Department to Consolidate Safety Legislation

Consultations on legislation to update safety rules covering equipment from pressure boilers, to carnival rides, to elevators and electrical installations will begin today, July 27, by the Department of Environment and Labour.

The consultations concern proposed legislation to update and consolidate five "technical safety" acts.

"As part of the government's Better Regulation Initiative, we want to update these acts to allow businesses to take advantage of new technology and build on what is already an excellent safety record," Environment and Labour Minister Mark Parent said.

The proposed Technical Safety Act will consolidate, in phases, the Amusement Devices Safety Act, the Crane Operators and Power Engineers Act, the Electrical Installation and Inspection Act, the Elevators and Lifts Act, and the Steam Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act.

The department has prepared a discussion paper for public comment that includes an example of the proposed type of legislation. The deadline for responses is Oct. 30.

The paper is available at the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla or by calling 424-3322.