Keefe SD #62 Sooke Certification/Education Director: Alex Telford SD #27 Cariboo-Chilcotin Executive Director: Glenn Miller 43 Newcastle Court Secretary: Molly Shipowich PO Box 19032

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

Tel: 250-638-4405 Email: travis.elwood@cmsd.bc.ca Tel: 604-952-5224 Email: hakumar@deltasd.bc.ca Tel: 250-474-9840 Email: gokeefe@sd62.bc.ca Tel: 250-398-3875 Email: alex.telford@sd27.bc.ca Tel: 250-516-9696 Email: exec.dir@telus.net Tel: 604-943-3314 Email: society@telus.net

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MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Rob Fleming Welcome to the new school year; I hope

Facility Grant by $5 million in 2018 – the

you enjoyed a safe and restful summer,

first increase since 2004.

and are looking forward to another year

We will continue to invest in new schools,

of supporting B.C.’s schools and students.

expansions, seismic upgrades, property

It’s a great time to be a part of B.C.’s edu-

purchases for future schools, and mainte-

cation system, with an additional $1 billion

nance through our three-year $2.7-billion

invested in the system now to support stu-

capital budget. This is the largest capital

dents than there was just three years ago.

plan for education in our province’s histo-

This year, many of you will have con-

ry, and it puts us on a path to deliver bet-

struction projects underway in your school districts thanks to $1.6 billion in approved school capital projects to ensure students, staff, and teachers learn and work in safe, modern, and comfortable environments. This includes a total of 24 projects that will bring 10,000 new student spaces to fast-growing B.C. communities to help get students out of portables and into proper classrooms as quickly as possible. With strong partnerships at the school district level, we’ve been able to approve seismic upgrade projects at twice the rate of the previous government, funding 39 projects that will make more than 23,000 student seats safer in the event of an earthquake. We have relieved the fundraising burden on parents and are investing in the health and well-being of students with the new annual $5 million Playground Equipment Program, funding 101 new playgrounds to

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

ter education to B.C. students. Students should not have to miss school, extracurricular, sports, or social activities simply because they can’t afford or don’t have access to menstrual products. Under a ministerial order that was amended in April 2019, all B.C. public schools will be required to provide free menstrual products for students in school washrooms by the end of 2019. This is a common-sense step forward that is, frankly, long overdue. We’ve invested $300,000 in start-up funding to support districts as they implement this change in schools, and will continue to work with school districts to make sure students get the access they need. We know there is much more to be done, and we are committed to continue working to give students the world-class education they deserve. As professionals responsible for building and maintaining B.C.’s schools, I invite your feedback and

date. We will continue to invest in mainte-

perspective on how we can work together

nance programs like the School Enhance-

to deliver a better K-12 education system

ment Program, the Carbon Neutral Capi-

for everyone.

tal Program, the Bus Acquisition Program

I wish you all the best for the year ahead.

and the Building Envelope Program, and

I look forward to another year of working

I encourage you to continue to use these

hard to make improvements in our educa-

funding sources to improve your facilities

tion system to support all students as they

this year. We also increased the Annual

strive to reach their goals. n

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EFMA MEMBER PROFILE

Making a difference up north EFMA member profile on Calvin Morven By Shayna Wiwierski It isn’t easy running schools in Northern B.C., but Cal-

After moving back to B.C. a number of years later, the

vin Morven loves the job so much, he’s been there for

school district was looking to hire for his position, and

22 years.

the rest, as they say, is history.

Morven is the director of operations for School Dis-

Although Morven does a number of different jobs

trict #92 (Nisga’a). Located 100 kilometres north of

in his position, one of the achievements he is most

Terrace, B.C., the district is small with only four schools

proud of is upgrading the heating and lighting systems

and is the only Aboriginal provincial school district

through the BC Hydro Power Smart program in their

in Canada. As part of his job, Morven is in charge of

facilities. Because of that, he received the BC Hydro

transportation, maintenance, custodial, housing, and

Power Smart Excellence Award for overall energy sav-

health and safety.

ing in 2003/2004.

The 66-year-old was born in Prince Rupert and grad-

“Our electricity is our only source of energy, so when

uated in Surrey, B.C. where he went into carpentry. Af-

I completed the project, our overall electrical usage

ter getting his carpenter journeyman certification, he

decreased by 27 per cent annually,” says Morven. “I

went on to get his plumbing and gas fitting certifica-

landed way up on the top with other organizations

tion in Alberta where he ran his own small business.

whose savings were in the millions. Our percentages

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

were just as high as theirs as far as savings go, so I won

tions are an added cost to contractors whenever they

that award in terms of excellence for energy savings.”

do projects for the school district.

Morven has also done a number of other changes in

Morven has been a member of EFMA for 21 years

the school district. A few years ago, he created a plan

and became a member practically right after landing

to improve the ventilation and heating systems in all

his position. He says that the association is one of his

school buildings with new efficient boiler installations in two of the schools. He then continued to find ways to improve energy use in schools and got two new biomass boilers approved, which will be completed this year. In terms of transportation, Morven has moved the department fleet towards more energy-efficient buses and vehicles as part of the BC Carbon Offset Program. Since School District #92 is so rural, to bring in propane by transport would be too expensive, so electric-

main resources in terms of education and the areas of work he gets to do. Aside from work, Morven is married with three children and has three grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, connecting with nature, and curling. He says he’s also one of the leaders in the community, so he likes to connect with other residents and make an impact on their lives as well.

ity is their only source of heating. Morven says that

“I involve myself in community things,” he says.

their location is also hard to get contractors to bid on

“What I’m into now is healthy living styles with people,

tenders for projects, and because the closest town is

especially with our youth. [I enjoy] guiding them on

Terrace, which is where the hotels are, accommoda-

healthy choices in life through cultural connection.” n

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Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 15

Building child care with the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund As we highlighted in the April 2019 edition of Ops Talk, the Government of B.C. is investing $1.3 billion over the next three years to lay the groundwork for a new universal child care system for B.C. families. The goal is to provide affordable, quality child care that is available to every family that wants or needs it. What’s new? Government listened to your feedback, and we relaunched the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund on July 15, 2019 with new funding maximums. We now offer up to $3 million per facility for public sector applicants, including school districts. The Childcare BC New Spaces Fund is providing $221 million to support government’s goal of supporting the creation of 22,000 new licensed child care spaces in B.C. by 2021. Public sector partners are critical to reaching this ambitious goal. Adding child care on school grounds provides a safe, convenient location for families who may need to also drop off older children, and the green space at schools is especially beneficial in urban locations where land is scarce and prohibitively expensive. School districts can apply to the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund at any time and you can submit your application for funding when your project is ready. A public-sector organization that is directly operating a child care facility – or partnering with a non-profit

organization to run a facility – can apply for up to $3 million per facility in order to create affordable licensed child care spaces for children from birth to age 12. Several school districts have already started building child care centres on school property to meet the need in their communities. Each district uses a different approach depending on their resources, space available, and the costs of construction in their area. Here are three projects that the Ministry of Children and Family Development has funded in the last year, and that we are pleased to showcase.

Cowichan Valley School District 79 • Creating 125 spaces on school grounds at three schools, including: • Three new modular child care centres on elementary school grounds that are scheduled to open starting in January 2020. • These new facilities will house a total of 61 infant-toddler spaces, 10 preschool spaces for children, and 54 out-of-school care spaces. • The district received a total of $2,994,700 through the Province’s Childcare BC New Spaces Fund.

Vancouver Island North School District 85 • Created 12 infant toddler spaces in a renovated portable that was previously used for a Young Parent Program at Port Hardy Secondary School. • Two spaces reserved for the Young Parent Program, and the remaining 10 are for community families. • Awarded $38,415 through the Province’s Childcare BC New Spaces Fund in December 2018, and opened June 2019. • Co-located with Supported Child Development, Infant Development, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and Family Navigator Programs.

Peace River North School District 60 • Creating 61 spaces at the Anne Roberts Young Elementary School Daycare • 12 infant-toddler spaces • 25 spaces for children aged three years to Kindergarten • 24 out of school care spaces • Awarded $1 million through the Province’s Childcare A bird’s eye view of the modular child care centre design for the Cowichan Valley School District 79 projects.

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

BC New Spaces Fund in 2019, and expected to open in July 2020.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play Child Care Centre opened 12 infant and toddler spaces in June 2019 in this renovated portable on the School District #85 Port Hardy Secondary School site.

The Greater Victoria School District #61 has completed their first of 11 modular child care centres at six elementary school sites. The new centre located at Frank Hobbs Elementary School opened 12 three-to-five-year-old child care spaces, as well as 73 outof-school care spaces in October 2019.

Peace River North School District is building on the success of the 37 space child care centre in the Margaret Ma Murray Community School that opened in August 2018.

The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District 42 is about to open the doors to the new Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;esquenela Elementary School Child Care Centre in mid-November 2019. They will be offering 23 out-of-school care spaces, and 20 preschool spaces in a centre inside the school.

Child care project updates

For more information on the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, please visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare/ newspacesfund. n

We are pleased to share an update from the projects we highlighted in the Spring Edition of Ops Talk.

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 17

EFMA BC 2019 Conference in Review By Glenn Miller, Executive Director, EFMA BC

The 2019 EFMA BC conference was held once again in

of the conference were Advanced Project Manage-

the sunny Okanagan city of Penticton and was much

ment (two days), Workplace Incident Investigations

more this year than just an annual general meeting,

Principles and Practices, and Optimizing the Work En-

professional development workshops, and an extraor-

vironment for Complex Learners.

dinary interactive trade show. The conference was

Opening ceremonies on Tuesday evening kicked off

held May 27 to May 31, 2019 and marked the anniver-

the start of the trade show and the beginning of three

sary and celebration of our association’s 55 years of

days of lectures, courses, and presentations. The wide

service.

range of topics covered in the conference program

The conference theme was “Working Together to

were intended to provide something for everyone who

Help Build the Future in Education”. With that in mind

works in facility management, whether you work in

and with 38 new members joining our association in

the K-12 program, post-secondary school system, pri-

the 2018/2019 season, the EFMA executive continues

vate schools, catholic schools, independent schools, or

to support professional development as a major part

First Nations schools in British Columbia.

of our mission and future. The topics at this year’s pro-

One of the sessions that are of great importance to

fessional development sessions on the first two days

our association and fundamental to our success are

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

the zone meetings that happened on the Wednesday

recognize the importance of our partners in educa-

morning. Six zones around the province of British Co-

tion, the Ministry of Education Capital Management

lumbia led by the zone representative who is appoint-

Branch continues to provide our facility managers

ed by the zone members met to discuss the agenda for

with up-to-date information on ministry capital plan-

the upcoming year. Each zone typically meets twice

ning initiatives and programs, as well as information

per year in one of the selected districts within their zone. It is at these local zone meetings that as they say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the rubber hits the roadâ&#x20AC;? and the real productive work is done. Our executive is very grateful to all the presenters, suppliers, and all those who take the time and cost to travel to our zones to keep our members informed and educated on relevant facility management topics. To all the zone representatives in EFMA, thank you for all your time and effort in helping to keep our zones thriving and your colleagues informed. The conference sessions wrapped up Friday afternoon with the always anticipated and well-attended ministry update. When we celebrate our success and

about other government decisions that have implications for education facilities. Our executive is now working on the 2020 conference in Penticton as directors Harry Kumar and Glen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe will put together a program that will surely benefit your school district directors, managers, and supervisors. If you have any questions on becoming an active member of EFMA, please contact myself or Molly Shipowich, our executive assistant, and view our website for details. Hope to see you in Penticton in 2020! n

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 19

Directors Workshop 2020 By Glenn Miller The EFMA executive is pleased to announce that the Directors Workshop 2020 will once again be held in Richmond, B.C. on March 12 & 13, 2020. Thank you to everyone who attended last years workshop for taking the time to let us know what relevant topics, sessions and information would be most helpful to you in your day-to-day work lives in the K-12 program. These workshops are also extremely beneficial and enlightening to managers and supervisors who are interested in becoming a director of facilities in the fu-

ture. An important part of our program is to have representatives of our key partners in education attend and/ or present at the workshop. Chuck Morris, Molly Shipowich, and myself are currently working on the details of the program and we are confident that we will be able to put together a program that is relevant and interesting. Stay tuned for more information on this workshop early in the new year. n

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School on fire

Getting a district back on track

The demolition of Parkcrest Elementary School.

On the second day of the 2019-2020 school year, Park-

district recovers from this fire as quickly as possible.”

crest Elementary School in Kamloops was destroyed by

Decisions were required immediately to allow the

fire. The fire started just after 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept.

work to begin. By Sunday, Sept. 9 a plan was put to-

5, and by 9 p.m. the district superintendent of schools

gether and crews were in motion.

was informing parents and staff that the school would

Step 1: Relocate the entire Twin Rivers Education

be closed until further notice. More than 360 students

Program of 175 secondary students and staff from the

and 40 teachers and staff were left without a facility.

George Hilliard site to three different locations on the

On Sept. 16, when the entire school was welcomed

North Shore area of the community. This included con-

into the George Hilliard site, only six school days later,

struction of a school-within-a-school at NorKam Senior

the School District #73 administration, education staff,

Secondary to accommodate some of those students.

and maintenance and building crews literally moved mountains to make it happen.

Step 2: Move Parkcrest students and staff into the George Hilliard site.

“The seemingly easy transition and resumption of

Step 3: Move current occupants, the Big Little Sci-

normal routines for all the students and staff impacted

ence Centre and a daycare operation, out of the Hap-

by the fire would not have been possible without in-

pyvale site building.

credibly strong district and administrative leadership,

Step 4: Complete renovations at the Happyvale site

along with the concentrated effort of many throughout

in order to reunite TREC students at that site within the

the district and our community,” said Kelvin Stretch,

next four to five months, including the installation of six

secretary treasurer. “In particular, the immediate and

portables. Renovations at the Happyvale site are un-

ongoing efforts of our maintenance and building crews

derway and are expected to be completed by Christ-

are to be commended. They are continuing to work

mas.

long hours to meet difficult deadlines to make sure our 22

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

Other considerations included a playground, pur-

Superintendent of Schools Alison Sidow presents the Parkcrest Recovery Plan during a media briefing on Sept. 9.

The halls of George Hilliard Elementary were lined with welcoming posters like this one, made by students at other schools across the district.

chased by the Parkcrest PAC, which was in shipping

including all the renovation and construction required

crates and awaiting installation when their school was

to keep our students and staff accommodated until we

destroyed. A decision was made to install it, instead,

have replaced Parkcrest school.”

at the George Hilliard site. It is now in use by Parkcrest students. “An amazing amount of work was accomplished in an extremely short period of time and our district did

Once that work is done and TREC students are settled into the Happyvale site, the school-within-a-school at NorKam will need to be deconstructed. All this as

not miss a beat in continuing the daily routines of all

the district plans for the demolition of the remains of

our other students,” said Alison Sidow, superintendent

the Parkcrest building, site preparation, and then the

of schools. “Even so, there is a lot more to be done,

rebuilding of the new school. n

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First electric school bus envisioned Feasibility study lays out issues and economics By Gail Sjuberg

Salt Spring Community Energy (SSCE) was tasked by School District #64 with doing a feasibility study on transitioning from diesel to electric school buses.

The Gulf Islands School District could have its first all-electric school bus by next spring. That was the hope shared at the launch of the Electric School Bus Feasibility Study at the Salt Spring Public Library on September 13, 2019. Salt Spring Community Energy (SSCE), a group tasked by School District #64 with doing a feasibility study on transitioning from diesel to electric school buses, released its preliminary report at the public event. “In light of the climate emergency and our need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as our need to provide a safer, healthier future for our children, the case for rapid electric school bus adoption is compelling,” states the study. “We identified the actual buses, the length of the routes, the size 24

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

of the buses, the fuel consumption and the maintenance costs, and we actually got some hard data on exactly what it looks like for our district,” explained project lead Kjell Liem at the launch. School District #64 has 12 buses and a spare in its fleet serving Salt Spring, Galiano, and Pender islands. A bus is retired and replaced every two years, the study found, and the new bus should come on stream in 2020. Richard Frost, the director of transportation and plant services for SD #64, is enthusiastic about the idea of transitioning to electric buses and has been working with the various stakeholders on the project. “It’s a pretty exciting adventure to be at the beginning of,” he said. “It’s all fairly new and fresh and we are trying to get everything together and learn this process, and

we will see what happens in the future.” Benoit Morin, who is vice-president of sales in Canada for Quebec-based Lion Electric Co., spoke at the event, praising the Salt Spring group’s “impressive” report. Morin was in B.C. to discuss how his company can connect with the government’s Clean BC program and to meet with BC Hydro reps. He was then able to add a Salt Spring visit to his itinerary. Lion has 300 electric school buses on the road, primarily in Quebec and California, which have logged fivemillion miles to date. “The timing is pretty perfect because your [provincial] government has a Clean BC program that will help you guys out,” said Morin. SSCE also gathered information from other electric bus manufacturers. Morin said it takes six hours to

charge a bus with a 150-kilometre range, which is more than any Golf Islands school bus travels in a day. Charging could even occur between the morning and afternoon runs. While electric buses cost approximately two-and-a-half times the amount of a diesel bus – a 71-passenger Lion bus would be approximately $300,000, for example – the feasibility study determined that if the district’s fleet was all electric that annual savings of $50,000 would be realized in fuel and maintenance costs. But economics are not the only consideration, the meeting noted. “Yes we have to be fiscally responsible,” said Frost, “but for me personally the bigger picture is what we are going to be doing by lessening our carbon footprint. Back in the day, or even now, the thought is ‘is it cheaper to run this or is it cheaper to run that?’ I think those days are gone. We need to

change our ways and going electric is a great step forward in that.” Health benefits of switching from diesel to electric are another factor dissected. The report cites various studies in concluding that “diesel buses generate significant air pollution through exhaust particulates, which impact all residents and visitors to the island and especially those vulnerable to the poor air quality. The public health costs

arising from this air pollution and the resulting impact on taxes are important factors to be considered in any comparison of diesel and electric buses.” The report can be accessed online at saltspringcommunity energy.com. Originally published in the Wednesday, September 18, 2019 issue of Gulf Islands Driftwood magazine. Republished with permission. n

Lion has 300 electric school buses on the road, primarily in Quebec and California, which have logged fivemillion miles to date.

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Lion has 300 electric school buses on the road, primarily in Quebec and California, which have logged fivemillion miles to date. Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 25

Long-term roof protection Maximize roof life. Delay replacement. Roofs take a beating and work hard to protect the buildings they cover. Every fall and winter, there are stories of roofs collapsing because of the weight of the water. The question is; what can you do now to help protect your roof assets during the year? Small roofing problems like leaks and debris can snowball into large, expensive issues. Fortunately, you can reduce the possibility of that happening with a roof maintenance program that helps prevent premature deterioration and keeps your roofing assets in top working order. The roofs protecting the schools of B.C. can be valued at eight to 10 per cent of the building value. With land value and construction costs continually on the rise, the value of the roof continues to climb. Trained roofing technicians performing regularly scheduled inspections, housekeeping and maintenance, ensures that problems are uncovered and corrected early to prevent costly emergency repairs. Keeping your roof in good shape can help lower your total roofing costs by significantly extending the roof’s service life. Available for any kind of roofing system, roof maintenance programs are carefully prepared and customized to suit your building and budget. Several areas in British Columbia experience significant rainfall

greater than the North American average. Ponding water on roofs is one of the biggest factors in premature roof failures. The number-one cause of ponding water is clogged roof drains; most roofs are designed well enough to drain, but only if the drains are clear enough to allow for that drainage. Water weight on a roof can be significant. A small roof area, such as the roof of a stairwell, can be approximately 500 square feet, and when left unchecked, a clogged drain can cause a three-inch deep pond of water on that roof. That water equals approximately 7,800 pounds of additional weight on the roof. Many roofing contractors offer service and maintenance programs. Look at a comprehensive plan that will help protect your roof assets year-round. The service should include 24/7 customer service with crews on stand-by to deal with severe storms. It is also important to ask your roof maintenance provider to document the maintenance and to offer post-storm evaluation of the roof to ensure there was no damage. The roof maintenance report should detail current condition, maintenance performed, recommended repairs to extend the life of the roof that fall outside of the scope of work of roof maintenance, and recommendation on how to

extend the life of the roof to its full extent. These recommendations could include reinforcing drain areas, reinforcing perimeter flashing, and conducting roof diagnostics to determine if there is any underlying roof damage that is unseen on the roof surface. If the roof maintenance service is a function of the school district staff then the individuals completing the maintenance program should be trained by roofing professionals. This can be accomplished in many forms; it’s best to contact your current roofing partner to determine the best way to accomplish this. The training should include the following: • Set up roof safety • Walk the perimeter first • Inspect all of the roof projections • Clearing drains and gutters • C aulking metal counter flashing as sealant breaks down • Making small repairs to the existing roof assembly (cold process repairs require no fire watch, basic hand tools and a couple of hours of training from a professional) • What repair materials work best in certain situations • When to call a professional • How to document maintenance and repairs Preventative roof maintenance is the single best way to extend the life of your current roof inventory. All of the roofs in your inventory are valuable roof assets, and like all assets, the best way to get the most out of them is to maintain them. Unfortunately, most roofs are out of sight and out of mind until something happens. Implementing a roof maintenance program is long-term roof protection. This protection will maximize the roof life and delay replacement. n

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

When your old electronics stop workingâ&#x20AC;Śwe start. Recycling your old electronics keeps metals, plastics, and other valuable resources out of landfills, and puts them back into the manufacturing supply chain. It also prevents e-waste from being illegally exported or handled by irresponsible recyclers. Always bring your old, unwanted, or unusable electronics to our authorized drop-off locations to ensure that your end-of-life electronics are being recycled in a safe, responsible, and environmentally sound manner. The Electronics Products Recycling Association (EPRA) of BC is a not-for profit, industry-led organization designed to manage end-of-life electronic products that have exhausted their potential for re-use by donation to friends, family, or authorized re-use organizations.

WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED?

Desktop/Portable Computers

Display Devices

Printing, Scanning and Multi-Function Devices

Desktop Printers

Home Audio/ Video Systems

Medical Devices

Vehicle Audio/ Video Systems (aftermarket)

Personal/Portable Audio/Video Systems

Video Gaming Systems/ Battery Powered Toys

Cellular and Non-Cellular Devices

IT and Telecom Equipment

Musical Instruments

For more information, and to find out what and where to recycle, visit

Return-It.ca/Electronics

Return-It powered by Electronic Products Recycling Association, British Columbia

UV light filtration in HVAC systems A rainbow is made when light shines through droplets of water and breaks into its various colours. The light just beyond the violet end of the spectrum is not visible to the naked eye and is called ultraviolet (“beyond violet”), known commonly as UV light. There are three types of UV light: A, B, and C, each representing a different section of the UV light spectrum. Type C, known as UVC, is the form used for germicidal activity. Although 10 per cent of the sun’s radiation is composed of UV light, virtually all of the sun’s UVC rays are blocked by the Earth’s ozone layer, so most UVC exposure is created by artificial means.

Typical use When UVC light is used for germicidal purposes, it is referred to as UVGI, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. UVGI “deactivates” or kills microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, moulds, and other fungi by disrupting their DNA. “Deactivated” means the organism is not necessarily killed, but can no longer reproduce. Some deactivate after microseconds of exposure, while others require much longer exposure. However, the effectiveness of UVGI depends on a number of factors, including:

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Ops Talk • Fall 2019

1. Intensity of lamp 2. Length of exposure time 3. An organism’s resistance to UVGI 4. I ncreased humidity which may protect the organism. 5. Location of the lamp(s). 6. Ambient temperature 8. Number of lamps 9. Reflectivity if surfaces around lamp. • • • • • • •

Among other things, UVC is used for: Surface disinfection HVAC air disinfection Cooling coil disinfection Water treatments Curing plastics and other materials Printing Chemical processing

Application method in HVAC systems Bioaerosols are airborne particles that contain living organisms or were released from living organisms. They exist in the air around us and in the air that passes through HVAC systems. Inactivating them reduces the risk of occupant illness, allergic response, and infection from microbes. UVGI lamps are categorized by the internal pressure of the gas in the lamp. Low-pressure lamps are, by far, the most commonly used in HVAC systems. Mediumpressure lamps are typically used where critical levels of disinfection are required. On hard surfaces, like evaporator coils and drain pans, where UVGI exposure is constant and within adequate proximity, the kill rate for organisms contacted is up to 99.9 per cent. However, deactivating bioaerosols is a more complex activity. How effective is UVGI at killing (deactivating) bioaerosols in the airstreams of HVAC systems? The technology can be effective, but many variables can impact its effectiveness. For example, a single UVC lamp randomly placed in an HVAC system would not be nearly as effective as multiple lamps of the same intensity installed at strategic locations. To get maximum benefit from UVGI, the installer should be well-trained in proper placement of lamps and the proper intensity and number of lamps needed for optimal deactivation of bioaerosols. UVGI in commercial buildings have shown up to a 25 to 30 per cent reduction in airborne bacteria when UVGI was used in HVAC cooling coils and drip pans. Organisms vary dramatically in how quickly they deactivate from UVGI.

UVGI can be amplified by using certain reflective materials in the near vicinity, thus increasing its effectiveness against bioaerosols. UVC lamps have a limited lifespan and their effectiveness reduces over time. In HVAC systems, they typically need replacement after one to three years, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. Any installation of a UVC lamp in an HVAC system should include a method of visually inspecting it periodically. Dirty lamps will result in reduced effectiveness, and the rate at which a lamp will become dirty depends on the cleanliness of the air that passes by the lamp. If the lamp has become dirty, it should be cleaned with a lint-free cloth and commercial glass cleaner or alcohol. Never inspect or clean a lamp while it is turned on. If it is burned out or failing, it should be replaced. All access panels or doors near UVC lamps where UV radiation may penetrate or be reflected should have clearly visible warning labels on the outside in appropriate languages. Since improper placement of UVC lamps can result in poor efficiency and hazards, it is recommended that anyone installing UVC lamps in HVAC systems be fully educated on the matter and related issues. Detailed instructions can be found in the ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Systems and Equipment, Chapter 17: Ultraviolet Lamp Systems.

eyewear, including prescription glasses, are sufficient to protect eyes from UV, but not all offer complete coverage; standard-issue protective goggles may be the best alternative.” Most of us are familiar with warnings of sunburn from too much UVA or UVB exposure. Direct UVC exposure – as used in HVAC systems – is hazardous. The application of UVGI in HVAC systems can be an effective means to reduce airborne pathogens but only if lamps are properly and strategically installed in sufficient number and/or intensity and are properly maintained. If installed in HVAC systems without proper training, UVC lamps can be largely ineffective and can create hazards or material decomposition that negatively impacts the functioning of the system and put occupants and installers at risk. It is recommended that installers be well educated on the materials from the manufacturer and in the ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Systems and Equipment, Chapter 17: Ultraviolet Lamp Systems.

Generation It is also recommended that proper safety precautions be taken to protect workers and occupants from unnecessary UVGI exposure and the effects of lamp breakage should it occur. n

Hazards – Material Decomposition Organic material is that which was derived from living organisms, such as rubber, petroleum products, and many components of adhesives. UVGI can seriously degrade organic materials over time in an HVAC system, including filters, sealants, gaskets, and wiring insulation, resulting in air leaks, fire hazards, and/ or a loss of system performance. This is a major consideration when choosing if and where to install UVC lamps in such a system. Vulnerable materials should be shielded or substituted. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer of the potentially vulnerable material. Filters, for example, vary greatly in their resistance to UVGI. Some made of inorganic fibers may hold up well, while others using organic fibers, binders, or adhesives may disintegrate. Consult your filter dealer and, if needed, the UVC lamp manufacturer for guidance. Specific types of filters are required in the system due to UVC lamp proximity. UVC exposure can be dangerous and should be taken seriously. Workers should not be subject to direct UV exposure. Lamps should be powered off following lockout/tagout procedures when being serviced. Per the ASHRAE Handbook, “if exposure is unavoidable, personnel should wear protective clothing (no exposed skin), protective eyewear, and gloves. Most

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Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 29

Due diligence & BC Fire Code Responsibilities & Inspections By Alan Kavanaugh, CRM, CCPI (Member NFPA)

With the latest release of the BC

What applies in buildings

Your responsibilities

Fire Code (2018), this is an oppor-

1. Applies to all new and existing

1. You are required to maintain a

tune time to talk about what the

buildings and facilities.

safe building.

fire code means to you (the school

2. Fire Safety – Relates to specific

2. You are required to control stor-

district) and what is required to

elements of the building and

age in the building, including

facility, design or construction

service rooms, hazardous pro-

of the building, building protec-

cesses areas, classrooms, etc.

tion as prescribed based on oc-

3. You are required to maintain a

meet the various requirements listed within the code. The BC Fire Code requires that all owners of buildings shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of the fire code regardless of local fire commissioner, fire inspector or other AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) inspections. Basically it’s your building – you are required to meet all aspects of the fire code. (BCFC 2.2.1.1 – Responsibility)

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

cupancy. 3. Safety in Use – Applies to activities related to the use of the

clear access to exits in buildings, maintain all exits, fire exit lights, and emergency lights.

building and facility, condition

4. You are required to maintain all

of the building or facility, inad-

fire protection equipment (fire

equate built-in protection for

extinguishers, fire suppression

the building or facility.

systems, fire alarms systems,

4. Designed to provide and maintain a Safe Building or Facility for all those who occupy.

sprinkler systems, standpipes, etc.). 5. You are required to provide fire

department access when requested, including an emergency plan and a fire safety plan.

Inspection requirements should encompass (BCFC 2.2.1.2 – Records & Division B Part 2 – Building & Occupant Safety) 1. A regular (monthly) inspection program should be developed

For more information, contact Alan Kavanaugh, CRM, CCPI, director of loss control & risk management, Noratek Solutions Inc., at kavanaugh@noratek.com or 1-866-264-2236. Visit them online at cityinspectionsoftware.com. Alan Kavanaugh has provided loss control services to school districts, municipalities, industry, and government operations for over 32 years. He has developed a set of training programs (workshops) & audits (safety related) to help all organizations accumulate and prioritize information and develop short- and long-term compliance plans. Kavanaugh is based out of Prince George, B.C. but provides services throughout Western Canada. n

and put into place that covers the following areas as a minimum:

a. All rooms, hallways, means

1(866)264-2236

of egress, exterior exit stairs, pathways and fire exits;

b. All storage rooms, service rooms, kitchens;

c. Fire

safety

alarms,

systems,

sprinkler

fire

systems,

fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, etc.; d. Hazardous

processes

operations

Specific

and to

shops, labs, maker labs, 3D printers, etc.;

e. Fire safety plans & fire drills.

So in conclusion, remember the following: 1. It is your building and you are required to meet all aspects of the fire code. 2. Conduct a risk analysis or needs assessment. This is the who, what, where, why, when section. 3. Identify all areas to be inspected. Makes it easier to develop specific ways of developing an in-

• • • • • • •

spection program that will meet the requirements of the BC Fire Code. 4. Monitor your progress, make changes if needed. 5. Stay informed. 6. Talk to risk management professionals, people in your industry, staff, and various other organizations.

Alan Kavanaugh Director of Loss Control & Risk Management, CRM, CCPI, Member of NFPA

www.cityinspectionsoftware.com Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 31

Frequency changes to all wireless mic systems in the 600Mhz range in Canada Whether you are using a wireless microphone in a sanctuary, for aerobics classes, or in a school gymnasium, most of the professional and semi-professional systems are in the 600Mhz range of frequencies, generally from 614 to 698 Mhz. These wireless microphone systems are called UHF systems. Users of these UHF systems generally have excellent quality sound and lack of dead spots. More importantly, users of these wireless microphone systems have not had to pay a licensing fee compared to other types of wireless systems. Fast food restaurants, for example, pay a $600 a year licensing fee to ensure that no other wireless systems affect their given frequency set. With the license-free systems, most are multi-channel frequency systems so that if interference does affect one frequency set, the end user of the microphone can simply change frequencies to an interference-free channel, and continue using the system without issue.

Ops Talk â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2019

Frequency change as of 2018 In 2017, we learned that the 600Mhz frequency set was to be auctioned off to cellular phone companies in the U.S., and that a wholesale frequency change was to happen throughout the U.S. some time in 2019. We at Sound Solutions called all of our Canadian distributors to find out if Canada was to be affected and no supplier at the time could give us an answer, as nothing had been announced for all provinces. In spring of 2018, we found out that indeed, Canada was going to be affected by this frequency change, and that the 600Mhz set of frequencies was also going to be auctioned off to cellular companies

needing more bandwidth. In North America, the new frequency set was to be in the 500Mhz frequency range, which would continue to offer similar range and fidelity, and lack of dead spots. The problem is, it is not economically feasible to do a frequency change to an existing wireless mic, and while some companies offered a trade-in for the older 600Mhz systems, we recommended to most clients to continue using the 600Mhz systems until they reach end of life.

When is the frequency change taking place? As of November of 2018, suppliers and dealers were no longer

selling the 600Mhz wireless microphone systems, in fact, all parts – short of the microphone elements – were quickly discontinued by all suppliers, and all new systems sold are in the 500Mhz range.

How do I know if I have an affected 600Mhz wireless microphone? All wireless mic systems have an identifying sticker on both the receiver and transmitter units. Many manufacturers will state the range of frequencies on the units, along with the serial number. These stickers are usually on the backs of the units, on the bottom of the receivers, or within the battery compartment of the transmitter. Other manufacturers will use some identifying mark on the receiver/transmitter units without actually stating the frequency. If that’s the case, give us a call, and we’ll help you identify the frequency.

Handheld Receiver On the receiver, look for a sticker on the back or the front.

On a handheld transmitter, look for a sticker inside the battery compartment or a label near the display.

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Body pack On a body pack, look for a label on the front or for a sticker on the back near the belt clip.

How long can I use my older 600Mhz system? The time at which interference will hit the older 600Mhz series of wireless microphones will depend on how quickly the new cellular

towers will be built in your area. While the 600Mhz towers will not be in use until late 2020 or early 2021, testing of these towers may occur prior to that time. Our understanding is that as of this writing (September 2019), Calgary is already experiencing some interference as new towers are being constructed. When our clients in the B.C. area will be affected is anyone’s guess, but technically, it will be ‘illegal’ to use at some point in either 2020 or 2021, the information available online varies from site to site. Will the government come knocking on the door of your church or fitness facility, and are black vans full of men in black sweeping the neighbourhood looking for people

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Ops Talk • Fall 2019

breaking the law? No, of course not! Keep in mind that your very lowpower battery-operated wireless mic has a range of about 100 metres, whereas the much larger cellular towers have a range in the multiple kilometres. The chances of your wireless mic affecting your next door neighbour’s cellular phone operation is slim to none, however these large towers will cause issues with your wireless mic system.

What will the cell tower interference sound like in my wireless mic system? Well, that is the million-dollar question! We’ve asked several suppliers this exact question, and have received “it will cut out intermittently” to “you’ll hear tones through your sound system”, and a number of other responses.

So.. now what? I still have a 600Mhz wireless mic system that I bought in 2017! Here is our recommendation: for the time being, if your 600Mhz wireless mic system is working fine, and is interference free, continue to use it. We find that the lifespan of a heavily used fitness headset system is between three to six years, and in a less used church handheld microphone system, the lifespan can be 10+ years. Continue using your existing wireless mic system until such time that you experience problems with it. Understand that replacement receivers and transmitters are no longer available for the 600Mhz range, so once a unit stops working or is physically damaged, you’ll need to replace the entire system. Note that the new 500Mhz wireless mic systems physically will look identical to their 600Mhz counterparts, so you can save the old system for spare parts, including windscreens, battery covers, knobs, etc. Some suppliers, including us here at Sound Solutions, are offering some trade-in value on older 600Mhz systems. Call us to find out more. n

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Dyson launches the Airblade 9kJ hand dryer

The fastest energy-efficient HEPA-filtered hand dryer1 In October 2019, Dyson introduced the impressively engineered Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer. With a completely unique design and cutting-edge technology, people are able to dry their hands quickly and hygienically, while using low energy and offering an

mize for energy consumption and noise reduction. This

alternative to single-use paper towels.

is the first time Dyson has offered such customization

The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer has been in development for more than three years, with more than 700 prototypes made. The result is the quietest Dy-

to customers.

A Curved Blade™ design

son Airblade™ hand dryer yet , with fast hand drying

in 10 seconds3. Dyson’s motor and airflow technology

at up to 75,000 rpm5, sheets of air flow up to 388 mph5

allow the new Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer to use

through two 0.018 inch curved apertures that follow

up to 86 per cent less energy than warm air dryers

the contours of your hands, removing water in less time.

in Eco mode, while producing up to 85 per cent less

Many calculations were carried out by Dyson engineers

carbon dioxide emissions4 per dry than paper towels. The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer employs pioneering Dyson technology including:

Two modes This is the first Dyson AirbladeTM to feature two modes – Max and Eco. Max mode is designed for

to determine the most ergonomic drying angle. The blades are positioned at an angle of 70 degrees for fast, comfortable hand drying. Our powerful Dyson digital motor V4 shifts 23 litres of air per second5, allowing the Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer to dry your hands fast, in just 10 seconds3.

washrooms with high footfall that want to optimize

The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer uses 9.1 kilojoules

for speed, while Eco mode is recommended for wash-

of energy per dry in Eco mode, meaning it costs just

rooms with relatively lower footfall who want to opti-

about $19 a year to run in that mode.

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer is the quietest Airblade™ hand dryer yet.

Touch-free operation The machine uses ‘time of flight’ sensors that accurately detect hands to activate air. The sensors are calibrated to detect hands in 0.25 seconds for quick activation. Similarly, once hands are out of the area covered by the sensor the machine will stop quickly.

Hygienic HEPA filtration Unique to Dyson is our in-house microbiology lab. This lab allows teams working on products to continuously test and reflect the findings of these tests in the development of our machines so we can always be improving them. Hygiene is a critical factor in restrooms. With that in mind, the Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer features a fleece-lined glass fiber HEPA filter, which captures 99.97 per cent7 of particles, including bacteria and viruses from the washroom air so the machine uses clean air to dry hands. In addition, the body of the machine is made from stainless steel for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Acoustically engineered Our quietest Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer yet2, the Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer features silencers made from open-cell foam and perforated discs, reducing noise as airflow passes through the motor. To achieve the reduction in noise, Dyson re-designed the airflow paths through the machine to create a straight line configuration. This allows for a simpler airflow path which reduces air turbulence and therefore reducing sound output. The new straight line configuration also helps with less energy consumption. The Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer costs $1,499 and is designed to suit any commercial or public washroom from offices, shopping malls and restaurants to public spaces, amusement parks, schools, hospitals, and hotels. n

The Dyson digital motor V4 shifts 23 litres of air per second, allowing the Dyson Airblade 9kJ hand dryer to dry your hands fast, in just 10 seconds.

ry time and energy consumption calculated D for Max mode. Dry time was determined using Dyson test method 769 based on NSF P335 to a measurement of 0.1 g residual moisture. 2 Average loudness (measured in sones) com pared to Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers. 3 Dry time determined for Max mode using Dyson test method 769 based on NSF P335 to a measurement of 0.1g residual moisture. 4 The environmental impact of electrical appliances and paper towels was measured by Carbon Trust. The calculations were produced using the software Footprint Expert Pro, based on product use over five years and using weighted averages of individual countries of use. Dry times for product were evaluated using DTM 769. 5 Measured in Max mode. 6 Average electricity price $0.1/kWh as of May 2019. For calculations visit www.dyson.com/ calcs. 7 HEPA filter tested to IEST-RP-CC001.6, by an independent testing laboratory, under prescribed test conditions. 1

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 37

Does your facility’s DHW heating measure up? Whether you’re a facility manager of a multi-unit

when it comes to generating a reliable supply of do-

apartment complex, hotel, hospital, or a sports and

mestic hot water:

recreational complex, chances are you have been

1. Large space requirements associated with hous-

confronted with the challenges of providing people

ing cascades of tankless water heaters, batteries of

with a guaranteed supply of instantaneous domestic

multiple DHW storage tanks, or a dedicated boiler

hot water (DHW) – even at peak usage times. How

just for DHW heating

can this DHW be provided as efficiently and economically as possible? As gas and electricity rates rise, as space becomes a premium and access to mechanical equipment becomes ever more challenging, there is a growing need to provide high-capacity domestic hot water with greater load diversity in a more compact format. Viessmann has taken on the challenge and developed a packaged DHW unit, specifically designed for the ever-changing requirements of the North American domestic water industry. This industry often faces the following challenges

2. High acquisition, installation, and maintenance complexity and costs 3. Potential for build-up of legionella bacteria 4. Build-up of scale within heat exchangers and DHW storage tanks 5. Interruption of DHW production during maintenance or service To address these and other challenges, Viessmann designed the Vitotrans 300 – a pre-assembled commercial high-capacity domestic hot water production system, featuring up to three single or double wallbrazed plate heat exchangers, capable of quickly and efficiently heating the required amount of water. Single Vitotrans 300 units can be connected directly to systems with long, steady draws of water, such as car wash facilities. When combined with a buffer tank, the unit provides flow rates of up to 180 GPM all day long – even in applications with widely fluctuating DHW demand, such as hotels or multi-unit apartment buildings. The pre-assembled self-contained unit can supply instantaneous and continuous hot water, thus eliminating the need for costly and space-intensive DHW tank batteries. Facility owners and managers benefit from a large-capacity, high-turndown DHW production system with minimal amount of piping and floor space. The Vitotrans 300 can be easily installed into new or existing hot water heating systems and set up for continuous direct hot water heating or in combination with a buffer tank. The constant draw and replenishment of water in the buffer tank eliminates stagnation and prevents an environment where potentially dangerous legionella bacteria can form. The unit also minimizes the build-up of scale within the heat exchanger – a common cause of performance

Viessmann has developed a packaged DHW unit, specifically designed for the ever-changing requirements of the North American domestic water industry.

degradation. A de-scaling pump ensures that cold water is pumped through the plate heat exchanger(s), thus preventing conditions during which scale development is likely to occur.

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

End

Your cu The NE

Endless ho

VITOTR

Your customersCommerci dem The new V The NEW Vitotrans 3 contained

of on-dem

VITOTRANS 300

Endless hot water... Your customers demand it. The NEW Vitotrans 300 provides it!

VITOTRANS 300

Commercial high-outputPowerful. DHW h

Works se

The new Vitotrans 300 is aprovide compa contained DHW heating station, at flow ra of on-demand hot water to comm

Eliminate of direct heaters f

Powerful. Cost Effective. No Dow

Multi-hea

Works seamlessly with any new eliminate provide a reliable and consistent at flow rates of up to 180 GPM.

Commercial high-output DHW heating station

Eliminates the need for dedicate of direct or DHW indirect-fired DHW ta The new Vitotrans 300 is a compact, pre-assembled and self-contained heaters maximum cost savin heating station, designed to provide large volumes of on-demand hotfor water to commercial and industrial applications.

Multi-heat exchanger design pro

Powerful. Cost Effective. No Downtime. eliminates costly downtime duri • Works seamlessly with any new or existing hydronic heat source to provide a reliable and consistent supply of endless hot water at flow rates of up to 180 GPM. • Eliminates the need for dedicated DHW heating boilers, batteries of direct or indirect-fired DHW tanks, or cascades of tankless water heaters for maximum cost savings. • Multi-heat exchanger design provides built-in redundancy and eliminates costly downtime during service and maintenance.

Viessmann’s Vitotrans 300 is a pre-assembled commercial high-capacity domestic hot water production system featuring up to three single or double wall-brazed plate heat exchangers, capable of quickly and efficiently heating the required amount of water.

The Vitotrans 300 product line-up features models with up to three integrated brazed plate heat exchanger(s), providing built-in redundancy and eliminating downtime during heat exchanger maintenance.

The Vitotrans 300 product line-up features mod-

enormous amount of the premium floor space in his

els with up to three integrated brazed plate heat

building. The ability to do most routine service without

exchanger(s), providing built-in redundancy and elimi-

taking the unit offline limits the challenges with down-

nating downtime during heat exchanger maintenance.

time where hot water is not available during mainte-

The building owner benefits by getting a modern flex-

nance.

ible high-capacity DHW system that doesn’t require an

Unique approach A self-contained, small footprint, DHW production

No more shutdowNs Don’t Drain it, Freeze it! www.nitropipefreeze.com | 778.321.2653

system incorporating an easy-to-move platform which handles loads from as low as four gpm up to 180 gpm provides real design flexibility for the engineer in both new and retrofit applications. Service redundancy and locally sourced components mean that the end user can rely on continuous, reliable DHW production during peak demand periods and even during equipment service. BMS networkability means the Vitorans 300 is ready for the new digital age. On-board data management means the customer won’t need a full BMS system to keep track of performance. The availability of single or double-wall heat ex-

Celebrating 10 years in business Trusted By:

changers give both cost and regulatory adaptability.

About Viessmann Viessmann is a leading international manufacturer of top-quality, efficient, and environmentally responsible heating solutions. Over the years, Viessmann has pioneered technologies that have continuously set stan-

on-site service in BC since 2009 40

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

dards and made the company into a technological innovator and pacesetter for the entire industry. n

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got On high-efficiency HVAC, water heaters, foodservice equipment and more* to help your facility improve comfort and save costs. Start saving at fortisbc.com/businessrebates Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy at work. *Terms and conditions apply. FortisBC may modify or cancel programs at any time.

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FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. use the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (19-022.13.31 09/2019) 19-022.13.31-OpsTalk-7x9.5-P2.indd 1

9/20/2019 3:53:00 PM

Lead in drinking water: Filtration as a fix There is a growing concern in Canada today about how much lead is in the water we consume. For decades, many have assumed that lead in water was a thing of the past. After all, most cities have municipal water systems that test, monitor, and remove such things, right? A Google search of “Lead in drinking water in schools” produces a long list of news stories from across Canada identifying areas where lead has been identified in the drinking water supply. Additionally, news coverage of the public disaster in Flint, Michigan has brought a heightened awareness of the harm that lead can cause. For schools and other large public facilities where drinking fountains, water coolers, and bottle filling stations are commonly used, point-of-use filtration products can be an effective part of an overall lead reduction plan. According to Health Canada, the responsibility for making sure drinking water supplies are safe is shared between the provincial, territorial, federal, and municipal governments. The day-to-day responsibility of providing safe drinking water to the public generally rests with the provinces and territories, while municipalities usually oversee the day-to-day operations of the treatment facilities. Health Canada’s Water Quality and Health Bureau plays a leadership role in science and research. Its mandate and expertise lies in protecting the health of all Canadians by developing the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality in partnership with the provinces and territories. These guidelines are used by every jurisdiction in Canada and are the basis for es42

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

For schools and other public buildings with existing drinking water outlets, an NSF 53 certified product can be retrofitted.

tablishing drinking water quality requirements for all Canadians. The CWQA states that lead in municipal water can be removed by applying an NSF 53 certified product. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified products effectively reduce lead from incoming water levels with 150 ppb of lead to below EPA action levels (15 ppb) for up to 3,000 gallons. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for Drinking Water Treatment is the nationally recognized standard for evaluating and certifying drinking water treatment systems for the reduction of contaminants from drinking water. Water filters are tested and certified to NSF/ANSI 53 to ensure they reduce contaminants, includ-

ing lead, per the requirements of the standard. For schools and other public buildings with existing drinking water outlets, an NSF 53 certified product can be retrofitted; alternatively, new fountains, coolers or bottle fillers can be installed which come equipped with a filter built right in. Regular maintenance is required when using filters as a lead remediation method. Should water flow decrease, the filter may need to be replaced sooner, as this may indicate that your building may have experienced a spike in particulate lead that has compromised the filter’s ability to filter lead and other particulates. Always maintain your filters per the manufacturer’s

Point-of-use filtration products can be an effective part of an overall lead reduction plan.

specifications provided with your unit, and replace your filters should output flow level be dramatically reduced, regardless of whether you are approaching the stated maximum capacity of the filter. To confirm whether a particular brand of filter has been officially certified by an accredited certification body, be sure to check both the Water Quality Association and NSF International website listings. If you do not find the filter you are considering on one of these sites, it may not perform to the level you need for lead contamination. n Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 43

Why conduct a facility condition assessment? By Nicholas Charlton PQS, AssoRICS, GSC In today’s world, facility operational budgets are already under strain and facility management teams are facing challenges in the form of declining resources. Pressure exists to find new and innovative ways to do more with these limited finances and resources, including the development of strategies that lead to cost-efficient assessment and management of current and future building-related maintenance, repair, and replacement costs. Developing a comprehensive and accurate picture of a facilities condition, future renewal, and operating costs is best achieved by conducting a comprehensive facility condition assessment (FCA). The FCA process has far-reaching benefits over and above the reduction of future repair and maintenance costs. It has proven to significantly enhance facility management operations, accurately identifying building deficiencies, project maintenance requirements, integrating sustainability initiatives, extending a building portfolio’s life span, and increasing a building or portfolio’s desirability and value. FAC’s are a forward-thinking and intelligent approach to the collection, consolidation, and management of all critical building data. The data collected allows facility and building managers, capital planners, analysts, and executives to proactively and effectively determine their capital budget needs, today and years into the future. This wealth of information allows stakeholders to respond and precisely identify any current or fore44

Ops Talk • Fall 2019

Developing a comprehensive and accurate picture of a facilities condition, future renewal, and operating costs is best achieved by conducting a comprehensive facility condition assessment (FCA).

casted repair/renewal costs and leverage the data to make critical business-minded decisions concerning spending priorities, timing, and fund allocation. In addition, the FCA has become an essential document for building owners and managers when seeking to secure capital funding for costly improvements.

The process Technical standards exist for facility and building condition assessments. One such standard is ASTM E2018-15, Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process. This is the accepted standard for most facility or building condition assessments that involve the building structure and its systems.

Facility condition assessments start with an inspection to develop a comprehensive inventory of all the building systems and related infrastructure. Each building component and/or system is identified and uniquely named for reference. This creates a list of the systems, components, and equipment for each building in an asset portfolio. System information will include specific details, as in the case of a rooftop heating unit; the age, make, model, location, and capacity. Facility assessors will take digital photos that are very specific and detailed for all building components. These will be accompanied by precise, detailed, and descriptive written notes/summaries pertaining to each building component or system. The narrative

will include comments not only on condition, but also on any deficiencies observed. In addition, an assessor will carefully review current and historical repair and/or maintenance records, as well as conduct interviews with facilities and maintenance personnel to create a clear picture regarding each component. Different types of facility condition assessments 1. Comprehensive assessment An on-site inspection that utilizes a system template of the building type, expected costs, and descriptions with customer-specific short and long-term requirements. 2. Standard assessment An on-site inspection that utilizes a system template of the building type, expected costs, and descriptions with template-driven short and long-term requirements. 3. Five-year needs On-site assessment for the con dition of assets over the next five years. 4. Lifecycle systems On-site, system-level assessment for an asset’s capital renewal profile. Each building system is divided into individual components. Each component will have its condition assessed separately. Facility condition assessments should consider the following: 1. Performance – How does the building system perform, what are the issues? From here, create a scale of performance or use an industry standard such as BOMA. 2 . Age - Most facility personnel use age to estimate a system’s life and for a good reason. Age usually corresponds with building system failure and a higher frequency of breakdowns and a higher need for repairs. In some cases, advanced age can mean less availability for repair parts even if the building system performs well. 3. Current observed conditions – Facility personnel often base

their assessment of a building system on varying criteria; if the system looks old, dirty or generally in poor visual condition, they will rate it lower even though the system may still be functioning very well. Facility condition assessments should be conducted on a regular basis. It is common practice to conduct the assessment every three to five years dependent on the building’s usage, structural design, age, and size.

ity team members to review their current and future operational requirements. The data gathered will allow the facility management team to develop a short-term and long-term maintenance program that can address the specific needs and condition of the buildings in their portfolio. This process helps facility

management

personnel

maintain a fully operational building portfolio by better forecasting, managing and reducing maintenance costs.

How the data is used Facility condition assessments can be used to address building code issues, fire code requirements, and accessibility legislation requirements. They help to develop long-term capital planning of expenditures for significant repair and replacement of building systems and equipment. The information allows facil-

Nicholas

Charlton

PQS,

As-

soRICS, GSC currently works for SPECS as the manager of facility services and quantity surveying. Charlton has been providing building science services across Canada for new construction and building restoration to a broad array of public and private sector clientele for the past 25 years. n

Specialized Property Evaluation Control Services

What’s your facility trying to tell you? Let SPECS help you understand your asset portfolio better with a comprehensive Facility Condition Assessment

Inspect P: (905) 331-2864

Evaluate

Quantify specs.ca

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 45

Burnaby School Board implements a lighting system that’s great for energy management and learning By Donald Gifford, Regional Manager B.C., Signify Canada Ltd. From primary schools to universi-

schools, teachers can choose be-

by ensuring lights are only on

ties, energy-efficient LED lighting

tween different light levels that

when needed, or dimmed rath-

has been a popular choice over the

best suit the students for the cur-

years. Now, with the power of wire-

rent task.

er than full power. A great example of how an up-

less IoT connected lighting, there is

Lighting can be set for normal

graded lighting system enabled

a new way to save energy and opti-

activities with a standard bright-

teachers to find the flexibility they

mize lighting at the same time. For

ness, giving the teachers the flex-

needed for their classroom is at

school boards, it’s also a unique

ibility of dimming lights when

the Burnaby School Board in Brit-

opportunity to provide added-

needed. A connected lighting sys-

ish Columbia. Working with Quan-

value lighting during a scheduled

tem can also:

tum Lighting, the Burnaby School

• Reduce costs with sensors em-

Board took the opportunity to

What’s a connected lighting sys-

bedded in the lights that can

modernize three schools with the

tem? Basically, it’s smart LED lights

dim when detecting empty

newly launched smart LED lighting

with integrated sensors that are

classrooms

system from Signify called Interact

upgrade.

connected to application software.

• Balance natural daylight and

Pro, and planning is underway to

It allows for control and personal-

artificial light to give the cor-

upgrade two more schools in the

ization of lighting, and it can pro-

rect amount of light

district. Interact Pro not only pro-

vide data insights that open up a

• Achieve energy savings with

whole new world of opportunities.

energy-efficient LED lighting

When it comes to lighting in

and maximize those savings

vided them with cost efficiencies, but also provided teachers with far more lighting options than they had before. At the South Slope Elementary School & BC School for the Deaf in Burnaby, B.C., smart lighting enabled teachers with flexible, func-

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Ops Talk • Fall 2019

tional lighting solutions. One important factor for the school was the kinetic switch which operates with the Interact Pro connected system. It is wireless in both power and communication and a simple add-on in the classroom because it doesn’t require any hardwiring. One was placed next to the teacher’s desk, allowing her the easy control to switch the lights on and off to visually capture the hearing-impaired students’ atten-

tion in a non-verbal manner. “Updating a school’s lighting is not something that happens often.

lights on only if there is movement,

fore the school calls with a noti-

and avoids lighting an otherwise

fication. Data for the dashboard

unoccupied space.

is collected into the cloud via em-

The lights and fixtures could be up

For the Burnaby School Board,

for the next 40 or 60 years,” says

this smart lighting system pro-

Matt Foley, Burnaby School Dis-

vides the energy savings inherent

trict energy manager. “When the

with an LED technology and the

opportunity of a lighting upgrade

added savings from controls, and

is available, it’s important to think

also allows them to lower their on-

to the future and with flexibility in

going maintenance costs in a very

mind.”

efficient manner. The Interact Pro

with the Interact Pro system and

In the hallways, which in most

system dashboard empowers the

app, so installation doesn’t re-

schools are historically left on all

school board’s energy department

quire extra cabling or IT support,

night to enable security cameras

to perform health checks, review

so you can complete jobs quickly

to capture any movement, sen-

diagnostics and failures, as well

and without hassles. It is definitely

sors were placed to ensure motion

as be alerted before a light will go

the way of the future.”

will trigger the lights back on. This

out, providing the board with time

To find out more about Signify

solves energy waste by switching

to do any maintenance even be-

Interact Pro system, please con-

bedded sensors in the lights. “Connected

lighting

systems

are a game-changer in lighting,” says Len Horvath, president of Quantum Lighting in B.C. “Light sources are wirelessly integrated

tact donald.gifford@signify.com

For over 50 years

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Ops Talk • Fall 2019

THOUGHTS ON

work By Chuck Morris Whenever you moved from childhood and began your long journey through what will become your working life, you had a good beginning. A good beginning could be (should be) learning from your parents, peers, school, and post-secondary, if following that route. Why do some fail? We all come from different walks of life and some people may not have a fair opportunity to – for a variety of possible reasons – begin on the same footing as others when entering the workforce. Unfortunately, life is life in far too many instances, but once in a while others do reach out to help. Whatever your start, there are a number of things to consider as you make your way through the career you have decided upon. As you grow and take on different roles, your responsibilities naturally increase, allowing you to slowly become more dominate in your chosen career. While doing so you will have learned many nuances about relationships at work and with your clients and supervisors. These years are important because they can position you for greater opportunities as you strive to better yourself and grasp small things that may seem like minutia at the time, but are actually a major part of the highway you follow. I am sure you can think of many points where you realized you may have ‘screwed up’. However, most of us learned from some or most of these mistakes. If you are fairly new and attempting to follow a path, it behooves you to watch your peers and those who have a longer tenure in the workforce and witness how they respond to a variety of workplace situations. If

you have an occasion to either officially or unofficially mentor under someone, grasp that opportunity quickly. It will pay off especially when mentoring under someone who shows a successful career and advancements. There are a few things to look at, and perhaps incorporate, into how you do things in your work life and quite likely some may apply to your personal life as well. Have a read and refer to them every once in a while. Much of these are common sense, but remember, we all know common sense is not necessarily that common!

• Trust Truth and honest dealings lead to trust. Respect and reliability over time leads to trust. • Develop a leadership philosophy Discovering and defining your own leadership philosophy will help build your character, resilience, resolve, and self-confidence to lead, influence, and inspire others. • Develop a positive attitude How important is a positive attitude to success? It is everything and is the foundation for everything.

•W alk your talk Live with integrity. We do what we say. • Leadership If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude. • Never disapprove of others The smart mover concentrates on their own path and ignores the route others choose to take. • Be 100 per cent committed You are going to have to be vigilant, dedicated, watchful, keen, ready, prepared, cautious, alert, and on the ball.

• Don’t swear We all do it. Don’t do it at work. • Don’t dwell on the problem Resolve how you can; don’t lament why you can’t. • Do what you say Promises are empty words without action. You are measured by your words and your deeds. • Resilience Does not start with experience; it starts with attitude – your attitude. So does leadership. Quotes attributed to Colin Powell, Richard Templar and Jeffrey Gitomer.

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 49

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Airplus Industrial Corp. / Formerly ETP ......................... 46

IRC Building Sciences Group ................................................. 21

B.G.E. Service & Supply Ltd .................................................. 34

McGregor Hardware Distribution ........................................ 13

British Columbia Insulation Contractors Association .... 43

Nitro Pipe Freeze Inc. ............................................................... 40

Canstar Restorations ................................................................... 3

Noratek Solutions Inc. ................................................................ 31

Craven Huston Powers Architects ...................................... 15 D.G. MacLachlan Ltd. ................................................................. 35 Dobbin Sales Ltd. .......................................................................... 9 Dyson Canada ................................................................................. 11 Ebase Facility Software ........................................................... 35 Emco Corp. .................................................................................... 15 Encorp Beverages ........................................................................ 4 Encorp Pacific ............................................................................... 27 Erv Parent ....................................................................................... 33 ESC Automation / Delta Controls ................................. OBC

Ram Mechanical Ltd. .................................................................. 15 Reliable Controls Corporation ........................................... IBC Rocky Point Engineering Ltd. ............................................... 35 Roofing Contractors Association of B.C. ........................ 25 Royal Stewart Ltd. ..................................................................... 48 Shift Into Winter (RSAW) ...................................................... 20 Sound Solutions Inc. .................................................................. 33 Spears Sales & Service Ltd. ................................................... 29 SPECS................................................................................................. 45

Fortis B.C. ......................................................................................... 41

Time Access Systems Inc ........................................................ 28

Garaventa Lift .............................................................................. 34

Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. ....................... 39

Goodbye Graffiti .......................................................................... 35

Wesco Distribution/Philips Lighting ............................... IFC

IBC Technologies ........................................................................... 5

Western Bus Parts & Service Ltd. ....................................... 47

Interior Turf Equipment ............................................................ 23

Winmar (Canada) International Ltd. .................................. 7

50 Ops Talk â&#x20AC;¢ Fall 2019

the ART of Building Sustainability

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Employ a single sign on (SSO) architecture with compliance to scalable credentialing architectures and secure tunneling methodologies such as BACnet virtual private networks (B/VPN).

Select lifecycle-centric manufacturers who minimize the negative impacts of waste with long-term warranty and repair services while adhering to WEEE, RoHS and LEED directives.

Specify integrated FDD (IFDD) that delivers real-time fault detection, step-by-step root-cause diagnostics while using all your existing cabling structures, including twisted-pair networks.

Enjoy the long-term benefits of suppliers who engineer a path forward to new technologies while remaining backwards compatible without third-party gateways or hardware replacement.

Insist on timely analytics for all stakeholders with complete control of formatting and scheduling while retaining full ownership of your data and the reports generated.

Stay on top of regular advances in technology with supplier-certified, multi-lingual online educational videos, technical documentation, software updates, and advanced face-to-face classroom courses.

Create better-connected spaces with real-time access to occupancy, lighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort levels, using a holistic single app on the occupantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mobile device.

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Sustainability requires a high level of integration between HVAC, lighting, and security systems. The art of building sustainability skillfully combines this integration with other technological and supporting elements that must endure over the long term. When these additional elements are maintained over the life of your building, true building sustainability emerges. To learn more about the ART of Building Sustainability please visit reliablecontrols.com/TABS10BC19

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Ops Talk Magazine Fall 2019

Articles inside

Thoughts on: Work

Burnaby School Board implements a lighting system that’s great for energy management and learning

Dyson launches the Airblade 9KJ Hand Dryer

Does your facility’s DHW heating measure up?

Lead in drinking water: Filtration as a fix

Frequency changes to all wireless mic systems in the 600Mhz range in Canada

Due diligence & BC Fire Code: Responsibilities and inspections

UV light filtration in HVAC systems

Long-term roof protection: Maximize roof life. Delay replacement

First electric school bus envisioned: Feasibility study lays out issues and economics

Message from the president of EFMA, Rick Delorme

EFMA BC 2019 Conference in review

Message from the Minister of Education, Rob Fleming

EFMA member profile on Calvin Morven

Directors Workshop 2020

Building child care with the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund

School on fire: Getting a district back on track