TSSA Continues to Enforce Elevator Safety Regulations During Labour Disruption

TORONTO, May 13, 2013 /CNW/ - The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), Ontario's public safety regulator, continues to enforce provincial elevator safety regulations during the current labour dispute between the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) representing elevator mechanics and contractors and the National Elevators and Escalators Association (NEEA) representing elevator companies.

"TSSA's mandate is specific to enforcing safety regulations, including elevators, at all times. Public safety is paramount and TSSA will not compromise its focus, including during a labour disruption," said Roland Hadaller, Director of TSSA's Elevating and Amusement Devices Safety Program.

During the labour disruption, TSSA will allow elevators that have not had minor maintenance tasks completed to continue operating in order to minimize the impact on the public. TSSA will monitor the situation and will reassess this approach if the labour disruption is prolonged. If at any time TSSA inspectors encounter an elevator that is unsafe, it will be immediately shut down in the interest of public safety.

Only qualified and TSSA-certified mechanics are legally permitted to service elevators in Ontario. This requirement is a cornerstone of the elevator safety regime and will be strictly enforced. Any mechanic performing service on elevators without the appropriate qualifications and certifications will face TSSA sanctions, including possible decertification and prosecution. Similarly, any elevator company employing unqualified and uncertified mechanics to service elevators will face possible deregistration and prosecution.

As Ontario's public safety regulator, TSSA has no role in the current contract dispute between IUEC and NEEA and will continue to enforce safety regulations to protect the public. A prolonged strike is expected to result in an increased number of elevator shutdowns, which will cause significant inconvenience to the public. TSSA encourages negotiators with both the IUEC and NEEA to return to the bargaining table to expeditiously resolve this dispute.

About TSSA

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an innovative, not-for-profit, organization dedicated to enhancing public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, ski lifts, and upholstered and stuffed articles. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization's vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.

SOURCE: Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Stakeholder Communications Group

Wilson Lee, Spokesperson
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: [phone]; Email: [email protected]
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.