Variance

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Variance is a tool used by a safety officer that allows for

  • a deviation from the application of a regulation under section 32 of the Safety Standards Act (the Act), or allows for
  • a use other than the standard use of a regulated product ( as long as the proposed use is not specifically prohibited under the Act).  

Safety officers may only issue variances for such things as a deviation from strict code adherence and only when they are convinced that equivalent safety will be obtained under variance.

Variances can be applied to any regulated work or product, including units, installation permits, operating permits, and design/product registrations and approvals.

Apply for Variance

Variance applications can now be found online. Our Online Services offers a convenient way to submit a variance request, check the status of your application, communicate with a safety officer through the correspondence feature, and manage your payments.

All variance requests must be submitted through your Online Services account or they will be rejected. If you do not have an account, you can sign up now.

  1. Log in to your Online Services account.
  2. Go to the dashboard and select variance.
  3. Select the type of variance from the dropdown menu:
    1. For electrical, gas, boiler and pressure vessel variance requests, select EL/GA/BPV Variance Request.
    2. For elevating, passenger ropeways, and amusement devices variance requests, select ED/PR/AD Variance Request.
  4. Complete the applicable webform.
  5. Upload and attach all supporting documentation.
  6. Submit your application.

Once your submission is reviewed, a new invoice will appear in your dashboard. Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice and variances will not be issued until payment is made.

Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. Please allow up to three weeks for review. You can check the status of your application by logging in to your Online Services account.

Fees

Fees may vary depending on the type of technology. For more information, refer to our fee schedules.

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