Introduction
In civil engineering and property management, the inspection of facades and underground parking is essential. These inspections ensure the safety and durability of structures. They are crucial for buildings five stories or more. These buildings pose specific challenges related to their structural integrity. Bill 122 regulates these inspections by requiring regular inspections. This law applies to facades and underground parking. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) ensures high safety standards for all.
In civil engineering and property management, inspecting facades and underground parking is essential. These inspections ensure the safety and durability of structures. They are essential for buildings five stories or more. These buildings present specific challenges regarding their structural stability. Bill 122 regulates these inspections and requires regular inspections. This regulation applies to facades and underground parking. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) is committed to maintaining strict safety standards for all.
Background and Obligations of Bill 122
Objectives of the Act: Bill 122, known as the “Act to amend the Building Act to modernize safety standards,” was created to improve the safety of occupants and passersby near high-rise buildings. It also protects users of multi-storey parking garages. This law aims to prevent risks related to wear and tear and structural damage to facades and parking decks by requiring regular inspections and mandatory maintenance.
Buildings Affected: Bill 122 applies to buildings with at least one facade of five or more stories above ground. It covers residential, commercial, institutional, and condominium buildings. Underground or above-ground parking garages, where a slab is structural and used as a driving surface, are also included. Structures whose slabs are used only by pedestrians or covered with grass are not covered by the law.
General Requirements: Owners must keep a detailed log throughout the building’s lifespan. This log must include all inspections and maintenance performed. Building facades must be inspected every five years by a qualified professional. Parking lots also require a thorough inspection every five years to ensure the absence of hazardous conditions. In the event of a problem, emergency measures must be taken, including notifying the Régie du bâtiment du Québec and carrying out the necessary corrective work.
Facade Inspection and Maintenance
Inspection Frequency: Bill 122 requires the inspection of the facades of buildings five stories or more every five years. This obligation takes effect on the tenth anniversary of construction. The owner must obtain a report confirming the absence of hazardous conditions. These inspections must be carried out within six months prior to the report being produced.
Professional Inspection Procedure: Facade inspections must be conducted by a qualified engineer or architect. This professional uses rigorous methods to assess the condition of the facade. The report must include the professional’s name, signature, and contact information. It must describe the methods used, the building’s address, and the inspection dates. A summary of the deficiencies observed and recommendations for corrective work is required. The inspection includes visual and tactile observations, sometimes with exploratory openings to examine hidden elements.
Report and Log: The inspection report must confirm the absence of hazardous conditions, with recommendations for correcting defects, if applicable. It must include all relevant information (photos, drawings, technical documents). This record must be kept on site for the entire lifespan of the building. If hazardous conditions are detected, the owner must inform the RBQ and implement emergency measures, followed by corrective work.
Parking Facility Inspection and Maintenance
Annual Inspections: Multi-storey parking facilities must be visually inspected by the owner annually to ensure they are free of any defects that could compromise safety. These annual visual inspections must be carefully documented, including detailed observations and dated photographs to track the condition of the parking lot.
In-Depth Inspections: Every five years, a thorough inspection by an engineer is required to confirm the absence of unsafe conditions in the parking lots.
