Compliance and Enforcement
We administer the Safety Standards Act, which applies in most jurisdictions throughout British Columbia.
We care about compliance and enforcement because it supports the safety system. Compliance and enforcement is critical for ensuring that non-compliances and hazardous conditions are rectified and that no one contractor has an economic advantage over another.
So, if you are installing, operating, manufacturing, altering, maintaining, or selling equipment in any of the technologies we regulate — and fail to adhere to the Safety Standards Act and associated regulations — we may take compliance and enforcement action against you or your organization.
Non-Compliance
We may take action when compliance with the Safety Standards Act is not met. This includes when individuals have chosen to operate outside of the safety system or when they have resisted attempts to make their work or equipment compliant.
We have a range of actions that are part of the enforcement process which include warning notices, monetary penalties, and even suspension of contractor licenses or individual qualifications.
Enforcement Actions and Definitions
Bonds
Surety bonds are financial guarantees required to obtain both gas and electrical contractor licences. In certain circumstances, a safety manager may “call the bond,” requiring the funds to be applied to correct non-compliances.
Compliance Orders
Documents issued to a person or company by a Technical Safety BC safety officer or safety manager that specifies actions to be taken, stopped, or modified.
Compliance Audits
A systematic documented process in which Technical Safety BC gathers and evaluates evidence to determine the extent to which the duty holder (auditee) is complying with the requirements of the Safety Standards Act and Regulations (the audit criteria).
Warning Notices
Documents issued to a person or company by Technical Safety BC identifying non-compliant behaviour and further advising that future non-compliance of a similar nature may result in progressive enforcement action.
Monetary Penalties
Administrative penalties issued by a Technical Safety BC safety manager to a person or company for specific non-compliance(s) in amounts up to a maximum of $100,000.
Permission Suspension/Revocation
Permission suspension is a temporary withholding of privileges granted under a permit, qualification, or licence under the Safety Standards Act. Revocation is the complete termination of privileges granted under a permit, qualification, or licence under the Safety Standards Act.
Discipline Order
A document issued by a Technical Safety BC provincial safety manager to a person or company performing regulated work who: (1) is in breach of a condition of, or restriction on, any licence or permission; (2) practices in a discipline under the Safety Standards Act for which the contractor is not licensed or qualified; (3) fails to comply with a compliance order or safety order; (4) fails to comply with a requirement, term or condition of an Alternative Safety Approach, or; (5) is convicted of an offense under the Safety Standards Act. A discipline order typically attaches specific terms and conditions to a licence in an effort to compel compliance with the Safety Standards Act and regulations.
