What is TSSA?
Any amusement device operating in Ontario must have an Amusement Device Operating Permit, issued by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). The process is similar in some ways to obtaining a building permit, and our professional engineer (P.Eng.) has been helping inflatable device operators get their permits to become complaint with the Amusement Devices Act.
The definition of an amusement ride includes not only the typical mechanical ride at a fairground, but also such items as: Inflatable Attractions of all kinds (Bouncers, Slides, Obtstacle Courses, etc), Go-Karts, Bungee devices of all kinds, Water Slides and Dry Slides. Contact us if you are in any doubt as to whether your unit fits the definition.
Any Amusement Device open to the public is covered under the TSSA regulation, this includes Schools, Churchs, Banquet Halls, Community Centre, Fun Raising events, Fairs, Festivals, and Company / Corporate events. Backyard parties at a private residence are exempt. There are severe penalties for operating an Amusement Device without a permit.
What is the difference between Public and Private events and why is there a price difference?
A Public event is an event that is open to the Public and/or the event takes place on Public Property. A Private event is an event that takes place on someones front or backyard. It is at someones private residence and is not accessible to the public. Street or Block Parties are considered Public events because they don't have controlled entrance like a private backyard party would. (For example, the neighbour down the road might have guests show up or a neighbour kid from a street over might show up.)
There is a difference in price due to several reasons. First of all a company that rents out Inflatables for Public Use is required to have a special Operating License through TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority). The company is also required to have a special permit on each Inflatable. Public events also require that the Inflatable is to be set up under the direction of an Amusement Device Mechanic for Inflatables. Any company offering Inflatables to the Public is also mandated to carry $2,000,000.00 in liability Insurance. These are all added expenses for the company, therefore additional charges apply to Public events. If an accident happens on Private property it will be the liability of the homeowner.