Consultation on Regulation Changes for Power Engineers

The province is seeking input on new regulations that will modernize the rules of conduct for power engineers in Nova Scotia.

The Power Engineers Regulations will further clarify roles and responsibilities for plant operation and maintenance technical requirements, and the certification and licensing of power engineers.

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development encourages comments and suggestions from industry representatives and other interested groups during consultations that begin today, Oct. 3, and end Nov. 3. A consultation paper outlining key regulatory changes will be circulated to industry representatives and posted on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/buildingsafety .

"The consultations will help us make changes to current regulations to ensure we continue to build safe work environments for power engineers and plant operators in Nova Scotia," said Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "We look forward to working with those who work in the industry and other interested parties to gather their suggestions and opinions."

Power engineers work mainly around equipment such as boilers, turbines, steam engines and many power-driven devices that help move materials and energy from one source to another.

The review of power-engineer regulations is part of phase one of changes to the province's technical safety legislation. The legislation will consolidate the Steam Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act and the Crane Operators and Power Engineers Act, and become the enabling legislation for the Fuel Safety Regulations.

The legislation will provide clearer responsibilities, wording, accountability and consistent language. It will also allow for a more streamlined appeals process, and will replace the current advisory committees with one advisory board.

The Technical Safety Act is intended to replace the Crane Operators and Power Engineers Act in early 2009, and revised regulations will be required.

It is in keeping with the province's Better Regulation Initiative which works to improve regulation and create a competitive business climate that supports business while ensuring protection of public health and safety, a clean environment and safe workplaces. The new regulations will also provide increased flexibility by eliminating unnecessary and outdated requirements.