Learning Review: Gas Contractor Responsibilities

Earlier this fall, Technical Safety BC conducted a study using a short quiz with licensed gas contractors to assess overall comprehension of licence holder responsibilities. The findings from this study are used only for research and program development purposes and do not affect any contractor’s standing with Technical Safety BC. We are sharing the answer guide below to support continued learning and to help licence holders better understand the responsibilities that keep regulated work in BC safe.

Licensed Gas Contractor Quiz Answer Guide

To explore the fundamentals further, read our blog post 5 Key Responsibilities Every Licensed Gas Contractor Should Know, or visit our website for more information on licence holder responsibilities.

1. Which of the following are responsibilities of a licensed contractor in BC when it comes to licence management? Select the 3 correct answers below. 

Correct:

• • • • Obtain a licence for every technology in which you perform regulated work

    • Renew your licence before it expires

    • Comply with any terms and conditions added to your licence

Incorrect:

• Perform regulated work outside the scope of your licence(s)

• Maintain current knowledge of the Safety Standards Act only
  
  
  

2. Which of the following are responsibilities of a licensed contractor in BC when it comes to permit management? Select the 4 correct answers below. 

Correct:

• Pay for the correct installation permit(s) before work has started

• Enter the correct permit details for scope of work and value

• Request an extension if the installation permit has a set expiry date (for example, 180 days)

• Close permits if the work is no longer occurring or if the equipment is no longer in service

Incorrect:

• Perform work outside the scope of your permit(s)

• Pay for the correct permit(s) after work has started
  
  
  

3. Scenario: Contractor With an Expired Licence

Cory is a licensed electrical contractor and has three certified individuals working for his company, who also perform regulated electrical work. Cory also used to have his gas licence, but it is currently expired. One of Cory’s employees, Alexandra, has a gas certification. While doing electrical work for a homeowner, Cory is asked to also perform some gas work. 

What are Cory’s options to remain compliant? 

Correct:

• Tell the homeowner that his company could do the gas work, but only after he applies for a gas contractor licence and then pulls a gas permit.

Incorrect:

• Start the gas work and renew the licence before the job is done. The licence must be renewed before work begins.

• Have the certified employee pull the permit and perform the work. An active gas contractor licence is required.

• Renew a gas certification and pull the permit. A contractor licence is required regardless of individual certification.
  
  
  

4. How long before expiry are you able to renew your licence? 

Correct:

• 6 months before expiry

Incorrect:

• 30 days

• 60 days

• 3 months

5. Where can you locate the terms and conditions for your licence? 

Correct:

• On your licence

Incorrect:

• In the safety regulations

• In an email

• On our website
  
  
  

6. According to the Safety Standards Act, which of the following is a duty or responsibility of a licensed contractor? 

Correct:

• Ensure that employees performing regulated work maintain current knowledge of the Act and regulations (Safety Standards Act, section 24(3)).

Incorrect:

• Ensure individuals have the appropriate tools and equipment.

• Complete contractual agreements within a reasonable time frame.

• Maintain business licences in each jurisdiction where work is performed.
  
  
  

7. Scenario: Supervision Requirement for Gas Work

Steve is the owner of “Handyman Steve’s”, a business in which he has both a gas and electrical licence with TSBC. Steve, himself, does not have active certifications anymore, as he is on his way to retirement. Steve has three employees – Gary (certified gas fitter), Christine (certified electrician), and Paul (uncertified gas apprentice).  

Gary and Paul are scheduled to install a new fireplace one morning, for which they have a permit, but Gary has called in sick and can no longer attend the job that day. The homeowner is adamant that the work be completed that day. What are Steve’s option(s) as the owner? 

Correct:

• Tell the homeowner the work must be rescheduled until the certified gas fitter is available to supervise.

Incorrect:

• Send the apprentice to do the work alone.

• Attend with the apprentice to supervise despite not being certified.

• Have the certified electrician supervise the apprentice.

• Treat all options as acceptable.
  
  
  

8. Who is responsible for ensuring that individuals performing regulated gas work are authorized to do the work? 

Correct:

• A licensed gas contractor or operating permit holder

Incorrect:

• SkilledTradesBC

• Homeowner or building owner

• Appliance or equipment manufacturer
  
  
  

9. Please indicate whether the following statements are true or false regarding Technical Safety BC permits. 

Continue Your Learning

Understanding your responsibilities as a licensed contractor helps ensure regulated work is completed safely and in compliance with the Safety Standards Act.

Visit our website to explore educational materials, licensing information, and tools to help support safe work across BC.