A Certificate of Authorization (COA) issued by TSSA allows companies from Ontario and around the world to manufacture pressure-retaining items for use in Ontario. Here are some frequently asked questions about obtaining a COA from TSSA.
Here are frequently asked questions about obtaining a COA.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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. -
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 contact your Auditor or bpvcustomerservice@tssa.org with inquiries.
-
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. -
Which devices are exempt from the BPV program?
The regulation does not apply to the following devices, per Ontario Reg. 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels, s.2 and the Code adoption document:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
a pressure vessel that is used exclusively for hydraulic purposes at a temperature no greater than 150°F (65°C).
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.
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,
heated by steam at a pressure not exceeding 15 psi (103kPa), or
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).
compressed air piping, up to and including ¾ inch nominal pipe size.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
a pressure vessel having a capacity of 1 and one-half (1½) cubic feet (42.5L) or less, that is not a fitting.
a pressure vessel having an internal diameter of six (6) inches (152mm) or less.
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.
flexible hoses and portable air piping used in mines.
piping, pressure vessels and fittings regulated by any one of the following regulations made under the Act: