Building Operator Designation
The Building Operator Designation (BOD) is being developed with input and support from real estate industry professionals across Canada.
Our goal is to provide Building Operators with relevant information that will help advance their overall skills and knowledge, allow them to work at their personal best, prepare them to select and liaise with product/service suppliers, and to remain informed on new emerging technologies, applicable regulatory and legislative rules impacting the operations of buildings. We work co-operatively with relevant and existing programs where there is an overlap, to establish a comprehensive program that recognizes all the skills necessary to be a Building Operator.
The overall designation that will be granted to a Building Operator will require the completion of all program certificates or, in lieu of a given certificate, the completion of other licenses or programs that are acknowledged as meeting PMIC BOD requirements. Each certificate will consist of several modules that will be delivered in an engaging and unique fashion, including in-line and post-module exams. It is estimated that there will be approximately 10 modules/exams per certificate. The Building Operator Designation will be available in both official languages, and other languages based on demand numbers.
Building Operator Designation Certificate Curriculum
Building Operators will gain an understanding of the importance of well-maintained water systems through effective water treatment. They will learn about the impact water has on the various systems of a building, potential health issues, how to maximize operational efficiencies, how to conduct tests and maintain systems under the direction of water treatment specialists in order to ensure maximum efficiencies in the utilization of resources such as electricity, gas and water.
Building Operators will be able to identify the systems that are driven by smart buildings and the resulting implication on building operations. An understanding of the integration of these systems under the control of a central system will be provided in relationship to how it improves tenant comfort, building operational efficiency, and a reduction in energy demand. Security implications of the system will be discussed as well as the need to be able to manage the buildings systems in the event of emergency without system controls.
Building Operators will identify and locate all control system devises within a building, understanding the schematics to locate components and be able to respond to emergency shut-off procedures. They will be able to utilize the data to monitor the performance of systems, to determine control system efficiency and identify malfunctions requiring minor adjustments, or service calls by experts. The will learn about maintaining, calibrating and adjusting control systems based on preventative maintenance schedules. They will also learn how to record data in computer systems and prepare trend assessments, to monitor system efficiencies.
Building Operators will be able to identify the required cleaning protocols necessary for a clean and safe environment. They will be able to monitor the performance of contract cleaners by understanding contractual service standards and appropriate cleaning protocols necessary for individual buildings. By understanding protocols, they will understand health and safety issues around the use, selection and storage of appropriate chemicals and environmentally safe alternatives, and be able to identify and rectify unsafe working situations.
Building Operators will gain an understanding of the different types of heating systems, how to adjust, visually inspect, test and calibrate temperatures, record, monitor and analyze resulting data to ensure peak operating efficiencies. This certificate will cover the various controllers involved in the automation and operations of heating systems in order to operate and maintain the systems so they operate sustainably, utilizing the least number of resources of electricity, gas or water.
Building Operators will gain a foundational knowledge of all plumbing systems, components and their operations to allow them to best monitor and operate at maximum efficiencies, the performances of a buildings water system. They will learn to conduct minor temporary repairs, assess operational effectiveness, schedule and manage effective maintenance schedules to ensure continuous operations.
Building Operators will learn the basis of electricity and safety procedures in maintaining and operating electrical systems. They will learn about inspecting and monitoring electrical systems and following electrical lock out/tag in procedures of all electrical systems, and how to follow proper maintenance procedures. They will learn now to read and understand electrical diagrams to identify locations of panels, devices and shut-off points. They will identify and follow safety procedures in emergency situations while waiting for qualified electricians to respond.
Building Operators come in contact with a variety of important professionals – tenants, suppliers, shoppers and the general population. As the face of building management, they will gain an increased understanding of the need for customer care. They will learn about the importance of customer care, body language, how to communicate, the importance of de-escalating tense situations, and effective follow-up.
Coming in Q3 & Q4 2022
Ventilation and Cooling Systems Certificate
Building Operators will learn foundational knowledge regarding AC, air handling and ventilation systems and components, so as to analyze and interpret air quality reporting for the building. They will be able to visually inspect and maintain systems operating at maximum efficiencies through proper maintenance. They will understand the operations of the systems and be able to replace filters and components within the scope of practice to maintain systems efficiency in utilizing energy resources.
Fire and Life Safety Systems Certificate
Building Operators will learn how to identify, describe and locate fire suppression systems, follow emergency system procedures, and required shut down procedures. They will be able to visually inspect and perform required maintenance on fire suppression, emergency electrical systems, assisting in conducting fire drills and coordinating requirements with fire departments.
Interior and Exterior Building Maintenance Certificate
Building Operators will learn to visually inspect exterior grounds and interior environments to identify deficiencies requiring repair. They will be able to conduct minor repairs to fasteners, drywall, flooring, etc. to ensure safe utilization of the environment. They will learn to identify potential hazards and follow corporate policies regarding tenant and public safety while conducting repairs. They will be able to identify components, operate and perform required start-up and shut-down procedures for the building's irrigation systems. They will understand the various types of roofs, be able to inspect and follow required safety procedures while on a roof.
Operation and Maintenance of Pneumatic and Pumping Systems Certificate
Building Operator will learn about identifying, describing and locating components of compressed air systems and pumping systems. They will be able to inspect and perform maintenance as required within the scope of practice. They will learn how to test and calibrate system controls to ensure maximum performance, while reducing demands on resources. They will be able to demonstrate lock-out/tag-out procedures and identify worn out, or defective parts that should be replaced and perform the necessary work within the scope of practice.
Plumbing Systems Certificate
Building Operators will gain a foundational knowledge of all plumbing systems, components and their operations to allow them to best monitor and operate at maximum efficiencies the performances of a buildings water system, how to conduct minor/ temporary repairs, assess operational effectiveness, schedule and manage effective maintenance schedules to ensure continuous operations.
Operation and Maintenance of Chillers and Refrigeration Systems Certificate
Building Operators will gain the required knowledge to effectively operate, maintain and assess chillers and refrigeration systems to ensure that the systems are operating efficiently and sustainably. Foundational knowledge to include effective opening and closing, understanding the various components and their role in the effective operations of the system, conducting effective maintenance, conducting appropriate tests and assessing requirements to bring in system experts.
Project Management for Building Operators Certificate
Building Operators will learn how to manage and monitor work performed in their buildings. This certificate provides the foundational knowledge to manage, co-ordinate and monitor a project from initiation to completion, so that it complies with all regulatory requirements and corporate policies.
Operation and Maintenance of Low-Pressure Boiler Systems Certificate
Building Operators will gain an understanding of interpreting drawings to identify location and layout of equipment, perform required water tests and maintain system as directed by water treatment plans. They will learn to identify and perform required tests and calculations on boiler capacities, identify all auxiliary equipment, understand their function and be able to test their functional state. They will be able to perform necessary maintenance on systems, prepare them for inspection and annual maintenance by system specialists.
Lighting Systems Certificate
Building Operators will be trained to identify various types of lighting, their application and their impact on the overall energy consumption of their building. They will be able to make minor adjustments and repairs to lighting devices and assess the need for appropriate maintenance or repairs. They will be able to review their building's lighting needs and their impact on energy consumption while working with contractors to determine improvements that can be made to their buildings, to reduce energy consumption.
Roofing Certificate
Building Operators will gain an understanding of the various types of roofing materials and be able to inspect, maintain and follow required safety procedures while on a roof. They will be able to identify all roof top devices and be able to safely inspect for deficiencies requiring maintenance.
Renewable Energy Certificate
Building Operators will be trained to identify various types of renewal energy systems, their application and the impact they can have on the overall energy consumption of a building. They will be able to make minor adjustments and repairs to devices and assess the need for appropriate maintenance or repairs. They will be able to review their buildings energy needs in relationship to utilizing a renewable energy system and working with a contractor to determine improvements that can be made to their buildings, utilizing a renewal energy system to reduce consumption.
Vertical Transportation Systems Certificate
Building Operators will gain an understanding of the components and general operations of vertical transportation equipment. They will be able to follow schematics and identify the major components and their location and follow maintenance procedures as outlined by suppliers of the equipment. They will be able to oversee supplier compliance with contracts and corporate procedures during maintenance, and repairs to ensure a safe working environment is maintained. They will gain an understanding of the impact the various systems have on energy consumption, and the impact well maintained equipment can have on energy reduction.
Health and Safety Certificate
Building Operators will gain an understanding of safe working practices and procedures and be able to identify the location of all safety equipment. They will be able to identify and rectify all unsafe situations, utilize emergency safety equipment and the requirement for the completion of appropriate incident reporting. They will be able to safely use all tools and equipment required of an Building Operator.
Occupational Math Certificate
Building Operators require basic math to make on-the job calculations. Calculating area, perimeters and volume enable them to order supplies and determine quantities of supplies to complete work. The ability to convert between modes of measurement, use imperial and metric systems and perform algebraic equations with unknowns is key to performing some of the required competencies.