SMACNA-BC Update: Spring 2011

Seeking Input From Readers

Welcome to the 2011 Spring Edition of the Sheet Metal Journal. On behalf of the SMACNA-BC Board of Directors and Contractor and Associate Members, we truly hope that you find this publication useful to you in whatever capacity you may be involved in throughout the sheet metal industry in British Columbia. It is our focus to make sure Sheet Metal Journal is not considered to be an exclusive “feel good” magazine solely for SMACNA-BC Members. It is our goal that the Journal be utilized as a true resource for, but not limited to, architects, engineers, consultants, code officials, and inspectors, to name a few. It is our intent to showcase what sets a SMACNA-BC Contractor apart from a non-SMACNA-BC Contractor. Hopefully we are achieving that goal. If you think not, please do not hesitate to drop me a line at the SMACNA-BC office and let me know what else you would like to see in future issues.

Understanding Standards

SMACNA has been able to develop uniform fabrication and installation standards that are accepted, adopted, and specified by the design community. Professionals such as architects and engineers routinely issue specifications for sheet metal products and systems that require conformance with SMACNA technical standards. SMACNA Contractors, through affiliation and participation in SMACNA, develop those standards. Each and every SMACNA Contractor Member has a copy of these standards. Non-SMACNA Contractors may purchase these technical standards from SMACNA, but do they? Make sure that when SMACNA Standards are specified, the fabrication and installation is as per SMACNA Standards and not something less.

SMACNA-BC / ASHRAE-BC Technical Program

Norm Grusnick of ECCO Supply, who happens to be an ASHRAE-BC and SMACNA-BC member, has brought to my attention the fact that it has been quite a while since we have had a SMACNA-BC Technical Presentation, and especially in light of the recent situation in Japan, a Seismic program. I told Norm, “you make sure they show up and SMACNA-BC will put on the program. In fact, we’ll throw in a little HVAC Duct Construction, HVAC Duct Leakage, and Fire, Smoke & Radiation Damper Installation. We’ll even throw in a couple of SMACNA Technical Manuals along with some PDH credits.” The long and the short of it is that Norm kept up to his end of the deal and now it is SMACNA-BC’s turn to deliver.

The program is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, 2011 at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel in Surrey. Mark Terzigni, SMACNA Technical Resources Project Manager from the SMACNA National office in Chantilly, Virginia, will be presenting the program. To register, please contact the SMACNA-BC office via email at <smacnabc@smacna-bc.org>.

Firestopping With Fire Damper Applications *

Questions have arisen in several instances where local code officials have required that contractors provide firestopping materials in fire damper and combination fire/smoke damper applications. Specifically, the application of a firestop material, such as:

• Caulks, etc., on fire damper retaining angles at the wall, floor, or partition surface.
• Mineral, wool, or other packing materials between the damper sleeve and the wall, floor, or partition cavity.

It is important to note that the application of firestopping materials in these instances could impair the proper operation of the damper. Furthermore, no damper manufacturer has tested dampers under those conditions and the application of firestop materials as described above could be a violation of the conditions of test and listing and could void the ULC listing of the damper. (Some damper manufacturers allow the application of specific silicone-based sealants around damper retaining angles; consult damper manufacturers for specific details). This in turn could be a violation of the building code. Code officials are advised to use only the information in the damper manufacturer’s installation instructions as the basis for approval of a damper installation.

* Excerpt from SMACNA Guideline on Through-Penetration Firestopping Guide / Second Edition.

Reminder to SMACNA-BC Members

The SMACNA-BC 42nd Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., May 28 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. We will hear from special guests from SMACNA National. President-elect, Richard Rivera, and Executive Director of Labour Relations, Deborah Wyandt Esq., will be reporting on current and future initiatives from SMACNA National. Also reporting will be SMACNA-BC President, Brian Featherstone, Executive Director, Bruce Sychuk, SMWIA Local Union No. 280 Business Manager, Jim Paquette, Health Benefits / Pension Plan Administrator, John Courtney, and Training Centre Coordinator, Jud Martell. Prior to the AGM, Mark Terzigni, SMACNA Technical Resources Project Manager, will be presenting a SMACNA-BC Contractor Only Technical Presentation

An Awards Luncheon will include entertainment by comedian James Johnson and the President’s Dinner Dance will feature an evening’s worth of memorable entertainment by Nearly Neil & the Solitary Band.