Fuels Heating Contractor Audit Program

A message from John Marshall, Statutory Director – Fuels Safety Program, TSSA

In light of the impact of COVID-19, I want to provide an update, as TSSA has moved to implement a revised Contractor Audit program at this time.

The past program largely focussed on contractors setting up site visits for our inspectors. This process is not viable during this pandemic; and thus, we have launched a revised program. The revised program has been vetted with industry and focusses on seven contractor regulatory responsibilities. The audit parameters are outlined in the advisory entitled “Revision of TSSA’s Fuels Heating Contractor Audit Program”. Our inspectors will be doing a virtual audit, typically via skype or telephone, where they explain the seven requirements outlined in the advisory. This is an interactive process between contractors and TSSA whereby contractors explain their operations and TSSA explains the regulatory requirements, the focus of the discussion being on education and compliance. TSSA will also go over the contractor’s inspection history. No orders will be issued at this time. We have already started this process; the response has been very positive from the contractors and TSSA is learning from this as well.

As an essential business, TSSA is complying with the government’s order regarding COVID-19. Essential services include Administrative Authorities like TSSA that regulate and inspect businesses.

Where regulated parties agree that the inspection/audit is safe and practical, TSSA will continue to supply that service. Under the circumstances described above, the revised audit program is a good example of how inspections/audits can continue in compliance with Ontario’s directive at low risk to the public, contractors and inspectors.