About Technical Safety BC
Learn About Us
We're a self-funded organization that works with industry, overseeing the safety of technical systems and equipment across BC. Learn about what we do and how we can help you.
About Us
We oversee the installation and operation of equipment and systems in BC that are subject to specific rules and safety guidelines under the Safety Standards Act and Railway Safety Act. These include energy technologies like electrical, gas, boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration, as well as transportation technologies like elevating, commuter railways (such as SkyTrain), passenger ropeways (including ski lifts), and amusement devices (like ziplines, roller coasters, and waterslides).
We are mandated by the Government of BC and are funded by industry. We operate under a regulatory framework and our Strategy, which is managed by our executive team and governed by the board of directors.
Why We Do Our Work
Every day, people in BC use boilers, gas, or electrical equipment at home, work, school, and in public places. Many also ride on elevators and the SkyTrain or enjoy a fun day at the fair or ice rink. British Columbians should feel safe as they go about their daily activities, so we work with those who own or work on regulated equipment to ensure they are certified, licensed and compliant with the latest codes and standards.
We work with clients through the entirety of their equipment’s lifecycle, from design to disposal.
How We Do Our Work
Everyone has their own role and shared responsibility for safety in BC. From contractors who hire qualified individuals to do regulated work, to technicians who follow safety procedures, to homeowners who hire a licensed contractor for their renovations, and many situations in between.
Our aim as a safety regulator is to empower those who affect safety in their work every day and hold them accountable for meeting safety requirements.
We provide guidance through:
- design registration, education, outreach, and
the issuance of licences or certificates of qualification.
We assess:
installation and operating permits, and
- notifications received about hazardous conditions.
Our safety officers conduct both remote and on-site assessments. We also investigate incidents when they occur and share safety information and recommendations. In cases where safety regulations are not being met, our compliance and enforcement team may step in.
We issue licenses and certifications across BC, and issue permits in most of the province, except where we do not have jurisdiction.
How We Work with Industry
We work with industry to understand how we can better serve our clients through the services we offer and the way they transact with us. Our clients also provide invaluable feedback when we set our fees or recommend updates to codes and standards.
We collaborate with Indigenous peoples and communities to identify common safety goals with local community experts and continue to pursue Indigenous reconciliation.
