In December 2016, Transport Canada issued Vol. 36, No. 2 of the TDG Newsletter.
For a copy of the newsletter, click on the “Read More” button below.
Category Archives: News
Transport Canada Publishes White Paper on TDG Training
Over the past several years, Transport Canada has held a number of consultations to determine to improve the quality and consistency of course ware used to train individuals on the requirements related to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods. In 2016, Transport Canada published a White Paper to summarize the findings of their consultation and to develop a framework for moving forward.
To view or download a copy of this White Paper, click on the “Read More” button below.
Alberta Issues Gas Safety Variance Related to Emergency Shutdown Systems at Construction Sites
This Gas Safety Variance addresses the limited space for proper installation and servicing of tanks, vapourizers and emergency shutdown systems at construction sites. The variance specifically address the distance between direct-fired vapourizers and emergency shutdown system.
BCSA Identifies Conditions for 200 psig Propane Storage Tanks in Service
On October 25, 2016, the British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) issued Directive D-BP-2016-02 “Propane Storage Tanks with a Maximum Allowable Working Pressure of 200 psig.”
The directive clarifies the conditions under which these tanks may remain in service. The majority of 200 psig propane storage tanks affected by this directive are subject to the following requirements:
- The tank shall have been visually inspected by a qualified individual within a 5-year period immediately prior to November 1, 2017;
- The tank shall be fitted with a pressure relief valve with a maximum set pressure of 250 psig; and
- The tank must remain in operation and cannot be moved or placed into service at another location.
The Fuels Learning Centre offers two courses designed to train individuals on how to conduct visual tank and PRV inspections. Our primary version of “Visual Tank and PRV Inspection (SO02)“ is designed for a variety of propane industry personnel. For propane tank truck operators our “Loading and Unloading Propane Tank Trucks Including Visual Tank & PRV Inspection (TO04)” covers both how to operate the bulk delivery vehicle AND conduct visual tank and PRV inspections.
To read and download a copy of the directive, click on the “Read More” button below.
BCSA Clarifies Training Requirements to Work on Propane Storage Tanks
On October 25, 2016, the British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) issued Directive D-BP/GA-2016-01 named “Personnel Inspection and Maintenance Certification Requirements for Propane Storage Tanks.”
The directive clarifies the training/certification requirements for individuals performing regulated work on propane storage tanks. Specifically, the BCSA requires individuals who conduct periodic visual inspections of in-service propane storage tanks and PRVs to be the holder of a record of training for a course approved for use by the BCSA, such as the Fuels Learning Centre course “Visual Tank and PRV Inspection“.
Additionally, the directive clarifies that individuals who replace or repair fittings and gauges on propane storage tanks must possess an active Class A or Class B Gasfitter Certificate of Qualification while working under a valid Gas Contractor’s License.
Finally, the directive reminds readers that the transfer of propane from one container to another may only be performed by individuals who hold a current Record of Training certificate specific to the containers and equipment used. The Fuels Learning Centre is one of the Training Providers recognized by BCSA providing a variety of propane transfer courses.
The Fuels Learning Centre offers two courses designed to train individuals on how to conduct visual tank and PRV inspections. Our primary version of “Visual Tank and PRV Inspection (SO02)“ is designed for a variety of propane industry personnel. For propane tank truck operators our “Loading and Unloading Propane Tank Trucks Including Visual Tank & PRV Inspection (TO04)” covers both how to operate the bulk delivery vehicle AND conduct visual tank and PRV inspections.
To read and download a copy of the directive, click on the “Read More” button below.
TSSA Issues Updated Propane Code Adoption Document Amendment
On September 15, 2016, TSSA has amended their Propane Code Adoption Document. This document adopts the 2015 versions of the B149 codes into regulation and provides additional requirements specific to compliance with theses national codes in Ontario.
BCSA Identifies PRV Servicing & Inspection Intervals
On September 12, 2016, the British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) issued Directive D-BP-2016-01 named “Propane Storage Tank Pressure Relief Valve Servicing and Inspection Intervals.”
The directive, issued by the Provincial Safety Manager, Boilers and Pressure Vessels, clarifies the timelines for required servicing and inspection intervals as specified in the CSA B51-14 Boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping code. Due to the number of propane tanks subject to these requirements, the Directive also outlines the dates by which owners must be in compliance.
PRV Servicing Intervals
Servicing of the PRV generally refers to the replacement of the valve. The required servicing interval is determined by the size of the storage tank and whether or not the PRV is of the internal or external spring type.
- ASME propane storage tanks greater than 2,500 USWG must be serviced every 10 years. Owners of these propane tanks will have until January 1, 2024, to ensure the tank is in compliance.
- ASME propane storage tanks 2,500 USWG or less with external spring PRVs must be serviced every 10 years. Owners of these propane tanks will have until January 1, 2024, to ensure the tank is in compliance.
- ASME propane storage tanks 2,500 USWG or less with internal spring PRVs must be serviced every 25 years. Owners of these propane tanks will have until January 1, 2027, to ensure the tank is in compliance.
Visual PRV Inspection
The visual inspection of the PRV generally refers to conducting a formal inspection of the valve while it’s in service. The visual inspection is conducted without removing or servicing the valve to identify signs of malfunction and to determine if the valve requires immediate servicing. A formal, documented visual inspection is required every five years. Owners of affected ASME propane storage tanks must be in compliance with the visual inspection requirements by no later than January 1, 2022.
Training Requirements
The directive outlines the training requirements for individuals who service PRVs or conduct in-service visual PRV inspections.
- Servicing and recertification is to be completed by the PRV’s original manufacturer, a holder of a valid “VR” stamp Certificate of Accreditation, or by an organization holding a BCSA contractor licence, class “SRV” for PRV service.
- Individuals conducting in-service inspections must be trained and competent in the duties for which they are responsible.
The Fuels Learning Centre offers two courses designed to train individuals on how to conduct visual tank and PRV inspections. Our primary version of “Visual Tank and PRV Inspection (SO02)“ is designed for a variety of propane industry personnel. For propane tank truck operators our “Loading and Unloading Propane Tank Trucks Including Visual Tank & PRV Inspection (TO04)” covers both how to operate the bulk delivery vehicle AND conduct visual tank and PRV inspections.
To read and download a copy of the directive, click on the “Read More” button below.
Propane Fired Outdoor Gas Fire Pits to be Removed from Service
On August 30, 2016, the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) issued Director’s Public Safety Order FS-221-2016. This safety order calls for the IMMEDIATE removal from service of propane fired outdoor gas fire pits WBT and WBRT series manufactured by Wujiang Gaorui Garden Metalwork Co. Ltd.
These particular models of gas fire pits have been designed to hold the supply propane cylinder on its side which creates an immediate hazard and is in contravention of the B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling code.
As a result of this Safety Order, these gas fire pits must be immediately removed from service and must not be offered for use, sale, rent or installation.
British Columbia Next Jurisdiction to Adopt 2015 Versions of B149 Codes
In July 2016, British Columbia became the next jurisdiction (and one of the last) to adopt the new 2015 versions of the CSA B149 codes. On July 28, 2016, Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minster Responsible for Housing and Deputy Premier amended the Gas Safety Regulation, BC Reg. 103/2004. The adoption of the codes will take effect on November 1, 2016 with the rest to be adopted one year later on November 1, 2017.
On November 1, 2016, the following CSA codes will be adopted:
- CSA-B149.1-15 Natural Gas & Propane Installation Code;
- CSA-B149.3-15 Code for the Field Approval of Fuel-related Components on Appliances and Equipment;
- CSA-B149.5-15 Installation Code for Propane Fuel Systems and Containers on Motor Vehicles;
- CSA-B109-14 Natural Gas for Vehicles Installation Code;
- ANSI/CSA-B149.6-15 Code for Digester Gas, Landfill Gas, and Biogas Generation and Utilization;
- CSA-B108-14 Compressed Natural Gas Fuelling Stations Installation Code; and
Annex D, “LNG vehicle fuelling stations”, to CAN/CSA-Z276-15 Liquefied natural gas (LNG)- Production, storage, and handling.
One year later, on November 1, 2017, the following CSA codes will be adopted:
• CSA-B149.2-15 Propane Storage & Handling Code; and
• CSA-Z662-15 Oil & Gas Pipeline Systems
Background
The CSA-B149.1-15 was published by the Canadian Standards Association in August 2015. Each Province and Territory of Canada puts into law (adopts) the various Codes on their own specific regulatory schedule. The Gas Safety Act also amends specific clauses within the Code body to address regional requirements.
Specific Clause Amendments
APPENDIX 1 of BC Reg. 103/2004 provides the specific clauses that are amended in CSA-B149.1 Natural Gas & Propane Installation Code including:
- The definition of “gas system” is used for the production, handling and utilization of digester gas in a wastewater treatment plant, (ii) landfill gas at a landfill site, or biogas.
- Adding the definition; “biogas” to mean a gas produced in a digester at a location other than at a wastewater treatment plant; and as” by adding”, biogas” after “landfill gas”.
- 3 Section 28 (8) is amended by adding “or liquefied natural gas” after “liquefied petroleum gas”.
- The remainder of the amendments are used to renumber the clauses to accommodate the insertion of new clauses.
Significant Changes to B149.1
To assist you in understanding the more significant changes in the B149.1, the following is a list of key changes within the 2015 version of the code including:
- Recognition of press connection joints;
- Permitting the use of press-connect fittings on underground piping and tubing systems;
- Use and installation of direct-fired door air heaters that were originally certified to withdrawn Standard CGA 3.12 or CAN 1.3 12-78;
- Listing of installation instructions for refurbished Direct Gas-Fired Make-up Air Heaters that have not been manufactured since 2002;
- To accept check valve technology to prevent flue products backflow issues for common venting of appliances with positive pressure venting;
- To recognize the different types of appliance installations and connector applications;
- Permanently installed appliances where the gas connector is designed not to be repeatedly moved or disconnected/connected to the piping system;
- Movable appliances where the connector is designed for repeated movement, disconnects, and reconnections;
- Gas connectors for outdoor use;
- Quick disconnect devices or gas convenience outlets;
- To recognize the use of a permanently mounted certified hand-operated gas connection outlets that provide a means for connecting and disconnecting an appliance to the gas supply piping by way of a gas hose or gas connector;
- Clarification of how an appliance is to be connected to the gas piping system, which addresses the use of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) systems and tubing system installations and recognizes the use of gas convenience outlets;
- Use and Installation of appliances and equipment for mobile homes; and
- Clarification that an outdoor air supply to an enclosure can be sized using either table 8.3 for appliances having draft control devices or table 8.4 for appliances not having draft control devices.
Impact of One Year Delay on Adopting B149.2
One of the key additions within the 2015 version of the CSA B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling Code is the requirement for documented operating procedures and ongoing maintenance procedures. The delay in adoption will allow operators of propane filling plants and refill centres to come into compliance with the new requirements.
Please note that the above is not a complete listing of all of the amendments to the Codes. Each person using the Code must be in possession of the 2015 edition to identify all amendments.
TSSA Identifies New Training Requirements
In February 2016, the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) issued new training requirements for what is to be included for specific Record of Training (ROT) categories. In Ontario, TSSA identifies a number of job-specific activities which require a Record of Training certificate issued by a recognized Training Provider.
The new requirements affect a number of training courses and TSSA stipulated that training curriculum used after May 1, 2016 must address the updated requirements. Training courses developed by the Fuels Learning Centre addressing these ROT categories have now been updated to include the new requirements. The following are the ROT categories which have new requirements. Simply click on the ROT category title to view a copy of the new requirements:
- CH-02/CH-01 – Construction Heat – There are two ROT categories related to Construction Heat. CH-02 relates to construction heaters and torches up to 400,000 BTUH while CH-01 refers to construction heaters and torches of any BTHU input.
- PPO-1 – Propane Plant Operator 1 – This ROT category addresses the training requirements for individuals who transfer propane to and from tank cars, cargo liners, tank trucks, filling plants and container refill centres.
- PPO-2 – Propane Plant Operator 2 – This ROT category addresses the training requirements for individuals who transfer propane to and from tank trucks, filling plants and container refill centres.
- PPO-3 – Propane Plant Operator 3 – This ROT category addresses the training requirements for individuals who fill containers, including vehicle tanks, and operate propane transfer equipment in filling plant or container refill centre.
- PTO – Propane Truck Operator – This ROT category addresses the training requirements for individuals who operate a propane tank truck or a vehicle that tows a cargo liner. They may operate propane handling equipment in order to transfer propane to and from tank trucks, cargo liners, filling plants and container refill centres. In addition, these individuals may also fill containers on the premises of end-users and reactivate existing customer’s equipment in accordance with manufacturers lighting instructions in the event of a loss of fuel supply.
- RE-O – Roofing Equipment Operator – This ROT category addresses the training requirements for individuals who may activate and operate propane-fired tar pot heaters of any BTUH imput and connect it to or disconnect it from piping, tubing or a container.
The Fuels Learning Centre applauds the efforts of TSSA to identify the content required to address specific learning outcomes within recognized ROT categories. This assists Training Providers in ensuring consistency and gives employers a level of comfort that their employees will receive similar training regardless of which Training Provider they choose. However, our review of the new requirements has uncovered some concerns which we have subsequently addressed in a communication to TSSA. Click here to download a PDF version of our recommendations to TSSA regarding the new ROT curriculum requirements.