Electrical and Gas skilled trades updates

The new skilled trades certfication may affect some gas and electrical clients

On December 1, 2022, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, along with SkilledTradesBC (formerly ITA) introduced new regulations. These requirements exist under the Skilled Trades BC Act, which is separate from the Safety Standards Act that guides our work.

SkilledTradesBC recently announced updates and timelines related to their class A gas fitter certification program. SkilledTradesBC has informed us that they will recognize certificates of qualification issued by Technical Safety BC for the purposes of compliance with Skilled Trades Certification, as an interim measure. After this interim period ends (at a yet to be determined date), applicants will need to have previously obtained certification through Technical Safety BC or will need to go through a SkilledTradesBC approved certification pathway. Visit SkilledTradesBC for the most up-to-date information on this interim measure and their pathways to certification.

Any other gas certificates previously issued by Technical Safety BC remain valid and individuals can continue to work within their current scope provided they are in good standing. While further requirements may be announced at a later date, both organizations will ensure proper notice is provided well in advance of any deadlines. Any questions related to the Skilled Trades BC Act and what it will mean for your certification and scope of work should be referred to SkilledTradesBC.

Who is Affected by Skilled Trades Certification

Individuals that we certify across Elevating Devices, Rail, Amusement Rides, Boilers, Pressure Vessels, Refrigeration and Passenger ropeways will see no changes in scope of work or renewal as a result of the new Skilled Trades BC Act and regulation.

Electrical Certification

Requirements for FSR certifications under the Electrical Safety Regulation remain the same, though individuals may have to meet additional requirements with SkilledTradesBC.

Effective December 1, any person who is in a compulsory trade (including industrial and construction electricians) must comply with the Skilled Trades Certification requirements. We recommend that anyone practicing electrical work consult with SkilledTradesBC to confirm they meet the new requirements under their Act and regulations.

Gas Certification

While we issue certification confirming a worker has the knowledge to work safely onsite on regulated equipment, SkilledTradesBC ensures trades workers working in Skilled Trades Certification trades receive consistent and equitable training through BC or Interprovincial Red Seal Program.

SkilledTradesBC has informed us that they will recognize certificates of qualification issued by Technical Safety BC for the purposes of compliance with Skilled Trades Certification, as an interim measure. After this interim period ends (at a yet to be determined date), applicants will need to have previously obtained certification through Technical Safety BC or will need to go through a SkilledTradesBC approved certification pathway. Visit SkilledTradesBC for the most up-to-date information on this interim measure and their pathways to certification.

Class A gas fitters who previously received certification from Technical Safety BC do not require additional certification to continue to work. Those with a Class A Gas Fitter Certificate of Qualification can continue to work and renew under their Technical Safety BC issued certificates, provided they remain in good standing.

Class B gas fitter certification and limited scope (non-fitter) certification requirements under the Gas Safety Regulation have not changed, but there may be additional requirements with SkilledTradesBC in the future.

We recommend that anyone with specific questions consult with SkilledTradesBC for details related to the new requirements.

Changes to Regulation

In order to align the Skilled Trades BC Act and the Safety Standards Act, a number of amendments have been made to electrical, gas and BPVR regulations. Ministerial Order 363 explains these amendments in full.

Most notably, the Electrical Safety Regulation has been amended to repeal Section 12. This section refers to supervision ratios under installation permits, and means that we will no longer enforce these ratios for electrical work.

Updates and More Information

We are working closely with SkilledTradesBC to clarify any unknowns and will provide an update as soon as more information becomes available.

We are committed to providing the simplest pathway to certification and renewal to avoid gaps and maintain a strong safety system across all technologies. If you have questions related to your Technical Safety BC certification, you can use the pop-up questionnaire on this page to let us know any specific inquiries, and subscribe to our communications to ensure you’re the first to know when we are able to provide updates.