Elevating

The BC Safety Authority is inviting feedback from all interested parties on the proposed 2012-2014 fee changes for the electrical, elevating devices, gas, and boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration technologies.

Proposed fee changes

The BC Safety Authority conducted a preliminary consultation with its top clients and key industry associations on an initial proposal of a 5% maximum increase in 2012, and a 3% maximum increase in both 2013 and 2014. The feedback was that the increased cost pressures would impact their business in a competitive market. We are therefore reducing the proposed increases to a weighted average of 3% in each year from 2012 through 2014, with 2012 increases in effect September 2012 at the earliest. Fees for homeowner permits will not be increased in 2012.

Proposed fee schedules by technology:

Boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration proposed fees
Electrical proposed fees
Elevating devices proposed fees
Gas proposed fees

Larger print format of proposed fee schedules:

Boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration proposed fees (large print format)
Electrical proposed fees (large print format)
Elevating devices proposed fees (large print format)
Gas proposed fees (large print format)

The proposed fee schedules are also available at all BC Safety Authority offices.

Reasons for fee increase

The BC Safety Authority has maintained a fee freeze for the past four years in support of its clients during the economic downturn. Unfortunately, this has caused the BC Safety Authority to run deficits in 2010 and 2011. In order to effectively continue providing professional regulatory oversight and a high level of client service, we need to increase our fees. Your fees support several safety services including, but not limited to the following:

Safety & Education (2011)

• 254,000 permits, licences and certificates issued
• 60,000 physical Inspections
• 180 compliance orders
• 13 monetary penalties
• More than 200 incident investigations at no additional cost
• 70 free tech talks around the province
• Direct-to-Public safety campaigns (Be in the Know about CO; Think Permit)

Efficiency & Innovation

• Risk-based inspection and certification programs means BC Safety Authority resources go to the areas on highest risk to public safety – savings to the entire system
• Safety management plans introduced – a new way of managing safety in complex situations

Investing in the Future

$10 million over 3 years to replace outdated IT system so that by 2013:

• Online processing for all technologies
• More convenience through online credit card payment
• Consolidate invoices - many permits on one invoice will reduce paperwork
• One account per client across all technologies
• Fees increasingly based on risk rankings

Consultation, feedback and questions

We now would like to get feedback from all interested parties on the proposed fees. The consultation period will run from April 11, 2012 through May 18, 2012. After considering all input from the consultation process, a final 2012-2014 fee schedule will then be determined. In June 2012, we will publish a notification of the final fee schedules and their effective dates. Later in 2012, we will also be consulting on the simplification of our fee structures.

To provide feedback on the proposed 2012-2014 fee changes, please use any of the following methods:

1. Feedback form:
   Give your comments through the webform
   Download a PDF form to give your comments
   Hard copies of forms are also available at all BC Safety Authority offices.
2. Email: feecomments@safetyauthority.ca
   
   
3. Mail:
   BC Safety Authority
   #200 - 505 6^th Street
   New Westminster BC  V3L 0E1
   Attention:  Jim Allaway, Leader - Stakeholder Engagement Programs
4. Fax: 778-396-2064
   Attention: Jim Allaway, Leader - Stakeholder Engagement Programs

Please note that all comments become part of the Stakeholder Engagement Program's database and may be published, including the identity of organizations and those participating on behalf of organizations. The identity of those who have participated as individuals will be kept confidential according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The BC Safety Authority initiated a consultation process on the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation, to adopt the most recent versions of the Canadian Standards Association code for lifts with persons with physical disabilities (CSA B355-09). The reason for recommending the adoption of this CSA Code is to help safeguard against the risk of accidents associated with access and operation of elevating devices for persons with physical disabilities.

Over a period of six weeks, we received feedback from the industry, in particular those individuals, companies, and associations representing Class A, Class RA, Class H elevating device contractors as well as owners/property managers, and consultants impacted by these potential changes.

Consultation Report

We are sharing the consultation report to acknowledge the feedback received and the key issues brought forward. We have also assembled a chart (see Appendix 1 in the consultation report), which outlines all the comments put forward by the stakeholders and the BC Safety Authority responses.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, and or comments, please feel free to contact Jim Allaway at: jim.allaway@safetyauthority.ca

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If you own a building that has an elevating device installed, it’s your responsibility to request an operating permit one year after the work was done. You also need to renew the permit every year thereafter.

Your renewal reminder and form will be mailed 30 days before your operating permit expires. Please submit your form in person at any BCSA office or call
1-866-566-7233.

Be prepared to pay the renewal fee.

To retain your operating permit you need to hire a licensed maintenance contractor to perform mandatory maintenance. For more information see the Mandatory Maintenance directive.

If you have a new installation, the certificate of inspection is considered your operating permit for the first year.

Remember, all active elevating devices must have an operating permit.

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Licensed contractors must provide a design submission for each unit being considered before they install or alter any elevating device. An elevating device includes elevators, escalators, moving walkways, or dumbwaiter lifts.

The steps after getting your installation permit may include a construction inspection and will include an acceptance inspection. Follow the steps to get your installation permit.

Installation Permit

Before installing an elevating device, you’ll need to get the design specifications registered. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation letter which becomes your installation permit.

To get the design registered, you must be a licensed elevating device contractor and you must hire the services of a professional, BC-licensed engineer to certify the design registration.

When you have the design specifications of your device:

1. Complete the Elevating Devices Drawings and Specifications Submission for Installation Permit Form 1069. The professional engineer must add their professional seal to the form and indicate conformance with the applicable code.
2. To submit your design application, submit your forms and drawings to the BCSA New Westminster office in person or by mail.

Our design registration review can take up to four weeks from the date you submit an application.