CodeRed 3 0draft2018.feb

Building Code Services
Branch
C
DE RED Newsletter
February 2018
Operational Issues
“Duty to Document”
Going to Court without good notes neither inspire confidence nor boost your credibility. It can unnerve
the most seasoned Building Official undergoing cross examination if faded memory is all that one is
relying on, possibly jeopardize the outcome of the case, and propagate a false impression of
incompetence. The value of “Notes, Good Notes and Lots of Them” can’t be understated. The point is to
recognize that we are all Inspectors, whether in the course of Permit Approvals or Field Inspections, and
that there is absolutely no predictability as to when you may need good notes, or which files will wind
up in a Court action, either as a Prosecution, Defence of a Claim, or as an Witness. When documenting,
remember to ask and answer the 5 “W” and “How” questions. The notes will be scrutinized by many so
ensure they have FOCUS, CLARITY, CONCISENESS and RELEVANCE. Let your notes reflect your
knowledge, experience and preparedness.
Quick Hitters
ESCAPE ROOMS
are
physical adventure games in
which people are locked in
a room with other participants,
using elements of the room to
solve a series of puzzles and
clues to escape within a set
time limit. Concerns regarding
the construction of these rooms
without permit, using
prohibited type of construction,
obstructing egress and exits as
well as unlawful manipulation
of the building’s alarm and
detection devices have come to
ours and Ottawa Fire Services’
attention. Please be aware that
building of Escape Rooms must
be carried out with Building
Permit and inspected for code
compliance.
Since
the first edition was launched
about 15 years ago, there have
been new Code requirements,
new Building Officials brought
on board, and risk
management is as central to
our business as ever – it is time
for an overhaul. Helen and
René are currently compiling
information and will be
recommending to the
Inspections’ management
team for the best way to
redevelop the next edition.
The objective is to create a
new e-document that will be
current, user friendly and drive
toward greater consistent
inspections practice across the
city.
Backflow Prevention
Program Update
Mandated by City Council
resolution in 2008, the purpose
of this program is to implement
cross connection protection to
safeguard the municipal
drinking water supply. The
2017 amended Water By-law
will require a large number of
existing buildings to survey, test
their backflow prevention
devices and all buildings must
register and subject to ongoing
annual testing thereafter.
Starting January 1, 2018, the
program has entered
operational rollout phase.
Issue No. 3
- 4 -
Building Code Services Branch