Reliance provides Field Safety Representative (FSR) services for strata corporations, property managers and other multi-residential properties requiring an Electrical Operating Permit.
Electrical Operating Permit requirements vary depending on the building's electrical systems, service capacity, equipment and jurisdiction. In most areas of British Columbia, Electrical Operating Permits are administered by Technical Safety BC. Several municipalities administer their own electrical permit programs.
Reliance can review the property and existing electrical systems to determine the applicable operating permit requirements and, where required, provide ongoing FSR services and assistance with maintaining the permit.
Electrical Operating Permits
An Electrical Operating Permit provides for the ongoing operation and maintenance of regulated electrical equipment within a building. A qualified Field Safety Representative is identified on the permit and provides oversight of the electrical systems and regulated electrical work covered by the permit.
An Electrical Operating Permit may be required where a building contains electrical equipment requiring regular or ongoing maintenance, emergency or fire alarm equipment, larger electrical services, hazardous-location equipment or other regulated electrical systems.
Multi-residential and strata properties may therefore require an Electrical Operating Permit depending on the electrical systems and equipment installed within the building.
Field Safety Representative Services
Reliance can provide the qualified Field Safety Representative associated with the building's Electrical Operating Permit.
FSR services may include:
• Review of the existing electrical systems and equipment
• Periodic inspection of electrical installations
• Review of electrical maintenance and alterations
• Maintenance of required electrical records
• Review of work completed under the Electrical Operating Permit
• Identification and documentation of electrical deficiencies
• Coordination with property management and electrical contractors
• Assistance with permit applications and renewals
• Assistance with regulatory inspections and compliance requirements
Where repairs, alterations or electrical installations are required, Reliance can coordinate with the property manager and the building's electrical contractor to ensure the work is appropriately documented as part of the building's electrical records.
Municipal Electrical Jurisdictions
Technical Safety BC administers Electrical Operating Permits throughout most of British Columbia. Certain municipalities administer electrical permits and inspections within their own jurisdictions.
These include:
• City of Burnaby
• City of Maple Ridge
• City of North Vancouver
• District of North Vancouver
• City of Surrey
• City of Vancouver
• City of Victoria
• District of West Vancouver
Permit requirements and administrative procedures can vary between these jurisdictions.
Reliance can assist property managers and strata corporations in determining the applicable authority and operating permit requirements for their property.
Strata and Multi-Residential Properties
Strata corporations frequently have electrical systems and equipment that are common property and require ongoing maintenance over the life of the building.
Depending on the property, these systems may include:
• Main electrical services and distribution equipment
• Fire alarm systems
• Emergency electrical systems
• Elevators
• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Electric vehicle energy management systems
• Transformers and distribution equipment
• Other electrical equipment requiring ongoing maintenance
The requirement for an Electrical Operating Permit depends on the particular equipment and electrical installation at the property.
Existing Electrical Operating Permits
Where an Electrical Operating Permit is already in place, Reliance can review the existing permit, electrical documentation and site conditions and provide ongoing FSR services.
This can include reviewing available electrical records, confirming the equipment associated with the permit, identifying outstanding documentation or deficiencies and establishing an appropriate schedule for ongoing inspections and record-keeping.
Ongoing Electrical Oversight
Electrical systems within strata and multi-residential buildings change over time as equipment is replaced, electrical services are modified and new systems such as EV charging infrastructure are added.
Ongoing FSR services provide continuity in the documentation and oversight of these systems and help maintain the records associated with the building's Electrical Operating Permit.
Reliance works with property managers, strata councils and electrical contractors to maintain this information as part of the ongoing management of the property.