1. Workplace and technical safety
  2. Technical safety division

Technical Safety Division

The Technical Safety Division is part of the Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration. The Safety Branch collaborates with Nova Scotians to foster a robust health and safety culture.

Technical Safety promotes, verifies and enforces safety requirements for regulated equipment in workplaces and public spaces. This commitment is essential for protecting public safety, preventing incidents, and ensuring compliance with the latest safety regulations and best practices.

By maintaining rigorous safety standards, we help create a safer environment for residents and workplaces, while supporting the overall well-being and economic stability of our communities.

Technical Safety units

The division is responsible for a variety of inspection services and certification programs to help make sure that public facilities and industrial equipment are safe. The technical safety units include:

  • amusement devices (like Ferris wheels and roller coasters) – the Amusement Devices Unit regulates amusement rides in Nova Scotia to make sure all devices conform to the Amusement Devices Safety Act, regulations, codes and standards
  • boilers and pressure equipment – the Boilers and Pressure Equipment Unit regulates equipment like boilers, pressure vessels, piping systems and fittings that contain fluids and gases at high pressures under the Technical Safety Act and regulations
  • crane operators – the Technical Safety Division oversees the requirements needed to be a Crane Operator in Nova Scotia under the Technical Safety Act and regulations
  • electrical safety – the Electrical Safety Unit regulates and promotes electrical safety in Nova Scotia and makes sure that electrical installations comply to codes and standards under the Electrical Installations and Inspection Act
  • elevators and lifts (like escalators and ski lifts) – the Elevators and Lifts Unit regulates elevating devices in Nova Scotia to make sure devices meet the Elevators and Lifts Act, regulations, codes and standards
  • fuel safety – the Fuel Safety Unit makes sure that all fuel installations using propane, natural gas, fuel oil or landfill and digester gas are performed in accordance with the Technical Safety Act, regulations, codes and standards
  • power engineers – the Technical Safety Division oversees the requirements needed to be certified to operate boilers, high pressure piping systems (air or other gas compressors) or refrigeration compressors under the Technical Safety Act and regulations

Posters, factsheets and resources