BCSA Identifies Recognized Certificates for Transfer of Propane

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Bill Egbert

On January 27, 2017, the British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) issued Directive D-GA 2017-01 entitled “Recognized Certificates for Transfer of Propane”.

This Directive identifies which training courses related to the transfer of propane are recognized by BCSA for use in British Columbia. The Directive recognizes the following Fuels Learning Centre courses:

CF01 – Filling Propane Cylinders at Retail Filling Centres
CF02 – Filling Auto Propane Tanks for Vehicle Operators
CF03 – Filling Propane Cylinders and Auto Propane Tanks at Retail Filling Centres
CF04 – Filling of Forklift Cylinders
TO02 – Loading and Unloading Propane Tank Trucks

To read and download a copy of the bulletin, click on the “Read More” button below.

TSSA Holds Propane Industry Workshops in 2017

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Bill Egbert

Following the adoption of the 2015 versions of the B149 Codes, TSSA is offering Propane Industry Workshops in 2017. The purpose of the workshops (dates and locations to be determined) is to help propane industry personnel to understand the impact of the new code requirements adopted into provincial regulation.

Alberta Issues Gas Safety Variance Related to Emergency Shutdown Systems at Construction Sites

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Bill Egbert

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

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Bill Egbert

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

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Bill Egbert

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.

To read and download a copy of the directive, click on the “Read More” button below.

TSSA Issues Updated Propane Code Adoption Document Amendment

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Bill Egbert

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.

Propane Fired Outdoor Gas Fire Pits to be Removed from Service

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Bill Egbert

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

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Bill Egbert

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.

Alberta Municipal Affairs Updates 17 Gas Safety Bulletins

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Bill Egbert

In June 2016, Alberta Municipal Affairs, under the STANDATA banner, issued seventeen revisions to existing Gas Safety Bulletins. The purpose of these Information Bulletins is to clarify specific or additional requirements related to provincial gas safety and pressure vessel regulations. The regulations refer to national codes and standards, so when updated versions of those standards are adopted, the bulletins also require revisions. The province recently adopted the 2015 versions of the CSA B149 Codes which affected a number of existing Information Bulletins, resulting in the following revisions. To view the individual bulletins, simply click on the bulletin number:

Second revision to G-01-03-B149 – This bulletin addresses the requirements for replacement parts for gas-fired appliances.
First revision to G-02-01a – This bulletin describes the requirements to obtain special inspection and approvals for uncertified appliances and equipment. The bulletin also provides contact information of recognized certifications and inspection bodies currently operating in Alberta.
Second revision to G-03-02 Gas – This bulletin clarifies the permit requirements for new installations where gas is used for fuel purposes.
Third revision to G-05-01-B149 – This bulletin identifies the requirements related to the installation of barbeques on outdoor decks and balconies.
Third revision to G-05-02-B149.1 – This bulletin describes the minimum requirements to ensure the safe and effective venting of gas appliances.
First revision to G-06-01-B149.1 – This bulletin describes the requirements for the protection of gas piping and tubing systems to prevent damage due to strain from building settlement.
Second revision to G-08-01-B149.1/B149.2 – This bulletin describes the installation requirements for gas-fired construction heaters and torches within Alberta. The bulletin also covers the requirements for storing propane containers at the construction site.
First revision to G-01-10 – This bulletin describes the minimum code requirements to ensure the safe and effective venting of gas-fired appliances.
First revision to G-02-10 – This bulletin describes the requirements to adjust input ratings for appliances and equipment which are installed at high altitudes to ensure effective and safe venting.
First revision to G-01-11 – This bulletin addresses the requirements for direct vent appliances and equipment which require ULC S636 Certified venting systems.
First revision to G-02-11-ABSA – This bulletin describes which elements shall be verified during the initial inspections of LPG storage vessels, based on storage capacity.
Second revision to G-03-11-ABSA – This bulletin clarifies the requirements associated with the installation of fuel gas pressure piping in Alberta.
First revision to G-04-11-ABSA – This bulletin describes the conditions under which propane storage tanks designed for 200 PSIG may be used in Alberta and when they must be taken out of service.
First revision to G-01-13 – This bulletin describes the minimum requirements to ensure the safe installation of door air heaters, direct-fired makeup air heaters, and non-recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters.
First revision to G-02-13 – This bulletin describes the minimum requirements to ensure the design, installation and operation of site-specific gas-fired process equipment.
First revision of G-01-14 – This bulletin describes the requirements related to the safe installation of gas-fired appliances on building rooftops.
First revision of G-02-14 – This bulletin describes the requirements for site specific uncertified gas-fired process equipment in the Alberta Oil & Gas Industry which were installed prior to July 2013.

Alberta Municipal Affairs, Safety Services Issues Revision to Bulletin Related to Propane Appliances on Roofs, Decks, and Balconies

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Bill Egbert

This is the 3rd revision to Bulletin G-05-01-B149 which describes the requirements associated with the installation of barbeques on outdoor decks and balconies. The revision addresses how changes to the 2015 edition of the B149.1 and B149.2 affect these installations.

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