HVACR Industry & TSSA Engage in Discussions Throughout the Province

Posted Monday March 30, 2020

Posted By: Elizabeth Leal

Category: Safety Exchange Blog,Fuels

Industry plays an essential role in keeping Ontario safe. The men and women in the technical trades that TSSA oversees aim to perform their work to best ensure compliance and safety for their customers.

Throughout the last quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020, TSSA engaged in several discussion forums throughout the province with members of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), a non-profit national trade association representing manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors in the Canadian heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industries.

“HRAI’s members appreciate the opportunity to have their input heard, understood and incorporated into the changes TSSA is making,” said Sandy MacLeod, President and CEO, HRAI.

Among the topics presented for discussion by TSSA Ombudsman Sandra Cooke was TSSA’s ongoing transformation from an enforcement-centric entity to one that works more proactively with its regulated communities to promote safe practices and increase compliance aimed at reducing harm, also known as an Outcome-Based Regulator (OBR).  Specific issues included the:

• Ombudsman’s Office and Whistle Blower Program;
• introduction of the Fuel Oil Distributor Audit Program; and
• revision of the Contractor Audit Program.

“Generally, HRAI’s members have been particularly interested and engaged in the discussions regarding changes and improvements to the Contractor Audit Program,” explained MacLeod. “At the bulk of the consultations, the vast majority of sessions were spent with HRAI members providing information and exchanging ideas to make this program more relevant and more effective.”

Uncertified gas technicians and unregistered fuels contractors also proved to be a major pain point for attendees.

“Members have suggested that TSSA or the provincial government launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens and organizations about the safety reasons for requesting certified technicians and registered contractors,” shared MacLeod. “After all, public safety is of utmost concern for HRAI’s members as well as for TSSA.”

TSSA has since launched the 'Trunk Slammers' Enforcement Program to raise public awareness about fraudulent fuels workers and efforts to prosecute offenders, in addition to becoming a Competition Bureau of Canada’s Fraud Prevention Forum partner.

During the forums, Cooke zeroed in on TSSA’s Third-Party Whistle Blowing Service, which gives industry members an anonymous method of reporting uncertified and unregistered fuels workers.

“It has been useful to remind members this option exists,” said MacLeod. “The Whistle Blowing Service and Sandra’s Ombudsman role are of great potential value to the industry but weren’t well known or understood.”

Moreover, the forums provided opportunities for HRAI members to continue to build constructive working relationships with local TSSA representatives and senior officials.

“We appreciate having the opportunity to hear the voices of the professionals in our regulated industries,” added Cooke. “Organizations like HRAI have a strong voice and we thank all the members for attending and contributing value to each of the forums across Ontario.”