The gas codes consultation has concluded.

Status: Completed

The new gas codes come into effect on October 1, 2022. Read details on the changes.
This consultation closed as of September 22, 2021. Read a summary of what we heard during the consultation under News categories.


Technical Safety BC reviewed the latest editions of the CSA B149 gas code series, the CSA Z662 Oil and gas pipeline standard, and the BNQ-1784 Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code for adoption in BC. Read below for proposals and consultation materials.

Our proposal

  1. Adopt the latest editions of the gas codes and standards listed in the table below
  2. Issue a directive supporting design and permitting requirements for facilities within the scope of the B149.6 code
  3. Recommend a new requirement for carbon monoxide alarms where gas appliances are installed or replaced
  4. Recommend a new requirement to isolate gas systems before alterations or modifications
Code / StandardMajor changes and proposed variations

CSA B149.1-20
Natural gas and propane installation code

  • New requirements for regulators and overpressure protection
  • Requiring a permitting process for stationary engines

Proposed variations

  • Requiring all regulator installations utilizing reduced clearance from the vent termination to meet industry standard restricted vent capacity requirements (clause 5.6.4)
  • Allowing for up to 4” press connect fittings (clause 6.2)

CSA B149.2-20
Propane storage and handling code

  • Adopting an informative annex for the temporary use of propane cylinders at shows, exhibitions, or similar events (Annex Q)

CSA B149.3-20
Code for the field approval of fuel-burning appliances and equipment

  • New requirements for regulators and overpressure protection
  • Adopting an informative annex for mobile food trucks, consolidated from previous code clauses and annexes (Annex J)

CSA B149.5-20
Installation code for propane fuel systems and containers on motor vehicles

  • Clarification of OEM label requirements
  • Revisions to piping materials and practices

CSA B149.6-20
Code for digester gas, landfill gas, and biogas generation and utilization

  • Revisions to scope of the code
  • Expansion of definition of hazardous areas
  • Revisions to piping practices

CSA Z662-19
Oil and gas pipeline systems standard

  • New population density assessment areas
  • New piping materials
  • New requirements for qualification of individuals performing non-destructive testing

CAN/BNQ-1784-000-2021
Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code

  • Clarification that refineries, chemical plants, and facilities producing hydrogen for offsite use are excluded from the scope
  • Developing risk assessment and risk management systems
  • Requiring certification or approval for appurtenances for hydrogen systems
  • Revised technical requirements for emergency shutdown systems
Suggestions for future code changesThe next code changes will be in 2025 for the B149 series, 2023 for the Z662, and TBD for the BNQ-1784.


What we heard report

The gas codes consultation has concluded

Survey

CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

Adopting the gas codes

Review the impact assessments of the codes you use and respond to the questions below.

The gas codes consultation has concluded.

Additional impacts and variations

CLOSED: This ideas page has concluded.

Discussion boards

Carbon monoxide alarm installation

If carbon monoxide alarms were required to be installed wherever there is gas equipment, would this improve public safety? For example, if you purchase a gas stove, or replaced an existing gas appliance, you would need a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home. The gas codes consultation has concluded.
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Isolation of gas systems

Following the July 2019 gas leak incident in Richmond BC, we’re recommending that the contractor or gas fitter ensure: the gas system is isolated from the source before altering or disconnecting a gas piping system; and alterations of a gas piping system include a test procedure, and that the gas piping system is gas-tight after the test Do you have comments or concerns about this recommendation? The gas codes consultation has concluded.
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Removing exemption for stationary engines

Technical Safety BC recommends removing the exemption for stationary engines and turbines, based on the new content developed in the codes. If all stationary engines and turbines required equipment certification, installation permits, and operating permits where applicable, what would be the impact to your industry and to safety? The gas codes consultation has concluded.
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