The Safety Services Branch of Municipal Affairs administers the Safety Codes Act (SCA), which establishes codes, standards and administrative processes in the disciplines listed below. The branch helps to protect the public by applying appropriate codes, standards and permits in the following technical areas:

• Building
• Fire
• Electrical
• Gas (natural and propane)
• Plumbing
• Private Sewage Treatment Systems
• Boilers and Pressure Vessels
• Elevators
• Amusement Rides
• Passenger Ropeways (Ski Lifts)

The Role of Safety Services

Safety Services provides technical advice and program support to municipalities, corporations, inspection agencies, the Safety Codes Council, contractors, industry and the public. The branch monitors and evaluates the performance of organizations that administer the Safety Codes Act. The branch also co-ordinates and encourages the principles of barrier-free design and access for anything regulated by the Safety Codes Act and participates in the development of national and international codes and standards.

As one example of its work, Safety Services has undertaken an initiative to improve the management of waste water in Alberta. This initiative addresses water quality and health issues associated with contamination from private sewage disposal systems.

The Safety Codes Act

The Safety Codes Act sets out the codes and standards in the above areas. It also establishes the Safety Codes Council, that oversees the act. The act allows for permit systems. Qualified municipalities, corporations and agencies may carry out some responsibilities under the act, and one example would be the role of a municipality in issuing building permits. The act allows for the certification of safety codes officers, the issuing of certificates of competency and the enforcement of codes and standards.

Safety Services works in partnership with the Safety Codes Council, municipalities, corporations, and industry to administer the Safety Codes Act.