A reminder on the importance of using a personal carbon monoxide monitor when entering a building with a suspected incident

In light of an incident where first responders were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) reminds all fuel contractors of the importance of using a personal CO monitor when entering a building with a suspected incident.

TSSA investigated an incident involving a fatality where the fuel appliance was producing very high levels of CO (more than 60,000 parts per million). When first responders entered the building, they suffered CO poisoning shortly after.

The last responder to enter the building had a personal CO monitor that alarmed them, and he immediately ordered everyone to evacuate. This action limited the effects of the CO exposure, allowing them to exit safely.

As CO is undetectable and given this near miss, TSSA strongly advises that crews have at least one personal CO monitor for use when entering a building with an incident.

Sign up as a new user to access Portal services & highest-volume applications

The TSSA Client Portal is set to launch in April and will make it easier for regulated industry customers to perform online transactions.            

Here’s what you need to know:

• All customers need to sign up as new users of the TSSA Client Portal before they will be able to conduct any transactions.            
   
• The following online services will be available on the Portal in April:
  • Creating and updating accounts
  • Submit a request to write an exam
  • Viewing exam results
  • Submit and pay for applications         
  • Pay invoices   
     
• The Portal will initially offer access to the highest-volume applications listed in the table below.      
         
• All other applications will continue to be submitted through the Service Prepayment Portal via TSSA’s website until more applications are added to the TSSA Client Portal.

From April 29, 2024, the highest-volume applications will only be available on the TSSA Client Portal. Customers who may have started filling out an existing application will have to complete and submit it via our existing Prepayment portal no later than Friday, April 26. 

List of highest-volume applications on the TSSA Client Portal:

TSSA will be providing multiple resources to help customers navigate the Client Portal. Please watch for future communications on TSSA’s website.

Rebrand signals a fresh approach to promote safety in Ontario

Over the past few months, you have likely noticed a new look for TSSA, including the design and approach of our new website and social media channels. Those changes are part of a larger effort to refresh our brand.

For us, that means we are:

• Changing the way our printed and online materials look so they are more approachable and easier to read
• Signalling that we are approaching our work in fresh, new ways
• Promoting the fact that we are becoming a more modern, collaborative, Outcome-Based Regulator, and
• Demonstrating our redoubled commitment to partnering for a safe Ontario

As long as there are safety concerns in any part of the industries we regulate, we have work to do as a key player in our provincial safety system.

We are using our systems, data and expertise at TSSA to evolve as an organization to provide Ontario with more advanced approaches to safety regulation. We work with all our stakeholders, including contractors, operators, owners, industry experts and the public on improving safety and preventing harm.
 
We are TSSA: Partnering for a Safe Ontario

Related: View the infographic on what an Outcome-Based Regulator means and how this regulatory approach leads to safety outcomes.

As we wrap up 2023, TSSA extends our sincere appreciation to our community of stakeholders, including the Ontario government, Advisory Council members, equipment designers, manufacturers, installers, maintainers, contractors, owners, insurers, consumers, and the public. Thank you for your valuable contributions to our joint safety efforts.

With 2024 on the horizon, we look forward to another year of strong partnership with you to keep Ontario safe today and tomorrow. Wishing you a joyous and safe holiday season and a fabulous 2024! 
 

Holiday Hours

While the office is open to visitors by appointment only, please note the following changes to TSSA’s regular business hours:
- On December 22nd and December 29th, TSSA staff are available from 8 a.m. to noon.
- On December 25th, December 26th, and January 1st, TSSA will be closed.
- On all other business days, you can reach a TSSA representative during regular office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by phone at 1-877-682-8772 or email customerservices@tssa.org. 

Self-service portal will make it easier to submit the most common applications

TSSA is launching its Customer Portal in April 2024, which will make it possible for regulated industry customers to perform online transactions quickly and easily. The portal is the final phase of the OASIS project to modernize TSSA’s systems and an integral part of TSSA’s evolution in managing safety in Ontario as an Outcome-Based Regulator.  

The portal is launching in stages and will enable customers to create and update accounts, submit a request to write an exam, view exam results, see issued orders and eventually view inspection reports and authorizations (permits, licences or certificates). Customers will also be able to submit and pay for applications.

The Customer Portal will initially offer access to TSSA’s highest-volume applications, with more applications to be added throughout the coming year.

All other applications will continue to be accessed through the existing Prepayment Portal linked through TSSA’s website until more applications are added to the Customer Portal in the future.
 
Here’s a look at what customers will be able to do in the new Customer Portal:

TSSA will be providing easy instructions and how-to videos to support customers in using the new portal. We will continue to provide updates on the portal through TSSA’s website, the Safety Dispatch newsletter and other channels.

In response to stakeholder feedback for more time to report agricultural boilers and pressure vessel (BPV) equipment following the revocation of the regulatory exemption that took effect on July 1, 2021, TSSA has issued an Information Order requiring owners and operators of agricultural BPVs to report existing equipment (installed before July 1, 2021) by November 30, 2021.

The Information Order gives agricultural owners and operators an additional 60 days to report existing BPV equipment following the expiry of the September 30 deadline for reporting equipment.

Owners and operators must report existing agricultural BPV equipment using one of the following methods:

• Complete the online form, or
• Download the form and mail the completed submission to:

Director, Ontario Regulation 220/01, Boilers and Pressure Vessels

Technical Standards and Safety Authority

345 Carlingview Drive

Toronto, ON

M9W 6N9

The revocation of the regulatory exemption that was previously in place for agricultural BPVs took effect on July 1, 2021. All BPVs, fittings and piping used for agricultural purposes must comply with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000’s Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B51:19 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code.

Based on the information collected in the form, TSSA will do a risk-based assessment and establish a priority list for scheduling an inspection within five years. Priority for an inspection will be given to agricultural operations with high-risk sites. Sites will receive a notification one month before the inspection date.

Here are some checklists to provide agricultural owners and operators with some guidance on what inspectors are looking for when assessing agricultural BPV equipment.

FEE STRUCTURE

Below is a breakdown of the fees associated with inspecting BPV devices as per the published fee schedule:

Existing Devices

The following are the fees associated with inspecting existing devices (installed before July 1, 2021) used in agricultural operations:

If an inspector goes to a site and finds that your devices are exempt from the regulation under O. Reg. 220/01 s.2, TSSA will not charge for the site inspection.

New Devices

The following are the fees associated with inspecting new devices (installed after July 1, 2021) which involve a different inspection scope from existing devices:

RESOURCES

A variety of resources and contact information to help the agricultural community understand their compliance obligations are available on our website. Previous communications on various aspects of O. Reg. 220/01 cover two streams — new installations and existing equipment:  

• Educational Resources: Clarify the responsibilities and compliance requirements of owners and operators of regulated agricultural BPVs 
• July 5, 2021 news bulletin: Delineates the reporting process and the inspection roles of TSSA versus insurers of agricultural BPV equipment 
• June 30, 2021 news bulletin: Provides the link to the online Equipment Reporting Form for owners and operators to report existing agricultural BPVs 
• June 4, 2021 news bulletin: Focuses on existing equipment that needs repair, alteration, upgrade and/or replacement starting July 1 
• April 29, 2021 news bulletin: Outlines the regulatory requirements for newly installed equipment that falls within O. Reg. 220/01  
• September 15, 2021 news bulletin: Reminds all owners and operators of agricultural operations to report their existing BPV equipment (installed before July 1, 2021). 

For more information on TSSA’s BPV regulatory requirements, please refer to Frequently Asked Questions or visit Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Every owner of a device is responsible for maintaining and operating their pressure equipment safely and immediately reporting to the TSSA any incidents that cause injury, death or property damage. In case of an incident, call TSSA at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) and choose option 1 to reach the Spills Action Centre (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  

TSSA will continue to work with agricultural partners to implement the new regulatory requirements. We will also collaborate with insurers of agricultural BPV equipment to ensure a smooth transition from TSSA’s first inspection to periodic inspections by insurers as applicable.  

About TSSA 

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.  

Owners and operators of existing agricultural boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) should report their devices to TSSA following the revocation of the regulatory exemption on agricultural BPVs on July 1, 2021. 

The equipment reporting form is an important first step. TSSA needs basic information to do a site risk assessment and establish a priority list for scheduling the inspection to be conducted within five years. Priority for inspections will be given to agricultural operations with high-risk sites. 

All owners and operators of agricultural operations should report their existing BPV equipment by completing the form on TSSA’s website by September 30, 2021.

Sites will receive a notification one month before the inspection date. If your devices are exempt from the regulation under O. Reg. 220/01 s.2, there will be no fee associated with the inspection.

If you wish to reschedule the inspection, please contact agriculture.bpv@tssa.org or your local inspector. 

A variety of resources and contact information to help the agricultural community understand its compliance obligations are available on our website. Previous communications on various aspects of O. Reg. 220/01 cover two streams — new installations and existing equipment:  

• Educational Resources: Clarify the responsibilities and compliance requirements of owners and operators of regulated agricultural BPVs 
• July 5, 2021 news bulletin: Delineates the reporting process and the inspection roles of TSSA versus insurers of agricultural BPV equipment 
• June 30, 2021 news bulletin: Provides the link to the online Equipment Reporting Form for owners and operators to report existing agricultural BPVs 
• June 4, 2021 news bulletin: Focuses on existing equipment that needs repair, alteration, upgrade and/or replacement starting July 1 
• April 29, 2021 news bulletin: Outlines the regulatory requirements for newly installed equipment that falls within O. Reg. 220/01  

For more information on TSSA’s BPV regulatory requirements, please refer to Frequently Asked Questions or visit Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Every owner of a device is responsible for maintaining and operating their pressure equipment safely and immediately reporting to the TSSA any incidents that cause injury, death or property damage. In case of an incident, call TSSA at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) and choose option 1 to reach the Spills Action Centre (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week).  

TSSA will continue to work with agricultural partners to implement the new regulatory requirements.

About TSSA 

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.  

Beginning July 1, 2021, owners and operators of existing agricultural boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) should report their devices to TSSA.   

This news bulletin — the latest in a series of communications from TSSA — outlines the reporting process and the inspection roles of TSSA and insurers of agricultural BPV equipment and their associated piping systems when the change in safety laws comes into effect as a result of the regulatory exemption that was previously in place for this equipment being revoked.  

• The June 30, 2021 news bulletin shared the link to the online reporting form.
• The June 4, 2021 communication focused on what owners and operators of existing equipment need to do to comply with safety laws when repairing, altering, upgrading and/or replacing their devices.
• The April 29, 2021 communication outlined the regulatory requirements for newly installed equipment that falls within O. Reg. 220/01.

REPORTING EQUIPMENT

Owners and operators of agricultural operations should report their BPV equipment to TSSA by completing an online form within 90 days by September 30, 2021.

TSSA will use the form to collect information on existing devices in the province and do a risk-based assessment (based on the type of device, its location and insurance coverage) to establish a priority list for scheduling first inspections over five years.

INSTALLATION INSPECTION BY TSSA

Sites evaluated as high risk will be prioritized for an installation inspection. TSSA will notify owners one month before the scheduled installation inspection takes place. Owners who need to reschedule the installation inspection can do so by contacting inspectionscheduling@tssa.org or 1-833-937-8772 (or 1-833-WFP-TSSA)

TSSA will issue a Certificate of Inspection (COI) for every boiler or pressure vessel that has completed the installation inspection. The type of device will determine the validity period of the COI issued, which ranges from one to three years. The fee for the installation inspection is $365 per device, and the issuance of a COI costs $96.

PERIODIC INSPECTIONS BY INSURERS OR TSSA

After completing the installation inspection, periodic inspections will continue for the life of the device at set intervals as outlined in TSSA’s Code Adoption Document. Insurers should continue performing periodic inspections as they have been doing, but there is no need to submit a Record of Inspection (ROI) until the COI from the first inspection is close to expiry.

OVERVIEW OF INSPECTIONS

REPAIR INSPECTIONS 

Repairs include any work that is required to restore a BPV to a safe operating condition that does not deviate from the original design.  

For BPVs with Equipment Breakdown insurance: Owners or operators are advised to contact their insurer to perform the repair inspection.  

For BPVs without Equipment Breakdown insurance: TSSA will perform the repair inspection.

Companies performing repairs are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. Companies with a National Board Certificate of Authorization (“R” stamp) are also acceptable, provided all National Board requirements are included.

Before starting any repair work, owners and operators are advised to contact their local TSSA BPV inspector or insurance inspector to ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met.  

ALTERATION INSPECTIONS

Alterations are any changes to a BPV that deviate from the original design and require design calculations that could affect pressure-containing capability. (Examples include an increase in the maximum allowable working pressure (internal or external), increasing the design temperature of pressure-retaining equipment, or adding a nozzle or piping). Alterations require an engineering review.

TSSA will perform all alteration inspections. A new COI will be issued upon completing the alteration inspection.  Insurers are not to perform alteration inspections.

All alterations require design registration with the TSSA before starting the work. For more details, read Guidelines for Design Approval of Used and/or Altered BPVs. 

Review the application forms and instructions for applying to report a design electronically.  

Companies performing alterations are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. Companies with a National Board Certificate of Authorization (“R” stamp) are also acceptable, if “alteration” is within their scope of work. 

Before starting any alteration work, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to determine inspection requirements.

PIPING INSPECTIONS

TSSA will perform all piping inspections not exempted within Section 2 of O. Reg. 220/01. Insurers will not perform new, repair or alteration inspections on piping systems.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Every owner of a device is responsible for maintaining and operating their pressure equipment safely and immediately reporting to the TSSA any incidents that cause injury, death or property damage. In case of an incident, report to the Spills Action Centre (open 24/7) at 1-800-268-6060 or 416-325-3000.

TSSA will continue to work with agricultural partners to implement the new regulatory requirements. We will also collaborate with insurers of agricultural BPV equipment to ensure a smooth transition from TSSA’s first inspection to periodic inspections by insurers as applicable.

For more information on TSSA BPV regulatory requirements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.tssa.org. Interested parties may subscribe for updates at Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment. Questions may be directed to: agriculture.bpv@tssa.org.

About TSSA

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.

Online form for owners and operators to report existing agricultural boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) is now available.

Owners and operators of agricultural operations should report their BPV equipment by completing the online form on TSSA’s website starting July 1, 2021 when agricultural BPV equipment must comply with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000’s Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B51:19 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code.

The deadline to submit the online form is September 30, 2021. TSSA will:

• Use the online form to collect information on existing devices in the province
• Do a risk-based assessment
• Establish a priority list for scheduling a first inspection over five years. Sites will be prioritized for a first inspection based on the type of device, its location and whether it is covered by insurance. Priority for a first inspection will be given to agricultural operations with high-risk sites.
• Notify you via email one month before the first inspection date. If you wish to reschedule the first inspection, contact inspectionscheduling@tssa.org or call 1-833-937-8772 (or 1–833–WFP-TSSA). TSSA will respond to questions sent to agriculture.bpv@tssa.org.

After September 30, any site not reported may have an additional cost to the owner.

This news bulletin is part of a series of communications on the revocation of agricultural exemption that took effect on July 1. Previous news bulletins focused on various aspects of O. Reg. 220/01 that covers two streams — new installations and existing BPV equipment:

• The June 4, 2021 communication focused on existing equipment that needs repair, alteration, upgrade and/or replacement starting July 1.
• The April 29, 2021 communication outlined the regulatory requirements for newly installed equipment that falls within O. Reg. 220/01. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Every owner of a device is responsible for maintaining and operating their pressure equipment safely and immediately reporting to the TSSA any incidents that cause injury, death or property damage. In case of an incident, report to the Spills Action Centre (open 24/7) at  1-800-268-6060 or  416-325-3000.

TSSA will continue to work with agricultural partners to implement the new regulatory requirements. We will also collaborate with insurers of agricultural BPV equipment to ensure a smooth transition from TSSA’s first inspection to periodic inspections by insurers as applicable.

For more information on TSSA BPV regulatory requirements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.tssa.org. Interested parties may subscribe for updates at Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment. Questions may be directed to: agriculture.bpv@tssa.org.

About TSSA

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.

Following TSSA’s April 29, 2021 communication outlining the regulatory requirements for newly installed boilers and pressure equipment used for agricultural purposes that fall within the O. Reg. 220/01, this news bulletin explains what owners and operators of the following equipment need to do to comply with safety laws:  

a) Existing, unregistered boilers and pressure vessels (BPV) that need repair, alteration, upgrading and/or replacement; and

b) their associated piping systems.

Effective July 1, 2021, all repairs and alterations of BPVs, fittings and piping used for agricultural purposes must comply with Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels, under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 

BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS

Repairs to BPVs 

Repairs include any work that is required to restore a boiler or pressure vessel to a safe operating condition that does not deviate from the original design. If there is a deviation from the design, please refer to the “Alterations to BPVs” section below. 

Companies performing repairs are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. These companies are listed in TSSA’s business directory. Companies with a National Board Certificate of Authorization (“R” stamp) are also acceptable, provided all National Board requirements are included.  

Repair inspection of BPVs with Mechanical Breakdown insurance 

If your BPVs are covered by Mechanical Breakdown insurance, contact your insurer to perform the repair inspection.  

Repair inspection of BPVs without Mechanical Breakdown insurance 

Before starting any repair work, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met. View our BPV Inspector list to find an inspector in your area.  

Alterations to BPVs 

Alterations are any changes to a boiler or pressure vessel that deviate from the original design and require design calculations that could affect pressure-containing capability. Examples include an increase in the maximum allowable working pressure (internal or external) or increasing the design temperature of pressure-retaining equipment.  

All alterations require design registration with the TSSA before starting the work. For more details, read Guidelines for Design Approval of Used and/or Altered BPVs. 

Review the application forms and instructions for submitting an application to register a design electronically.  

Companies performing alterations are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. Companies with a National Board Certificate of Authorization (“R” stamp) are also acceptable, provided all National Board requirements are included. 

Before starting any alteration work, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to determine inspection requirements. View our BPV Inspector list to locate an inspector in your area. All alteration inspections must be done by TSSA.  

PIPING 

Some piping systems are exempt from TSSA registration and inspection. Please contact BPV customer service to determine whether your piping system is exempt.

Repairs to Piping 

Before repairing or fabricating any piping, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to determine inspection requirements. View our BPV Inspector list to locate an inspector in your area.  

Companies repairing piping are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. 

Alterations to Piping 

New piping or additions to existing piping systems require design registration and inspection. Please see the design guidelines for details and review the application forms and the instructions for submitting an application electronically.  

Companies installing piping are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. 

Before fabricating any piping, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met. View our BPV Inspector list to locate an inspector in your area.  

INCIDENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Incident reporting is a key part of making Ontario a safe place to work, live and play. Reporting an incident protects the public and helps industries prevent future issues. For regulated industries, reporting an incident is the law. TSSA staff conduct investigations at the site of any boiler, pressure vessel, pressure piping or fitting incidents. We also provide support to other regulatory agencies when needed.  

In case of an incident, report to the Spills Action Centre that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 

Toll-free, province-wide: 1-800-268-6060  

Toronto-area: 416-325-3000  

TTY: 1-855-889-5775 

FURTHER UPDATES

TSSA is currently developing a plan, which will be phased in over five years, to bring into compliance all existing BPVs used for agricultural purposes that fall under the regulation as of July 1, 2021. The plan includes registering existing equipment through a form that will be released shortly. The information collected through the form will be used by TSSA to do a risk-based assessment and establish a priority list for scheduling inspections based on the type of device, its location and whether it is covered by insurance. More details will be available in the coming weeks when the form is released.

TSSA will continue to work collaboratively with agricultural partners to implement the new regulatory requirements, making sure that owners, operators and insurers of pressure equipment used for agricultural purposes understand the safety regulations and what they need to do to comply.

To find more information on TSSA BPV regulatory requirements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.tssa.org. Interested parties may subscribe for updates at Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment. Questions may be directed to: agriculture.bpv@tssa.org.

About TSSA

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. 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, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.