In September 2022, Technical Safety BC introduced a phased approach for the changes to the Safety Standards General Regulation that require licensed contractors to publish their company name and Technical Safety BC licence number when advertising regulated services to the public.

This regulation applies to all licensed contractors in electrical, gas, elevating devices, and boilers, pressure vessels, and refrigeration.

The first phase launched this past January, which required contractors to add their licence number to all digital advertising.

And now, as of September 30, the second phase of the regulation will come into effect, which will require contractors to add their licence number to all print advertising that promotes regulated work, including business cards, invoices, contracts, stationery, and print ads, as well as other materials.

Phase 3, which covers assets such as vehicles and storefronts will need to be updated with Technical Safety BC licence numbers by January 1, 2024.

The Regulation (and therefore the guidelines) do not apply to licensed contractors that only perform regulated work for their own organization, and do not offer or advertise services to the public. Examples of the kinds of organizations that might fit this description include municipalities, school districts, utilities, government crown corporations (e.g. BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure), large operating permit holders (i.e. saw mills, mining operations, ski resorts).

Technical Safety BC plans to initiate a focused campaign to identify and investigate contractors who appear to be advertising without a licence (where no licence number is published in their advertising). The campaign will initially focus on digital marketing channels including online classified sites and social media. As the guidelines are phased in, the scope of investigations is expected to expand.

The maximum monetary penalty Technical Safety BC may issue under legislation is $100,000.