Engineering Approvals

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) offers several engineering services, including design approvals, variance approvals, equipment field approvals, and more.

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The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) reviews fuel system and device design submissions to ensure compliance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, as well as any applicable regulations and adopted safety codes or standards.

The TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program offers several other engineering services, including design approvals, variance approvals, equipment field approvals, and more.  

Engineering Applications

To request an engineering approval, please visit the TSSA Client Portal to complete and submit the appropriate application form(s) and supporting document(s). Applications and supporting documents must be submitted as individual files within the Client Portal. Do not combine all documents into a single file. 

If you need help, please contact customer service at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) or email customerservices@tssa.org.

Engineering applications can rejected due to missing information, non-compliance with applicable codes and standards, or lack of response from the applicant. If an applicant does not provide all requested information or documents within 21 calendar days, the application will be closed and denied.

The 21-day period starts from the date the first request for additional documentation is issued by TSSA.

All fees associated with a denied application are non-refundable, unless a refund is specifically approved. Applicants who wish to continue after a denial must submit a new application with the required documentation and applicable fees. This process helps ensure timely review of active applications and supports TSSA’s turnaround time performance targets.

For questions about a denial or to discuss reapplication, contact fssubmission@tssa.org.

Applications and Mandatory Supporting Documents for Fuels Engineering Applications

Engineering applications for fuel systems and devices must be submitted through the Client Portal. Email applications will not be accepted. All fees are non-refundable. The list of mandatory supporting documents for the respective applications is listed below. 

Apply for Field Approval

1. FS WF2: Application for Field Approval of Appliances or Equipment

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review and approval for custom or unapproved equipment at a particular address. Required documents for this application:

Facility Type (Select one):

  • 1. General industrial (non-refinery / non-chemical / non-biogas)
  • 2. Refinery
  • 3. Chemical Plant
  • 4. Biogas Facility

1. General Industrial (non-refinery / non-chemical / non-biogas)

  • P&ID drawings
  • Process description
  • Bill of Materials
  • Electrical schematic
  • Purge Calculations
  • Supplementary Documents

The following information, if available, will help TSSA review your application and lower review costs:

  • Completed Field Approval Submission Summary
  • Description of the appliance, equipment or component.
  • Installation and operating instructions.
  • Sequence of operation
  • Literature on valve train components and controls
  • Any other documents which may facilitate the review of the application

2. Refinery OR 3. Chemical Plant OR 4. Biogas Facility

  • P&ID / valve-train / PFD drawing(s)
  • Process description
  • Bill of materials or component data sheets (model, manufacturer, construction/materials, ratings, certification, tag no.)
  • Electrical schematic / wiring diagram
  • Purge calculations
  • Burner Management System (BMS) specification
  • Sequence of operation + control narrative
  • Cause-and-effect / shutdown key / ladder logic
  • Electrical area classification (AHJ-compliant), venting of appliance/instruments to safe location, and overpressure protection of the fuel train
  • Installation & operating/maintenance instructions
  • Completed Field Approval Submission Summary
  • Multi-fuel switchover procedure (if the appliance is approved for multiple fuels) [Conditional]
  • Literature on valve-train components & controls [Optional]
  • Supplementary documents that facilitate the review [Optional]
  • Biogas site plan for appliances installed at biogas facility.

2. FS WF2: Application for Field Approval of Mobile Food Service Equipment

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review and approval of Mobile Food Service Equipment (food truck, food trailer, food cart). Required documents for this application:

  • Layout drawing (floor plan) showing appliances, propane cylinders/tanks, doors/windows/air inlets
  • List all gas-fired appliances (for approval + rating plate)
  • Complete component list (regulators, gas valves, proving switches, etc.)

For general guidance, see our Fuels Supporting Documents Checklist

3. FS WF6: FS Special Effects

This application will help you with seeking review and approval for events that use Special Effects (propane, butane or other fuels). Required documents for this application:

  • Description of the special effect
  • Site plan showing location of special effects equipment, controls and control sequence
  • Safety plan / operating procedure
  • Specifications for valves, controls and components related to the fuel features
  • Special effects (SF) equipment information attached
Apply for a Variance

4. FS WF3: Application for a Variance/Deviation (Except for Non-Certified Plastic Venting) 

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review and approval for a variance to Code for all code clauses except non-certified Plastic Venting. Required documents for this application:

Two Types of Variances

  • Temporary(Operational/Temporary Operate) Variances
  • Permanent Variances

Temporary Variance – [All Fuel Types]

  • Certificate holder’s Inspection document completed within the last 90 days by an appropriate. The inspection shall be signed and show the holder’s name, certificate type, and TSSA certificate number
  • List of a summary of non-compliances
  • Infraction notices concluding the equipment/installation has unacceptable conditions that do not pose an immediate hazard
  • Timeline to correct non-immediate unacceptable condition(s): Please select one : 1 year; 2 years; 3 years (max)
  • Is this an extension? [If applicable]
  • Milestone schedule — required for any term > 1 year or for extensions (Supplementary- Can be submitted in 6 months ) [Optional]

Permanent Variance – [Fuel Types]

  • Gasoline Variance
    • CSA/TSSA code section(s) & reason for non-compliance [Required]
    • Equivalent Safety Method (ESM) [Required]
  • Natural Gas Variances
    • Engineering drawings
    • P&ID
    • Electrical wiring diagram
    • cut sheets/equipment specs)
    • CSA/TSSA code section(s) & reason for non-compliance
    • Equivalent Safety Method
  • Biogas Variance
    • Engineering drawings
    • P&ID,
    • Electrical wiring diagram,
    • cut sheets/equipment specs)
    • CSA/TSSA code section(s) & reason for non-compliance
    • Equivalent Safety Method
  • Propane Variance
    • Engineering drawings
    • P&ID,
    • Electrical wiring diagram,
    • cut sheets/equipment specs)
    • CSA/TSSA code section(s) & reason for non-compliance
    • Equivalent Safety Method
  • Fuel Oil Variance
    • P&ID drawings,
    • Electrical schematic,
    • CSA/TSSA code section(s) & reason for non-compliance
    • Equivalent Safety Method
  • CNG Variances (Compressed Natural Gas)
    • Bill of Materials for the vehicle/components: component name, make, manufacturer, pressure rating, temperature rating, CRN/certification.
    • P.Eng declaration that the design complies with all applicable requirements of O. Reg. 214/01 – Compressed Gas (s.20(b)(ii)).
    • P&ID / PFD stamped by an Ontario Professional Engineer, with BOM on the drawing listing manufacturer, make, model, pressure rating (for temperature & fluid), and certification/CRN for all components/equipment.
    • Site plan showing emergency shutdown station locations, traffic patterns, entry/exit points, storage locations and protection from vehicular traffic.
    • Electrical wiring drawings showing E-stops and all limits/interlocks external to the package.
  • Other Type of Fuel Variances(Hydrogen, etc)
    • Engineering drawings
    • P&ID,
    • Electrical wiring diagram,
    • cut sheets/equipment specs)
    • CSA/TSSA code section(s) & reason for non-compliance

5. FS WF3: Application for Variance/Deviation of Non-Certified Plastic Venting

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review and approval for a variance to Code for non-certified Plastic Venting. Required documents for this application:

  • Certificate holder’s letter/report confirming the existing plastic vent is in good condition.
  • Certificate holder’s pressure-test report showing the vent passes the test per Advisory FS-101-07.
  • Written explanation why it is not practicable to replace the existing vent(s).
Apply for Engineering Reviews

6. Application for Approval of Digester Gas, Biogas and Landfill Gas Installations

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review and approval for a New Digester Gas, Biogas and Landfill Gas installation. 

(New) Drawings to be stamped by P.Eng

  • Site plan
  • Scope of work
  • Engineering drawings
  • List of gas-fired/fuel-burning appliances & regulators
  • Specifications for valves, controls, gas pipes and components
  • Bill of materials
  • Line Lists
  • Operating & maintenance procedure(optional)
  • Hazardous area classification drawings

New RNG: Drawings to be Stamped by P.Eng

  • Process description
  • Process Flow Diagram (PFD), (Please identify High-Pressure Piping and Low- Pressure piping system on PFD Note: a High-Pressure Piping application is required for review and approval of the High-Pressure Piping System.)
  • Mass and Energy Balance
  • P&ID
  • Bill of materials
  • IFC drawings and specifications for each skid
  • Piping specification
  • Line Lists
  • Valve list / cutsheet and certifications
  • 1Instrument list / the specification and certification
  • Site plan
  • Tie-in List
  • Operating & maintenance procedure(optional)
  • Hazardous area classification drawings

7. Application for Approval of Digester Gas, Biogas and Landfill Gas Installations (Modification)

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review and approval for Modification to Digester Gas, Bio-Gas and Landfill Gas installation.

Mod: Upgrading of digester tank / facility upgrade

Submit:

  • Drawings to be stamped by P.Eng
  • Detailed scope of work describing all upgrades to the digester and related facility systems
  • Site plan
  • Engineering drawings
  • List of gas-fired/fuel-burning appliances
  • Specifications for valves, controls, gas pipes and components
  • Bill of materials
  • Operating & maintenance procedure
  • Hazardous area classification drawings

Mod: Digestor Tank cleaning

Submit:

  • IFC drawing of the digester roof, showing design load and maximum internal pressure
  • Condition Assessment Report (Optional)

8. Application for Approval of High-Pressure System

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review and approval for a gaseous fuels, natural gas or fuel oil piping system that exceeds pressure limits.

Supporting documents Natural gas/gaseous fuels/fuel oil: (Applies to New & Existing (Modification)

  • Provide P&ID and PFD for the high-pressure piping system
  • Bill of Materials (make/model/material, ratings, service fluid, CRNs)
  • Provide Scope diagram (start & end points)
  • Provide CRN Documents (all fittings / valves / components)
  • Provide Design code / pressure / temperature / test plan + medium & duration
  • Provide Welding docs (C of A, WPS/WPQ)
  • High-Pressure Piping Supporting Documents

Supporting Documents Hydrogen:

  • Approved welding procedure from TSSA BPV
  • Pipe specification
  • Line identification lists for each line
  • PFD Drawings
  • P&ID drawings

Additional Documents: Only for Existing (Modification)

  • As-built P&ID / PFD (stamped) [Required]
  • Redline markup of changes + scope limits
  • Design details (code/pressure/temp/test impacts)

9. Application for Consultation

This application will help you with requesting a TSSA consultation for code clarification or specific technical questions. This service is not intended for general design or drawing reviews, except for near-final Field Approval or Variance packages at refineries, petrochemical/chemical plants, and RNG/biogas facilities.

For all consultations (Required):

  • Question(s) with applicable code clause(s) or clause references (R)
  • Drawings and documents supporting the question(s) (R)
  • P&ID or piping schematic (R)
  • Shop drawings or component cut sheets (Optional)

For complex facilities (refinery, petrochemical, chemical, Biogas, RNG) (Optional unless noted)

Consultations are limited to specific code questions or compliance concerns only. TSSA will not perform general design reviews or provide pre-design services.

  • Clear code clause reference(s) for each question (Required)
  • P&ID, valve-train, or PFD drawings (Optional)
  • Process description (Optional)
  • Bill of materials or component data sheets (model, manufacturer, materials, ratings, certification, tag number) (Optional)
  • Electrical schematic or wiring diagram (Optional)
  • Burner Management System (BMS) specification (Optional)
  • Sequence of operation or control narrative (Optional)
  • Cause-and-effect diagram, shutdown key, or ladder logic (Optional)
  • Electrical area classification, venting to a safe location, and overpressure protection description (Optional)
  • Installation and operating/maintenance instructions (Optional)
  • Field Approval Submission Summary (if available) (Optional)
  • Multi-fuel switchover procedure (if applicable) (Conditional)
  • Valve-train component and controls literature (Optional)
  • Other supplementary documents that may assist the review (Optional)

10. Application for Environmental Review

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review of a site per the Environment Management Protocol

  • The environmental assessment report must be completed by a “Qualified Person,” as defined in O. Reg 153/04: Records of Site Condition - Part XV.1 of the Act.

11. Application for Registration of an Underground Fuel Oil Tank

This application will help you with registering an underground Fuel Oil Tank.

  • Site plan
  • Engineering drawings
  • P&ID drawing
  • Cut sheets (UST Fuel Oil Tank, Overfill Protection Devices Leak Detection System, Corrosion Protection System Fill pipes, Underground Piping, Anti-Siphon device, Underground Piping Transition Sump, and component Specifications
  • Underground Fuel Oil Tank Advisory

12. Application for Review of Pipeline Project

This application will help you with seeking TSSA review of a pipeline project.

  • Project scope, including name or title
  • Design and piping specifications related to the project
  • Calculation of high-consequence area
  • Project timeline related to design and construction (approximate dates are acceptable)
  • Length of pipeline project: KM
  • Pipe Material and its Standard
  • Pipe wall thickness
  • Stress level on pipe wall based on the design pressure; S/SMYS
  • Maximum Operating Pressure: kPa

13. Risk and Safety Management Plan (RSMP)

This application will help you with seeking review and approval for Risk and Safety plan of a level 1 Propane Facility.

RSMP Level 1

  • Completed Level 1 RSMP application
  • Supplemental Documentation

RSMP Level 2

  • Completed Level 2 RSMP application
  • Fire Department Approval
  • Supplemental Documentation
Apply for an Alteration or Modification

14. Application for an Ontario Licence to Operate a Compressed Gas Refuelling Station - Modification

This application will help you with modifying an existing license to Operate a Compressed Gas Refuelling Station (CNG or Hydrogen).

  • Provide P&ID and PFD stamped by an Ontario professional engineer (Describe the scope of this application in a diagram, showing the start and end points.)
  • Provide Bill of Materials for all pressure carrying piping and components stamped by an Ontario Professional Engineer and includes the following: a. Component name b. Make c. Manufacturer d. Model e. Material specifications f. Pressure rating g. Temperature rating range for the pressure rating h. Service fluid i. Certification and CRN for all components, fittings, valves, and equipment
  • Provide a declaration of the professional engineer in Ontario stating that the design complies with all applicable requirements of O. Reg. 214/01
  • Site Plans: Provide site plans complete with emergency shutdown station locations, traffic patterns, entry and exit point, and storage locations and their protection from vehicular traffic.
  • Provide confirmation that the fire service responsible for the area in which the facility is located is aware of the facility’s location, operation, and its emergency response plans.
  • Municipal Approval in Letter head must be issued by the local municipal planning department, issued within the past 6 months and must reference the facility owner, stating approval for the refuelling facility and its location indicating intended purpose does not contravene the municipality's zoning by-laws.
  • Provide ESA approval for all electrical equipment within the scope of this application.
  • Provide emergency response plans for the CNG refuelling station
  • CNG Refuelling Station Supporting Documents

15. Application for Modification or Change of Steel - Propane Container Refill Centre or a Filling Plant

This application will help you with modifying or changing steel (storage tanks) for an existing Propane Container Refill Centre or Filling Plant.

  • Licence number
  • RSMP
  • Pre-installation check sheet
  • ROT designation form

16. Application for Modification to a Retail Outlet or a Bulk Storage Plant

This application will help you with modifying or changing steel (storage tanks) for an existing Propane Container Refill Centre or Filling Plant.

  • 1. Details of the proposed modification.
  • 2. Site plan in PDF format showing:
    • The location of all storage tanks and pump islands.
    • Details of the storage tanks and piping, including their capacity and material of construction.
    • The location of property lines, buildings, kiosks and wells located within 30 metres of the storage tanks and pump.
    • The distance from storage tanks and dispensers to property lines, buildings and wells.
    • The location of vent pipes.
    • The location of the control equipment for self-serve stations.
    • In addition, for Cardlock and Bulk Plants: oil/water separator.
    • In addition, for Bulk Plants: fence with two gates.
Apply for Licensing, Registration or Permit

17. Application for an Ontario Authorization to Operate an Emergency Standby Power (ESP)

This application will help you with applying for a licence to operate an Emergency Standby Power (ESP)

  • Description of Facility

18. Application for an Ontario Licence to Operate a Compressed Gas Refuelling Station - New

This application will help you with licensing a new Compressed Gas Refuelling Station (CNG or Hydrogen)

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Refuelling Station

  • Provide P&ID and PFD (stamped by an Ontario professional engineer)
  • Provide Bill of Materials for all pressure carrying piping and components stamped by an Ontario professional engineer that includes the following: a. Component name b. Make c. Manufacturer d. Model e. Material Specifications f. Pressure rating g. Temperature rating range for the pressure rating h. Service fluid i. Certification and CRN for all components, fittings, valves, and equipment )
  • Declaration from an Ontario P.Eng stating that the design complies with all applicable requirements of O. Reg. 214/01
  • Site plans complete with emergency shutdown station locations, traffic patterns, entry and exit points, and storage locations and their protection from vehicular traffic)
  • Provide confirmation that the fire service responsible for the area in which the facility is located is aware of the facility location, operation, and its emergency response plans.
  • Provide a statement from the municipality where the refuelling station is located, indicating that the use of the station for its intended purpose does not contravene the municipality's zoning by-laws.
  • Provide ESA approval for all electrical equipment within the scope of this application.
  • Provide emergency response plans for the CNG refuelling station.
  • CNG Refuelling Station supporting documents

Hydrogen

Supporting documents:

  • Site plan or Site layout
  • Piping layout and relief vent termination drawing stamped by an Ontario Professional Engineer
  • Pressure piping layout drawings (P&IDs & PFDs) stamped by an Ontario Professional Engineer
  • Approved welding procedure from TSSA BPV
  • Pipe specifications
  • Line identification lists for each line stamped by an Ontario Professional Engineer
  • Location of E stops and fire protection, gas detection and lightning protection
  • Protecting of tank, piping and equipment layout
  • P&ID drawings stamped by an Ontario Professional Engineer

19. Application for an Ontario Licence to Operate a New Propane Container Refill Centre or a Filling Plant

This application will help you with licensing a new Propane Container Refill Centre or a filling Plant.

  • Risk and Safety Management Plan (RSMP)
  • Pre-installation check sheet
  • Municipal Approval in Letter head must be issued by the local municipal planning department, issued within the past 6 months and must reference the facility owner, stating approval for the Propane Refill facility and it's location indicating intended purpose does not contravene the municipality's zoning by-laws.
  • Branch Standard No. 9 (Level 1 only) Propane Branch Standard
  • Certificate of insurance - must indicate the facility carries general commercial liability of $1 million for a Level 1 facility and $5 million for a Level 2 facility.
  • Record of Training (ROT) documentation
    • photocopy of both sides of the ROT holder’s valid wallet card
    • Electronic Attestation of Proof of Training (ROT)

20. Application for an Ontario Licence to Operate a New Propane Cylinder Handling Facility

This application will help you with licensing a new Propane Cylinder Handling Facility.

  • Municipal Approval in Letter head must be issued by the local municipal planning department, issued within the past 6 months and must reference the facility owner, stating approval for the Propane Handling facility and it's location indicating intended purpose does not contravene the municipality's zoning by-laws.
  • Proof of invitation letter to the Local Fire Services Offering them to Attend the Site.
  • Site Plan with complete layout of the property line distance including estimated quantity of cylinders.

21. Application for an Ontario Licence to Operate a Retail Outlet or a Bulk Storage Plant - New Facility

This application will help you with licensing a new Liquid Fuels Retail Outlet or Bulk Storage Plant.

Site plan (PDF format) showing:

  • 1. The location of all storage tanks and pump islands.
  • 2. Details of the storage tanks and piping, including their capacity and material of construction.
  • 3. The location of property lines, buildings, kiosks and wells located within 30 metres of the storage tanks and pump.
  • 4. The distance from storage tanks and dispensers to property lines, buildings and wells.
  • 5. The location of vent pipes.
  • 6. The location of the control equipment for self-serve stations.
  • 7. In addition, for Cardlock and Bulk Plants: oil/water separator.
  • 8. In addition, for Bulk Plants: fence with two gates.

22. Application for an Ontario Licence to Operate as a Conversion Centre

This application will help you with licensing a facility to operate as a Conversion Center (Propane or CNG).

  • Site Plan
  • Municipal Approval in Letter head must be issued by the local municipal planning department, issued within the past 6 months and must reference the facility owner, stating approval for Conversion Centre and it's location indicating intended purpose does not contravene the municipality's zoning by-laws.
  • Branch Standards No.9 Propane Branch Standard

23. Application for an Ontario Licence to Transmit Natural Gas by Pipeline

This application will help you with obtaining a license to Transmit Natural Gas by Pipeline.

  • Provide P&ID and PFD stamped by an Ontario professional engineer
  • Bill of Material stamped by an Ontario professional engineer, including the make/model, ratings, service fluid, CRNs
  • Scope diagram (start & end points)
  • CRN confirmation (all fittings or valves or components)
  • Aboveground or buried + indoor or outdoor statement (optional)
  • Corrosion or protection or supports (Z662 or B31)(optional)
  • OPP device details + Category G CRN + set point (optional)
  • Line List
  • Design codes (pressure + temp range + test data)
  • Joint types or NDE or no flared connections
  • Welding docs (C of A, WPS/WPQ) if applicable (optional)
  • P.Eng declaration of compliance (O.Reg 214/01, Z662, HPP Code TSSA-HPP-2020)

24. Application for an Ontario Licence to Transmit Oil by Pipeline

This application will help you with obtaining a licence to Transmit Oil by Pipeline.

  • Provide P&ID and PFD stamped by an Ontario professional engineer
  • Bill of Material stamped by an Ontario professional engineer, including the make/model, ratings, service fluid, CRNs
  • Scope diagram (start & end points)
  • CRN confirmation (all fittings or valves or components)
  • Aboveground or buried + indoor or outdoor statement (optional)
  • Corrosion or protection or supports (Z662 or B31)(optional)
  • OPP device details + Category G CRN + set point (optional)
  • Line List
  • Design codes (pressure + temp range + test data)
  • Joint types or NDE or no flared connections
  • Welding docs (C of A, WPS/WPQ) if applicable (optional)
  • P.Eng declaration of compliance (O.Reg 214/01, Z662, HPP Code TSSA-HPP-2020)

25. Ontario Licence to Transport Fuels

This application will help you with the registration of a NEW licence to transport fuel within the province of Ontario including the following Highway Tanks: Liquid Fuel (Gasoline or Associated Products), Propane, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and Hydrogen.

This application is also for:
Remount (Mounting of an existing TSSA registered Tank onto a new chassis (a supporting frame)