Sheet Metal Journal, the insight - the information

Judging by the feedback that I have received, the premiere edition of Sheet Metal Journal was definitely a hit. This comes as no surprise to me, especially when you have professionals such as Point One Media handling the layout, sales and distribution, industry experts like Eli Howard III, Executive Director, Technical Services (SMACNA) Norm Grusnick P. Eng (ECCO Heating Products) and Grant McMillan, President of COCA, it’s pretty easy to deliver a quality product.

In this edition I would like to briefly summarize the services and programs available to SMACNA-BC Contractor and Associate Members along with what SMACNA-BC has to offer the design authorities, building inspectors and general public.

SMACNA-BC members are also members of the parent association SMACNA Inc. in Chantilly, VA, where members have access to an abundance of quality services beyond what the British Columbia Chapter offers, such as an Industry Study Program, Market Sector Councils for HVAC, Architectural, Industrial and Residential Contractors. SMACNA Inc. provides the structure to develop programs and services specific to all market disciplines. An of course SMACNA-BC member have direct access to the entire library of SMACNA Technical Publications as well as direct access to up to date technical papers and guidelines and any technical inquiries that may arise.

In addition to SMACNA Inc. service access, SMACNA-BC members have a host of other services available to them throughout the year including seminars, workshops, education programs, labour relations, health and safety programs, lobbying, bid depository, business and industry information, conventions and, of course there is the odd social event.

What does SMACNA-BC offer the design authorities and all of those who are affiliated with the Sheet Metal Industry? Probably a lot more than you would think.

First and foremost, SMACNA-BC offers SMACNA Technical Manuals and the support to assist with any questions you may have relative to SMACNA standards and recommendations or interpretations of non-SMACNA industry practices. You may review, price and order any of the Technical Manuals online at <www.smacna-bc.org>. All of the publications are in stock in our office. While you’re online I would suggest that you visit the SMACNA Inc. site at www.smacna.org, click on “Technical Services”, then click on “Technical Papers/Guidelines” section and check if you are up-to-date on items such as building code updates, duct cleanliness guidelines for new construction or improper fire damper installations. These are only a few examples of the papers available free of charge on this site.

Please note that special discounted pricing of all SMACNA Technical manuals is only available to Architectural & Engineering firms and their employees (provided they are not in the contracting business as well); educational institutions; public libraries; government agencies and departments. Non-SMACNA members and all others pay list price.

Another technical item SMACNA-BC offers non-members is the annual SMACNA Technical Program which the Association sponsors . Technical experts from the SMACNA Inc. office travel from Virginia to put on programs dealing with everything from dynamic fire dampers to seismic restraints, from standing seam roofs to planter box liners. Also, we display a SMACNA Standards working duct mock-up which is installed at the program and provides the opportunity to physically and visually observe approved fittings, joints, sealing methods and installations.

SMACNA-BC offers design authorities Duct Construction/Duct Inspection presentations, at your office, that will advise your inspection department exactly what they should be aware of. Alternately, if you wish, SMACNA-BC will review your current specifications and advise you if it is as per SMACNA, or maybe a tad ambiguous to bidders or just plain dated.

The association has lots to offer members and non-members however, one of the most important things SMACNA-BC can offer to purchasers of Sheet Metal, is expertise. As previously stated, SMACNA-BC Contractors are part of an International support group with technical expertise, ethical business practices, Trade Qualified (Red Seal) Journeyman workers and in most cases, decades of experience.

When you are specifying a project and quoting the phrase “as per SMACNA Standards” make sure you are going to use a contractor who actually owns and understands these standards.

UPCOMING EVENTS
November 9th • Supervisory Training Program,
Presenter Kevin Dougherty,
Front Line Profitability,
Sheraton Guilford, Surrey, BC

November 16th • SMACNA-BC Membership Dinner Meeting,
Executive Inn, Coquitlam, BC

December 1st • SMACNA-BC Christmas Party,
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver, BC