Sheet Metal Journal Spring 2016

SPRING 2016

sheetmetaljournal.com

SMACNA-BC 47th AGM & CONVENTION Also in this issue:

Publications Mail Agreement # 40719512

Sheet Metal Estimating Airtek Pneumatics 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron New Horizons for Northwest Sheet Metal Official Journal of Record for SMACNA-BC

PROMOTING

GROWTH AND STABILITY IN OUR INDUSTRY

Formed in 1969, the British Columbia Sheet Metal Association (SMACNA-BC) was the first international chapter of the Sheet Metal & Air-conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA). Founded in 1934, SMACNA traces its history to the National Association of Sheet Metal Contractors established in 1910, and has 2,300 members worldwide.

SMACNA-BC is a member-driven association representing unionized sheet metal contractors in the Mainland of BC, and suppliers to our industry. It promotes the growth and stability of the members and industry.

OUR MANDATE • To improve the financial stability and business conditions of the sheet metal industry, and to develop and promote methods to improve managerial proficiency • To improve quality, efficiency and productivity of this industry, and to implement high standards of work • To establish and maintain high ethical standards of conduct between members of the Association, and between members and owners, architects, engineers, other contractors, and the public • To study and help in the development and enforcement of governmental codes and regulations, and such legislation as may be necessary for the best interest of the public and the sheet metal industry • To promote harmony in labour relations • To exchange technical, professional, and educational information with other contractor associations in the sheet metal industry and its allied trades in Canada and other countries • To affiliate as a Chapter with the Sheet Metal & Air-conditioning Contractors National Association, Inc.

BC Sheet Metal Association (SMACNA-BC) Executive Director: Bruce Sychuk 315-15225 104th Ave. Surrey, BC. V3R 6Y8 Phone: (604) 585-4641 • Fax: (604) 584-9304 E-mail: smacnabc@smacna-bc.org • www.smacna-bc.org

14

12 www.sheetmetaljournal.com GROUP PUBLISHER

Lara Perraton lperraton@pointonemedia.com

EDITOR

Jessica Kirby jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com

CONTRIBUTORS Mike Bykowski Anne Cochrane Andrew Delmonico Blake Desaulniers Norm Grusnick Mark Halvorsen Tracey C. Jones Bruce Sychuk

COVER PHOTO Jessica Kirby

ADVERTISING SALES

Christina Tranberg 877.755.2762 ctranberg@pointonemedia.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lara Perraton 877.755.2762 lperraton@pointonemedia.com

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY Point One Media Inc. Sheet Metal Journal P.O. Box 11, Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4 Toll-free: 877.755.2762 www.sheetmetaljournal.com While information contained in this publication has been compiled from sources deemed to be reliable, the publisher may not be held liable for omissions or errors.

Contents ©2016 by Point One Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without prior written permission from the publisher.

Printed in Canada.

Postage paid at Simcoe, ON. Return postage guaranteed. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40719512.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Sheet Metal Journal P.O. Box 11, Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4 email: circulations@pointonemedia.com

Official Journal of Record for SMACNA - BC

Find Sheet Metal Journal on Twitter and Facebook

Photo courtesy of Viaduct Sheet Metal.

Photo courtesy of Airtek Pneumatic.

Contents 8

SMACNA-BC 47th AGM & Convention

Don't miss a minute of fun and opportunity and SMACNA-BC's annual convention in beautiful Victoria May 12-14.

12 Sheet Metal Estimating: A trade for the passionate Sheet metal estimating is the backbone of the company and not for the faint of heart.

14 Airtek Pneumatics Brings 140 Years of Experience to Pinnacle Pellet

Airtek Pneumatics constructed dust control and collection systems at a $30-million pellet facility in Coldstream, BC.

17 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron

HVAC ducting, hoods, and HEPA filtration units were only the beginning at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in North Saanich.

18 New Horizons for Northwest Sheet Metal

Northwest Sheet Metal has a new, 27,000-square-foot home in Surrey, which means a larger space and new opportunities.

DEPARTMENTS

4

SMACNA-BC Update

23

Jobsite Safety

7

Industry News

24

Contractors 101

20

Feature Focus

26

It's the Law

21

Engineer's Desk

27

Advertiser Index

22

Technical Updates

Next issue: Training and Labour • Negotiation and Retention • Testing and Balancing

www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

3

SMACNA-BC UPDATE SMACNA-BC Supervisory Training Program How To Be A More Effective Foreman – Kevin Dougherty Are SMACNA-BC contractors & SMACNA-BC Industry Fund contributors interested in education programs to enhance their foremen’s skills? The answer is an overwhelming yes.

Recently SMACNA-BC sponsored the Supervisory Training Program, “How To Be A More Effective Foreman,” presented

by Kevin Dougherty. We limited the program to 40 attendees and had to squeeze in a couple more spots in an effort to appease those contractors who understand the value of having their supervisory staff attend these programs, and of implementing the skills and ideas learned into real life, real projects.

The program covered proven conflict resolution techniques, communication skills, productivity enhancement, motivational tactics, time management ideas, and many more skills a foreman needs to thrive today. The program is designed to help anyone who manages people, from the new foreman to the experienced veteran, and all attendees came away with tools that will make an immediate impact on job performance.

About our presenter For the last 20 Years Kevin has been speaking to the construction industry. Kevin represents a changing industry— aggressive, realistic, and open-minded. Kevin's work and education experience enabled him to relate to today's problems and provides tangible solutions in an easy-to-listen style.

He has taught thousands of people in various seminars. His client base ranges from family-owned businesses to corporate conglomerates.

We are currently in the process of scheduling another program for the fall of 2016. Once again, the fall program will be open to all SMACNA-BC contractors and Industry Fund contributors at no cost. Watch your inbox for details.

EMCO (HVAC Division) & Hilti Canada: New SMACNA-BC Associate Members The SMACNA-BC Board is pleased to announce EMCO (HVAC Division) was recently approved for SMACNA-BC Associate Membership.

EMCO at a Glance EMCO has numerous offices all across Canada. See www. emcoltd.com. EMCO understands the need for comfort.

Heating, air conditioning, and proper ventilation are integral for this, and they offer a full line of heating and cooling systems, accessories, and parts for a complete comfort

4

Sheet Metal Journal

by / Bruce Sychuk, Executive DIrector, SMACNA-BC

solution. They work with manufacturers who know the importance of quiet, energy efficient systems and they provide their customers with high-quality products.

Their strong relationships with their vendors allow them to pass their knowledge along to their customers. They offer training seminars and workshops on HVAC and refrigeration products and technical systems support to keep you up to date on the latest technologies and trends. Their motto is, “Your success is our success.”

EMCO's technical expertise and knowledgeable teams will assist in designing the best system to meet your standards.

Whether it’s a residential or commercial application, hydronic, gas, or electric, they can find the right solution to ensure your heating, cooling, and ventilation requirements are met.

EMCO (HVAC Division) is located at 3030 Beta Ave., Burnaby, BC, and their local SMACNA-BC official representative is Mr. Marshall Lee. You can reach Mr. Lee at 604-299-1353 / mlee@emcoltd.com.

The SMACNA-BC Board is also pleased to announce that Hilti Canada, www.hilti.ca has recently been approved for SMACNA-BC Associate Membership.

HILTI at a Glance Hilti provides leading-edge technology to the global construction industry. Hilti products, systems, and services offer the construction professional innovative solutions with outstanding added value. The headquarters of the Hilti Group are in Schaan in the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Almost 20,000 employees in more than 120 countries around the world enthuse their customers and build a better future.

The corporate culture is founded on integrity, courage, teamwork, and commitment.

Hilti excels through outstanding innovation, top quality, direct customer relations, and effective marketing. Two-thirds of the employees work directly for the customer in sales organizations and in engineering, which means a total of more

SMACNA-BC UPDATE than 200,000 customer contacts every day. Hilti has its own production plants as well as research and development centers in Europe and Asia.

Founded in 1941, the worldwide Hilti Group evolved from a small family company. Since 2000, the Martin Hilti Family Trust holds all shares and, since January 2008, all participation certificates of Hilti Corporation. This safeguards the further development of the company founder Martin Hilti’s life’s work in the long term.

Hilti upholds a clear value orientation and pursues a policy of stakeholder value. Integrating the interests of all the company’s partners – customers, suppliers and employees – into its strategy and actively honoring its social and ecological responsibility creates the foundation of trust that makes possible the long-term success of the company.

Hilti Canada is located at 26 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver, BC, their local SMACNA-BC official representative is Mr. Joel Lescault. You can reach Mr. Lescault at 604-313-2309 / joel. lescault@hilti.com.

EMCO (HVAC Division) & Hilti Canada along with all SMACNA-BC Associate Members recognize that the SMACNA-BC Associate Member Program is an important element for connecting company products, services, and people with the industry’s major specifiers, buyers, and decision-makers.

ASHRAE-BC / SMACNA-BC Tradeshow 2017 Remember back in the day when there used to be a joint ASHRAE-BC / SMACNA-BC tradeshow at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver? Norm Grusnick of ECCO Supply and I do. That’s why we have started talks about hosting another one tentatively in the fall of 2017. If any SMACNA-BC Members would like to be involved in the planning process, please drop me an email at smacnabc@ smacna-bc.org.

Ruskin Fire and Combination Fire Smoke Dampers The SMACNA “Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide” for HVAC manual is exactly what the title indicates: a guide for installation. Not all fire dampers are manufactured the same. That is why SMACNA must make the disclaimer; “The details shown in this guide represent the state-of-the-art of the dampers manufactured by those in the HVAC industry, and may be modified by individual manufacturers to meet specific requirements. These dampers must be installed as outlined and shown by the manufacturers’ installation instructions

British Columbia Sheet Metal Association (SMACNA-BC) Providing products and information related to the Sheet Metal Industry, including technical manuals and guidelines.

The unmatched technical and managerial expertise of SMACNA-BC Contractors is enhanced by the talent and skills of the workforce they employ. SMACNA-BC Contractors employ only Red Seal Certified Sheet Metal Journeymen and Registered Apprentices.

CONTRACTOR MEMBERS 101 Industries Ltd. Admiral Roofing Ltd. Agvale Industries Ltd. Airtek Pneumatics Ltd. All Valley Metals Ltd. Alliance Metal Fabricators Ltd. Allied Blower & Sheet Metal Ltd. Ames Metal Fabricators 82 Ltd. Apollo Sheet Metal Ltd. Austin Metal Fabricators L.P. Boston Sheet Metal Ltd. Bry-Mac Mechanical Ltd. CC Industries Ltd. Cascade Metal Design Ltd. Century Plumbing & Heating Ltd. City Sheet Metal Ltd. Crosstown Metal Industries Ltd. Downtown Custom Metal Works Ltd. Duncan’s Ltd. ECCO Supply Equity Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Haakon Industries Canada Ltd.

Harbourview Sheet Metal Ltd. Horizon Cladding Ltd. Horizon Metal Systems Inc. KD Engineering Co. Keith Plumbing & Heating Co. Ltd. M&T Air Conditioning Ltd. Northwest Sheet Metal Ltd. Pacific Rim Industrial Insulation Ltd. Paramount Sheet Metal Ltd. Piedmont Sheet Metal (1997) Ltd. Quest Metal Works Ltd. R.H. Jones & Son Mechanical Ltd. Ridge Sheet Metal C.P. Smith Sheet Metal Works Ltd. Spectrum Sheet Metal Ltd. Summit Sheet Metal Ltd. Tri-Metal Fabricators Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd. Vicwest Delta Western Mechanical Services (1977) Ltd. York Sheet Metal Ltd.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Access Metal Products Ltd. Air System Supplies All Therm Services Inc. Bailey West Processing Inc. Brock White Construction Materials Control Solutions Ltd. Crossroads C&I Distributors DDK Ventilation Products Ltd. E.H. Price Sales Ltd. EMCO (HVAC Division) Engineered Air Envirotech Air Inc. ETP Energy Technology Products Ltd. (a div. of IPC, Inc.)

Frost Insulation Supplies Inc. Hilti Canada Intercon Insurance Services Ltd. Manson Insulation Maxam Metal Products Modern Tool (BC) Ltd. Nu-West Construction Products Pacaire HVAC Supplies Ltd. Progressive Air Products Ltd. Raven Hydronic Supply Ltd. Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd. Winroc-SPI Wm. P. Somerville 1996 Ltd.

BC Sheet Metal Association (SMACNA-BC) Executive Director: Bruce Sychuk 315-15225 104th Ave. Surrey, BC V3R 6Y8 Phone: (604) 585-4641 Fax: (604) 584-9304 E-mail: smacnabc@smacna-bc.org

www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

5

SMACNA-BC UPDATE which result from UL testing. In addition to UL labels or UL listing, some local and state authorities will require approval or compliance with local codes before allowing use. This guide contains descriptions, illustrations, recommendations on changes in industry practices, suggestions on disposition of installation detail for situations not confirmed by fire tests in composite assemblies, designations of responsibility, references to the other documents, check lists, and guidance on plan marking. Thus, it is essentially a generic guide of commercially available products that should not be categorically referenced in codes or project specifications.”

Now, what I’m finally going to get to is that I received quite a number of calls with reference to installing retaining angles on fire dampers that are installed tight to the underside of a slab, wall, or floor. The question evidently ends up being, “Am I permitted to install just three retaining angles on the damper?

My response is, “This would be contrary to the SMACNA manual; however, check with the fire damper supplier to see if they have tested a fire damper with three retaining angles.”

In an effort to maybe assist those who have asked the question and received my response, I have done some research to see if any manufacturers have documentation permitting a three-side angle installation. Low and behold, I did run across at least one manufacturer that addresses this issue. My disclaimer is there may be other manufacturers that address this issue, but the one that surfaced first was Ruskin. It is not my intent to plug Ruskin; I am just sharing my findings.

For your questions about installing three-side angle for fire and combination fire smoke dampers, your answer is on www.

YouTube.com. Search for “Recommended 3 Side Angle for Fire and Combination Fire Smoke Dampers.”

Published on March 17, 2016: This instruction applies to 1 1/2 hour rated combination fire/smoke dampers and fire dampers mounted in masonry, block, metal stud, or wood stud walls.

Specific requirements in these instructions are mandatory.

These instructions meet UL555 requirements. Installation shall meet requirements of NFPA 90A (standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems) and UL Classification R5531.

My humble apologies to all other manufacturers who also address this issue. Ruskin, you are welcome.

UPCOMING SMACNA-BC EVENTS Saturday, April 16, 2016 Vernon, BC SMACNA-BC Board of Directors Meeting SMACNA-BC Board of Directors Strategic Planning Session Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Surrey, BC SMACNA-BC / SMWIA Local Union No. 280 Joint Conference Board Meeting Tuesday, May 10, 2016 Surrey, BC SMACNA-BC Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, May 12 to Saturday, May 14, 2016 Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Hotel Resort & Spa, Victoria, BC. SMACNA-BC 47th Annual General Meeting & Conference SMACNA-BC / SMWIA Local Union No. 280 Joint Conference Board Meeting Sunday, June 6 to Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver, BC SMACNA Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting Tuesday, June 28, 2016 Tony Paris Park, Coquitlam, BC SMACNA-BC / SMWIA Local Union No. 280 Joint Conference Board Meeting Tuesday, July 12, 2016 Surrey, BC SMACNA-BC Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday, August 9, 2016 Surrey, BC SMACNA-BC Board of Directors Meeting Friday, September 16, 2016 Surrey, BC Northview Golf & Country Club SMACNA-BC 33rd Annual Golf Classic

Document Your Story Have you got interesting photos and memories you'd like to share? Contact our editor, Jessica Kirby, to find out how to submit your materials for inclusion in a future issue of Sheet Metal Journal. Contact Jessica at jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com or by phone at 250.816.3671 6

Sheet Metal Journal

INDUSTRY NEWS NDY ACQUIRES STERLING COOPER CONSULTANTS Global engineering consultancy Norman Disney & Young (NDY) has announced its expansion into the Canadian market with the takeover of Vancouver-based mechanical engineering company Sterling Cooper, a consultancy with more than four decades of expertise. The move marks a significant upgrade to Canada's engineering offering, with global best practices and innovations expected to be rolled out in the coming months.

With an international presence in 15 markets, Canadian expansion means Norman Disney & Young now operates across four continents. On a local level, the acquisition means that NDY in Vancouver is able to broaden its services and move towards offering its clients full building services.

Other strategic priorities will include investing further in sustainability and digital practices.

"Following 18 months of discussions and negotiations, NDY is thrilled to have acquired Sterling Cooper," says NDY CEO, Stuart Fowler. "With an experienced team of approximately 30 engineers, this acquisition of a highly-admired firm in an established marketplace provides NDY with immediate work in Vancouver, and emerging opportunities more broadly in Canada and North America."

"To remain an innovator and an industry leader in a highly competitive market, we consider all appropriate opportunities to expand both our capabilities and our geographical presence.

Sterling Cooper's specialist proficiency in mixed-use, highrise buildings, hotels and residential complexes, along with its focus on innovative energy saving designs, has all the requisite hallmarks of a complementary fit with NDY." Adds Sterling Cooper President, George Steeves, "NDY and Sterling Cooper have been following similar paths in the professional development of staff and the focus on clientcentricity. In Vancouver, we have invested significantly in staff training over the past four years, cultivating a learning environment to be an employer of choice and trusted advisors to our clients. NDY also places its people and clients at the heart of their business strategy. There's an unquestionable synergy between our two firms."

NDY Director of Clients and Strategy, Patrick Fogarty - one of the key proponents of facilitating NDY's acquisition of the Sterling Cooper business - echoes these sentiments, "We are deeply passionate about our purpose of Making Spaces Work for our clients and for the built environment; this has a direct alignment with the work and ethos of Sterling Cooper, and is already enabling a seamless cultural integration of the two firms in Canada. You just know when something's a good fit."

For more information, visit: www.ndy.com.

NEW RESEARCH FROM ASHRAE OUTLINES MEASURES TO REACH TOWARD NET ZERO ENERGY Application of 30 specific energy savings measures across all building types and climate zones resulted in cutting energy use by nearly half, according to results of newly approved research funded by ASHRAE. The national weighted change is 47.8 percent more energy efficient than Standard 90.1-2013 based on site energy and 47.8 percent more energy efficient than 90.1-2013 based source on energy.

The question of “how energy efficient can commercial and multifamily buildings become in the near future if first cost is not considered” was explored in ASHRAE 1651-Research Project, “Development of Maximum Technically Achievable Energy Targets for Commercial Buildings: Ultra-Low Energy Use Building Set.” “The value of establishing such ultra-low-energy targets for buildings is two-fold,” Jason Glazer, principal engineer for GARD Analytics who oversaw the project, said. “These targets will indicate to building design professionals what may be achieved if first cost is not considered and challenge the creativity of those professionals to achieve similar results in actual designs with the real-world constraints of first costs.

They also will help advance design guides, standards and codes by providing an ultimate goal.”

For the project, researchers assembled a list of energy efficiency measures that can be included in the design of non-residential buildings. The list included both commonly used and cutting edge energy efficiency measures, according to Glazer.From the resulting list of almost 400 measures, 30 were chosen for additional analysis. Sixteen prototype buildings that were consistent with Standard 90.1-2013, Energy Efficiency Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential, across 17 climate zones were used as baseline models. The 30 measures then were individually modeled.

Each of the 30 measures, often with many options, were applied to each building and climate combination. In general, the measures were applied in the following order: • Reduce internal loads • Reduce building envelope loads • Reduce HVAC distribution system losses • Decrease HVAC equipment energy consumption • Major HVAC reconfigurations.

“It is useful to understand how far energy efficiency measures can go to reduce the use of energy in the built environment,” Continued on page 27 www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

7

47th

Annual General Meeting & Convention

Photo courtesy of Delta Victoria Ocean Point Resort.

Welcome to one of the year's most incredible weekends of opportunity, networking, and adventure: the 47th Annual SMACNA-BC AGM and Convention. Without a doubt, SMACNA-BC will deliver an engaging, exciting weekend of networking, social opportunities, and even a little business as the board presents the year in review at Saturday's AGM. Delegates flock to the SMACNA-BC AGM and Convention because it has a world class reputation for opportunity. This is a weekend you will not want to miss as the AGM keeps you posted on what is happening in the association, and social opportunities create new business connections and renew

old ones. If you haven't yet, be sure to catch some of the offsite excursions—stroll through the beauty of Buchart Gardens or take a walk on the wild side with the Adrena Line zipline adventure. Find out what Tiger Woods loved about Olympic View Golf Club, but save some energy for the Family Reunion event, which is sure to entertain participants and spectators alike.

If you have any questions during the weekend, the amazing SMACNA-BC staff will be on hand to assist. In the meantime, have a fantastic weekend and enjoy the many opportunities to connect with members of your association.

CONVENTION SCHEDULE Thursday, May 12 4:00 pm 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Hotel check-in Opening Reception

After you check-in to your room, come and say hello and share a beverage of choice, appetizers, and a late-night dessert.

Friday, May 13 8:00 am – 9:00 am 9:00 am – 2:00 pm 10:00 am – 3:30 pm 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Opening Breakfast Adrena Line Zipline Butchart Gardens Golf at Olympic View Golf Club Family Reunion II Reception Family Reunion II

Saturday, May 14 7:00 am – 8:30 am 8:45 am – 9:45 am 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm 6:30 pm – 12:00 am

Proud to be distributing:

Air System Supplies Fun Run Buffet Breakfast Annual General Meeting Lunch Special Guest/Entertainment Kid’s Party President’s Reception President’s Ball

Sunday, May 15 12:00 pm

Hotel check out

* Please note all times & events are subject to change. Please confirm on site.

Friday, May 13 Excursions Zipline Adventures 9:00 am Pickup from Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort Looking for an Exhilarating Outdoor Adventure? Then take part in a thrilling Adrena Line zipline tour where you will experience a total of eight ziplines, ranging from 150ft/45m to 1000ft/305m with platform and zipline heights ranging from 60ft/18m to 150ft/45m.

The tour starts with Adrena Line transporting you from the Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort to their course location in Sooke.

Celebrating 10 years as a BC Owned and Operated Distributor.

We Have You Covered ™ 19131 21st Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 3M3 Phone: 604.535.7272 | Fax: 604.535.7279 Toll-free: 866.913.7678 www.frostinsulation.com | info@frostinsulation.com

www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

9

SMACNA-BC AGM & Convention

After signing waivers and completing necessary documents you will take an exciting and fun 10-minute Unimog ride up to the top of the zipline course. During the tour, experience the forest canopy as you cross two suspension bridges. The tour takes place on 100 acres of coastal temperate rainforest with magnificent mountain and ocean views. The tour duration is approximately two hours. All tours are fully guided by our professionally trained staff.

worksheet guides you through the gardens and provides interesting historical details and points out features. Children can draw pictures along the way to answer questions—it’s a great way for kids to take a closer look at nature. The paths are child and stroller friendly.

There are a few restrictions to consider: weight restrictions are 60lbs/27kgs minimum and 275lbs/125kgs maximum with no exceptions; and, age restrictions include the minimum age requirement of five years, while children 12 years and under must be accompanied by someone 15 years of age or older during the tour. 

Victoria - Self-guided Tour

Golf at Olympic View Golf Club First Tee-Time 10:00 am 643 Latoria Road, Victoria, BC While attending SMACNA-BC’s 47th Annual Convention, there is the opportunity to participate in the Annual Convention Golf Tournament at Olympic View Golf Club.

Olympic View Golf Club boasts a variety of golf holes that compliment individual masterpieces. Nestled deep inside a pristine forest, natural beauty is punctuated by two waterfalls, 12 lakes, roaming deer, soaring eagles, and the beautiful snow peaked Olympic Mountains in the horizon. If some of the golf shots on this target venue quicken your pulse, the tranquility of our setting should help to calm and center you. The 17th hole encompasses enough natural beauty for an entire course.

From the tee, aim toward a breathtaking 40-foot waterfall that frames the green 455 yards away. This signature hole plays through a steep, narrow valley past a huge rock column and an elegant Japanese garden. It's no wonder Olympic View was the first golf course in British Columbia that Tiger Woods played, as an amateur in 1994. See more at: http://www. golfbc.com/courses/olympic_view 

Butchart Gardens 10:00 am Pickup from Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort While attending SMACNA-BC’s 47th AGM & Convention in Victoria take a day and stroll through the beautiful Butchart Gardens, enjoy the fresh air and brilliant floral colours, and see why people return season after season, and year after year.

Spring is an exciting time at The Gardens. Come witness thousands of flowering bulbs, shrubs, and trees bursting forth.

It’s the perfect time to take in fresh colours and to breathe refreshing scents on a self-guided tour.

Bring your family and experience the fun self-guided walk that helps you explore the gardens in a new way. A free

The cost for this memorable experience is $45.00 including GST, admission, transportation, and lunch.  SMACNA-BC is encouraging you to explore Victoria on your own. Enjoy the temperate climate the provincial capital provides by taking advantage of the of natural and humanmade riches including an abundance of trails and parks, stunning heritage architecture, ocean views, and mountain vistas.

A few places of interest that you and your family may enjoy are: • Tumblebums: a great little play centre. “Play is Child’s Work,” and at Tumblebums, we celebrate play!

• Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close.

• Beacon Hill Children's Farm takes pride in providing both an educational and economical form of entertainment for the whole family.

• Royal BC Museum presents the natural and human history of the area through three different galleries, natural history, First Peoples, and modern history.

• Orca Spirit Whale Watching Adventure offers the largest fleet of whale watching boats in Victoria.

• Wild Play Elements Park Where adults, teens, and kids come for adrenaline-packed adventures in central Vancouver Island.

• City Centre Park is Langford’s “everything” active entertainment zone, designed and co-ordinated by the City’s own Parks Department.

• Check out some of the local wineries.

Get away from the hustle and bustle or throw yourself in the middle of it for a few hours; you'll be glad you did!

For more information, visit www.tourismvictoria.com or www.victoria.ca 

Family Reunion II Reception: 6:30 pm Dinner: 7:30 pm Arbutus Ballroom, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Join the SMACNA-BC family at one of the biggest, most extraordinary and most inclusive family reunion’s in history.

Connect with seldom-seen family members, meet new ones, and celebrate your association. There will be laughs,

adventure, and of course, friendly competition and not to forget, a tasty dinner, delicious desserts, and experienced bartenders to mix you up a great drink. Participate in all of the excitement or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Saturday, May 14 Air System Supplies Fun Run 7 am Location TBA Join Air System Supplies for their 3rd Annual Fun Run! It is a friendly race for all levels whether running, jogging, or walking. Follow a mapped out route around Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Come one and all – everyone is invited; children are encouraged with or without strollers. Don’t miss out on this chance to get some fresh air and exercise.

Take part in the Air System Supplies Fun Run for your own enjoyment and health, and be sure to grab a prize at the end!

Annual General Meeting 10:00 am Harbour Room, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe During the Annual General Meeting, 2015 reports from various Boards will be presented, members are elected to fill open seats on Boards & Committees, attendees will be

informed of previous and future association activities, fiscal information for the past year is reviewed, and questions are addressed. All guests are encouraged and welcome to attend.

President's Ball Reception: 5:30 pm Dinner: 6:30 pm Arbutus Ballroom, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Saturday, May 14, is to be an evening of elegance and special memories. Express your gratitude to Mr. Mark McLaren, Ridge Sheet Metal Co. for a job well done as our 2015/2016 president and welcome Al Benning, Ames Metal Fabricators 82 Ltd. as the new 2016/2017 President.

Conclude your weekend with an evening of wine, dinner, awards, dancing and entertainment from the talented, fun, harmonious, dance band the Psych-a-Relics!

Kid's Party 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm Songhees Room, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe All kids are invited to attend the Saturday Night Kid’s Party!

It is a special party just for the kid’s where the fun never ends.

There is a specially prepared “kid-friendly” meal, supervised video games, crafts, movies, games, and more. 

www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

11

Sheet Metal Estimating:

A trade for the passionate by / Mark Halvorsen Photos courtesy of Viaduct Sheet Metal

THE NOTION THAT AN ESTIMATE can never be perfect is what separates the schools of estimation and accounting. Estimating and the costs associated with the final quote result from making judgments based on past experience, and in that frame of mind, the variables between estimating and accounting are never the same.

12

Sheet Metal Journal

The brass tacks estimating responsibilities begin with obtaining drawings, bidding, following up tenders, tracking bids, and adjusting future quotes accordingly to ensure the company is getting the maximum available profits through an appropriate market.

Estimators put as accurate a bid together as they can, allowing risk money or man-hours for areas of the drawings and specifications that are not cleared up prior to tender closing. The estimate (accurate guess) acts as a budget for the operations manager, project manager, project co-ordinator, outside supervisor, site foreman, field crews, shop supervisor, shop foreman, and fabricators to work from. Cost certainty is never attainable because of the multitude of job variables.

The materials, sub-trades, supplier’s items, and shop labour costs are easier to predict as these areas of the construction process are fairly controlled. Field performance varies greatly from foreman to foreman, crew to crew, PM to PM, customer to customer, and between general site conditions, not to mention general contractor and developer differences. The most successful projects are usually ones in which the field labour meets or is below the estimate.

The estimator has other responsibilities beyond creating the bid. He or she is responsible for sales duties associated with estimating including liaising with customers, engineers, and owners; making the company aware of present and upcoming market conditions; and, through contacts, searching out select tender opportunities as well as helping negotiate favorable purchase orders. They must get to know the competition and understand when they are flush with work, in need of work, and when they have way too much work on the go because all of these factors will affect the available markup on the project. In response to these and other fluctuations, the estimator must rework the estimating data as the need arises (ie: new machinery is purchased increasing productivity, materials pricing changes); and, upon completion, he or she must perform reviews of completed contracts to ensure the estimated figures match the actual. Understanding why they don’t and applying this knowledge is critical to the success of future bids on similar projects.

performing his very important piece of the construction team’s puzzle with the greatest proficiency. Estimating is a passion for perfection that can never be mastered. Estimates, after all, are only educated budgets with targets for a company's construction team to attempt to achieve.

Estimating can be a very rewarding profession. The thrill of compiling an accurate takeoff together with industry intel that leads to a quality quote can be exhilarating. But, generally, an estimator should strive for a 20 per cent success rate. Any more than that and his bids are probably leaving some profit points on the table. Any less and he or she is probably not spending the time required to search out and eliminate the risk factors involved that ultimately force a company to add risk dollars.

Be aware, though, although an estimator may fall in love with the project and the bid he has put together, 80 per cent of the time he is not going to be successful. Estimators should be passionate and disappointed if they do not secure the bid they just poured their heart and soul into, but they can't take losing one project too seriously. There will always be another and the good quality work will flow towards those who do their due diligence and always strive to put out the best bid they can.

If you live by that mantra you will be successful in estimating.

Patience is surely a virtue with this profession. 

Estimators also prepare project budgets and sometimes place purchase orders with sub-trades and suppliers. It is up to them to review the project with the construction team, specifically the project manager, during the start-up and construction phases as required. Normally the estimator will quote any changes that may occur throughout the project’s lifespan.

Engineered to Last

A quality bid takes into account the company's need for each specific project it is bidding on, the company's capabilities (is the project a good fit?), the capabilities of the mechanical contractor, the probable markup, the customer's capability to promptly pay his bills, the known site conditions, the condition of the market place, the company's ability to properly perform the work, the schedule, any outside influences, banking pressures, bonding capabilities, capacity issues, the company's corporate goals/budgets for the year, any personal connections that may be affected performing the work, and, of course, the availability of time (does the estimator have enough time to put together this bid in a manner that gives the company the best opportunity to secure the project?).

This UL S636 vent system for type BH gas venting is long lasting, lightweight, and easy to install.

Estimating is not just stripping off drawings and sending quotes out to customers hoping to land a project or two. An estimator takes years to learn and perfect his or her craft. Industry connections with a company's competition, its customers, and the engineering community will assist a quality estimator with

ECCO Polypropylene Vent™

• Complete line of Rigid and Flex • Fire retardent Polypropylene • Gasketed joints with locking clamp (no glue required) • Diameter 2” – 8” For use with ANSI Category II and IV gas burning appliances (condensing boilers) with a maximum flue gas temperature of 230°F (110°C)

Available at

www.eccosupply.ca 19700 Landmark Way, Langley, BC

7959 Enterprise St, Burnaby, BC

604-530-9755 604-420-4323 1-800-881-3226

1-800-663-7684

www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

13

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / fotovampir

by Blake Desaulniers

Airtek Pneumatics

Brings 140 Years of Experience to Pinnacle Pellet by / Blake Desaulniers Photos courtesy of Airtek Pneumatics

IN FEBRUARY 2015, AIRTEK BROKE GROUND

on a multimillion dollar project in Coldstream, BC. Eight months to completion, the project would draw on Airtek’s 140 years of sheet metal trade experience to successfully complete and facilitate the opening of a new, $30 million Pinnacle Pellet operation.

Pellets have a wide range of use from consumer through industrial buyers, and they’re a part of BC’s growing clean energy industry and export sector. For example, the largest single site coal fired electricity generator in the UK has substituted wood pellets for coal and is now leading the way in decarbonizing base-load thermal power. Pinnacle runs seven pellet plants throughout BC, including the new Coldstream facility, producing more than one and a half million tonnes annually. Pinnacle produces for a global market.

Pinnacle relied on Airtek to provide dust control and collection systems to efficiently move fibre supply from the nearby Tolko Industries’ Lavington planer mill to the new pellet operation.

Airtek also installed critical dust collection systems at the new Pinnacle facility, including a 70,000 CFM separate standing system.

“Tolko had three separate shavings and dust collection systems,” says Airtek project manager Dan Bowles. “We needed to collect the fibre supply and then pipe it into a single 90,000 cubic feet per minute negatively charged system.”

To get the job done, Airtek acquired Cyclofilters through Quebec suppliers. The fibre would have a travel of 500 to 600 feet from the planer mill to the pellet plant.

“The setup in the planer mill had the three raw material stream terminate at cyclones," says Bowles. "There were separate shavings and dust collection systems. We pulled those streams out of the cyclones, and fed them into the new Cyclofilter system."

Airtek constructed support tower to a height of 35 feet, and ran transport duct between the towers to reach the new Pinnacle plant.

While Bowels says the project went incredibly smoothly, there were some environmental concerns that came to the fore. Airtek listened and then pit in the extra effort to install additional mitigation measures. In the end, compared to Tolko’s former environmental footprint, the new system provides significant reductions in airborne particulate.

Airtek also installed critical dust collection systems at the new Pinnacle facility, including a 70,000 CFM separate standing system that services the pelletizers. Dust collection is a critical component of wood process systems. In 2012 explosions blew up both the Babine sawmill in Burns Lake, killing two men, and the Lakeland Sawmill in Prince George, again killing two men. Wood dust was to blame in both.

Pinnacle relied on Airtek to provide safety and efficiency to the new pelletizing plant.

Airtek was also responsible for systems to draw hot air off the pellet cooling containers and collecting dust from two hammer mills in front of the pelletizers. Pellets are formed under heat and then cooled in large bins and emit high temperature gases in the process. So again, safety was a factor.

The Pinnacle project employed eight employees full time, including sheet metal workers, millwrights, and crane operators during the build. Airtek relied on Stolberg Engineering for technical services.

MEETING THE LABOUR NEEDS OF OUR INDUSTRY

BY DELIVERING QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL SHEET METAL WORKERS TRAINING C E N T R E S O C I E T Y The Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Society’s mission is to provide the highest quality of training and upgrading to sheet metal apprentices and journeypersons in the Province of British Coumbia by delivering the highest standards of instruction and utilizing the most up-to-date teaching methods.

For more information Tel 604.882.7680 Fax 778.298.0656 or Email registrar@smwtcs.ca Check us out on the web at www.smwtcs.ca 19077 - 95A Ave. Surrey, BC CANADA V4N 4P3 www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

15

Airtek Pneumatics

Airtek is optimistic about future growth prospects. With the mining industry in its current state of doldrums, most of Airtek’s work has been on the forest products side lately, at least projects co-ordinated out of the company’s Kelowna office. The company has recently installed dust mitigation systems in Conifex Timber’s mills in Mackenzie and Fort Saint James.

“We have done some mining work," says Bowles. "And we’re looking at ventilation, industrial, and light manufacturing as new markets.” Clearly, he’s looking for new opportunities in the Okanagan and Northern BC. The Airtek Surrey facility deals with a wider range of projects, with expertise in design of low-pressure systems, bag houses, cyclones, and conveying systems for any size project—and the company has the resources capable of meeting any highpressure system requirements. With its depth of experience, Airtek Pneumatics is an obvious choice for industry in the Lower Mainland.

In October 2015 Pinnacle Pellet shipped it’s first load from the new facility in Coldstream, thanks in part to Airtek’s expertise and smooth execution on the dust collection and materials handling systems, and providing pneumatic systems at both ends to ensure safety and efficiency. 

SPRING 2016

sheetmetaljournal.com

Linacoustic® RC

Fiber Glass Duct Liner with Reinforced Coating System

Proven to be #1 overall in shop productivity and jobsite approval.* * A competitive product comparison study conducted and overseen by

FMI, a management consulting firm to the construction industry, rated Linacoustic RC #1 overall by contractors who participated in the study.

CONTACT CROSSROADS C&I - 800 663 6595 GREENGUARD® certification is not intended for residential environments. Instead, the certification is intended only for buildings meeting ASHRAE 62.1-2007 commercial building ventilation rates. This certification is proof that the product meets the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute’s indoor air quality standards and product emission standards for VOCs.

crossroadsci.com

16

Sheet Metal Journal

SMACNA-BC 47th AGM & CONVENTION Also in this issue:

Publications Mail Agreement # 40719512

Sheet Metal Estimating Airtek Pneumatics 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron New Horizons for Northwest Sheet Metal Official Journal of Record for SMACNA-BC

SHARE YOUR STORY Are you working on an interesting or challenging project?

Tell us about it.

Contact our editor, Jessica Kirby, at 250.816.3671 or email jkirby@pointonemedia.com

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / dianka

443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron by / Jessica Kirby

^ ^ ^ ^

Department of National Defence, Canada Willingdon Road, North Saanich 215,000 square feet Sheet Metal Contractor: Apollo Sheet Metal; foreman - Bill Lutz

Apollo Sheet Metal recently completed work on the $155 million 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in North Saanich for Canada's Department of National Defence (DND)—a fouryear build measuring 215,000 square feet upon completion.

The project included a new building, construction of an aircraft apron, a taxiway, an aircraft wash area and refuelling cabinet, a vehicle parking area, a guard house with security barriers, and fencing.

The 443 Squadron operations and maintenance hangar will provide storage for five aircraft, two maintenance bays, an interior wash and maintenance bay, and maintenance shops.

Besides administrative and personnel support facilities, the facility will provide warehousing, shop, and work space for the in-service support contractor, while exterior provisions include ramp areas, taxiway, rinse bay, and a refueling area, plus access to roadways, parking lots, and service Coquitlam-based Apollo Sheet Metal provided all the HVAC ducting, hoods, and HEPA filtration units for the project, as well as AHUs, MUAs, air showers, a paint booth, exhaust arms, and two dust collectors.

Foreman Bill Lutz and his crew installed 1,300 lineal feet of 60"Ø spiral pipe and 750 lineal feet of 48"Ø spiral alone.

“In total, 14,000 lineal feet of spiral was installed totalling almost 90,000 lbs throughout the hangar and administration building,” said Jeremy Hallman, project manager for Apollo Sheet Metal. “We shipped one of our spiral machines to the Island so we could minimize our shipping costs. With so much of the spiral being one size it didn't allow us to nest it efficiently inside itself for trucking.”

The helicopter hangars presented unique challenges for Apollo's crew, including steel cross bracing approximately 3 m down from the underside of the roof. “The scissor lifts and ductwork needed to thread through this cross bracing to get to its final location approximately 18m in the air,” said Hallman.

“The building is also a post disaster facility which involved more stringent seismic requirements.”

The Island bid deposit rules differ from those on the Lower Mainland, which meant Apollo supplied a lot of equipment that wouldn't normally fall into its scope. “DND's attention to detail ensured this was a very good learning experience for me, personally, and provided skills I can carry on to other projects,” said Hallman. “We are currently working on two work packages at CFB Esquimalt.”

Labour for the project was provided by Local 276 on Vancouver Island. “It's always a challenge hiring a crew of people you are not familiar with,” said Hallman. “Normally we would have our own base crew and hire as required to meet extra demands.

“In this case we send a foreman from the Mainland and he hired the entire crew. We were really pleased with the local talent that came from Local 276.”

The job's budget and timeline worked out favourably—the pile driving process at the beginning of the project took a little longer than expected, but much of the time was made up over the course of the job.

“It finished a little later than originally scheduled but not by much,” said Hallman. “And the job finished on budget.” 

www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

17

New Horizons for Northwest Sheet Metal

Northwest Sheet Metal has a new, 27,000-square-foot home in Surrey, opening up a larger space, more efficient operations, and new opportunities.

Story and photos by Jessica Kirby

Part owner and operations manager Bernie Antchak

said the old facility was one-third the size of the new facility, which limited the company's trucking and lean manufacturing capabilities.

“We had very limited office space and could not pose any more growth as every nook and cranny had a desk in it,” said Antchak. “The old facility also couldn't accommodate all the machinery.”

The new 27,000-square-foot shop includes 6,000 square feet of office space and has been designed to encompass lean manufacturing principles to alleviate time wasted and maximize productivity.

Left to right: Bernie Antchak, Bruce Sychuk, and Rocky Sychuck.

“We worked in co-operation with Bowman Industries, Maralich Mechanical, and Hermanson's Mechanical, each of whom provided valuable input, as well as Gord Gohringer who put in long hours to help achieve this,” said Antchak.

The new facility enables the Northwest Sheet Metal team to be more efficient, and to refocus on pre-assembly and other plans the team isn't quite ready to divulge. The additional space also provides room for the company's waterjet table, which cuts all flexible and rigid insulation, textiles, cardboard, rubber, and other materials.

“We are cutting patterns for insulators now and saving them time and money as it is way slower for them to do it 'old school,'” said Antchak. “As we purchased a lot of machinery, we are geared up for launching online sales in co-operation with Webduct in mid-February.

Northwest Sheet Metal's new facility is 100% green, and includes full, auto LED lighting and minimal shop tube heaters with 20-foot, low wattage ceiling fans.

SMWIA Local Union No. 280 / SMACNA-BC Partnership

“This will be an exciting venture.”

Northwest Sheet Metal's new facility is 100% green, and includes full, auto LED lighting and minimal shop tube heaters with 20-foot ceiling fans that have low wattage motors to keep warm air down low where the staff needs it during the winter.

“I'd like to offer a big thanks to everyone who came out to our grand opening in November,” said Antchak, “and also a big thanks to Prism Construction, Pitt Meadows Plumbing, AarcWest Insulation, and KD Engineering.”

Visit Northwest Sheet northwestsheetmetal.ca. 

Metal

online

at

Left: Jud Martell Local Union No 280 President. Right: Mark McLaren, Ridge Sheet Metal Co., current SMACNA-BC President. Photo by Bob Pascuzzi (SMWTC).

www.

Labour & Management “Embracing the Challenge” - B. Flaherty, Cornell University, Syracuse, N.Y.

www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

19

FEATURE FOCUS FIVE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY WITH QUALITY ESTIMATING SOFTWARE Mechanical estimating software is one of the most lucrative investments a contractor can make, and when that investment includes FastEST estimating programs, it means guaranteed payback in a number of ways.

Here are just a few examples of the many ways users of FastDUCT®, FastPIPE®, and FastWRAP™ estimating software can save time and money: Savings on printing costs – Users of FastDUCT® estimating software no longer have to print out or put a deposit down to check out prospective bid plans. With digital plans becoming the norm in this day and age, an estimator can simply import the plans directly into the program, and perform their takeoff right on the computer screen, with the handy, award-winning On-Screen Digitizer.

Images courtesy of FastEST, Inc.

Quick and easy value engineering – An effective and important strategy in estimating and winning jobs, value engineering is made extremely easy within our estimating platforms. Takeoff that is already completed can be quickly modified and then recalculated, giving estimators an easy way to compare possible value engineered options. For example, say an estimator has bid his job with TDF duct joints and wants to see the cost and labour difference if slip and drive joints were used instead. With just a few mouse clicks, the spec applied to those particular portions of the takeoff can be changed, and the bid is recalculated with the alternative material and labour costs.

Estimates completed faster – With an easy-to-learn and intuitive takeoff interface, estimators can complete their takeoffs and send off their quotes faster and more accurately than they ever have before. They can bid more, win more, and earn more with the systems, being a more effectual and Track labour productivity – After a bid is won, tracking labour instrumental employee in the process. productivity is a great way to see how the job is progressing.

With FastDUCT®’s Tag feature, tracking your labour is simple. A Tag can be placed on any item within your takeoff list. For example, when one month of work is completed on a job, the estimator can go back to his takeoff and tag all of the pipe installed thus far as “Completed.” Then, a report can be run, and all of the labour and material for the items tagged as “Completed” can be viewed. This number can then be compared to the number of actual labour hours spent, giving the project manager an accurate “apples-to-apples” comparison.

Estimating software is become more and more commonplace in the mechanical contracting world. It is making estimating faster and simpler than ever. FastEST offers some of the most affordable and easy-to-learn estimating software on the market today. Find out today how FastEST’s line of estimating software programs can save a buck for your company.

For more information about FastDUCT®, FastPIPE®, and FastWRAP™ estimating software, please call FastEST, Inc., at 800-828-7108, or visit https://fastest-inc.com. 

20

Sheet Metal Journal

ENGINEER'S DESK HVAC VENTING: THE RIGHT CHOICES Gas-fired equipment is changing and so are the related codes.

As efficiencies and energy factors creep up, the installation processes and venting technologies evolve. New materials have recently presented installers with a learning curve. As a gas appliance is only as good as the venting system, poor venting can cause improper combustion and possible gas spillage into the occupied space. As efficiencies are changing so are the various types of venting materials available, each for a specific application. There is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and polypropylene venting, as well a more traditional metal venting systems.

Unit heaters are most often found in warehouses and semifinished areas. Relatively recent code changes and energy efficiency concerns have seen some of the most significant shifts in venting for unit heaters.

Recently, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirement 10.96 and CR96-005 were combined with American Standards Institute (ANSI) Z83.8 CSA2.6 to create one overarching standard for all unit heaters installed in North America. Going forward, all new horizontally vented unit heaters will require a minimum Category III venting.

This means all power-vented unit heaters installed in commercial applications that require horizontal venting must now be gas-tight and meet criteria defined in UL1738, Venting Systems for Gas Burning Appliances, Categories II,III,IV. Venting systems approved to meet UL1738 will be clearly identified on each piece with ULC approval.

Power-vented units installed in commercial applications must use a listed vent system. This applies to separated combustion units as well. High-efficiency, separated combustion units are condensing appliances, meaning the vents must be gas and water tight and must include a means to drain condensate from the vent system.

There are a variety of simple rules to follow to ensure proper venting. Perhaps the most important is the need to keep vent runs as straight as possible, limiting the number of turns or elbows. And, never use a vent size smaller than the size recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

Vertical vent systems must terminate vertically, must not have a horizontal run that is more than 75 percent of the vertical rise in Category I installations, and must terminate a reasonable distance above the roof line to prevent snow buildup. Vertical venting systems are preferred as they interfere less with adjacent building occupants.

Horizontal vent systems, if needed, must terminate horizontally and must be pitched no less than ¼ inch per foot

by / Norm Grusnick, P. Eng. commercial products manager, ECCO Supply

and must not terminate near inlet openings. Also at a height sufficient to prevent accidental contact by neighbours.

A drip leg is recommended with the cleanout cover located appropriately based on the installation to prevent condensate in the vent pipe from entering the heating equipment. Special attention must be paid to the maximum length of the vent system from the manufacturers installation instructions.

Boilers – the majority of gas-fired boilers are now Category IV and require positive pressure venting systems.

Category I appliances feature less than 84 per cent efficiency and operate with a neutral or negative pressure. The higher stack temperature, though less than 550 degrees F, means flue gas condensate is not an issue.

Category II appliances often use a small fan to move gases through a secondary heat exchanger. The force is not enough to pressurize the flue, thus operating at neutral or negative vent static pressure. With vent gas temperatures below 140 degrees over dew point, Category II appliances can cause excessive condensation in the vent.

Category III appliances operate with a positive pressure but are noncondensing as vent gases are above 140 degrees F. Category IV applies to high efficiency condensing appliances producing condensate that must be removed.

One thing that has recently appeared is a big move towards polypropylene vent systems instead of PVC and CPVC. Component availability for polypropylene venting systems has greatly improved in the last few years and costs have come down.

Polypropylene may be a better option for condensing boilers where flue temperatures tend to fluctuate. Polypropylene can operate up to 230 degrees F. As efficiency standards increase, the industry is providing more installer training to ensure appliances are vented correctly. 

www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

21

TECHNICAL UPDATES SILICA REGULATION UPDATES On March 24, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the US announced a final rule to improve protections for workers exposed to respirable silica dust. The final rule is written as two standards, one for construction and one for general industry and maritime.

For the construction industry and affected SMACNA contractors, potential silica exposures are found in tasks that include drilling and cutting concrete and stone. For SMACNA contractors, a typical task affected by this rule would be setting duct and pipe hangers into concrete.

The final rule includes these general provisions: • Providing greater certainty and ease of compliance to construction employers – including many small employers – by including a table of specified controls they can follow to be in compliance, without having to monitor exposures.

• Reducing the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an eight-hour shift.

• Requiring employers to use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) and work practices to limit worker exposure; provide respiratory protection when controls are not able to limit exposures to the permissible level; limit access to high exposure areas; train workers; and provide medical exams to highly exposed workers.

Employers covered by the construction standard have until June 23, 2017 to comply with most requirements. Employers covered by the general industry and maritime standard have until June 23, 2018 to comply with most requirements.

In BC, silica regulation has evolved over the past five years and WorkSafeBC released a safety bulletin about silica in 2009.

Silica is the basic component of sand and rock. The best known and most abundant type of crystalline silica is quartz.

Some common silica-containing materials include: • Concrete, concrete block, cement, and mortar • Masonry, tiles, brick, and refractory brick • Granite, sand, fill dirt, and top soil • Asphalt-containing rock or stone • Abrasive used for blasting Silica is so common that any workplace activity that creates dust can expose workers to airborne silica.

If you do any of the following activities, you are at risk of breathing silica dust: • Chipping, sawing, grinding, hammering, or drilling of rock, concrete, or masonry structures

22

Sheet Metal Journal

Contributions from WorkSafeBC and SMACNA National

• Crushing, loading, hauling, or dumping of rock • Many building demolition processes • Power cutting or dressing stone • Façade renovation, including tuck-point work • Abrasive or hydro blasting of concrete • Clean-up activities such as dry sweeping or pressurized air blowing of concrete or sand dust • Tunneling, excavation, or earth moving of soils with high silica content Silicosis is a disease caused by the prolonged breathing of crystalline silica dust. Fine particles deposited in the lungs cause thickening and scarring of the lung tissue. Crystalline silica exposure has also been linked to lung cancer.

A worker may develop any of the following three types of silicosis, depending on the concentrations of silica dust and the duration of exposure: • Chronic silicosis - develops after 10 or more years of exposure to crystalline silica at relatively low concentrations.

• Accelerated silicosis - develops 5 to 10 years after initial exposure to crystalline silica at high concentrations.

• Acute silicosis - symptoms develop anywhere from a few weeks to 4-5 years after exposure to very high concentrations of crystalline silica.

Initially, workers with silicosis may have no symptoms.

However, as the disease progresses a worker may experience: • Shortness of breath • Severe cough • Weakness These symptoms can worsen over time and lead to death.

WorkSafeBC has an occupational exposure limit of 0.025 milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m3), which is the maximum amount of crystalline silica to which workers may be exposed during an eight-hour work shift. Crystalline silica is also classified as a human carcinogen, and exposures must be kept as low as reasonably achievable.

Exposure control plans are also required by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. An effective plan provides a detailed approach to protecting workers from harmful exposure to crystalline silica dust, including health hazard information, engineering controls, safe work procedures, worker training, and record keeping.

Read the full safety bulletin at http://www2.worksafebc.com/i/ posters/2009/WS%2009_04.html. 

JOBSITE SAFETY THE REAL COST OF CONSTRUCTION JOBSITE THEFT According to the US National Equipment Register, construction jobsite theft costs the industry up to $1 billion each year. Professional contractors rely on their tools to get the job done, and without the necessary equipment, it can cost companies significant time and money.

However, simple security measures and practices can help keep jobsites protected. After hours, construction sites can become an easy target for theft and vandalism, but there are measures that professionals can take to ensure expensive tools and equipment are kept safe.

According to the Great American Insurance Group, an estimated 90 per cent of equipment thefts take place between 6 p.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. on Monday. There are many ways tools and material goods can be kept safe, from extra lighting around the jobsite to storing tools in a locked storage box.

Safety Tips to Guard Against Theft

One of the most secure measures a company can take includes keeping tools and equipment in a safe and secure location, like a jobsite storage box. Additional tips include: Signage: One of the number one and lowest-cost deterrents is adding a simple sign. Consider adding a sign that reads, “24 Hour Video Surveillance.” Another sign offering rewards to those who turn in thieves or provide valuable information on crimes is also a helpful deterrent.

By / Mike Bykowski Senior product manager, KNAACK

a construction site. Consider a model both weather and theft resistant, with an integrated, three-point locking system and secondary locking drawer.

While these tips will not guarantee important items are always safe, it will strongly deter theft and vandalism. Construction jobsite crime can not only cause financial hardship, but also delay production schedules. If a jobsite does fall victim to theft, having a contingency plan in place can make replacing stolen tools much easier. Both local police numbers and jobsite owner name and number should be on file and accessible to all on the jobsite. In addition, always ensure equipment and tools have the proper warranties and have been registered with the manufacturer.

Continued on page 27

Security Lighting: Motion-censored lights or extra lighting can deter crime. Darkness often invites crime so the more light, the better the protection.

Barrier protection: Adding some type of barrier protection, like a fence or guardrail, makes it tougher for thieves to get in and take supplies out. Look for ways to keep the important items properly secured and protected with barriers.

Controlled access to the jobsite: Having just one entry point in and out of the jobsite will cut down on crime. Geo-Fencing, a virtual barrier using GPS to track behaviours using mobile phones, has proved helpful for both crime prevention and inventory.

PARAMOUNT SHEET METAL LTD.

Documentation: Always photograph, document, and record the serial numbers for equipment, tools, and material goods for insurance purposes in the event that something is stolen.

This will be extremely handy if a company or individual wants to claim any stolen items with an insurance company.

New and Retro Fit Construction Serving the Commercial

Jobsite Box Protection: Tools and equipment should be kept in a safe and secure location. With the extra security of a jobsite box, like the KNAACK® 4830-D, criminals do not stand a chance of getting to the most valuable tools on

QUALITY • DEPENDABLE CRAFTMANSHIP Sheet Metal Industry for 35 Years!

2532 Davies Avenue, Port Coquitlam British Columbia V3C 2J9 Phone: 604-942-1611 Fax: 604-942-1453 craig@paramountsheetmetal.ca www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

23

CONTRACTORS 101 SOB OR ESP: WHAT’S YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE? Texan: "Where are you from?"

Harvard Grad: "I come from a place where we do not end our sentences with prepositions."

Texan: "OK – where are you from, smart-aleck?"

We are rapidly losing the art of communication. The very trait which separates us from the animals is about to be our downfall, but fear not! There are ways we can rally and save humanity. First and foremost, ask yourself: Do I communicate to serve myself or do I communicate to serve others?

In other words, when you communicate, are you an SOB: (Self-Oriented Behavior) or do you use ESP: (Emotional, Spiritual, Personal)?

To get to the heart of the issue, you have to get to the heart.

Communication is not simply the external circuitry of words transmitted from your mouth to others’ ears, but rather an internal reverberation of thoughts between your mind and your heart. Communication is simply the golden rule. It’s part etiquette, part ethics, and part just being a decent human being. That means delineating boundaries for your emotional

by / Tracey C. Jones

side so everyone can play in the sandbox nicely without getting into fights.

You can’t expect people to see your point of view if you can’t see theirs. When we get squeezed what’s inside comes out. All too often this takes the form of uncivil discourse. People are polarized by their tendency to see communication as a battle: somebody wins, somebody loses; too bad, so sad; in your face; suck it up, butter cup. It seems to be forgotten that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. And if you can’t get comfortable floating in the fluidity of humanity, it’s sunk.

Opinions are not a competitive sport. They are deeply held convictions. So here’s a quick and easy way to assess if you are practising great communication skills or if you are just being an SOB. SOB: Self-Oriented Behavior. Let’s face it: A lack of compassion is downright distasteful and has nothing to do with who or what is right and wrong. If you constantly feel the need to seize and to preach the “ministry of me” then you are an SOB communicator.

SOBs exhibit the following traits in communication:

Business Manager & F.S.T.

James Paquette

Assistant Business Manager

Dan Burroughs

Business Representative

Richard Mangelsdorf

Business Representative

Ken Elworthy

6188 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5J 1H5 Phone 604-430-3388 or 1-800-242-8645 Fax: 604-431-1864 Email: agents@smw280.org 24

Sheet Metal Journal

• Aggression • Seeking sympathy • Manipulation • Clowning or mocking tone • Competition • Domination • Labeling • Bullying/cyberbullying If you’re an SOB, you view communication as a battlefield.

Your level of indignation grants you the right to go from silence to thermonuclear in your content and tone. You have a hard time with dissenting points of view because you assume anyone who doesn’t agree with you is a bigot. This type of behaviour has been amplified by technology and mainstream media which grants unfiltered, unchecked, and ample coverage to an unending parade of poltroons. Winston Churchill said it

CONTRACTORS 101 How can you best communicate with another in a way that affords the respect and civility that binds you to others in deeper and more knowledgeable ways? best, “A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.”

Now let’s look at the flip side of the coin: How can you best communicate with another in a way that affords the respect and civility that binds you to others in deeper and more knowledgeable ways? Here are the ways to win friends and influence people and ensure that you can talk to someone’s heart, thus guaranteeing an open and honest dialogue sure to leave both parties enlightened and valued.

ESP: Emotional, Spiritual, Personal. It’s like extrasensory perception on steroids. They say it ain’t what you say, it’s the way that you say it. Truer words were never spoken. The manner in which you connect is the most important factor in communication. If you do it well, the details are superfluous.

Someone can completely disagree with everything you say, but still totally respect you as a person. The truth, no matter how hard it is to hear, should always have an element of love accompanying it. As the saying goes, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. The person who can accomplish this is a leader of unparalleled magnitude and a true uniter, not a divider.

ESPs exhibit the following traits in their communication:

• Individuality • Respect • The Golden Rule • One-on-one • Private • Peace maker • Acceptance • Civility The ESP communicator also understands that strongly held convictions do not necessarily classify someone as a “hater.”

They respect the other person’s emotions and personal beliefs.

Communication isn’t some sort of Darwinian survival of the fittest. The ESP communicator firmly believes that we are not to trample one another out of existence with the butts of our heels and the slices of our tongues, but rather to be kind to one another, especially during disagreements. Churchill had another great quote about this type of communicator, “Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip.”

Beautiful people see beauty; hateful people see hate. Someone once said, “Those who spend their time looking for the faults in others have no time to correct their own.” Once you get serious about discussing and not just cussing, you’ll take your communication to a new realm.

Be kind to humankind because it’s all you’ve got.  About the author: Tracey C. Jones is a US Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, and publisher.

She speaks to audiences across the nation on leadership, accountability, business success, and other topics. Her latest book is Beyond Tremendous: Raising the Bar on Life. To learn more visit www.TremendousTracey.com.

Submit your news or story idea CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS SMJ is on the lookout for interesting HVAC, architectural sheet metal, testing & balancing, or industrial / specialty projects to feature in its 2016 issues. If you have a cool project and 15 minutes of time to spare, you are a sure fire fit for the most meaningful, free-of-charge business investment you'll make all year.

We also need great historical pictures of people working in all aspects of the sheet metal industry. If you have some kicking around, take a picture of the photo with your cellphone and email it to our editor, Jessica Kirby, with a caption about what is going on in the photo.

Questions about how else to get involved in a future issue of Sheet Metal Journal? Reach out to jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com or 250.816.3671 and get the scoop. www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

25

IT'S THE LAW THINGS LEFT UNSAID – THE COST OF FAILING TO EXCLUDE LIABILITY FOR IMPLIED TERMS The Facts

In Cordova Housing Holdings Inc. v. Wheeldon, a homeowner paid a $40,000 premium for a 10th floor, north-facing, condominium in downtown Vancouver. This unit was purchased prior to construction.

After moving into the new unit, the homeowner found his balcony was paneled with non-transparent, frosted glass that obscured a significant portion of his view. While there were other units in the development with frosted glass balconies, most north-facing units were lined with pickets, allowing for a view of the skyline. The homeowner sued the developer for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation, seeking damages for his obstructed view.

The Law

The developer’s defence relied on language contained in the purchase contract, which included an “entire agreement” clause. Such clauses are common in purchase contracts and may serve to exclude a developer or vendor from being held responsible for pre-contractual representations made about the property they are selling. The trial judge agreed with the developer, finding that the “entire agreement” clause prevented it from being held liable for representations made about the unit in its brochures and promotional materials. The homeowner’s claim for negligent misrepresentation failed on this basis.

Turning to the breach of contract claim, the trial judge determined that the “entire agreement” clause did not prevent the court from finding the developer in breach of an implied, unwritten, term that the windows in the homeowner’s unit would be transparent. While excluding liability for certain pre-contractual representations, the entire agreement clause in the purchase contract did not prevent the court from implying terms it believed necessary to give business efficacy to the

By Andrew Delmonico and Anne Cochrane

parties’ agreement. Here, the court found that implying a term requiring the transparency of windows was necessary “to make the contract as the parties intended.” In the result, the court agreed that the homeowner was entitled to $11,705.00 in damages for remedying the deficient glass.

Lessons Learned

1. Review your construction contract to determine if it contains an “entire agreement” clause, as this may protect you or your company from being liable for any representations or agreements outside the written contract. It is often a good idea that this “entire agreement” clause explicitly state that there are no implied terms affecting the contract’s written terms.

2. The developer in this case incurred the time and expense of a Smalls Claims trial and two failed appeals to the BC Supreme Court. Where the cost to remedy a deficiency is low, it may be in your own best interest to rectify it. Not only will this keep your customers happy, it may actually save you expense in the long run. This article was written by Andrew D. Delmonico, a lawyer, and Anne Cochrane, an articled student, who practice in construction law with the law firm of Kuhn LLP. This article is only intended as a guide and cannot cover every situation. It is important to get legal advice for specific situations. If you have any questions or comments about this case or other construction law matters, please contact us at 604-864-8877.

DOING BUSINESS WITHOUT ADVERTISING IS LIKE WINKING AT A GIRL IN THE DARK. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING, BUT NOBODY ELSE DOES. - Stuart H. Britt

Don't stay in the dark. Get noticed by advertising in Sheet Metal Journal.

Call Christina at 877.755.2762 or email ctranberg@pointonemedia.com 26

Sheet Metal Journal

ADVERTISER INDEX INDUSTRY NEWS

Continued from page 7 Glazer said. “It is also important to understand that many of the measures used in the project are widely available today.”

After each measure was applied to each of the 272 building and climate combinations, if the energy consumption was reduced, it remained in the model. After all 30 measures were applied, the projected U.S. national weighted energy consumption for new buildings was nearly cut in half compared to Standard 90.1-2013.

More information can be found at www.ashrae.org/news. 

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 73RD ANNUAL SMACNA NATIONAL CONVENTION Registration is now open for the 73rd annual SMACNA National Convention scheduled for October 16–19 in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. Join delegates from all over North America and beyond for four days of keynote speakers, contractors forums, business development sessions, and contributor meetings. Of course, special events, amazing golf, and top notch entertainment from The Doobie Brothers are also on the agenda, not to mention a world class tradeshow and exhibit fair. For more information about accomodation, scheduling, or to register, please visit www.smacna.org/ annualconvention. 

designed to capture the challenges, barriers and experiences of today's apprentices.

If there are opportunities to address technical training classes or other groups of apprentices, let us know. We would like to take a few minutes to tell them about our plans and ask for their involvement.

For more information, please contact Emily at: emily@caffca.org. 

SAFETY

Continued from page 23

Protect the most valuable tools on a construction site with the KNAACK® 4830-D; it is both weather and theft resistant and features an integrated, three-point locking system and secondary locking drawer. In support of the International Code Council’s (ICC) Building Safety Month in May and the National Safety Council’s (NSC) National Safety Month in June, KNAACK®will be kicking off a new campaign entitled Can’t Crack A KNAACK® with contests on Facebook to feature customers and fans who #ShowUsYourScars.

KNAACK® boxes are recognized for their security and durability and users are encouraged to share their stories of how their storage boxes survived damage from attempted theft, automobile accidents or weather.  Visit hwww.facebook.com/knaackstorage to share photos and stories for a chance to win cool KNAACK® prizes.

SEEKING EPANEL PARTNERS

There's more to SMJ than just our magazine and website. Do you use Facebook? Great! LIKE our SMJ Facebook page and keep up to date with industry news.

Do you know an apprentice who is willing to share their experiences?

CAF-FCA is seeking opportunities to tell apprentices more about its ePanel with a view to engaging them in an initiative

advertiser

advertiser index page

phone

Cascadia Metals

11

604.946.3890

www.cmetals.com

Crossroads C&I Distributors

16

800.663.6595

www.crossroadsci.com

ECCO Supply

13

604.530.9755

www.eccosupply.ca

FastEST Inc.

20

800.828.7108

www.fastest-inc.com

Frost Insulation Supplies, Inc.

9

604.535.7272

www.frostinsulation.com

HVAC Warehouse (The)

15

888.927.6247

www.thehvacwarehouse.com

Paramount Sheet Metal

23

604.942.1611

e: craig@paramountsheemetal.ca

19, 24

604.430.3388

www.smw280.org

15

604.882.7680

www.smwtcs.ca

IFC, 5, 19

604.585.4641

www.smacna-bc.org

Sheet Metal Workers Int'l Local 280 Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Society SMACNA-BC Cover Sponsors

website

OBC www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Spring 2016

27