Starting December 22, 2024, propane certificate holders and Record-of-Training (ROT) holders will no longer be required to hold a liquid propane fitter certificate to purge propane tanks of 2,500 US water gallons (USWG) or less. The exemption helps propane distributors achieve the required changeout timelines for pressure-relief valves by increasing the number of professionals eligible to perform this task.
The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement approved the exemption of these specified persons from the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 Fuel Industry Certificates Regulation (O. Reg. 215/01), provided they meet all the following conditions:
1. The person holds one or more of the following certificates or ROTs under the Act:
- Propane truck operator (PTO)
- Propane plant operator 1 (PPO-1) or
- Propane plant operator 2 (PPO-2)
2. The person is employed by a registered contractor under 0. Reg. 211/01, or a distributor under 0. Reg. 211/01;
3. The person has completed a TSSA-approved training program, including a practical examination from a TSSA-accredited training provider on how to evacuate propane tanks safely; and
4. The person undergoes either full retraining or skills retesting from a TSSA-accredited training provider at three-year intervals.
Training providers who wish to deliver a TSSA-approved training program should submit an Application for Training Provider Accreditation to TSSA and meet the accreditation and curriculum requirements established in the relevant policies and procedures.
Read the Minister’s exemption here.
Variance applications for non-compliant labs must be submitted by July 1, 2025
TSSA has determined that accredited training providers with laboratories or training areas that do not comply with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 must submit variance applications to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) by July 1, 2025, and achieve regulatory compliance by the end of their next audit cycle.
TSSA is waiving the fee for the variance application which must provide a list of non-compliances found in the laboratory or training area and the safety mitigations used to comply with the Code.
Background
TSSA’s review of its audit process for accredited training providers found that some equipment and laboratories used to train students may be non-compliant with applicable regulations and adopted Codes.
As there is no exemption in the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 or its associated regulations and Codes that would permit the operation of non-compliant training equipment or laboratory, TSSA proposes to work with accredited training providers to bring these labs or training areas into compliance with the adopted Fuels Codes.
As a first step, accredited training providers should submit an application for a variance under section 36(3)(c) of the Act. To further assist compliance, TSSA is waiving the fee to apply for a variance and giving a six-month window for such applications.
How to Submit a Variance Application
- Complete the Application for a Variance/Deviation (Except Non-Certified Plastic Venting) – FS-004-v4. The variance application must provide the following information:
- A list of non-compliances with applicable Codes found in the laboratory or training area, such as:
- Venting not being compliant (as common venting may be used);
- Burner replacement that is not within the approval scope of the appliance; and
- Any other non-compliances contained within the laboratory or the setting where practical training is provided.
- Safety mitigations used instead of Code compliance, for example:
- Supervised instruction at all times by a TSSA certificate holder;
- A master shut-off valve that is clearly identified and readily accessible within the laboratory;
- Carbon monoxide alarm; and
- Any other safety mitigation incorporated into the laboratory setting (see Appendix A).
2. In the “For Office Use Only” section at the top right corner of the form, indicate “Training Provider Variance — Fee Waived”.
3. Submit the variance application to fssubmissions@tssa.org by July 1, 2025.
4. The variance inspection will be conducted on the applicant’s next TSSA training provider audit. A variance will be issued so long as the Director and/or their delegate are satisfied that the mitigations permit the laboratory or equipment to operate safely.
See Appendix A below additional mitigations in the Gas Technician 3 (G3) Instructional Lab Standard, or visit Accredited Training Providers in the Fuels Industry Professionals webpage.
For questions, please contact TSSA’s Customer Service Centre at customerservices@tssa.org or call 1-877-682-8772.
Appendix A
Additional mitigations may be found in the Gas Technician 3 (G3) Instructional Lab Standard under the section “Training Lab Safety Standards” which specifies the following:
- Written procedures outlining the safe conduct of students (PPE, appropriate and safe attire), the safe operation of all appliances, equipment and components, and the location of all safety features (E-stop, fire extinguishers and exit points) shall be established and approved by the Director.
- Review the “written procedures” with all students before commencing training in the lab. In addition, a sign-off document shall also be established to document the students’ review of the written procedures, including their name and signature indicating they understand the content of written procedures.
- Emergency shut-down (ESD) switches were signed and installed at points of egress [JL1] in the lab. These ESDs shall shut off the electrical supply and supply to the gas and/or oil-fired equipment in the lab.
- Fire extinguishers are readily available and signs are posted.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s certified instructions.
- Smoke detectors and/or sprinklers are installed in the lab.
- The methane detector was installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s certified instructions.
Safe effective venting of operational training appliances:
- Vented in accordance with current B149.1 Code and the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions or;
- Vented under an exhaust canopy in compliance with section 8.30 Venting of appliances into canopies detailed in the B149.1 Code.
- Sufficient make-up air and combustion air supply for all operational appliances. If louvers are used, they shall be interlocked to the gas supply.
- The gas supply shall conform to B149.1 requirements and include an interlocked solenoid valve with ESD switches and manual shut-off valves at each appliance drop.
- A visual indicator (light) that indicates the approved solenoid valve is in the on/open position shall be installed in a conspicuous location.
- Posting of safety shoes and safety eyewear requirements at all training lab access points.
TORONTO, ON, November 1, 2024 – Carbon Monoxide (CO), often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer”, continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario, with approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes.
As part of its ongoing efforts to bring greater awareness to Ontarians, and with the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is once again teaming up with local fire and emergency services – this time in Halton Region – to increase CO awareness.
Coinciding with Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, this critical safety campaign will run from November 1-15, 2024, delivering important CO safety materials and messages directly to mailboxes, through local media and various social media platforms. This, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, will provide vital information to assist residents in reducing CO risks in their homes.
“During the cold weather months there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly,” says Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety.
“While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA registered fuel contractor
- to find a TSSA-registered contractor use the Find A Registered Contractor Tool
- Have working, certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test them, change batteries and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
“It’s also important to remember to never use any fuel-burning appliances indoors that are specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only,” adds Hart. On average, Ontario homes have roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO. While these appliances may be safely designed, like many other commonly used items, they must be properly operated and maintained.
The backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe. cosafety.ca
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
-30-
For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
email:media@tssa.org
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, visit www.tssa.org
TORONTO, ON, November 1, 2024 – It’s not just your furnace. Did you know, on average, Ontario homes have roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce Carbon Monoxide (CO) – an invisible, odourless, tasteless and highly poisonous gas?
Often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’, CO continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario, with approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes. Most, if not all of these incidents, are preventable.
As Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week kicks off, safety experts at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority are reminding residents to ‘Be in the Know when it comes to CO”.
“During the cold weather months there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly,” says Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA registered fuel contractor
- to find a TSSA-registered contractor use the Find A Registered Contractor Tool
Have working, certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test them, change batteries and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
“And it’s just as important for folks to note that fuel-burning appliances specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only – such as outdoor heaters - are to remain just there – outdoors,” stresses Hart.
With the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, TSSA continues to partner with local fire and emergency services and other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical CO safety information to residents in communities across Ontario.
The backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe. cosafety.ca
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
-30-
For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President,
Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
email:media@tssa.org
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, visit www.tssa.org