Communities and their neighbourhoods should be considered partners in the safe and sustainable operation of regulated industries and businesses. Specific to the recent Toronto explosion, shouldn’t the community always know the safety status of operations such as Sunrise? Anyone walking into a day care can view the latest inspection. Restaurants prominently post health department inspection certificates.

What about that nearby dangerous goods facility?

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority has now released information about previous inspections. Their website indicates that information from a single record can be had for free by phone or in hard copy for a $50.00 fee. After the fact, their site now offers an  incident summary and a list of licensed propane facilities for download. Copies of the actual inspection reports still require an email or phone call.

While this is a step in the right direction, why are there cautions about the accuracy of the facilities list? Who exactly is responsible for the accuracy of this information? Can someone setup or move a propane facility in Toronto and not provide accurate, verifiable information about it? Is there a shortage of inspectors or data entry personnel? Shouldn’t this information always be accurate and current on the website of the regulatory body?

Authorizing non-profits to provide public services isn’t necessarily a bad idea. Most often they meet this responsibility with commitment, heart, and economy. Requiring friction-free transparency and accountability from them will inform all with an interest in their work. It will also reduce the chance that something important slips under the radar.

Yes, a bad inspection report may generate a bit of heat all around. Most issues are better dealt with while warm then waiting for them to become a tragedy.