Welcome to the Building Inspections Lunch and Learn

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Welcome to the Building Inspections Lunch and
Learn
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The Ontario Building Code

• The Purpose of the Building Code is to establish
  standards for public health and safety, fire
  protection, structural sufficiency,
  accessibility, conservation and environmental
  integrity with respect to buildings.

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Building Inspections 101

• What we do to Protect the General Public. We
  conduct
• New housing inspections
• New I.C.I. inspections
• Emergency response
• Action requests

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New Housing Inspections

• Each New Home or Addition Built in Markham is
  Inspected for Compliance with the Ontario
  Building Code, at These Stages of Construction
• Sewers and drains
• Foundations
• Structural framing
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Insulation and vapour/air barrier
• Heating and plumbing systems or septic systems
• Occupancy (CO and smoke alarms, guards,
  handrails, etc.)

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New I.C.I. Inspections

• Each New Industrial, Commercial and Institutional
  Building, Addition or Interior Alteration
  constructed in Markham is Inspected for
  Compliance with the Ontario Building Code, at
  These Stages of Construction
• Foundation
• Structural framing
• Insulation/building envelope
• Fire separations
• Plumbing systems
• Life safety systems
• Occupancy (includes accessibility)

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Action Requests

• Each Year the Building Inspection Section
  Investigates Over 250 Action Requests Involving
• Building without a permit
• MMAH rental standards complaints
• Fire damage reports
• Termite infestation
• Incomplete construction
• Altering of life safety systems
• Illegal occupancies

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Emergency Response

• The Building Inspection Section Responds to
  Situations Involving Emergency Situations
• Active structure fires
• Collapse of structures
• Personal injuries involving a structure
• Building failures
• Private sewage system failures

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Housing Building Inspections

• Foundations
• Support of footings
• Wall thickness
• Beam support
• Dampproofing
• Drainage layer
• Building anchorage
• Wall drainage

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Housing Building Inspections

• Framing
• Columns
• Beams
• Floor joists
• Wall studs
• Lintels
• Roof rafters/trusses
• Stairs
• Wall and roof sheathing

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Housing Building Inspections

• Insulation
• Location
• Minimum thermal resistance
• Installation
• of insulation
• Air barrier systems
• Vapour barrier

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Housing Building Inspections

• Masonry Fireplaces
• Chimney
• Wall thickness
• Clearances
• Smoke chamber
• Fireplace liners
• Steel liners
• Combustion air
• Hearth extension

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Housing Building Inspections

• Heating Systems
• Supply air
• Return air
• Exhaust systems
• Mechanical ventilation

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Housing Building Inspections

• Plumbing and Drainage Systems
• Drains
• Sewers
• Water service
• Vents
• Water distribution
• system
• Fixtures
• Testing

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Housing Building Inspections

• Occupancy Inspections
• Smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Handrails
• Guards
• Plumbing fixtures
• Stairs
• Doors
• Windows
• Final heating

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I.C.I. Building Inspections

• Foundation
• Shoring
• Soil conditions
• Foundation structure

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I.C.I. Building Inspections

• Structural Framing
• Reinforced concrete
• Structural steel
• Floor and roof framing
• Plain and reinforced masonry
• Precast concrete

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I.C.I. Building Inspections

• Building Envelope
• Building components and assemblies
• Heat transfer
• Air barrier system
• Vapour barrier
• Protection from precipitation
• Surface water
• Foundation and floor drainage

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I.C.I. Building Inspections

• Fire Separations
• Continuity
• Fire-resistance
• Closures
• Wired glass and glass block
• Combustibility of service penetrations
• Fire stopping of service penetrations.

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I.C.I. Building Inspections

• Plumbing Systems
• Drains
• Vents
• Protection against contamination
• Fixtures and appliances
• Grease and oil interceptors
• Safe drinking water

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I.C.I. Building Inspections

• Life Safety Systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Sprinkler systems
• Standpipe and hose systems
• Emergency lighting
• Emergency power
• Voice communication systems
• Fire fighters elevator
• Smoke control systems
• Exit signage
• CO detection systems

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I.C.I. Building Inspections

• Occupancy
• Exits
• Restricted access to unfinished areas
• Egress to the exits
• Service rooms
• Plumbing facilities
• Suite lighting, heating and electrical
• Smoke alarms
• Portable fire extinguishers
• Garbage rooms and chutes
• Access for fire fighting

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I.C.I. Building Inspectionsand Special Projects
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Action Requests

• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rental
  Standards Branch Reports
• Investigate all items on the report that may be
  deemed Unsafe, as defined by the Building Code
  Act. Ie. Deteriorating Balconies.

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Emergency Response

• Structure Fires
• Secure area - post fire
• Issue Unsafe Notices
• Inspect Demolition of Damaged Structure
• Monitor site
• Inspect new construction

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Emergency Response

• Structure Fires
• Secure the area after the fire with fencing and
  boarding of the dwelling.

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Emergency Response

• Structure Fires
• Monitor site until dwelling is demolished.

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Emergency Response

• Sewage System Failures
• Tape hazard area, warning of possible e-coli
  contamination.

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Emergency Response

• Sewage System Failures
• Destructive investigation required to determine
  cause of system failure.

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Emergency Response

• Sewage System Failures
• Once tests conclude an e-coli contamination, an
  Unsafe Order is issued and neighbouring property
  owners are sent a letter advising them to have
  their wells tested weekly to ensure potability.

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Emergency Response

• Sewage System Failures
• Compliance with the Unsafe Order usually results
  in any of the following
• Repair the sewage system.
• Install a new sewage system.
• Connect to existing municipal sewers.

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Other Good Stuff

• Client Training and Public Awareness
• Home Builder Clinics
• Home and Trade Shows
• Home Owner Clinics
• Building Excellence Awards
• Calendars Mugs
• Brochures and Bulletins
• Training Manuals and CDs
• GTA Committee Representation

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Thank you