TSSA is seeking your feedback on two proposed fees: Authorization Late Payment Fee and Inspection Cancellation Fee.
TSSA’s fee structure does not currently include an authorization late payment or inspection cancellation fee. The introduction of these fees will encourage customer compliance, improve safety, efficiency and expediency in delivery of customer-initiated inspection services.
The opportunity to provide feedback will be open until Tuesday May 21, 2024.
TSSA will review and consider stakeholder feedback, and follow-up with respondents on the outcome of the consultation.
TSSA appreciates your time and attention in providing your input.
The consultation is now closed.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), in partnership with the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), held the 22nd annual TSSA Amusement Ride Safety Training from April 2 to 5, 2024.
More than 160 registrants received 16 hours of continuing education credits from NAARSO by attending the three-day forum, which was held in Oshawa, Ontario this year.
In-class and practical sessions covered a gamut of topics that included ride inspection and audit, rider accessibility, ride evacuation, maintenance records, standards and regulatory updates, welding best practices, electrical requirements, grounding and bonding, and more.
Regional Supervisor for Elevating and Amusement Devices (EDAD) Sonny Silva and EDAD Engineer Joelle Javier were the event organizers behind this successful training event. Silva and Javier also gave an update on TSSA regulations and standards.
Presenters included ride manufacturers, engineers, ride mechanics, theme park operations professionals and other regulators.
Other notable speakers included Alan Black, principal of adbForensics, Inc. Black delivered a keynote, “Bringing Aviation Insights to Amusement Rides” and shared his safety insights gained from a career in aerospace and 18 years as a Principal Engineer and Director for Walt Disney working on the advanced design of rides, show and stunt equipment for theme parks and resorts worldwide.
Dr. Kathryn Woodcock, a Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University in the School of Occupational and Public Health, delivered an insightful session on accessibility and inclusive design in amusement rides from an accessibility rider’s point of view. Her area of expertise covers amusement rides and attractions, human-error and accident analysis, and safety inspection.
Dr. Woodcock underscored the importance of analyzing and documenting the rationale behind ride restrictions in ride manuals and operations and balancing safety, accessibility and inclusion to ensure that safety rules protect riders and do not exclude people with disabilities.
Other speakers at the training event included NAARSO’s John Riggleman who presented on rider eligibility and screening, and two speakers from Electrical Safety Authority — Gord Kelly and Keith Bartlett — who talked about the electrical process and industry practice.
TSSA’s Engineering Technologist Patrick McDermott’s presentation entitled "Electrical Schematics, Common Control Issues, Examples of Circuits” pointed to the importance of having good electrical schematics that would inform what to review and how the ride or device works.
The training event wrapped up with NAARSO level I and II exams on April 4, 2024.
“Providing the platform for amusement-ride professionals to receive 16 hours of continuing education credits from NAARSO is an important safety initiative to ensure that attendees have the updated expertise to operate safely in their jobs,” said AJ Kadirgamar, TSSA’s Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices and Ski Lifts Safety Program.
 In-class and practical sessions covered a gamut of safety topics over the three-day training. |
Did you know that 65% of fuels-related incidents in Ontario are attributed to issues such as substandard installation of fuel-burning appliances and poor maintenance practices?
Safety is a right, not a compromise. As we mark World Consumer Rights Day, TSSA wants to remind Ontarians about what you can do to protect yourself and loved ones from fraudulent fuels workers, otherwise known as “trunk slammers.”
In Ontario, furnaces and fuel-fired appliances must be installed and serviced by TSSA-registered contractors who employ certified and trained gas technicians. Without proper certifications and registrations, identifying and rectifying issues caused by trunk slammers can be challenging. Moreover, their work is not audited for safety compliance, potentially exposing consumers to severe consequences, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Spotting the Signs of Trunk Slammers
When seeking a contractor for fuels work, watch out for these red flags:
- Ontario prohibits the sale of furnaces and water heaters by door-to-door salespeople unless the homeowner has requested this or there is already a contract in place. Exercise caution when approached in this manner.
- Be cautious of businesses offering rebates and incentives supposedly approved by the government or utility companies. These may be baiting tactics. Always verify such offers directly from the source to avoid scams.
- Legitimate contractors seldom provide quotes over the phone without assessing the job on-site, nor do they demand a significant cash advance upfront. Beware of those pressuring you into making purchase decisions on the spot.
Be wary if someone claiming to be a TSSA inspector tries to sell furnaces, water heaters, or energy services. TSSA inspectors do not sell products or services and do not go door-to-door. TSSA inspectors only attend residential locations as part of an official incident investigation or when a homeowner requests a visit.
Tools to Protect Yourself from Trunk Slammers
Remember that you can take proactive steps to guard against trunk slammers when you are planning fuels work in your home:
- Verify Credentials: Qualified fuels contractors readily provide a full business address, telephone number, and customer references. Before engaging fuels contractors, use the "Look up a fuels contractor" tool on tssa.org to verify their credentials.
- Report Fraud: When you come across a fraudulent fuels worker, report them to TSSA by sending an email to: fuels_technical_services@tssa.org. As a regulator, TSSA is committed to investigating and taking legal action against unlawful operators. Your action can save others from fuels scams.
- Explore Resources: Visit TSSA’s website for additional resources and real-life scammer stories. These firsthand experiences offer invaluable insights for combating fuels scammers.
Stay fuels wise by educating yourself about trunk slammers, recognizing red flags and promptly reporting any suspicious fuels activity to TSSA.
Remember, safety is right, not a compromise.
Service delay expected during system shutdown from March 21 to 28, 2024, in preparation for the TSSA Client Portal, a one-stop shop for doing business with TSSA
March 7, 2024 — TSSA is performing some critical system upgrades that will require a system shutdown from noon on March 21 until 8:45 a.m. on March 28.
During and immediately after the system shutdown, TSSA’s response times may be delayed, and services may be limited for all sectors. We seek your understanding and patience as we perform these crucial system upgrades.
Customers in all sectors (Fuels, Elevating and Amusement Devices, Ski Lifts, Boilers and Pressure Vessels, and Operating Engineers) who have plans to submit requests or applications should do so before March 21 or after 8.45 a.m. on March 28, 2024.
The table below lists the affected services during the system shutdown.
Affected Services from noon on March 21 to 28, 8.45 a.m.
Service | Impact |
| Customer Service | From March 21 to 28, TSSA’s Customer Contact Centre will be available to answer general inquiries and assist customers in navigating the website. |
Prepayment Portal | - Applications that require prepayment can be submitted through the Prepayment Portal during the transition period. - Applications submitted through the Prepayment Portal between March 21 and March 28 will be processed after March 28, 2024. |
Invoice Payment Portal | - Credit card payments for invoiced services or authorizations can be made through the Online Payment Portal. - All payments submitted through the Invoice Payment Portal between March 21 and March 28 will be processed after March 28, 2024, and posted to customer accounts. |
Non-Credit Card Payments | All payments other than credit card payments submitted to TSSA between March 21 and March 28 will be processed after March 28, 2024, and posted to customer accounts. |
Issuance of Invoices | Invoices for services performed between March 21 and March 28 will be issued after March 28, 2024. |
Request for Public Information | Requests for public information received between March 21 and March 28, will be processed after March 28, 2024. |
New Account or Updates to Account Information | From March 21 to 28, 2024: - 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 for engineering services during and shortly after the transition period. |
| Inspection Services | Scheduled inspections will continue as normal. To schedule or reschedule an inspection, contact Inspection Scheduling Agents at 1-833-WFP-TSSA or send an email to: - EDAD Ski: EDADInspection@tssa.org - BPV/OE: inspectionscheduling@tssa.org - Fuels: fuelsinspection@tssa.org 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 may receive a temporary inspection report during the transition period. Standard inspection reports will follow once the system shutdown ends on March 28, 2024. |
Boilers & Pressure Vessels (BPV COI) - Certificate of Inspection | From March 21 to March 28: - 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 from March 21 to 28, 2024. |
Portal for Boilers & Pressure Vessels - Certificate of Inspection (BPV COI Portal) | As the BPV COI Portal will not be accessible to insurers, inspection agencies or owners between March 21 and March 28, 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 from March 21 to 28, 2024. - Records of Inspection for boilers and pressure vessels cannot be submitted from March 21 to 28, 2024. - Insurer cancellation requests cannot be processed during the transition period. |
Licences, Registrations and Other Items Mailed Out by TSSA | Mailings of licences, registrations and other items will resume on March 28, 2024. |
Exam Results/ Individual Authorizations | Exam results and individual certificates (authorizations) will not be officially issued from March 21 to 28, 2024. Note: Exam scheduling activities and marking will continue, and candidates will be notified of the results via email. |
Check out the latest updates in the January/February 2024 issue of the Safety Dispatch e-newsletter, your source of safety news and initiatives across TSSA’s regulated sectors.
Keep your fingers on the pulse of safety developments.
Technical safety is improving in Ontario with fewer serious injuries over the past few years. Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)’s aim is to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency so that everyone can focus their time on what matters – reducing the potential for harm.
As a not-for-profit public safety regulator, TSSA charges fees on a cost-recovery basis that reflect the true cost of providing public safety services.
Fees are reviewed annually to ensure that TSSA is adequately resourced to fulfil its safety mandate and regulatory responsibilities. After conducting a thorough fee review, TSSA has determined that a fee increase is necessary across all sectors. TSSA’s efficiency measures have meant that over the last decade TSSA’s fee changes have been lower than inflation.
Fee increase of 5% for all safety programs
For the purpose of cost recovery, TSSA is implementing a 5% increase to all fees effective May 1, 2024. Averaged over three years this puts TSSA’s fee increases at 2.94% which is less than the 4.57% average rate of inflation over the same period.
Ease of doing business with TSSA: introducing the TSSA Client Portal
TSSA is investing in a new Client Portal that will make it easier for regulated parties to perform online transactions with TSSA. Starting from April 2024, the portal will launch in stages, providing customers with access to an increasing range of digital services. These include creating and updating account information, viewing exam results, paying outstanding invoices, submitting applications online and many more. Please visit our website www.tssa.org for more updates about this portal.
General reminders: the steps to minimize your fees
TSSA has already adopted a streamlined fee structure that charges fixed fees for safety administration and oversight. Additional billing for inspections occurs when more than one follow-up inspection is required due to non-compliance. Customers with a good safety record can avoid additional charges for repeated follow-up inspections. To comply with regulatory obligations and save costs, customers are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Remain compliant with all safety regulations and codes.
- Make sure your workers have the appropriate training and certifications that apply to them.
- Provide ongoing safety training and education for your workers.
- Make sure all required documentation is in order.
- Provide any support needed for TSSA to complete an inspection.
- Plan ahead so you do not pay additional fees for rush services.
- Keep your authorizations (licences, permits, registrations, certificates) current.
Keep your contact and device information up to date.
TSSA is introducing more compliance standards that target high-risk hazards identified through an analysis of historical inspection and incident data. These standards provide regulated industries with an enhanced understanding of their obligations and help ensure public safety. TSSA’s fee structure supports TSSA’s transformation to an Outcome-Based Regulator by enabling the organization 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 unauthorized 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.
The Consumers Advisory Council is seeking to recruit a member to add to the broad range of public and consumer interests and perspectives on the Council.
The mandate of the Consumers Advisory Council (CAC) is to provide independent, non-partisan advice and guidance on any aspect of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA’s) operations which:
- has an impact on the public or on consumers who are purchasers or users of products and/or devices regulated by TSSA; or
- affects public safety of activities regulated by TSSA.
Such advice and guidance will assist TSSA in successfully achieving its mission to enhance public safety.
In support of its mandate, the council provides the President and CEO with observations, identifies gaps, and recommends opportunities for improvement with respect to TSSA’s services, policies and actions, including but not limited to TSSA’s:
- reporting of, and response to, safety incidents and trends;
- provision of public safety education; and
- reporting of, and responding to, specific issues and trends.
Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Consumers Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings.
If you are interested in applying, please submit a letter of interest and resume later than March 29, 2024. The letter of intent should include a statement of the applicant’s background and interests relevant to the Council, such as relevant previous work, consumer or service advocacy, or volunteerism with consumers, and any special interests in one or more of the technical areas regulated by TSSA or public safety in general. Please submit both the resume and letter of interest to:
Olga Sousa-Dias
(Acting) Council Coordinator
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Tel: 416-734-3320
Fax: 416-231-1060
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org
Notice: Parties having an interest in 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 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 to 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 nominations from Utilities/Distribution (CNG or LNG or hydrogen or RNG) to represent this stakeholder group.
https://www.tssa.org/en/fuels/advisory-council.aspx
If you are interested in nominating yourself for a position as a Council Member, please submit a letter of interest/nomination together with a resume to by March 29, 2024:
Olga Sousa Dias
(Acting) Council Coordinator
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Tel: 416-734-3320
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org
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 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 to 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 nominations from a Manufacturer/Designer to represent this stakeholder group.
Please visit the TSSA website to access information about the Propane Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings.
If you are interested in nominating yourself for a position as a Council Member, please submit a letter of interest/nomination together with a resume by March 29, 2024 to:
Olga Sousa Dias
(Acting) Council Coordinator
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org
Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Amusement Device 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 a number of 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; and
- a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.
The Amusement Devices Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent the respective stakeholder groups:
- An owner or operator of Go Karts
- An Amusement device mechanic
- An owner or operator of Camps
Please 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 yourself for a position as a Council Member, please submit a letter of interest/nomination together with a resume by March 29, 2024 to:
Olga Sousa Dias
(Acting) Council Coordinator
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Tel: 416-734-3320
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org