BPV COI Portal for Insurers
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I uploaded an ROI and received a “UID not found” message. What do I do?
Our inventory system may not recognize the Unique Identification (UID) Number on your ROI.
Please email the appropriate UID request form to bpvidrequest@tssa.org, and we will review:
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I received an “Owner/Operator mismatch” message. What do I do?
If the owner’s name on your ROI is similar to the owner’s name that TSSA displays on your inventory page in the portal, use TSSA’s version of the name on this and future ROIs.
If the owner’s name seems entirely different, please email bpv_inquiries@tssa.org. TSSA will investigate to see if there has been a change of ownership and will update our records if necessary.
We will notify you once you can resubmit the ROI.
Insurance cancellations work the same way. If the owner’s name is not identical but similar, use the name displayed on the inventory page in the portal—otherwise, email bpv_inquiries@tssa.org.
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I received a “Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) mismatch” message. What do I do?
A mismatch on the MAWP will not result in the rejection of your ROI. We will still process the ROI but must confirm that the device operates within the MAWP. Please email bpvcustomerservice@tssa.org, and we will validate the MAWP for the device. -
If I delete a bulk file I uploaded, will all ROIs or insurance cancellations be deleted, or only those that did not successfully upload?
If you delete an Excel file upload before completing the process, all ROIs uploaded in that file will be deleted from the portal. -
I uploaded an ROI to the portal, but the device owner received a letter advising that they have not renewed their COI. Why?
Owners must review and approve your uploaded ROI and then pay for their COI to avoid receiving reminder notices. -
I cannot see some Unique Identification (UID) Numbers on the inventory page in my portal. What do I do?
Please send an email to bpv_inquiries@tssa.org. TSSA will investigate and resolve the issue.
BPV COI Portal for Owners & Operators
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Why should I use the portal?
The portal makes it easier to complete the COI process after an insurer has conducted an inspection:
- After an insurer uploads a Record of Inspection (ROI), you can review and validate their ROI online.
- You can pay for COIs online and view, download, and print your COIs.
- You can also view and download inventory details. Search for site address, owner/operator name, or any other inventory data displayed in the portal.
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How do I access the portal?
Owners and operators can access the portal at https://ownerseservices.tssa.org.
Registration is required. For registration support, contact customerservices@tssa.org.
Insurers have a separate portal at https://insurerseservices.tssa.org.
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Can multiple contacts from our organization access the portal?
Yes. Each contact or portal user will need to register separately on the portal.
To set up another portal user, email the contact’s first and last name, email address, and phone number to bpv_inquiries@tssa.org.
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I am getting an error message and cannot log in. Can you help?
The portal supports Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Using another browser, such as Firefox or Safari, may cause an error.
If you use Chrome or Edge and are still experiencing errors, please contact bpv_inquiries@tssa.org.
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Can you help me reset my portal password?
Please click the “Forgot my password” button on the portal sign-in page and follow the instructions. -
What do I do if some of the information on the ROI is incorrect?
If you need to update your information before you validate an ROI, please fill out the appropriate form below.
For inventory information, send the form with a picture of the device’s nameplate to bpvidrequest@tssa.org. To update other dates or information, email bpv_inquiries@tssa.org.
TSSA will review the information, reach out with any questions, and update our records.
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Where can I send updated account or billing information?
Please email the following information to bpv_inquiries@tssa.org, and we will update our database:
Registered legal entity name (as found in the Ontario Business Registry).
Billing address.
Corporation or business identification number.
Primary office address.
Preferred communication method (mail or email).
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I cannot see a Record of Inspection (ROI) for my device in the portal. How can I get my COI?
If your device does not have a Unique Identification (UID) Number that was assigned after the device had an Initial Inspection, your ROI will not appear in the portal. (Owners or insurers must obtain this number before an ROI can be uploaded to the portal.)
Check with your insurer if they have submitted a Request for UID form to TSSA. If they have, the request is in our queue, and it will be processed in the order it was received.
Once the UID has been assigned, your insurer will be able to upload the ROI for you to approve and pay for the COI via the portal.
If you believe your device has a UID, but the ROI is still not appearing in the portal, please contact your insurer.
If your insurer has uploaded your ROI, but you still can’t see it, please email bpv_inquiries@tssa.org and let us know.
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How can I tell TSSA that I have sold, relocated, dismantled, or scrapped a device?
Complete the Permanent Removal of Boilers or Pressure Vessels from Operation or Use (pdf) form and send it to licensingandregistration@tssa.org.
Certificate of Authorization
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Is my company required to obtain current applicable Code books for my upcoming audit/joint review?
Yes, all non-nuclear quality programs must be maintained to applicable Codes and Standards at all times.
According to the TSSA Boilers and Pressure Vessels Safety Program Code Adoption Document Amendment (pdf) the latest edition of the applicable standards takes effect six months after the publication date of the applicable standard or Code. For questions or clarifications, please contact your Auditor.
Nuclear quality programs allow the applicant to select a Code effective date that may be earlier than the latest edition of the Code or Standard. For questions or clarifications, please contact your Survey Team Lead.
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Do I need to have a welding or brazing procedure registered before I can obtain a Certificate of Authorization?
No. However, your Quality Program will be limited to mechanical joint installation only until your welding or brazing procedures have been registered with TSSA, and a welder or brazer has been qualified.
To learn more, visit the Welding or Brazing Procedure & Personnel Qualification.
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Do I have to prepare a demonstration item for my non-nuclear audit?
The answer varies depending on what kind of work you are doing.
For manufacturers of piping and/or repairs and alterations to boilers or pressure vessels
If your Company has performed Code work in the past three years, you are not required to prepare a demonstration item for the Audit.
If your Company has not performed Code work in the past three years or you are a new applicant, your company is required to prepare a demonstration item. Please refer to the Implementation Guideline for Piping System Fabricators, Installers, Repairers and Alterers (pdf).
For manufacturers of boilers or pressure vessels
Yes, your Company is required to prepare a demonstration item. Please refer to the Implementation Guideline for Boiler or Pressure Vessel Manufacturers (pdf).
For all other COA holders
Please reach out to your Auditor or bpvcustomerservice@tssa.org for inquiries.
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When will I receive my Certificate of Authorization (COA)?
You can expect to receive your COA within two weeks after passing the Audit. Those who have passed the Audit are authorized to commence work while waiting for their COA. Please contact bpvqa@tssa.org for questions about your COA.
Revocation of Agricultural Exemption
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Why was the Minister’s Exemption revoked?
The Auditor General of Ontario’s 2018 value-for-money audit of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) recommended that the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services - now known as the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (MPBSD) - assess agricultural operation exemptions from safety regulations. In response to this recommendation, MPBSD undertook an assessment that included consultations with stakeholders, industry, and other relevant groups to gather information. Based on collaboration and discussions with agricultural operators, the Ontario Government decided to revoke the exemption for boilers and pressure equipment. -
What did the assessment and consultation process involve?
The assessment process involved research and a literature review, a scan of Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions on their laws pertaining to boilers in agriculture, two in-person consultations, and 17 interviews involving 32 individuals. This information was presented in a Findings Report that was circulated to participants in March 2020. A total of forty participants were involved in the assessment. They included insurance providers, greenhouse growers, cannabis greenhouse representatives, boiler inspectors and technicians, TSSA program staff and representatives from broader sector agricultural organizations. TSSA, the ministry and the stakeholders worked closely to develop a solution. The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance and the insurance industry view the change as a positive measure to enhance public safety.
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My equipment was operating before the regulatory change. Will it be acceptable to TSSA?
TSSA is aware that many devices operated in the agricultural sector before the regulatory change, and we have been working with owners to register the devices. For equipment that was operating before July 1, 2021, TSSA will conduct inspections and evaluate safety based on Critical Safety Factors.
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What is a site assessment and what does it involve?
A TSSA Inspector will visit a site and perform a first inspection on all devices that fall under the regulation. A TSSA BPV Inspector will come to your site to look at your pressure equipment. If your devices are found to be exempt from the regulation, there will be no fee associated with the visit.
This checklist (pdf) will provide guidance on what inspectors are looking for when assessing agricultural BPV equipment.
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What fees are involved?
TSSA is a not-for-profit organization. Fees are levied using a cost-recovery model for registration, inspection, engineering, and licensing services. Owners of pressure equipment will be required to pay applicable fees to TSSA as outlined in the BPV fee schedule.
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What if I do not agree with the fees that I am being charged?
In accordance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, any person affected by an inspector’s order, seal or who has a dispute regarding fees can submit an appeal. appeals of all inspector seals, orders and/or fees must be filed within 90 days of receiving a notice from TSSA. To register an informal appeal, please contact us toll-free at 1-877-682-8772. To register a formal appeal, please see Appeals Section and complete the applicable forms.
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When will my site be scheduled for a first inspection?
TSSA will contact you in advance to schedule a first inspection using the contact information you provided, with priority given to higher-risk sites. First inspections began in September 2021 and will be conducted over five years.
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What is a Variance and when should it be used?
A variance refers to boilers or pressure vessels that do not meet code requirements. Variances may be allowed for items that are not in full compliance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers Regulations, Director’s Orders, and Code Adoption Documents. A variance may be granted if the Director or Chief Officer is satisfied (as permitted in Section 36(3)(c) of the Technical Standards and Safety Act) that the variance would not detrimentally affect the safe use of the device.
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Will orders be issued if an inspection identifies safety risks?
A high-risk order will only be issued if an inspection identifies a condition that puts the property and individuals at risk. TSSA will follow up with high-risk orders in a predefined number of days. For medium- and low-risk orders, owners will have the option to self-declare that they have complied with the items raised during the inspection. TSSA will work with owners and operators of agricultural BPVs to comply with the new rules.
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What if I do not agree with an inspector’s decision?
If an inspector has issued an order that may come into question, contractors are advised to follow the Inspection Order Resolution Protocol (pdf) to have their concerns reviewed.
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How will TSSA respond to non-compliant owners and operators?
Owners and operators of regulated agricultural BPV equipment are required to report their devices and comply with the technical and regulatory requirements. TSSA has provided a variety of resources and contact information to keep the agricultural community informed and help them understand their compliance obligations. TSSA’s existing enforcement process as a regulator will be the last resort to bring owners and operators of agricultural BPV devices that have yet to meet regulatory requirements into compliance.
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What should I do if there is an accident involving regulated equipment?
Every owner is responsible for maintaining and operating their pressure equipment safely. Should an accident that causes injury, death or property damage occur, the owner must report the incident to TSSA immediately.
Compliance
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Which devices are exempt from the BPV program?
The regulation does not applies to the following devices, per O. Reg. 220/01, s.2 and the code adoption document:
(a) a boiler that is used in connection with a hot liquid heating system that has no valves or other obstructions to free circulation between the boiler and an expansion tank that is vented freely to the atmosphere.
(b) a low-pressure boiler that has either a wetted heating surface of 30 square feet (2.79 square metres) or less, or a power rating of 30 kW or less.
(c) a boiler having either a wetted heating surface of 10 square feet (0.93 square metres) or less, or a power rating of 10 kW or less.
(d) a pressure vessel, fitting or piping that contains a gas, vapour, or liquid at a maximum allowable working pressure of 15 psi (103 kPa) or less
(e).a pressure vessel, fitting or piping that contains liquids not more hazardous than water and that operate at a temperature of 150°F (65°C) or less and at a maximum allowable working pressure of 250 psi (1,717 kPa) or less.
(f) a pressure vessel for domestic use that has an internal diameter of 24 inches (610 mm) or less for the storage of hot water where the temperature does not exceed 212°F (100°C) and the heat input is 120 kW or less.
(g) a pressure vessel that is used exclusively for hydraulic purposes at a temperature no greater than 150°F (65°C).
(h) a pressure vessel that has an internal diameter of 24 inches (610 mm) or less that is connected in a liquid pumping system at a temperature that does not exceed 150°F (65°C) and that contains air or an inert gas compressed to serve as a cushion
(i) .a refrigeration piping that has a capacity of three tons (11 kW) or less of refrigeration or a capacity of five tons (18 kW) or less of refrigeration in an air conditioning system.
(j) pressure piping that forms part of the heating system in a building that is,
(i) heated by steam at a pressure not exceeding 15 psi (103kPa), or
(ii) heated by water at a pressure not exceeding 160 psi (1,100 kPa) and at a temperature that does not exceed 250°F (121°C).
(k) compressed air piping, up to and including ¾ inch nominal pipe size.
(l) hot oil piping, where the pressure is not greater than 100 psi (687 kPa) and the operating temperature is not less than 50°F (10°C) lower than the flash point of the oil.
(m) pressure containers that form an integral part of or that are a component of rotating or reciprocating mechanical devices, including pumps, compressors, turbines, generators, engines and hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders where the primary design considerations or stresses, or both, are derived from the functional requirements of the device.
(n) automatic fire protection systems that are designed and installed in accordance with Ontario Regulation 332/12 (Building Code) and Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Fire Code).
(o) any component or system related to the subject matter of this Regulation that is regulated under any Act or regulation of the Government of Canada unless specifically requested otherwise by the Government of Canada.
(p) buried water piping that operates at a temperature of 150°F (65°C) or less at a maximum allowable working pressure of 740 psi (5,100 kPa).
(q) a pressure vessel having a capacity of 1 and one-half (1½) cubic feet (42.5L) or less, that is not a fitting.
(r) a pressure vessel having an internal diameter of six (6) inches (152mm) or less.
(s) inert gas-filled high voltage switchgear and control gear with an internal pressure that does not exceed 150 psi (1,030 kPa), rated 15 kW and above that are located within an electric utility installation that has controlled access for maintenance or repair and that is not accessible to the public.
(t) flexible hoses and portable air piping used in mines.
(u) piping, pressure vessels and fittings regulated by any one of the following regulations made under the Act:
(i) Ontario Regulation 210/01 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems)
(ii) Ontario Regulation 211/01 (Propane Storage and Handling)
(iii) Ontario Regulation 212/01 (Gaseous Fuels)
(iv) Ontario Regulation 213/01 (Fuel Oil), or
(v) Ontario Regulation 214/01 (Compressed Gas); O. Reg. 220/01, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 420/17, s.