Applications submitted after February 1, 2025, without mandatory supporting documents will not be processed
To enhance the efficiency of processing design registrations for boilers and pressure vessels (BPV), design registrations submitted after February 1, 2025, without mandatory supporting documents will not be processed. All fees are non-refundable.
Currently, BPV owners, manufacturers, agents and contractors submit equipment designs for an engineering review before TSSA issues a Canadian Registration Number for the equipment.
As part of the engineering review to ensure the equipment design complies with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers & Pressure Vessels and adopted safety codes and standards, the applicant needs to include the required supporting documents when submitting BPV design registrations.
Submitting mandatory supporting documents along with the application is critical to ensure the timely processing of design registrations. Please ensure that mandatory supporting documents are complete.
Below is a list of mandatory supporting documents for BPV design registrations:
You can also refer to the applicable guidelines outlining the documents that need to be submitted as part of the application.
Boilers and Pressure Vessels
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
As 2024 comes to a close, TSSA would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners and safety communities for their support in keeping Ontario safe for all. Our continued collaboration has resulted in improved safety outcomes.
As highlighted in our Public Safety Report, the past fiscal year saw fewer permanent injuries and a decrease in incident rates, despite Ontario's population growth. We are safer when we work together in the name of safety.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited about continuing our strong partnership in making Ontario a safer place to live, work, and play. Happy holidays! Wishing you a safe and successful 2025.
Holiday Hours
While the office is open to visitors by appointment only, please note the following changes to TSSA’s regular business hours.
- On December 24th and December 31st, TSSA staff are available from 8 a.m. to noon.
- On December 25th, December 26th, and January 1st, TSSA will be closed.
On all other business days, you can reach a TSSA representative during regular office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by phone at 1-877-682-8772 or email customerservices@tssa.org.
Variance applications for non-compliant labs must be submitted by July 1, 2025
TSSA has determined that accredited training providers with laboratories or training areas that do not comply with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 must submit variance applications to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) by July 1, 2025, and achieve regulatory compliance by the end of their next audit cycle.
TSSA is waiving the fee for the variance application which must provide a list of non-compliances found in the laboratory or training area and the safety mitigations used to comply with the Code.
Background
TSSA’s review of its audit process for accredited training providers found that some equipment and laboratories used to train students may be non-compliant with applicable regulations and adopted Codes.
As there is no exemption in the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 or its associated regulations and Codes that would permit the operation of non-compliant training equipment or laboratory, TSSA proposes to work with accredited training providers to bring these labs or training areas into compliance with the adopted Fuels Codes.
As a first step, accredited training providers should submit an application for a variance under section 36(3)(c) of the Act. To further assist compliance, TSSA is waiving the fee to apply for a variance and giving a six-month window for such applications.
How to Submit a Variance Application
- Complete the Application for a Variance/Deviation (Except Non-Certified Plastic Venting) – FS-004-v4. The variance application must provide the following information:
- A list of non-compliances with applicable Codes found in the laboratory or training area, such as:
- Venting not being compliant (as common venting may be used);
- Burner replacement that is not within the approval scope of the appliance; and
- Any other non-compliances contained within the laboratory or the setting where practical training is provided.
- Safety mitigations used instead of Code compliance, for example:
- Supervised instruction at all times by a TSSA certificate holder;
- A master shut-off valve that is clearly identified and readily accessible within the laboratory;
- Carbon monoxide alarm; and
- Any other safety mitigation incorporated into the laboratory setting (see Appendix A).
2. In the “For Office Use Only” section at the top right corner of the form, indicate “Training Provider Variance — Fee Waived”.
3. Submit the variance application to fssubmissions@tssa.org by July 1, 2025.
4. The variance inspection will be conducted on the applicant’s next TSSA training provider audit. A variance will be issued so long as the Director and/or their delegate are satisfied that the mitigations permit the laboratory or equipment to operate safely.
See Appendix A below additional mitigations in the Gas Technician 3 (G3) Instructional Lab Standard, or visit Accredited Training Providers in the Fuels Industry Professionals webpage.
For questions, please contact TSSA’s Customer Service Centre at customerservices@tssa.org or call 1-877-682-8772.
Appendix A
Additional mitigations may be found in the Gas Technician 3 (G3) Instructional Lab Standard under the section “Training Lab Safety Standards” which specifies the following:
- Written procedures outlining the safe conduct of students (PPE, appropriate and safe attire), the safe operation of all appliances, equipment and components, and the location of all safety features (E-stop, fire extinguishers and exit points) shall be established and approved by the Director.
- Review the “written procedures” with all students before commencing training in the lab. In addition, a sign-off document shall also be established to document the students’ review of the written procedures, including their name and signature indicating they understand the content of written procedures.
- Emergency shut-down (ESD) switches were signed and installed at points of egress [JL1] in the lab. These ESDs shall shut off the electrical supply and supply to the gas and/or oil-fired equipment in the lab.
- Fire extinguishers are readily available and signs are posted.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s certified instructions.
- Smoke detectors and/or sprinklers are installed in the lab.
- The methane detector was installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s certified instructions.
Safe effective venting of operational training appliances:
- Vented in accordance with current B149.1 Code and the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions or;
- Vented under an exhaust canopy in compliance with section 8.30 Venting of appliances into canopies detailed in the B149.1 Code.
- Sufficient make-up air and combustion air supply for all operational appliances. If louvers are used, they shall be interlocked to the gas supply.
- The gas supply shall conform to B149.1 requirements and include an interlocked solenoid valve with ESD switches and manual shut-off valves at each appliance drop.
- A visual indicator (light) that indicates the approved solenoid valve is in the on/open position shall be installed in a conspicuous location.
- Posting of safety shoes and safety eyewear requirements at all training lab access points.
During a Category 5 (CAT5) safety test on a traction elevator equipped with a Smartrise SRA (V3 Cedes) controller, SRA with CEDES Absolute Positioning System, and a single door zone sensor, a potential safety concern was identified:
- The single door zone signal can fail, and the elevator may run with the doors open.
- Unintended car motion will not be detected as the system believes the elevator is always within a door zone. Further testing of the Unintended Car Movement Protection revealed that the car could drift 2438 mm (6-8 ft.) before stopping and does not meet the maximum 1220 mm (48 in.) required by Unintended Car Movement Protection.
- No injuries were reported.
Smartrise has issued a mandatory Technical Service Bulletin - TSB-0016 on December 10, 2024. TSSA is actively working with Smartrise to identify and implement a solution to address this issue.
TSSA is developing a Director’s Safety Order, planned for dissemination in early 2025 to recommend appropriate corrective actions. Industry consultation will follow.
With the resumption of mail service disruption, TSSA clients should continue to manage payments and download authorizations through the Client Portal.
Regulated clients should continue to log into the Client Portal to:
- Pay invoices on time to maintain licenses and registrations
- Download statements, certificates and other authorizations
- Sign up for paperless invoicing through the TSSA Client Portal
- Submit most applications, including most BPV engineering applications. (Please use the Prepayment Portal for elevating and fuels engineering applications or services not offered on the Client Portal.)
If you do not already have an account, click here to sign up as a new Client Portal user.
For more information, visit www.tssa.org or contact TSSA by email at customerservices@tssa.org.
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) held its 2024 Annual Public Meeting (APM) and Safety Awards Presentation on September 19 in Toronto.
Chair of the Board of Directors, RJ Falconi, remarked on TSSA’s transformative journey over the past six years which has led to solid footing for the years to come, highlighting collaborative safety achievements from the past year and outlining its priorities for the coming year. He welcomed the new leadership of Glen Padassery who succeeded Brian Chu as Vice-Chair, introduced all the members of TSSA’s Board of Directors including new Board member Ray Mantha and acknowledged Angela Byrne, outgoing Safety Risk Officer, for her dedication to public safety over the past five years.
Falconi also welcomed Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Todd McCarthy, who graciously attended to address the audience and thank the TSSA team for its dedication “ to upholding Ontario's peace of mind.”
Bonnie Rose, TSSA’s President and CEO, provided an update on the progress TSSA has made in the first year of its new Strategic Plan. She also explained key areas of focus for the current fiscal year. Bonnie acknowledged the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Statutory Directors, Chairs of TSSA’s Advisory Councils and the entire TSSA team for their ongoing commitment to public safety. Bonnie and the ELT welcomed and addressed questions from the audience (live and virtual).
The meeting concluded with the presentation of TSSA’s Safety Awards 2024, honouring Andreas Tanzer and Modern Niagara Group Inc. as recipients of the Legacy and Impact awards, respectively.
Watch the video recording of the APM live event.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is responsible for administering technical safety regulations and providing oversight for elevating devices, amusement devices, ski lifts, boilers and pressure vessels, fuels and operating engineers. As part of our commitment to enhancing safety outcomes and operational efficiency, TSSA regularly reviews its fee structures to reflect the true cost of maintaining public safety services.
In pursuit of these goals, effective November 4, 2024, TSSA will be introducing two new fees: a Late Payment Fee for licences and other authorizations and an Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee. These fees are aimed at encouraging timely compliance, reducing regulatory costs, and optimizing resource deployment for inspections.
Late Payment Fee
All regulated entities must have a valid authorization to operate. Timely renewal of authorizations by individuals and organizations is essential to ensuring safety. While 80% of TSSA customers renew their authorizations on time, overdue renewals result in additional oversight costs and pose potential safety risks to the Ontario public. The Late Payment Fee is intended to encourage on-time authorization renewals and reduce regulatory costs.
The Late Payment Fee, as follows, will be charged on a simple, flat fee basis, due only when invoices are paid after the due date.
Authorization Type | Late Payment Fee |
Individuals (certificates) | $50 per expired renewal |
Organizations or Devices (e.g. licences, contractor registrations) | $75 per expired renewal |
Paying Your Invoice
Paying your authorization renewal invoices on or before the expiry date is the best action to avoid the Late Payment Fee. Invoices are sent 60 days before they are due. Please remember it is each authorization holder’s responsibility to keep your contact information up to date with TSSA. Please visit TSSA’s new client portal at https://clientportal.tssa.org and sign up if you have not already. Once in the portal, please verify your contact and mailing information to ensure you are receiving your renewal notices and authorizations. TSSA’s new client portal makes it easy to pay invoices and renew your authorizations.
Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee
As a regulator, TSSA conducts inspections to ensure that organizations are following safety regulations. When inspections are cancelled by customers on short notice, it leads to inefficiencies and additional costs. To reduce the occurrence of short-notice cancellations, TSSA is introducing an Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee. The fee will apply to cancellations initiated by customers with 2 business days or less notice. The cancellation fee will also apply if a scheduled inspection can not be completed because a customer is not ready for the inspection.
Cancellation Type | Cancellation Fee |
Cancellation or rescheduling one or two business days prior to scheduled inspection date | 1 hour labour rate ($147 - $192, subject to the regulated industry) |
Same day cancellations or customer not ready | Full inspection fee ($163 - $1,591, depending on the inspection type) |
To avoid the cancellation fee, please plan ahead and contact TSSA to cancel or reschedule an inspection at least three business days in advance. To cancel or reschedule an inspection, please visit our Client Portal. If your request is urgent please send notice to one of the following emails below:
Boilers & Pressure Vessels / Operating Engineers: inspectionscheduling@tssa.org
Fuels: fuelsinspection@tssa.org
Elevating Devices / Amusement Devices / Ski Lifts: edadinspection@tssa.org
Improving Compliance and Collaboration for a Safer Ontario
The Late Payment Fee and Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee are being implemented to enhance compliance and foster collaboration in ensuring public safety. To ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary costs, we encourage customers to keep their contact information up to date and renew authorizations promptly. Please plan ahead and provide advance notice if you need to cancel an inspection.
Thank you for your continued commitment to safety and collaboration.
For further information or assistance, please contact TSSA's Customer Contact Centre at:
Tel: 289-695-3053
Toll-free: 1-877-682-8772
Email: customerservices@tssa.org
Plant operators considering an application for Path 1 of the Alternate Rules for Operating Engineers can use the Path 1 Self-Assessment Tool to estimate their plant's risk score. The calculated risk rating for the plant determines appropriate staffing requirements.
TSSA has made some improvements to the Path 1 Self-Assessment Tool based on your feedback, and we are pleased to let you know that the self-assessment tool is once again available on the website.
Plant owners can use the online tool to enter information about their plant equipment to get an estimate of the risk rating of their plant under Path 1 for planning purposes. They are still required to follow the formal Path 1 application process.
Path 1 is one of three safety paths through which TSSA regulates and monitors registered plants for safety compliance:
- Original Regulation: Plants are managed according to the requirements under O. Reg 219/01 which is based only on the installed power rating of a plant in kilowatts.
- Path 1: Plants are measured by their size, complexity and safety risk in addition to a plant’s power rating. Factors that influence safety risk include technology type, plant occupancy and exposure type. These factors are used to calculate a risk rating for the plant which will determine appropriate staffing requirements.
- Path 2: Regulated plants implement Risk and Safety Management Plans customized for their specific sites which include additional risk management technologies and other processes developed by professional engineers and approved by TSSA.
Alternate rules, which came into effect on October 2, 2020, facilitate a risk-based approach to industry regulation and give registered plant owners and users the option to obtain TSSA authorization to operate under an alternate safety path.
Read more in the Alternate Rules webpage or check out TSSA's Path 1 Self-Assessment Tool.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has published the Compressed Gas Code Adoption Document (CAD) and the associated Consultation Summary after reviewing feedback from the consultation that closed on June 7, 2024.
We thank stakeholders for their input on the Compressed Gas CAD.
Please read the latest Compressed Gas CAD and the Consultation Summary.
Check out the latest updates in the May/June 2024 issue of the Safety Dispatch e-newsletter, your source of safety news and initiatives across TSSA’s regulated sectors. Keep your fingers on the pulse of safety developments.
Highlights of this issue include:
- Save the Date: TSSA's Annual Public Meeting & Safety Awards Presentation
- New Client Portal Transforms Customer Experience
- Elevator Contractor Fined $300,000 For Safety Violation During Elevator Installation
- Report Elevators Out of Service for More than 48 Hours
- Ride Smart This Summer with These Safety Tips
- Presentation Slides for Inflatable Industry Training
- Seeking Feedback on Oil & Gas Pipeline Systems Code Adoption Document 2024
- TSSA Presented at HRAI Chapter
- Have Your Annual Inspection Report Ready for Periodic Inspections
- “Light it Right: Light it Up…” BBQ Safety Campaign
- Webinar on Submitting Boilers & Pressure Vessels Engineering Applications
- Verification of the Operating Status of Unverified BPVs Underway
- Report Regulated Boilers & Pressure Vessels Used for Agricultural Purposes