I enjoy reading Plumbing & HVAC magazine; always finding the articles interesting. The article that caught my attention in the Jul/Aug issue was titled: Difficult times for refrigeration contractors, RSES delegates hear. The comment that I found particularly interesting was from Mr. Mark Ohe (Vector Industries, Edmonton) in regards to todays contractors continually battling issues such as trade scope creep. Mr. Ohe goes on to mention the problem of other trades moving into areas previously the exclusive domain of the refrigeration contractor. As a gas fitting contractor in the province of Alberta, that comment seems strange to me. The only refrigeration I deal with is in my vehicle. When my condenser failed this summer, I took it to an air conditioning shop and had it repaired by a professional. If you are talking to Mr. Ohe, perhaps he can tell you what trades are creeping into his industry. In the province of Alberta and most Canadian provinces, a gas-fired appliance over 400,000 BTUH (120 kW) requires a class A gas fitter to service or commission the startup of the unit. (This includes heat/cool units).

Refrigeration techs doing gas work?

I go to many jobs to start gas appliances and I am surprised at how many refrigeration technicians are taking technical training for servicing this equipment. This could be a furnace, boiler, rooftop unit, etc. In particular I know of jobs where large multinational companies are doing boiler upgrades and retrofits; and when I ask who is the class A fitter on the job, they state, they are in the office& someone does that. If work is to be done on any gas fired appliance above the 400,000 capacity, without the A fitter  this is a violation of Albertas codes. (The A fitter is the only one that can fire the unit). In Alberta the refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic training is approximately 114 hrs of gas theory and shop. This covers the basics. (No power burner training). A class A gas fitter license requires 720 hrs of technical training. I do not understand why refrigeration technicians would risk liability working outside of their scope of work. I understand why refrigeration mechanics are popular with their electrical, gas, and refrigeration training, due to the nature of their industry. There are provincial rules outlining what trades can work on what products and equipment. These rules are meant for all the trades to follow. I think I know who is affecting the gas fitters in terms of trade scope creep  just a friendly reminder. If you have any comments, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

John Rutherford, president Quality Combustion & Controls Ltd., (Presiding Officer, Provincial Apprenticeship Committee, Gas Fitter Trade) Calgary

Editors note: Mr. Rutherford directed us to an advertisement for the refrigeration trade at www.refrigerationtechnician.ca/home.html which appears to urge building owners to hire a refrigeration contractor for all their HVAC needs.

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