Factory Built Structures Certification

Prefabricated Buildings, Modules, and Panels Certification

Label order forms can be found HERE

Our clients build close relationships with our knowledgeable project managers who are dedicated to working with you towards your goals.  QAI offers a variety of certification programs for manufacturers of all sizes and complexity of structure. Site-built structures are subject to inspection at key stages by the authority having jurisdiction.  Factory-built structures whose conformance with codes cannot be evaluated on-site by the authority having jurisdiction may rely on third party certification services. Manufacturers that opt for a certification program with QAI have a method to demonstrate compliance of their structures to the regulations enforced by the authorities in Canada. Factory Built Structures (or relocatable structures) may include:

• Mobile housing Certification
• Modular housing Certification
• Re-locatable industrial camp structures
• Wash cars
• Equipment shelters
• Commercial structures
• QAI also offers Carbon Footprint Product Certification which allows manufacturers verify compliance to necessary environmental legislation.

Building codes in Canada

Buildings intended for the Canadian market are designed and built to comply with the National Building Code of Canada, Canadian Electrical Code (Part 1), National Plumbing Code of Canada, and the applicable provincial, territorial, or municipal codes.  The codes, standards, and requirements are those in force at the final point of installation. The manufacturer provides with each modular structure, printed set-up instructions that include installation requirements, foundation support details, information on the connection of services, items to be completed on site, and instructions for maintaining the air and vapor barriers.

Alberta

Are you planning to supply relocatable commercial or industrial structures to work sites in Alberta?

• QAI is recognized by Alberta Municipal Affairs as a certification agency.
• Certification to CSA A277 is required for out of province manufacturers that wish to supply relocatable industrial structures described in Part 10 of the Alberta Building Code.

Manufactured Buildings Certification Programs

Certification programs at QAI cover the factory quality program as well as code conformance of the product as it leaves the factory.  The manufacturer is responsible for maintaining a quality program and design procedures to ensure that products consistently comply with applicable requirements.  After completing the initial evaluation process, periodic in-factory surveillance inspections are carried out to ensure continued operation and implementation of the quality program and to ensure that construction of the buildings continues to comply with the relevant requirements.

Certification Process

To certify a manufacturer to the CSA A277 standard, QAI reviews the manufacturer’s quality program manual and conducts an on-site audit to determine the adequacy and proper implementation of the quality program.  QAI also reviews architectural, structural, general layout, plumbing, gas, and electrical drawings and component lists to determine compliance of the structures with the relevant codes. Inspections are carried out to verify compliance with the submitted drawings and code requirements.  Once initial compliance is established, manufacturers may be granted certification.  Manufacturers that successfully complete the certification program are provided with a Listing, posted on the QAI website, indicating the scope of structures that QAI has authorized to be labeled with the QAI mark. For a full list of QAI certification labels, please see here.  The scope of structures authorized to bear the QAI mark is based on the drawings submitted and the units inspected in the factory that were found to be compliant with applicable codes.

Accreditations and Partnerships

QAI is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to certify the types of factory built structures described above.  The QAI registered certification mark is recognized by the Provincial regulators and is your key to obtaining access to the Canadian market.  QAI is here to help you navigate through the Canadian regulatory system for Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, and Gas disciplines. QAI is a member of the Canadian Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI) and has partnered with them to provide the CMHI seal to manufacturer members. For more information please visit the CMHI website.