BCAB #1710 - Installation of Disinfection Device in Care Facility, Section 7.4, Drainage Systems

March 27, 2012

BCAB #1710

Re: Installation of Disinfection Device in Care Facility, Section 7.4, Drainage Systems

Project Description

The appeal concerns the installation of seven bedpan disinfectors in an existing care facility. Six of the units discharge via an S-trap into drainage pipes in the floor while one unit discharges through a P-trap into drainage pipes in a wall. After a wash cycle a blower forces air at about 0.7 psi into the cleaning chamber. A pressure relief line connects to the drainage system downstream of the trap through a check valve to stop sewer gas from entering the unit, and ultimately the building, when the wash chamber isn’t pressurized.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 7.4.5.1.(1) requires every fixture to be protected by a separate trap. Article 7.5.6.3. regulates the location of vent pipes relative to the fixtures they serve.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends the Code does not specifically cover the installation of the appliance in question in a controlled environment such as a hospital. There is no reference in Table 7.4.9.3. to a bed pan disinfector or similar device. The check valve is integral to the appliance, is tested for at least 40,000 cycles and maintains an adequate seal from sewer gases. As for the S-trap the appellant contends that the integral component of the appliance is designed to prevent it from being emptied from siphoning action and the water level in the trap is clearly visible at all times to confirm this.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that, in accordance with Sentence 7.4.5.1.(1), the air discharge pipe from the device must be protected with a trap, not a check valve. Also, the building official maintains the units employing an S-trap do not meet the conditions described in Clause 7.5.6.3.(1)(b) regarding the total fall permitted on a trap arm.

Appeal Board Decision #1710

It is the determination of the Board that the proprietary bed pan disinfector is a fixture as defined by the BC Building Code and must conform to all applicable requirements for fixtures, including  Sentence 7.4.5.1.(1) requiring protection by a separate trap and clause 7.5.6.3.(1)(b) regarding total fall permitted on a trap arm.

Ed MacKinnon, Vice Chair