The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has posted a new advisory outlining new licensing regime requirements for the transportation of compressed gas.

As of February 3, 2025, TSSA has adopted a new licensing regime that will require a licence to be issued for each transport truck carrying a bulk container certified as meeting the requirements of Transport Canada or the U.S. Department of Transportation. A licence will be issued only if it has passed an inspection performed by a TSSA inspector. 

Previously, TSSA permitted the transport of compressed hydrogen and compressed natural gas through a non-permanent variance application that expires every two years. Approved variances are tied to user location and may or may not include a pressure reduction system and more than one tube trailer under the same approval.

Read the advisory for details.

TSSA Strengthens Hydrogen Safety Framework to Support Ontario’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Economy

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is committed to supporting Ontario's transition to a low-carbon hydrogen economy through enhanced regulation of hydrogen distribution and utilization in the province. 

Currently, TSSA regulates key areas of hydrogen infrastructure, including refueling station design, pipeline installation, and high-pressure piping. To ensure continued safety and effectiveness, TSSA is updating its licensing, inspection, contractor registration and training processes for hydrogen. These enhancements to the regulatory framework are aimed at supporting the safe adoption of hydrogen technology and foster the growth of the hydrogen sector in Ontario. 

Effective February 3, 2025, key enhancements for hydrogen safety include the following:

• Licensing Requirements to Transport Compressed Hydrogen in Bulk Containers: Transport trucks that currently use bulk containers to transport compressed hydrogen to user locations will transition from variance approvals, when expired, to a licence application and approval process. Application for approval can be submitted through TSSA’s Client Portal. 
• Licensing Requirements for Existing Hydrogen Facilities: Existing hydrogen facilities and equipment, including refueling stations and maintenance and conversion centres, will transition to ongoing inspections and licensing by TSSA. Establishing consistent inspection touchpoints will help ensure that all hydrogen facilities operate safely and comply with regulations. 
• Licensing of New and Modified Hydrogen Facilities: All new and modified hydrogen facilities require TSSA’s engineering approval and inspections before being issued a licence to operate. Licences must be renewed annually. TSSA has published new guidelines on our website to facilitate the application for engineering approval. 

• Hydrogen Contractor Registration: A specific hydrogen contractor registration is now required of businesses that work on hydrogen systems and equipment in Ontario. As with other fuels contractors, hydrogen contractors will be regularly audited and must meet specific requirements for certification, equipment installation, and incident reporting. 

Additionally, TSSA continues to offer certification for technicians who install, inspect, or repair hydrogen equipment. To support workforce development and build strong industry expertise, TSSA has designed a specialized hydrogen curriculum. TSSA invites interested education institutions to apply to become accredited training partners in hydrogen. Institutions can contact TSSA for more information about the curriculum and additional details. 

For further details, please visit the TSSA Hydrogen Safety webpage.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has published the Compressed Gas Code Adoption Document (CAD) and the associated Consultation Summary after reviewing feedback from the consultation that closed on June 7, 2024.
 
We thank stakeholders for their input on the Compressed Gas CAD.
 
Please read the latest Compressed Gas CAD and the Consultation Summary.

TORONTO, ON, May 16, 2024 –   As Ontarians prepare to marshal in the unofficial start of the summer season, with BBQs leading the march, make sure to light it right when you light it up this May ‘2-4’ long weekend…..and beyond.

Get Ready. Get Set. Get Sizzling…safely by keeping these fuel-burning BBQ safety tips in mind:

Clean It, Check It and Test It 

• Clean all burner ports and tubes. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris. 
• Examine the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged. 

• Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, it could mean gas is leaking out. Tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest before using your BBQ.

Light It Right 

• Place your BBQ or grill on a level surface in a well-ventilated area. 
• Make sure there are no combustible materials near your BBQ. 
• Never lean over the grill when you are lighting it. 
• Open the hood and keep it open until the BBQ is lit. 
• Turn the gas release valve on. Turn on the burner controls or heat settings. 
• Take a step back. 
• Push the igniter button or use a barbecue lighter. 

• If it does not ignite right away, turn the gas off and wait five minutes, keeping the lid open before you try again.

Keep It Outdoors

• Always barbecue outside in a well-ventilated area – BBQs are approved for outdoor use ONLY. They emit carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can lead to unconsciousness and even death. 
• Don’t position your BBQ too close to wooden or vinyl fences or walls. Make sure the area behind your BBQ is free of combustible material, since this is where hot gases escape. 

• Don’t use or store propane cylinders inside any structure.

Stay Safe

• BBQs are intended to be attended. 
• Never leave your grill unsupervised while it’s in use. 
• Keep kids and pets away from the BBQ. Position a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. 
• Keep any flammable items/liquids away from the BBQ. This includes the use of hand sanitizers. 
• Never lean over a grill when it’s in use. 
• Don’t allow grease to build up on the burners, lid or at the base of the BBQ as this could cause a grease fire. 

• Never throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the flame.

BBQing on a Balcony 

Ontarians living in apartments and condominiums should be aware of additional safety restrictions and potential hazards related to BBQ use on balconies. Barbecues may be prohibited by the municipality or in the Condominium bylaws of your building or prohibited by the building owner or property manager, so be sure you are aware of any restrictions in place for your building.

IF permitted to BBQ on your balcony:

• Your balcony must be open, with no enclosures or walls that could restrict airflow. 
• You must keep your propane cylinder on the balcony and connected to your barbecue. 
• Keep your barbecue clear of any combustible material. 
• Make sure the propane cylinder’s relief valve is at least one metre from any building opening. Also make sure it is three metres from any mechanical air intake. 

• When transporting a propane cylinder to your apartment or condo, you must use a service elevator. If your building has no service elevators, you may use the passenger elevator, but you must be alone in the elevator. 

For additional BBQ safety tips, download a copy of our BBQ Safety Tips brochure or check out and share our animated safety videos. For more information on barbecue safety visit us at www.tssa.org. 

About TSSA 

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities. 

PARTNERING FOR A SAFE ONTARIO 

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For more information, please contact: 

Alexandra Campbell 

Vice President Communications, 

Stakeholder Engagement and 

Customer Service 

Technical Standards and Safety Authority 

Telephone: 416-734-6227 

email:media@tssa.org

Consultation closes on June 7, 2024

TSSA invites you to provide feedback on its publication of the Code Adoption Document (CAD) for Compressed Gas.
 
The CAD adopts a series of national safety codes into regulation. There are five separate codes adopted in the CAD which was last updated and published in 2009.

The opportunity to provide feedback will be open until June 7, 2024. TSSA aims to publish the final CAD approximately one month after reviewing consultation feedback.

Please visit the Compressed Gas CAD webpage.

About TSSA 
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.