On April 14, 2025, the Propane Compliance Standard will take effect for all licenced propane facilities in Ontario. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) will apply this standard during periodic inspections to enhance safety and regulatory consistency.
The Propane Compliance Standard identifies high-risk non-compliances that pose significant risks to safety. If high-risk non-compliances are found during a periodic inspection, TSSA will:
- Issue an order(s) requiring corrective action
- Conduct a follow-up inspection to confirm compliance
Other non-compliances, categorized as safety tasks (low- and medium-risk), will be noted on the inspection report. Owners and operators are responsible for resolving safety tasks within the time specified in the inspection report. TSSA will not conduct a follow-up inspection if only safety tasks are found during a periodic inspection.
The Compliance Standard seeks to enhance the safety of propane facilities across Ontario by prioritizing the efforts of TSSA and regulated parties on addressing high-risk non-compliances promptly.
Benefits of Compliance Standards
- Prioritizes high-risk non-compliances: Help owners, contractors and mechanics understand safety priorities by focusing their efforts on addressing high-risk non-compliances.
- Promotes inspection consistency: Inspection orders are based on risk and data analyses from inspection and incident history, ensuring standardized and consistent inspections.
Learn More - Join our Webinar
TSSA is hosting a live webinar to provide more details about the new Propane Compliance Standard:
Date : Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Time : 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (EST)
- How the Propane Compliance Standard was developed
- High-risk non-compliances covered in the standard
- The difference between high-risk non-compliances with the Compliance Standard and other non-compliances/safety tasks
- Steps to take when non-compliances are identified during a periodic inspection
This news item was sent to propane facility owners and operators and Fuels web subscribers.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has issued an advisory clarifying the requirements for the foundations of residential or small commercial standby generators with a capacity of up to 26 kW and fueled by natural gas or propane.
According to CSA B149.1-20 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, these generators must be installed on a firm, level foundation and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Manufacturers often require, recommend or permit installation on a poured concrete pad, a prefabricated concrete slab, compacted soil, gravel, patio stones or other similar materials. TSSA will consider an installation compliant with clause 7.2.1.6 if the foundation meets the requirements or recommendations outlined in the manufacturer's instructions.
If the manufacturer’s instructions are unclear, do not specify foundation requirements or provide recommendations only, TSSA will deem the installation to be compliant with clause 7.2.1.6 if the foundation meets the following requirements:
- It is composed of compacted crushed gravel or limestone base and a non-combustible platform (such as patio stones or a concrete slab); and
- The top surface of the foundation is at least 2 inches above the surrounding ground surface.
Please refer to the advisory for full details.
Starting December 22, 2024, propane certificate holders and Record-of-Training (ROT) holders will no longer be required to hold a liquid propane fitter certificate to purge propane tanks of 2,500 US water gallons (USWG) or less. The exemption helps propane distributors achieve the required changeout timelines for pressure-relief valves by increasing the number of professionals eligible to perform this task.
The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement approved the exemption of these specified persons from the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 Fuel Industry Certificates Regulation (O. Reg. 215/01), provided they meet all the following conditions:
1. The person holds one or more of the following certificates or ROTs under the Act:
- Propane truck operator (PTO)
- Propane plant operator 1 (PPO-1) or
- Propane plant operator 2 (PPO-2)
2. The person is employed by a registered contractor under 0. Reg. 211/01, or a distributor under 0. Reg. 211/01;
3. The person has completed a TSSA-approved training program, including a practical examination from a TSSA-accredited training provider on how to evacuate propane tanks safely; and
4. The person undergoes either full retraining or skills retesting from a TSSA-accredited training provider at three-year intervals.
Training providers who wish to deliver a TSSA-approved training program should submit an Application for Training Provider Accreditation to TSSA and meet the accreditation and curriculum requirements established in the relevant policies and procedures.
Read the Minister’s exemption here.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority has posted a Director's Order on propane storage tanks designed for 200 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).
Pursuant to section 14(2) of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, the Director orders any tank that has a maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of less than 250 psig to be taken out of service. This requirement is effective as of October 1, 2025.
While all new installations require 250 psig tanks, there are existing propane storage tanks designed for 200 psig installed and in service. With the aging of these tanks, it is unsafe to allow their continued operation. Given the limited number of propane storage tanks designed for 200 psig installed in the field, most provinces have agreed that 200 psig propane storage tanks should be taken out of circulation as they are not in accordance with the code.
Please read the Director's Order for details.
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