FAQs: Elevating Devices Inspections

FAQs

• How often does TSSA inspect devices, and on what authority?

  O. Reg. 209/01: Elevating Devices gives TSSA the authority to inspect devices at any interval that is determined by the director for the purpose of ensuring the device’s safe operation.
  TSSA has developed a risk-based periodic inspection program that uses risk factors to determine the frequency of these inspections.

• What is risk-based scheduling and what are the benefits to the elevating devices industry?

  TSSA’s risk-based approach protects public safety by focusing activities on devices that pose a greater risk to the public. Owners who maintain safer devices will benefit from reduced inspection charges since their devices will not need to be inspected as often. TSSA also benefits by avoiding having to use resources to check devices that have a history of safety compliance. This enables us to focus on devices that require more monitoring to ensure public safety. In the risk-based scheduling model, elevating devices are assigned a standard frequency at which they are to be inspected. A system of debits and credits are then applied to adjust that frequency, using the following risk criteria to determine the final inspection frequency: • Safety performance rating of past periodic inspections. • Number of floors in the building. • Safety performance rating of companies that maintain elevating devices. • Age of the device. • Type of building

• When can I expect a reply from TSSA’s Inspection Scheduling team?

  Inspections are scheduled based on the time of the request, priority level and Inspector availability. Our team of agents will respond to calls in sequence during our regular business hours. Agents will respond to emailed inspection requests within one business day.

• Can I request a preferred time for an inspection?

  Yes, our agents look to accommodate your preferred inspection time. Inspections are scheduled based on priority level and time the request was made.

• Can I request a particular inspector?

  TSSA assigns inspectors based on type of inspection, availability, and location. When possible, the same inspector will be assigned to your worksite for continuity.

• How does TSSA determine the amount of time required for an inspection?

  Based on the estimated average time required for various types of inspections, TSSA’s inspection scheduling agents will ask questions to better understand the scope of the inspection. You are encouraged to share details with the scheduling agent to help establish the length of the inspection. Inspectors will also review their schedules and request changes as needed.

• If we require more than one inspection, do we need to schedule each one separately or can we schedule this work together in one visit?

  In many cases, work can be grouped for the same job and type. Please ask the agent when scheduling an inspection. Multiple jobs may require multiple visits by an inspector, depending on the nature and type of job and the inspector’s availability.

• If an inspector is behind schedule, could my inspection time change or be cancelled?

  There may be times when an inspection scheduling agent contacts a customer to adjust or change an inspection time. If this inspection time cannot be changed because of its high priority level, the TSSA agent will consider scheduling another inspector or, if required, consult the Program Supervisor.

• How does TSSA manage cancellations or delays of an inspection caused by inclement weather, illness, etc.?

  A TSSA agent may need to change the timing of an inspection or assign another Inspector. Agents will contact customers to discuss. If an inspection is cancelled by the requestor while the inspector is on route or has arrived at the worksite, a flat travel charge will be applied. Cancellations with one business day of notice will not incur a charge.

• What happens if the inspection cannot be completed within the allocated time?

  In most cases, inspectors can adjust their schedule while onsite to complete an inspection. Inspectors will notify the Inspection Scheduling team as required. TSSA also schedules a window of time between inspections that give inspectors some flexibility within their schedule to stay longer at a worksite or arrive earlier at the next worksite. The Inspection Scheduling team will notify you if there are any changes.