CSA A277-16 (R2021)

This is the sixth edition of CSA A277, Procedure for certification of prefabricated buildings, modules, and panels. It supersedes the previous edition, published in 2008 under the title Procedure for Factory-Certification of Buildings, and editions published in 2001, 1990, 1981, and 1972, under the title Procedure for Certification of Factory-Built Houses.

Significant changes since the previous edition include the following:

a) explicit statement of application to modules and panels for buildings;

b) change in the terminology used to describe types of buildings to which this Standard applies consistent with the National Building Code of Canada occupancy classifications;

c) reorganization of the technical requirement to reference first the codes and regulations that apply at the location where the building, module, or panel will be installed, followed by references to specific documents where such codes or regulations are not in force;

d) new reference to the National Energy Code for Buildings where there are no codes or regulations addressing energy efficiency in force at the installation location;

e) reference to the authorities having jurisdiction for requirements for professional involvement and stamped drawings;

f) clarification of the compliance marking requirements (labels or stamps) as they apply to prefabricated buildings, and modules and panels;

g) provision of options for providing specification sheets for modules and panels;

h) reorganization of the specification sheet requirements based on the properties or functions of components, materials, services, or appliances installed in or provided with the building, module, or panel;

i) new specification sheet requirements to identify the date of manufacture, additional design loads, and energy performance; and

j) transfer of detailed information on instructions from Annex A to the body of this Standard.

This Standard provides a framework for certification programs for factory-constructed buildings and fully or partially closed panels and modules for panelized buildings. It applies to both residential and non-residential buildings. The requirements of this Standard are consistent with the requirements for the accreditation of manufacturers in CAN/CSA-ISO 9001.

Scope:

1.1

This Standard specifies the procedure for certification of prefabricated buildings, and partially or fully enclosed modules and panels for buildings of any occupancy.

It provides requirements for

a) certification of the factory quality program;

b) certification of the prefabricated product;

c) auditing of the factory quality program; and

d) in-factory inspection of the prefabricated product.

Notes:

1) This Standard applies to prefabricated buildings, modules, and panels constructed of any material. (See Annex A.)

2) This Standard applies to buildings of any occupancy. Use is limited only by certification listing for the manufacturer and the capabilities of the certification body. (See Annex A.)

1.2

This Standard does not cover portions of buildings or services that are not completed in the factory. It also does not address the transport of buildings or their erection at the building site, except as provided in Clause 7.5.1.

Note: Prefabricated buildings, modules, and panels should be designed to resist or accommodate loads and stresses imposed in transit and during placement. Loads and stresses imposed in transit will depend in part on the methods of transportation accepted by the transportation authority.

1.3

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.