TSSA Safety Investigation Leads to Guilty Plea from Fibre Optic Company

Cable Control Systems prosecuted for damaging a pipeline in Scarborough

A Mississauga-based fibre optic and telecommunication contractor has pled guilty to damaging a natural gas pipeline following an investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).  

The Ontario Court of Justice found that Cable Control Systems (CCS) had damaged the pipeline, located near Scarborough Golf Club Road in Scarborough, while excavating. CCS subsequently pled guilty to charges contrary to the Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems Regulation (Ontario 210/01) and was fined $40,000, plus the mandatory 25% victim fine surcharge, for a total $50,000.

“Hitting a pipeline with pressurized gas is a significant risk to public safety,” said John Marshall, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “It can cause explosions, damage, injury, and death. That’s why Ontario has stringent laws around pipeline safety, including rules to obtain a valid locate before breaking ground and to hand-dig within one metre of utility markings.”

TSSA reminds the public that any excavation work must comply with Ontario’s safety laws, including obtaining a valid pipeline locate from the license holder or gas utility before breaking ground and not using mechanical equipment while digging within one metre of a pipeline. Free locates can be obtained from Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 or visit http://on1call.com.

Ontario Regulation 210/01 prohibits interfering with or damaging a pipeline.  Any damage and/or subsequent release of gas should be immediately reported to the Ministry of Environment’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or by contacting TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.  

About TSSA

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, ski lifts, and upholstered and stuffed articles. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.

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For more information, please contact:

Steve Robinson, Spokesperson

Technical Standards and Safety Authority

Telephone: 1-877-682-8772; Email: media@tssa.org

For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.