SUMMER 2015
sheetmetaljournal.com
The Journeymen to Apprentices Ratio Seismic Restraint The Great Crew Change SMITB Reports Market Upswing
Publications Mail Agreement # 40719512
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
SUMMER 2015
www.sheetmetaljournal.com sheetmetaljournal.com
The Journeymen to Apprentices Ratio
GROUP PUBLISHER
Lara Perraton lperraton@pointonemedia.com
Seismic Restraint The Great Crew Change SMITB Reports Market Upswing
EDITOR
Summer 2015
Jessica Kirby jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com
CONTRIBUTORS Mark Breslin Andrew Delmonico Amelia Cline Norm Grusnick Jud Martell Peter Powell Bruce Sychuk
COVER PHOTO Courtesy of SMWTC
ADVERTISING SALES
Christina Tranberg 877.755.2762 ctranberg@pointonemedia.com
12 Properly Balancing the Ratio of Journeymen to Apprentices
Balancing the worker-apprentice ratio can be tricky, with numbers varying significantly between the U.S. and Canada.
Lara Perraton 877.755.2762 lperraton@pointonemedia.com
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 ©2015 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 Coquitlam, BC.
14 Seismic Restraint Manuals Guide the Industry ASHRAE's Jim Tauby spoke with SMACNA-BC contractors about best practices in seismic restraint.
16 The Great Crew Change: Five Strategies for the Big Transition
It won't be long before half of your workforce leaves the job site and never returns. Are you ready?
18 Sheet Metal Industry Training Board Reports Market Upswing
The Sheet Metal Industry Training Board reports growing numbers in filled training seats and competitive success.
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
Official Journal of Record for SMACNA-BC
FEATURES
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY Point One Media Inc.
Publications Mail Agreement # 40719512
DEPARTMENTS
04
SMACNA-BC Update
22
Career Profile
09
Industry News
23
Engineer's Desk
10
SMACNA-BC Calendar 24
Contractors 101
11
Meet the Board
26
It's the Law
21
Feature Focus
27
Advertiser Index
Next issue: Green Market • Tools and Equipment • Specialty Metal Work
www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Summer 2015
3
SMACNA-BC UPDATE SMACNA-BC CELEBRATES SUMMER AND NEW BEGINNINGS Trust you all are having a wonderful summer. I certainly am, and for those who really know me, you know that it is always about me.
In reality, it’s always about SMACNA-BC and its members, which is a segue to report on some of the things that we’ve been up to since the last edition of Sheet Metal Journal.
SMACNA-BC 46th Annual Convention, April 30, May 1 & 2, 2015, Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Conference Centre
In 2014, the SMACNA-BC Convention at Harrison Hot Springs was revered as the best convention ever. Unfortunately, I have found the problem with hosting a very successful event is that everyone expects the next one to be even better. Well, from all of the feedback we received from this year’s convention, once again, we faced the challenge head-on and exceeded everyone’s expectations. Some of you were out racing around the track in go-carts or playing video games at Scandia. Some played “cow pasture pool” at Gallagher’s Canyon G & CC, and there was the more sophisticated, refined group who bravely ventured out to titillate their taste buds on the premium quality wines the Okanagan Valley is known for.
by / Bruce Sychuk Executive Director SMACNA-BC
seemed to start travelling down more of a dark, maybe grey, highway. The word about the five fantastic married couples on the stage was that maybe they shared TMI or at least more than expected. The early Saturday morning event was the world-famous, second annual, Air System Supplies Fun Run. Thanks to Colleen Braun and Glenn Matthiesen for hosting and organizing this event. After breakfast Saturday morning, we got down to the business part of the weekend—the Annual General Meeting. President Dan Mauro called the meeting to order and introduced the Board of Directors and special guests before getting into the
Participants in the second annual Air System Supplies Fun Run enjoy Kelowna's beautiful waterfront on Okanagan Lake. SMACNA National president-elect Guy Gast, president of the Iowa Division of The Waldinger Corporation, critiquing some of the Okanagan’s finest.
On Friday night's Fun Night, our décor expert Darrin Buchannan and his crew from Noteable Entertainment transformed your standard, mundane, hotel-type ballroom to a – you had to be there – cruise ship, complete with a host of cruise ship-style fun and games. We ended the evening with a SMACNA-BC rendering of The Newlywed Game, which started in an innocent direction, and as the evening went on,
4
Sheet Metal Journal
business of approvals and reports. B. Sychuk conducted the elections for the nominated positions whose terms had been completed and now needed to be filled. Neil Deppiesse of Horizon Metal Systems Inc. was re-elected for a five-year term on the Joint Conference Board. Paul Charbonneau of Cascade Metal Design Ltd. was reelected for a four-year term as management trustee on the Sheet Metal Industry Training Board.
SMACNA-BC CONVENTION 2015 Kelowna, BC All photos courtesy of Maple Street Productions www.maplestreetproductions.com
WELCOME RECEPTION
WINE TOUR
SCANDIA
SMACNA-BC UPDATE Angelo Paris of Apollo Sheet Metal Ltd. and Bernie Antchak of Northwest Sheet Metal Ltd. were both re-elected to serve four-year terms as directors on the SMACNA-BC Board of Directors. (Note: Angelo Paris of Apollo Sheet Metal Ltd. has since been appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as SMACNABC's vice-president.) Special guest, Deb Wyandt, Esq., executive director, Labor Relations, SMACNA Inc., reported on recent developments relative to the SMWIA and SMACNA Inc. She also reported on a variety of new / updated SMACNA Inc. sponsored membership services and programs, as well as an update of what’s going down at “The Farm.” The AGM concluded with out-going president Dan Mauro passing the gavel to SMACNA-BC's president for 2015-16, Mark McLaren of Ridge Sheet Metal Co. in Coquitlam, BC. After the AGM and the luncheon that followed, attendees received the opportunity to get up close and personal with SMACNA National, president-elect, Guy Gast, president of the Iowa division of The Waldinger Corporation. Guy shared some personal experiences and life lessons learned through the years. We are looking forward to the SMACNA National Convention this coming September, so we may offer
SMACNA-BC membership support to our new friend when he is passed the reigns from current president, Tom Szymczak. Saturday night was the Kid’s Party and President’s Ball where once again the gang from Noteable Entertainment transformed the ballroom, this time from a cruise ship to a vineyard. There was dining and fine wine, hosted by Chris Ceraldi and the rest of the gang from Frost Insulation, then dancing the rest of the night away to the great quality music provided by a Kelowna five-piece band called Easy Fix. From the ambiance of the décor, to the food and drink, the kids at the kid’s party, and one of the best bands we have ever had, the formula for a successful event was now complete. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support of the convention and SMACNABC as a whole: Air System Supplies All Therm Services Inc. Ames Metal Fabrication 82 Ltd. Crosstown Metal Industries Ltd. Downtown Custom Metal Works Ltd. ECCO Supply Frost Insulation Supplies Inc. Intercon Insurance Services Limited J. Toso Management Manson Insulation Northwest Sheet Metal Ltd. Paramount Sheet Metal Ltd. Ridge Sheet Metal Co. Smith Sheet Metal Works Ltd. Spectrum Sheet Metal Summit Sheet Metal Ltd. Wm. P. Somerville 1996 Ltd. Continued on page 8
SUMMER 2015
sheetmetaljournal.com
The Journeymen to Apprentices Ratio Seismic Restraint
Tell us about it.
The Great Crew Change SMITB Reports Market Upswing
Publications Mail Agreement # 40719512
Official Journal of Record for SMACNA-BC
6
Sheet Metal Journal
Are you working on an interesting or challenging project? Contact our editor, Jessica Kirby, at 250.816.3671 or email jessica.kirby@ pointonemedia.com
FUN NIGHT
AGM
PRESIDENT'S BALL
SMACNA-BC UPDATE SMACNA-BC Mourns the Loss of John Danilkiewicz, Founder & President of Ridge Sheet Metal Ltd., SMACNA-BC Life Member / President 1992-93
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of John Danilkiewicz at the age of 64 at Lake Chapala, Mexico. John was one of the pioneers of SMACNA-BC, serving on numerous SMACNA-BC boards and committees, locally and nationally. He was a wonderful friend and a true mentor to so many, he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the family.
reinforcement, hangers and support, accessories, and an inspection checklist. The standard is applicable for ducts up to 80 in. x 80 in. in size that operate to 4 in. wg positive pressure class and to 3 in. wg negative pressure class.
SMWIA Local Union No. 280 Elections
On behalf of the entire SMACNA-BC membership, congratulations to Jim Paquette on being re-elected to the position of business manager & financial secretary-treasurer. We also wish to congratulate assistant business manager Dan Burroughs and business representative Ken Elworthy on their re-elections, and newly elected business representative Richard Mangelsdorf. One other congratulations is order, that being for past business representative Greg Mooney. Good luck on your retirement and thank you for all of what you achieved for SMWIA Local Union No. 280, SMACNA-BC, and the sheet metal industry in BC.
Maxim Consulting Group: Field Leadership Training Program
John Danilkiewicz, SMACNA-BC President 1992 - 93
Free SMACNA Air Duct Leakage App (www.smacna.org)
This simple to use but effective application is provided by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA). This tool allows engineers, architects, designers, and contractors to easily and accurately estimate the leakage of air from ductwork. It also allows a quick and easy way to determine the pass/fail mark for properly specified Duct Air Leakage Tests (DALT). Users can combine multiple sections of ductwork that vary by size and shape to calculate a total allowable leakage. The application uses the method outlined in SMACNA's HVAC Air Duct Leakage Manual, and provides suggested leakage classes from SMACNA's latest edition of the manual. The method used is compliant with ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, IGCC Version 2, IMC, and the UMC.
Phenolic Duct Construction Standards
This is the first edition of the SMACNA Phenolic Duct Construction Standards. This American National Standard (ANSI/SMACNA 022-2015) contains instruction, tables, and details intended to provide basic phenolic duct fabrication and installation standards to the industry. The standard includes model project specifications, duct performance characteristics, specifications and closures, fittings and connections,
8
Sheet Metal Journal
On June 25, SMACNA-BC, co-sponsored by the business management / supervisory training department of SMACNA National, hosted an all-day supervisory training program delivered by Stephane A. McShane, associate director, Maxim Consulting Group, LLC. Forty-two foremen, superintendents, project managers, and company owners broadened their educational horizons on the subjects of Productivity & Time Management and Project Planning & Project Leadership. The content of the programs, paired with Stephane’s professional and interactive delivery, enlightened the group on proven methods and practices relative to day-to-day construction projects. The attendees evaluated the programs 10 out of 10 across the board and are yearning for more similar programs in the near future. This program was free of charge to SMACNA-BC contractor members and industry fund contributors and it is programs like these that make the SMACNA-BC contractors' businesses safer, more professional, and more profitable than those that do not participate in such educational programs.
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.
jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com tel: 250.816.3671
INDUSTRY NEWS SMACNA MEMBER RECEIVES ASHRAE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Norm Grusnick, P.Eng., commercial products manager at ECCO Supply in Burnaby, was presented with an ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award at ASHRAE’s 2015 Annual Conference. The conference was held June 27 to July 1 in Atlanta, Georgia. ASHRAE president Tom Phoenix presented the award at the conference award gala June 27. Distinguished Service Awards are presented to individuals who meet 15 service points demonstrating faithful service to the Society with distinction on committees, or who otherwise give freely of their time and talent on behalf of the Society. Grusnick joins two other Canadians who received this prestigious award.
PUBLIC PROJECT CONTRACTORS REQUIRED TO SPONSOR APPRENTICES
The B.C. government’s new Apprentices on Public Projects policy is going to connect more young people to the skills and training they need to be first in line for careers in construction, said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour. The new policy will require contractors working on major public construction projects like schools, roads, bridges, and hospitals with a $15-million-plus government investment to sponsor apprentices through the entire project cycle and report on their on-project use prior to receiving their final payment. The policy applies to projects tendered after July 1, 2015. The policy aims to ensure British Columbians are trained to fill the million job openings expected between now and 2022— with 44% in the skilled trades and technical occupations. It will also help meet the labour workforce requirements of private sector projects—a key goal given a recent agreement between the province and Pacific NorthWest LNG, setting the stage for a potential $36-billion investment. The policy helps deliver on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint launched one year ago to re-engineer education and training so BC is connecting people with the skills required for in demand jobs.
ASHRAE president Tom Phoenix (left) presenting to Norm Grusnick, P. Eng., commercial products manager with Ecco Supply. Photo courtesy of ASHRAE.
Norm Grusnick has been an enthusiastic and active member of ASHRAE for over 25 years and has given freely of his time and talent in local, regional, and societal chapter activities. He has membership on several ASHRAE technical committees including the TC 5.2 Duct Design committee. He says his most meaningful work with the ASHRAE is mentoring and directing young engineers. Grusnick received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of British Columbia in 1980 and is a professional engineer registered in British Columbia. In addition to ASHRAE, he is a member of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), and the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MACBC). Grusnick has worked for ECCO Supply for 22 years. For more information about ASHRAE Awards and Honors, please visit www.ashrae.org. To learn more about ECCO or to congratulate Norm, please visit www.eccosupply.ca.
Much of the driving force to increase opportunities for apprenticeship sponsorship comes from recommendations made in two reports: the McDonald ITA Report and the premier’s Liquefied Natural Gas Working Group, which aspires to a goal of having 25% of the overall workforce on LNG-related construction projects apprenticeable trades. Government also held extensive consultations stakeholders from the construction industry.
with
Beyond the requirement for projects over $15 million, the government also encourages companies working on smaller projects to put apprentices to work and to share reports on apprentices being employed. “This government initiative is extremely important to building the skilled trades in our province,” said Tom Sigurdson, executive director, BC Building Trades. “Apprentices can only complete their apprenticeship when they have the opportunity to take classroom theory on to the job site. Building the B.C. economy cannot be done without building the skills and talents of the young men and women who build BC.” Continued on page 27 www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Summer 2015
9
CALENDAR Tuesday, August 11 SMACNA-BC Board of Directors meeting, Surrey, BC
Tuesday, November 10 SMACNA-BC Board of Directors meeting, Surrey, BC
Tuesday, September 15 SMACNA-BC Board of Directors meeting, Surrey, BC
Thursday, November 19 SMACNA-BC Membership Dinner Meeting Sheraton Vancouver Guildford, Surrey, BC – Topic TBA
Tuesday, September 15 SMACNA-BC / SMWIA Local Union No. 280 Joint Conference Board Meeting, Surrey, BC Thursday, September 17 SMACNA-BC Membership Dinner Meeting Sheraton Vancouver Guildford, Surrey, BC – Topic TBA Friday, September 18 SMACNA-BC’s, 32nd Annual Golf Classic Northview Golf and Country Club, Surrey, BC September 27 – October 1 SMACNA National Convention The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO Tuesday, October 13 SMACNA-BC Board of Directors meeting, Surrey, BC Thursday, October 15 SMACNA-BC Membership Dinner Meeting Sheraton Vancouver Guildford, Surrey, BC – Topic TBA Tuesday, October 20 SMACNA-BC / SMWIA Local Union No. 280 Joint Conference Board Meeting, Surrey, BC
Tuesday, November 24 SMACNA-BC / SMWIA Local Union No. 280 Joint Conference Board Meeting, Surrey, BC Friday, November 27 SMACNA-BC Annual Christmas Party Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver, BC December 6 – 8 SMACNA Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting, Monterey, CA
Submit your news or story idea Do you have news or a story idea you'd to submit for consideration? Contact our editor, Jessica Kirby, to find out how to get involved in a future issue of Sheet Metal Journal.
jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com tel: 250.816.3671
Some things are better kept hot.
lation Contra Insu cto rs bia m
tion cia so As
Briti sh Co lu
You can relax now. The BCICA Quality Assurance Certificate has you covered; the very best materials, Red Seal certified installations, purpose-trained independent inspectors. Only a BCICA member can offer you this comfort. For new construction or retrofits, ask for the QAC on all your mechanical insulation projects.
Find out more.
www.bcica.org 604.438.6616
brian.bcica@telus.net
10
Sheet Metal Journal
peace of mind brought to you by the Bc insulation contractors association
MEET THE BOARD MARK MCLAREN, RIDGE SHEET METAL Name: Mark McLaren Board Position: President Term: One year Previous Board Involvement: Trustee on the board since 2012 Other Affiliations: Pension Plan Trustee since 2001, and a member of the Joint Conference Board since 2009 Company Name: Ridge Sheet Metal Company Specialty: Ridge Sheet Metal provides supply and install HVAC sheet metal contracting to institutional, commercial, industrial, and residential markets. Mark McLaren has been in the sheet metal industry since 1992, first with IRVCO, and later with Apollo Sheet Metal. In 2004, Dave Danilkiewicz sold him his first shares in Ridge Sheet Metal, where he still works today as field superintendent. His foray into the sheet metal industry was almost by chance. “My uncle was in the industry and I was not sure what I wanted to do,” says McLaren. “So, he told me to come and give sheet metal a try and I ended up loving the job and the people I work with.” Over the years, the industry has faced many challenges, including the evolution of safety procedures. “In the old days you never even had safety harnesses and you knew very little about fall arrest,” he says. “Now everyone needs to have training and carry a ticket saying they have been trained for fall arrest, scissor lifts, boom lifts, swing stages, etc. The list goes on.” SMACNA has an important role to play in helping the industry move forward, he says. “SMACNA is constantly making sure that industry standards are up to date and accessible to all SMACNA contractors. This includes constantly adding new products to the list of approved methods.” Moving forward, McLaren would like to see growth in the association. “I would like to see Bruce and the board try to bring more new members and associate members to SMACNA,” he said. Personally and professionally, McLaren lives by two simple creeds: “What goes around comes around,” and “treat others as you would have them treat you.” For more information about Ridge Sheet Metal or to contact Mark, please visit www.ridgesheetmetal.ca.
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. Main Sheet Metal Works 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. Engineered Air Envirotech Air Inc. ETP Energy Technology Products Ltd. (a div. of IPC, Inc.) Frost Insulation Supplies Inc.
Intercon Insurance Services Ltd. Manson Insulation Maxam Metal Products Modern Tool (BC) Ltd. Multicam Western Canada Nu-West Construction Products Pacaire HVAC Supplies Ltd. Progressive Air Products Ltd. Raven Hydronic Supply Ltd. Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd. Westland Insurance Group 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 • Summer 2015
11
Properly Balancing the Ratio of Journeymen to Apprentices Worker-Apprentice Ratio Varies Significantly Between U.S. and Canada By Peter Powell | ACHR News www.achrnews.com Photo: © Can Stock Photo Inc. / believeinme
S
taffing the proper ratio of journeymen to apprentices can be tricky, especially for large contracting companies. In the US, there are really no hard-and-fast rules, so it has to be sorted out in labournegotiated agreements, often job by job with a ratio that can be something like four journeymen to every one apprentice. In Canada, ratios vary from province to province; though, there is an effort to enforce 4:1 ratios in Ontario. And, there are calls for the government of Canada to push for a 1:1 ratio.
The debate offers many arguments, including: • Since skilled journeymen cost the company more in hourly wages, why not hire more apprentices to save money? • But, basically, apprentices are not as well trained as journeymen, so couldn’t it end up costing more per job if things go slower with a less skilled worker? • So why not train the apprentices? • But, who’s going to do the training — the contractor, the vo-tech schools, or the apprenticeship programs offered by unions? • But, does the contractor have the time and resources to do training, and are there enough vo-tech schools and apprentice programs to train a big influx of apprentices if the ratio moves to 1:1? • And, what about ongoing journeymen training?
Oh, Canada
The jump-start for the topic came when the C.D. Howe Institute, a Canadian think tank, issued a commentary titled, “Access Denied: The Effect of Apprenticeship Restrictions in Skilled Trades.” The report, which takes a pro-1:1-ratio position, starts with the contention that “Canadian employers, including those in HVACR, report difficulty in finding enough sufficiently skilled workers to fill vacant trade positions.” The report blames this shortage on, “provincial regulations that limit the number of apprentices firms may hire.” It goes on to say, “If provinces want more workers in the trades, they should allow firms to hire more apprentices.” Lawrence Slaney, UA special representation in Ottawa noted, at this time, “The four-to-one ratio is only in some provinces. Many have a two-to-
one ratio and several have a one-to-one. However, only a few provinces, such as Ontario and Alberta, have mandated ratios that are enforced by government. The federal government does not mandate apprentice ratios. It is decided by the provincial apprenticeship boards.”
sites for apprenticeship training that are privately run and administered. He also said journeymen and apprentices are welcome to avail themselves of any additional journeyman-upgraded training offered by the local joint apprenticeship’s training program.
Nick Reggi, HVAC program co-ordinator for Humber College’s school of applied technology in Toronto, takes no position in the provinces’ debate, but acknowledged a greater open-door policy regarding apprentices would mean “the number of students in colleges would increase.” He further questioned: “Would the college system be able to handle that?”
That comment was echoed by Rich Benkowski, training specialist for the UA. “Each local negotiates with its respective MCAA for the best opportunities as determined by the current manpower needs in each respective market.”
As the country attempts to sort out the ratios, the skills training issue persists, said D. Brian Baker, owner, Custom Vac Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba. “We have a serious skills shortage in the trades,” he said. “Many just don’t fully understand and appreciate the barriers and responsibilities we in the trades carry each day. Our industries are spending considerable amounts of time and money to promote and attempt to bring about positive changes that will result in a more vibrant workforce and minimize the seriousness of the skilled-worker shortages we face.”
Regardless of how the negotiated ratios work out, the goal is to have apprentices transition into journeymen. As recently as September 2014, Sean McGarvey, president of the North America’s Building Trades Unions, noted the value of union apprenticeship programs during a Congressional Black Caucus Conference. He said his organization is “closely
working with construction owners (both public and private), contractors, state and local government officials, and national and local community groups to leverage these construction investments in order to build structured pathways of career training and education for women, minorities, teenagers, and transitioning military veterans.” Whatever the ratio between journeymen and apprentices might be, and however that ratio is determined, the one constant is the need for adequate training for all HVACR service personnel working on a job site. This is why unions have set up training centers and why colleges and vo-tech schools strive to have the latest equipment and space for students. And, it’s why contractors also need to continue encouraging service employees to look at additional ongoing education offerings such as those provided by manufacturers, supply houses, and trade associations.
Back in the USA
In the US, “there are no government regulations or mandates” in term of ratios, said John McNerney, general counsel of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). “It is left to the collective bargaining between the employer and specific union.” The MCAA and the United Association (UA) have collectively agreed to “encourage local [agreements] to achieve a 4:1 ratio as a sound workforce development and project productivity goal,” he said. While that varies, it is “close to the norm,” he added. The training is addressed, he said, with a separate collective bargaining agreement and joint training trust that provides
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 www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Summer 2015
13
Seismic Restraint Manuals
Guide the Industry Earlier this year, James (Jim) R. Tauby, PE chief executive engineer of Mason Industries, Inc. and ASHRAE distinguished lecturer, presented on Seismic Restraint of Mechanical Systems at a SMACNA-BC contractors' dinner meeting. Tauby is a professional engineer in 45 states and holds a BSc. in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama. He regularly lectures around the world on topics ranging from vibration control, and seismic and wind restraint of mechanical systems to the use of elastomeric expansion joints for piping in seismic applications. He is also author of ASHRAE's Practical Guide to Seismic Restraint, from which he drew content for the SMACNA-BC program back in May. The program described the way mechanical systems are seismically braced, including specifications and codes, anchor connection types, housekeeping pads, pipe and cut bracing, and seismic restraint of floor mounted and suspended equipment. The presentation outlined the importance of engineers' specifications as the most important way to insure a project in a seismic area is constructed as planned. This requires a properly prepared set of construction documents, including drawings and specifications, a detailed review, approval of the shop drawings, and field enforcement. It is recommended that seismic restraint systems be looked at as an engineered system rather than as a selection of hardware, and the complete load path from the equipment to the structure must be taken into account by the seismic restraint system. The presentation covered connection types—bolts should be designed to handle the appropriate shear and vertical forces, and should be a minimum of Class 4.8 or ASTM—A-307 quality. Anchors must have been tested to the Guideline for European
by / Jessica Kirby Images courtesy of Jim Tauby
Technical Approval of Metal Anchors for Use in Concrete ETAG-001 or American Concrete Institute's ACI-355.2 to ensure seismic capability. Other connection types include welding and steel to wood lag bolts—lag bolts must be designed in accordance with the National Design Specification for Wood Construction. Housekeeping Pads, also called plynths or plinths in other parts of the world, are the most overlooked portion of equipment installation. They provide load transfer between the equipment anchorage and the structure of the building, and need to be reinforced and attached to the structural slab. When it comes to duct bracing, all types of duct – rectangular, round, and oval – require seismic bracing, depending on the size. Ductwork may be braced with either rigid or cable bracing, though ductwork that is vibration isolates must use cable bracing. As is the case with ductwork, all Suspended Equipment requires seismic bracing, depending on the size. Equipment can be braced with either rigid or cable bracing, though equipment that is vibration isolated muse use cable bracing. SMACNA National Manual SMACNA's Seismic Restraint Manual was released and updated in 2008, and is an ANSI accredited industry standard for the application and fabrication of seismic restraints for ducts and pipes. “The [ASHRAE] document is, in my opinion more of an application guide for seismic bracing of equipment and other HVAC components,” says Eli Howard, for SMACNA National. “The SMACNA Seismic Restraint Manual provides the tools for
a contractor once given the appropriate seismic zone from the structural engineer to assemble components to create seismic bracing for ducts / pipes to comply with the standard and the seismic zone for that specific application.” Garnering the correct information can be a challenge, says Howard. “One of the bigger issues facing contractors is the lack of quality drawings from the designers and the lack of providing the contractor with the appropriate seismic information to enable the contractor to meet those requirements.” Howard says there are portions of each document that could be used to assist contractors with this problem. “Ultimately,” he adds, “the responsibility falls to the designers, as the contractor is just the constructor of what the designer provides.” Industry Collaboration Needed Tauby agrees the ductwork side of the mechanical system is the “stepchild,” and most mechanical engineers and contractors will put basic details for the bracing of piping systems, but they rarely provide details of duct bracing. “The SMACNA publication Seismic Restraint Manual (Guidelines for Mechanical Systems) along with the ASHRAE publication, Practical Guide to Seismic Restraint should give the end user the details that they need,” he said. But details are not enough, he adds, because the end user needs to be comfortable with what they are installing. “Over the years I have given talks to ASHRAE chapters and contractors, but, in my opinion, the most useful seminars that I give are actual installation seminars with the contractors' installers,” he said. “We would install seismic restraints and go over the basic parameters about braces, including tolerances, etc. Tinknockers and steamfitters seemed more comfortable with the systems after these seminars.” Seismic restraint regulations have become more prevalent throughout the years. “Back in 1982 the building code had one paragraph for Non-Structural Components (mechanical systems),” he said. “Today’s code has multiple complete chapters for all the requirements. What a lot of people don’t understand is that the seismic requirements are there to protect life. They are not there to protect the building or the equipment, and those are just two additional benefits.”
Meeting the Challenges Some of the biggest mistakes Tauby said occur in the field are the attachments of the braces to the building structure. The seismic event adds an additional seismic load to the ductwork that wants to make it move. “The braces hold it in place and transfers this load to the building,” he said. “These connections must be capable of transferring these loads. I have seen braces go from the ductwork to other ductwork and pipe racks. I have seen them wrapped around pipe and columns. These are not adequate attachments.” Tauby said his father in-law and two of his brothers-in-law are NYC steamfitters. During their apprenticeship and over the Continued on page 27
Looking for a Quality In-Slab Ventilation Duct System? ECCODUCT
TM
Specify ECCODUCT™ to ensure: • Guidance from ECCO’s team of professional engineers in selecting a complete system of ventilation and dryer exhaust equipment • On-the-job project installation assistance/training • Highly skilled Research and Development team Leading the way, ECCODUCT™ was first to introduce a 3-hour F&FT Fire Rating — and the first to meet and exceed all other requirements.
www.eccoduct.com 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 • Summer 2015
15
By Mark Breslin
Š Can Stock Photo Inc. / lisafx
THE GREAT CREW CHANGE:
Five Strategies for the Big Transition It is finally upon us. The Great Crew Change. Most of the crew on every job in the US and Canada are going home soon. And they are never coming back.
It is the anticipated retirement of the many (older, skilled, and a little tired) and the necessary recruitment and integration of the (raw, ambitious, and semi-clueless) many more. No organization that I know of is fully ahead of that curve. Maybe 25 per cent are actively working on it with a plan of action. Fifty per cent are aware of it and talking about it. And 25 per cent are simply out of luck and won’t know it until it is
These new and young prospects are going to be our workforce for the next 25 years. Let’s put in the effort to get it right. too late. No matter where you are on the curve, let’s accelerate your strategic initiatives starting right now. Here are five ways to deal with the Great Crew Change. 1. Understand the Implications: to really understand the implications of this trend the most important starting place is to do a demographic analysis of all key positions in your organization and plot the retirement curve of all key employees eligible to bail out within the next five to seven years. This is the foundation for your urgent need to respond.
SPECIALISTS IN COATED AND UNCOATED SHEET METAL
ALL THE SELECTION
ONE SOURCE
2. Evaluate the methods by which you are encouraging formal and informal mentoring in the organization. Having a system for mentoring provides an important tool for knowledge transfer. 3. Employers need to get fully involved with the Apprenticeship Programs to spend a lot more time evaluating prospects, interviewing and testing candidates, speaking to apprentice classes, and identifying highpotential supervisory talent early. After we fill the spots during the Great Crew Change, these new and young prospects are going to be our workforce for the next 25 years. Let’s put in the effort to get it right. 4. Emphasize the importance of training and development along with jobsite production for field supervision. Most foremen and superintendents do not perceive training and development as tools to create profits. They are the most important people when it comes to the development of our next generation. We need to talk about it, recognize it, and reward it. You have to make it very visible and important if you want a change in jobsite culture. 5. Put together a plan and budget for training and development. Start with foremen as they actually have direct impact on the bulk of the workforce. Don’t stop the training and investment at the project management level. Get down to where it matters. Getting proactive on the people development side will help you use the Great Crew Change as a competitive advantage. It is here. And there is not a moment to waste. Gen X leaders and Gen Y workers are assuming the roles onsite. They won’t develop themselves—it’s up to us to make it happen and that is going to take some real discipline, effort, and resources.
www.cmetals.com DELTA LANGLEY EDMONTON CALGARY SASKATOON BRANDON WINNIPEG LONGVIEW SEATTLE PORTLAND NAMPA VANCOUVER SPOKANE
www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Summer 2015
17
Sheet Metal Industry Training Board Reports Market Upswing by / Jud Martell, training co-ordinator, SMWTC photo courtesy of SMWTC Six years after our peak in 2008, the years of declining numbers have showed signs of reversing. The numbers in 2012 and 2013 showed us bouncing along the bottom, but 2014 had the feeling of a race about to begin, with building anticipation. At the beginning of the year we had 300 registered apprentices, 126 new apprentices joined during the year, 26 left the trade, and we turned out 49 journeys. At the end of 2014, there were 322 apprentices indentured to the Sheet Metal Industry Training Board (SMITB). The economy, industry, and consequently our overall numbers, indicate growth has now begun to materialize. While applications and certifications remained steady, new registrations increased. Cancellations have been consistently rising over previous years (2012 saw 66), but in 2014 it remained low, similar to 2013 at 28. BC-wide statistics over the past six years have showed the SMITB as sponsoring between 37% and 47% of all registered sheet metal apprentices in the province. In 2014, the numbers continued to support our leadership with there being 592 sheet metal apprentices provincially, and our joint board sponsoring 274 of them, giving us 46%. Note that if we look at the numbers in terms of market share, the provincial totals include Vancouver Island but ours don’t, so the percentages are somewhat higher. What the numbers continue to show is that as things change, this board, nearly 50 years in existence, continues to prove its commitment to apprenticeships.
Training Centre, Apprentice Training, and Continuing Education
During 2014, the Training Centre scheduled 15 and ran 13 classes. The two cancelled classes were in the Architectural program, which has not produced the number of apprentices nor traction in the industry that was originally envisioned. Over the past few years the Training Centre has run around 15 classes with an average of 170 students. In 2014, the Centre taught 165 students, including 41 fourth-year Sheet Metal graduates and nine third-year Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) graduates. The Training Centre has scheduled 15 classes (three of which are ASM) for 2015 and 14 classes in 2016. Through the years, I have been showing numbers that make the Training Centre the largest (not by square footage but by students attending) sheet metal technical training provider in BC. The numbers continue to indicate that the Centre not only leads the way in technical training, but may be larger than the other three training providers combined, all of which are public. The Contining Education Program continued to grow in 2014. Last year Welding, AutoCAD, and Lost Skills courses all ran at near capacity or with wait lists. Thank you to the contractors taking advantage of these courses for your employees. Our newsletter came out this spring and while not all courses ran,
Thanks to Cascade Capital Machine and Local 280 for their donated part of the Training Centre's new eightfoot press brake. the selection of courses is growing. We are look for more additions in the fall including an Industrial Fabrication course. The trustees took on some large equipment purchases in 2014. One of the pieces was a power flanger and another was a state-of-the-art eight-foot press brake. Thanks to Cascade Capital Machine and Local 280 for their donated part of the press brake. Both machines were put into active service days after being placed in the facility and will be central to the heavier gauge industrial courses of the future. In 2015, a one-of-kind field installation mock up is being designed and installed to allow for the many aspects of the construction site to be recreated inside the training centre. Something that has been the works for years is the upgrade of the apprentice-tracking database. June 17, 2014, was the date of the transfer of data from the old ACCESS database to our new online system called Total Track. The roll out is approaching its first year in a multi-year implementation plan and positions the training centre to continue its supervision of full scope apprenticeships well into the future.
Proud to be distributing:
Apprentice Contests
With the iTi cancelling its Annual International Sheet Metal Apprentice Competition again in 2014 and no revival of the Regional contests, which have been gone since 2008, the Training Centre turned to Skills Canada - BC competitions. The BCSkills Sheet Metal Committee, dormant for nearly a decade, was re-established in late 2013, and ran its first competition in April, 2014. The Centre sent James Benson, Andrew Cole, and Adam Selnes. Adam captured the bronze and James took the gold, sending him on to Mississauga, Ontario for a repeat trip to the Skills Canada competition in June, 2014. Due to the International union’s convention in August, 2014 the Canadian Council competition was held early in 2014. Last May, 11 competitors from across Canada assembled in Windsor, Ontario to fabricate a rum-runners lake boat made out of copper. Our Level 4 winner was unable to compete, so it fell to James Benson as our Level 3 winner to represent Local 280 and SMACNA-BC. BC’s Local Unions took the top two spots with James Benson being selected as the winner for 2014. He was awarded the Alex Donaldson’s trophy. In November, we held the Annual Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre’s Apprentice Competition. The 2012 contest
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 • Summer 2015
19
market upswing
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
was probably the largest in Canada, 2013 may have been the largest in North America, and 2014 was again leading the industry. Thank you to the suppliers and contractors who donated thousands of dollars worth of prizes and gifts for all the contestants. The winners of each of the four levels were: Matt Hamm Justin Roden Steven Roe James Benson
Fraser Valley Refrigeration Austin Metal Fabricators Ames Metal Fabricators Paramount Sheet Metal
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
In 2015, there will be no iTi contest. Some discussions are occurring about a possible revival of the Regional contests in 2016. The Skills Canada - BC sheet metal competition happened on April 15 of this year with Matt Hamm capturing silver and Brad Horder of Ridge Sheet Metal taking the bronze.
Tax Credit
The BC government renewed the BC Tax Credit for employers of Red Seal apprentices in the most recent budget. The federal government has extended student loans to apprentices. Now Red Seal apprentices attending technical training can apply for up to $4,000 per session. The federal government has created the Canada Jobs Grant. Employers training employees may be eligible to claim to up to 2/3 of the costs of training. To learn more about the Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Society, please visit www.smwtcs.ca.
Some things are better kept cold.
www.bcica.org peace of mind brought to you by the Bc insulation contractors association
20
Sheet Metal Journal
604.438.6616
brian.bcica@telus.net
lation Contra Insu cto rs bia m
tion cia so As
Find out more
Briti sh Co lu
Losing your cool can have disastrous consequences. Maintain a comfortable environment with the BCICA Quality Assurance Certificate. Only a BCICA member can deliver this level of assurance – the very best materials; purpose-trained independent inspectors; Red Seal certified installations. For new construction or retrofits, ask for the QAC on all your mechanical insulation projects.
FEATURE FOCUS FIVE WAYS YOU CAN ESTIMATE BETTER WITH FASTDUCT AND FASTPIPE ESTIMATING SOFTWARE FastEST, Inc. has several tips for using FastDUCT and FastPIPE estimating software to improve your mechanical estimating process. These estimating packages are some of the easiest to learn and use, and some of the most affordable in the marketplace today. 1. Easy-to-use On-Screen Digitizer With On-Screen Digitizer, digital plans can be imported directly into the programs. The user simply sets the scale for each plan, and then performs the takeoff right on the computer monitor, in a single or dual-monitor setup. OnScreen Digitizer significantly improves takeoff speed, regardless of whether you are a new or seasoned user of estimating software. 2. Metric Scaling Multiple scaling options can come in handy for users of FastEST software in any of the Canadian provinces. With our latest program versions, we added the option to toggle to metric scaling. So whether your bid plans are imperial or metric, you can easily set up the plan scales and takeoff sizing buttons accordingly. 3. Convenient Assemblies Whether it’s a duct run-out that appears hundreds of times on a high-rise office building, or a layout for studio apartments, the Assemblies feature in FastDUCT can make takeoff a snap. After building an Assembly – adding the items you want to the Assembly takeoff list – a user can takeoff that whole kit of parts and pieces with just one click. 4. Handy Section Multipliers Also effective for taking off repeating portions of a bid is
Coming in Fall: Green Market Tools and Equipment Specialty Metal Work To book your ad space in the next issue or future issues of Sheet Metal Journal call Christina at 1.877.755.2762 or email ctranberg@ pointonemedia.com
the use of section multipliers. If a project has, for example, 100 apartment units with the same ductwork or piping layout, a user can simply takeoff one unit’s ductwork in a takeoff section, then adjust the multiplier number from 1 to 100. The bid report will calculate the accurate amount of material and labour for that takeoff, while saving an extraordinary amount of time. 5. Easy Calculations of Addenda or Value Engineering FastDUCT and FastPIPE can make design changes a snap. Even if you’ve already taken off some mechanical piping with grooved fittings, and the engineer is now asking for welded fittings, there is no need to repeat all of your takeoff. A user can simply apply the alternate welded piping spec to the existing takeoff section. These are just a few ways an estimator can make their bidding process more efficient with FastDUCT and FastPIPE estimating software. Contact us today to find out more about our easy-to-use programs, numerous handy takeoff features, and affordable system pricing. FastEST, Inc. • 800-828-7108 • http://fastest-inc.com
www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Summer 2015
21
CAREER PROFILE SHEET METAL WORKER: TESTING AND BALANCING What is a sheet metal worker? What do sheet metal workers do? The trade is diverse and varied, requiring a specific and technical skill set. From a practical angle, sheet metal workers use metal to create roofs, siding, ventilation / heating / air-conditioning duct work, and rain gutters. They fabricate vehicles, restaurant equipment, precision equipment, handrails, column wraps, outdoor signs, and other metal items. The trade can be loosely divided into specialties. HVAC sheet metal workers are skilled in fabricating and installing heating / ventilation / air-conditioning in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, and oversee the systems' indoor air quality, energy management, service, and repairs. Testing, Adjusting, & Balancing sheet metal workers service and maintain mechanical systems, testing, adjusting, and balancing as needed. Architectural sheet metal workers take on the preparation, repair, and fabrication of metal roofing components, metal walls, and other exterior components.
SMWIA Local Union No. 280 /SMACNA-BC Partnership
From the bird's eye view, sheet metal workers plan and envision, fulfilling and essential component of the building process. As one of the construction industry's highest skilled crafts, sheet metal work is about creating something long lasting that provides many people a better quality of life.
CAREER PROFILE: TESTING ADJUSTING & BALANCING Testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) is an important part of air and water delivery systems. TAB technicians make sure that air and water are delivered efficiently, quietly, and safely throughout a building. As a TAB technician you will be responsible for working on air and water delivery systems to meet the specifications outlined by the design engineer. You must learn how all the parts of HVAC and fluid flow systems analysis and measurements to conduct the right tests, make the correct adjustments, and deal with any problems that occur. If you like math and enjoy the idea of working on complex systems and solving problems, TAB might be a good career choice for you. Opportunities in this field include: • Energy management • Indoor air quality • Building systems commissioning: The process of testing, troubleshooting, and adjusting air handling systems in newly constructed buildings to improve system performance and safety and to reduce energy costs. • Sound and vibration testing • Life safety control systems • HVAC installation or system controls • System design • Project management or facility management • Clean room work or certification. Clean room: A room that requires a high level of cleanliness or sterility, such as those found in hospitals, laboratories, and certain manufacturing plants. Top Producers: • KD Engineering 100% • Western Mechanical Services (1997) Ltd. 100% • Ames Metal Fabricators 82 Ltd. 5% • Austin Metal Fabricators LP 5% • Piedmont Sheet Metal Ltd 1%Ridge Sheet Metal 5% • Bry-Mac1%
Labour & Management “Embracing the Challenge” - B. Flaherty, Cornell University, Syracuse, N.Y.
22
Sheet Metal Journal
Check out this video: https://www.sheetmetal-iti.org/careers/ videos/tabapp.html.
ENGINEER'S DESK SEISMIC RESTRAINT AND VIBRATION ISOLATION FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES Why is Seismic Restraint Needed?
For hospitals and healthcare facilities, the damaging effects of earthquakes are of significant concern throughout North America. The Building Code mandates the use of seismic restraint for hospital and healthcare facilities even in areas with relatively low seismic activity. Earthquake damage to inadequately restrained piping and duct systems within and on buildings can be extensive even when there is no visible structural damage to the building. Piping and mechanical systems knocked off of their supporting structures due to earthquake-related building movement can threaten life, property, and the ability of a hospital to operate. The cost of properly restraining your equipment is insignificant when compared to the costs associated with repair, replacement, and system downtime as a result of seismic damage. The May SMACNA-BC Chapter meeting on ASHRAE's “Practical Guide to Seismic Restraint” was extremely informative and this article presents an overview approach to designing and applying seismic restraint systems. These systems serve to limit the movement of equipment and to keep the equipment captive during a seismic event. A thorough analysis of seismic restraint hardware and seismically rated vibration isolators requires the consideration of four aspects of the system: 1) Attachment of the Equipment to the Restraint The equipment must be securely attached to the restraint system. This attachment must have sufficient strength to withstand the imposed seismic forces. 2) Restraint Design The strength of the seismic restraint systems are designed to withstand the imposed seismic forces. 3) Attachment of Restraint to Building Structure This attachment is typically via bolts, welds, or anchors. In addition, the building attachment interface must be reviewed by the structural engineer of record to ensure it meets seismic codes in the jurisdiction. 4) Equipment Fragility The ability of the equipment to continue to operate after being subjected to seismic force. Fragility information must be obtained from the equipment manufacturer. In hospitals and healthcare facilities, the National Building Code requires some pipe and duct systems to remain in
by / Norm Grusnick, P. Eng. commercial products manager, ECCO Supply
operation for life-safety purposes following an earthquake. These systems are assigned a Component Importance Factor of 1.5. Life-safety systems typically include, but are not limited to, smoke removal and fresh air ventilation systems, infectious disease control systems, and systems that service clean rooms and surgical suites. Duct systems that are not considered life-safety but whose failure could cause failure also need to be restrained. The most frequent occurrence of these failures has been in systems that were not restrained to the standards set forth in the building codes or the guidelines issued by SMACNA . In applications where significant motion can occur, the restraint requirements for ductwork systems are to be adequately sized in both the lateral and axial directions. These restraints must be used with spacings short enough to prevent local failures in the duct runs between restraints. In the field, seismic restraint systems must attach and interface with numerous other systems. It is recommended that the seismic restraint be installed after the installation of the mechanical systems. The SMACNA Seismic Restraint Manual offers general guidance for field installation. It includes tables with maximum spacing and restraint component sizes for various sizes of ductwork and in various seismic zones. The SMACNA manual is easily understood and can be effectively used by installation contractors. The engineers should verify that the contractors follow this manual. Typically ductwork systems are restrained either with cable restraints or rigid braces that run upwards at an angle. Because these links run at an angle, the application of a horizontal load generates a vertical load component on the hanger rod that supports the ductwork. This vertical component can frequently be as large as double the horizontal force. This vertical force needs to be taken into account when sizing the anchorage. For rigid pipe and duct bracing the SMACNA guidelines tabulate the sizes needed for various configurations.
www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Summer 2015
23
CONTRACTORS 101 COMPARING STRATEGIC THINKING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING Strategic thinking and strategic planning are related, but they are two distinctly different activities. First, let’s look at the definitions. Strategic Thinking: Strategic thinking is an intensified exploration of strategy from new directions that create new concepts. It’s a thinking process, an exploration process, and a discovery process.
by / Ted Garrison president, New Construction Strategies
Strategic Planning: Strategic planning is a planning process that determines how the organization will operate by identifying the specific tasks, the schedule, and how to measure success.
how they will construct the project because the project has already been defined. However, that is not always the case.
In simple terms, strategic thinking determines the “what” and strategic planning focuses on “how” to achieve the “what.” Contractors far too often make the mistake of jumping into the planning process too soon. They do this in part because they are more comfortable with planning. After all, they have a great deal of experience planning projects. When contractors are handed a complete set of construction documents, it makes sense for the contractors to immediately being to plan
For example, on a design-build project the design-build team must start by strategically thinking about the project. In essence, they must define the project in terms of the client’s needs and budget. It’s not good enough to simply define a building in terms of some generic type. The design or the building’s definition must incorporate the client’s specific and often unique needs and how best to achieve them before anyone can begin to plan the construction process. In essence, the team must determine “what” needs to be built before moving on to “how” to build it. In other words, a good design doesn’t stop with a generic type of building, such as an office building, but further defines the building around the specific needs of the client. Don’t be confused by the fact that during design-build efforts, both designing and planning go on at the same time, but the planning is restricted to the elements already defined. The team merely doesn’t wait until all designing is completed before beginning to work on the plan. When contractors create their business strategy, the same rules apply. Instead of describing a generic construction company, contractors must explore from a variety of perspectives what services they are selling, what makes their clients different, and how they differentiate themselves from their competition. Failing to take the necessary time to perform this critical strategic thinking and jumping into the planning phase too soon usually result in the contractor just tweaking its current business plan. Instead of analyzing “what” it should be doing, the contractor merely extends what it has already been doing and simply adjusts some of the financial figures. Unfortunately, the figures tossed around are more of a wish than anything derived from any hard research or thinking. In the end, contractors that don’t differentiate themselves from their competitors usually end up competing on price, instead of value.
24
Sheet Metal Journal
CONTRACTORS 101 Which is More Important: Strategic Thinking or Strategic Planning?
It’s not a fair question because both are needed. It like asking which is more important: knowing where we are going or having a means of travel to get there? Of course, you need a means of transportation, but if you don’t know the destination you are completely lost. Peter Drucker has written that managers do things right while leaders to the right thing. This concept can also be applied to companies. The leading companies focus on doing the right things. In business terms that means they have the right strategy, which will only occur if they take the time to do the necessary strategic thinking. Of course, what’s needed is doing the right thing the right way. However, unless you start with the right thing you have no hope of achieving that goal. Therefore, from that perspective, strategic thinking is more important because unless you first identify the right things to be done, you will remain stuck in the world of low-cost bidding. Even contractors forced to compete in the designbid-build arena must have the right strategy. That enables them to compete based on their knowledge and experience to bring in a lower cost to win the bid, instead of just the lowest price. Peter Drucker wrote in The Practice of Management, “Because the purpose of business is to create a customer, the
business enterprise has two – and only two – basic functions: marketing and innovation.” Innovation is what allows you to differentiate your business from your competition and innovation comes from a thinking process, an exploration process, and a discovery process, just like strategic thinking. Daniel Pink wrote in The Whole New Mind, “For business, it’s no longer enough to create a product that’s reasonably priced and adequately functional.” In other words, today it’s essential for contractors to provide outstanding value by delivering better solutions for their clients and differentiating themselves by the value they deliver, enabling them to avoid competing solely on price. This goal can only be achieved by first developing a sound strategy through strategic thinking, followed by the completion of a strategic plan on how to achieve the desired strategy. To learn more about strategic thinking and strategic planning go to http://ow.ly/LsAwI for books on strategic thinking and strategic planning by Ted Garrison. Ted Garrison, president of New Construction Strategies, is a catalyst for change. As a consultant, author, speaker, and radio host, he provides breakthrough strategies for the construction industry byfocusing on critical issues in leadership, project management, strategic thinking, strategic alliances, and marketing. He can be reached at 800-861-0874 or by email at Speaking@TedGarrison.com. For further information see his web page at www.TedGarrison.com."
Get your hands dirty for SMJ Sheet Metal Journal is kicking off a product © Can Stock Photo Inc. / Nikmerkulov
review campaign and we need testers. The process is easy: we get the latest in tools and
technology and send you a list. You pick what you'd like to try, work with it for a while, and
answer a few questions at the end. Doesn't cost you a dime, and we feature your expert
opinion in the magazine. Doesn't get much better than that, right? We can't wait to get your hands on the industry's best so email jkirby@ pointonemedia.com to sign up.
www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Summer 2015
25
IT'S THE LAW AVOIDING THE COST OF BAD ADVICE
Experienced contractors know the importance of limiting the scope of their advice to areas in which they are experienced. In the case of Litt v. Gill, a contractor was protected from liability by refusing to advise a client on matters outside the realm of his expertise.
The Facts
The Plaintiff in this case, Ms. Gill, wanted to build a new home on a large lot she owned in Coquitlam (the “Project”). She intended to finance the Project by subdividing her property into two lots and selling one of them to finance construction on the other. Ms. Gill retained Mr. Litt as the contractor responsible for building her new home. Mr. Litt had limited experience with subdivisions. However, he offered to help Ms. Gill in any way he could, including putting her in touch with contractors to do site work. Mr. Litt also arranged for a survey of Ms. Gill’s property and, together with Ms. Gill, filed a subdivision application at City Hall. A number of conditions needed to be met prior to the City approving the subdivision, including removal of Ms. Gill’s existing house. Ms. Gill undertook to complete these conditions. As a result, her existing home was demolished
by / Andrew Delmonico and Amelia Cline Kuhn & Company
prematurely, well before the subdivision was ready for construction of the new house. Effectively, this left Ms. Gill homeless for an extended period of time. She blamed Mr. Litt for the premature demolition of her pre-existing home and sued him for damages.
The Decision
The Court disagreed with Ms. Gill, finding that Mr. Litt had only agreed to provide contact information and accompany Ms. Gill to City Hall; importantly, he had clearly informed Ms. Gill that he was not experienced with subdivision work. Because of the limited scope of Mr. Litt’s agreement, he had no legal duty in these circumstances to become familiar with the subdivision process. The Court found that the legal standard of care to which builders are held on a project involving subdivision and construction of a home will depend on the express scope of their contract. If a contractor limits the scope of his or her contract properly, he or she will not be liable for losses caused by events occurring outside the scope of this agreement. In this case, Mr. Litt was not held liable for losses that occurred as a result of Ms. Gill’s home being demolished before approval of the subdivision, because he never agreed to advise her on this issue in the first place.
Lessons Learned
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 26
Sheet Metal Journal
1. This decision serves as an important reminder that contractors and builders should clearly and expressly set out the precise scope of work they are being retained for, particularly if elements of the project are outside their expertise. Continued on page 27
Are you reading a borrowed copy of Sheet Metal Journal? Did you know subscriptions are free to any company or individual who works in, supplies, or supports the sheet metal industry? Get your free subscription today at www.sheetmetaljournal.com
ADVERTISER INDEX SEISMIC RESTRAINT
Continued from page 15
years, they have received training on many facets of their jobs, but never on seismic restraints. “One day one of my brothers-in-law called me at work asking about some restraints he had to install,” said Tauby. “The following day I was at his job site and gave his fellow workers an above mentioned seminar on restraints. It goes to show, more training is needed.” Further resources: The Seismic Restraint Manual: Guidelines for Mechanical Systems, 3rd edition 2008, ANSI/SMACNA 001-2008 ANSI – ASHRAE Standard 171-2008 Method of Testing Seismic Restraint Devices for HVAC&R Equipment 2010 National Building Code of Canada
IT'S THE LAW
Continued from page 26
2. Builders should always confine the scope of advice offered to a homeowner to matters in which they are experienced. When consulted on a question falling outside the realm of their expertise, builders should consider referring their clients to someone that can give them the advice they need. This article was written by Andrew D. Delmonico, a lawyer, and Amelia G. Cline, 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.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Continued from page 9
Wayne Marsden, field personnel advisor, PCL Constructors Westcoast, agrees. “A policy like this has been a long time coming,” he said. “It's a fabulous step in the right direction for employing more apprentices in the trades.
Vp = Lateral Force Vp = 0.3 Fa Sa(0.2)IE Sp Wp Sa(0.2) = Spectral response Acceleration Value Fa = Acceleration Based Site Coefficient IE = Importance Factor Sp = Horizontal Force Factor Where Sp = Cp Ar Ax/Rp Cp = Component Factor Ar = Component Force Amplification Factor Ax = Height Factor (1+2hx/hn) Rp = Component Response Modification Factor Wp = Equipment or System Weight
“PCL is regularly visiting schools, promoting opportunities in the industry and talking to young people about the benefits of construction careers. This policy is another way to ensure companies are offering young people the experience they need.” For more information, please visit the Industry Training Authority (ITA) at http://www.itabc.ca/.
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 and online offers such as product testing!
advertiser index advertiser
page
phone
10, 20
604.438.6616
www.bcica.org
Cascadia Metals
17
604.946.3890
www.cmetals.com
Crossroads C&I Distributors
13
800.663.6595
www.crossroadsci.com
BCICA
website
ECCO Supply
15
604.530.9755
www.eccosupply.ca
Frost Insulation Supplies, Inc.
19
604.535.7272
www.frostinsulation.com
22, 26
604.430.3388
www.smw280.org
20
604.882.7680
www.smwtcs.ca
IFC, 11, 22
604.585.4641
www.smacna-bc.org
Sheet Metal Workers Int'l Local 280 Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Society SMACNA-BC The HVAC Warehouse
24
888.927.6247
www.thehvacwarehouse.com
Winroc / SPI
6
604.430.3044
www.winrocspi.com
www.sheetmetaljournal.com • Summer 2015
27
So much more than just a trade publication, Sheet Metal Journal is your voice in the sheet metal industry. We bring you online and in-print coverage of the latest news, projects, technical information, and market updates affecting the western Canadian industry. Get involved today. Participate in editorial, submit suggestions, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, visit our website. No matter how you call it, we're here and ready to be your voice in the industry. So what are you waiting for? CONTACT US TODAY WINT ER 2 015
PRINT ADVERTISING
shee
tmeta
ljourn
sheetmetaljournal.com twitter.com/sheetmetaljournal facebook.com/sheetmetaljournal
al.co
m
tel: 1.877.755.2762 email: sales@pointonemedia.com
Cons
Archit
Embr
ectur
acing
truct
al Sh
Chan
eet M
ge at
ion O
etal E
South
xplor
ed
land In
utloo
dustr
Publ ic Agre ations M ai emen t # 40 l 7195
ies
12
Offi Recor cial Jour na d for SMA l of CNA -BC
ER BANN NG SOCIAL RTISI E V D A MEDIA
k