Directive: Individual Qualifications for Propane Tank Inspection and Maintenance

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

Scope

This directive clarifies the requirements for individuals performing regulated work on propane storage tanks under the scope of CSA B51 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code (CSA B51) and CSA B149.2 Propane storage and handling code (CSA B149.2). Learn more about propane storage tanks.

Definitions

Regulated work - the assembly, manufacture, construction, installation, operation, testing, maintenance or repair of a regulated product, and the alteration of a regulated product.  

Inspection - the periodic inspection of pressure equipment that is intended to determine the condition of the equipment and its fitness to continue to operate safely. Inspection may be external and/or internal. Where appropriate, NDE may be used to collect certain data from equipment in operation. 

Installer  - any individual, firm, corporation, or company that either directly or through a representative is engaged in the installation, replacement, repair, or servicing of propane piping, venting systems, appliances, components, accessories, or equipment, and whose representative is either experienced or trained, or both, in such work and has complied with the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction. 

Details

CSA B51 stipulates individuals performing in-service inspections shall be trained and competent in the duties for which they are responsible. An individual performing in-service inspections must be able to demonstrate successful completion of an inspection training program through documentation. Training documentation must include:

• course or program name;
• subjects included in course or syllabus;
• training or program provider;
• course duration;
• course completion date; and
• certifications obtained and copy of the certificate.

An owner of propane storage tanks, may contact one of the following recognized training providers for programs that can meet this objective:  

• Canadian Propane Association (PTI) 
• Propane Training Alliance

Routine Maintenance

Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation (the regulation) s.62(3) indicates a person holding an operating permit or an employee of the same, may perform routine maintenance without holding a boiler or refrigeration contractor's licence. Section 62(4) of the regulation allows a provincial safety manager to determine what constitutes routine maintenance. Learn more about minor repair and routine maintenance in respect to propane storage tanks in BC.

Service

Propane storage tanks contain gas that is a regulated fuel under the Gas Safety Regulation (GSR) therefore, to perform replacement or repair work of appurtenances (fittings, pressure relief valves, gauges, etc.) an individual or installer must hold either a valid Class A or B Gasfitter Certificate of Qualification while working under a valid gas contractor licence. All propane storage tank regulated work shall be performed in compliance with all applicable requirements of CSA B51, CSA B149.2 and manufacturers' instructions.

Propane Transfer

If at any time there is a safety, procedural or process requirement to evacuate or transfer liquid or vapour propane from a container, the individual performing the procedure shall be trained and certified as required under GSR s.28 (8) and CSA B149.2. The certificate of training for each transfer type must be recognized by a provincial safety manager. You may contact one of the following recognized training providers for programs that can meet this objective:

• Canadian Propane Association (PTI)  
• Propane Training Alliance
  

Repairs

If determined through inspection that the pressure-retaining components of a propane storage tank requires repair (welding, etc.), those repairs must be performed by the holder of a valid Class A or Au contractor licence recognized under the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation. Repairs shall be performed in compliance with CSA B51, National Board Inspection Code Part 3 and the licensed contractor’s approved quality control program.

Provincial Safety Manager, BPVR and Gas

References:  

Safety Standards Act

Gas Safety Regulation

Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation

CSA B51 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code

CSA B149.2 Propane storage and handling code

Directive No: D-BPGA-2016-01