Formed in 2021, Safe Buildings Canada is a not-for-profit association with the sole aim of regulating the concrete cutting, coring and imaging sectors. Its underlying objective is to ensure the integrity and longevity of all Canadian concrete structures.
Rapid Development and Aging Buildings
Our cities are rapidly changing and Safe Buildings Canada believes the concrete cutting, coring, and imaging industries must evolve with them. In Vancouver, there are eight high-rises currently being constructed set to be higher than the city's current tallest - the Shangri-La. Toronto has 300 proposed high-rises in addition to the already 100 currently being built. That’s a lot of new builds going up, and they’re going up fast. Without proper procedures in place, hastily constructed buildings can pose a substantial risk to the Canadian public.
"The construction industry likes to build fast, under high pressure to achieve deadlines. Therefore corners can be cut that may jeopardize the structural integrity of buildings. Safe Buildings Canada is proposing regulations so that can’t happen and all necessary due diligence is done. Not only in the construction phase, but during a structure's whole life cycle." Joseph Salazar, Director, Xradar
Indeed, Canada has its fair share of aging concrete buildings as well. Maintaining the structural integrity of these older structures are incredibly important. Every time an older building requires a change of use or modification, some degree of cutting or coring needs to take place. An example of this is when new plumbing lines are installed.
Currently, concrete structures in Canada can be cut and cored without being properly inspected beforehand. Safe Buildings Canada and Xradar are devoted to changing that.
Regulating the Industry
The association's stance is that every proposed penetration through structural concrete must be scanned by a certified professional concrete imaging technician. A Structural Engineer must then approve the scope of work prior to penetration. In order to mandate this, Safe Buildings Canada is taking a multi-faceted approach:
Legal Framework
The first step is to build a legal framework that can be written into the national building code. Safe Buildings Canada has members country-wide with plenty of resources in the industry and connections in the political sphere. The leadership team is committed to getting mandated procedures written into law.
Regular Consultation
Ongoing developments and opportunities in the industry are discussed at quarterly board meetings and Annual General Meetings. These summits give each member a chance to speak about current issues in their respective regions and cities.
Certification
Essential to regulation is the capacity to implement a standardized national training program for concrete imaging technicians. Safe Buildings Canada is actively working on a curriculum specifically designed to train and certify imaging professionals.
How can you help?
The recent collapse of an overground parking garage in Vancouver is a stark reminder of risks associated with aging, corroded, or poorly constructed concrete structures. Sadly, one individual lost their life and eight others were injured. Xradar believes it's our duty to help mitigate the risk that concrete structures can pose to Canadian citizens.
In addition to concrete cutting, coring and imaging firms such as Xradar, Safe Buildings Canada’s members include contractors, sub-trades, engineers, risk management professionals, individual property owners, and property management firms. If you would like to help push for regulation and establish a standardized training program for technicians, consider joining Safe Buildings Canada today.
