Gas standards, codes, acts, and regulations are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of gas systems. They establish guidelines for the design, installation, maintenance, and inspection of gas appliances, pipelines, and equipment. By setting minimum safety requirements, these codes promote consistency and reliability across gas installations, enhancing public confidence and facilitating regulatory enforcement.

Canadian Standards Association

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) exists to develop standards. Among the 57 different areas of specialization are business management, safety, and performance standards, including those for electrical and electronic equipment, industrial equipment, boilers and pressure vessels, compressed gas handling appliances, environmental protection, and construction materials.

Most standards are voluntary, meaning there are no laws requiring their application. Despite that, adherence to standards is beneficial to companies because it shows products have been independently tested to meet certain standards. The CSA mark is a registered certification mark that can only be applied by someone who is licensed or otherwise authorized by the CSA to do so.

Laws and regulations in most municipalities, provinces, and states in North America require certain products to be tested to a specific standard or group of standards by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). Currently, 40% of all the standards issued by CSA are referenced in Canadian legislation. CSA’s sister company, CSA International, is a nationally recognized testing laboratory that manufacturers can choose, usually because the law of the jurisdiction requires it or the customer specifies it.

CSA B149 Gas Code Series

The CSA B149 Gas Code Series provides important guidance on how to work as a gasfitter safely — from the handling and storage of natural gas and propane to the safe and effective installation of related appliances and equipment. The CSA B149 Gas Code Series is a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) publication. In 1958, the CSA published the first edition of the B149.1, Installation Code for Gas-Burning Appliances and Equipment. Following the publication of the 1966 edition, the decision was made to split the code into two parts: B149.1, dealing with the installation of appliances and equipment burning natural gas, and B149.2, dealing with the installation of appliances and equipment burning propane. As a first step, B149.2 was prepared and first published in 1969.

In 1974, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) was accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as the standards development organization responsible for preparing standards for gas-burning appliances and equipment and took over responsibility for the B149 code at that time. Many new editions of the code have been published since that time (a typical code cycle is about every five years).

On June 30, 1997, the CSA Group acquired International Approval Services (IAS), which, until then, was a joint venture of the American Gas Association (AGA) and the Canadian Gas Association (CGA).

Under this agreement, CSA acquired the complete range of IAS standards administration, certification, and registration products and services for appliances and accessories fuelled by natural and liquefied petroleum gases. In 1998, the CSA B149 Installation Code Committee agreed to publish a natural gas and propane installation code that would amalgamate the first seven sections of CAN/CGA-B149.1 and CAN/CGA-B149.2 to become CAN/CSA-B149.1-00. This merger was in response to the trend among the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) in many provinces toward having combined licensing and training for both natural gas and propane.

The remaining sections, 8 to 14 of CAN/CGA-B149.2, then became CAN/CSA-B149.2-00, Propane Storage and Handling Code.

It is important to note that when a new edition of these codes is adopted by the enforcing jurisdiction (Technical Safety BC (TSBC)), it supersedes all previous editions.

CSA B149.1: Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code

CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code targets Canadian gas and propane industry workers. This code is an extremely important reference for all gasfitters. It is intended to protect public health and safety for all building systems that use fuel gas. It addresses system design, installation, and inspection of such systems by providing minimum safeguards and corresponding safety requirements. It has been reviewed by regulatory authorities across Canada and has been adopted into law in every Canadian province and territory.

CSA B149.1 applies to the installation of:

• Appliances, equipment, components, and accessories where gas is used for fuel purposes
• Gas piping and tubing systems
• Vehicle-refuelling appliances and associated equipment
• Stationary gas engines and turbines

CSA B149.2: Propane Storage and Handling Code

The CSA B149.2 Propane Storage & Handling Code reflects the latest advances in industry best practices and the most current safety requirements.

CSA B149.2 applies to the:

• Storage, handling, and transfer of propane
• Propane used as an engine fuel in other than highway vehicles
• Installation of containers and equipment used for propane in distribution locations and filling plants

CSA B149.3: Code for the Field Approval of Fuel-Related Components on Appliances and Equipment

The CSA B149.3 Code for the Field Approval of Fuel-Related Components on Appliances and Equipment provides requirements for fuel-related components and accessories and their assembly on appliances and equipment using gas.

This document is used predominantly in the commercial and industrial gas industry for large volume equipment and appliances that use a programmable logic controller (PLC) or microprocessor-based controls used for flame safety. Many of these types of equipment may be designed beyond the scope of any existing standards, and the appliances or equipment may not already be certified. In these cases, the B149.3 would apply. This code pertains mostly within the scope of qualification of Class A Gasfitters in Canada.

Technical Safety BC

Although CSA codes have been adopted as the standard for the design and installation of fuel gas systems across Canada, each province maintains regulation, licensing, and registration of gas in various ways.

Gas systems are usually installed under the regulatory authority in that province. In British Columbia, that authority is Technical Safety BC (formerly BC Safety Authority).

Technical Safety BC is an independent, self-funded organization that oversees the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment across the province. In addition to issuing permits, licences, and certificates of qualification, they work with the industry to reduce safety risks through inspections, assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

Technical Safety BC has been given powers to enforce and create public safety rules in the following areas:

• Natural gas and propane appliances and systems, including hydrogen
• Boilers, pressure vessels, and refrigeration systems
• Passenger ropeways, such as aerial trams and ski lifts
• Elevating devices, such as elevators and escalators
• Electrical equipment and systems
• Alternative safety approaches
• Amusement devices
• Railways

Technical Safety BC administers the Safety Standards Act and Railway Safety Act throughout British Columbia. Anyone who installs, operates, manufactures, maintains, or sells equipment in any of the technologies they regulate is within Technical Safety BC jurisdiction.

Although Technical Safety BC oversees the safe installation and operation of technical systems across the province, some exemptions do exist in certain municipalities. Ten municipalities are delegated portions of the Safety Standards Act to issue electrical and/or gas permits and perform inspections. Technical Safety BC typically does not issue permits or perform inspections for electrical or gas work and equipment in these areas (e.g., the City of Kelowna is permitted to issue gas installation permits within their jurisdiction).

For gas, the local governments (municipalities) can issue natural gas installation permits for:

• Fully detached dwellings serviced by a single meter at 2 psig (14 kPa) or less
• Any premise other than a fully detached dwelling if the gas meter pressure is 2 psi (14 kPa) or less and the total connected load is 409,600 BTU/hr (120 kW) or less

Technical Safety BC has jurisdiction over all other regulated gases, such as propane, methane, and hydrogen. Although these ten jurisdictions have oversight for electrical and/or gas, Technical Safety BC still oversees contractor licensing and certification of qualified individuals and provides oversight for all other technologies they regulate.

Gas Installation Permits

There is sometimes misconceptions about who actually has the authority to apply for a gas installation permit. The process is different from applying for a plumbing installation permit, for example.

Gasfitting work in BC must be performed by certified gasfitters. Gas permits are allocated only to registered gas contractors (or, in some cases, a homeowner working under the regulations). Gas contractors are licensed to do work in BC if they are registered with TSBC, employ qualified individuals, and pay an annual licensing fee. Each contractor must also be able to supply a performance bond to do gasfitting work (minimum $10K bond, held in trust with TSBC). Bonding helps ensure that contractors are reputable and that they will complete their work to the regulations.

If a contractor is registered with TSBC to perform regulated gas work, then they must employ certified gasfitters to do the work.

A gas permit is required to perform any regulated gas work, including the installation, alteration, or replacement of any gas-fired appliance. Gas permits are also required if installing or altering the associated gas piping or appliance venting. Gas installation permits must be obtained before any work begins.

When constructing a new dwelling, a building permit is required prior to a gas or plumbing permit being issued. Plumbing permits are issued by the local municipal building department, whereas gas permits are typically issued by TSBC.

The permit process is generally the same for all types of projects, but more specific requirements may be required for some commercial construction and industrial projects.

Review Process

During the review process, staff determine if the project is in compliance with the applicable codes and other local ordinances and statutes. The length of the review process depends on the type and complexity of the project.

Permit Approval

When compliance with the code and other applicable statutes is determined, the permit application is approved. Once all final permit fees are paid, the permit is issued.

However, if the permit application is not approved or a review has failed, the permit application, as submitted, will be denied. When a permit application is denied, corrections to the application shall be made and the application resubmitted for final approval.

Non-Compliance Enforcement Process

An enforcement action typically begins with the safety officer. The safety officer may address a non-compliance by taking actions, such as suspending a permit, issuing a compliance order, or recommending that a safety manager impose a monetary penalty. The next step involves the Provincial Safety Manager, who may impose more significant sanctions, such as monetary penalties or suspending contractors’ licences, or qualification certificates. Enforcement decisions by safety officers and safety managers are generally subject to review or appeal.

The Safety Standards Appeal Board is created under the Safety Standards Act. This appeal board can review certain TSBC decisions when clients request a review.

Safety Standards Act (BC)

The Safety Standards Act sets out the general requirements for regulated work performed by contractors involved in the operation and installation of technical systems and equipment in BC. It also includes information on the legal requirements for permits and qualifications. The Safety Standards Act authorizes TSBC to take enforcement actions if they discover a non-compliance with the act or regulations.

Products and work regulated under the act include:

• Boilers and boiler systems
• Electrical systems and equipment
• Elevating devices and passenger conveyors
• Gas systems and equipment
• Pressure vessels, pressure piping, refrigeration systems, and equipment
• Amusement rides
• Ski lifts

Gas Safety Regulation

The Gas Safety Regulation applies to everyone who installs, alters, maintains, or operates gas technologies in British Columbia.

All licensed contractors and gasfitters are required to keep up to date with changes in the act and regulations. In BC, there are a few distinct differences to the National CSA B149.1 code that pertain to gas installations in this province. These variations are contained at the end of the Gas Safety Regulation as an additional schedule. It is important to be familiar with these BC variances.

Contractors and gasfitters must have access to a current edition of the Canadian CSA Gas Code, BC Gas Safety Regulation and BC Variations to the National Code.

Gas Safety Orders, Directives, and Information Bulletins

Safety orders are instruments issued to prevent or reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to property. Compliance is mandatory and enforceable by TSBC.

Directives are instruments that clarify or provide a new interpretation of a regulation or code. Compliance is mandatory.

Information bulletins provide helpful information and clarification on existing regulations or code that affect a particular technology.

Self-Test A-2.1: Identify Gas codes, Regulations, and Standards

Complete Self-Test A-2.1 and check your answers.

References

Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. (2022, March 28). National plumbing code of Canada: 2020. National Research Council Canada. Government of Canada. https://doi.org/10.4224/2ehs-dp68

Canadian Standards Association (or CSA Group). (n.d.). https://www.csagroup.org/ and https://www.csagroup.org/store/

Office of Housing and Construction Standards. (2024, March 8). BC codes 2024. Province of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/construction-industry/building-codes-standards/bc-codes/2024-bc-codes

Safety Standards Act, SBC 2003, c 39, <https://canlii.ca/t/565hg> retrieved on 2024-04-25

Skilled Trades BC.  (2021). Book 1: Fuel gas systems, Heating and cooling systems. Plumber apprenticeship program level 2 book 1 (Harmonized). Crown Publications: King’s Printer for British Columbia.

Standards Council of Canada – conseil canadien des normes. (n.d.). https://www.scc.ca/en/agl-csa

Technical Safety BC. (n.d.). https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/

Trades Training BC. (2021). A-2: Use gas codes regulations and standards. In: Plumber Apprenticeship Program: Level 2. Industry Training Authority, BC.