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

This Directive supersedes Directive D-EL 2012-01.

26-400 Panelboards in dwelling units

Subrule (1):
“A panelboard shall be installed in every dwelling unit except for dwelling units in hotels and motels, and dwelling units that
(a)   are not individually metered for electrical power consumption; and
(b)   have been created by subdivision of a single dwelling.”

Interpretation:
A panelboard installed for a dwelling unit defined as a secondary suite by the BC Building Code shall be considered to be installed in the dwelling unit if it is located in a common room or area that is accessible to the dwelling occupant at all times through a door which does not require electrical power to open. 

26-712 Receptacles for Dwelling Units

Subrule (a):
“except as otherwise provided for in this Code, in dwelling units, duplex receptacles shall be installed in the finished walls of every room or area, other than bathrooms, hallways, laundry rooms, water closet rooms, utility rooms, or closets, so that no point along the floor line of any usable wall space is more than 1.8 m horizontally from a receptacle in that or an adjoining space, such distance being measured along the floor line of the wall spaces involved;”

Interpretation:
This Subrule requires receptacles to be installed in finished walls of rooms or areas, except in bathrooms, hallways, laundry rooms, water closet rooms, utility rooms, or closets.  Other rules within the Code provide direction for the mandatory installation of receptacles within kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, laundry rooms, water closet rooms, and utility rooms.  For closets, there is no requirement to install a receptacle, but there is also no prohibition from such an installation.

26-712 Receptacles for Dwelling Units

Subrule (b):
“at least one duplex receptacle shall be provided in each area, such as a balcony or porch, that is not classified as a finished room or area in accordance with Item (a)”

Interpretation:
Receptacles installed to meet the requirements of this Subrule are considered to be provided in each area only if they are located within the area and readily accessible from floor level.

26-712 Receptacles for Dwelling Units

Subrule (c):
“the usable wall space referred to Item (a) shall include a wall space 900mm or more in width but shall not include doorways, areas occupied by a door when fully opened, windows that extend to the floor, fireplaces, or other permanent installations that would limit the use of the wall space”

Interpretation:
New construction methods such a glass block wall, finished decorative concrete walls or floor to ceiling windows can make compliance with the rule difficult. The requirement shall be considered to be met (for example) by installation of floor receptacles along the wall line in accordance with rule 12-3000(10).

26-712 Receptacles for Dwelling Units

Subrule (d)(iii):
“a sufficient number of receptacles (5-15R split or 5-20R) along the wall at counter work surfaces (excluding sinks, built-in equipment, and isolated work surfaces less than 300 mm long at the wall line) so that no point along the wall line is more than 900 mm from a receptacle measured horizontally along the wall line”

Interpretation:
Construction methods that prevent receptacles from being installed along the wall behind the counter, such as windows or stonework, excluding islands and peninsulas referred to in rules 26-712(d)(iv) and (v), do not remove the requirement for receptacles. Alternatives such as in-counter “pop-up” receptacles, surface mounted receptacles or receptacles mounted to the underside of the cupboard will be considered as meeting the requirement, provided they are installed as close as feasible to the wall. Receptacles installed as per rule 26-710(d) shall not be considered as meeting the requirement of rule 26-712(d)(3).

26-724  Branch circuits for dwelling units
Subrule (g): “notwithstanding item (f), the entire branch circuit need not be provided with arc-fault protection where
(i) an outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit interrupter is installed at the first outlet on the branch circuit:, and
(ii) the wiring method for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet consists of metal raceway, armoured cable, or non-metallic conduit or tubing”

Interpretation:
When an outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault interrupter is used, it shall be installed in a location which is readily accessible for testing as per rule 14-406.

References:

Bill 19 – 2003                Safety Standards Act
B.C. Reg. 100/2004       Electrical Safety Regulation
C-22.1-15                      Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1
B.C. Reg. 295/98           British Columbia Building Code Regulation

Ulrich Janisch
Provincial Safety Manager - Electrical

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

This Directive supersedes Directive D-EL 2013-01.

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

General Details
This directive is being issued to clarify that homeowners may have qualified individuals help them perform electrical work provided that these individuals are not paid to assist the homeowner.  If an individual is being paid to work, the individual is seen as acting as a contractor, and must be licensed by BC Safety Authority. A permit must be obtained under the contractor’s license.

Specific Details
Under section 17 of the Electrical Safety Regulation, a homeowner may perform electrical work in their own home under an installation permit. Section 17 does not, however, clearly indicate that anyone else may assist the homeowner in performing the work. This directive details when a homeowner may be assisted by a qualified person.

When a homeowner applies for an electrical installation permit, the homeowner is required to fully complete the application and sign the following declaration:

I                                           , am the legal owner of the above premises and I hereby accept all terms and conditions which have been set on this permit. I acknowledge that I have read and understand these terms and conditions as well as the “Electrical Safety Homeowner Information Guide.” I also confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, all of the information provided on this permit application is complete and accurate.

A qualified person is an individual who has knowledge of the electrical system and equipment being installed or altered and who is aware of the hazards involved.  A qualified person may be an electrician, a licensed electrical contractor, or an individual who is competent to perform electrical work.

A homeowner must name all qualified persons who may assist the homeowner on the Homeowner Permit application form.  The homeowner must not pay a qualified person named on the form.  Otherwise, the qualified person is acting as a contractor.   Under section 23 (1) of the Safety Standards Act, a person must not perform work as a contractor unless the person is licensed to do so.

To summarize, it is an offence for homeowners to pay a qualified person, including a contractor, to perform work under a homeowner’s permit.  It is also an offence for a contractor to work for remuneration under an installation permit issued to a homeowner.

References:

Bill 19 – 2003                Safety Standards Act
B.C. Reg. 100/2004       Electrical Safety Regulation
B.C. Reg. 105/2004       Safety Standards General Regulation

Ulrich Janisch
Provincial Safety Manager – Electrical

Section 17 of the Electrical Safety Regulation
When a homeowner may perform electrical work under a permit
17
(1)    Subject to this section, a homeowner may perform electrical work in their fully detached dwelling under an installation permit.

(2)    An installation permit may be issued to a homeowner only if
       (a)  electricity is not fed or supplied from the fully detached dwelling to a separately owned or occupied property, and
       (b)  the electrical work involves only installations in which the current and voltage do not exceed current of 200 amps and voltage of 150 volts to ground, single phase power.

(3)    An installation permit issued under subsection (2) does not authorize the issue of a permit to install the connection from a manufactured home or recreational vehicle to the power supply of a manufactured home park or recreational vehicle park.

(4)    A homeowner who performs electrical work under an installation permit must request that the work be inspected by a safety officer
       (a)  if the work or a phase of the work is completed, promptly on that completion, or
       (b)  if no other inspection has been made within 180 days from the start of the permit, immediately before the expiry of the 180 day period.

(5)    If an inspection is required after a request under subsection (4), the inspection must be made after completion of the electrical work and before (a)  the concealment of any portion of the rough wiring, and (b)  the connection of power to the electrical supply system.

(6)    A homeowner may perform the electrical work in the homeowner’s fully detached dwelling under an installation permit issued to a licensed electrical contractor for that work if
       (a)  the contractor who holds the permit supervises the work, and
       (b)  the homeowner only performs work referred to in subsection (2).

Safety Standards Act 

Licensing of contractors
23    (1)  A person must not do any of the following unless licensed by a provincial safety manager or authorized to do so   under this Act: (a)  manage or direct individuals doing regulated work;(b)  do regulated work for another person who is not a licensed contractor.

Issue of permissions
27    (4)  A person who holds a permit issued under this section must comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.

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

 This Directive supersedes Directive D-E3 041112 7 and its Addendum D-E3 041112 7A issued on November 12, 2004 and December 9, 2004 respectively.

General Details

This directive is being issued to clarify the application of section 12 of the Electrical Safety Regulation (ESR).  Supervision ratios apply to regulated work performed under electrical installation permits only.  A ratio of 1 supervisor to 4 individuals applies to electrical work where the installation is derived from a 3 wire 120 /240 volt grounded neutral system, if the rating of the main service equipment does not exceed 200 amps.   In any other case, a ratio of 1 supervisor to 1 or 2 trainees applies.

Specific Details

Under section 5 of the Safety Standards General Regulation (SSGR), individuals who would otherwise require a certificate or authorization to perform regulated work, may do so if appropriately supervised. 

In order to supervise electrical work, a supervisor must be specifically authorized to perform electrical work as per section 4(3) of the ESR.  Only certified electricians may supervise individuals who would otherwise require authorization to perform regulated work.  A supervisor cannot supervise any individual beyond the scope of the supervisor’s certificate or qualification. 

Section 12(2)(a) provides a ratio of 1 supervisor to 4 individuals for electrical installations derived from a 3 wire 120 /240 volt grounded neutral system, if the rating of the main service equipment does not exceed 200 amps.   This scope of work is generally described as C class electrical work.  In this case, an individual is a supervised worker who could not otherwise perform regulated work.

Section 12(2)(b) provides a ratio of 1 supervisor to 2 “trainees” for electrical installations other than those included in section 12 (2)(a).  This scope of work is generally described as A or B class electrical work.  A trainee is a person registered in a recognized program under the Industry Training Authority Act. 

References:

Bill 19 – 2003                Safety Standards Act
B.C. Reg. 100/2004       Electrical Safety Regulation
B.C. Reg. 105/2004       Safety Standards General Regulation

Ulrich Janisch
Provincial Safety Manager - Electrical

Relevant Legislation

Electrical Safety Regulation

Individuals who may perform electrical work

4(3) For the purposes of section 5 of the Safety Standards General Regulation or

section 12 of this regulation, only an individual referred to in subsection (1) (a),

(b), (c) or (f) of this section is authorized to supervise a person to do electrical

work.

Supervision ratios under installation permits

12 (1) In this section:

"main consumer service" has the same meaning as in the Canadian Electrical Code;

"trainee" means a trainee under the Industry Training Authority Act.

(2) For the purposes of doing regulated work under an installation permit for electrical equipment in which the field safety representative named in the permit is a person who holds a certificate of qualification of class A, B or C, a person authorized to supervise under section 4 (3) may supervise

(a) up to 4 individuals for installations derived from a 3 wire 120/240 volt grounded neutral system, if the rating of the main consumer service equipment does not exceed 200 amps, or

(b) in any other case, 1 or 2 trainees.

(3) For the purposes of doing regulated work under an installation permit for electrical equipment in which a field safety representative of any class other than class A, B or C is named on the installation permit, the field safety representative may supervise only one or two individuals.

Safety Standards General Regulation

Regulated work done under supervision

5 (1) Despite section 4, an individual may do regulated work for which

        specific qualifications would be required under the Act if the individual is supervised by

        a person who

(a) is specifically authorized under the Act to perform that type of work, and

(b) supervises the individual on site and provides guidance and assistance to

     the individual as the regulated work is performed.

(2) A person who supervises the work of an individual under subsection (1) must not do any

      of the following:

(a) allow that individual to perform regulated work outside of the scope of the

supervisor’s qualifications;

(b) supervise a number of individuals in excess of any ratios of supervision

     established under the regulations.

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

General Details

This Directive is being issued to businesses and contractors to clarify the reporting of incidents.  It is issued with respect to the requirements of section 36 and 37 of the Safety Standards Act and section 34 of the Safety Standards General Regulation.

Incidents involving electrical technology, which occur within the following jurisdictions, can be reported directly to the appropriate municipality:

• Burnaby                              604-294-7944
• Maple Ridge                       604-463-5221
• North Vancouver (City)         604-985-7761 
• North Vancouver (District)    604-990-2311
• Surrey                                 604-591-4011
• Vancouver                          604-873-7011
• Victoria                               250-385-5711
• West Vancouver                  604-925-7000

Specific Details

A.    Reporting of Incidents to  British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA)

An incident is an event involving technology regulated by BCSA that:
a.     results in death, injury, or damage to property and/or regulated equipment, or
b.    did not involve death, injury, or damage to property and/or equipment but under similar circumstances, is highly likely to result in death, injury, or damage to property and/or regulated equipment.

Persons in charge of regulated work, owners of regulated products, permit holders, persons who perform regulated work, and persons who operate a regulated product or system are required to report incidents. Incidents must be reported to British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) within 24 hours of occurrence by one of the following methods:

All Incidents (Levels, I, II & III)
Telephone

• Call 1-866-566-7233  (toll free, 24 hrs.)

 For Minor Incidents Only (Level III)
Online

• Complete and submit the Incident Reporting Form on BCSA’s website (www.safetyauthority.ca)

Telephone

• Call 1-866-566-7233  (toll free 24 hrs.)

 B.    Levels Of Incidents
Incidents range in severity from major (Level I) to minor (Level III). For the purposes of this Directive, incidents are categorized as follows:

Level I – Must be Reported Immediately by Telephone

• Fatality or life threatening injury involved with the operation, installation, testing, modification, or use of the equipment.
• The injured person(s) involved requires emergency medical attention (hospitalization). This includes, but is not limited to, major blood loss, loss of limbs, loss of an eye, unconsciousness.
• Catastrophic damage (total loss) to property and/or equipment.
• Estimated damages are in excess of $500,000
• Injuries resulting from contact with electrical equipment operating at greater than 750 volts.
• Fire and/or explosion resulting from electrical equipment operating at greater than 750 volts.
• Near miss – no death, injury requiring emergency medical attention, or catastrophic damage to property and/or equipment occur but under similar circumstance is highly likely to occur.
• Events requiring evacuation of employees and/or the general public from the premises or general vicinity

Level II – Must be Reported Immediately by Telephone

• The injured person(s) involved requires professional medical attention. This includes, but is not limited to, fractures, mild burns, and shocks.
• Extensive damage to property and/or equipment.
• Estimated damages are between $50,000 and 500,000
• Injuries resulting from contact with electrical equipment operating between 31 volts and 750 volts.
• Fire and/or explosion resulting from electrical equipment operating between 31 volts and 750 volts.
• Near miss – no injury requiring professional medical attention, or extensive damage to property and/or equipment occur but under similar circumstance is highly likely to occur.

 Level III – Must be Reported within 24 hours by Telephone or Online

• The injured person(s) involved sustained a minor injury (example: superficial cuts, bruises) and does not require first aid or professional medical treatment.
• Minor damage to property and/or equipment
• Estimated damages to property and/or equipment is up to $50,000
• Injuries resulting from contact with electrical equipment operating at 30 volts or less.
• Fire and/or explosion resulting from electrical equipment operating at 30 volts or less.
• Near miss – no minor injury, or minor damages to property and/or equipment occur but under similar circumstance is highly likely to occur

References:
Bill 19 – 2003                Safety Standards Act
B.C. Reg. 105/2004       Safety Standards General Regulation

Ulrich Janisch
Provincial Safety Manager - Electrical

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

This Directive supersedes D-EL 2012-02 issued October 1, 2012.

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

Topic:  Use of Table 39 (T39)

Rule 4-004 Ampacity of wires and cables (see Appendix B)

(23) Notwithstanding Rule 4-006, 3-wire 120/240 V and 120/208 V service conductors for single dwellings and feeder conductors supplying single dwelling units of row housing of apartment and similar buildings and terminating on equipment having a conductor termination temperature of not less than 75 °C shall be permitted to be sized in accordance with Table 39.

Interpretation:

For the purposes of Table 39, “calculated load” shall mean calculated in accordance with Rule 8-200(1) or 8-202(1).

For the purposes of Rule 8-104, when a conductor is selected from T39 as permitted in Subrule 4-004(23),  the corresponding “Service or feeder rating, A” shall be considered as the ampere rating of the service or feeder conductors.

References:

Bill 19 – 2003                Safety Standards Act
B.C. Reg. 100/2004       Electrical Safety Regulation
CSA 22.1-15                  BC Electrical Code
IB-EL 2016-07                Bulletin on Use of Table 39 (T39)

Ulrich Janisch
Provincial Safety Manager – Electrical

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

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

This Directive supersedes Directive D-EL 2011-01.

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

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

1)     General Details:

The purpose of this directive is to set out the implementation timelines for the visual inspection and servicing intervals for pressure relief valves (PRVs) installed on propane storage tanks. CSA-B51-14 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code (CSA B51) requires that:

1. For pressure vessels in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) service governed by CSA B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling code, the maximum servicing intervals for PRVs are:
   - Vessels greater than 2500 USWG shall have a maximum servicing interval of 10 years;
   - Vessels 2500 USWG or less (excluding cylinders as defined by CSA B149.2) with an external PRV shall have a maximum servicing interval of 10 years; and
   - Vessels 2500 USWG or less (excluding cylinders as defined by CSA B149.2) with an internal PRV shall have a maximum servicing interval of 25 years.
2. The frequency of the required periodic visual inspection for propane storage tank PRVs depends on the operating environment and the manufacturer’s recommendations but shall not exceed five years.

In consultation with owners and stakeholders, it has been recognized that there are many existing propane storage tank PRVs that are not in compliance with CSA B51’s inspection and servicing requirements and that it is not practical to achieve full compliance within a short period of time.

This directivedoes not impose any new requirements beyond those already required by CSA B51.
The implementation timelines set out in this directiveare provided to allow owners reasonable time to establish a visual inspection and servicing program for propane tank PRVs that will comply with CSA B51.

The 2014 Edition of CSA B51 was adopted in June, 2015 and has been in force since that time.

2)     Specific Details

This directiveapplies to propane storage tank PRVs that are required to have an operating permit in British Columbia, that are in operation, and that are within the scope of CSA B149.2. The implementation timelines provided in this directiveonly apply to PRVs on propane storage tanks that were or will be placed into operation prior to January 1, 2017. For propane storage tanks placed into operation on or after January 1, 2017, owners shall perform the visual inspection and servicing of the PRVs within the maximum intervals prescribed in CSA B51.

Owners of propane storage tanks shall establish a documented program that addresses the required inspection, testing, and servicing or replacement of PRVs in accordance with the requirements of CSA B51 and this directive. Owners shall implement the program by giving priority to servicing and inspection of vessels with the highest safety risk, based on age and time since last servicing or inspection. Records shall be retained by the owner for five years in order to provide a means to verify that the required visual inspections and servicing of PRVs are in compliance with CSA-B51 and this directive. The owner shall make these records available to a BCSA safety officer upon request.

PRV Maximum Servicing Intervals

All pressure vessels in propane service to which this directiveapplies shall be in compliance with
CSA B51-14 Table 5 before:

• January 1, 2024, for vessels greater than 2500 USWG;
• January 1, 2024, for vessels 2500 USWG or less (excluding cylinders as defined by
  CSA B149.2) with an external PRV; and
• January 1, 2027, for vessels 2500 USWG or less (excluding cylinders as defined by
  CSA B149.2) with an internal PRV.

Servicing of a propane tank PRV shall include: disassembly; inspection of all internal components; refurbishing; replacement of parts as necessary; testing; and recertification. Servicing and recertification of PRV’s to be installed to propane tanks shall be performed by the original manufacturer of the PRV or by an organization holding a current and valid “VR” stamp Certificate of Accreditation issued by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors or by an organization holding a BCSA contractor licence, class “SRV” for PRV service.  

PRV Visual Inspection

Owners shall ensure that periodic visual inspection of propane storage tank PRV’s are performed as required by CSA B51.

Owners of pressure vessels in propane service to which this directiveapplies shall be in compliance with the visual inspection requirements of CSA B51before January 1, 2022.

PRVs shall be serviced or replaced if there is evidence of a malfunction. Unsafe or suspect PRVs shall be replaced immediately. Corrective action shall be taken if any inspection criteria are not met. The owner shall maintain records related to any corrective action in order to verify that the cause of the inspection failure has been rectified and the PRV operates properly.

CSA B51 requires that personnel performing in-service inspection shall be trained and competent in the duties for which they are responsible. The owner’s servicing and inspection program shall include details concerning how this requirement will be met.

BCSA will begin enforcing servicing and inspection requirements in accordance with the implementation timelines set out in this directive.  BCSA reserves the right to require immediate correction or servicing of a PRV in any case where evidence suggests such action is necessary for public safety and may use progressive enforcement to achieve the required outcome in such cases.

Tony Scholl
Provincial Safety Manager
Boilers and Pressure Vessels

Definitions

Cylinder – a “Cylinder” means a container designed and manufactured in accordance with a cylinder specification authorized for the containment and transportation of propane under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations of Transport Canada, as stated in the CSA B149.2 Code, Section 3

In operation– means a propane storage tank pressurized above 103 kPa (15 psig) and with relief valves set at a pressure of greater than 103 kPa (15 psig)

Pressure Vessel– for the purposes of the Act a "Pressure Vessel" means a vessel and its fittings, other than a boiler, that is capable of being used to contain, store, distribute, transfer, distil, process or otherwise handle gas, vapour or liquids under pressure, as stated in the Boiler Regulation Section 1.

Propane Storage Tank– a “Tank” means the class of container for the storage of compressed natural gas or propane, designed and fabricated in accordance with CSA B51, as stated in CSA B149.2 Code, Section 3.

References:
Relevant Legislation

Safety Standards Act

Operating permits
28  (1) In accordance with the regulations, a safety officer may issue an operating permit that allows the use of a regulated product listed in section 2 (1) (b) for one or more disciplines.
(2) A permit issued under subsection (1) is subject to terms and conditions provided for under the regulations or attached to the permit by a safety officer.
(3) An operating permit may be issued for a term up to 5 years.
(4) A person who holds a permit issued under this section must comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.

Safety Standards General Regulation

Operating permits
18  (1) A person must have an operating permit to do any of the following:
(a) operate a regulated product;
(b) maintain a regulated product.

(2) An operating permit may be issued to any of the following:
(a) an owner of a regulated product;
(b) the owner of a building or other premises where regulated work is to be performed.

Responsibilities of operating permit holder
19  The holder of an operating permit must do all of the following:
(a) if required under the permit, maintain a log of work performed under the permit;
(b) in the case of a multi-year operating permit, pay any required installments of the permit fee;
(c) submit any required declaration confirming compliance with the Act;
(d) if a field safety representative is named in the permit, immediately notify the regulatory authority if the field safety representative ceases to be contracted or employed by the permit holder.

Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel & Refrigeration Safety Regulation

Definitions for the Act

1 For the purposes of the Act:

"pressure vessel" means a vessel and its fittings, other than a boiler, that is capable of being used to contain, store, distribute, transfer, distil, process or otherwise handle gas, vapour or liquids under pressure;

Permits

62 (2)  A person must hold an operating permit for each boiler, pressure vessel or refrigeration system.

For more information on the British Columbia Safety Authority, please visit our web site at:  www.safetyauthority.ca

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

General Details

This directive is being issued to clarify requirements for which individuals are permitted to perform regulated work with respect to propane storage tanks under the: Safety Standards Act (SSA), Gas Safety Regulation (GSR), Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation (PEBPVRSR) and related adopted codes.

Specific Details

This directive applies to regulated work being performed on propane storage tanks that are required to have an operating permit in British Columbia, that are in operation, and within the scope of CSA B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling Code (B149.2). (see Directive: D-BP-2015-01)

Inspection

CSA B51 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code (B51) section 13.1 stipulates that personnel (individuals) performing in-service inspection shall be trained and competent in the duties for which they are responsible.  In order to meet that requirement, an individual performing in-service inspections must demonstrate successful completion of an inspection training program through documentation and validation (e.g., “Training Certificate”). 

Training records shall include:

1. Course or program name;
2. Subjects included in course or syllabus;
3. Training or program provider;
4. Course duration;
5. Course completion date; and
6. Certifications obtained and a copy of the certificate.

An owner of propane storage tanks, may submit their own in-service inspection training program for review or contact one of the following recognized training providers for programs that meet this objective:

• Canadian Propane Association (PTI)
• Fuels Learning Center

B51 section 13.3.4 provides that where inspection operations are performed in accordance with documented procedures, those procedures and documents shall be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. In this application, these procedures must be recognized by a provincial safety manager.

Routine Maintenance

Section 62(3) of the PEBPVRSR, 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 PEBPVRSR, permits a provincial safety manager to determine what constitutes routine maintenance. With respect to the propane pressure vessels that are the subject matter of this Directive, it has been determined that routine maintenance consists of, and is limited to:

• Clearing or removal of brush, grass, branches or other debris in proximity to the tank;
• Replacement of rain hoods or covers ;
• Relabelling or branding by propane supplier (decals);
• Surface preparation for purpose of repainting; and
• Painting.

Service

These fuel tanks contain “propane” which is a regulated gas under the GSR, therefore, in order to perform replacement or repair work of appurtenances (fittings, pressure relief valves, gauges, etc.) an individual or installermust hold either an active 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 the: B51, B149.2 and certified manufacturers' instructions.

If determined through inspection that a propane storage tank pressure relief valve will be serviced rather than replaced, this work shall be in compliance with B51 section 12.7 and directive D-BP-2016-01 .

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 in B149.2 section 5.2.1. 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 meet this objective:

• Canadian Propane Association (PTI)
• Fuels Learning Center
• TeamWorks Solutions

Repairs

If determined through inspection that the pressure retaining components ofa propane storage tank (i.e., the “pressure vessel”) requires repair (welding, etc.) those repairs must be performed by the holder of a valid Class A or Au Contractor Licence under the PEBPVRSR.  Repairs shall be performed in compliance with B51 section 4.7.2, Part 3 of the National Board Inspection Code and the licensed contractor’s approved quality control program.

Definitions - (reference document in brackets)

Regulated work(SSA) means -the assembly, manufacture, construction, installation, operation, testing, maintenance or repair of a regulated product, and the alteration of a regulated product. (stated in SSA section 1)

Inspection(CSA B51) means – 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. (stated in B51 section 13.3)

Installer(CSA B149.2) means - 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. (stated in B149.2 section 3)

Brad Wyatt
Provincial Safety Manager - Gas

Tony Scholl
Provincial Safety Manager - BPVR                                                           

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     

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

General Details

This directive sets out the requirements that must be met for the continued operation of  propane storage tanks that were manufactured with a maximum allowable operating pressure (MAWP) of 200 psig (1380 kPa).

Propane tanks that are within the scope of this directive include tanks that were manufactured with a MAWP of 200 psig in accordance with CSA B51 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code (B51) and / or one of the following codes:

1. Paragraphs U60 or U69 of the 1949 (or earlier) edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII Division 1; or
2. Paragraphs U200 or U201 of the 1949 (or later) edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII Division 1

Specific Details

Propane storage tanks that were manufactured with a MAWP of 200 psig are permitted to remain in continued operation, provided that the following requirements are complied with:

1. For tanks manufactured in accordance with paragraphs U60 or U69 of the 1949 (or earlier) edition of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code section VIII-1, the following requirements are applicable:
   1. The tank shall have been inspected by a qualified and competent person and verified to be safe for continued operation within a five (5) year time period immediately prior to November 1, 2017.
   2. The tank shall be fitted with a pressure relief valve with a maximum set pressure of 250 psig and minimum relieving capacity as specified in National Fire Protection Association - 58 - Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA-58).
   3. The tank is permitted to remain in operation at its current location only and shall not be moved and placed into operation at a different location after the date of issuance of this directive.
2. For tanks manufactured in accordance with paragraphs U200 or U201 of the 1949 (or later) edition of ASME Code Section VIII-1, the following requirements are applicable:
   1. The tank shall have been inspected by a qualified and competent person and verified to be safe for continued operation within a five (5) year time period immediately prior to November 1, 2017.
   2. The tank shall be re-rated in accordance with NB-23 National Board Inspection Code to increase the MAWP from 200 to 250 psig. The tank re-rating documentation including revised calculations, inspection records and any other required documents shall be submitted to BCSA for design registration prior to November 1, 2017.
   3. The tank shall be fitted with a pressure relief valve with a maximum set pressure of 250 psig and minimum relieving capacity as specified in NFPA-58.

Compliance Dates

Owners of propane tanks are responsible to comply with the requirements of this directive no later than November 1, 2017.

Propane tanks that do not comply with the requirements of this directive by November 1, 2017 are not acceptable for continued operation and shall be removed from operation no later than May 1, 2018

Enforcement

BCSA will begin enforcing requirements in accordance with the compliance dates set out in this directive. BCSA reserves the right to require immediate action to prevent, avoid or reduce a risk of personal injury or damage to property.

Definitions

Propane Storage Tank– a “Tank” means the class of container for the storage of compressed natural gas or propane, designed and fabricated in accordance with CSA B51
(stated in CSA B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling CodeCode, section 3)

In Operation– means a propane tank pressurized above 103 kPa (15 psig) and with relief valves set at a pressure of greater than 103 kPa (15 psig)

Tony Scholl
Provincial Safety Manager - BPVR

References:
CSA B51 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code
CSA B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling Code
NFPA 58 - Liquefied Petroleum Gas CodeASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII

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

General Details

Individuals who transfer propane must have a certificate of qualification resulting from the successful completion of a training course recognized and approved by a Provincial Safety Manager. A recognized training course must have been submitted for review and acceptance to a Provincial Safety Manager in order to be listed in this Directive. All training must be delivered by individuals certified, authorized or employed by the related Training Body or provider. Training providers identified in this document have been approved by a Provincial Safety Manager.

Specific Details

A training course must be specific to the job skills required to operate or handle the transfer equipment and containers specific to that propane transfer type. As indicated in section 5.2.1 of CSA B149.2 - Propane storage and handling code, propane shall only be transferred from one container to another, by an individual that is the holder of an applicable certificate of qualification recognized by the authority having jurisdiction. These certificate types are to be held in a valid current status (not expired) in order for an individual to perform the related regulated work. The holder of a recognized certificate must, upon request of a safety officer, produce the certificate or appropriate wallet card for inspection.

As noted, the following certificates are recognized by the Provincial Safety Manager. Please confirm the correct scope of work with the course provider to assure you obtain the correct certification for the specific transfer type.

Training Provider: Propane Training Institute (PTI) Division of the Canadian Propane Association

100-01    Propane Pump Attendant
100-02    Filling of Auto Propane Tanks
100-08    Cylinder Filling
100-11    Propane Pump Attendant – TDG enhanced
300-01    Bulk Truck Propane Delivery
400-04    Filling Forklift Cylinders by Volume
400-07    Filling Forklift Cylinders by Weight  

Training Provider: Fuels Learning Centre (FLC)

CF01    Filling Propane Cylinders and Auto Propane Tanks at Retail Filling Centers
CF02    Filling Propane Cylinders at Retail Filling Centers
CF03    Filling Auto Propane Tanks for Vehicle Operators
CF04    Filling of Forklift Cylinders
TO02    Loading and Unloading Propane Tank Trucks

Training Provider: TeamWorks Solutions (TWS)

TWS500-03    Private Auto Fleet and Cardlock course for LPG dispensing.

Brad Wyatt
Provincial Safety Manager - Gas

References:
Safety Standards Act
Gas Safety Regulation
Safety Standards General Regulation
CSA B149.2 - Propane storage and handling code

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

General Details

This Directive is being issued to businesses and contractors to clarify the reporting of incidents.  It is issued with respect to the requirements of section 36 and 37 of the Safety Standards Act and section 34 of the Safety Standards General Regulation.

Incidents involving electrical technology, which occur within the following jurisdictions, can be reported directly to the appropriate municipality:

• Burnaby                              604-294-7944
• Maple Ridge                       604-463-5221
• North Vancouver (City)         604-985-7761 
• North Vancouver (District)    604-990-2311
• Surrey                                 604-591-4011
• Vancouver                          604-873-7011
• Victoria                               250-385-5711
• West Vancouver                  604-925-7000

Specific Details

A.    Reporting of Incidents to  British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA)

An incident is an event involving technology regulated by BCSA that:
a.     results in death, injury, or damage to property and/or regulated equipment, or
b.    did not involve death, injury, or damage to property and/or equipment but under similar circumstances, is highly likely to result in death, injury, or damage to property and/or regulated equipment.

Persons in charge of regulated work, owners of regulated products, permit holders, persons who perform regulated work, and persons who operate a regulated product or system are required to report incidents. Incidents must be reported to British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) within 24 hours of occurrence by one of the following methods:

All Incidents (Levels, I, II & III)
Telephone

• Call 1-866-566-7233  (toll free, 24 hrs.)

 For Minor Incidents Only (Level III)
Online

• Complete and submit the Incident Reporting Form on BCSA’s website (www.safetyauthority.ca)

Telephone

• Call 1-866-566-7233  (toll free 24 hrs.)

 B.    Levels Of Incidents
Incidents range in severity from major (Level I) to minor (Level III). For the purposes of this Directive, incidents are categorized as follows:

Level I – Must be Reported Immediately by Telephone

• Fatality or life threatening injury involved with the operation, installation, testing, modification, or use of the equipment.
• The injured person(s) involved requires emergency medical attention (hospitalization). This includes, but is not limited to, major blood loss, loss of limbs, loss of an eye, unconsciousness.
• Catastrophic damage (total loss) to property and/or equipment.
• Estimated damages are in excess of $500,000
• Injuries resulting from contact with electrical equipment operating at greater than 750 volts.
• Fire and/or explosion resulting from electrical equipment operating at greater than 750 volts.
• Near miss – no death, injury requiring emergency medical attention, or catastrophic damage to property and/or equipment occur but under similar circumstance is highly likely to occur.
• Events requiring evacuation of employees and/or the general public from the premises or general vicinity

Level II – Must be Reported Immediately by Telephone

• The injured person(s) involved requires professional medical attention. This includes, but is not limited to, fractures, mild burns, and shocks.
• Extensive damage to property and/or equipment.
• Estimated damages are between $50,000 and 500,000
• Injuries resulting from contact with electrical equipment operating between 31 volts and 750 volts.
• Fire and/or explosion resulting from electrical equipment operating between 31 volts and 750 volts.
• Near miss – no injury requiring professional medical attention, or extensive damage to property and/or equipment occur but under similar circumstance is highly likely to occur.

 Level III – Must be Reported within 24 hours by Telephone or Online

• The injured person(s) involved sustained a minor injury (example: superficial cuts, bruises) and does not require first aid or professional medical treatment.
• Minor damage to property and/or equipment
• Estimated damages to property and/or equipment is up to $50,000
• Injuries resulting from contact with electrical equipment operating at 30 volts or less.
• Fire and/or explosion resulting from electrical equipment operating at 30 volts or less.
• Near miss – no minor injury, or minor damages to property and/or equipment occur but under similar circumstance is highly likely to occur

References:
Bill 19 – 2003                Safety Standards Act
B.C. Reg. 105/2004       Safety Standards General Regulation

Ulrich Janisch
Provincial Safety Manager - Electrical

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

This Directive supersedes D-EL 2012-02 issued October 1, 2012.

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

Topic:  Use of Table 39 (T39)

Rule 4-004 Ampacity of wires and cables (see Appendix B)

(23) Notwithstanding Rule 4-006, 3-wire 120/240 V and 120/208 V service conductors for single dwellings and feeder conductors supplying single dwelling units of row housing of apartment and similar buildings and terminating on equipment having a conductor termination temperature of not less than 75 °C shall be permitted to be sized in accordance with Table 39.

Interpretation:

For the purposes of Table 39, “calculated load” shall mean calculated in accordance with Rule 8-200(1) or 8-202(1).

For the purposes of Rule 8-104, when a conductor is selected from T39 as permitted in Subrule 4-004(23),  the corresponding “Service or feeder rating, A” shall be considered as the ampere rating of the service or feeder conductors.

References:

Bill 19 – 2003                Safety Standards Act
 B.C. Reg. 100/2004       Electrical Safety Regulation 
CSA 22.1-15                  BC Electrical Code
IB-EL 2016-07                Bulletin on Use of Table 39 (T39)

Ulrich Janisch
Provincial Safety Manager – Electrical

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

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

This Directive supersedes Directive D-EL 2011-01.

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