The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has entered into contractual agreements with UL Solutions and Origin and Cause to support its inspection workforce in Fuels Safety Program while the organization addresses resource vacancies and a high volume of inspection requests.
Representatives from UL Solutions and Origin and Cause who have been appointed as inspectors under the Technical Standards and Safety Act have the legal authority to perform inspections on behalf of TSSA.
They are also required to present the following proof of identification prior to conducting inspections:
- A photo identification;
- A business card; and
- A signed Letter of Appointment indicating that they are authorized by TSSA to carry out inspections
Fuels Safety Program customers with questions or concerns can contact TSSA at Fuels_technical_services@tssa.org, or call the Customer Service at Centre at 1-877-682-8772.
Fuels Safety Program
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
TSSA’s new IT business solution supports and simplifies critical business functions
March 1, 2023
The third and final phase of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA) system upgrade was completed and went live on March 1, 2023.
The system upgrade introduces the following enhanced functionalities for customers of the Elevating and Amusement Devices and Ski Lifts (ED/AD Ski) Safety Program:
- Centralized Inspection Scheduling: Improves customer experience by providing one point of contact for scheduling inspections.
- Compliance Standards: Launched in tandem with the third phase of the system upgrade are Compliance Standards for elevators, escalators and ski lifts. Compliance Standards are a list of high-risk non-compliances which, if found on a periodic inspection, will result in a follow-up inspection by TSSA to ensure compliance. Compliance Standards also help device owners and operators better understand their safety priorities and identify items that may pose a high risk to public safety if not addressed immediately. Low- and medium-risk safety tasks will be documented on the inspection report and are expected to be addressed as part of regular equipment maintenance.
- New Format for Inspection Reports: Enhanced clarity in inspection reports across Safety Programs through the improved use of language and the display of orders and safety tasks based on the compliance time; and resolved orders (if any).
- Consolidation of Expiry Dates: Elevating and Ski Lift customers can request consolidated authorization expiry dates for all their elevating and ski-lift devices effective March 1, 2023.
- Enhanced Authorizations: Reinforcing TSSA’s Lapsed Authorizations Policy, the new system identifies customers with lapsed authorizations and sends notifications to remind customers that they cannot legally operate without a valid authorization (e.g. licences and registrations).
System Upgrade Supports TSSA’s Safety Mandate
The successful completion of the third phase of the system-upgrade project puts all TSSA’s Safety programs — ED/AD Ski, Fuels, Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers — on one integrated platform. The upgraded IT business solution further advances TSSA’s transformation into an Outcome-Based Regulator by modernizing its processes and systems and improving core functions.
Providing real-time trustworthy data that will serve as the foundation for informed, risk-based decision-making puts TSSA in a stronger position to improve safety in Ontario. The modern functionality also sets the stage for future self-serve options for TSSA’s customers.
Longer response times can be expected for a period after the upgraded system goes live on March 1, 2023.
For more information, please refer to the infographic below and the Customer FAQ.
Enhanced Functionalities for the Elevating & Amusement Devices
& Ski Lifts Safety Program
Centralized Inspection Scheduling
- Centralized Contact Point for Scheduling Inspections:
- Shifts inspection scheduling to a dedicated team of inspection-scheduling agents available during regular hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon- Fri) at 1-833-WFP-TSSA (1-833-937-8772) or EDADInspection@tssa.org.
- A minimum of 24 hours notice is required when rescheduling a pre-booked inspection.
- Consistent Customer Experience:
Ensures consistent customer service with standard inspection lead times and inspection-type prioritization.
Compliance Standards for Elevators, Escalators &
Ski Lifts
- Prioritizes High-Risk Non-Compliances:
Help industry understand safety priorities by identifying high-risk non-compliances that may pose a high risk to public safety if not addressed immediately. Compliance Standards are a list of high-risk non-compliances which, if found on a periodic inspection, will result in a follow-up inspection by TSSA to ensure compliance. Low- and medium-risk safety tasks will be documented on the inspection report and are expected to be addressed as part of regular equipment maintenance. - Safety Ownership:
Acknowledges that regulated parties have the primary responsibility for compliance and are required to:
- Resolve all orders within the compliance time provided
- Resolve low- or medium-risk safety tasks within the compliance time provided without further TSSA inspection
New Format for
Inspection Reports
Enhanced Clarity of Inspection Reports:
(The new format applies to inspection reports across all programs: Elevating & Amusement Devices; Ski Lifts; Fuels; Boilers & Pressure Vessels; Operating Engineer)
- Improved language
- Display orders based on the compliance time (orders with the shortest time to achieve compliance will appear at the top)
- Display resolved orders (if any)
Consolidation of Expiry Dates for Elevating Devices &
Ski Lifts
Same Expiry Date for all Authorizations:
- Consolidation of expiry dates gives authorization holders the option to have one expiry date for their devices for each account. The option will be available to authorization holders of elevating devices and ski lifts as of March 1, 2023. Interested applicants can request an application form by sending an email to licencingandregistration@tssa.org.
- Customers can better manage billing cycles and pay renewal licenses at the same time for all devices.
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.