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.
Service Type | Application |
Inspection Scheduling | Request for Installation Inspection of a Boiler & Pressure Vessel (BPV) Request for BPV Inspections: New Manufacturing (Shop Fabrication), Repair, Alteration, Welder/Brazer Qualification |
Public Information | Request For Public Information |
Training, Certifications & Exams | Submit a request to write an exam |
Customer Management | Request for Change of Ownership (for customers of Fuels and Elevating & Amusement Devices only) Register in Ontario as a Fuel Safety Contractor Request for Ontario Licence to Transport Fuel |
Boilers & Pressure Vessels | Apply for BPV Design Registration Request for BPV Variance |
Licensing & Registrations | Renew Amusement Device Permit |
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:
Feature | What Customers Can Do |
Account Dashboard | - Log into your account dashboard securely - Having an overview of transactions with TSSA |
Account Management | Update business information (such as changes to contact details, primary/billing/shipping address, contacts and account connections, including third-party roles who work on your account, etc.) |
Account Creation | Create accounts: - Individuals: Account for a personal certificate holder applying for a TSSA certificate (for example a gas technician, an operating engineer, etc.) |
Application Submission & Document Upload | Make submissions online for the 10 highest-volume applications. Applications made via the portal will trigger service initiation, work-order creation and prepayment. |
Exam Results & Request Submission | Certificate holders can: - View exam results online |
Payments & Prepayments to TSSA | The following will be available via the Customer Portal: - Prepay for certain applications online using a credit card Customers will continue to use the existing Prepayment Portal to pay for other applications that are not available on the 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:
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 fees associated with inspecting existing devices (installed before July 1, 2021) used in agricultural operations can be found in the BPV Fee Schedule under Inspection Services, Other Inspections at a minimum $401.00 for one hour. Inspections exceeding one hour are subject to additional fees.
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 fees associated with inspecting new devices (installed after July 1, 2021) which involve a different inspection scope from existing devices can be found in the BPV Fee Schedule under Inspection Services, First/Installation Inspection for $424.00.
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:
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:
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.
Beginning July 1, 2021, owners and operators of existing agricultural boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) should report their devices to TSSA.
This news bulletin — the latest in a series of communications from TSSA — outlines the reporting process and the inspection roles of TSSA and insurers of agricultural BPV equipment and their associated piping systems when the change in safety laws comes into effect as a result of the regulatory exemption that was previously in place for this equipment being revoked.
REPORTING EQUIPMENT
Owners and operators of agricultural operations should report their BPV equipment to TSSA by completing an online form within 90 days by September 30, 2021.
TSSA will use the form to collect information on existing devices in the province and do a risk-based assessment (based on the type of device, its location and insurance coverage) to establish a priority list for scheduling first inspections over five years.
INSTALLATION INSPECTION BY TSSA
Sites evaluated as high risk will be prioritized for an installation inspection. TSSA will notify owners one month before the scheduled installation inspection takes place. Owners who need to reschedule the installation inspection can do so by contacting inspectionscheduling@tssa.org
TSSA will issue a Certificate of Inspection (COI) for every boiler or pressure vessel that has completed the installation inspection. The type of device will determine the validity period of the COI issued, which ranges from one to three years. The fee for the installation inspection is $365 per device, and the issuance of a COI costs $96.
PERIODIC INSPECTIONS BY INSURERS OR TSSA
After completing the installation inspection, periodic inspections will continue for the life of the device at set intervals as outlined in TSSA’s Code Adoption Document. Insurers should continue performing periodic inspections as they have been doing, but there is no need to submit a Record of Inspection (ROI) until the COI from the first inspection is close to expiry.
OVERVIEW OF INSPECTIONS

REPAIR INSPECTIONS
Repairs include any work that is required to restore a BPV to a safe operating condition that does not deviate from the original design.
For BPVs with Equipment Breakdown insurance: Owners or operators are advised to contact their insurer to perform the repair inspection.
For BPVs without Equipment Breakdown insurance: TSSA will perform the repair inspection.
Companies performing repairs are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. Companies with a National Board Certificate of Authorization (“R” stamp) are also acceptable, provided all National Board requirements are included.
Before starting any repair work, owners and operators are advised to contact their local TSSA BPV inspector or insurance inspector to ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met.
ALTERATION INSPECTIONS
Alterations are any changes to a BPV that deviate from the original design and require design calculations that could affect pressure-containing capability. (Examples include an increase in the maximum allowable working pressure (internal or external), increasing the design temperature of pressure-retaining equipment, or adding a nozzle or piping). Alterations require an engineering review.
TSSA will perform all alteration inspections. A new COI will be issued upon completing the alteration inspection. Insurers are not to perform alteration inspections.
All alterations require design registration with the TSSA before starting the work. For more details, read Guidelines for Design Approval of Used and/or Altered BPVs.
Review the application forms and instructions for applying to report a design electronically.
Companies performing alterations are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. Companies with a National Board Certificate of Authorization (“R” stamp) are also acceptable, if “alteration” is within their scope of work.
Before starting any alteration work, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to determine inspection requirements.
PIPING INSPECTIONS
TSSA will perform all piping inspections not exempted within Section 2 of O. Reg. 220/01. Insurers will not perform new, repair or alteration inspections on piping systems.
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, report to the Spills Action Centre (open 24/7) at 1-800-268-6060 or 416-325-3000.
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.
For more information on TSSA BPV regulatory requirements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.tssa.org. Interested parties may subscribe for updates at Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment. Questions may be directed to: agriculture.bpv@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 includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.
Online form for owners and operators to report existing agricultural boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) is now available.
Owners and operators of agricultural operations should report their BPV equipment by completing the online form on TSSA’s website starting July 1, 2021 when agricultural BPV equipment 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.
The deadline to submit the online form is September 30, 2021. TSSA will:
After September 30, any site not reported may have an additional cost to the owner.
This news bulletin is part of a series of communications on the revocation of agricultural exemption that took effect on July 1. Previous news bulletins focused on various aspects of O. Reg. 220/01 that covers two streams — new installations and existing BPV 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, report to the Spills Action Centre (open 24/7) at 1-800-268-6060 or 416-325-3000.
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.
For more information on TSSA BPV regulatory requirements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.tssa.org. Interested parties may subscribe for updates at Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment. Questions may be directed to: agriculture.bpv@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 includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.
Following TSSA’s April 29, 2021 communication outlining the regulatory requirements for newly installed boilers and pressure equipment used for agricultural purposes that fall within the O. Reg. 220/01, this news bulletin explains what owners and operators of the following equipment need to do to comply with safety laws:
a) Existing, unregistered boilers and pressure vessels (BPV) that need repair, alteration, upgrading and/or replacement; and
b) their associated piping systems.
Effective July 1, 2021, all repairs and alterations of BPVs, fittings and piping used for agricultural purposes must comply with Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels, under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000
BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
Repairs to BPVs
Repairs include any work that is required to restore a boiler or pressure vessel to a safe operating condition that does not deviate from the original design. If there is a deviation from the design, please refer to the “Alterations to BPVs” section below.
Companies performing repairs are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. These companies are listed in TSSA’s business directory. Companies with a National Board Certificate of Authorization (“R” stamp) are also acceptable, provided all National Board requirements are included.
Repair inspection of BPVs with Mechanical Breakdown insurance
If your BPVs are covered by Mechanical Breakdown insurance, contact your insurer to perform the repair inspection.
Repair inspection of BPVs without Mechanical Breakdown insurance
Before starting any repair work, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met. View our BPV Inspector list to find an inspector in your area.
Alterations to BPVs
Alterations are any changes to a boiler or pressure vessel that deviate from the original design and require design calculations that could affect pressure-containing capability. Examples include an increase in the maximum allowable working pressure (internal or external) or increasing the design temperature of pressure-retaining equipment.
All alterations require design registration with the TSSA before starting the work. For more details, read Guidelines for Design Approval of Used and/or Altered BPVs.
Review the application forms and instructions for submitting an application to register a design electronically.
Companies performing alterations are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction. Companies with a National Board Certificate of Authorization (“R” stamp) are also acceptable, provided all National Board requirements are included.
Before starting any alteration work, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to determine inspection requirements. View our BPV Inspector list to locate an inspector in your area. All alteration inspections must be done by TSSA.
PIPING
Some BPV customer service to determine whether your piping system is exempt.
Repairs to Piping
Before repairing or fabricating any piping, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to determine inspection requirements. View our BPV Inspector list to locate an inspector in your area.
Companies repairing piping are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction.
Alterations to Piping
New piping or additions to existing piping systems require design registration and inspection. Please see the design guidelines for details and review the application forms and the instructions for submitting an application electronically.
Companies installing piping are required to have a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA or another Canadian jurisdiction.
Before fabricating any piping, contact your local TSSA BPV inspector to ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met. View our BPV Inspector list to locate an inspector in your area.
INCIDENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Incident reporting is a key part of making Ontario a safe place to work, live and play. Reporting an incident protects the public and helps industries prevent future issues. For regulated industries, reporting an incident is the law. TSSA staff conduct investigations at the site of any boiler, pressure vessel, pressure piping or fitting incidents. We also provide support to other regulatory agencies when needed.
In case of an incident, report to the Spills Action Centre that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Toll-free, province-wide: 1-800-268-6060
Toronto-area: 416-325-3000
TTY: 1-855-889-5775
FURTHER UPDATES
TSSA is currently developing a plan, which will be phased in over five years, to bring into compliance all existing BPVs used for agricultural purposes that fall under the regulation as of July 1, 2021. The plan includes registering existing equipment through a form that will be released shortly. The information collected through the form will be used by TSSA to do a risk-based assessment and establish a priority list for scheduling inspections based on the type of device, its location and whether it is covered by insurance. More details will be available in the coming weeks when the form is released.
TSSA will continue to work collaboratively with agricultural partners to implement the new regulatory requirements, making sure that owners, operators and insurers of pressure equipment used for agricultural purposes understand the safety regulations and what they need to do to comply.
To find more information on TSSA BPV regulatory requirements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.tssa.org. Interested parties may subscribe for updates at Agricultural Operations – Boilers and Pressure Equipment. Questions may be directed to: agriculture.bpv@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.
As Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week kicks off, safety experts reveal that approximately 65% of all CO injuries and deaths in Ontario continue to occur in homes. Most, if not all of these incidents, are preventable.
“With the onset of cold weather months comes the increased use of furnaces and fireplaces and outdoor heaters too. If not installed, inspected and maintained regularly, fuel-burning appliances can emit deadly levels of CO gas,” says Kelly Hart, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “Remember, it’s not just your furnace or fireplace. Many Ontario homes can have between 4-6 fuel-burning appliances. So, it’s important that folks be in the know when it comes to CO,” stresses Hart.
Take Action. Think Safe.
“Safety is a shared responsibility and by taking these actions we can lower CO risks in our homes,” adds Hart.
With the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, TSSA continues to partner with local fire and emergency services and other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical CO safety information to residents in communities across Ontario.
Attached is a carbon monoxide FAQ.
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, 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 and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org
Contact:
Alexandra Campbell | Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards & Safety Authority
media@tssa.org
416-734-6227
At its 2023 Annual Public Meeting, TSSA celebrated safety achievements from the past fiscal year, provided an update on the organization’s modernization journey and outlined its future plans to complete its outcome-based regulator transformation.
During the meeting, RJ Falconi, Chair of the Board, talked about TSSA's collaborative work with the Ontario government and regulated industries to create safer environments for the public He also announced the appointment of new Board members, underscoring TSSA's commitment to governance excellence.
Bonnie Rose, President and CEO, outlined TSSA’s new vision, purpose, values and strategy that builds on the achievements of a well-executed Strategic Plan over the past six years. During her remarks, Bonnie took a moment to commend the dedicated TSSA team, who have been instrumental in delivering TSSA's successes to date.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of this year's Safety Awards 2023, honouring those organizations and individuals within TSSA’s regulated sectors that have worked tirelessly and creatively for a safer Ontario.
Watch this video recording of the live event.
Toronto, ON, August 31, 2023 – The Polar Express ride at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Midway has been given permission to be returned to service following an incident that occurred on August 28 that resulted in a rider being injured.
The ride remained shut down while TSSA conducted a thorough technical inspection of the ride. The inspection is complete and TSSA has confirmed that the Polar Express ride is safe to resume operation.
The investigation into the root cause of the incident is ongoing.
TSSA inspectors have been on-site daily since the incident occurred, with full cooperation from the ride operator, North American Midway Entertainment and the CNE as TSSA conducted inspections and gathered information relating to the incident. This is standard protocol following any reported incident related to amusement devices in the province of Ontario.
The ride had met safety requirements before it was allowed to operate initially and was found to be safe after TSSA’s inspection.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administers 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, authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Please be advised that we had been experiencing technical difficulties with our customer service phone system for the past two days. We’re pleased to report that the phone system is back on line, though customers may experience longer than normal wait times due to the recent outage.
If you would like to submit an inquiry by email, please email us at customerservices@tssa.org. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the system being down and appreciate your patience.