Plumbing Products Not Meeting Standards

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), in conjunction with provincial/territorial plumbing inspectors have provided an industry bulletin on the distribution and installation of plumbing products that do not meet applicable standards. Uncertified products are being inappropriately sold and installed in all jurisdictions of Canada, and in many cases this is creating health and safety issues. The bulletins cover common questions and answers including:
• Myths and realities about uncertified product
• How to determine if a product is certified
• The harm in stocking and selling uncertified fixtures/fittings
• The importance of understanding when to remove self-destructing labels
• How to verify a questionable mark
• The advantages to using certified products
The bulletins can be viewed by clicking here.

Sustainable Urban Development

Leadership Summit

Energy and the Future of Cities will be led by speakers and thought leaders who study energy in the context of urban systems while focused on the key urban issues that affect everyone's quality of life. This conference is planned as a region-wide conversation about the near-future, and it is highly relevant to a wide range of constituent Calgary interests in business, community and governance. It's an especially relevant conversation for Calgary because the city is a global centre of energy expertise. For more information, click here.

Partners in Injury Reduction Program

The Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR) program creates heightened awareness around injury prevention and requires employers to develop effective worksite health, safety and disability management practices. The Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) administers this program for the construction industry in Alberta. PIR provides financial incentives that motivate employers to become involved in injury reduction while simultaneously recognizing and rewarding good performance. The ACSA trains industry auditors and arranges peer audits for our industry and is the certifying partner for “Certificate of Recognition” (COR) in Alberta. In 2007 the Lost Time Claim Rate for companies involved in the COR program was 1.80 versus 3.21 for those in COR. Companies that have a COR in 2008 can earn up to a 20% reduction in their premium rates and based on performance employers are projected to earn in excess of $30 million in discounts for 2008. For more information click here.

Standata on Temporary Heat for Construction Sites

A Standata has been developed to inform the construction industry of the permits and installation requirements for gas-fired construction heaters and torches utilized in Alberta. Click here to download this Standata.

COR/SECOR Holders Website Updated

CHBA - Alberta has updated the COR/SECOR holders webpage. COR is an essential component of WCB's Partners in Injury (PIR) program. Certificates for the Alberta construction industry are issued by the Alberta Construction Safety Association and are co-signed by Alberta Employment and Immigration. For more information on how to obtain COR click here.

CHBA SAM Finalists Announced

CHBA is pleased to announce the Finalists for the 2008 CHBA National SAM Awards - Presented by American Standard Brands and Trane Canada. The CHBA National SAM Awards celebrate excellence in new homes and renovation design, innovative technology and construction techniques, outstanding presentation, and marketing activities across Canada. Twenty-three CHBA National SAM Awards will be presented at the Association’s 66th National Conference on February 28, 2009 in Québec City. To view a complete list of finalists including many CHBA - Alberta builder members click here.

CHBA Builders' Manual

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association has recently made available the newly expanded and updated edition of “The Builders’ Manual”, which offers over 400 pages of concise information and easy-to-follow illustrations on energy-efficient housing techniques. This is a guide for people who want to go beyond the basics, to gain an in-depth understanding of the building science and the "house as a system" approach and apply that knowledge to build or renovate homes. For more information click here.

2008 WCB Annual Returns

74% of employers took advantage of the Worker’s Compensation Boards (WCB) online services in 2007 by submitting their annual returns online. With passwords to online filing in the mail starting late December, WCB asks you to do it online again for 2008 by filing your annual return between January 1 and February 28, 2009. Visit WCB's website, enter your account number and password and breeze through customized screens with automated calculations and built-in error checking. If you have not received a password by the first week in February, one can be requested online.

CHBA - Alberta Holiday Office Hours

Please note the office will be closed between Christmas and New Years and will re-open January 2. Happy holidays!