HIRF Changes

The long anticipated High Intensity Residential Fire (HIRF) changes to the Alberta Building Code and Alberta Fire Code are available free of charge on the Alberta Municipal Affairs website. Alberta Municipal Affairs has also completed the replacement pages for the 2006 Alberta Building Code as a result of the recent changes, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Members will have an opportunity to learn about the changes first-hand at upcoming PHBIA breakfast/luncheon seminars in late April. Please contact your local CHBA office for more information on these seminars. CHBA - Alberta will be posting a summary document of the changes which will be available on the CHBA - Alberta website within the next few days.

Tall Wall Clarification

It has recently come to CHBA - Alberta’s attention that some builders are attempting to use the recently distributed Tall Wall Guidelines for stairwell applications, and specifically to apply the Guideline to size the studs on top of a pony wall built on top of the concrete foundation wall. This is definitely not a good detail and was NOT the intent of the Guideline.

In this situation, neither the pony wall or the foundation wall are laterally supported. Stability depends on how wide the unsupported section is. If it is a relatively small section like 4 feet, the bottom plate on the wall could act as a horizontal beam, but for wider openings a more elaborate design would be required. Framing down to the concrete wall would be preferred, but then the wall height would need to be measured from the top of the foundation wall and not the top of floor. However this assumes that the concrete wall is then capable of supporting the lateral loads, which it may or may not be able to do. The Guideline does not specifically address this case but all the Guideline details (especially section 3 on page 16) show that a floor system be in place to laterally support the bottom of the wall.

The Guideline was never intended to be used for stairwell tall wall applications. If an applicant is requesting to use the Guideline for a stairwell application, they will require additional engineering for the attachment of the bottom plate to either the stub wall, joist floor system or the ladder at the top of foundation wall. A certified engineer’s review must also verify or acknowledge the lateral support required for the wall at the bottom plate. If the wall is to extend to the top of the foundation wall, then please ensure the stud length doesn't exceed the scope of the Guideline.

Small Employer Ride Along Program

Due to the overwhelming success of their 3 year pilot program, the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) has made the Small Employer Ride Along Program a full time program. ACSA’s small employer advisors have worked with hundreds of Alberta employers, assisting them to develop health and safety programs from their company’s in-house and field staff. If you would like more information or would like to participate in the Small Employer Ride Along Program please click here.

Standata on Stairs in Dwelling Units

A standata has recently been developed to provide further guidance on the requirements for stairs within dwelling units governed by Section 9.8. of the 2006 Alberta Building Code. Stairs within a dwelling unit would include stairs between the basement and main floor, stairs serving an attached garage, and stairs between other floors. To download click here.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Safety Tips

The 2006 Alberta Building Code contains provisions requiring carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in all new residential construction containing a fuel-burning appliance, a solid-fuel-burning appliance or a storage garage. Alberta Municipal Affairs has recently put out a safety tip sheet on carbon monoxide alarms, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

CASA Science Symposium on Indoor Air Quality

CASA's Science Symposium on Indoor Air Quality has gathered the best and brightest from across North America to discuss the science, impacts, management tools and best practices related to indoor air quality. For more information about the symposium or to register, click here.

UDI Conference '09

Facing the Future is the first conference held by this organization in recent history, and will form the foundation for a yearly education initiative. We will address current industry challenges and provide timely information and tools to help position for the inevitable turnaround. In addition, this conference will provide a rare province-wide networking opportunity. Click here for more information or to register.