Topic 3: Courses Common to All Skilled Trades: Quality Assurance

1. Topic 3: Courses Common to All Skilled Trades: Quality Assurance SCO 1.08

2. Curriculum Tie SCO #1.08: evaluate the need for quality assurance in the workplace with respect to codes and standards, quality of materials, and quality of workmanship. [5.401]

3. Construction Codes of NL and Canada. • Each province establishes its own building codes. • Provincial codes are model National Building Codes, Fire Codes, and Plumbing Codes, that are adopted as they are or modified to suit local needs. • Once adopted these codes become the legal regulations for construction for that province and are enforced by that province.

4. Why do we need codes? • The purpose of these codes is to establish consistent minimum standards to be followed by the construction industry within the province. • The focus of the codes is to protect the health and safety of building occupants. • Fire safety precautions and systems are also a major part. • Many provinces also provide regulations for barrier free accessibility and energy efficiency of buildings.

5. Provincial codes must be followed for new building construction, as well as for any renovation or alteration to an existing building. This applies to both commercial and residential projects.

6. Newfoundland • Newfoundland and Labrador • The municipalities of Newfoundland and Labrador directly adopt the National Building Code as their standard. • The provincial fire codes are based on the National Fire Code including sections of the National Building Code, which deal with fire and life safety issues. • There is no province wide plumbing code.

7. Topics for Discussion • In addition to adhering to building codes of Canada and the province in which you are building, the following must also be kept in mind: • Quality and standards of raw materials used on the jobsite. • Occupational health and safety considerations for health risk to worker. • Health risk to person assuming ownership of product that was constructed using sub-standard materials. • Workmanship as a function of adhering to codes and regulations. • Requirement of quality drawings and documents as a starting point for any job.

8. Assignment • Write a paragraph and propose what it might mean to use substandard or cut rate materials in a project. Identify: • Structural implications • Impact on business and reputation • Quality of the job • Safety considerations on the work site

9. Sources • http://www.about-building-in-canada.com/provincial.html