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.
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.
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
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
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.
6 months before expiry
Incorrect:
30 days
60 days
3 months
Correct:
On your licence
Incorrect:
In the safety regulations
In an email
On our website
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.
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.
Correct:
A licensed gas contractor or operating permit holder
Incorrect:
SkilledTradesBC
Homeowner or building owner
Appliance or equipment manufacturer
| Statement | Answer |
|---|---|
| You may work outside the scope of your permit as long as it is corrected later. | False |
| Permits help confirm work is being done safely and that regulated equipment is installed and maintained correctly. | True |
| A permit is just a formality. | False |
| Permits can help you avoid legal issues, fines, and liability in cases of accidents or non-compliance. | True |
| A gas licence is not required to take out a gas permit if you are certified. | False |
| Permits may be pulled after work begins but before inspection. | False |
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.