Scope

1.1 General

This Standard addresses the special requirements of plumbing systems pertinent to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of health care facilities (HCFs). This Standard specifies requirements for the following in HCFs:

a) water supply systems, including cold water systems and hot water systems;

b) plumbing fixtures and fittings;

c) drainage systems;

d) monitoring and maintenance of water systems;

e) infection control;

f) catastrophic event planning;

g) specialized water systems (e.g., reverse-osmosis, deionized, distilled); and

h) hydraulic fire protection systems.

Note: Special requirements for plumbing systems apply in HCFs because of the need to protect occupants of the facility and the adjacent surroundings from

a) infectious diseases;

b) hazards created by improper temperatures, leaks, and inadequate drainage; and

c) adverse conditions created by the failure or improper operation of plumbing systems.

1.2 Additional requirements

This Standard supplements the relevant standards and other applicable requirements for plumbing systems, fixtures, and fittings in general building applications.

Notes:

a) Relevant plumbing standards for plumbing fixtures and fittings can be found in the National Plumbing Code and/or adopted Provincial Plumbing Codes.

b) Applicable requirements for plumbing systems are also contained in the National Building Code of Canada and the National Plumbing Code of Canada.

1.3 Medical gas systems

This Standard does not apply to medical gas systems.

Note: See CAN/CSA-Z7396.1 for design, installation, certification, and maintenance requirements for non-flammable medical gas piping systems.

1.4 Use of more stringent requirements

This Standard is not intended to preclude the use of design concepts and the adoption of construction, installation, operations, and maintenance procedures more stringent than those specified in this Standard and in the documents listed in Clause 1.2.

1.5 Classes of HCF

This Standard applies to all classes of HCF.

Note: Some requirements may be waived for smaller Class C-2 HCFs as determined by the application of engineering principles and in consultation with the administrator and the authority having jurisdiction.

1.6 Retrofitting of existing systems

The requirements of this Standard apply to the retrofitting of existing systems when

a) an existing HCF is

i) extended; or

ii) undergoing material alteration or repair; and

b) the plumbing in existing facilities is adversely affected.

1.7 Terminology

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.8 Units

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

1 Scope

1.1 

This Standard specifies requirements for the selection, use, and application of active fall-protection equipment and systems as well as  information on selection and use of post-fall rescue equipment, plans, and procedures.

1.2 

The purpose of this Standard is to provide criteria and considerations for the safe selection and use of active fall-protection equipment and systems.

1.3 

The selection and use of fall-protection systems as part of a fall-protection program that may include such elements as hazard assessment, work methods, purchasing, practices, training, maintenance, and inspection, intended to minimize the risks involved.

1.4 

The clauses of this Standard are intended to reduce risks, which are inherent in all active fall-protection systems.

1.5 

This Standard references personal fall-protection system (PFPS) components that conform to the requirements of the CSA Z259 Series of Standards or an equivalent.

1.6 

This Standard does not cover requirements for

a) design and performance of fall-protection systems or components; and

Note: For design and performance requirements refer to the applicable fall protection Standard (see CSA Z259 series).

b) selection and use of passive fall-protection systems such as temporary guardrails or safety net systems.

This Standard is not intended to replicate or replace other Standards covered by CSA Group.

1.7 

When the term “anchor” is used throughout this Standard document it means the combination of the anchorage connector and the anchorage (structure).

1.8 

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

1.9 

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (nonmandatory) to define their application.