The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) conducts various inspections for boilers, pressure vessels, piping, and fittings.
Some exemptions may apply. For piping exemptions, please visit the Guide for the Scope of Services Requiring Registration and Inspection of Pressure Piping Systems for Installations in Ontario (pdf).
- Installation inspections
A TSSA BPV inspector conducts an installation inspection of all pressure equipment before it can be placed into service.
When the inspection is complete, the owner or operator will receive a Certificate of Inspection (COI). This COI is required to operate any boiler or pressure vessel for a specified period.
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure all controls and safety devices operate as required.
Used boilers and pressure vessels
Used boilers and pressure vessels that have not been previously registered in Ontario must be registered with TSSA before completing the installation inspection. All boilers and pressure vessels require an inspection at the new location before operation can begin.
When moving used boilers and pressure vessels that have been previously registered in Ontario to a new location, you do not need additional design registration unless the equipment needs alteration.
Installation Guidelines
The National Board Inspection Code (ANSI/NB-23) provides guidelines that can help ensure installations are performed properly.
Boilers
Boiler installation requirements include:
A passageway at least 24 inches wide, clear of all obstructions shall be provided on both sides and at the rear of each boiler (where necessary, this clearance shall be increased to facilitate removal or opening of closures, casings or covers).
A minimum of 12 inches is recommended between the floor and lowest insulated surface of a boiler to facilitate inspection or repair.
Boilers not exempted by the Regulation require registration of the design with TSSA.
All approved boilers require installation according to the manufacturer's instructions, TSSA-registered designs and applicable codes and standards.
Where a boiler blow-off discharges to a sewer, a registered blow-off vessel shall be installed to reduce the temperature to a maximum of 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit) in accordance with the current adopted edition of CSA B51.
All boilers require overpressure protection (safety valves) with adequate relieving and venting capacity.
All boilers require pressure gauges for operation.
All steam boilers require siphons or traps to protect the pressure gauge.
All steam boilers require gauge glasses to operate, except those not having a fixed water level, such as forced flow steam generators (Ontario Regulation 219/01: Operating Engineers also requires gauge glass shields).
All unattended steam boilers require pressure-operated controls to operate, installed in accordance with the boiler manufacturer and pressure control manufacturer's instructions.
All unattended steam boilers require high and low-level controls to operate, installed in accordance with the boiler manufacturer and high/low level control manufacturer's instructions.
All unattended boilers (except solid fuel-fired boilers) require low water cut off controls, installed in accordance with the boiler manufacturer and low water cut-off manufacturer's instructions.
A solid fuel-fire tube boiler requires a fusible plug as specified in the ASME Code.
A low-pressure hot water boiler requires temperature-operated controls, installed in accordance with the boiler manufacturer and temperature control manufacturer's instructions, to operate.
A high temperature hot water boiler of over 160 pound-force per square inch (psi) and 250 degrees Fahrenheit requires a temperature gauge at or near the boiler outlet connection to operate.
A low-pressure hot water boiler (maximum 160 psi and 250 degrees Fahrenheit) requires a thermometer indicating the temperature of the water at or near the boiler outlet connection to operate.
Regular maintenance is necessary for all controls and safety devices to ensure they operate as required.
All boilers under Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels require regular inspection and a valid COI to operate before being pressurized.
Registration and attended operation of boilers may be required under Ontario Regulation 219/01: Operating Engineers (additional guarded controls may also be necessary under this regulation).
Pressure vessels
Pressure vessel installation requirements include:
A passageway at least 24 inches wide, clear of all obstructions shall be provided on both sides and at the rear of each boiler (where necessary, this clearance shall be increased to facilitate the removal or opening of closures, casings or covers).
A minimum of 12 inches is recommended between the floor and lowest insulated surface of a pressure vessel to facilitate inspection or repair.
Pressure vessels not exempted by Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels require registration of the design with TSSA.
All approved pressure vessels require installation in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, TSSA-registered designs and applicable codes and standards.
All pressure vessels require overpressure protection (safety valves, safety relief valves, rupture disks) with adequate relieving capacity.
All pressure vessels require pressure gauges for operation.
All pressure vessels containing steam require siphons or traps to protect the pressure gauge.
Some pressure vessels require gauge glasses to operate.
Some pressure vessels require level controls to operate.
Pressure vessels in ammonia service must not have parts of copper, zinc, silver, or alloys of these materials installed on the vessel.
Anhydrous ammonia storage tanks having a water capacity of 3000 gallons or more require a manhole.
Pressure vessels with quick-opening doors (such as autoclaves)
Installation requirements for these pressure vessels include:
Large clear dials on pressure gauges used for operation, easily read from the control station.
Auxiliary pressure gauges reading inches of water where necessary for low pressures.
Safety devices which prevent the opening mechanism from operating unless all pressure is released.
Warning devices installed and operational to indicate the vessel is not properly locked prior to pressurization of the vessel or before pressure is released during operation.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the locking mechanism to check for wear and adjustment, and to ensure full smooth engagement without binding.
Full operating instructions clearly displayed at the operating station.
- Periodic inspections
Once a boiler or pressure vessel has been issued a Certificate of Inspection authorizing the device to be placed into service, the device will be subject to periodic inspections by a qualified inspector.
The frequency of inspection depends on the type of equipment. Refer to Clause 5.2 of the Amendments to the 2001 Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code Adoption Document (Ref No.: BPV-20-01 R1, pdf) for information on the frequency of periodic inspections.
Some classes of BPV equipment are exempt from periodic inspection. Refer to Clause 5.1 of the Amendments to the 2001 Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code Adoption Document (Ref No.: BPV-20-01 R1, pdf) for the list of exemptions from periodic inspections.
Owners must request an inspection from their insurer or TSSA before the expiry date on their Certificate of Inspection. If the equipment is insured with a boiler and machinery insurance policy, the insurance company is responsible for inspecting the equipment. After the periodic inspection is completed, the owner or operator of the device needs to validate the information and pay the fee on the TSSA BPV Portal to receive the Certificate of Inspection from TSSA.
For details, visit periodic inspections for uninsured devices conducted by TSSA
Inspection agencies
TSSA accepts or authorizes other inspection agencies to perform activities on our behalf. For more information, visit Accredited Inspection Agencies Acceptable to TSSA.
- Repair inspections
Repairs include any work necessary 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, you will need to apply for design registration.
Certificate of Authorization
A Certificate of Authorization (COA) from TSSA is needed to perform repairs. A National Board Certificate of Authorization ("R" stamp) is also acceptable, provided all jurisdictional requirements are included.
Learn more about:
Repair guidelines
The National Board Inspection Code (ANSI/NB-23) provides guidelines to ensure that satisfactory repairs are performed.
Requirements include, but are not limited to:
Proper identification on the material is required for all repairs (for example the manufacturer’s name, specification, grade, etc.)
Mill test reports are required for all plate materials used for repairs.
TSSA-registered welding or brazing procedures are required for all welded or brazed repairs.
Non-destructive examination of repairs may be required.
Post-weld heat treatment of repairs may be required.
Pressure testing to TSSA's satisfaction is required on completion of work.
Signing of a repair report by the contractor is required on repair completion.
- Alteration inspections
Alteration inspections may also apply to boilers and pressure vessels.
Alterations include:
Any change in the item described in the original Manufacturers Data Report that requires a change of design calculations or otherwise affects the pressure containing capability of a boiler or pressure vessel.
Non-physical changes such as an increase in the maximum allowable working pressure (internal or external) or the design temperature of a pressure-retaining item.
A reduction in the minimum design temperature such that additional mechanical tests are required.
Design registration
All alterations require design registration with TSSA before starting the work.
Certificate of authorization
A Certificate of Authorization (COA) from TSSA is needed to perform alterations. A National Board Certificate of Authorization ("R" stamp) is also acceptable, provided all jurisdictional requirements are included.
Alteration guidelines
The National Board Inspection Code (ANSI/NB-23) provides guidelines that can be used to ensure satisfactory alterations are performed.
Alteration requirements include:
Proper identification on the material is required for all alterations (for example the manufacturer’s name, specification, grade, etc.)
Mill test reports are required for all plate materials used for alterations.
TSSA-registered welding or brazing procedures are required for all welded or brazed alterations.
Non-destructive examination of alterations by qualified personnel according to CAN/CGSB-48.9712 or ASNT SNT-TC-1A may be required.
Post-weld heat treatment of alterations may be required.
Pressure testing to TSSA's satisfaction is required on completion of work.
Signing of an alteration report by the contractor is required upon alteration completion.
- Piping inspections
Pressure piping must be designed and installed according to codes and standards. Refer to CSA-B51 and CSA-B52 for the applicable references and requirements.
New piping or additions to existing piping systems require design registration and inspection. Please see the Guidelines for Registration of Piping (pdf) for details, or learn how to register a design.
Companies installing or repairing piping are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction.
Before repairing or fabricating any piping, contact TSSA’s inspection scheduling agents from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please email inspectionscheduling@tssa.org or call the toll-free number 1-833-937-8772 if you want to speak to an inspector to determine inspection requirements.
TSSA inspectors will use the Piping Checklist (pdf) as a guide on some of the piping issues that may need to be rectified by owners, although this checklist is not exhaustive
The Alternate Process for Pressure Piping Inspection (pdf) safety advisory describes a voluntary alternate process to the existing inspection process for eligible piping fabrications and installations.
This alternate process allows eligible piping contractors to inspect eligible piping systems and complete an Alternate Piping Data Form as an alternative to a TSSA inspection.
This process is applicable only to certain piping systems fabricated and installed in Ontario. Please read the advisory for details.
Piping systems installed before July 1, 2021
Piping systems installed before July 1, 2021, are not required to undergo periodic inspections. TSSA does not schedule inspections of piping systems once initial inspections have been completed. During the installation or periodic inspection of boilers and pressure vessels, an inspector may find unsafe conditions and may request the owner to bring the piping system into safe operating condition.
Design registration
Designs for all pressure-piping manufacturing, installation or repair must be registered with TSSA.
Certificate of Authorization
You need a COA from TSSA to manufacture, install or repair pressure piping. Learn more about applying for a Certificate of Authorization.
View the list of TSSA-certified pressure-piping-manufacturing and installation organizations.
- New manufacturing (Shop Fabrication) inspections
TSSA provides third party-authorized inspection services for all new boilers or pressure vessels (both nuclear and non-nuclear) manufactured in Ontario.
Design registration
You must register designs with TSSA for all new boilers and pressure vessels.
Certificate of Authorization
You need a Certificate of Authorization from the TSSA to manufacture new boilers or pressure vessels. An ASME Certificate of Authorization "U" or "S" stamp or other applicable ASME Code stamp is also acceptable if all ASME requirements are met, including ASME acceptable data reports and application of the appropriate ASME symbol stamp.
Learn more about applying for a Certificate of Authorization.
- Welding and brazing inspections
Welding and brazing on pressure equipment must be performed in accordance with Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels and various codes and standards of construction referenced in CSA-B51.
Procedure registration
Complete your registration for all welding and brazing procedures on pressure equipment in Ontario (pdf). This requires preparing a welding or brazing procedure specification and procedure qualification record and completing several physical tests.
Inspection requirements
CSA-B51 references for welding and brazing include ASME Section IX and the code related to pressure-retaining items that are manufactured or installed.
Welding and brazing requirements include:
Welding and brazing procedures used in the manufacture, installation, repair and alteration of boilers, pressure vessels, pressure piping and fittings require qualification and registration with TSSA.
Welding and brazing procedures require qualification in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
Welders and brazers require qualification by their employer in accordance with a TSSA-registered procedure.
Welders and brazers working on boilers, pressure vessels, pressure piping and fittings require a certificate appropriate for the type of work being performed.
Welders and brazers can only perform work for the employer shown on the certificate.
Welders and brazers must have their certificate available at all times for review by a boiler and pressure vessel inspector.
Upon changing employers, a welder or brazer requires qualification by the new employer, to the new employer's procedure, before performing work on boilers, pressure vessels or pressure piping.
Welders or brazers must not perform work in a welding or brazing process or position for which they are not qualified.