Regulations of British Columbia
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.
Technical Safety BC (TSBC)
Technical Safety BC (TSBC) is an independent organization in BC that oversees the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment such as gas, boilers, pressure vessels, electrical units etc., across BC through issuing permits, licences and certificates and assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.
1. Natural Gas and Propane Appliances and Systems, Including Hydrogen
The following certificates are offered:
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Class A Gas Fitter: entitled to perform the installation or alteration of any gas system, except vehicle fuel systems, under an appropriate permit along with the installation, repair and maintenance of electrical wiring.
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Class B Gas Fitter 220 kW: discontinued.
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Class B Gas Fitter 120 kW: entitled to perform the installation or alteration of the appliances with input of 120 kW or less along with the installation, repair and maintenance of electrical wiring.
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Gas Appliance Service Technician (formerly Class C): entitled to perform service and repair of the residential gas appliances and light commercial appliances up to an input of 82 kW.
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Gas Piping: entitled to perform the install and test gas piping under an appropriate permit.
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Gas Utility: entitled to perform the relight gas equipment with an input of 120 kW or less, replace thermocouples, make other minor repairs, and do safety checks. The certificate holder shall be employed by a gas utility.
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Gas Venting: entitled to perform the alteration, repair, and installation of venting for appliances that have a maximum individual input up to and including 120 kW under an appropriate permit.
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RV Installation and Service: entitled to perform the maintenance, alteration, repair and installation of vehicle gas systems in recreational vehicles, other than the vehicle’s fuel system, under an appropriate permit
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Vehicle Conversion (CNG): entitled to perform the maintenance, alteration, repair and installation of compressed natural gas vehicle fuel systems under an operating permit.
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Vehicle Conversion (CNG/LPG): includes both Vehicle Conversion (CNG) and Vehicle Conversion (LPG) certifications.
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Vehicle Conversion (LPG): entitled to perform the maintenance, alteration, repair and installation of liquefied petroleum gas vehicle fuel systems under an operating permit.
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Special Purpose Gas Certificate: needed for specialized gas appliance or equipment.
Regulation is controlled by Gas Safety Regulation Reg. 208/2019 (see Gas Safety Regulation Reg. 208/2019 under Links).
2. Boilers, Pressure Vessels and Refrigeration Systems
This Regulation, applies to the design, construction, maintenance, use, operation, repair and service of boilers, pressure vessels and piping and the operation of power engineers (see Boilers, Pressure Vessels and Refrigeration Systems Regulation under Links).
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.
All companies must submit a Quality Manual when applying for a license. This manual is a written documentation of how the company operates. A QM is required for all contractor classes except for B class but it has the lowest scope of work. The B class mainly deals with low temperature and pressure vessels under 121 degree Celsius. The scope of each class is defined in the list below:
(a) for the installation, repair or alteration of pressure retaining equipment such as boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping:
(i) class "A"
(ii) class "Au"
(iii) class "Ap"
(iv) class "B" - limited capacity boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping;
(b) for the installation, repair or alteration of refrigeration systems or equipment - class "REF"
(c) for the servicing, repair or alteration of safety relief valves - class "SRV"
(d) for the construction of boilers, pressure vessels or fittings - class "MA"
Upon review of the Q&M, the agency will arrange with a TSBC officer to perform an on-site audit. There may be changes requested to your QM and these changes are to be reflected in the audit. The contractor will need to have the current additions of these publications:
The applicant must have knowledge of each manual and be able to recall important packages.
The contractor will assemble a demonstration/mock-up of current work. Following the completion of the audit, the safety inspector will certify the contractor with a 1 year licence.
Registering a TSBC welding procedure requires one to fill out form 825 (Registration of Welding Procedure) and submitting it along with the PQR and WPS. One must address all essential and non-essential variables in ASME section 9.