New Brunswick Adopts Updated CSA Codes into Regulations

On July 14, 2017, Technical Inspection Services of New Brunswick issued a notice to Gas Industry Stakeholders adopting the most recent versions of CSA codes and standards within their Propane, Natural and Medical Gas Regulations.  This includes the 2015 versions of the B149 series and the 2014 edition of the B51 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code.

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

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Alberta Provides List of Recognized Certification Bodies for Uncertified Appliances and Equipment

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In June 2017, a Gas Safety Information Bulletin was issued to provide updated contact information for recognized certification and inspection bodies operating in Alberta.  The Bulletin also reminds readers that uncertified appliances and equipment must obtain special inspections and approvals prior to installation.

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

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British Columbia Next Jurisdiction to Adopt 2015 Versions of B149 Codes

British Columbia Logo 01In 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.

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Alberta Municipal Affairs Updates 17 Gas Safety Bulletins

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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.