Ski lifts - Inspections

Inspection Overview

To ensure the safety of passenger ropeway and conveyor (ski lift) devices in Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) performs:

  • Initial inspections for new passenger ropeway and conveyors (ski lifts) device installations.

  • Periodic inspections for existing passenger ropeway and conveyor (ski lift) devices.

  • Inspections of major and minor alterations to passenger ropeway and conveyor (ski lift) devices.

Initial Inspections for New Installations

Before a new passenger ropeways and conveyor (ski lift) is licensed for operation, TSSA must perform an initial inspection to ensure that the device conforms to its design registration submission and is safe for use by the public. 

Process for Initial Inspections

1. Registered Design: 

Ensure you have your registered design submission before proceeding. For instructions on how to register a new installation, visit our design registration page. 

2. Pre-Inspection Checklist: 

There are currently no pre-inspection checklists for Passenger ropeway and conveyors (ski lifts).

3. Request an Inspection: 

Before you request an inspection, if there have been any changes to your ownership information or device ownership, visit our Change of Ownership webpage for more information.  

If there are any changes to your account information, please visit our Update your Information webpage. 

To request an inspection, email EDADInspections@tssa.org or call 1-833-937-8772 (1-833-WFP-TSSA). Inspection scheduling agents are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.    

Please provide the following information when requesting an inspection: 

  • Billing name, address, and address for the inspection.  

  • Contact name, email, and telephone number. 

  • Name of the TSSA inspector who has conducted prior inspections at inspection site, If applicable. 

  • Any special safety training required to access the inspection site. 

4. Forms Required Prior to Inspection 

The registered contractor or owner must submit the following form to EDADInspections@tssa.org a minimum of two business days prior to the scheduled inspection date.

Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the inspection.

Inspections for Alterations of Existing Equipment

Alterations to Passenger ropeway and conveyor (ski lift) devices covered in the CSA Z98-Passenger ropeway and conveyor are classified as either Major or Minor alterations.

To determine the classification and requirements of an alteration, refer to :   

Major Alterations:

Passenger Ropeways and Conveyors that have undergone a Major Alteration shall not be returned to service until a TSSA inspection is completed and passed.

Minor A Alterations:

Passenger Ropeways and Conveyors devices that have undergone Minor A alterations are permitted to be returned to service after work completion, however, the contractor who completed the alteration shall ensure that a “special inspection” has been requested within 60 days after returning the elevator to service. The contractor shall arrange and conduct any tests required by the inspector. A registered design submission or notification shall be available at the time of inspection

Process for Alteration Inspections

Register a Design: Ensure you have your registered design submission before proceeding. For instructions on how to register an Alteration, visit our design registration page.  

Follow the “Request an Inspection” (step 3) and “Forms Required Prior to Inspection” (step 4) shown in the New installation process above  

Periodic Inspections

TSSA uses a risk model to determine the frequency of periodic inspections of passenger ropeway and conveyors (ski lifts). Periodic inspections are scheduled automatically by TSSA.

Operational Inspections

TSSA may conduct an unannounced operational inspection of a ski device while it is operating to the public. 

How to Request an Inspection

Before you request an inspection, if there have been any changes to your ownership information or device ownership, visit our Change of Ownership webpage. 

If there are any changes to your account information, please visit our Update Your Information webpage. 

To request an inspection, email EDADInspection@tssa.org or call 1-833-937-8772 (1-833-WFP-TSSA). Inspection scheduling agents are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.   

Please provide the following information when requesting an inspection:

  • Billing name, address, and address for the inspection. 

  • Contact name, email, and telephone number

  • Name of the TSSA inspector who has conducted prior inspections at inspection site, If applicable

  • Any special safety training required to access the inspection site

For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions About Inspections.  

How to Reschedule an Inspection

To reschedule an inspection, email EDADInspection@tssa.org or call 1-833-937-8772 (or 1-833-WFP-TSSA). Inspection scheduling agents are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A minimum of 24 hours of notice is required when rescheduling a pre-booked inspection.  

Resolution of Inspection Order Concerns

Inspectors seek to ensure the safety of passenger ropeway and conveyors (ski lifts). If a hazard exists, TSSA inspectors will evaluate the amount of risk it poses to the public and issue compliance orders to the owners and/or licence holders of the device. In extremely hazardous situations, inspectors have the authority to remove the elevating device from operation. 

In the event an inspector has issued an order which comes into question, contractors/owners/operators should follow the Inspection Order Resolution Protocol (pdf) to have their concerns reviewed.

Appealing an Inspection Order

In accordance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, any person affected by an inspector's order can submit an appeal within 90 days of receiving the order. Visit our Appeals page for information about appealing an order.