Gas
Licences
Overview
In order to perform regulated gas work in BC, you must either be licenced by Technical Safety BC, employed by a Technical Safety BC licensed contractor, or authorized to perform work yourself.
A licensed contractor is responsible for ensuring compliance with:
- the Safety Standards Act;
- all relevant regulations, and;
- all applicable safety orders and directives.
If you want to become a gas fitter, you need to get the appropriate certificate of qualification as detailed in Division 2 of the Gas Safety Regulation.
Gas Contractor Responsibilities and Obligations
In British Columbia, your responsibilities and obligations include but are not limited to the following:
1. Be familiar with the Safety Standards Act and Regulations
2. Maintain current Gas Code Books (CSA-B149.1)
3. Ensure that the necessary permit, or its equivalent, is taken out and the appropriate fee paid in a timely manner, for all gas work performed by your company.
4. Ensure, on final completion of the regulated work, a completed Notification of Completion, Installation or Alteration form is immediately mailed or delivered to the appropriate regulatory authority.
5. Ensure that all employees who sign a call for inspection, or its equivalent, or supervise the work of others are licensed gas fitters.
6. Ensure tradespersons working for you only perform work for which they are licensed and that they know their responsibilities and obligations as gas fitters.
7. Ensure that all gas appliances and equipment is installed by your employees and displays a mark or label indicating that it is certified or approved to be offered for sale, sold, installed, or operated in BC.
8. Promptly correct all errors and rejections that may be incurred in gas work performed by your employees.
9. Report any explosion, fire or other incident caused by or involving gas, to a Gas Safety Officer.
10. Report any illegal or dangerous practices to a provincial or municipal Gas Safety Officer.
11. Ensure that your company’s bond is continually in force.
Failure to comply with these responsibilities and obligations may result in TSBC taking enforcement action. This may include imposing a monetary penalty, issuing an order and/or attaching terms and conditions, suspending, or revoking your licence.
How to Apply
Online applications are the fastest and easiest way to apply and are processed up to six days faster than paper applications.
If you have an Online Services account, you can log in to apply for your licence online. If you are not registered for Online Services, you can sign up for an account.
You can also apply by calling us at 1 866 566 7233 or by visiting one of our offices.
What You Need to Apply
Business Name
When applying for your licence, please ensure your business name is registered with BC Business Registry. Your registered business name and 9-digit Business Number will be required to begin your application.
Sole proprietors operating under their own legal name do not need to be registered.
Surety Bond
You will need to have a surety bond. If you are applying via Online Services you will need to submit a picture of the hard copy or a PDF of your electronic copy.
Application Fee
Your non-refundable application fee will be due when you submit your licence application. If you are applying via Online Services, payment with a credit card is required. If you require alternative forms of payment, please contact us.
Renewing Your Licence
If you have an Online Services account, you can log in to select the licence you want to renew. If not, you can sign up for an account or call us at 1 866 566 7233.
When to Renew
Licences must be renewed annually. You can renew your licence up to six months before its expiration date. Renewed licences will become active once your current licence expires.
Renewal Fee
Your non-refundable renewal fee will be due when you submit your licence renewal application. If you are applying via Online Services, payment with a credit card is required. If you require alternative forms of payment, contact us.
Late Renewals
If you renew late, you are not licensed during the gap between your licence expiry and renewal date. We encourage you to renew early to avoid the risk of your licence expiring, which could also impact any related permits. Early renewal won’t shorten the active period of your current licence. In addition, if your licence expires, it will be visible on your public profile on our Find a Licensed Contractor registry.
Under the Safety Standards Act, an expired licence is considered a suspended licence. If expired, you will be prohibited from soliciting or continuing to perform regulated work. Any permits associated with an expired licence will be put on hold and any work under those permits must cease immediately.
Changes to Your Licence
If your contact information changes, please notify us by calling 1 866 566 7233.
To change your business name, you must request a business name change with BC Business Registry. You will require a bond rider from your insurer, which can be submitted by the contractor, insurer, or insurance broker through our contact form.
To update your bond, log in to your Online Services account and select "Renew or manage licences" under Contractor Licences. You will have the option to update your bond information by either ending your current bond and/or adding a new bond.
