Important Changes Coming to TSSA Programs & Fee Structure

A Message from Bonnie Rose, President & CEO, TSSA

At the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), we are improving our operations, launching new programs and simplifying our fee structure, as we transition to an outcome-based regulator. This organizational transformation has us focused on improving public safety in Ontario, building stronger partnerships and reducing unnecessary administrative burden. These changes have been and will continue to be informed by feedback from industry representatives.

New Programs
TSSA’s new Compliance Support Program and Heating Contractor Audit Program demonstrate our commitment to reducing risk and providing more support for businesses to comply with safety laws. Both programs have been well received by participants. Organizations that have accepted an invitation to participate in the Compliance Support Program have seen the risk scores for their devices drop by at least 50 per cent.

TSSA has also started rolling out industry compliance standards to enhance its regulatory oversight. Compliance standards are based on existing requirements but stress the importance of understanding and addressing high-risk obligations that have been identified through an analysis of historical inspection and incident data. This approach further emphasizes the responsibility of regulated parties in achieving safety outcomes.
 
Compliance standards have been implemented in the propane cylinder exchange, tanker truck, fuel oil distributor and heating contractor programs. Over the coming years, compliance standards will continue to be developed for all TSSA programs with the focus on escalators, pipelines and ski lifts in 2021.

New IT System and Boilers & Pressure Vessels Portal
Further supporting the transformation underway, TSSA is upgrading its IT platform, processes and billing methods. The new IT solution will launch first with the Boilers and Pressure Vessels (BPV) Program in 2021 and includes a portal to automate the renewal process for BPV certificates of inspection. To facilitate more consistent service levels, TSSA will also centralize BPV inspection bookings.

Streamlined Fee Schedule
TSSA is introducing a streamlined approach to collecting fees under its new business model. Planned to start next spring, this restructured fee schedule will ensure our customers receive fewer separate invoices and have predictable annual fees that won’t vary from year to year. Here are some highlights of the streamlined fee schedule.

• Customers will have a fixed annual fee that incorporates fees for licences and inspections. This new authorization fee will cover licensing, permitting and registration, all periodic inspections and one follow-up inspection.
• The new flat fees are based on a five-year historical average of inspection hours for each category of device or business type.
• Engineering applications will be pre-paid. The new fixed fee will include engineering reviews and associated inspection fees.
• Additional fees apply when customers require repeated follow-up inspections due to non-compliance.
• Fees for exams and certificate holders such as mechanics and technicians will continue to be billed in the same way.

The new billing method will see TSSA collect the same overall revenue, while addressing concerns about the complexity of the current fee schedule and the unpredictable nature of inspection invoices. Moreover, reducing the volume of invoices will help lower administrative costs for TSSA and customers alike. Review the new fee structure online and learn more in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on our website. More detailed information about the changes will be mailed in the new year.

Questions?
Email: customerservices@tssa.org
Telephone: 1-877-682-8772

TSSA Commitment
The abovementioned programs and forthcoming initiatives, including the restructured fee schedule under TSSA’s new business model, will enable TSSA to make further service improvements, while focusing its resources on the areas that pose the greatest threat to public safety such as investigating and charging unlicensed owners and workers.
 
Thank you to all our customers who answered our customer survey last year and regularly participate in our consultations. We continue to listen and strive to deliver better safety services, while reducing regulatory burden for our customers and enhancing safety where Ontarians live, work and play.