Recent feedback has taught the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) that many municipalities across Ontario have moved their building permit processes online. To meet this transition and to further educate people on the rules surrounding electrical work in Ontario the ESA, in consultation with Ontario building officials, has developed standardized communication materials for municipalities.
The ESA is now offering municipalities a standardized digital stamp, to replace the physical stamp, which can be applied to issued building permits or to reviewed plans that indicate electrical work may be involved. The digital stamp highlights most electrical work requires filing a notification with the ESA and in most circumstances needs to be conducted by an ESA licensed electrical contractor. Though many municipalities currently use their own stamp, the ESA is asking municipalities to use the ESA standardized digital stamp. The digital stamp will be provided to municipalities in multiple formats and colour schemes.
Lastly, in response to feedback from municipalities that expressed an interest in posting information about the ESA’s notification (permit) and inspection process on their website, an ESA educational flyer has also been developed. The flyer, which can be posted on your website or distributed in the manner municipalities deem appropriate, highlights that having a building permit is not the same as filing an electrical notification with the ESA, to request an inspection and the importance of receiving a certificate of acceptance from the ESA.
If you are interested in using these materials the ESA ask that you complete the request form on their new Municipal Resource Page. If you have any questions, please send them to municipal.resources@esasafe.com.
The ESA looks forward to working with municipalities to improve electrical safety in Ontario.