10/02/2017
We have received a few messages of late asking why we post or advertise about Chinese made buildings instead of promoting our own products.
Simple, we want to inform YOU about the risks associated with buying products that DO NOT meet required standards and DO NOT comply with provincial building codes !
For example, many of the companies selling Chinese buildings advertise that their fabrics meet the standard CPAI-84. That is not a standard for fabric buildings nor was it developed by a recognized accredited agency in Canada. The CPAI-84 is a standard developed by IFAI (Industrial Fabrics Association International renamed the Canvas Products Association International) in 1995 for recreational tents such as camping, ice fishing or party tents like the stuff you can buy at CT, Wally World and so on, NOT fabric covered steel framed buildings !
The Canadian standard for fabric buildings is CAN/ULC S109-14 and almost all Canadian made fabric manufacturers use NovaShield manufactured by Intertape Polymer which does meet the standards.
Another big lie by these companies is that you can buy A660 certification for your Chinese made building as an add on.
WRONG !
That is a fraudulent statement ! A660 certification, administered by Quasar which is a division of the Canadian Welding Bureau, is a process of registration, initial audit and annual follow up auditing by Quasar of a manufacturers operations, facilities and practices including engineering, to insure that various authorities, especially Building Inspectors and consumers that the manufacturer's products meet Canadian standards.
"The CSA-A660 Standard was developed at the request of the Canadian Steel Building System manufacturers and provides assistance to code enforcement officials in the process of reviewing building permit submissions incorporating a steel building system, ensuring the purchasers obtain a quality building. This standard audits all aspects of the manufacturer’s process, including engineering design methods and personnel, materials control, fabrication, warehousing, packaging, shipping, er****on documentation, and quality assurance in the plant.
https://www.cwbgroup.org/services/management-systems-registration/csa-a660-10-auditing-and-registration"
The A660 standard is part of the National Building Code of Canada and is adopted by virtually every province and territory in Canada as part of their provincial building codes. Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan certainly include it.
How many Chinese fabric building manufacturers are certified to the A660 standard ? NONE - ZERO - ZIP !
Bear in mind, not all Canadian manufacturers have A660 certification either. If you are getting information from any manufacturer or dealer in Canada or for that matter anywhere else, be sure to ask for a copy of the A660 certificate, they should be able to send it to you right away.
So the next time you think you are getting a deal becuse of the low price, keep in mind that not only are Chinese made fabric buildings NOT in compliance with Canadian standards, they may actually be illegal to buy and construct. Almost all provinces have regulations that clearly outline the penalties for manufacturing, selling or constructing a building that does not meet our building codes and Alberta is no different. Research the Alberta Safety Codes Act which you can download here:
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/acts/s01.pdf
Pay particular attention to section 1, Responsibilities. It's an eye opener but then read Section 68, Penalties - that's a whopper !
If you own a non-compliant building you may find your insurance company can deny any claims for coverage of loss of both the building and any contents that were damaged.
As we stated before, do your homework - buy Canadian !
The CSA-A660 Standard was developed at the request of the Canadian Steel Building System manufacturers and provides assistance to code enforcement officials in the process of reviewing building permit submissions incorporating a steel building system, ensuring the purchasers obtain a quality buildin...
