Trends in the Gasfitter – Class B Trade
Technology and Environmental
Gasfitters need to be aware of the several initiatives being developed and implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions both federally and through provincial/territorial mandates and policies. These strategies recommend actions that focus on renewable natural gas (RNG) produced by landfill, digester, and biogas facilities, and on hydrogen production and utilization.
Landfill, digester and biogas facilities capture and utilize methane gas produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials that would otherwise pollute the environment through uncontrolled methane production while decomposing (methane gas has 20 to 30 times the heat-trapping capabilities of carbon dioxide). RNG produced from biogas, landfill gas and digester gas at these facilities can be used to supplement existing natural gas utility pipeline infrastructure, decreasing the amount of fossil fuel extraction needed to produce energy. This fuel can be used by fuel-burning appliances at the facility, or it can be compressed and dispensed to vehicles as CNG.
Landfill, digester and biogas facilities range in size from small-scale systems designed for animal waste or food waste, to large industrial systems designed to treat municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, municipal solid waste and agricultural waste.
Hydrogen can be used for producing low-carbon synthetic fuels to reduce emissions in transportation and industry. When burned in appliances or used in a fuel cell, hydrogen produces no carbon emissions. Hydrogen can be dispensed to vehicle storage tanks for fuel cells and hydrogen/diesel combustion engines, and stationary power systems, especially important for industrial sites and remote communities currently powered by diesel. When blended into the natural gas grid, hydrogen can displace fossil fuels to heat and power homes and buildings.
Health and Safety
Due to increased health and safety concerns and regulations, air quality is a priority when installing and servicing systems. As well, governing agencies have an increasing enforcement causing gasfitters to be much more aware of compliance requirements such as working with fuel burning equipment, direct-vent or sealed combustion equipment.
In some jurisdictions, building codes now require the installation of residential carbon monoxide systems. Commercial full emission detection systems allow many more elements of detection to be monitored such as hazardous gases.
Occupational health and safety training such as Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), first aid, fall arrest, aerial platform and confined space are necessary in today’s working environment.
Tools and Equipment
There are new tools and equipment for installing piping. Battery-powered tools such as powered threaders and press connect fitting tools assist in installing piping in a safer and more efficient manner.
There is an increased functionality of tools such as Bluetooth enabled combustion analyzers, manometers and temperature sensors that allow better logging and tracking of results.
Products
The mandates for carbon reduction have had an impact on improving appliance efficiencies and more sophisticated burner and building management systems. Equipment across the trade that is used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are becoming more energy efficient, integrate with home automation systems and incorporate sophisticated electronic control systems and monitoring circuits.
With the increased use of Wi-Fi enabled communication and tracking systems, gasfitters can remotely check equipment at the customer’s location. This also enables gasfitters to verify technical information on the internet. With no/low carbon technology, hydrogen and hydrogen blend appliances and technology is increasing and has the potential of becoming the future of the trade.
These new appliances and systems have increased the training and knowledge requirements for gasfitters in electrical, electronics and control systems.
Gasfitters must be aware of the procedures and jurisdictional regulations for recycling products and materials that are removed from service as new recycling facilities emerge.