Safety Standards Act

The Safety Standards Act and its regulations set provincial technical safety requirements. Technical safety standards reduce hazards, prevent accidents and increase public safety.

Read the Safety Standards Act

On this page

• About the Safety Standards Act
• Enforcement of Safety Standards Act
• Safety Standards Appeal Board

About Safety Standards Act

The Safety Standards Act  and regulations set legal requirements for:

• Amusement rides
• Boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration systems
• Electrical equipment and systems
• Elevators and escalators
• Gas appliances and systems
• Railways
• Ski lifts and arial trams

It sets requirements for permits, qualifications and compliance with safety standards. The Act also authorizes enforcement actions if non-compliance is discovered.

Enforcement of Safety Standards Act

The Safety Standards Act is enforced by Technical Safety BC, an independent, not-for-profit organization and 10 municipalities, mostly in the lower mainland with delegated authority.

It is important to confirm whose jurisdiction you are in before applying for a permit.

Technical Safety BC

Technical Safety BC is delegated responsibility by the B.C. government to oversee the safety of high-risk technical safety systems and equipment regulated under the Safety Standards Act.

Technical Safety BC:

• Issues permits and certifications
• Conducts physical and remote assessments
• Enforces safety standards

In 2023, the Province completed an audit of Technical Safety BC. For more information, review the Performance Audit of Technical Safety BC (PDF, 2.3 MB).

For more information contact Technical Safety BC or visit their website for more information about their jurisdiction and the role of local government, the Federal government and First Nations.   

Municipalities with delegated authority

Technical Safety BC shares authority with 10 local governments, mostly in the Lower Mainland, that have limited authority over gas and/or electrical safety.  If you live in one of the communities listed below, you will need to contact your local government for an electrical and/or gas permit.

Technical Safety BC works closely with local governments to share safety information and standardize application of the Safety Standards Act.

Safety Standards Appeal Board

The Safety Standards Appeal Board is an independent adjudicative tribunal that hears appeals of decisions made under the Safety Standards Act, the Homeowner Protection Act and the Building Act.

Appeals must be filed with the Board within 30 days of receipt of the decision under appeal.

• Learn more about the appeal process