From our friends at CIPH

[Deleted User]

Now, if we can just get the Americans to follow suit, we'll have a professional industry on our hands. Way to go Canada!

ME

DanHolohan

Oh, Canada!

National Hydronics Committee Agrees To Certification Requirements for Hydronics Professionals
October 7, 2003 - The National Hydronics Design Standard Committee (NHDS), a sub-committee of the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC), recently confirmed the certification requirements for the future hydronics professional. It is expected that this will be the only hydronics certification recognized by inspectors and code officials across Canada.

Certification of hydronics professionals will be based on successful completion of CHC endorsed hydronics training programs delivered at community colleges across Canada; proof of valid experience requirements and/or trades qualifications; and continuing professional education. Hydronics professionals will be able to choose to pursue either the Hydronics Installer certification or Hydronics Designer certification depending upon their interest and expertise. In the future, it is anticipated that only CHC-certified individuals will be able to design or install hydronic-heating systems.

According to NHDS Chair Richard Peck [Slant/Fin], “Certification is the next logical step in a process that began with the development of the CSA B214 Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems by the NHDS. We have a national standard, we have training curriculum endorsed by industry and now we are closing the loop with a nationally recognized certification program that will carry weight with building officials.”

Both British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Burnaby, BC and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, AB have developed comprehensive curricula based on the standard and are ready to launch their CHC endorsed programs via correspondence, Web CT or traditional classroom-based formats. A defining feature of the training programs will be hands-on learning, a critical component of effective technical training. Sixteen Canadian community colleges that have expressed interest in becoming a delivery agent for the new hydronics training program will be invited to submit proposals that outline how they will comply with industry-developed standards for delivery of hydronics training.

The National Hydronics Design Standard Committee is a trans-Canadian working group of industry stakeholders that draws technical expertise from the Alberta Hydronics Advisory Council, Residential Hot Water Heating Association of British Columbia, BCIT, NAIT and CHC.

The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC), founded in 1963, is a council within the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating. Its mission is to promote the responsible growth and contribute to the prosperity of the Members and their customers in the Hydronic Heating Industry.

For more information, contact:

Constance Wrigley-Thomas
Program Manager
CIPH
(416) 695-0447 or wrigley-thomas@ciph.com

Constance Wrigley-Thomas

Oh, Canada

Hi Erin and Dan,

Thanks for including us in your discussions.

Constance Wrigley-Thomas-eh!

Program Manager - CIPH

[Deleted User]

ohio

has a hydronics license..dont other states?

Dan Peel

Mostly

I'll gain no benefit from being the "RPA Certified" contractor? I still won't agree with the B214 position on domestic water heaters in combination use! Guess I'm just too busy to notice. Happy Thanksgiving....Dan

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RB_2

B214

So many do their very best to volunteer countless hours, to ensure our industry continues on its path...and I think I agree with many, that without a doubt the B214 could use some work and most would agree it definitely needs expansion BUT it still is a major accomplishment to date... to get the industry north of the border under a common agreement for the benefit of all - is an honorary contribution in my opinion. As one of the bystanders to this document, (my work was too early for this stuff!)The true essence of B214 is to establish the beginnings of a "bench mark"...not a final picture but an assortment of pieces perhaps in the manner of Henry Matisse,… the famous painter whom had a work of beauty hung upside down in the New York Museum of Art for four months before someone notice it needed to be adjusted ...I wouldn't say the B214 is an upside down Henry Matisse but it sure is hanging in the right gallery and when the right folks got together to pen the beginnings of a national standard they did a heck of job coming to agreement on what makes sense for a good foundation. My hats are off to the group who got this going and as the ASHRAE Liaison to TC 6.5 and Learning Institute, I wish to extend our honor to be an ongoing guest at your highly productive meetings.

If you wish to see an overview of industry influence…(subject to Constance corrections!) please open the enclosed ,jpeg.

RB

RB_2

So many do their very best to volunteer countless hours, to ensure our industry continues on its path...and I think I agree with many, that without a doubt the B214 could use some work and most would agree it definitely needs expansion BUT it still is a major accomplishment to date... to get the industry north of the border under a common agreement for the benefit of all - is an honorary contribution in my opinion. As one of the bystanders to this document, (my work was too early for this stuff!)The true essence of B214 is to establish the beginnings of a "bench mark"...not a final picture but an assortment of pieces perhaps in the manner of Henry Matisse,… the famous painter whom had a work of beauty hung upside down in the New York Museum of Art for four months before someone notice it needed to be adjusted ...I wouldn't say the B214 is an upside down Henry Matisse but it sure is hanging in the right gallery and when the right folks got together to pen the beginnings of a national standard they did a heck of job coming to agreement on what makes sense for a good foundation. My hats are off to the group who got this going and as the Liaison for the ASHRAE Learning Institute, I wish to extend our honor to be an ongoing guest at your highly productive meetings.

If you wish to see an overview of industry influence…(subject to Constance corrections!) please open the enclosed ,jpeg.

RB

hydronicsmike

I think...

...that this B214 is one of the greatest accomplishments for our industry.

You shouldn't cut yourself short of any credit that you deserve for being part of it, Robert. It is people like yourself that constantly work (donate most of their time) for this great cause. Hats of for every single one of you who made this happen!!

Sure there are many more involved and ALL deserve a lot of gratitude (is this the right word?) from all Hydronic Professionals. What a great bunch of people there are in this industry. I've got to be one of the luckiest and happiest people in this world to have chosen the Hydronics Industry as a career.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Mike

Dan Peel

B214

I too applaud the direction a code inclusion will give our industry. By the time any CHC certification becomes the exclusive Canadian Building Code marker of proficiecy in hydronics I expect I'll be off the tools (teaching, retired or dead).
As a starting point, a benchmark and to establish minimum standards with general consensus the B214 shines.
John Goshulak's (Weil-McLain Canada) term QTH - Qualified Tradesman in Hydronics in September's "New Hydronics" - expicitly excludes terms like certify, license, approve or endorse.
It's not an easy process, you sure have our support. Dan

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