2009 Licence Holder Meetings
The licence holder meetings for 2009 have drawn to a close. The first meeting was held in Mississauga on September 23, 2009 with over 150 electrical contractors and master electricians in attendance. A second meeting was held in Ottawa on October 22, 2009. The licence holder meetings included opening remarks from the ECRA Board Chairman, Glenn Carr and a presentation from the Registrar of Licensing, Lucy Impera. Both summarized a report of all the accomplishments ECRA achieved over the last fiscal year.
At the Mississauga meeting, ESA’s own Dave Heron (Technical Advisor) gave a compelling presentation on the importance of: refusing to perform live electrical work and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment to guard against serious incidents such as arc flash.
The licence holder meeting in Ottawa was attended by almost 100 electrical contractors and master electricians. A special presentation was given by Dr. Joel Fish who is the Chief Medical Officer of the Burn Program and Electrical Injury at St. John’s Rehab Hospital as well as the Medical Director for the burn unit at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Dr. Fish’s expertise in rehabilitating burn victims is world renowned. The information presented was in relation to injuries sustained by burn victims after the occurrence of major and minor electrical incidents. He spoke specifically to major developments in the rehabilitation of victims who have incurred long term injuries as a result of making contact with low voltage electrical equipment. We are very privileged to have had Dr. Fish share his research with us.
For more details of the Registrar’s Report and remarks from the Chairperson of the ECRA Board, please access the links below.
Registrar’s Report- 2009 Licence Holder Meeting
Chairpersons Remarks
On September 8, 2009 we launched an aggressive fall campaign that will include radio ads, public service announcements, CP24 TV ad units, and a public relations initiative to ensure high campaign visibility among the general public and contractor audiences. Our messaging has been updated to reinforce the link between using Licensed Electrical Contractors and encourage the general public to "Plug in Safely". This messaging draws an association between Licensed Electrical Contractors and getting the job done right, safely, the first time while emphasizing that electrical work can be complicated. Listen for the ads and public service announcements on a number of radio stations across Ontario, and watch for the ad units on CP24.
Radio Ads schedule September/October and CP24 Ad Unit
Continuing to Step Forward
Transitioning of Provisional Electrical Contractor Licensees (EC-P) in the High Voltage (HV), Pole Line (PL) and Sub Station (SS) contracting industries into the full Electrical Contractor Licensing system
The Electrical Safety Authority working in conjunction with an Industry Stakeholder Committee has developed a proposal for changes to Ontario Regulation 570/05 to allow for HV/PL/SS persons to meet the full Electrical Contractor Licensing requirements. The final Committee recommendations are outlined in the attached document. A public consultation process will begin later in the year, further details to be posted as soon as they are available.
High Voltage (HV), Pole Line (PL), SubStation (SS) Final Recommendations, Apr 8, 2009
High Voltage (HV), Pole Line (PL), SubStation (SS) Contractors Review Oct. 2008
Introduction
On April 1, 1999, Ontario Hydro's Electrical Inspection Division became the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) assuming the responsibilities previously held by Ontario Hydro's Electrical Inspection Division. The ESA was established as a not-for-profit corporation following the Ministry of Consumer Services delegated administrative authority model that transfers the delivery of services previously provided by the Ministry to the private sector.
The Safety and Consumer Statutes Administration Act and an Administrative Agreement with the Ministry establish the legal framework for the ESA's operation as an Administrative Authority. In addition, the ESA is designated by Ontario Regulation 89/99 as the responsible authority for purposes of section 113 of the Electricity Act, 1998 and associated Ontario Regulations 10/02 (The Ontario Electrical Safety Code), 22/04 (Electrical Distribution Safety) and 570/05 (Licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians).
Since 2001, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and the electrical contracting sector have been working together to develop a provincial licensing framework proposal to address concerns with the current licensing scheme of electrical contractors and master electricians throughout the province of Ontario.
The 2003 Provincial Auditor's Report noted electrical safety concerns and recommended that the Ministry of Consumer Services and the ESA work with stakeholders to develop consistent provincial standards for ongoing licensing and training of electricians to improve public safety.
In late 2004 the Government of Ontario amended the Electricity Act, 1998, with the passage of Bill 70. This bill enabled the establishment of a statutory framework for province-wide licensing of electrical contractors and master electricians in the compulsory electrical trades, to be administered by the ESA.
Ministry of Consumer Services News Release
As of January 1, 2007 no person shall operate an Electrical Contracting Business in Ontario without first obtaining an Electrical Contractor Licence issued by ECRA/ESA.
As of January 1, 2007 no person shall assume the responsibility of a Designated Master Electrician for the carrying out of electrical work on behalf of an Electrical Contractor without first obtaining a Master Electrician Licence issued by ECRA/ESA.
