Toronto, ON, February 24, 2023 –
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: FEE CHANGES – Effective May 1, 2023
As a not-for-profit public safety regulator, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) charges fees on a cost-recovery basis that reflects the true cost of providing public safety services.
As detailed below, after conducting a thorough fee review, TSSA has determined that an inflationary fee increase of 4% is necessary in two program areas to continue to cover the costs of operations in these sectors. There is no planned fee increase for other programs.
Advisory councils were presented with each sector’s current financial position and provided with the rationale for proposed fee changes during meetings in the fall.
Inflationary Fee Increase of 4% for BPV/OE and Fuels
In response to inflationary pressures and to move closer to cost recovery in each program area, TSSA is implementing a 4% fee increase to all fees in the following two program areas, effective May 1, 2023.
Program
Inflationary Fee Increase
Boilers & Pressure Vessels / Operating Engineers
4%
Fuels
4%
No Fee Increase for Elevating, Ski and Amusement Devices Program
There is no fee increase planned for this year in the Elevating, Ski, and Amusement Devices program where current revenue is expected to cover costs.
What You Can Do to Minimize Your Fees
In May 2021, TSSA implemented a new, streamlined fee structure that charges fixed fees for safety administration and oversight. Separate billing for inspections occurs when more than one follow-up inspection is required due to non-compliance. Customers who demonstrate a good safety record will avoid any charges for repeated follow-up inspections due to non-compliance. Customers can take the following steps to help ensure compliance with regulatory obligations and minimize costs:
- Remain compliant with safety regulations and codes
- Ensure workers have appropriate training and applicable certifications or licences
- Provide ongoing safety training and education for workers
- Ensure all required documentation is in order
- Provide the necessary support to facilitate the completion of field inspections
- Plan in advance to avoid additional fees for rush services
- Keep your authorizations (licences, permits, registrations, certificates) current
- Keep contact and device information up to date
TSSA is rolling out industry compliance standards that focus on high-risk hazards that have been identified through an analysis of historical inspection and incident data. The use of compliance standards will assist regulated parties in further understanding their obligations and ensuring public safety.
TSSA’s fee structure supports TSSA’s transformation to an Outcome-Based Regulator by enabling TSSA to focus its resources on high-risk areas that pose the greatest threat to public safety, on making further service improvements, and on investigating and following up on unlicensed owners and workers.
Paying Your Fees
TSSA accepts credit card payments for invoices through TSSA’s Online Payment Portal.
Applications must be submitted and paid for in advance through TSSA’s Prepayment Portal.
Please visit the TSSA Client Portal to sign up for paperless invoicing.
For more information and FAQs and to see the new fees:
Visit www.tssa.org/fees.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administers provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Expect service impacts as the system upgrade begins on February 15
This is a reminder to all TSSA customers that the system upgrade involving the migration of the Elevating and Amusement Devices and Ski Lifts (EDAD Ski) Safety Program to the integrated business solution that is already in place for Fuels, Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers begins on February 15, 2023, at 5 p.m.
The system upgrade will continue through February 28, 2023. Customers of all safety programs (Fuels, Elevating and Amusement Devices, Ski Lifts, Boilers and Pressure Vessels, and Operating Engineers) who have plans to submit requests or applications are urged to do so before February 15 or after February 28, 2023.
Longer response times can be expected during and for a period after the upgraded system goes live on March 1, 2023. TSSA seeks your understanding and patience as it continues to implement the Operations Analytics Safety Innovations System (OASIS) project to modernize its IT solution and business processes as part of TSSA’s transformation to an Outcome-Based Regulator.
Centralized Inspection Scheduling
As part of TSSA’s focus on modernizing its processes and leveraging technology to create a more consistent customer experience, ED/AD Ski customers now book inspections through a centralized contact point.
ED/AD Ski customers should contact TSSA’s inspection scheduling agents to book inspections via email at EDADInspection@tssa.org, or by phone at 1-833-WFP-TSSA (1-833-937-8772) Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding public holidays. Customers will no longer call an inspector to schedule inspections during regular hours.
For more information:
- Customer FAQ on what the system upgrade means to ED/AD Ski customers
- List of Affected Services from February 15 to 28, 2023 (see below)
List of Affected Services from February 15 to 28, 2023
Service
Impact
Customer Service Centre
- Customers are encouraged to limit their requests for non-urgent services and support until regular operations resume on March 1, 2023. TSSA will not be able to receive and respond to emails sent to Customer Services at customerservices@tssa.org during this time.
- Applications can still be submitted via the prepayment portal. If you require immediate assistance, please call Customer Services by phone at 1-877-682-8772.
Prepayment Portal
- Applications that require prepayment can be submitted through the prepayment portal during the transition period.
- Applications submitted through the prepayment portal during the transition period will be processed after March 1, 2023.
Payment of Invoices
- Credit card payments for invoiced services or authorizations can be made through the online payment portal.
- Credit card receipts should be requested at the time when the payment is processed via the online payment portal.
- All payments processed and accepted between February 15 and February 28, 2023, will be posted to customer accounts after March 1, 2023.
Issuance of Invoices
- Invoices for services performed between February 15 and February 28, 2023, will be issued after March 1, 2023.
- Starting March 1, 2023, Elevating, Amusement and Ski Lift Device customers will receive invoices in a new format (like those already in place for Fuels, Boilers & Pressure Vessels & Operating Engineers).
Request for Public Information
- Requests opened before the transition period will be processed during the transition period.
- Requests for public information received after February 15, 2023, will be processed after March 1, 2023.
- Turnaround time will be delayed beyond the targeted 30 days.
New Account or Updates to Account Information
From February 15 to 28, 2023:
- New accounts cannot be created.
- Account information (for example, address change, change of device ownership, etc.) cannot be updated.
Engineering Services
- Engineering customers should anticipate longer processing times during the current system upgrade transition.
- Effective January 9, 2023, Priority (Rush) Services for the Elevating, Amusement and Ski Lift Devices Safety Program will be suspended temporarily. Click here for more information.
Inspection Services
- Scheduled inspections will continue as planned across programs.
- To schedule or reschedule an inspection, contact Workforce Planning at 1-833-WFP-TSSA or send an email to:
- EDAD Ski: EDADInspection@tssa.org
- BPV/OE: inspectionscheduling@tssa.org
- Fuels: fuelsinspection@tssa.org
- During the transition period and the first few weeks of March when the new system goes live, TSSA’s inspectors may not be available on requested days due to training and system unavailability.
- Customers are encouraged to schedule time-sensitive inspections taking place during the transition period as early as possible.
- For all reportable incidents, please contact the Spills Action Centre by calling 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) and choosing option 1.
Inspection Reports
Customers across programs may receive a temporary inspection report during the transition period. Regular inspection reports will follow after March 1, 2023.
Boilers & Pressure Vessels - Certificate of Inspection (BPV COI)
From February 15 to 28, 2023:
- General inquiries related to the status of a COI or requests for reprints will continue.
- Changes to address or updates to technical data captured under TSSA’s inventory (devices and facilities) records cannot be processed between February 15 and 28, 2023.
Portal for Boilers & Pressure Vessels - Certificate of Inspection (BPV COI)
As the BPV COI portal will not be available to insurers, inspection agencies or owners during the transition period, the following services will not be available:
- Changes to address or updates to technical data captured under TSSA’s inventory (devices and facilities) records cannot be processed between February 15 and 28, 2023.
- Records of Inspection for boilers and pressure vessels cannot be accepted between February 15 to 28, 2023.
- Insurer cancellation requests cannot be processed during the transition period.
Licences, Certificates and Other Items Mailed Out by TSSA
Mailings of licences, certificates and other items will resume on March 1, 2023.
Exam Results/ Individual Authorizations
Exam results and individual certificates (authorizations) will not be officially issued between February 15 and 28, 2023.
Note: Exam scheduling activities and marking will continue, and candidates will be notified of the results via email
Elevating Devices Contractor Renewals
As the migration of the Elevating, Amusement and Ski Lift Devices Safety Program to the upgraded system will go live on March 1, 2023, the authorization expiry date for all active Elevating Devices contractor registrations will be extended from March 31, 2023, to May 31, 2023. TSSA will continue to process renewals after March 1, 2023.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.
Service delay expected during the transition period from February 15 to 28, 2023
January 13, 2023
On March 1, 2023, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is implementing the third phase of its upgraded IT solution known as OASIS, as part of its commitment to modernize and simplify services.
Customers are advised that some of TSSA’s response times may be delayed, and services may be limited for all programs while transitioning systems from end of day February 15 to 28, 2023 (timing may be subject to adjustment).
Customers of all safety programs (Fuels, Elevating and Amusement Devices, Ski Lifts, Boilers and Pressure Vessels, and Operating Engineers) who have plans to submit requests or applications are urged to do so before February 15 or after February 28, 2023.
TSSA is continuing to implement OASIS as part of its transformation to an Outcome-Based Regulator. This third phase involves the migration of the Elevating and Amusement Devices and Ski (EDAD Ski) Safety Program to the integrated business solution that is already in place for Fuels, Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers.
As part of TSSA’s focus on modernizing its processes and leveraging technology to create a more consistent customer experience, centralized inspection scheduling for EDAD Ski Safety Program will start on April 1, 2023. EDAD Ski customers will have one central point of contact to schedule inspections. More details will be provided shortly.
We seek your understanding and patience as necessary improvements to TSSA’s systems are made to enable better data quality and make it easier for customers to access TSSA’s services. Customers should anticipate longer response times during and immediately after the transition to an upgraded system.
The table below lists the affected services from end of day February 15 to 28, 2023:
Service
Impact
Customer Service Centre
- Customers are encouraged to limit their requests for non-urgent services and support until regular operations resume on March 1, 2023. TSSA will not be able to receive and respond to emails sent to Customer Services at customerservices@tssa.org during this time.
- Applications can still be submitted via the prepayment portal. If you require immediate assistance, please call Customer Services at 1-877-682-8772.
Prepayment
Portal
- Applications that require prepayment can be submitted through the prepayment portal during the transition period.
- Applications submitted through the prepayment portal during the transition period will be processed after March 1, 2023.
Payment of Invoices
- Credit card payments for invoiced services or authorizations can be made through the online payment portal.
- Credit card receipts should be requested at the time when the payment is processed via the online payment portal.
- All payments processed and accepted between February 15 and February 28, 2023, will be posted to customer accounts after March 1, 2023.
Issuance of Invoices
- Invoices for services performed between February 15 and February 28, 2023, will be issued after March 1, 2023.
- Starting March 1, 2023, Elevating, Amusement and Ski Lift Device customers will receive invoices in a new format (like those already in place for Fuels, Boilers & Pressure Vessels & Operating Engineers).
Request for Public Information
- Requests opened before the transition period will be processed during the transition period.
- Requests for public information received after February 15, 2023, will be processed after March 1, 2023.
- Turnaround time will be delayed beyond the targeted 30 days.
New Account or Updates to Account Information
From February 15 to 28, 2023:
- New accounts cannot be created.
- Account information (for example address change, change of device ownership, etc.) cannot be updated.
Engineering Services
- Engineering customers should anticipate longer processing times during the current system upgrade transition.
- Effective January 9, 2023, Priority (Rush) Services for the Elevating, Amusement and Ski Lift Devices Safety Program will be suspended temporarily. Click here for more information.
Inspection Services
- Scheduled inspections will continue as planned across programs.
- To schedule or reschedule an inspection, contact Workforce Planning at 1-833-WFP-TSSA or send an email to:
- EDAD Ski: EDADInspection@tssa.org
- BPV/OE: inspectionscheduling@tssa.org
- Fuels: fuelsinspection@tssa.org
- During the transition period and first few weeks of March when the new system goes live, TSSA’s inspectors may not be available on requested days due to training and system unavailability.
- Customers are encouraged to schedule time-sensitiveinspections taking place during the transition period as early as possible.
- For all reportable incidents, please contact the Spills Action Centre by calling 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) and choosing option 1.
Inspection
Reports
Customers across programs may receive a temporary inspection report during the transition period. Regular inspection reports will follow after March 1, 2023.
Boilers & Pressure Vessels - Certificate of Inspection
(BPV COI)
From February 15 to 28, 2023:
- General inquiries related to the status of a COI or requests for reprints will continue.
- Changes to address or updates to technical data captured under TSSA’s inventory (devices and facilities) records cannot be processed between February 15 and 28, 2023.
Portal for
Boilers & Pressure Vessels - Certificate of Inspection
(BPV COI)
As the BPV COI portal will not be available to insurers, inspection agencies or owners during the transition period, the following services will not be available:
- Changes to address or updates to technical data captured under TSSA’s inventory (devices and facilities) records cannot be processed between February 15 and 28, 2023.
- Records of Inspection for boilers and pressure vessels cannot be accepted between February 15 to 28, 2023.
- Insurer cancellation requests cannot be processed during the transition period.
Licenses, Certificates and Other Items Mailed Out by TSSA
Mailings of licenses, certificates and other items will resume on March 1, 2023.
Exam Results/ Individual
Authorizations
Exam results and individual certificates (authorizations) will not be officially issued between February 15 and 28, 2023.
Note: Exam scheduling activities and marking will continue, and candidates will be notified via email of results
Elevating Devices Contractor Renewals
As the migration of the Elevating, Amusement and Ski Lift Devices Safety Program to the upgraded system will go live on March 1, 2023, the authorization expiry date for all active Elevating Devices contractor registrations will be extended from March 31, 2023, to May 31, 2023. TSSA will continue to process renewals after March 1, 2023.
Stay tuned for more updates in TSSA’s Newsroom and Safety Dispatch e-newsletter.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is pleased to announce that inspectors, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), have ratified a first collective agreement bringing the inspector strike to an end.
TSSA would like to thank all regulated entities and stakeholders for their patience during the strike. TSSA is looking forward to welcoming inspectors back to work and returning to its normal mode of operations.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), the union representing TSSA inspectors, have reached a tentative agreement.
A ratification vote will take place and if the ratification vote passes the current inspector strike will come to an end.
“I would like to thank our negotiating team who worked tirelessly for months to achieve an agreement, our regulated clients for their patience during this disruption and all our employees who remain focused on delivering our safety mandate. I am looking forward to welcoming our inspectors back so we can deliver safety in Ontario as one team,” said Bonnie Rose, TSSA President and CEO.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and the Society, the union that represents TSSA’s engineers, have reached an agreement on a first contract that was ratified by members in a vote held earlier today. This agreement, which benefits both parties, comes after eight months of robust and respectful negotiations.
TSSA respects employees’ right to unionize and bargain. “We look forward to continuing to work with TSSA engineers and all employees as we deliver on our safety mandate and improve public safety in Ontario,” said Bonnie Rose, TSSA’s President and CEO.
Update: OPSEU Inspector Strike
For the latest update on the OPSEU inspector strike, please see TSSA’s September 2 update here: Newsroom - TSSA
This is a friendly reminder that Technical Standards and Safety Authority's (TSSA’s) 2022 Annual Public Meeting (APM) is coming up on September 28, 2022. This event is now being held as a virtual meeting.
If you plan to join, we kindly ask that you RSVP by email to apm@tssa.org by September 19, 2022. To those who have already responded, we thank you in advance and look forward to connecting with you then.
Streaming details will be provided to all registered attendees one week prior to the event.
Yours in Safety,
TSSA
Partial licence waiver supports the recovery of the province’s ski sector
Dear Valued Ski Licensees,
As Ontario’s ski sector gears up for reopening this season, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is pleased to announce that it is facilitating the reduction of fees by 75% for all ski device licences.
Those eligible for this financial relief include operators that did not renew or hold a license for their device in 2021/2022. Device owners are required to pay only 25% of ski lift licence fees.
Ski device owners who receive a renewal invoice without the application of the 75% waiver should wait until they receive an adjusted invoice with the waiver applied before making payment. Owners who are eligible for the fee relief and have paid the invoice prior to the adjustment will be issued a refund for the fee relief portion.
The partial device fee waiver is funded by the Ontario government and supports the continued recovery of Ontario’s ski sector from economic hardships stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, while ensuring that strong public safety standards are maintained.
This relief only applies to ski lift licences.
Rebates For Device Licences
- Rebates provided by the Government of Ontario are available to ski devices.
- Rebate amounts for ski devices that renew for the 2022 season will be as follows:
Ski Devices
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.
As TSSA continues to modernize, digitize its services, and improve the customer experience, TSSA customers now have the option to prepay for TSSA services securely online with VISA or Mastercard, 24 hours a day.
TSSA’s Online Payment Solution
- Processes prepayments for service applications* and accepts invoice payments
- Facilitates speedy, automatic transactions
- Generates receipts immediately after transactions are complete
- Maintains customer confidentiality
- Minimizes security risks
*The prepayment portal is available for online credit card prepayment, as of May 2, 2022. TSSA will no longer process applications without a prepayment after June 30, 2022.
Read the FAQs on TSSA’s website for answers to common questions about TSSA’s Online Payment Solution. For additional support, send us an email or call 1-877-682-8772.
Toronto, ON, March 1, 2022 – As part of its commitment to protecting Ontarians from the dangers posed by fraudulent fuels workers, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is launching its third annual 'Trunk Slammers' Awareness and Enforcement Program. In alignment with the 2022 Fraud Prevention Month national campaign theme, Impersonation Scams, this year’s 'Trunk Slammers' Awareness and Enforcement Program campaign aims to ensure Ontario homeowners understand the importance and methods of verifying the credentials of fuels service professionals and reporting illegal workers and scammers to TSSA.
Trunk Slammers & Unsafe Technical Work
Uncertified gas technicians and unregistered contractors, aka ‘trunk slammers’, are known for performing less expensive labour with cheaper, unsafe materials and operating out of the trunks of their vehicles, which makes them difficult for consumers to locate and hold accountable.
“Fuels-related risks in retirement and long-term care homes, private dwellings, and business units are among the top areas of risk that we see,” said Sam Sadeghi, Statutory Director, TSSA Fuels Safety Program, and as noted in TSSA’s 2021 Public Safety Report. “Inadequate installation of fuel-burning appliances and poor maintenance work have been identified as major contributing factors to the risks in these areas, so it’s vital that Ontarians only hire those authorized by TSSA to perform fuel-related work.”
TSSA Impersonators & Unscrupulous Salespeople
In light of recent incidents involving scammers impersonating TSSA representatives, TSSA also urges Ontarians to be on alert for door-to-door and telemarketing salespeople selling furnaces, water heaters and energy services. In several cases, individuals who look and sound legitimate are not.
During the occurrence most recently reported to TSSA, a resident received an automated robo call identifying the company as TSSA saying the company wanted to arrange a furnace inspection. Upon further inquiry, the company altered its offer to say the company would come and see if the resident qualified for an energy rebate. A few weeks prior, a man went door to door posing as a TSSA Fuels Safety inspector and attempted to sell furnaces to owners of newly purchased homes.
“TSSA representatives do not work on appliances and will not attempt to sell products or inspection services to Ontario residents,” said Sadeghi. “Furthermore, if someone calls or arrives at a resident’s home and says the resident requires a furnace inspection, it is just a sales call, and residents are not obligated to comply.”
There are limited circumstances in which TSSA would visit a resident’s home. In any of these situations, TSSA representatives will present a business card and have a badge to identify themselves. If ever in doubt, residents should confirm an individual’s identity by calling TSSA.
Know Who’s Who Before Engaging
“We do recommend that homeowners have their furnaces and fuel-burning devices checked and serviced annually by a TSSA-registered contractor to protect against CO and fire hazards, but homeowners should seek out and verify their own contractors and not let anyone in that comes to their doors unless an appointment has been arranged in advance,” said Sadeghi.
Under Ontario law, furnaces and fuel-fired appliances must be maintained by TSSA-registered contractors, all of whom are listed on the TSSA website. Registered contractors are required to hire certified gas technicians who have extensive training aimed at keeping people safe in their homes.
Ontarians who believe they have been targeted by a TSSA impersonator should report the incident to 1-877-682-TSSA immediately. TSSA also urges the public to report unregistered fuels contractors and uncertified technicians, who put Ontario residents at risk through shoddy technical workmanship on fuel-burning appliances.
“We only become aware of these situations when people report them to us or the police,” said Sadeghi. “We want residents to know there are no negative consequences of reporting these incidents, and we encourage people to do so.”
Guidance & Resources
For additional information and access to safety resources, visit the following webpages:
- TSSA Fraudulent Fuels Workers Campaign Page
- TSSA Certified Technician Explainer
- TSSA Verifying Fuels Contractors & Inspectors Information Page
- TSSA/HRAI Qualified Contractor Checklist
- TSSA/HRAI Fuels Professional Verification Checklist
- TSSA Registered Ontario Contractors Listing
- HRAI Canadian Qualified Contractors Member Listing
- TSSA Advisory: Confirming a TSSA Representative’s Identity Before Allowing Home Entry
- Consumer Protection Ontario Information on Consumer Rights & Avoiding & Reporting Scams
- HRAI Consumer Awareness Information on Door-to-Door HVAC Equipment Sales
- Natural Resources Canada Tips on How to Recognize Energy Scams
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.