I want to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back after what I thought was a fantastic summer. I hope everyone got a chance to take some time and enjoy it.

The Calgary Chapter has already kicked off the year with our annual planning and orientation day for the executive board. We had a lot of friendly faces and many new people join us for the upcoming year and I am very excited to work alongside such an enthusiastic and dedicated group. Our first Chapter meeting was held on September 10th at the Port O' Call in Calgary. We are pleased to follow it up with many great meetings and have some valuable guest

speakers planned for our membership. With the new 2015 CEC being adopted, and the many changes that affect our membership, we have made it a priority to bring as much information to our meetings as possible. The ECAA is also offering numerous code updating courses to our members to assist everyone to make this new transition. Please check the ECAA website for dates and times of these courses. I look forward to a very exciting and hopefully eventful year.

Wow, it's already September and the leaves are turning! As we prepare to close up the cabin or

take our final camping trip for the season, send the kids back to school and set up for what looks to be an interesting fall, I have the sense that many of our contractor members are staying in a healthy state of business. I am also certain that we are all waiting for the Alberta NDP government to emerge from their offices and present a plan for renewal in our current economy. The upcoming federal election will undoubtedly also have an impact on our local state of affairs over the next year(s). A Provincial Board meeting was held on September 4th. Agenda items included correspondence from Construction Owners Association of Alberta providing ECAA complimentary membership in 2015/2016; discussion on promotional cheque received from Federated Insurance; pilot project through BuildForce Canada

providing an opportunity for construction and maintenance sector to work with willing post-secondary institutions to better align curriculum with the needs of employers; discussion on CME and RME designations and the ACFI public review. ECAA Fire and Electrical Technical Council representatives were asked to discuss the issue of no definition for a “sleeping room” in the Building Code. Treasurer Eric Fadden, PEC reviewed the July financials and performa. Overdue accounts were also reviewed. Mr. Larry Cantelo, PEC asked Board to identify topics for Lunch and Learn opportunities. An update was provided on Mr. Becker’s Electrical Safety Program “Product in a Box”. I am also preparing for the CECA convention in New Brunswick and am very interested in networking with my counterparts in the other provinces to share, see how they are managing, and learn some of the Electrical Contractors initiatives in use throughout the country.

We continue to finalize the details of Convention 2016 in Greece. This trip will definitely be one to talk about for many years. As thirty-nine couples are already confirmed, don’t wait too long and miss the opportunity. Have a rewarding season and stay safe.

President’s Message

Chapter ReportsCalgaryBrian Reed

Chapter President Brian Reed welcoming new member Shane Walton, 24/7 Electric

Mike Fleming, PEC congratulating new PEC #292 Jayden Procychyn.

My how quick the summer has passed. It’s like being back in school but you didn't get 2 months off, instead you worked more overtime, as builders try to get their projects ready for fall and winter. Our summer break is

over though and we are now heading into fall. I'm looking forward to our next Chapter meeting and reconnecting with a lot of friends. I hope everyone has had a busy, prosperous summer. With talks of recession this summer it can be a scary atmosphere, and a lot of contractors might have slowed down. It's times like these where an electrical contracting firm can set themselves apart from the competition and develop long lasting relationships with clients that will last through the ups and downs. I strongly believe any member that becomes an active member of our association and partakes in the training and education that the ECAA offers, will be able to make it through these unsure times. It’s the edge needed in this competitive marketplace that lets your customers know that you are not only here to collect a cheque, but provide them and the industry with the best work your firm can achieve. This involvement in the industry also provides your customers with the confidence that you plan on being around for a long time to come. For the members that could not make it out to our last Chapter meeting, I would like to extend my thanks to Weber Mercedes-Benz for sponsoring our refreshments, and a welcome to them as a new Associate member. Congratulations to Billy Williams who was the door prize winner of some very nice Mercedes Benz apparel provided by Weber Mercedes Benz. The CREC golf tournament has quickly come and gone, as well as a very successful Bob Carson Classic. We welcome two new Journey Person Associate members over the summer; Shane Steil and Lyle Moulton. This is a program I am very fond of, as it will allow electricians that are not owners a voice that can help better our industry. On June 10, the ECAA hosted their annual Open House and BBQ with homemade burgers from Accapella Catering and beer supplied by Yukon Brewery. A number of familiar faces stopped by for a quick bite and visit. MLA Rod Loyola, Ellerslie attended lending an ear to the concerns of the industry. A reminder the next Chapter meeting is September 21st. Gabriella Klosak from CSA will be joining members to talk about the concern with counterfeiting. Lowell Dhalman, Hoyme Manufacturing is also on the agenda. Members have the opportunity to a more in-depth discussion with Gabriella at a Lunch and Learn, September 22nd at the ECAA office (please register in advance as lunch will be served). On September 23 the Chapter has a private box at Northlands for the horse races. Tickets are still available; contact the ECAA office. This is a great way to network in a relaxed environment.

The ECAA, working hard on our members behalf, has had conversations and discussions in regards to switches requiring bonding conductors connected to devices boxers in the City of Edmonton. City of Edmonton electrical inspectors were noting observations on inspection reports, that they would in the near future be calling for bonding conductors to be installed from device boxes, to the switches that have grounding screws on them, similar to grounding screws on receptacles. After a request for clarification by the ECAA, the City of Edmonton Chief Electrical Inspector, Mr. Gerry Wiles (after consultation with the Provincial Chief Electrical Inspector Mr. Clarence Cormier), has issued a memo to his Electrical Inspectors. It read that this bonding conductor from box to switches with ground screws would not be required. Last but not least I would like to remind all members that the City of Edmonton will be enforcing the new Building Code in November, and that the new Electrical Code comes into effect in January of 2016. Both of these have significant changes that will affect your bottom dollar if you are not prepared for them, as well if you have not prepared your customers for them in advance.

A Central Chapter meeting will be held on Thursday, September 24th, at the Holiday Inn & Suites, 33

Petrolia Drive – Gasoline Alley, Red Deer. Refreshments at 5:30 sponsored by Trevor Harley and EECOL; dinner and meeting to follow. Agenda items can be forwarded to Chapter President, Darcy Teichroeb c/o ecaa@ecaa.ab.ca

EdmontonJohn Knoll, PEC

CentralDarcy Teichroeb, PEC, CME

Bob Clarke presenting Mr. Bob Maslanko, with the Larry Wosnock Distinguished Service Award.

Greetings from Southern Alberta! Like most of the Province, we have had a hot and dry summer

(with a snowstorm thrown in of course). Lethbridge’s economy is typical steady as she goes, with construction remaining quite active and many of our members looking forward to a busy fall. The Lethbridge Chapter is gearing up for another busy year with three Chapter meetings planned. Meetings are scheduled for October 14th, January 13th and April13th, 2016. Also please mark your

calendars for ECAA’s Technical Training Day and AGM for May 27th & 28th, 2016 at the River Cree Resort in Edmonton. Our meeting in October will feature Ken Forbes, Senior Electrical Inspector from the City of Lethbridge as our speaker. Our meeting sponsor will be Jamie Welby, Branch manager, Guillevin Lethbridge and we look forward to seeing everyone out for a fun and informative evening.

LethbridgeRob Coleman, PEC

Summer is over and the kids are back in school; the weather will soon be cooling off and that means members will be

putting a bit more time in to get the outside work done before next season. The down-turn has slowed everyone down a little but the commercial end is still going strong. We welcome Guest Controls Systems who recently joined the North East Chapter.

A North East Chapter meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 20th at the Neighbourhood Inn, 5011 – 66 Street in Bonnyville. Refreshments at 5:30, meeting and dinner to follow. Registrants for the October 21st code seminar invited to join the Chapter members at the meeting. There is still room in this code seminar which is being held at the Best Western Hotel in Bonnyville. Hope everyone had a good summer and are ready for the cool weather. Hope to see all Chapter members in Bonnyville.

North EastTerry Barnett

Our last Chapter meeting was held on April 14th with a nice turnout which included 18 members and guests. Details of that meeting were shared in my previous report. We held our Second Annual ECAA Golf tournament

on June 24th. We had fantastic weather and a nice turnout of approximately 100 players for the Wood Buffalo Apprenticeship Classic. A net total of approximately $12,000 dollars was raised which will help towards our Apprenticeship ‘Bursaries’ or Scholarships at Keyano College. A great big thank you to Sheri, Tammy and the ladies for their hard work and skills again this year. There was an annual trophy presented to the winning team, as well as individual trophies and tournament jackets. It is our intention and our hopes that this tournament really does become a great tradition in the Fort McMurray region and used as a tool to not only help and assist our top apprentices in the industry, but perhaps even be used as a means of attracting new memberships, both individual and contractors.

The Career Expo is being held in Fort McMurray at the Syncrude Sport Center/Keyano College on October 1st, 2015. We were looking to round up some volunteers ahead of time to man the ECAA booth. Our next Chapter meeting is scheduled for September 22nd and the Chateau Nova for anyone wanting to attend. There will also be a membership drive, strategy session with Steve Warholik just prior. Steve and myself will then be executing the membership strategy beginning Wednesday, September 23rd as we try to drive up our numbers in the Wood Buffalo region. Even with the down turn in oil prices, the fall of 2015 is shaping up to be a great platform to lead us into 2016 as there are many great things in store to share with our industry and our members, both new and existing.

Fort McMurrayTim Brundage

Committee Reports

It has been another strong and interesting year. It is always a challenge to keep pace with the dramatic shifts in the economy

in Alberta. We are generally used to rapid swings in the availability of different sizes and types of projects. Supplying the right balance of skilled labour at the right time is mostly a very intelligent and tactical guess for what the industry requires. Some dramatic changes to making skilled labour available to employers over the last few years have been helpful and were greatly needed. Through the qualification programs and many early career education methods, AIT has been able to create the availability of a larger amount of Certified Journeymen and apprentices. Recently, in the last few months many concerns have risen regarding trade school waiting lists and the oversupply of labour in some regions. Before panic sets in, it should be noted that this concern, while affecting some local regions significantly, is not a situation affecting every region. Most contractors are still very busy and quality skilled labour is still in demand. I want to say a quick comment about the waiting lists of apprentices. With the downturn in the economy, many apprentices are seeking to go to school while waiting for work sources to improve. It should be noted that most of the training facilities are at capacity. While there are some apprentices finding themselves on waiting lists, the waiting lists relative to available spots is actually quite small. Actual stats as of April 2015 has about 7500 apprentices enrolled with about 7500 seats available. There is no actual stat on those recently on waiting lists, but based on some verbal information the number is only about 2 to 3 hundred. Some of the current statistics show that the trade is in a very healthy state. The total number of apprentices is up again from 2014 at 12,000 to 13,600 as of April 2015. The highest numbers of apprentices reside in and around the Edmonton area at 6000, followed by Calgary and surrounding area at 5000. The Red Deer and central area has about 900 and the Northern Alberta area holds 1500. RAP student numbers have decreased to about 560 from 400. Generally, the largest amount of apprentices range from ages 20 to 24, with the average apprenticeship age being around 25. The total number of apprentices in all trades is at 72,665. Electrical trade apprentices are still the largest group, with Plumbing/Pipefitter at about 10,000 followed by Welding at 8000. One of the most improved areas this year is in the Client Services department. The application process has moved to online and electronic systems that now see registrations completed in about 10 days, versus what used to be about 6 to 8 weeks.

Apprentices are able to process their own applications with employer information, and follow the process directly. There is still more work being done to make the Online Blue Book available to employers and apprentices. I want to make a few comments on the Master’s and Red Seal programs as they relate to current and future training this year. There is a new Administrator for the program by the name of Danielle Paradis. This year Master Electricians may be required to complete CEC update training within one year of the new code being adopted. Up to now this has only been voluntary. The Red Seal program and the new updated curriculum now contains many of the topics which seem to be left out when compared to other jurisdictions. There still seems to be a problem with Alberta apprentices being able to pass the Red Seal Exam. The pass rate still sits at around 60%. At this point the Red Seal program and the Journeyman exams across the country are undergoing many reviews. The long term intention is to blend the programs from different provinces in order to have more cross country consistency. It should be restated that the Red Seal Exam is still the benchmark used to prequalify foreign workers and skilled worker candidates participating in the electrical trade. There has been a new addition to prequalifying electrical trade candidates. The new program uses a new tool call the Trade Competency Verification (TCV). This program uses a TCV passport type booklet which allows employers to log and track the worker’s progress and / or abilities while on the job. I would like to point out that this program is downloading the qualifying process to the employer. It is not meant to replace the practical exam, but is intended to be viewed as another option for an employer to use when assessing a candidate. This program is definitely going to need some closer examination on its success as it gets implemented. Unfortunately, the practical exam has been cut from NAIT and is only being administered in Red Deer at the Red Deer College trade school division. Further discussion should and will be had regarding this practical exam, as it was seen as not only a tool for prequalification but possibly for future implementation in the apprenticeship training program. The cost of the course is seen as the biggest obstacle. As a final comment, there does seem to be uncertainty around the state of the economy moving through 2015 and especially into 2016, but considering the strength of the Electrical Trade, it could not be stronger. The course curriculum was issued in 2014 and there has been no negative feedback. It was a long overdue process, but seems to be hitting all the right targets now. The entire document can be viewed on the Trade Secrets website under Trades and Occupations/Electrician. Although it is about 50 pages long, the first 10 pages are a very good summary of the program. (These 10 pages have been inserted with this Contactor mail-out.) I would like to thank the ECAA again for allowing me to represent the Association in this position, and I look forward to another interesting year in the training and education of our apprentices.

Apprenticeship Chris Rauschning, PEC

Greetings! Yet another summer is on its way out, it was a busy summer both in my business and personal

life. There never seems to be enough time in the day/week/month. The North West Chapter has been somewhat slower than usual, with the downturn the economy has taken recently. However we are still all working and there still seems to be enough work to go around. Just this week, Statistics Canada noted that Grande Prairie has the second best job market in Canada. We need only to be patient and wise to persevere.

In June, Mr. Steve Warholik visited Grande Prairie to tour the North West with myself on a membership drive that was a success with 7 new members signed, and potentially 3 to come. Welcome to all the new members: Can-Tech Electrical Services; Western Audio & Security, Blue Arc Electric; C.A.P. Controls & Power Ltd.; Full Draw Electric; Gray Electric; Main-Way Electrical & Instrumentation. I look forward to seeing you at our Chapter meetings. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Peace River member, Brandon Thoma, PEC from Nomad Electric as the North West Chapter Vice President. The North West Chapter has been without a Vice President for a great number of years and it is with relief that I now have a second chair to help. There will be a Chapter meeting on September 30th, 2015 at the Pomeroy Inn, Grande Prairie. I am assuming that this chapter meeting will be well attended as the The Code update course is on October 1st, 2015. The North West Chapter will be involved in a Career Tradeshow on October 8th. Members encouraged to volunteer or drop by the ECAA booth.

North WestTim Tarita

The Electrical Technical Council will begin a new season of meetings this month to continue the ongoing

discussions and tasks presented to the group. The following is a summary of topics from the previous Electrical Technical Council meetings: 1. Code rules under discussion are

28-902 and 14-102 on GFCI protection for Emergency Generators and 8-400 on Automobile Receptacles.

2. Discussions on Arc Fault Protection in the new CEC will continue. 3. Updates on the 23rd edition of the CEC will be discussed. The following is a summary of topics from the previous Master Electrician Advisory Working Group meetings: 1. The official Master Electrician Advisory Working Group terms of reference is complete and on the Safety Codes Council web portal. 2. The Master Electrician Policy has been reviewed and is near completion with a couple of edits.

3. The Master Electrician Code of Ethics is also near completion with a couple of edits. 4. The 23rd edition of the CEC Master Electrician exam bank ratification is complete and ready for use when this new CEC is adopted. 5. The Master Electrician Online exam is currently being worked on. 6. David Pickering was nominated and accepted as the Vice Chair of the Master Electrician Advisory Working Group. 7. The Master Electrician Advisory Working Group will begin working on a document to outline the roles and responsibilities of a Master Electrician. 8. The updated Safety Codes Act was adopted. One change that will affect the Master Electrician will be the Code Book will be adopted automatically within 12 months starting with the 24th edition (2018) of the CEC. The next upcoming meetings are: 1. ETC – Sept 4, 2015 2. Master Electrician Advisory Working Group – Sept 28, 2015

Electrical Technical Council (ETC)Darcy Teichroeb, PEC, CME

Just like the bees in the summer, this committee was buzzing with activity behind the scenes. The marketing

committee is preparing for our new brand launch December 2015. Fresh with a new look, keeping in mind the history and colors of the past, we are eager to announce things are moving in the right direction.

Along with the new brand, the communication pieces will include a new and mobile friendly website, marketing materials and a strategic plan for marketing the “Voice of the Electrical Industry”. Communication is essential to our success, and the branding and marketing is pivotal to our future. ECAA will have a new look, but it will always reflect the values, purpose and mission of the association.

Communications and PR CommitteeJeanette DeBruin

This was our first meeting back after the summer break and it was a very productive meeting. I am hoping

that all of the ECAA members have ordered or received their 2014 edition of the Building and Fire Code and had a chance to review them. Care facilities continues to be a topic of discussion and STANDATA C 2.1.1.1.(2)(b)(i) – Upgrading of Existing Non-Conforming Houses under the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Safety Standards Regulation has been reviewed and

published. This will require facilities that are under Group C modified or Group B3 modified under the Standata will require them to upgrade to the current code. There has been major concern recently about these types of facilities and the safety of the occupants and their ability to escape. If anyone would like a copy of this Standata please email me and I can forward a copy. We will be conducting a fire code update Lunch n' Learn at the ECAA office in Edmonton on November 23rd in Edmonton. Please contact the ECAA office to register.

Fire Technical CouncilJoe Davis

LabourBrian Halina

I hope everyone had a good summer. We added 6 new Contractor members and 1 Associate member over the past few

months. I will once again be working with the Chapter Presidents to increase our membership, starting in Fort McMurray on September 22 and 23. I will be making calls there with Tim Brundage our Chapter President. Our membership goal for 2015- 2016 is to concentrate on Medicine Hat Chapter.

I will also be attending the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association Conference in St Andrews by the Sea in New Brunswick on September 15th – 18th . Thank you to Sheri and her staff: Camille; Christine; Dorothy and Tammy for their assistance in 2015. I hope to see everybody at the meetings in September. If you would like any more information you can phone me at 780.446.2350 or e-mail me at grover12@telus.net.

Workers on Modified Work Terminated For Cause. A number of workers who had been

terminated for cause while on modified work had their full benefits continued because of a policy adopted by the WCB making continuation of benefit entitlement subject to “no fault’ principals, in addition to initial eligibility determinations. The WCB appeals commissions had overturned a number of such rulings, and the WCB had applied for judicial review of their own appeals commission rulings. The WCB has asked the courts to adjourn some of the proceedings sine die, and it is possible that the rulings of the appeals commissions will

stand as precedents. We will keep you informed of the status of these matters. Audiometric Testing. Alberta OH&S legislation requires that Employers have all new Employees audiometric tested within the first six months of their employment, twelve months after the initial test and every two years thereafter, unless there are indications that more frequent testing is required. The ECAA has contracted a third party (SureHire) to conduct required audiometric testing. The responsibility to schedule required testing and manage OHS requirements rests on the Employer. This program is an efficient way to comply with Alberta’s Occupational Health & Safety Legislation for a largely transient workforce who may be employed by multiple contractors. The Audiometric Program provides for efficiency of testing for the unionized contractors only. SureHire has the capability to come on-site to provide testing services anywhere in Alberta. Bookings for testing can be made through SureHire at 1-866-944 4473. Testing cost for Union Contractors is covered by the Electrical Contractors Industry Fund.

MembershipSteve Warholik

page 1

KNOWING YOURBUSINESS MATTERS

The 5 Most Dangerous Seconds on the Road

Richard Frost CIP, CRMLoss Prevention Consultant Winnipeg

Career Highlights

Richard Frost, CIP, CRM, is Federated Insurance’s Loss Prevention Consultant for Special Risks and Associations.

His articles on loss prevention topics have appeared in numerous trade magazines across Canada.

In a split second, everything can change. A simple drive could turn into a day at the hospital, a lifetime in a wheelchair, or far worse.

Below are five split second decisions that can turn into your worst nightmare.

1. The second you arrive at an intersectionIntersections and turning account for many accidents on the road. Vehicles crossing paths, pedestrians using the roadway, distractions, and false assumptions all contribute to accidents. As a defensive driver, you need to know the right of way rules but never assume that you have it. Always be alert to what others are doing, and be prepared to yield the right of way.

Proper preparation (such as getting into the correct lane to turn), proper signalling, and covering your brake at an intersection allows you to react quickly to any sudden hazards. Taking precautions and anticipating reactions assist you in avoiding accidents.

2. The second you should hit the brakesStopping accidents are a result of not adhering to the correct following distance, and/or failing to stop at all mandatory stops. Adequate following distance is four seconds. In the time it takes you to react to a hazard and begin to apply your brakes, you

will have traveled a far distance, especially if you’re going at high speed. Therefore, allowing four seconds between you and the vehicle in front should provide you with enough time to react and avoid accidents.

Mandatory stops are more common than you think. Parking lots and back lanes require you to stop before a sidewalk to watch for pedestrians and vehicles.

3. The second you aren’t paying attentionHigh-risk behaviour includes tailgating, running amber lights, aggressive driving and distracted driving. Aggressive driving can be a result of pressures for drivers to get from point A to point B, in tight time frames. Time management plays a crucial role in preventing accidents that result from aggressive driving. These types of accidents can be reduced by setting realistic timelines for appointments or jobs and encouraging defensive driving.

Distracted driving results from doing other things while driving, including using a cell phone, eating, or operating the car stereo. It’s important to remain focused on driving. For instance, all Canadian provinces have laws against cell phone use while driving. Pulling over to answer the call or allowing voicemail to take a message are safe alternatives. Accidents can also result from distractions outside of the vehicle such as pedestrians, billboards, or other visual distractions.

by Richard Frost, CIP, CRM, LOSS PREVENTION CONSULTANT – WINNIPEG | www.federated.ca

page 2

4. The second someone else causes an accidentCreating a culture of defensive driving and stressing its importance as part of the job will provide the necessary guidance your family or employees need to avoid accidents. Emergency situations require you to react very quickly. Examples include an oncoming vehicle approaching in your lane or a moose stepping onto the road ahead.

The defensive driver is already aware of these potential hazards, has anticipated them and is prepared to apply the appropriate defense (for e.g., having an escape route in mind, utilizing proper eye lead-time) when the situation occurs to avoid an accident.

5. The second you choose to drive impairedWe’ve all heard the dangers of driving under the influence. Drinking and driving can quickly escalate into one of the worst moments of your life. But alcohol isn’t the only thing that can impair your driving ability; illicit drugs will impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, as well as some prescription drugs, so make sure to check with your doctor before taking any medications.

Another prominent danger when driving, particularly on longer trips, is driver fatigue. Driver fatigue can have similar affects as driving under the influence of alcohol.

So if you or a friend you know has been drinking, using drugs, taking medication you’re unsure about, or tired, pocket the keys and pick up the phone. Taking a risk on the road is not worth losing a life.

What you can do• Discuss the law on cell phone use,

texting, and distracted driving with your employees and family members.

• Get a commitment from each driver pledging that he/she will not drive impaired or aggressively, will respect other drivers and, in corporate cases, represent the logo on the company vehicle properly.

• Discuss any close calls that have occurred, even if they seem like routine ones at intersections or while turning. Make sure everyone is clear you’re interested in learning and prevention, not punishment or placing blame.

© Federated Insurance Company of Canada. All rights reserved.

This document is provided by Federated Insurance Company of Canada (“Federated”) for informational purposes only to augment your own internal safety, compliance and risk management practices, and is not intended as a substitute for assessment or other professional advice by a qualified person or entity. Federated makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document. Federated shall not be responsible in any manner for any loss, or any direct, indirect, consequential, special, punitive or other damages, arising out of your, or any other person’s, use or reliance on the information contained in this document.

Richard Frost, CIP, CRM, is Federated Insurance’s Loss Prevention Consultant for Special Risks and Associations.

(Federated Insurance is an ECAA endorsed member company)

COMING SOON!

ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROGRAM – “PRODUCT IN A BOX”

What is an Electrical Safety Program and why do I need one?

The ECAA is proud to announce a partnership with ESPS Electrical Safety Program Solutions Inc. to bring ECAA Member Company’s a comprehensive Electrical Safety Program based on the CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard, to be utilized for sustainable and measureable performance in mitigating exposure or reducing risk of exposure to arc flash and shock hazards for their workers. Combined with your COR Occupational Health & Safety Management system the Electrical Safety Program will ensure you have in place adequate due diligence to Alberta’s OH&S Regulations.

Recognition of the electrical hazards of arc flash and shock has grown since the CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard was published over six (6) years ago. The evolution of Provincial OH&S Regulations to formally recognize “arc flash” is now apparent with Alberta’s OH&S Regulations planned to be updated in 2015 or the beginning of 2016 to positively identify “the arc flash hazard” and the need for arc-rated clothing to be worn in Part 18 PPE. Industry across Canada and specifically in Alberta have voluntarily adopted the practices and policies that CSA Z462 provides.

Industrial, commercial and institutional facilities are having engineering incident energy analysis studies completed and detailed Arc Flash & Shock Warning labels installed on power distribution equipment. Some Industrial companies are now asking in pre-qualification for bidding or contracts if Contractor’s have documented and implemented Electrical Safety Programs and for proof that they have provided training to their staff on Arc Flash & Shock based on the CSA Z462 Workplace electrical safety Standard.

As the Owner of an Electrical Contracting business have you taken appropriate action to ensure you protect your workers and can meet your client’s requirements related to arc flash and shock hazard management? The ECAA will be providing access to ECAA Member Company’s to a comprehensive Electrical Safety Program. You may ask “What is an Electrical Safety Program and why do I need one?”

Since it was first published and available in 2009 the CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard has evolved and has been adopted by industry as a voluntary best practice for the management of electrical hazards. Imbedded within CSA Z462 is a requirement in Clause 4.1.5 to develop and implement an Electrical Safety Program.

Since 2009 a lot of training has been provided, a lot of arc-rated clothing purchased and owners of power distribution equipment have completed engineering based incident energy analysis study. Yet there is a lot of confusion about arc flash and a lack of attention on electric shock. Companies do not have any documentation in place or the documentation they have is not the best it could be.

In Alberta the requirement for establishing and implementing an Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) has been stipulated by the Government and they have provided guidance in the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program. You can receive WCB Premium rebates if you develop and overall minimum COR Occupational Health & Safety Management System.

A comprehensive Electrical Safety Program for an Electrical Contractor should be a priority as a key sub-program of your COR program. You are in the business of construction and maintenance of electrical power distribution systems. Your employees perform energized electrical work and are exposed to the electrical hazards of arc flash and shock. The electrical hazards of arc flash and shock should be high on your COR hazard inventory list. Do you have arc flash and shocklisted on your Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA) form? Qualified Electrical Workers are required to expose themselves to arc flash and shock hazards as a regular occurrence related to completing a simple voltage or current measurement on energized electrical power equipment.

An Electrical Safety Program is a structured safety management system. It delivers information, processes, and documentation tools for arc flash and shock hazard management. An Electrical Safety Program allows for sustainable and measurable performance.

The ECAA has partnered with ESPS Electrical Safety Program Solutions INC. to bring ECAA Member Company’s a complete, detailed and comprehensive Electrical Safety Program. By signing a License Agreement with ESPS and paying an Annual Maintenance Fee you will be provided with all the documents you need including Implementation Instructions and other supporting documents. ESPS will also provide free 1 Day Electrical Safety Program training sessions to ECAA Member Companies in 2015 and 2016 that have Licensed the Electrical Safety Program or who need to know more about what it is before moving ahead.

What is the Annual Maintenance Fee? For Small Contractors, only $500 per year and for Large Contractors only $1000 per year. This Annual Maintenance Fee will ensure you receive updates to the documentation every year and every 3rd year when the next Edition of CSA Z462 publishes any significant updates.

You are encouraged to attend Chapter Meetings and find out more information. You can contact Terry Becker, P.Eng. with ESPS directly (terry.becker@esps.ca, or 1-403-465-3777) and ask questions about the Electrical Safety Program and how it can help your company.

Each issue of the contractor I will be publishing different sections of the Fire Code and relevant related codes. If you have any questions or clarifications you would like me to address in future issues please email them to jodavis@simplexgrinnell.com

For my first topic I would like to discuss isolators as there seems to be confusion as to where and when they are located. I will be referencing CAN/ULC-524 and the National Building Code.

Isolators under CAN/ULC-524-06 in section 5.14 has now changed from the previous version of CAN/ULC-524. Now as per section 5.14.2 Fault isolation modules shall be utilized when entering and leaving each fire alarm zone, as required by the National Building Code of Canada. Under the old code you were only required one isolator when entering a fire zone. The one item that has come up is where the isolators are required. This is defined in the National Building code as are as follows.

(a) floor area so that in a building that is not sprinklered, the area of coverage for each zone is neither more than, (i) one storey, nor (ii) 2 000 m2, (b) floor area so that in a building that is sprinklered, the area of coverage for each zone is neither more than, (i) one storey, nor (ii) the system area limits as specified in NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, (c) shaft required to be equipped with smoke detectors, (d) air handling system required to be equipped with smoke detectors, (e) contained use area, (f ) impeded egress zone, (g) fire compartment required in Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2), and (h) fire compartment required to be separated by vertical fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h, other than dwelling units described in Subsection 3.3.4.

JOE'S CODESJOE'S CODES

FIGURE 26-4

EXAMPLE OF ISOLATORS FOR SPRINKLER RISERS AND DUCT-TYPE SMOKE DETECTORS

(Reference: Clause 5.14.1)

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Electrical ContractorsAssociation of Alberta

Executive:President: Keven Lefebvre, PECVice President: Darrell CastorTreasurer: Eric Fadden, PECSecretary: Tim TaritaPast President: Darcy Teichroeb, PEC

Chapter Presidents & ECAA Directors:Edmonton John Knoll, PECCalgary Brian ReedCentral Darcy Teichroeb, PECNorth East Terry BarnettNorth West Tim Tarita Lethbridge Rob Coleman, PECMedicine Hat Fort McMurray Tim Brundage

Directors-at-Large:North Terry MilotSouth Ray Wery, PEC

Committees:ACSA Dave HagenACA (South) Scott White, PECApprenticeship Chris Rauschning, PECAssociate Liaison Bob ClarkeCECA Les Dzwonkiewicz, PECCommunications Jeanette DeBruinConvention '16 Keven Lefebvre, PECConvention ’17 Darrell CastorLabour Relations - Union Brian HalinaLabour Relations – Open Shop DJ Coppens Membership Steve WarholikNominations Darcy Teichroeb, PEC Les Dzwonkiewicz, PEC Kelly WildePEC Clem Gratton, PECPublic Members Dennis Horrigan Hans TiedemannSafety Codes Council: Fire Joe Davis Electrical Darcy Teichroeb, PEC Ways & Means Eric Fadden, PEC

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Regular24/7 Electric Inc. (Calgary)AMG Electric (Edmonton)

Deutekom Electric Ltd. (Sexsmith)Guest Control Systems (Lloydminster)Martin W. Electrical Ltd. (Edmonton)

Myrac Electric Ltd. (Leduc)PC Global (Ontario)

AssociateRC Lighting (Calgary)

Journey Person AssociateCalum Murray (Edson)

John Wilson (Edmonton)

CONGRATULATIONS NEW PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL

CONTRACTORS (PEC’S)

Corey Javens, PEC #291Jayden Procychyn, PEC #292 Brandon Thoma, PEC #293Paul Schmaltz, PEC #294

The Contactor The Contactor is the official publication of the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta. We welcome articles and paid advertisements.

Contact:Sheri McLean, CAE Executive Director/RegistrarElectrical Contractors Association of Alberta17725 - 103 AvenueEdmonton, AB T5S 1N8www.ecaa.ab.ca or like us on FacebookPh: 780-451-2412 or 1-800-252-9375email: smclean@ecaa.ab.ca

website: www.ecaa.ab.ca

Board of Directors