Integrated Risk Management
Repairing, Maintaining, Modifying, Inspection and
Certification of Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Document Type:
Control Number:
File Code:
Last Reviewed:
Guideline
UIRM- GL_019
UIRM-001
March 2014
PURPOSE
The Canadian Electrical and Ontario Electrical Safety Codes (the codes) prohibit the use of electrical and
electronic equipment that has not been certified as safe by a qualified individual or inspected by an
authority authorized to certify equipment as safe. The Codes set out the rules by which everyone must, by
law, adhere to when working with electricity or installing, repairing, maintaining or altering electrical
equipment. The policy outlines the practices and procedures to follow to ensure due diligence in all work,
teaching, research and learning activity associated with repair, maintenance, modification, inspection and
certification of electronic equipment. Specifically, to:
1. detail specific responsibilities for due diligence and put in place systematic process for the
replacement of electrical and electronic equipment before its safety or cost effective maintenance is
compromised;
2. ensure that individuals conducting any electrical or electronic work is trained and qualified to
repair, modify, or maintain electrical or electronic work;
3. ensure that Ryerson staff are qualified to inspect, when required, any repaired or modified
electrical or electronic equipment
APPLICATION AND SCOPE
All members of the Ryerson community including principal investigators, faculty, instructors, staff,
visitors, contractors, permitted facility users, and students are expected to abide by this policy. The
provisions of the policy apply to the use of research, lab, academic program equipment, computers,
building systems and all other electrical and electronic equipment.
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DEFINITIONS
Certifying Agency:
An organization accredited in accordance with the Standards Council of Canada Act to certify electrical
equipment or installations as safe.
Electrical/Electronic Work:
An activity which involves the repair, maintenance, modification, inspection or certification of
electrical/electronic equipment in performing work, teaching, research and learning.
Internal Responsibility System:
Is the underlying legal concept of the Ontario OHS Act where every individual within an organization
shares responsibility for managing health and safety hazards and the risks associated with those hazards.
It encompasses an interlocking set of personal legal duties and rights for each individual, including
members of the Board of Governors, President and Vice-President, Deans and Senior Directors, Chairs,
Academic Directors, Principal Investigators, Faculty and staff.
Qualified Individual:
An individual who by training and experience demonstrates knowledge of the provisions of the codes,
competency in the application of safe work practices and procedures and proficiency in performing the
scope of activity and responsibilities detailed within a job description, contract or other documented
instruction.
POLICY STATEMENT
In accordance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, the university's internal
responsibility system wherein every individual at Ryerson shares responsibility for managing risk, shall
ensure due diligence with respect to the provisions of the Canadian Electrical and Ontario Electrical
Safety Codes. Therefore, any individual conducting or supervising electrical or electronic work must be
familiar with the provisions of the codes and safe work practices and arrange for equipment inspection by
a qualified individual and certification by a qualified agency. Any individual repairing, modifying or
maintaining electrical or electronic equipment must be qualified to conduct such work or be under the
direct supervision of a qualified individual. Students should always be under the direct supervision of a
qualified individual.
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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Deans and Senior Directors
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Provision of adequate resources
Communication of Policy
Chairs, Academic Directors and Managers
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•
•
•
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Due Diligence with the Electrical Codes
Competent Supervision
Preventive Maintenance Program
Review and Replacement Plans
Inspection and Certification protocol
Individuals Supervising Electrical or Electronic Work
Faculty, Instructors, Principal Investigators and staff who direct, design or supervise activity involving
the use of electrical or electronic equipment must be familiar with the provisions of the codes, any
associated hazards, safe operating procedures and emergency measures. Where such activity involves
electrical or electronic work the individual supervising must ensure that it is being performed by a
qualified individual and that instruction in safe practices and procedures is provided. They are also
responsible for ensuring that the inspection and certification protocols are implemented.
Individuals Conducting Electrical or Electronic Work
Any individual conducting electrical or electronic work is responsible for complying with the codes, all
safe work practices and procedure associated with the related activity and bringing any observed
deficiencies or defects to the attention of their immediate supervisor.
PROCEDURE
Every department and school that undertakes electrical or electronic work is required to develop and
document a procedure to ensure that the work is performed safely and in accordance with the Canadian
electrical and Ontario Electrical Safety Codes. This requirement includes assurance of the qualifications
of any individual conducting such work, establishing safe work practices, appointing competent
supervision and detailing inspection and certification processes. The Campus Facilities and Sustainability
department has qualified electricians on staff as to assist with these processes. Any inspection and
certification protocols should be developed in consultation with the appropriate certifying agency to
ensure due diligence that satisfies external regulatory bodies and prohibits the use of any equipment not
meeting the certification requirements in accordance with regulatory bodies.
Maintenance profiles must be examined on an annual basis to determine the cost effectiveness and
viability of continued safe use and subsequent replacement time lines.
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JURISDICTION
This policy falls under the jurisdiction of the Vice-President, Administration and Finance. The
interpretation and application of the policy is the responsibility of the Campus Facilities and
Sustainability department and the Department of Integrated Risk Management (IRM).
Questions?
Contact Integrated Risk Management at 416-979-5000, ext. 7096 or irm@ryerson.ca.
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