• Plumbing – Revised Information Sheets
  Further to changes in regulations, the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec, in collaboration with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, is updating the Bonnes pratiques en plomberie (Guide to Good Plumbing Practices). Five new information sheets have been revised: Check valves (anti-return valves); Shut-off valves in residential buildings; Locations where an oil separator is required; Connecting an oil separator to a drainage system; Determining the required capacity of an oil separator. Information available here.

• "Mon espace employeur". A Great Tool for filing your Declaration of Earnings online
  You have until March 15, 2017 to produce your Declaration of Earnings online using an app developed by the CNESST (Workmen's Compensation Board). If you haven't received your access code yet, please do so by calling 1 844 838-0808. You can then complete your registration online.

• Building Code – Revised Regulations (December 14, 2016)
  The 18-month transition period stipulated in the Building Code has ended. Now all construction or renovation work subject to the regulations must be carried out in accordance with the 2010 National Building Code of Canada (amended Quebec). It indicates the changes adopted by Quebec that apply to the construction or renovation of buildings. Information on that subject  available here.

• Provincial Program for Collecting and Recycling Used Batteries
  As of February 1, 2017, all distributors and retailers must charge an ecology tax (eco fee) on batteries sold in Quebec. As this is not a deposit refund system, the amount will be included in the price and is not refundable. An explanatory phrase will be printed on the consumer's receipt.

• Reminder – New WHMIS Regulations for Wood Wyant Products
  Keep in mind that new regulations based on the globally harmonized workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS 2015) will soon be in force all over the world. The regulations bring significant changes to labels and material safety data sheets. The end of the transition period set by the federal government is June 1, 2018. All employers must have completed an employee training program by December 1, 2018. Consult the Wood Wyant site for more information.

• Update of Regulations on Refrigerants
  Since the initial regulatory measures regarding CFCs were laid out in the 1980s in the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer, the regulation of refrigerants has been evolving constantly. Since then greater attention has been paid to this issue, with rapidly changing regulations for all types of fluids used in modern HVAC systems. The last Montreal Protocol was signed in October 2016, and emphasizes a gradual reduction of HFC refrigerants.

This situation has created persistent confusion within the industry. What is acceptable, what is no longer adequate, what will future requirements be? The current situation calls for modern equipment, design strategies and control and monitoring methods to ensure high levels of efficiency. Will the next generation of fluids improve or hinder systems performance? Will they have an impact on industry expectations as regards safety, security and flammability?

Don't miss the free webinair on February 9, 2017, an illuminating presentation that separates fact from fiction and explains why, when and how the refrigerant industry will face coming transitions.