Regulations of Alberta
Disclaimer
Please be advised that the synopsis has been supplied for information purposes only and should not be considered as the interpretation of the rules and regulations. Users are advised to send an enquiry to info@acetakegroup.com or directly consult with the safety authority of each province/territory before making any decisions that may have critical consequences. Acetake Group assumes no liability for the use or misuse of the information herein.
Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA)
Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) is the authority for safety programs related to pressure equipment and gas in the province.
1. Pressure Vessels and Pressure Piping
ABSA is the group that oversees the safe installation of boilers and piping in the province of Alberta per Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation under the Safety Codes Act (see Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation under Links).
ABSA requires contractors who construct, alter, or repair pressure equipment to register with ABSA. The process begins with the development of a quality manual that meets the requirements set out by ABSA. The manual describes the safe and repeatable procedures the company will adhere to. A preliminary meeting will be done between an ABSA representative and the contractor will be held free of charge. They will discuss the requirements to obtain a license and to clarify the QM development.
Upon review of the manual, the ABSA safety officer will conduct an onsite audit to determine compliance with the drafted QM. The officer will prepare a report at the end to address the compliance.
If the contractor passes the audit, ABSA will issue an APQ certification for a 3 year term allowing the contractor to do work indicated in their AB-29 form. Renewals follow the same process without the initial meeting.
CRN registration of pressure vessels and fittings is done through ABSA. The AB-031 form is completed (one for each design) along with the AB-031 a/b form which defines scope of work and provides a checklist aid. In addition, the AB-41 form (also known as the statutory declaration) needs to be completed in which the applicant declares their eligibility. ABSA only accepts original copies of the documents for applications at a national level. A copy of the Quality Control Certificate or ISO9001 certificate from the agency that verified the manufacturing is required to be included.
2. Fuels/Gas
Under the Safety Codes Act, Municipal Affairs is responsible for establishing and interpreting the gas regulations for the installation of gas-fired appliances, equipment, components, accessories and field approvals, propane storage and handling, natural gas refuelling stations, and the installation of natural gas or propane as alternate fuel systems on motor vehicles.
Gas fitters are trained and certified under Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act (see Fuels/Gas - Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act under Links).
Apprentices should be hired and trained by suitable employers through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training program and complete technical training examinations or be a registered apprentice.
Fuel and Gas permits are issued by municipalities that are accredited to administer the Safety Codes Act, and through agencies who provide inspection services on behalf of the Alberta Safety Codes Authority (ASCA) in unaccredited municipalities.