Members have indicated that some provincial regulators are requesting a doubling of barriers to meet a B149.2 code requirement that is no longer relevant.

B149.2  clause 7.19.4.2

2015 stated:

1. (b) of the reinforced concrete barrier type, commonly referred to as the New Jersey Turnpike barrier, not less than 30 in (750 mm) in height, with a width of base not less than the height. See Figure E.1 in Annex E for an illustration of a typical barrier.

2020 states:

1. b) of the reinforced concrete barrier type, commonly referred to as the New Jersey Turnpike barrier, not less than 30 in (750 mm) in height. See Figure 0.1 in Annex Q for an illustration of a typical barrier such as Ontario Provincial Standard Drawing precast concrete barrier (OPSD-920.010 or, 911 series);

Notice the areas underlined in the 2015 and 2020 editions of the B149.2 code. The width is no longer stated in the 2020 edition because it had been identified as an issue.

The barrier requirements stated in the old code were removed because they did not fit a standard-sized “Jersey Barrier” and in some cases, members were being asked to double up the barrier to provide adequate protection.  With the provinces accepting the 2020 codes, the width base is no longer required.

Provincial requirements for reduced loads due to the spring thaw are as follows:

BC – Load Restrictions (gov.bc.ca)

AB – Road restrictions and bans – Overview | Alberta.ca

SK – Seasonal Trucking Weights | Truck Weight Classifications and Restrictions in Saskatchewan | Government of Saskatchewan

MB – Manitoba’s Spring Road Restriction (SRR) Program | Transportation and Infrastructure | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca)

ON- Ontario Seasonal Loads | View Live Ontario Seasonal Loads | Ontario 511 (511on.ca)

QC – Thaw – load restrictions – Transports et Mobilité durable Québec (gouv.qc.ca)

NB – New Brunswick Spring Weight Restrictions (gnb.ca)

PEI – Seasonal Weight Restrictions | Government of Prince Edward Island

NS – Spring Weight Restrictions | novascotia.ca

NL – no spring weight restriction policy

The next edition of B149.2 is now available: Propane storage and handling code (New Edition).  Members are encouraged to review the draft edition and submit commentary directly into the document by clicking the “Submit Comment” link or emailing your comments to CPA’s VP of Regulator Affairs and Safety Robert Loenhart. Public review is open until March 25, 2024.

Last week, a draft of the revised B149.1:25 Natural gas and propane installation code (New Edition) was posted for a 60-day public review. Public review is open until April 29, 2024. You are encouraged to review the draft and submit your comments directly into the document by clicking the “Submit Comment” link at the bottom of the relevant section. You may also submit your comments to CPA’s VP of Regulator Affairs and Safety Robert Loenhart.

Past changes to the code requirements forced provinces to create a deadline to complete PRV replacements. The code states that tanks greater than 2500 USWG must be replaced every 10 years, while the tank requirements for those less than 2500 USWG must be completed every 25 years.

The following are province-specific deadlines for when industry must be up-to-date on these replacement activities.

British Columbia:  Directive: Propane storage tank pressure relief valve servicing and inspection intervals | TSBC

• January 1, 2024, for vessels greater than 2500 USWG;
• January 1, 2024, for vessels 2500 USWG or less (excluding cylinders as defined by
  CSA B149.2) with an external PRV; and
• January 1, 2027, for vessels 2500 USWG or less (excluding cylinders as defined by
  CSA B149.2) with an internal PRV.

Alberta: Servicing of Pressure Relief Valves on Propane Storage Tanks| ABSA

• The notice establishes that each owner should develop a compliance plan by December 31, 2015 to come into compliance by May 31, 2024. The compliance plan should establish the priority for PRV servicing or replacement. PRVs should be serviced or replaced as per the plan. Compliance audits will be carried out by Gas Safety and ABSA.

Saskatchewan: Propane tanks – Servicing Intervals for Pressure Relief Valves on Tanks 2500 USWG and Less |TSASK

• All 2500 USWG or less pressure vessels in LPG service governed by CSA B149.2 shall comply by May 31, 2024.

Manitoba: Servicing Intervals for Pressure Relief Valves on Tanks 2500 USWG and Less |ITS

• Propane storage tanks with a volume of 2500 USWG or less must meet all requirements of the legislation and shall comply with CSA B51-14 Table 5 before May 31, 2024.

Ontario: Propane Code Adoption Document Amendment |TSSA

• 7.2.8 Tanks greater than 2,500 USWG shall have the relief valves rebuilt/certified or replaced every 10 years. All overdue relief valves shall be rebuilt/certified or replaced by May 1, 2024.
• 7.2.9  Tanks of 2,500 USWG or less shall have the relief valves rebuilt/certified or replaced every 25 years. All overdue relief valves shall be rebuilt/certified or replaced by May 1, 2027.

Quebec: InfoC3H8-2 février 2024 (cyberimpact.com)

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador expect industry to be current as per the B51 regulatory requirements.