By Frank Shu

Although TSSA and TSBC are both similar organizations within Canada, they also have their differences. The first difference is that TSBC operates with different classes. In order to perform an installation, contractors need to obtain a license that states they are qualified to do that job. There are numerous “classes” which allows them to perform certain installations. Although you don’t need to know them in detail, the classes are A, Au, Ap, B, PW, REF, and SRV.

If the company has a Class A, they have the highest license so you can always ask if we can review their QM or qualify more welders/brazers by registering their PQR. Class A lasts about a year, so always ask if they need a renewal. They can do ASME section 1, section lV ,section VIII, DIV 1,2,3 and piping codes like B31.1, B31.5 and B31.3.

If the company has Class Au, this is the second highest and they can do pressure vessels and piping (No ASME section 1 or lV). Usually most welding companies stop here as Class A allows you to construct boilers which they do not do.

Class Ap allows them to do only piping codes B3.1, B31.5, B31.3. Usually companies that have “Piping” in their name would stop here as they only do piping. They can not install external boiler piping.