NEWS photo 9 Cindy Goodman SARAH CHARLETON sews up a storm in anticipation of the Christmas in the Cove Cratt Fair. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Seycove Community High School, 1204 Catedania Ave. Building code changes - Clarify safety standards B.C:’S NEW building and plumbing codes are more user-friendly and heritage-wise. . The new codes, announced earlier this month by Municipal Affairs Minister Robin Blencoe, make it easier to restore and ze- habilitate fieritage buildings by allowing alternate methods of achieving safety standards. Improvements to the codes also reduce red tape by updating and clarifying safety standards. “These amendments and other improvements are the result of ex- tensive input from the public as well as from representatives of in- dustry, commerce and other organizations with specific con- cerns,”’ said Biencoe. A wide range of amendments make buildings more accessible to persons with disabilities; prevent the entry of naturally occurring radon gas; clarify the minimum level of insulation in new houses; make new residential buildings safer by requiring smoke alarms on every floor; ensure that on ma- jor projects there is a _ full documentation of professional responsibilities including those of architects and engineers; and double the number of women’s washroom facilities in most public buildings. Blencoe was joined by Tourism Minister and Minister Responsible for Culture Darlene Marzari in announcing new safety standards for heritage buildings — including a heritage buildings supplement for the codes. Marzari’s ministry co-sponsored the improvements. The building code has been amended to help preserve the character of heritage buildings, which is sometimes destroyed in safety-related renovations. The code now includes a defini- tion of heritage buildings and a list of alternate compliance methods, by which these buildings can be brought up to safety standards. Blencoe said, ‘‘The heritage buildings supplement provides an improved approach to safety in our heritage buildings that will help encourage reinvestment in these structures. “It is important that we have Provisions that enable these resources to continue to play a vital role in our society.”” “Our heritage buildings make a significant contribution quality of life,’* said Marzari. “They play an important sole in maintaining a community’s char- acter and distinctiveness, and are an irreplaceable resource in the discovery and the appreciation of our roots.’” . Amendments to other areas of the building code enable com- munity care facilities for persons with physical or mental disabilities to be constructed as single-family dwellings with additional safety features, provided the facilities accommodate no more than six people. “There are many additional changes to the codes that involve the fine-tuning of existing re- quirements,’’ said Blencoe. ‘‘The purpose of all of the changes is to improve safety, and with that in mind we are working toward pro- viding updates on the code every 2% years instead of at the tradi- tional five-year intervais.’’ Ensure chimney flue maintained IMAGINE A cold winter night. You’re in your living room all cosy and warm by your fireplace, when all of a sudden it sounds as if a freight train is coming down the chimney. You are ex- periencing a chimney fire! Each year thousands of homes experience this due to improper maintenance of their chimneys. These fires can be prevented by making sure the flue is lined and in good repair, by having it in- spected and cieaned regularly by a professional, and by learning how to build fires that reduce the buildup of creosote. . The cause of most chimney fires is creosote, which is a by-product resulting from the incomplete combustion of wood. It ac- cumulates on the sides of your chimney and stovepipes as a liquid and later condenses into a solid. HOT TIPS _ North Vancouver District Fire Department As it builds up it not only blocks the flue, but can ignite into a roaring fire. {t is recommended that you have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year. . If you use your fireplace or wood stove as a primary source of heat for your home you should consider a cleaning and inspection at the beginning and end of each heating season. To select a chimney sweep, don’t just base your decision on cost. Check the Yellow Pages for a reputable contractor. A professional chimney sweep will do more than brush out your chimney. He will inspect your chimney for damage to_ liners, cracks due to settling, improper installations of pre-fabricated chimneys, and much more. You can cut down on the buildup of creosote by using your fireplace or wood stove properly. Burn it hot — the hotter the fire the more complete the combus- tion. Burn hard wood, e.g. oak, hickory, ash or maple, which has been seasoned for at least one year. Take care not to burn construc- tion scraps, treated wood, wrapp- ing paper or boughs from evergreens. {ff you have never had your chimney cleaned and inspected, or it has been a while, the District of North Vancouver Fire Services encourages you to take these precautions to prevent a chimney fire in your home. 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