What Is a Field Safety Representative (FSR) and Why Your Strata Needs One
Operating PermitsWhat Is a Field Safety Representative (FSR) and Why Your Strata Needs One
If your strata council is dealing with electrical maintenance, planning upgrades, or trying to stay compliant with Technical Safety BC (TSBC) regulations, one role keeps coming up again and again: the Field Safety Representative, or FSR.
Maybe you’ve heard the term in the context of an Electrical Operating Permit. Maybe your electrician mentioned needing one for your building. But who exactly is this person—and why does your strata need one?
In this article, we’ll break down what an FSR is, what they do, the different types, and why every BC strata managing electrical systems needs to understand this essential role.
What Is a Field Safety Representative (FSR)?
A Field Safety Representative (FSR) is a licensed individual authorized by Technical Safety BC to oversee and take responsibility for regulated electrical work in BC.
An FSR is often a journeyperson electrician, technologist, or engineer who has passed an exam and holds a certificate of qualification to supervise work in their approved class.
Key Role
The FSR acts as the official representative who:
- Ensures electrical work complies with code and safety standards
- Signs off on work done under an electrical permit
- Communicates with TSBC about inspections, declarations, and safety issues
They are the bridge between your building and Technical Safety BC—responsible for keeping your strata’s electrical systems compliant and safe. Artex Engineering has professionals registered with TSBC and can be your FSR.
When Does Your Strata Need an FSR?
If your building holds an Electrical Operating Permit (EOP)—which many stratas now do—you are required to assign a certified FSR. Without one, your permit isn’t valid.
Situations That Require an FSR
- When applying for or renewing an Electrical Operating Permit
- When doing ongoing electrical maintenance on regulated systems
- When submitting annual declarations to TSBC
- When managing regulated electrical assets, like:
- Fire alarms
- EV charging systems
- Emergency lighting
- Backup generators
- Elevators, ventilation fans, and HVAC systems
💡 Even if you contract out most electrical work, your strata still needs to designate an FSR to oversee and document it under your permit.
Types of FSR Certifications
There are different classes of FSRs, each with limitations on the scope and type of work they can oversee.
Common FSR Classes for Strata Buildings
- Class A – Unlimited scope (can supervise any electrical work – This is what Artex Engineering holds)
- Class B – Up to 750 volts (suitable for most residential and commercial buildings)
- Class C – Restricted (e.g., low-voltage systems only)
- ASTTBC Certification – Applied science technologists approved under specific building classifications (like Part 9 buildings)
Make sure the FSR assigned to your strata’s permit holds the appropriate class for the work being performed.
What an FSR Does for Your Strata
Your FSR has both technical and regulatory responsibilities that directly impact your building’s safety and compliance.
Ongoing Responsibilities
- Inspect or supervise electrical work under your permit
- Maintain a logbook of all regulated electrical activities
- Ensure all work follows code
- Report safety incidents to TSBC
- Submit annual declarations to keep your permit active
Administrative Duties
- Stay up to date with TSBC changes
- Notify TSBC of changes in the scope of work
- Provide documentation for audits or inspections
In short, your FSR is responsible for the legality and safety of your building’s regulated electrical work.
Why Your Strata Needs a Reliable FSR
Some strata councils mistakenly assume that hiring an electrical contractor is enough. But unless that contractor is also designated as your FSR—and included on your permit—you’re not technically compliant.
Benefits of Assigning a Strong FSR
- ✅ Maintains legal compliance under BC safety regulations
- ✅ Reduces liability for the strata council
- ✅ Simplifies inspections and audits
- ✅ Provides expert oversight for future upgrades or retrofits
- ✅ Ensures documentation is in place (especially important for resale, insurance, and depreciation reporting)
A strata that lacks an FSR, or fails to assign the correct one, can find itself in trouble during permit renewals, resale transactions, or electrical failures.
Can a Contractor Be the FSR?
Yes—a licensed electrical contractor can act as your FSR, as long as:
- They hold the proper class of FSR certification
- They’re listed as the FSR on your permit
- You have a written agreement or contract in place
This is common for smaller stratas that outsource most electrical work. Just make sure it’s formally documented, and that the contractor accepts responsibility for the role—not all electricians want the liability.
How to Assign or Change Your FSR
If you’re applying for a new Electrical Operating Permit, you’ll be asked to:
- Provide your FSR’s name and certificate number
- Ensure the FSR signs off on the application
- Submit supporting documents (such as scope of work)
If your existing FSR leaves, or your scope of work changes, you must notify Technical Safety BC immediately.
You can do this through your TSBC online account, or by contacting them directly.
Summary
The Field Safety Representative (FSR) is a crucial part of your strata’s electrical safety team. Whether you’re holding an operating permit, planning future upgrades, or simply keeping your building in compliance, the FSR is your go-to expert and regulatory liaison.
Every strata that manages regulated electrical systems needs one—and the right one can make your life a whole lot easier.
Don’t wait for an audit, inspection, or electrical incident to find out you’re missing this piece. Take the time to understand who your FSR is, what their responsibilities are, and how they’re helping keep your building safe, legal, and future-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a strata council member be the FSR?
No. Only individuals who are certified by Technical Safety BC can act as an FSR. This typically includes electricians, engineers, or technologists with specialized training and qualifications.
Can we change our FSR mid-year?
Yes—but you must immediately notify TSBC and update your permit records. Your permit is not valid without an assigned FSR.
What’s the difference between an FSR and an electrician?
An electrician can perform regulated work, but an FSR has the legal authority to supervise and sign off on that work under BC’s safety laws.
What happens if our FSR quits or retires?
Your strata must replace the FSR as soon as possible. During the gap, you may be out of compliance and unable to perform regulated work legally.
How do we verify an FSR’s certification?
You can verify FSR status and credentials directly through Technical Safety BC’s website.