Ontario Construction News staff writer
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspectors are conducting safety blitzes across Toronto to find any safety hazards that may have occurred from unlicensed work.
As part of the targeted safety blitz, ESA staff will be reviewing City of Toronto building permits obtained within the last 12 months to find locations that may have had electrical work completed and no notification to ESA exists.
“Ontarians are not always aware of the risks associated with hiring unlicensed contractors for their electrical work,” said Soussanna Karas, director, licensing at Electrical Safety Authority.
“Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contracting business is not only the law, but it provides peace of mind that the work will be done right and there won’t be any surprises that affect your wallet or you and your family’s safety. LEC businesses will help handle all the details when it comes to the electrical work, permits and inspections to make sure a renovation is safe.”
During the blitz, inspectors will take an “education-first approach”, but are prepared to investigate and if justified, lay charges that may result in fines to repeat offenders and those willfully not complying with the safety rules. If convicted, individuals could face significant fines, up to $50,000.