Updated: November 27
Reduced Capacities and Occupant Loads
New Resources Available
Following the announcement of enhanced public health measures, the Government of Alberta has made guidelines on reduced capacities and occupant loads available on their website.
These guidelines cover definitions, instructions, and suggestions for how affected businesses can determine their occupant load under the Fire Code.
View these guidelines now.
The Council continues to offer services remotely.
We have made adaptations to our business processes to help accommodate the changing needs of our clients and stakeholders.
Office
Our office will be closed to the public at this time but we will continue to serve our clients. Most of our services like renewals, accreditation, courses, and certification are available through Council Connect. You can also contact us through phone and email. We will notify you of any changes to our operations as they occur.
New ID Cards, Certificates, and DOPs
Due to the impacts of our ongoing office closure, the mailing of physical certificates, ID cards, and hard copies of Designations of Powers may be delayed; however, safety codes officers and Master Electricians who renew or complete their certifications during this period will be able to download PDF copies of their credentials. Accredited organizations will be able to download PDF copies on new DOPs. Instructions can be found here.
Meetings
Meetings continue to be held via teleconferencing. Municipal presentations have been postponed until further notice.
Student Exams
Master Electrician Exam sittings, paper exams and exams written at the Council office are currently suspended. However, there are now online exam writing options for all SCO and Master Electrician Exams.
Students who can safely retain the services of a proctor who is not in conflict of interest (an immediate family member/spouse) are free to do so. We are currently working on an option to accommodate all other students.
Safety Codes Conference
The Safety Codes Council has decided for the safety of our clients and staff to cancel our 2020 annual conference in Banff scheduled for May 27 to 29. Registrations have been refunded. If you have any questions, please email conference@safetycodes.ab.ca.
In-person Courses
All in-person courses have been moved online where possible. All SCO exams are currently available through online resources.
Appeals
No in-person hearings will be conducted until further notice.
Audits
We will be postponing audits of accredited organizations until further notice.
Permitting and Inspections
Most Authorities Having Jurisdictions (AHJs) are continuing to issue permits at this time. Inspections will be prioritized based on urgency (such as utilities connections or occupancy permits). The Alberta Safety Codes Authority and other AHJs are able to use different technologies to complete inspections as per these guidelines.
Information from Our Partners
Updates and further information on COVID-19 and the safety codes system can be found on the following sites:
Government of Alberta
Alberta Construction Safety Association
BILD Alberta
ABSA
AEDARSA