Tag Archives: British Columbia

BCSA Issues Safety Order Related to Gas and Propane Fireplaces

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British Columbia - BCSAOn January 20, 2017, the British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) issued Safety Order SO-GA 2017-01 entitled “Installation or Use of Natural Gas and Propane Fireplaces Manufactured by Security Fireplaces – Models SRGH36, SBGH36, DV73 and DV71″.

This safety order requires all existing fireplaces identified in the Order be immediately disconnected from the gas supply and permanently removed from service by a licensed gas contractor.

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

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BCSA Identifies Conditions for 200 psig Propane Storage Tanks in Service

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British Columbia - BCSAOn 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:

  1. The tank shall have been visually inspected by a qualified individual within a 5-year period immediately prior to November 1, 2017;
  2. The tank shall be fitted with a pressure relief valve with a maximum set pressure of 250 psig; and
  3. 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.

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BCSA Clarifies Training Requirements to Work on Propane Storage Tanks

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British Columbia - BCSAOn 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.

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BCSA Identifies PRV Servicing & Inspection Intervals

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British Columbia - BCSAOn 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

Checked - LowRes - shutterstock_242884063The 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.

 

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British Columbia Next Jurisdiction to Adopt 2015 Versions of B149 Codes

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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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Adoption of 2015 Versions of B149 Codes

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This article, related to the adoption of 2015 versions of B149 codes, first appeared in the 2015 Jul/Aug edition of Propane Canada Magazine.

I recently chaired the CSA B149.1 Natural Gas & Propane Installation Code Technical Committee meeting and attended as a member of the CSA B149.2 Propane & Storage & Handling Code Technical Committee meeting Niagara Falls, Ontario.

As you are all aware CSA will be publishing the latest editions of the B149 series of Codes in August 2015.  I thought this would be an opportune time to provide information on the provincial and territorial adoption dates of the Codes and to reiterate a couple of sections of the new Code that I believe need to be highlighted, namely maintenance and operating procedures and PRV replacement in cylinders.

Also, this edition of Propane Canada magazine is focusing on temporary heat; so I thought it would be appropriate if I highlighted some of the key regulatory changes coming in the next Code edition with respect to construction heating.

Adoption of 2015 CSA Codes

One of the agenda items was the adoption of the 2015 B149 series of codes.  The following chart provides the latest proposed adoption dates for each of the provinces and territories.  While this is the latest information available it is best to follow up on a regular basis with your provincial or territorial Authority Having Jurisdiction to see if the dates listed will actually be implemented.

B149 Adoption Table

Why You Need to Obtain the 2015 Codes

B149.2 Edition
The following are some of the highlights of the 2015 edition of the B149.2 Propane Storage & Handling Code:

  • Transfer of clauses to other standards in the B149 Series to make the Code more comprehensive and streamlined;
  • New definitions for construction sites, cylinders in storage and connected for use;
  • New clauses for construction sites, tank heaters, vaporizer installations and propane storage facility operation and maintenance.

B149.1 Edition

The following are some of the highlights of the 2015 edition of the B149.1 Natural Gas & Propane Installation Code:

  • Updated scope provides guidance on metallic fittings, stainless steel tub-ing, pressure regulators for propane vehicle usage, direct gas-fired pro-cess air heaters and more;
  • Consolidated clauses from other Codes in the B149 Series make the Code more comprehensive and streamlined;
  • New clauses for mobile homes, rec-reational vehicles, highway vehicles, outdoor food service units, and wash-mobiles include specialized re-quirements;
  • Simplified references and definitions allow for improved application of the standard’s clauses.

Pre-Order Codes
CSA is currently offering, on their web-site, several different 2015 B149 Code packages that you can pre-order.  CSA will also be publishing a handbook for the B149.1 Code.  The latest technological advancement is a complete inter-active version of the B149.1-15 and the B149.1-15 Handbook for your iOS or Android tablet or mobile device.

New Propane Facility Maintenance Requirements

The purpose of the new clauses in the code is to provide a minimum standard for the operation and maintenance of propane facilities and equipment.  The new clauses apply to tank systems, filling plants, container refill centres and other facilities where liquid propane is piped to a vaporizer or process.  Because there are many variables, it is not possible to prescribe a set of operation and maintenance procedures that will be adequate from the standpoint of safety in all cases without being burdensome and, in some cases, impractical.  Industry association publications and training programs provide guidance to individuals preparing site specific procedures and may be referenced.  The proposed clauses establish a baseline or minimum standard.

The maintenance procedures are to cover testing, inspection, monitoring and documenting of the equipment, its repair, and general upkeep.

There is also a requirement for persons who perform maintenance on facility propane systems to be trained in the hazards of the system and in the maintenance and testing procedures applicable to the facility.

Replacement of PRVs for Propane Cylinders with Dome Covers

This requirement addresses the conflict between the B149.2 Code and the CSA-B339 Standard currently adopted by Transport Canada.  The new clause means that the owner of a propane cylinder equipped with a pressure relief valve, previously exempted from replacement by their installation under the dome cover, will now have no conflicting requirement to be used as an argument for not replacing the pressure relief valve at the time of the 10-year cylinder inspection and requalification.

In fact, the new clause is very specific by stating that the PRV is to be removed and replaced with either a new relief valve or one that has been tested to and complies with CGA S 1.1, and found acceptable for use.  The clause also requires that a replacement valve has the PRV and dip tube length sized for the cylinder.

There are also new record-keeping requirements listed in the Code which require the facility conducting the visual inspection and requalification to maintain records showing the results of the inspection and requalification until the date of expiration of the requalification period; or the date the cylinder is reinspected.

Personally, it is my opinion that anyone not already replacing the PRV, at the time of requalification of cylinders, such as 420 lb. propane cylinders have been putting non-compliant propane cylinders back into service.  The requirement to replace the PRV at the time of the visual inspection and requalification for PRVs protected by a dome cover has been in the CSA-B339 for several years.

Temporary Construction Heat

The chart indicates that provinces will be adopting the 2015 Codes in the middle of this heating season. This means that you must be aware of the new and amended requirements for temporary construction heat. The main focus of the new requirements is the storage, handling and use of propane cylinders at construction sites.

In order to understand how the new requirements will impact their day-to-day activities, cylinder delivery and bulk truck drivers who service the sites must have the knowledge of how to comply with the new requirements.

New 2015 B149.2 Definitions

Connected for Use – this new definition is to clear up the confusion as to whether the propane cylinder is in use or storage when connected to a construction heater and the construction heater is not operating. The definition stipulates that a propane cylinder connected to an approved appliance (construction heat-er) regardless of whether the heater is operating or not is to be considered in use, not storage as some have interpret-ed in the past.

Construction Site – the clause expands on what exactly is a construction site and provides the guidance as to when the site can be considered a construction site for the storage, installation, and use of propane cylinders.

New or Amended Clauses

Cylinder Not Connected for Use – requires cylinders not connected for use to be housed in acceptable storage sites and further clarifies that a propane cylinder connected for use is not considered in storage.

Storage of Cylinders – Provides storage requirements and, under certain conditions, permits cylinders to be stored on the roof of buildings under construction and clarifies acceptable “outdoor” storage by identifying proper and safe storage options that reflect conditions on construction sites.  The requirements are based on the hazards (gas accumulation, vehicular traffic, hoisting, etc.), rather than focusing on the location alone.

Presently, rules from various parts of the Code that were not intended to address construction activities are being referenced to regulate construction activities.  Even with changes to the 2010 version, it is a struggle to understand which sections of the B149.2 are likely to be applied on construction sites by an inspector.  The result is confusion for workers and trainers on what constitutes compliance, in-consistency in enforcement, and disagreement on the job site over safety.

Moving Cylinders – When moving propane cylinders on construction sites by elevator, hoist, or escalator, it was only assumed that other clauses within the Code not specifically related to a construction site would not be referenced and applied on construction sites. The new specific clause with some modification for construction, makes the acceptable means clear to both users and regulators.

In Conclusion

It’s imperative that supervisors, propane technicians and those who deliver cylinders and bulk propane are familiar with the latest Code requirements.  To be proactive, a person should order and obtain the latest editions of the Codes from CSA as soon as the Codes are published in August 2015.  This will give an opportunity to train on the latest requirements and to understand the impact these new requirements will have on your company prior to their adoption by the Authority Having Jurisdiction in your province or territory.

The Fuels Learning Centre offers training programs addressing the 2015 Code requirements for cylinder requalification (Visual Inspection & Requalification of Propane Cylinders – SO01) and the use of temporary construction heat (Construction Heaters and Propane Cylinders at Construction Sites – AV02).

 

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