TSSA EDM-A Exam flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

TSSA Act purpose

The Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 establishes TSSA's authority to regulate elevating devices, create offences, and impose penalties; it is the statutory foundation beneath Ontario Regulation 209/01.

Ontario Regulation 209/01

The elevating devices regulation under the TSSA Act; it sets licensing, registration, inspection, maintenance, and reporting duties and adopts the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 code by reference.

Elevating device contractor licence

A licence required to install, alter, or maintain elevating devices in Ontario; the contractor is accountable for employee work and must maintain liability insurance as a licence condition.

Device registration

Each elevating device must be registered with TSSA and issued a registration number before being placed in service; the record captures device type, location, rated load, speed, and applied code edition.

Periodic inspection interval

The maximum time between required inspections set by regulation and TSSA policy, varying by device type; the owner is responsible for arranging inspection and maintaining compliance between inspections.

Incident reporting duty

Injuries, defined entrapments, uncontrolled car movement, or safety-device failures must be reported to TSSA within the prescribed time; the device may be taken out of service pending investigation.

Inspector order to remedy

An inspector may issue a written order requiring correction of a deficiency, seal or lock out a device, or require engineering review; non-compliance escalates to Director review and prosecution.

Safety chain

A series circuit of door interlocks, governor switch, pit switch, final limits, slack-rope device, and car safety switch; any open contact removes power and prevents car movement.

Governor trip speed

The speed at which the overspeed governor grips its rope and actuates the car safety; it is set above rated speed and its switch must open the power circuit.

Car safety stopping distance

The code-bounded distance in which the safety must stop and hold the car with rated load; it is tied to governor trip speed and limits deceleration to protect occupants.

Oil buffer application

Oil buffers are required above a rated-speed threshold where spring buffers are not permitted; stroke, oil level, and full return to extension are periodic inspection items.

Door closing force limit

The code maximum force and kinetic energy measured at the door leading edge; exceeding it is a violation, and power doors must reopen on obstruction.

Maintenance control program

A documented program of written procedures, scheduled tasks, and records that the contractor must maintain and make available for inspector review at the device or by agreed access.

Wire rope retirement criteria

Criteria for removing suspension ropes: broken wires per lay length, diameter reduction, corrosion, and end-connection condition; equalization and sheave groove wear are also assessed.

Category 1 test

The routine periodic examination and test performed on the shorter cycle; it covers safety function verification, door interlocks, terminal stopping, brake, and buffer checks with recorded results.

Category 5 test

The comprehensive examination performed on a longer cycle requiring greater disassembly and verification, including safety and governor performance under load with documented measured results.

Main line disconnect

The lockable switch that opens all ungrounded conductors to the controller; car lighting and alarm are fed separately so they remain available when the main line is open.

Standby power test

Verification that on emergency power the car can travel to a landing and open its doors, while car lighting and the alarm remain energized and functional.

Equipment bonding

Connection of controller, machine, car frame, and raceway to the equipment grounding conductor; a missing bond is a shock hazard and a code violation even if operation appears normal.

Hydraulic relief valve setting

The pressure-relief setting must exceed full-load operating pressure but stay within the code multiple; a setting below full-load pressure prevents the car from lifting rated load.

Rupture valve function

A valve on the hydraulic jack or piping that stops oil flow if a pipe or fitting fails, preventing uncontrolled descent of the car; its operation is a periodic test item.

Phase I emergency recall

On smoke-detector actuation, the elevator automatically returns to the designated level, parks with doors open, and is removed from normal passenger service until reset.

Phase II firefighter control

After Phase I recall, a key switch gives firefighters manual car control with door operation held by constant pressure, overriding normal door timing and call registration.

Alteration definition

A change affecting safety, structural integrity, or performance, such as controller, machine, or door operator replacement or a rated speed or load change; it requires design registration and inspection.

Major alteration effect

A major alteration can require upgrading related components to current code, such as door protective devices, car lighting, and alarm, before the device is returned to service.

New installation acceptance

Drawings are reviewed and the device registered, installed to the approved design, then acceptance-tested with an inspector witnessing; the device may not be placed in service before acceptance.

Owner statutory duties

Keep the device registered, arrange inspections, retain maintenance and test records, use a licensed contractor, and report incidents; these duties cannot be transferred away by contract.

Out-of-service control

A device removed from service must be secured against use; return to service requires correction of the deficiency and any required re-inspection and sign-off before tags are removed.

Maintenance takeover examination

Before assuming maintenance, the contractor must examine the device and record existing deficiencies, establishing a documented baseline of conditions requiring correction under the new contract.

Code edition applicability

The code edition in force at installation governs an existing device; newer requirements apply on alteration or where the regulation or a director's order expressly imposes them retroactively.

Escalator comb and skirt check

Comb-plate teeth, step-to-skirt clearance, and handrail speed relative to steps are code-defined checks; comb and clearance defects are a classic cause of entrapment incidents.

Escalator brake stopping distance

The brake must stop a descending escalator carrying rated load within the code stopping distance; stopping too abruptly is also a hazard, so deceleration is an acceptance criterion.