What is TSSA stand on Air Duct Cleaning Technicians. Obviously they clean duct systems...but I of know many companies that clean inside furnaces as well. I thought a certified Gas Technician can only work(clean) inside gas-fired appliances. So does the scope of there phony company issued licences grant them that privilege? (keeping in mind that I do know of a few Air duct cleaning technicians that do have a gas fitters licence... but I'm refering to the ones that don't).
As far as I know duct cleaners are exempt as per Ontario Regulation 215/01 (http://www.hvactechgroup.com/article.php/20071111132902251) Section 55 (3).
QuoteExemptions
55. (1) A person is exempt from subsection 3 (1) with respect to the following activities:
1. Installing or servicing an appliance in a detached dwelling that is owned and occupied by the person but the person shall not activate a newly installed appliance until a person who is the holder of an appropriate certificate referred to in subsection 3 (1) determines that the appliance and its installation comply with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 212/01 (Gaseous Fuels) and Ontario Regulation 213/01 (Fuel Oil).
3. Installing, activating or servicing a portable appliance for his or her own personal use provided that the appliance does not serve the public.
3. Reactivating an appliance, in accordance with the certified lighting instructions of its manufacturer, located in a detached dwelling that is owned and occupied by the person,
i. if the appliance was initially installed and activated by a person who is the holder of an appropriate certificate referred to in subsection 3 (1), and
ii. if the appliance is maintained in a safe working condition.
4. If the person is the holder of a record of training, performing any work that is within the scope of work as set out in a PPO-1, PPO-2, PPO-3, PCI, PTO, CH-01, CH-02, CH-SM1, CH-SM2 or an RE-O certificate.
5. Constructing new propane or natural gas vehicles for an original equipment manufacturer of propane or natural gas vehicles on the manufacturer's premises.
6. Servicing, repairing or replacing any part of a propane or natural gas fuelled vehicle other than its propane or natural gas fuel system. O. Reg. 215/01, s. 55 (1); O. Reg. 253/08, s. 34.
(2) An employee of a natural gas or propane distributor is exempt from subsection 3 (1) when shutting off the gas supply to or relighting appliances in a dwelling unit, and relighting appliances installed in a dwelling unit is exempt from subsection 3 (1) if the employee is under the general supervision of a holder of a G.1 or G.2 certificate and has received a training course approved by the director from his or her employer within the previous three years. O. Reg. 215/01, s. 55 (2).
(3) A person who performs duct cleaning is exempt from subsection 3 (1) if, in doing so, the person does not work on any other part of the appliance except for the purpose of cleaning the fan. O. Reg. 215/01, s. 55 (3).
(4) A person who holds a certificate as an operating engineer is exempt from subsection 3 (1) when performing work that is within the scope of the person's certificate on equipment that is located at a registered plant at which the person is employed. O. Reg. 215/01, s. 55 (4).
Also refer to Ontario Regulation 212/01 (http://www.hvactechgroup.com/article.php/20071004200121769) Section 6 (2).
QuoteCertificates required for various activities
6. (1) No person shall install, alter, purge, activate, repair, service or remove any appliance, equipment or other thing employed or to be employed in the handling or use of gas unless the person is the holder of a certificate for that purpose. O. Reg. 212/01, s. 6 (1).
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to prevent a person from undertaking duct cleaning if that is the only activity undertaken and the person does not interfere with the appliance, equipment or thing. O. Reg. 212/01, s. 6 (2).
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to prevent a person without the appropriate certificate from undertaking any of the activities mentioned in that subsection in the presence of the holder of the certificate. O. Reg. 212/01, s. 6 (3).
I have had this same conversation with sat verdi from TSSA wrt duct cleaning companies.
His stance is its fine for the duct cleaning company to clean the ductwork and the blower, but anything to do with the gas side of the heat exchanger or combustion chamber had to be done by someone with a gas ticket.
Too many times I've been called out on no heat or lack of heat calls, after some duct cleaning company has cleaned the furnace and messed up the burners either with the air shutters, misalined the burners or the pilot flame's out