You can download the TSSA Media release - Here (http://www.hvactechgroup.com/article.php/20120712093422139)
QuoteFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Kitchener, ON, June 11, 2012) – A gas technician from Kitchener, Ontario, recently pled guilty to servicing and performing a pressure test on a natural gas furnace without holding the appropriate certification, contrary to provincial requirements under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
Following an investigation conducted by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) in February 2010, an inspector for TSSA's Fuels Safety Program determined that Mr. Perry Olheiser conducted a pressure test on a natural gas furnace in Waterloo, Ontario and did not possess the appropriate gas technician certification to do so. Ontario Regulation 215/01 (Fuel Industry Certificates) and Ontario Regulation 212/01 (Gaseous Fuels) prohibits a person from installing or servicing an appliance or thing that is employed in the handling or use of gas unless the person is certified for that purpose.
The Ontario Court of Justice in Kitchener fined the defendant $3,000, plus the 25% Victim Surcharge, given the circumstances of the case.
While there were no injuries as a result of this violation, Mr. Olheiser did perform work on a gas appliance without holding appropriate certification and consequently undermined the certification process that is essential to public safety.
"Failing to comply with certification requirements is a serious offence," says John Marshall, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. "In Ontario, all technicians employed in the installation, repair or servicing of natural gas appliances must possess valid certification, as per Ontario Regulation 215/01."
TSSA reminds the public that any fuel-fired appliance should be installed, serviced and/or inspected by a TSSA-certified technician. If in doubt of a technician's certification, contact TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.
"Prosecution for non-compliance is an important tool of enforcement," adds Marshall. "However working with stakeholders toward compliance and cooperation, often in proactive partnership, is the cornerstone of fuels safety."