HRAI is pleased that TSSA recently launched its first “Trunk Slammers” enforcement program in response to HRAI’s continued calls to address the issue of unqualified, uncertified people working in the HVACR sector.
The enforcement campaign was launched on March 1, 2020, to correspond with Fraud Prevention Month. HRAI supports this initiative and TSSA’s ongoing focus on public safety.
“Trunk Slammers”, as they are referred to in the industry, are uncertified gas technicians and unregistered contractors who are neither certified nor registered with TSSA and they are also not qualified to be HRAI members. Trunk slammers are referred to in this manner as they operate from the trunk of their cars and are individuals who provide gas services without proper certification and registration. TSSA is concentrating on prosecuting trunk slammers and especially focused on repeat offenders.
Consumer safety is one of HRAI’s top priorities.
HRAI and its members have raised the “trunk slammers” issue at various industry consultation tables. We pleased that TSSA has acted and has developed this enforcement program.
“Inadequate installation and poor work are major contributing factors to the fuels- and CO-related (carbon monoxide-related) risks we’re seeing in people’s homes,” said John Marshall, director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “That’s why it is imperative that the public know how to protect themselves, as fuel safety is a shared responsibility between TSSA, the industry and people of Ontario.”
HRAI’s members know that trunk slammers are a problem in the HVACR industry for a number of reasons. Primarily, their work on furnaces and other fuel-burning equipment is not subject to TSSA audits for compliance with safety requirements; their knowledge, competency, and qualifications cannot be validated; and they do not receive updates on safety information and training. As well, there is no assurance they will comply with safety regulations since they are already showing a disregard for the law by working without being certified or registered.
The message to the general public is that it is critical that commercial, industrial and residential HVACR installations and servicing are performed by qualified, certified and licensed professionals.
Visit the TSSA website for more information on the ‘Trunk Slammers’ Enforcement Program and fuels safety awareness news and resources.
Be sure to participate in the upcoming Trunk Slammers Webinar, March 24th at 12:30 pm. Register here for this webinar. For more information on the webinar, contact Sadia Zafar | szafar@hrai.ca | 905-602-4700 ext 265.
For more information about the Trunk Slammers Program, contact Dorothy McCabe, Government Relations Specialist at 1-800-267-2231 ext. 274 or e-mail: dmccabe@hrai.ca.