Discussion continued at the March 27 Creston town council meeting over a proposal to require private inspectors and installers of fire safety equipment to be certified by a provincial body.
The proposal is part of an update to fire safety bylaws undertaken by Creston Fire Rescue. Bylaw 1774 passed its third reading on Tuesday night, with Couns. Tanya Ducharme and Wes Graham opposing.
“I’m just a little nervous,” said Ducharme, noting that certification can be obtained by taking the required courses or by challenging the exams in an open book test.
“I’m assured that the previous knowledge and training they have is what will pass the course,” responded Creston Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Michael Moore. “They have to provide proof that they have the experience.”
Coun. Jerry Schmalz was concerned that it may be cost-prohibitive for businesses to hire certified inspectors, but Moore said that those who are untrained often undercut professionals.
“I think we can monitor it,” Moore said. “If we came to a point in 24 months that we felt it wasn’t going to work … we could change it. But it’s hard for us to make them get certified if we don’t have the tool in place.”
Regardless of cost, the fire code, he added, requires that the person performing this work be qualified to do the work.
“It’s really about public safety and the belief that the people offering a public service should be certified,” Moore said.
He has discovered several instances where unqualified inspectors have charged local businesses for an improper inspection. With 438 inspectable properties in Creston, the chance for a mishap — one fire has already occurred — is great.
“It’s really about taking the onus off of our own fire staff and putting it out to a regulatory body,” said town manager Lou Varela.
All agreed that communicating with Creston business owners was key to making the proposal work, and Ducharme suggested proving businesses with a “cheat sheet” to help identify reputable inspectors.
“The biggest thing they have to ask for is that they’re certified” and have inspectors show their credentials and identification, said Moore. “We’re not targeting the local businesses. We really want to go after the service providers.”
