Variance applications for non-compliant labs must be submitted by July 1, 2025
TSSA has determined that accredited training providers with laboratories or training areas that do not comply with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 must submit variance applications to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) by July 1, 2025, and achieve regulatory compliance by the end of their next audit cycle.
TSSA is waiving the fee for the variance application which must provide a list of non-compliances found in the laboratory or training area and the safety mitigations used to comply with the Code.
Background
TSSA’s review of its audit process for accredited training providers found that some equipment and laboratories used to train students may be non-compliant with applicable regulations and adopted Codes.
As there is no exemption in the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 or its associated regulations and Codes that would permit the operation of non-compliant training equipment or laboratory, TSSA proposes to work with accredited training providers to bring these labs or training areas into compliance with the adopted Fuels Codes.
As a first step, accredited training providers should submit an application for a variance under section 36(3)(c) of the Act. To further assist compliance, TSSA is waiving the fee to apply for a variance and giving a six-month window for such applications.
How to Submit a Variance Application
- Complete the Application for a Variance/Deviation (Except Non-Certified Plastic Venting) – FS-004-v4. The variance application must provide the following information:
- A list of non-compliances with applicable Codes found in the laboratory or training area, such as:
- Venting not being compliant (as common venting may be used);
- Burner replacement that is not within the approval scope of the appliance; and
- Any other non-compliances contained within the laboratory or the setting where practical training is provided.
- Safety mitigations used instead of Code compliance, for example:
- Supervised instruction at all times by a TSSA certificate holder;
- A master shut-off valve that is clearly identified and readily accessible within the laboratory;
- Carbon monoxide alarm; and
- Any other safety mitigation incorporated into the laboratory setting (see Appendix A).
2. In the “For Office Use Only” section at the top right corner of the form, indicate “Training Provider Variance — Fee Waived”.
3. Submit the variance application to fssubmissions@tssa.org by July 1, 2025.
4. The variance inspection will be conducted on the applicant’s next TSSA training provider audit. A variance will be issued so long as the Director and/or their delegate are satisfied that the mitigations permit the laboratory or equipment to operate safely.
See Appendix A below additional mitigations in the Gas Technician 3 (G3) Instructional Lab Standard, or visit Accredited Training Providers in the Fuels Industry Professionals webpage.
For questions, please contact TSSA’s Customer Service Centre at customerservices@tssa.org or call 1-877-682-8772.
Appendix A
Additional mitigations may be found in the Gas Technician 3 (G3) Instructional Lab Standard under the section “Training Lab Safety Standards” which specifies the following:
- Written procedures outlining the safe conduct of students (PPE, appropriate and safe attire), the safe operation of all appliances, equipment and components, and the location of all safety features (E-stop, fire extinguishers and exit points) shall be established and approved by the Director.
- Review the “written procedures” with all students before commencing training in the lab. In addition, a sign-off document shall also be established to document the students’ review of the written procedures, including their name and signature indicating they understand the content of written procedures.
- Emergency shut-down (ESD) switches were signed and installed at points of egress [JL1] in the lab. These ESDs shall shut off the electrical supply and supply to the gas and/or oil-fired equipment in the lab.
- Fire extinguishers are readily available and signs are posted.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s certified instructions.
- Smoke detectors and/or sprinklers are installed in the lab.
- The methane detector was installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s certified instructions.
Safe effective venting of operational training appliances:
- Vented in accordance with current B149.1 Code and the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions or;
- Vented under an exhaust canopy in compliance with section 8.30 Venting of appliances into canopies detailed in the B149.1 Code.
- Sufficient make-up air and combustion air supply for all operational appliances. If louvers are used, they shall be interlocked to the gas supply.
- The gas supply shall conform to B149.1 requirements and include an interlocked solenoid valve with ESD switches and manual shut-off valves at each appliance drop.
- A visual indicator (light) that indicates the approved solenoid valve is in the on/open position shall be installed in a conspicuous location.
- Posting of safety shoes and safety eyewear requirements at all training lab access points.
During a Category 5 (CAT5) safety test on a traction elevator equipped with a Smartrise SRA (V3 Cedes) controller, SRA with CEDES Absolute Positioning System, and a single door zone sensor, a potential safety concern was identified:
- The single door zone signal can fail, and the elevator may run with the doors open.
- Unintended car motion will not be detected as the system believes the elevator is always within a door zone. Further testing of the Unintended Car Movement Protection revealed that the car could drift 2438 mm (6-8 ft.) before stopping and does not meet the maximum 1220 mm (48 in.) required by Unintended Car Movement Protection.
- No injuries were reported.
Smartrise has issued a mandatory Technical Service Bulletin - TSB-0016 on December 10, 2024. TSSA is actively working with Smartrise to identify and implement a solution to address this issue.
TSSA is developing a Director’s Safety Order, planned for dissemination in early 2025 to recommend appropriate corrective actions. Industry consultation will follow.
TSSA clients should continue to pay invoices & download authorizations through the Client Portal.
Canada Post resumed operations on December 17, 2024. The delivery of paper invoices and mailed authorizations may be delayed as the postal service works through the mail and parcels trapped in the system since the strike began on November 15 on a first-in, first-out basis.
Regulated clients should continue to log into the Client Portal to pay invoices on time to maintain licenses and registrations and download statements and authorizations.
Clients can also:
- Sign up for paperless invoicing through the TSSA Client Portal; and
- Log into the TSSA Client Portal to pay invoices and download licenses, certificates and other authorizations,
- Use the TSSA Client Portal to submit most applications, including most BPV engineering applications. Please use the Prepayment Portal for elevating and fuels engineering applications or services not offered on the Client Portal.
For more information, visit www.tssa.org or contact TSSA by email at customerservices@tssa.org.
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) held its 2024 Annual Public Meeting (APM) and Safety Awards Presentation on September 19 in Toronto.
Chair of the Board of Directors, RJ Falconi, remarked on TSSA’s transformative journey over the past six years which has led to solid footing for the years to come, highlighting collaborative safety achievements from the past year and outlining its priorities for the coming year. He welcomed the new leadership of Glen Padassery who succeeded Brian Chu as Vice-Chair, introduced all the members of TSSA’s Board of Directors including new Board member Ray Mantha and acknowledged Angela Byrne, outgoing Safety Risk Officer, for her dedication to public safety over the past five years.
Falconi also welcomed Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Todd McCarthy, who graciously attended to address the audience and thank the TSSA team for its dedication “ to upholding Ontario's peace of mind.”
Bonnie Rose, TSSA’s President and CEO, provided an update on the progress TSSA has made in the first year of its new Strategic Plan. She also explained key areas of focus for the current fiscal year. Bonnie acknowledged the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Statutory Directors, Chairs of TSSA’s Advisory Councils and the entire TSSA team for their ongoing commitment to public safety. Bonnie and the ELT welcomed and addressed questions from the audience (live and virtual).
The meeting concluded with the presentation of TSSA’s Safety Awards 2024, honouring Andreas Tanzer and Modern Niagara Group Inc. as recipients of the Legacy and Impact awards, respectively.
Watch the video recording of the APM live event.
Deadline: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Ski Lifts industry
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.
The Ski Lifts Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:
- a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced.
- a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services.
- a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
- a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.
The Ski Lifts Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent this stakeholder group:
- An owner/operator of a Private Resort
Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Ski Lifts Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings:
If you are interested in nominating an individual as Council Member, please submit his/her letter of interest or nomination together with the individual’s resume by Sep 25, 2025, to:
Iuliana Afanase
Stakeholder Outreach Advisor
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org
Deadline Thursday, September 25, 2025
Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Propane industry
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.
The Propane Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:
- a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced.
- a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services.
- a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
- a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.
The Propane Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent this stakeholder group:
- An owner/operator/distributor of a Large Retailer/Distributor (National)
- An owner/operator/distributor as a Bulk Cylinder Exchange Operator
Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Propane Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings:
If you are interested in nominating an individual as Council Member, please submit his/her letter of interest or nomination together with the individual’s resume by Sep 25, 2025, to:
Iuliana Afanase
Stakeholder Outreach Advisor
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org
Deadline: Monday, September 30, 2024
Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Natural Gas industry
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.
The Natural Gas Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:
- a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced.
- a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services.
- a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
- a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.
The Natural Gas Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent this stakeholder group:
- Utilities/Distribution of CNG or LNG or Hydrogen or RNG
- A manufacturer or designer of Furnaces
- A Standards Development Organization or Certification Bodies
- Transmission/Pipeline of Upstream Services
Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Natural Gas Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings:
If you are interested in nominating an individual as Council Member, please submit his/her letter of interest or nomination together with the individual’s resume by Sep 30, 2024, to:
Iuliana Afanase
Stakeholder Outreach Advisor
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org
Deadline: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Liquid Fuels industry
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.
The Liquid Fuels Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:
- a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced.
- a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services.
- a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
- a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.
The Liquid Fuels Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent this stakeholder group:
- Contractor
Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Liquid Fuels Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings:
If you are interested in nominating an individual as Council Member, please submit his/her letter of interest or nomination together with the individual’s resume by Sep 25, 2025, to:
Iuliana Afanase
Stakeholder Outreach Advisor
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org
Deadline Monday, September 30, 2024
Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Elevating Devices industry
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.
The Elevating Devices Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:
- a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced
- a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services
- a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
- a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.
The Elevating Devices Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent this stakeholder group:
- An owner in Construction or Building Development
- A manufacturer or contractor
- A manufacturer or large contractor of more than 2000 devices
Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Elevating Devices Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings:
If you are interested in nominating an individual as Council Member, please submit his/her letter of interest or nomination together with the individual’s resume by Sep 30, 2024,to:
Iuliana Afanase
Stakeholder Outreach Advisor
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org
Deadline Thursday, September 25, 2025
Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Amusement Devices industry
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.
The Amusement Devices Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:
- a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced
- a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services
- a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; anda mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.
The Amusement Devices Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent this stakeholder group:
- An owner/operator of Camps
- Insurance
Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Amusement Devices Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings:
If you are interested in nominating an individual as Council Member, please submit his/her letter of interest or nomination together with the individual’s resume by Sep 25, 2025, to:
Iuliana Afanase
Stakeholder Outreach Advisor
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org