Advisory Groups and Committees
Annual State of Safety 2023
Advisory Groups and Committees
Technical Safety BC engages panels of industry experts who volunteer their time to provide input and recommendations on topic-specific issues related to the design, implementation and evaluation of safety policy and regulation, service design, and technical safety programs.
We can approach and influence safety from a holistic point of view thanks to the industry experts who worked with us in 2023. Along with these partners in safety, we:
- managed ammonia safety risk through a tailored behavioural-based intervention program,
- combatted incidents involving falls from carriers such as chairlifts by piloting an intervention initiative,
- engaged in deeper conversations about the proposed amusement program redesign as we await updates from the Province on including trampoline courts in the new Amusement Device Program,
- improved the client experience by enhancing our information technology systems after understanding the client journey and clients’ pain points,
- advanced safety by providing recommendations on CSA B44:19 and CSA B355:19 code changes, including on the code adoption process, and
- advanced safety byproviding recommendations on CSA Z185:23 code changes and the introduction of mast climbing transport platforms as a new type of elevating device.
The following shares further details of some of the topics of our collaboration.
Ammonia Safety Awareness Program
The Ammonia Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) was launched in 2021 alongside refrigeration industry experts through the Ammonia Risk Prevention Working Group. In 2023, we continued with the ongoing delivery and promotion of this program.
Recently, we evaluated the program approximately one year after its official launch. Through the evaluation, we confirmed that the knowledge and awareness shared is having positive impact on the industry, though it also showed that there is still work to be done in reinforcing the importance of regular maintenance on equipment.
We presented the results of the evaluation to the Ammonia Risk Prevention Working Group. Among its findings, all respondents found the program to be valuable, as 52% of respondents rated the program’s content to be very valuable, and 48% rated the content to be somewhat valuable.
The most impactful changes reported by participants as a result of program participation were:
- increased knowledge of safety practices and maintenance;
- increased involvement and communication with refrigeration contractors; and
- increased communication between Technical Safety BC and non-technical staff members.
Participants reported an increase in the frequency of communicating with maintenance contractors, with 30% communicating with maintenance contractors once per month, compared to only 20% the year prior.
Additionally, over six in 10 ASAP participants (63%) read and understand service reports from maintenance contractors, which increased from 56% a year prior.
Going forward, we will endeavor to advance the program and continue to collaborate with industry to understand and mitigate the risks of ammonia and other refrigerants.
Chairlift Safety
Increased incidents involving falls from carriers prompted us to work with industry to co-develop and pilot an intervention for passenger behaviour during the 2022-2023 ski and snowboarding season. We used signage to encourage patrons to lower and raise the restraining bar at the right time at four different ski hills in BC.
We also issued an information bulletin to raise industry awareness on the increase of falls from chairlift carriers.
Looking ahead, we will continue our collaboration with the passenger ropeways industry to better understand behavioural causes and potential risk mitigation solutions.
"Increased incidents involving falls from carriers prompted us to work with industry to co-develop and pilot an intervention for passenger behaviour during the 2022-2023 ski and snowboarding season."
Gaining Participation on Electrical Operating Permits
Operating permits allow us to support clients throughout the lifecycle of their electrical systems and equipment. Active operating permits are important to the safety system and help to increase knowledge about how to maintain electrical systems in our clients’ buildings.
In 2023, we sought to explore ways to increase client participation on obtaining electrical operating permits. We delivered live webinars to over 170 attendees through Condominium Homeowners Association of BC (CHOA) and Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). Focus groups consisting of electrical permit holders also helped us better understand the value of an electrical operating permit from a client’s viewpoint.
"When appropriate, we seek opportunities to share findings from incidents with industry partners. We appreciate the open dialogue with industry experts during our presentations."
Preventing Incidents Together
When appropriate, we seek opportunities to share findings from incidents with industry partners. We appreciate the open dialogue with industry experts during our presentations.
We encourage safety partners to participate in conversations with our community, stay up to date with our latest projects, provide valuable feedback in surveys, focus groups, and more. Engage with us.