Elevating Devices Inspections

To ensure the safety of elevating devices in Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) inspects new, existing and altered devices.

Inspection Overview

To ensure the safety of elevating devices in Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) performs:

Initial inspections for new elevating device installations.
Inspections of major and minor alterations to elevating devices.
Periodic inspections for existing elevating devices.

Initial Inspections for New Installations

Before a new elevating device 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

If applicable based on device the type, complete the appropriate pre-inspection checklist

Once the new installation design has been approved by TSSA and installation is complete, the registered contractor or owner must complete the appropriate Pre-Inspection Checklist.

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 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.

4. Forms Required Prior to Inspection

The registered contractor or owner must submit a Pre-Inspection Checklist, as noted above, to EDADInspection@tssa.org a minimum of two business days prior to the scheduled inspection date.

Include one of the following Examination forms.

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

Inspections for Alterations of Existing Equipment

Alterations to elevating devices covered in the CSA B44-Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators and CSA B355-Platform Lifts and Stair Lifts for Barrier-Free Access are classified as either Major, Minor A or Minor B alterations.

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

B44 Devices

B355 Devices

Major Alterations:

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

Minor A and Minor B Alterations:

Elevating devices that have undergone Minor A or Minor B 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

1. 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.

2. 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 for to determine the frequency of elevating device periodic inspections. Periodic inspections are scheduled automatically by TSSA. For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions About Inspections.

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.

Note: To reduce inefficiencies and regulatory costs resulting from short-notice cancellation on inspection, TSSA has introduced an Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee. This fee applies to cancellations made with two business days' or less notice, as well as to scheduled inspections that cannot be completed because customer is not ready. For more details, read Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee.

Resolving Inspection Order Concerns

Inspectors seek to ensure the safety of elevating devices. 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.

If you have questions disagree about an inspector’s order, follow the Inspection Order Resolution Protocol (pdf) to have your 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.