Public Safety Appeal Board

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Public Safety Appeal Board is established to hear appeals from people who may be aggrieved by a decision of one of the Chief Inspectors relative to the Public Safety Act and its regulations (the Electrical Regulations, the Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Compressed Gas Regulations, and the Amusement Rides and Elevating Devices Regulations).

Structure:

The Public Safety Appeal Board consists of five members, including a Chairperson. The Board is typically comprised of people who have appropriate experience and/or qualifications related to the various categories of regulations under the Act, specifically electrical, boilers, pressure vessel and compressed gas, elevating devices and/or amusement rides. Appeals are heard by a panel consisting of a maximum of three members of the Public Safety Appeal Board, as selected by the Chair, and can also include the Chair.

Competency Profile:

Members of the Public Safety Appeal Board should collectively possess the following core competencies.

• High ethical standards and integrity;
• appreciation of responsibilities to uphold the public interest;
• capable of understanding legal and financial impacts related to the matters before them;
• flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions;
• capable of a wide perspective on issues;
• ability to listen and work as a team member;
• no direct or indirect conflict of interest; and,
• strong analytical skills.

Qualifications:

Members of the Public Safety Appeal Board hear appeals from anyone who may be aggrieved by a decision of one of the Chief Inspectors related to the operations of various technical infrastructure such as elevating devices (e.g. elevators and escalators), amusement rides, boilers, pressure vessels and compressed gas systems(e.g. propane), and electrical systems. Members of the board must possess the following qualifications:

• Power Engineer:

• Certification as a Power Engineer, First Class.

• Mechanical Engineer:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Certification as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng. Mechanical).

• Electrical Journeyman:

• An Interprovincial Red Seal Journeyperson certificate in Electrical Construction, issued by a Canadian jurisdiction.

• Experience in Construction / Contracting/ Skilled Trades, or Engineering.

Time Commitments:

The Appeal Board hears complaints under the Public Safety Act as appeals are filed.  There are normally no regularly scheduled meetings although a meeting may be held at the call of the Chair.  Members of the Appeal Board should be available to meet on demand within a very short time frame (30 days or less).  This may include formal, in-person meetings as well as conference calls.  Board members are also expected to spend additional time reviewing appeal materials and preparing for hearings.

Term:

Public Safety Appeal Board members are normally appointed for a three year term and are eligible for reappointment. A member continues to be a member until he or she is replaced or reappointed.  Notwithstanding this general term, in accordance with section 25 of the Public Safety Act, at least one half of the members in the next round of appointments/reappointments will be appointed for a term of two years and the remainder for a three year term.  All subsequent appointments of members to the board will be for a three year term.  This provision is to introduce a measure of continuity to the Appeal Board.