Christina Passfield
Elevator and Amusement Device Inspector
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
Learn About My Career
Christina Passfield is an elevator and amusement device inspector for Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).
I was born/grew up in: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
I now live in: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
I completed my training/education at: Durham College – Mechanical Engineering Technology; While working in the Elevating Devices Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, I completed a 2-year training program (continuing education)
I inspect elevators, various amusement park rides, ski lifts, construction hoists to make sure they are safe for the public. I do this by performing inspections and tests. I also make sure these companies are following the proper regulations and codes. I use a lot of STEM skills and knowledge in my work. For example I use math and technology in the tests I do on equipment. I engage in problem solving as I read blueprints and confirm that the devices are built to the specifications. I have to calculate the loads that the different devices and rides can carry safely.
In my daily work I use pressure gauges, tachometers, and a variety of measuring equipment. Where there are differences between the codes and what equipment performs I have to write reports. I also have to communicate the problems to the tradespeople working on site. I have to make decisions about whether or not to license elevators or rides for the public to use. To do this I follow a set process that is based on the tests I conduct and the codes and regulations that are in place. My STEM knowledge gives me the knowledge and confidence to apply the technology to business decisions and to determine if the equipment meets the code requirements.
This is not the type of career that I thought I’d be in when I graduated high school. I did think that I would be in a career where I worked with my hands. When I was growing up my father was a tradesperson. He was a mentor to me as I spent countless hours with him in his fabrication shop building and maintaining motorcycles, trucks, cars, etc.
When I graduated high school I entered Durham College and completed a Mechanical Engineering Technology program. Later I started doing inspections on lift and ride equipment. I continued to learn and completed additional courses over a two year period that were offered by the Ontario government to qualify me to certify equipment as safe for public use.
After I graduated Durham College, I accepted employment with Goodyear Canada. I was responsible for developing their preventative maintenance system for their conveyor belt manufacturing plant located in Bowmanville. Soon after I accepted employment with Ontario Hydro as a Field Technician. I was responsible for inspection both nuclear and conventional piping. Part of my job was to observe pressure tests and confirm the piping was built to the blueprints designed by the Engineering Department. As the Darlington construction site was winding down, I accepted the position as Elevator Inspector In training with the Government of Ontario’s Elevating Devices Branch. This branch eventually became TSSA and this is where I am still employed today.
During my initial years I did experience some challenges due to being a female in a traditionally male career. However, as my skill and confidence grew, these challenges became less and less. Today I am a leader in my field and I share my knowledge with both men and women in the workplace.
I find my career interesting because there is always new information to learn. This happens because new equipment gets developed or the safety codes change. I find it personally rewarding when I can help others make devices safe for the public by sharing my knowledge.
My job has a direct effect on people’s lives in that I make sure the elevators, escalators, rides, etc. are all safe for them to use. It is also fulfilling to share my knowledge with tradespeople who call with “how to” questions. I like to build relationships and promote public safety in the industry that I’m responsible for.
I like to paddle board, cycle and spend time at the cottage. I volunteer with groups like Skills Canada Ontario speaking with youth about careers in the trades.
Do something daily that scares you! It might be something simple like introducing yourself to a stranger or pushing yourself to do something new, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is how I gained valuable experiences and knowledge.
What I do at work
I inspect elevators, various amusement park rides, ski lifts, construction hoists to make sure they are safe for the public. I do this by performing inspections and tests. I also make sure these companies are following the proper regulations and codes. I use a lot of STEM skills and knowledge in my work. For example I use math and technology in the tests I do on equipment. I engage in problem solving as I read blueprints and confirm that the devices are built to the specifications. I have to calculate the loads that the different devices and rides can carry safely.
In my daily work I use pressure gauges, tachometers, and a variety of measuring equipment. Where there are differences between the codes and what equipment performs I have to write reports. I also have to communicate the problems to the tradespeople working on site. I have to make decisions about whether or not to license elevators or rides for the public to use. To do this I follow a set process that is based on the tests I conduct and the codes and regulations that are in place. My STEM knowledge gives me the knowledge and confidence to apply the technology to business decisions and to determine if the equipment meets the code requirements.
My career path is
This is not the type of career that I thought I’d be in when I graduated high school. I did think that I would be in a career where I worked with my hands. When I was growing up my father was a tradesperson. He was a mentor to me as I spent countless hours with him in his fabrication shop building and maintaining motorcycles, trucks, cars, etc.
When I graduated high school I entered Durham College and completed a Mechanical Engineering Technology program. Later I started doing inspections on lift and ride equipment. I continued to learn and completed additional courses over a two year period that were offered by the Ontario government to qualify me to certify equipment as safe for public use.
After I graduated Durham College, I accepted employment with Goodyear Canada. I was responsible for developing their preventative maintenance system for their conveyor belt manufacturing plant located in Bowmanville. Soon after I accepted employment with Ontario Hydro as a Field Technician. I was responsible for inspection both nuclear and conventional piping. Part of my job was to observe pressure tests and confirm the piping was built to the blueprints designed by the Engineering Department. As the Darlington construction site was winding down, I accepted the position as Elevator Inspector In training with the Government of Ontario’s Elevating Devices Branch. This branch eventually became TSSA and this is where I am still employed today.
During my initial years I did experience some challenges due to being a female in a traditionally male career. However, as my skill and confidence grew, these challenges became less and less. Today I am a leader in my field and I share my knowledge with both men and women in the workplace.
I am motivated by
I find my career interesting because there is always new information to learn. This happens because new equipment gets developed or the safety codes change. I find it personally rewarding when I can help others make devices safe for the public by sharing my knowledge.
How I affect peoples’ lives
My job has a direct effect on people’s lives in that I make sure the elevators, escalators, rides, etc. are all safe for them to use. It is also fulfilling to share my knowledge with tradespeople who call with “how to” questions. I like to build relationships and promote public safety in the industry that I’m responsible for.
Outside of work I
I like to paddle board, cycle and spend time at the cottage. I volunteer with groups like Skills Canada Ontario speaking with youth about careers in the trades.
My advice to others
Do something daily that scares you! It might be something simple like introducing yourself to a stranger or pushing yourself to do something new, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is how I gained valuable experiences and knowledge.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- Math
- Music
- Technology
- Physical Education/Health
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Brought people together
- Always wanted to be outside
- Played on a sports team
- Enjoyed working with my hands
- Was motivated by success
- Liked to design or build things
- Liked be given free range to explore my ideas
- Engaged in volunteer activities
- Felt at home in the outside, natural environment
- Always threw the best parties
- Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
- Engaged in activities such as fishing, berry picking and hunting
Partners
Skills Canada Ontario
Lets Talk Science is grateful to Skills Canada Ontario for connecting us with this individual.
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