NDP Calls for Government Action to Improve Oil Burner Safety

Mandatory training and licensing for oil burner mechanics urged

 
WHITEHORSE - NDP Official Opposition Leader Liz Hanson today called on the Yukon government to take action to improve oil burner safety. Citing a previously unreleased report prepared for the Yukon Housing Corporation in 2010, Hanson said that immediate action should be taken on a problem that has been well-documented since 2007.
 
“Mr. Corea’s words from the executive summary of his March 2010 report are haunting,” said Hanson. “He said, and I quote:
 
All five surveys provide clear evidence that a large percentage of oil-burning equipment in the Yukon is not properly installed or maintained in accordance with the minimum standards established in the B139 Installation Code for Oil-burning Equipment.
 
The current survey confirms the recommendations made in the previously submitted reports. It is recommended that action is taken as soon as possible to prevent an incident causing harm to person or property.”
 
Corea’s report identified the “lack of consequences for not complying with the code requirements…as a major cause of the problems found at new and old installations.” It also identified the lack of mandatory training and licensing for oil burner mechanics as a major cause for concern. The report also states that “self-regulation has failed to provide the level of safety and environmental protection that is the aim of the B139 Fuel Oil Code.”
 
Hanson called on the government to commit to a concrete plan with firm timelines to:
  • Implement a mandatory training and licensing program for oil burner mechanics;
  • Introduce a new Residential Tenancy Act in the fall of this year that would require landlords to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and have a licensed oil burner mechanic conduct annual maintenance;
  • Review the process of appointing government inspectors to ensure they are appropriately trained and qualified and given all necessary resources to exercise their duties as mandated by law; and
  • Make an explicit commitment to introduce whistle-blower protection legislation in the fall of this year to remove the muzzle from the mouths of public servants who have information to share in the interest of safety.
Hanson concluded as she started by expressing sympathy and acknowledging that the family and friends of the Rusks and Donald McNamee are still grieving.
 
“Investigations into that horrific incident are underway and must be allowed to continue,” said Hanson. “At the same time, we owe it to the memory of those lost and the well-being of our families, friends and neighbours to take action now to improve health and safety standards for oil burning furnaces. It’s now in the hands of the Yukon government to take appropriate action.”