Warren Hyde

Asbestos: A Silent Killer ☠️ Did you know that asbestos was widely used in construction until the late 1980s. This dangerous material continues to pose a serious threat to workers' health. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g3muTQqq #asbestosremoval #healthandsafety #asbestos #asbestossurvey #ConqraAsbestos

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For the past month I have been providing a training workshop on how to use Part 5 for fenestration compliance in the 2024 BC Building Code. In these workshops we have been having a good discussion on what tool might one use to demonstrate compliance with 5.4 (air leakage) for fenestration. Before we just jump to the fenestration aspect, lets consider what 5.4 is saying. 5.4 obligates a component or assembly to control air leakage to the acceptable conditions of the occupant. So what does that mean? Do you require a NAFS air leakage lab test of a product to demonstrate that? Many would say yes and I would not oppose that as a tool to use. But what about how the window/door is integrated into the envelope. 5.4 would imply this is a critical part of the assembly. Remember most air leakage issues are not product related but how each product meets up with each other. NAFS lab testing will not provide you with any information to determine the integration outcome. So how might one demonstrate that a product and how it was installed perform. I see two potential tools that can be used to demonstrate this: 1. Perform a field test to ASTM E783 which is listed in the appendix by the way as a tool. OR 2. In BC we do whole home blower door testing for the energy step code and as 5.4 is about how the assembly works together, a whole home blower door test that passes the required ACH, could be considered a compressive method in determining that the fenestration used meets the whole home performance expectation. Sections of code like this are important as they set the criteria for holistic performance and outcomes and not just a products performance outcome. If you are like me and see a house as a system, you will start to see the the gaps in certain product ratings programs.

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Interesting debate on the single stair issue in BC for buildings under 6 stories with 4 or less suites per floor. I agree with Len that a single stairwell in buildings is not a good idea. He shares interesting insights. Though I question the stats that 35 percent of the time the fire detection equipment in the stairwell did not work - I honestly find that hard to believe. Have a listen. Weigh in. Life safety depends on it. https://lnkd.in/gF6A362q

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Want more housing? Please read this post and learn about single stair access as a path to better and more affordable housing

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As an emergency management practitioner I recognize relying on municipal critical infrastructure that was put in place 25, 50 or even 100 years ago isn't realistic. Critical infrastructure such as storm drains installed back then were not designed to handle current loads, requiring continued maintenance and reinvestment. I believe residents and municipalities can't keep going to the insurers for payouts without doing their part in preparedness and mitigation. The following article (Porado, 2024) in the Canadian Underwriter highlights some of the insurers concerns. “Insured losses from catastrophic weather events have been climbing for years, with this summer serving as a stark reminder that Canada has not done enough to prepare,” says Craig Stewart IBC, vice president for climate change and federal issues. #emergencymanagement https://lnkd.in/gTDJzETF

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With rising temperatures due to climate change, oversight is crucial on construction sites to prevent heat-related illnesses among workers. The B.C. Occupational Health and Safety Regulation outlines guidelines for thermal stress exposure, including measures to reduce heat exposure and provide necessary resources like water. While regulations exist, they may not be sufficient to ensure compliance: WorkSafeBC accepted a significant number of heat-related claims in recent years, indicating ongoing challenges. Contractor provided resources including self-assessment and awareness training may be crucial in identifying and mitigating heat stress symptoms to ensure worker safety, prevent productivity claims, and keep project timelines in schedule. JTE Claims Consultants Ltd. provides a wide range of services to the Canadian construction industry, including construction claims consulting services and commercial advisory and project control services. Visit https://lnkd.in/g43aR6r to learn more. #ConstructionSafety #HeatStressAwareness #WorkplaceSafety https://ow.ly/AStA50RBup3

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Extreme heat events and other unnatural disasters are becoming more common, increasing health risks for vulnerable Canadians. Deep retrofits, incorporating upgrades to ventilation, heating, cooling, and building envelopes, can significantly improve health and safety. That’s why we're calling for immediate, collective action to protect our communities. Read the full report👉

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There are several risks associated with #construction site noise, but there are also numerous options to protect your hearing from initial or further damage: HearingLife Canada

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🏗️ Asbestos Awareness in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide 🛡️ Asbestos might be banned, but it still lurks in many older buildings, posing a serious health risk. Whether you're in construction or property management, understanding how to safely handle asbestos is critical. Our latest blog provides a complete guide to asbestos awareness in Canada, including how to recognize, manage, and protect against dangerous exposure. 👉 Read the Full Guide Here https://lnkd.in/eP4hU2KM #AsbestosAwareness #ValleyWorkSafe #WorkplaceSafety #StaySafe #CanadaSafety #safety #workplace #workplacesafety #Asbestos 

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With rising temperatures due to climate change, oversight is crucial on construction sites to prevent heat-related illnesses among workers. The B.C. Occupational Health and Safety Regulation outlines guidelines for thermal stress exposure, including measures to reduce heat exposure and provide necessary resources like water. While regulations exist, they may not be sufficient to ensure compliance: WorkSafeBC accepted a significant number of heat-related claims in recent years, indicating ongoing challenges. Contractor provided resources including self-assessment and awareness training may be crucial in identifying and mitigating heat stress symptoms to ensure worker safety, prevent productivity claims, and keep project timelines in schedule. JTE Claims Consultants Ltd. provides a wide range of services to the Canadian construction industry, including construction claims consulting services and commercial advisory and project control services. Visit https://lnkd.in/gJW8uR4 to learn more. #ConstructionSafety #HeatStressAwareness #WorkplaceSafety https://ow.ly/AStA50RBup3

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Over the years I have heard stories here and there of procurement processes that were not up to industry standards but it appears the issue has become more widespread. If you do work in B.C. with public owners, check out this alert by the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) and its affiliated associations to learn about the risks and how to protect your company.

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Today, May 1, 2024, the NEW Fire, Building and Energy Codes come into force. The National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition are now available online. Paper copies will soon be available at the National Research Council’s Virtual Store. The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 is now available for free online. The Safety Codes Council supported the Government of Alberta’s review and adoption of these codes by providing input and advice after engaging industry, municipal, and technical experts through its sub-councils, as well as undertaking broader engagement – including agricultural stakeholders. More information can be found at https://ow.ly/U3fu50RffRu For more information on the new Alberta codes editions visit Building codes and standards | https://ow.ly/c5Yb50RffRx. #Alberta #AlbertaBuildingCodes #BuildAlberta #AlbertaFireCode #AlbertaBuildingCode #AlbertaEnergyCode

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🇨🇦 The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) announced the issuance of CSA W224:24 – Coastal Flood Risk Assessment for Buildings and Infrastructure.This standard provides guidance on conducting coastal flood risk assessments along Canada’s marine coasts and Great Lakes to inform the planning design of new buildings and infrastructure. It also covers retrofitting measures for existing buildings and infrastructure potentially exposed to coastal flood hazards. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g_APSEpt #ERISInfo #Infrastructure #ERISInsider #newsletter #climaterisk #environmentalduediligence CSA Group, Architects and Engineers Jon Elliott

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Critical or fatal accidents occur all too often across Canada. Recent court cases have confirmed a few critical needs. First, you need to get expert legal advice from those with specific expertise in occupational health and safety. Second, you need to have a professional investigation completed (in most cases under privilege) to determine specific causes and future needs. As investigations and reporting become more demanding and complex, the need for expert advice has never been more important. The consequences of not taking these circumstances seriously can have a significant impact on your brand, reputation and your bottom line. 🇨🇦

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There is a pressing need for a reevaluation of educational institutions and infrastructure across the country. The visually striking but outdated models of huge libraries, zoos, and science centers are no longer sustainable. Institutions in operation today must adopt more inclusive fundraising strategies to become self-sustainable. Last fall, a fundraising campaign was proposed to the Ontario Science Centre, focusing on this April's eclipse to generate funds for necessary repairs. Unfortunately, and sadly, there was no response or interest from the institution. Some boards have become overly reliant on government funding, losing their entrepreneurial drive. To ensure broader access to knowledge, the government should prioritize widespread innovation over singular projects that have limited outreach. It is crucial for board leaders to explore new and innovative financing approaches, leveraging community resources to reduce reliance on taxpayer dollars. Collaborative efforts and fresh funding strategies are essential to drive sustainable growth and development in educational infrastructure nationwide, within our budgets.

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Our column in today's TC B9: DCC Best Practices Guide Needs Enforcement - BC govt may refuse approval of a DCC bylaw…if the DCCs are excessive, deter development or discourage construction of reasonably priced housing https://lnkd.in/gcVcZZbT https://lnkd.in/g25mVWqM

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