Hydrogen Safety

Enhancing hydrogen safety for a safer, low-carbon hydrogen economy in Ontario

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is committed to supporting Ontario’s low-carbon hydrogen strategy with an enhanced hydrogen safety framework. This framework is designed to ensure the safe use of hydrogen across various sectors, helping to unlock its potential as a cleaner fuel. 

TSSA regulates hydrogen distribution and utilization, covering areas such as refueling station design, pipeline installation, high-pressure piping, and contractor certification, in accordance with these key regulations and codes:

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. Please refer to the guideline and advisory below when filing your application: 

Hydrogen Tube Trailer Guideline (pdf)

How to Apply

Application for the licence can be submitted through the TSSA Client Portal. 

Licensing of Existing Hydrogen Facilities

To enhance safety and TSSA’s regulatory oversight, all existing hydrogen facilities, including refueling stations and maintenance and conversion centres, has transitioned from one-time engineering approval to ongoing inspections and licensing by TSSA. 

This change enables TSSA to conduct regular, scheduled inspections of these facilities. Establishing consistent inspection touchpoints helps ensure that all hydrogen infrastructure operates safely and complies with regulations.

All existing hydrogen facilities are required to renew their licences annually.

Licensing of New Hydrogen Facilities

All new hydrogen facilities and modifications to existing ones must be approved and licensed by TSSA and comply with regulatory engineering standards. Before constructing a new facility, applicants must submit the required documentation to TSSA for review and approval. 

TSSA provides comprehensive engineering guidelines to support applicants in completing their applications and to facilitate timely reviews. These guidelines include:

How to Apply

Download and complete the application forms for: 

New facilities require TSSA’s engineering approval and inspections before being issued a licence to operate. Licences must be renewed annually.

Modifications

Facilities planning operational changes must apply for modifications. The following changes are considered modifications that require a new approval from TSSA:

  • Any change to High-Pressure Piping
  • Any alteration to the compression system and dispensing system 
  • Any change to the hydrogen storage (permanent or non-permanent)
  • Any changes to the venting system.
  • Any changes in the mode of operation of the hydrogen facility that is significant or require re-design consideration and calculations.
  • The addition or relocation of any of the dispenser, compressor, hydrogen storage and regulated equipment.

Replacing components with identical ones during regular maintenance will not be considered a modification of the licensed facility. 

Modified facilities, like new facilities, must receive engineering approval from TSSA and undergo an inspection before they can be licensed. Annual licensing renewal is also required for modified facilities.

How to Apply

Download and complete the application forms for modifications of existing facilities: 

Hydrogen Contractor Registration

Contractors that perform hydrogen-related installation, maintenance, or repair must now be registered specifically as hydrogen contractor. A registered hydrogen contractor is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, and its adopted Regulations, Codes, and safety orders, while delivering technical work for their clients. 

Once registered, a hydrogen contractor will be audited regularly to ensure that the company maintains the required safety standards and practices. TSSA conducts contractor audits with the following requirements applicable to hydrogen contractors: 

  • Install Approved Equipment: Contractors must install equipment certified to the Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code by a Standards Council of Canada-accredited organization.
  • Certified Personnel: Contractors must maintain records verifying that employees hold appropriate hydrogen certifications, including for installing, inspecting, and maintaining hydrogen equipment, as per Ontario Regulation 215/01.
  • Certification Compliance: Contractors must audit employee certifications regularly and ensure their work complies with safety codes, including subcontractor validation programs.
  • Incident Reporting: Contractors are required to train technicians in incident reporting procedures and follow guidelines for reporting to the Ontario Ministry and TSSA’s Spills Action Centre.
  • Non-Compliance Identification: Contractors must have written procedures for addressing unacceptable conditions and training technicians to act immediately on hazardous findings, per Ontario Regulation 214/01.

How to Register as Hydrogen Contractor

Contractors can submit their hydrogen contractor registration via the TSSA Client Portal. The TSSA Training page has a step-by-step guideline to take you through the application process. 

Hydrogen Technician Certification

Under Ontario Regulation 215/01, the Hydrogen Certificate issued by TSSA authorizes individual certificate holders to install, inspect, service, and repair hydrogen appliances, fueling equipment, and refueling stations. Certificate holders can perform these hydrogen works as a registered hydrogen contractor or when employed by a contractor with required registration. This certification can be obtained through a challenge exam and verification of relevant experience. Read more about certification for fuels industry professionals. 

TSSA has tailored a specialized hydrogen curriculum to enhance technical expertise in this field and set stronger professional standards across Ontario’s hydrogen sector. Training institutions that are interested in becoming a TSSA-accredited training partner for the hydrogen curriculum may email TSSA for more details.