Safety Standards General Regulation - Electrical work in emergencies

This Directive is being issued by a provincial safety manager pursuant to section 30 of the Safety Standards Act.

Scope

This directive provides guidance on the interpretation and application of the Safety Standards General Regulation with respect to electrical work performed in an emergency or when permit issuing offices are closed.

SAFETY STANDARDS GENERAL REGULATION, S. 12 PERMIT REQUIRED UNLESS EXEMPTED OR IN AN EMERGENCY

Section 12(2):

In an emergency or if required to perform regulated work when the permit issuing office is closed, a person is not required to obtain a permit before performing regulated work if the person:

• a. is authorized under the Safety Standards Act to perform the regulated work, and
• b. applies for a permit from the regulatory authority on the first business day following the emergency or the next day that the permit issuing office is open.

Interpretation:

Section 12(2)(a) applies to electrical work, under emergencies. For the purpose of this section, a person is deemed to be in compliance with this regulation when the work is performed:

1. In order to prevent or reduce an imminent or immediate risk of injury or damage;
2. Following an incident, as defined in the Safety Standards Act, and the work is only performed to restore power and lighting to facilitate safety during demolition or restoration activities;
3. To restore fire alarm or life safety systems; or
4. As required by law.

A homeowner, as defined in the Electrical Safety Regulation (ESR), may only perform work in accordance with ESR, s. 4(1)(d) and the provisions of Safety Standards General Regulation, s. 12(2) do not apply to a homeowner.

For the purpose of Section 12(2)(b):

“the first business day following the emergency or the next day that the permit issuing office is open” is interpreted as meaning: during business hours of the permit issuing office, and by the end of the next business day during which a permit issuing office is open.

Provincial Safety Manager

References: 

Safety Standards Act
Safety Standards General Regulation
Electrical Safety Regulation