Notice: Parties having an interest in and expertise in the natural gas industry.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements to service delivery within their respective industries.

The Natural Gas Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations.  This structure provides:

• a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced;
• a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services;
• a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
• a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.

The Natural Gas Advisory Council is seeking nominations from Utilities/Distribution (CNG or LNG or hydrogen or RNG) to represent this stakeholder group. 

https://www.tssa.org/en/fuels/advisory-council.aspx

If you are interested in nominating yourself for a position as a Council Member, please submit a letter of interest/nomination together with a resume to by March 29, 2024:

Olga Sousa Dias

(Acting) Council Coordinator

Technical Standards and Safety Authority

345 Carlingview Drive

Toronto, Ontario

M9W 6N9

Tel: 416-734-3320

Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org

Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the propane industry

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements to service delivery within their respective industries.

The Propane Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:

• a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced;
• a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services;
• a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
• a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.

The Propane Advisory Council is seeking nominations from a Manufacturer/Designer to represent this stakeholder group. 

Please visit the TSSA website to access information about the Propane Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings.

If you are interested in nominating yourself for a position as a Council Member, please submit a letter of interest/nomination together with a resume by March 29, 2024 to:

Olga Sousa Dias

(Acting) Council Coordinator

Technical Standards and Safety Authority

345 Carlingview Drive

Toronto, Ontario

M9W 6N9

Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org

Notice:  Parties having an interest and expertise in the Amusement Device industry

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through a number of industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.

The Amusement Devices Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations.  This structure provides:

• a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced;
• a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services;
• a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
• a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.

The Amusement Devices Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent the respective stakeholder groups: 

- An owner or operator of Go Karts 

- An Amusement device mechanic

- An owner or operator of Camps 

Please visit the TSSA website to access information about the Amusement Devices Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings.

If you are interested in nominating yourself for a position as a Council Member, please submit a letter of interest/nomination together with a resume by March 29, 2024 to:

Olga Sousa Dias

(Acting) Council Coordinator

Technical Standards and Safety Authority

345 Carlingview Drive

Toronto, Ontario

M9W 6N9

Tel: 416-734-3320

Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org

A reminder on the importance of using a personal carbon monoxide monitor when entering a building with a suspected incident

In light of an incident where first responders were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) reminds all fuel contractors of the importance of using a personal CO monitor when entering a building with a suspected incident.

TSSA investigated an incident involving a fatality where the fuel appliance was producing very high levels of CO (more than 60,000 parts per million). When first responders entered the building, they suffered CO poisoning shortly after.

The last responder to enter the building had a personal CO monitor that alarmed them, and he immediately ordered everyone to evacuate. This action limited the effects of the CO exposure, allowing them to exit safely.

As CO is undetectable and given this near miss, TSSA strongly advises that crews have at least one personal CO monitor for use when entering a building with an incident.

Sign up as a new user to access Portal services & highest-volume applications

The TSSA Client Portal is set to launch in April and will make it easier for regulated industry customers to perform online transactions.            

Here’s what you need to know:

• All customers need to sign up as new users of the TSSA Client Portal before they will be able to conduct any transactions.            
   
• The following online services will be available on the Portal in April:
  • Creating and updating accounts
  • Submit a request to write an exam
  • Viewing exam results
  • Submit and pay for applications         
  • Pay invoices   
     
• The Portal will initially offer access to the highest-volume applications listed in the table below.      
         
• All other applications will continue to be submitted through the Service Prepayment Portal via TSSA’s website until more applications are added to the TSSA Client Portal.

From April 29, 2024, the highest-volume applications will only be available on the TSSA Client Portal. Customers who may have started filling out an existing application will have to complete and submit it via our existing Prepayment portal no later than Friday, April 26. 

List of highest-volume applications on the TSSA Client Portal:

TSSA will be providing multiple resources to help customers navigate the Client Portal. Please watch for future communications on TSSA’s website.

Rebrand signals a fresh approach to promote safety in Ontario

Over the past few months, you have likely noticed a new look for TSSA, including the design and approach of our new website and social media channels. Those changes are part of a larger effort to refresh our brand.

For us, that means we are:

• Changing the way our printed and online materials look so they are more approachable and easier to read
• Signalling that we are approaching our work in fresh, new ways
• Promoting the fact that we are becoming a more modern, collaborative, Outcome-Based Regulator, and
• Demonstrating our redoubled commitment to partnering for a safe Ontario

As long as there are safety concerns in any part of the industries we regulate, we have work to do as a key player in our provincial safety system.

We are using our systems, data and expertise at TSSA to evolve as an organization to provide Ontario with more advanced approaches to safety regulation. We work with all our stakeholders, including contractors, operators, owners, industry experts and the public on improving safety and preventing harm.
 
We are TSSA: Partnering for a Safe Ontario

Related: View the infographic on what an Outcome-Based Regulator means and how this regulatory approach leads to safety outcomes.

As we wrap up 2023, TSSA extends our sincere appreciation to our community of stakeholders, including the Ontario government, Advisory Council members, equipment designers, manufacturers, installers, maintainers, contractors, owners, insurers, consumers, and the public. Thank you for your valuable contributions to our joint safety efforts.

With 2024 on the horizon, we look forward to another year of strong partnership with you to keep Ontario safe today and tomorrow. Wishing you a joyous and safe holiday season and a fabulous 2024! 
 

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 22nd and December 29th, 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. 

Self-service portal will make it easier to submit the most common applications

TSSA is launching its Customer Portal in April 2024, which will make it possible for regulated industry customers to perform online transactions quickly and easily. The portal is the final phase of the OASIS project to modernize TSSA’s systems and an integral part of TSSA’s evolution in managing safety in Ontario as an Outcome-Based Regulator.  

The portal is launching in stages and will enable customers to create and update accounts, submit a request to write an exam, view exam results, see issued orders and eventually view inspection reports and authorizations (permits, licences or certificates). Customers will also be able to submit and pay for applications.

The Customer Portal will initially offer access to TSSA’s highest-volume applications, with more applications to be added throughout the coming year.

All other applications will continue to be accessed through the existing Prepayment Portal linked through TSSA’s website until more applications are added to the Customer Portal in the future.
 
Here’s a look at what customers will be able to do in the new Customer Portal:

TSSA will be providing easy instructions and how-to videos to support customers in using the new portal. We will continue to provide updates on the portal through TSSA’s website, the Safety Dispatch newsletter and other channels.

In response to stakeholder feedback for more time to report agricultural boilers and pressure vessel (BPV) equipment following the revocation of the regulatory exemption that took effect on July 1, 2021, TSSA has issued an Information Order requiring owners and operators of agricultural BPVs to report existing equipment (installed before July 1, 2021) by November 30, 2021.

The Information Order gives agricultural owners and operators an additional 60 days to report existing BPV equipment following the expiry of the September 30 deadline for reporting equipment.

Owners and operators must report existing agricultural BPV equipment using one of the following methods:

• Complete the online form, or
• Download the form and mail the completed submission to:

Director, Ontario Regulation 220/01, Boilers and Pressure Vessels

Technical Standards and Safety Authority

345 Carlingview Drive

Toronto, ON

M9W 6N9

The revocation of the regulatory exemption that was previously in place for agricultural BPVs took effect on July 1, 2021. All BPVs, fittings and piping used for agricultural purposes must comply with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000’s Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B51:19 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code.

Based on the information collected in the form, TSSA will do a risk-based assessment and establish a priority list for scheduling an inspection within five years. Priority for an inspection will be given to agricultural operations with high-risk sites. Sites will receive a notification one month before the inspection date.

Here are some checklists to provide agricultural owners and operators with some guidance on what inspectors are looking for when assessing agricultural BPV equipment.

FEE STRUCTURE

Below is a breakdown of the fees associated with inspecting BPV devices as per the published fee schedule:

Existing Devices

The following are the fees associated with inspecting existing devices (installed before July 1, 2021) used in agricultural operations:

If an inspector goes to a site and finds that your devices are exempt from the regulation under O. Reg. 220/01 s.2, TSSA will not charge for the site inspection.

New Devices

The following are the fees associated with inspecting new devices (installed after July 1, 2021) which involve a different inspection scope from existing devices:

RESOURCES

A variety of resources and contact information to help the agricultural community understand their compliance obligations are available on our website. Previous communications on various aspects of O. Reg. 220/01 cover two streams — new installations and existing equipment:  

• Educational Resources: Clarify the responsibilities and compliance requirements of owners and operators of regulated agricultural BPVs 
• July 5, 2021 news bulletin: Delineates the reporting process and the inspection roles of TSSA versus insurers of agricultural BPV equipment 
• June 30, 2021 news bulletin: Provides the link to the online Equipment Reporting Form for owners and operators to report existing agricultural BPVs 
• June 4, 2021 news bulletin: Focuses on existing equipment that needs repair, alteration, upgrade and/or replacement starting July 1 
• April 29, 2021 news bulletin: Outlines the regulatory requirements for newly installed equipment that falls within O. Reg. 220/01  
• September 15, 2021 news bulletin: Reminds all owners and operators of agricultural operations to report their existing BPV equipment (installed before July 1, 2021). 

For more information on TSSA’s BPV regulatory requirements, please refer to Frequently Asked Questions or visit Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Every owner of a device is responsible for maintaining and operating their pressure equipment safely and immediately reporting to the TSSA any incidents that cause injury, death or property damage. In case of an incident, call TSSA at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) and choose option 1 to reach the Spills Action Centre (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  

TSSA will continue to work with agricultural partners to implement the new regulatory requirements. We will also collaborate with insurers of agricultural BPV equipment to ensure a smooth transition from TSSA’s first inspection to periodic inspections by insurers as applicable.  

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 includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.  

Owners and operators of existing agricultural boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) should report their devices to TSSA following the revocation of the regulatory exemption on agricultural BPVs on July 1, 2021. 

The equipment reporting form is an important first step. TSSA needs basic information to do a site risk assessment and establish a priority list for scheduling the inspection to be conducted within five years. Priority for inspections will be given to agricultural operations with high-risk sites. 

All owners and operators of agricultural operations should report their existing BPV equipment by completing the form on TSSA’s website by September 30, 2021.

Sites will receive a notification one month before the inspection date. If your devices are exempt from the regulation under O. Reg. 220/01 s.2, there will be no fee associated with the inspection.

If you wish to reschedule the inspection, please contact agriculture.bpv@tssa.org or your local inspector. 

A variety of resources and contact information to help the agricultural community understand its compliance obligations are available on our website. Previous communications on various aspects of O. Reg. 220/01 cover two streams — new installations and existing equipment:  

• Educational Resources: Clarify the responsibilities and compliance requirements of owners and operators of regulated agricultural BPVs 
• July 5, 2021 news bulletin: Delineates the reporting process and the inspection roles of TSSA versus insurers of agricultural BPV equipment 
• June 30, 2021 news bulletin: Provides the link to the online Equipment Reporting Form for owners and operators to report existing agricultural BPVs 
• June 4, 2021 news bulletin: Focuses on existing equipment that needs repair, alteration, upgrade and/or replacement starting July 1 
• April 29, 2021 news bulletin: Outlines the regulatory requirements for newly installed equipment that falls within O. Reg. 220/01  

For more information on TSSA’s BPV regulatory requirements, please refer to Frequently Asked Questions or visit Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Every owner of a device is responsible for maintaining and operating their pressure equipment safely and immediately reporting to the TSSA any incidents that cause injury, death or property damage. In case of an incident, call TSSA at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) and choose option 1 to reach the Spills Action Centre (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week).  

TSSA will continue to work with agricultural partners to implement the new regulatory requirements.

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 includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.