Glossary
Action taken: problems noted – no further action required
The public health inspector found one or more infractions during the inspection. The operator corrected these infractions during the inspection. No follow-up inspection is needed.
Action taken: problems noted – see requirements – re-inspection scheduled
The public health inspector noted one or more infractions under applicable laws and scheduled a follow-up inspection to ensure corrections were made.
Action taken: satisfactory – no action required
The premises was fully compliant with applicable laws at the time of the inspection.
Child care setting
A licensed child care setting is run by someone licensed under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014. This include child care centres, nursery schools, and before/after school programs.
Conviction
A charge/ticket is a conviction when the person or business is found guilty or admits guilt. This is decided by a Judge or Justice of the Peace in court. An individual can also plead guilty by paying the ticket amount.
Corrected during inspection (CDI)
The public health inspector found an infraction during the inspection, but the owner or operator corrected it prior to the end of the inspection.
Follow-up inspection
If a public health inspector finds infractions or concerns, a follow-up inspection will occur later. This ensures that the necessary corrections were made. These can also be called re-inspections.
Infraction
Infractions, or violations, refer to situations where an operator does not comply with laws. All infractions noted by the public health inspector appear on the inspection report. The owner must work with the public health inspector to fix these issues quickly. The public health inspector may implement interim measures for public safety until corrections are made. If interim measures aren't possible, an order is issued. This can include closure, boil water, or drinking water orders.
Offence notice (conviction)
An offence notice, also known as a charge, certificate of offence, or ticket, is issued for infractions. Public health inspectors and smoke-free Ontario act enforcement officers are designated as provincial offences officers and can issue these notices. Not all laws allow charges to be laid.
Order - Boil water order
A boil water order is issued when there is the presence or possible presence of bacteria or other micro-organisms in the water. The water must be boiled before use or an alternative supply such as commercially prepared water must be provided to users until the water is rendered safe. This order is resolved (rescinded) once corrective action is taken and satisfactory water sample results are reported.
Order - Closure order
A closure order requires a premises to close until an identified health hazard has been eliminated. Examples include lack of hot or potable water and sewage backups. Public pools or spas may close due to unbalanced water chemistry, adverse water sample results, missing or inoperable safety equipment.
Order - Do not drink water or a drinking water order
Either a do not drink or a drinking water order is issued as a safety measure due to a possible chemical contamination. Boiling the water may cause more harm and/or will not eliminate the contamination. The Order is resolved (rescinded) once corrective actions are taken and satisfactory water sample results are received.
Order - Prohibition order
Smoke-free Ontario act enforcement officers can issue a prohibition order when a tobacco retailer is convicted under the SFOA more than twice in 5 years. The order prohibits the retailer from selling tobacco products for 6 and 12 months.
Orders
Public health inspectors can issue orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, often called Section 13 Orders. These are issued when there are reasonable and probable grounds that a health hazard exists, and actions specified in the order are needed to reduce the risk. Orders are issued when there is an imminent health risk for which the only means of preventing human illness is by ordering the premises to take action specified in the order and until such time the health hazard is eliminated. When the conditions set out in the Order are met, it is rescinded, meaning there is no longer a health risk.
Required inspection
Public health inspectors have the duty and the authority under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to inspect premises within their jurisdiction to ensure compliance with laws. These inspections ensure minimum standards are met. These inspections may also be called routine or compliance inspections.
Resolved date
When the conditions of an order are met, the order is lifted (rescinded). This means there is no longer an imminent risk to the health of the public and the issue is resolved.
Resolved date
When the conditions of an order are met, the order is lifted (rescinded). This means there is no longer an imminent risk to the health of the public and the issue is resolved.
Small drinking water system (SDWS)
A small drinking water system provides non-municipal drinking water to the public. These systems may use private wells or surface water from rivers, lakes, or ponds. They are common in rural areas. Examples include seasonal trailer parks, campgrounds, restaurants on private systems, and places where the public has access to drinking water.
Summons
A summons may be given instead of a ticket. It is a legal document requiring the person charged to appear in court regarding an infraction. This usually leads to a trial date. A Justice of the Peace will determine a fine or sentence if convicted.
Water samples collected
This refers to drinking or recreational water samples collected and tested for the presence of bacteria.