ESA Response to COVID-19
Urgent Notice
January 13, 2021 UPDATE
Inspections
ESA’s response team has been working diligently to address emerging issues. We are moving into circumstances that require us to focus on the highest safety and related priorities of the province, while protecting our staff and the public. Please review the guidelines below regarding inspections.
Guidance to Regions Regarding Inspections during the COVID19 Outbreak
Licence Renewals
The Ontario Government made an announcement “Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency to Address COVID-19 Crisis and Save Lives”, effective January 14, 2021. Although our offices are closed, ESA continues to process licensing renewals and other applications. As every situation is different, ESA is committed to working with all our licence holders on a case-by-case basis to help understand and support your business needs during these difficult times. If your business has been impacted by Covid-19 and you wish to discuss your licensing renewal fees, please email our Licensing Department or phone 1-877-372-7233 and we will work together with you to find a solution.
Master Electrician (ME) Exams
In light of the Ontario Government’s announcement effective as of January 14, 2021, ESA has postponed all Master Electrician Examinations until February 28, 2021. We are closely monitoring the situation and will advise of new dates, once we have more information.
ESA apologizes for any inconvenience during this unprecedented health crisis and thanks you in advance for your patience and understanding.
November 18, 2020
Safety & Technical Training
In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, ESA will not be scheduling additional public classroom courses at this time. We will continue to monitor provincial and regional health measures, and key public health indicators. Online courses are continuing as scheduled.
Master Electrician (ME) Exams
Due to the ongoing Pandemic situation, ME examination offerings are limited. Your health and safety, as well as the heath and safety of our representatives, is our highest priority. ESA is working on adding more dates for 2021, as well as a virtual proctor option so you can write the ME Exam from home.
Notice Regarding Training and Master Electrician Exams — Nov. 30, 2020
November 18, 2020
The COVID-19 virus and the global pandemic has affected the manufacturing of some electrical equipment, impacting the completion of some projects. The Electrical Safety Authority is committed to working with the industry to find solutions to minimize the effect.
Temporary measures for electrical equipment shortages (AFCI breakers)
August 6, 2020
The Electrical Safety Authority has implemented procedures and strict protocol to reduce the spread of COVID-19 for our employees, our customers, and the public.
COVID-19 Protocol for Customer Visits
Guidance for Homeowners: How to Prepare for Your Inspection
Based on the latest public health guidelines, ESA is using a wide range of options at the Inspector’s discretion in order to inspect electrical installations in occupied dwellings. If an onsite inspection is determined to be required, please review the guidelines below on how to prepare for your inspection.Guidance for Homeowners: How to Prepare for Your Inspection
Guidance Regarding Inspections
Based on the latest public health guidelines, ESA is using a wide range of options at the Inspector’s discretion in order to inspect electrical installations in occupied dwellings. If an onsite inspection is determined to be required, please review the guidelines below on how to prepare for your inspection.Guidance Regarding Inspections
Guidance for LEC’s/Stakeholders on the Submission of Photos or Video Files to ESA Inspectors During COVID19 Outbreak
At the Inspector’s sole discretion, they may choose to accept pictures or video’s in certain circumstance related to COVID19 or other installations. This Guidance to Industry outlines the requirements and process wherein Licensed Electrical contractors would be required to follow for the submission of pictures or videos, when asked by the Inspector to do so.
The important thing to note is when an Inspector accepts pictures or video in lieu of a physical visit, they are relying on the authenticity and accuracy of the materials submitted. Therefore the submitting person is required to provide an attestation to the accuracy of the materials they are providing, and upon which the Inspector is relying in making their decision.
Pictures and video are only accepted when the Inspectors instructs the Licensed Electrical Contractor to submit them. More information below...
Temporary Residential Facilities (TRFs)
New measures have been introduced to allow governments and municipalities to re-purpose existing facilities, or build temporary structures, so communities can quickly meet their local needs. The document below addresses these Temporary Residential Facilities (TRFs) and provides a deviation to the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) that ensures facilities maintain an acceptable level of electrical safety.
Learn more about Temporary Residential Facilities (TRF) — Apr. 17, 2020
Temporary Emergency Health Care Facility (TEHCF)
Given the current situation with COVID-19 and its potential impact on the capacity of the health care system, the document below highlights major electrical safety requirements when using existing buildings or temporary structures for health care.
ESA Guidance for a Temporary Emergency Health Care Facility (TEHCF) — Updated Apr. 17, 2020
Fees for Emergency Health Care Facilities — Mar. 31, 2020
Effective immediately Electrical Safety Authority is waiving all fees charged for work related to:
- Constructing temporary emergency health care facilities using existing buildings or structures; and
- Installing wiring for medical equipment to support patients moved from hospital to home care
ESA Guidance for Waiving Fees for Emergency Health Care Facilities
As the COVID- 19 situation continues to evolve, ESA is taking additional precautionary measures to keep the Ontario public and our employees safe.
ESA is doing its part to support social distancing and help slow the spread of COVID-19.
To that end, ESA has limited operational site visits.
More information:
An open letter from David Collie, President and CEO, ESA — Mar. 25, 2020
ESA Guidance Regarding Inspections During the COVID-19 Outbreak — Mar. 24, 2020
ESA Guidance for Newly Built Homes — Mar. 24, 2020
Important Information for Licence Holders & New Applicants — Mar. 23, 2020
Additional measures taken:
- ESA has closed our offices to the public, effective Monday, March 16 until further notice. At this time access will be available for mail and courier deliveries.
- ESA has cancelled all training/Master Electrician exams/large gatherings/conferences/networking events until the end of April.
- ESA is suspending all business air travel, including domestic.
- ESA’s stakeholder engagement activities, including Advisory Councils, will be conducted over conference call or webinar until the end of April. Please contact your ESA representative to get further direction.
ESA will continue to monitor and provide updates related to COVID -19 as circumstances change.
Please contact ESA general media enquiries if you have any questions regarding these protocols.
About the Electrical Safety Authority
The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA’s) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province.
More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through https://twitter.com/homeandsafety and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority.
Media Enquiries
For further information:
Electrical Safety Authority
905-712-7819 or Media.ESA@electricalsafety.on.ca