INNOVATION May-June 2018

P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E

PRACTICE GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR PERFORMANCE-BASED SEISMIC DESIGN OF BRIDGES Professional practice guidelines produced by the association describe the standard of care that members should follow in providing professional services related to this professional activity and specify the tasks members should perform to fulfill their professional obligations. On March 23, 2018, the association released a set of professional practice guidelines entitled Codes that incorporate performance-based design focus more on the performance expected under varying seismic conditions and less on specific materials, mechanisms, and technologies. The goal is to limit damage, public vulnerability, emergency response, and post-earthquake repair, and to speed recovery. These codes direct design to meet each bridge’s specific operational expectation

and acceptable risk. The use of performance-based design should assist in the clear communication of measurable criteria between design engineers, owners, emergency planners, and the public to provide a common understanding of the expected performance of a bridge. The new set of guidelines is available at egbc.ca/guidelines.

Performance-Based Seismic Design of Bridges in BC . The guidance in the document supports the application of the performance-based seismic bridge design requirements in the CAN/CSA-S6-14 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code.

CHANGES TO THE ELECTRICAL FIELD SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE PROGRAM An advisory was issued to members and licensees of Engineers and Geoscientists BC regarding changes and enhancements to the Electrical Field Safety Representative

FSRs can demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of codes, standards, acts, and regulations. More information can be found at www.technicalsafetybc.ca/ fsr-changes . j

(FSR) program, administered by Technical Safety BC (formerly the BC Safety Authority). These changes, effective February 1, 2018, are relevant to members and licensees of the association who are currently qualified as Electrical FSRs or whose work is impacted by inspections carried out by Electrical FSRs. Changes are made to the BC Electrical Code every three years, integrating current knowledge of safety risks, hazards, and new technologies within the electrical industry. In order to ensure that certified inspectors have current knowledge and to maintain a database of Electrical FSRs, Technical Safety BC is implementing the following changes to the program: • Electrical FSRs will be required to renew their certificate of qualification every three years for a fee of $100 plus GST, which will cover the cost of administering the program enhancements. • Beginning in 2021, Electrical FSRs will need to confirm successful completion of a free online assessment or up to eight hours of training from an approved provider when they renew their certificate. • Electrical FSRs who hold a class A, B, or C certificate and have qualified as an industrial or construction electrician will be given the new designation of BC Master Electrician. These improvements are being introduced to strengthen the integrity of the system and ensure all current Electrical

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