Regulation Tracking List

Energy Commission Computer Room Refrigerant Economizers Resolution

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Energy Resources Conservation
And Development Commission

Building Energy Efficiency Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 1 and 6

Docket No. 15-MISC-03
Resolution No. 15-0909-10
RESOLUTION OF THE ENERGY COMMISSION
APPROVING RECOMMENDATION BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPROVE REFRIGERANT ECONOMIZERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGE FOR USE IN COMPUTER ROOMS IN CERTAIN CLIMATE ZONES

WHEREAS, Section 25402.1(b) of the California Public Resources Code and Section
10-109(d) of Part 1 of Title 24 authorizes the Commission to approve compliance options • and alternative component packages for demonstrating compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, and the associated administrative regulations in Part 1, Chapter 10; and

WHEREAS, Emerson etwork Power submitted an application to the Energy Commission requesting that refrigerant economizers be approved as an alternative component package for demonstrating compliance with the prescriptive requirements set forth in Section
140.9(a)1B of Title 24, Part 6; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 10-11O(a) of Part 1 of Title 24 the Executive Director determined that the application for this alternative component package was complete, and staff of the Energy Commission made the application package available to interested parties for a 60 day comment period; and

WHEREAS, Energy staff prepared a report a alyz.i g this alternate component package, which recommended that refrigerant economizers should be approved for use in computer rooms in climate zones 1-9, 11-14 and 16 as an alternative component package for demonstrating compliance with the prescr”ptive requirements set forth in Section
140.9(a)18 of Part 6 of Title 24; and

WHEREAS, based on the analysis and recommendation of staff, the Executive Director recommends that the California Energy Commission approve refrigerant economizers for use in computer rooms in climate zones 1-9, 11-14 and 16 as an alternative component package for demonstrating compliance with the prescriptive requirements in Section
140.9(a)18 of Part 6 of Title 2

THEREFORE, the Energy Commission accepts the recommendation of the Executive
Director and approves refrigerant economizers for use in computer rooms in climate zones1-9, 11-14 and 16 as an alternative component package pursuant to Section 10-109 of Part 1 of Title 24, for demonstrating compliance with the prescriptive standard in Section 140.9(a)1B of Part 6 of Title 24, and directs the Executive Director to take, on behalf of the Energy Commission, all actions reasonably necessary to implement this resolution.
Date: September 9, 2015

CERTIFICATION

The undersigned Secretariat to the Commission does hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a Resolution duly and regularly approved at a meeting of the California Energy Commission held on September 9, 2015.
AYE: Weisenmiller, Douglas, McAllister, Scott
NAY: None
ABSENT: Hochschild
ABSTAIN: None
——————————-
Tiffani Winter,
Secretariat

Public Works Registration

 Public works refers to construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work (including maintenance) done under contract and paid by public funds. Public works projects do not include those done by a public agency with its own employees.

With minor exceptions, all workers employed on public works projects must be paid the prevailing wage determined by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations according to the type of work and location. The prevailing wage rates are usually based on rates specified in collective bargaining agreements.

The Director of DIR also makes coverage determinations, hears enforcement appeals, and oversees labor compliance programs, while the Labor Commissioner is responsible for all compliance monitoring, investigations, and enforcement.

Contractor Registration

Beginning July 1, 2014, contractors must register and meet requirements using the online application before bidding on public works contracts in California. The application also provides agencies that administer public works programs with asearchable database of qualified contractors. Application and renewal are completed online with a non-refundable fee of $300. Read the SB 854 Fact Sheet for a complete list of requirements.

Instructions for completing the form

Project Registration

The agency awarding the contract for a public works project must notify DIR within five days by completing thePWC-100 form online. This requirement now applies to all public works projects that are subject to the prevailing wage requirements of the Labor Code, regardless of size or funding source.

Registration

Databases

SB 854  Important Information for Awarding Bodies

Awarding Bodies learn more about the
Labor Compliance Program

Apprentices learn more about the
Apprenticeship Public Works Program

Contact Us
For questions about Public Works

DOSH Heat Illness Proposed Regulation Hearing September 25th Update

Last week, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) officially presented their proposed Heat Illness Prevention standard regulation changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board.  Thank you to all CAL SMACNA Members who contributed comments regarding the proposed changes.  We greatly appreciate your thoughtful and insightful input. You can find a copy of the official CAL SMACNA comment letter on our website here.  A big thanks to Troy Schofield from Xcel Mechanical Systems who made a very strong and persuasive presentation of the multiple concerns related to the proposed changes.  CAL SMACNA was also a co-signatory with the Cal Chamber on the Heat Illness Prevention Coalition letter.

The day-long hearing was very well attended and over 55 public comments were written into the record.  The overwhelming majority of comments were related to the prescriptive and confusing aspects of the proposed regulation changes.  Most notably, CAL FIRE had three public speakers make strong remarks about the inability to adhere to such stringent and seemingly unnecessary regulations in their very fluid and dynamic field of work.  Many others spoke to the need for enforcement of the current standard, rather than imposing new regulations.  It was stated in most all comments the need for DOSH to provide data that shows the necessity for the proposed regulation changes.

Farm workers who spoke out in support of the proposed changes stressed their need for better working conditions.  However, in most cases, their stories of inadequate working conditions called for enforcement of the current standard, rather than a need for new regulations.

In the end, the Board directed DOSH staff to present them with data that proves the proposed regulations changes are necessary.  They directed staff to respond to all public comments and to rework the proposal while including a robust stakeholder process that will alleviate the concerns presented.

DOSH staff will likely take the next few months to respond to all public comments, and will hold additional advisory committee meetings that CAL SMACNA will be involved in.  We will continue to keep you informed on the developments, and please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you all for your input.  Read CAL SMACNA’s official comments here Comments Heat Illness 9-25-2014

NEW — California Energy Commission (CEC) Releases New 2013 Title 24 Nonresidential Code Compliance Forms

CEC announced the posting of newly revised 2013 Title 24 Nonresidential Compliance Forms on their website on July 23, 2014.  You can access them at http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2013standards/nonres_compliance_forms/NRCC/  Please refer to these forms going forward for T24 Non-Res compliance.

We will also find the link to these new MCH forms on our website: www.cal-smacna.org

 Note: These revised forms have nothing to do with the Acceptance Test Technician Certification Providers or Acceptance Test Technician Certification requirements.  Neither of these new T24 elements have yet been certified or implemented, respectively.   This message is to simply notify you of the availability of the newly revised MCH forms; and these should be completed by the same individuals for your projects as prior to July 1, 2014.  We will keep you updated as new information on the Acceptance Test Certification program is received in the latter part of 2014 and early 2015.

Heat Illness Prevention Proposed Amendments

TITLE 8: Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Article 10, Section 3395 of the General Industry Safety Orders

 SUMMARY

The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board proposes to adopt amendments to Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 3395 of the General Industry Safety Orders. These proposed amendments are authorized by Labor Code Section 142.3.

These proposed amendments are needed to clarify the requirements of Section 3395 in order to prevent heat illness and to ensure that emergency medical services are provided without delay.

Currently, Section 3395 requires that drinking water and access to shade be provided to employees. Existing Section 3395 also specifies that shade be erected at temperatures above 85o F, that it accommodate 25% of the employees and that employees be allowed and encouraged to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes. Furthermore, existing Section 3395 requires that additional precautionary measures be taken when the outdoor temperature is at or above 95o F and that employees be observed for alertness and signs or symptoms of heat illness. Existing Section 3395 also provides for some emergency procedures, that employees and supervisors be trained on the employer’s procedures for responding to symptoms of possible heat illness, including how emergency medical services will be provided should they become necessary.

The amendments proposed in this rulemaking would further clarify requirements regarding drinking water including that water be provided at no cost, that the water provided be fresh, pure, suitably cool and be located within 400 feet, unless prohibited by site conditions. The amendments would also require that shade be present when the temperature exceeds 80 F, be enough to accommodate the number of employees who are on meal periods, rest periods or recovery periods, and be located within 700 feet of employees unless that is not feasible. In order to prevent the development of heat illness the amendments would require that an employee who is taking a cool-down rest be encouraged to remain in the shade until symptoms have abated and that the employer monitor the worker during this recovery period.

It is further proposed that the outdoor temperature at which high heat procedures must be initiated be lowered from 95 F to 85 F. The proposed amendments would include as part of the high heat requirements, the means by which the existing requirement that an employer observe employees for signs and symptoms of heat illness could be accomplished, a requirement that an employee at the worksite be designated and authorized to call for emergency medical services, and a requirement for a pre-shift meeting. In addition, the proposal would require that when an employee in agriculture work two continuous hours in temperatures equal to or exceeding 95 F, the employer must ensure that the employee takes a ten minute net recovery period, which may be combined with other rest periods. Furthermore, the proposed amendments would require that workers receive additional training on the right to exercise their rights under the standard without fear of retaliation, the employer’s procedures for acclimatization and the appropriate first aid and/or emergency Section 3395, Heat Illness Prevention DRAFT Initial Statement of Reason Page 2 of 9 response. These amendments would add new elements to the required written heat illness prevention procedures, which would now be called a heat illness prevention plan. The amendments would also require that supervisors take immediate action if an employee exhibits symptoms of heat illness. The employer would be prohibited from sending home an employee who was exhibiting signs or symptoms of heat illness without first offering the employee onsite first aid and/or providing emergency medical services.

To see the full proposed regulations please go to:  http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/doshreg/Final-Discussion-Draft.2014-07.HeatAdvComm.pdf

Title 24 News – Non-Res Alternative Compliance Software Given Conditional Approval

The CA Energy Commission (CEC) voted at their business meeting on Tuesday 7/22 to conditionally approve EnergyPro v 6.2 software for use as an alternative calculation method for demonstrating performance compliance with the nonresidential provisions of the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, and associated administrative regulations in Part 1, Chapter 10 (Standards).  It is important to note that the Commissioners has required their resolution to be included in the software package and that their conditional approval expires on December 31st 2014.

The Energy Commission’s webpage for 2013 HVAC Changeouts is up and running.

The new information and resources for 2013 are valuable, whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or HERS Rater.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2013standards/changeout

You can access documents from this webpage that will assist you in understanding the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, and in getting detailed information pertaining to modifications or replacement of components, or of the entire heating and cooling system, for residential or nonresidential buildings.  The webpage will continue to grow with new information, as it becomes available.

Got a question about the 2013 Energy Standards?  Can’t find that webpage you are looking for?  Our Energy Standards Hotline can help you:

Toll-free in California at 800-772-3300, and outside California at 916-654-5106, or by email at title24@energy.ca.gov.

Department of Industrial Relations Launches Public Works Contractor Online Application System

Oakland—The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) today launched an online application for public works contractors to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 854. SB 854, which became effective June 20, establishes a new public works program to replace the Compliance Monitoring Unit and Labor Compliance Program requirements for bond-funded and other public works projects.

The new program will cover all public works in the state rather than just selected categories of projects. The Labor Commissioner’s Office will continue to monitor and enforce prevailing wage requirements.

“DIR always looks for ways we can improve our services. This new online system for public works contractors and agencies makes it easier and faster to meet their legal requirements,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. The Labor Commissioner’s Office, also known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), is a division of DIR.
Contractors must register and meet requirements using the new online application before bidding on public works contracts in California. The application also provides agencies that administer public works programs with a searchable database of qualified contractors.

“The new system levels the playing field for the public works community. We want California taxpayers to know that we are committed to ensuring only responsible and qualified contractors are competing for public works contracts,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su.

Contractors’ requirements include that they maintain workers’ compensation coverage for all employees and only hire subcontractors who are registered public works contractors. They must also hold a Contractors State License Board license, if required for their trade.

In addition, contractors must not be debarred from working on public works by the state or federal government and have no delinquent wage or penalty assessments due to any enforcement agency or employee. Once registration becomes mandatory early next Department of Industrial Relations Release No. 2014-55 Page 2
year, contractors will also be subject to penalties for bidding or working on public works without being registered with DIR.

Using any internet-connected computer, public works contractors can create an account, pay the fee and complete the application securely, at their convenience. Application and renewal is completed entirely online with a non-refundable fee of $300.
Agencies that administer public works projects may select from a pool of qualified contractors. They will no longer be charged fees for prevailing wage compliance monitoring and enforcement. Additional information on SB 854 and the new public works program is available on DIR’s website.

California Building Energy Code Compliance for Commercial Buildings Tutorials are Available for 2013 Building Code Compliance

WHAT IS THE ENERGY COMMISSION’S PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS?

— The California Building Energy Code Compliance for Commercial (CBECC-Com) is a public domain software program developed by the Energy Commission for modeling nonresidential buildings for the 2013 Building Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6 and Part 11).

— CBECC-Com was developed as Open-Source Public Domain software and is available at no charge to users to calculate the impact of the 2013 Standards on newly constructed nonresidential buildings and additions to existing buildings.

— CBECC-Com is used to determine the energy use of the proposed design of a building and compares it to an energy budget and standard design to determine if the proposed building meets the 2013 Building Standards.

— To get started with CBECC-Com, a series of short tutorial videos have been developed to help users understand the software workflow, and specific features, as listed below.  CBECC-Com software is available at http://bees.archenergy.com.

CBECC-COM TUTORIAL VIDEOS

These videos provide step-by-step procedures for modeling tasks using examples. You can view these online videos at http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/training/.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Visit the FAQs ( http://bees.archenergy.com/Documents/faq.pdf ) for more information on CBECC-Com.  You can learn about the Building Energy Efficiency Software (BEES) Consortium’s mission to advance open source software tools that may be used by code agencies, rating authorities, or utility programs in the development of energy codes, standards, or efficiency programs. (See http://bees.archenergy.com/about.html )  Architects, engineers, and energy consultants may also use these tools to demonstrate compliance with the energy codes or beyond-code programs.

For more information: http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/training/

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