Directive: Gas Utility Operating Permit Requirements

This directive is being issued by a provincial safety manager pursuant to section 30 of the Safety Standards Act.

Scope

This directive clarifies requirements for gas utilities that supply natural and propane gas through underground piping distribution systems. These include systems that distribute gas through large networks to many customers, or those that supply gas to a small number of customers, e.g., a strata or a residential subdivision.

 

Details

Under Gas Safety Regulation section 28 1(h), an owner of a gas utility must hold an operating permit and be responsible for safe operation of the distribution system. Learn more about gas operating permits. 

An owner of a gas utility must either be or designate a licensed gas contractor to become their representative and be responsible for the operation and maintenance of that system. Designates must have the authority to verify that the underground gas piping distribution system is operated and maintained in a safe manner. Gas utilities must develop and implement a safety and loss management system in compliance with CSA Z662 Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems.

Current procedures, and safety loss management plans may be inspected by a safety officer during the term of, or prior to renewal of a utility operating permit. If a procedure is not sufficient, the safety officer may revoke or suspend the permit until appropriate revisions are made to ensure safe operation of the gas distribution system.

Where applicable, utility owners must maintain an accurate list of regional offices, site addresses, and contact information for areas of responsibility held by the operating permit holder. Notification to Technical Safety BC must be made within 48 hours of any changes to this information. 

Provincial Safety Manager, Gas 

 

References:
Safety Standards Act
Gas Safety Regulation