New northern ON gas contractor, moved here from BC

[Rockhill]

Hello, I have just moved to the Englehart area from BC recently. I am thinking about setting up shop here but I've noticed things are VERY different in this province for us furnace guys.

I think I have most of it figured out but I have some questions about the compliance audit.

1)As a gas contractor (G2) do I have to have a combustion analyzer?

2) What is a purge tool, and what do they cost?

3)Do I have to pay the travel costs for the inspector to come here?

Thanks for any info, I've tried the TSSA's 1-877 number but the call center people can't help me and I can't find this info on their website.

[Admin]

You can only be subjected to a compliance audit if you're already a registered contractor.  There were changes to the Fuels Contractor Registration on July 10, 2009.  You can see those changes - Here

I suspect you will pay the 1 hour fee @ $135 + HST.  Then expect to pay a 3-4 hour inspection fee every 3 years for a compliance audit.

There are Directors Orders, and manufacturer's instructions that require you use a flue gas analyzer.  You should always follow the manufacturers instructions regarding calibrating the flue gas analyzer.  The TSSA inspector may also want to see the calibration certificate.

The following is from the TSSA Winter 2007 Update,

Purging Tools
A significant number of technicians do not have an approved purge tool and many who have such tools do not use the equipment. Every year there are incidents involving the incorrect purging of gas lines, which result in property damage or the technician suffering injury. Purge tools must be available for inspection during audit.

See Purging Assembly and Purging Procedures

Read the TSSA Compliance Audit FAQs - Here

The TSSA inspector will want to see you have a pressure test gauge, multimeter / clamp on, manometer, and B149.1S1-07 code book.  In your case you're not registered yet, so I guess you can't put a TSSA registration number on your work vehicle.  And it's unlikely you have any work for them to inspect in Ontario.

If you are subjected to a compliance audit, I would read up on Ontario Regulation 212/01 - Here

[Rockhill]

Excellent info, thanks. I have all the tools except a flue gas analyzer as it is not needed in BC, I have used them but I never owned my own. They are around $1200 I think.

With the amount TSSA charges and the cost of the analyzer I don't think I will be setting up my business here yet, which is a shame as many locals have complained about having to pay travel to get a contractor to come to town.

thanks

[rmuntz]

If you start a business, travel to other towns to work, and don't cover your costs to travel there you won't be in business very long. It is very important that you cover your overhead, you might be ok for the first while but as your business starts to grow you must make sure your labour rate covers all of your expenses. If you eventually hire other employees they will also want to get paid for this travel and the cost of the vehicle to drive there must be covered as well.
I'm not trying to be all negative here, this industry can be very rewarding, but it seem like every time we turn around there is another fee or licence to pay for. The TSSA is one of the biggest money grabs there is to the point of almost being criminal. If you get into refrigeration it gets worse.
This trade has not made me a millionaire but it has been good to me. Don't sell yourself short.

[Rockhill]

I think you mis-read my post but I hear you on the overhead and travel costs, I charged travel when I ran my shop in BC.

I have just moved to this little town and the locals are telling me they have lost their heating repairman and would I fill the void. I don't think there is very much work in a town of 1500 and I can't travel right now.

I probably won't bother helping them out, and it's mainly because I don't want to deal with the TSSA and their excessive fees. I like my trade but I won't lose money to do it.