Compliance and safety news for the propane industry


September 2023 

SAFETY MINUTE

Always use the liquid level valve when filling propane containers to ensure they are not overfilled. Never rely solely upon the float gauge to accurately identify the container fill level.

The float gauge does not provide an accurate reading and reliance upon it during fuelling can lead to over-filling. An overfilled container must be flagged and the product removed to ensure a proper fill level of 80%. An overfilled container could lead to product release as liquid propane has less room for expansion when temperatures rise.

CPA appointed General Policy Advisor Council Chair

During the spring GPAC and its sub-committees meeting, an announcement was made seeking nominations for a new chairperson and vice-chairperson for the GPAC and its sub-committees. An email was also sent out to all members shortly after for the same request. The CPA’s Sr Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs and Safety, Robert Loenhart, was nominated and affirmed as the Chair of Transport Canada’s GPAC of Transportation of Dangerous Goods.

Request for removable PRVs to be used in tanks

The CPA’s proposed changes to B149.2 that would allow a purpose-specific isolation valve to be used in concert with an external pressure relief valve on tanks have been accepted. The acceptance of this change is expected to be reflected in the next edition of the published B149.2 code. The B51 code that allows removable PRVs to be used IN TANKS in accordance with the requirements listed in Clause 12.2.2 must still be followed.

Transport Canada delays changes to TDG Part 6 Training

Transport Canada has announced that proposed Part 6 training changes will be delayed while they conduct a review. Industry has projected costs of approximately $400 million dollars to implement the changes. Transport Canada will re-examine the changes to better align with other nations and look into burden reduction possibilities within the requirements. Part 6 training requirements will revert back to Canada Gazette, Part One while they address these issues.

Transport Canada considering methanol prepped container equivalency

The CPA recently requested that Transport Canada provide an equivalency for the transportation of containers that have been prepped for service with the addition of a small percentage of methanol. As a result, TC is creating an equivalency that considers a methanol-prepped container as “propane residue last contained” and would require this to be indicated on the shipping document. This change would identify that the container contains dangerous goods but removes the requirement for marking the container as transporting methanol.  TDG regulations limit the amount of product in mixed loads such as methanol shipped with other products. This equivalency would remove that barrier, and allow propane distributors the ability to ship prepped containers with other containers that have propane in them. TC should have the first draft of the equivalency available in the coming weeks.

Your feedback needed on Transport Canada changes to rail service requirements

TC is looking for feedback on proposed changes to rail requirements. Topics for discussion are administrative monetary penalties, contracting practices, final offer arbitration, winter contingency plans, extended inter-switching, maximum revenue entitlement, own motion powers and shortlines. Review the proposed changes here. Please send your comments to CPA SVP Robert Loenhart by October 2, 2023, so that the CPA can provide an industry perspective on these issues and include your feedback in the discussions.

Removal of AHJ approval requirements for underground tank installation

The CPA submitted a request for change docket in B149.2 to remove the requirements for authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) approval of underground tank installations. The docket to return the clause back to following the code and manufacturer instructions has been accepted and the next code publication will no longer indicate a requirement for regulator approval unless the province has region-specific requirements.

The CPA had submitted this request in response to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority having removed a Code Adoption Document allowance that allowed industry to install these underground systems according to code and manufacturer instructions. TSSA had no process for handling this new approval and added costly variance processes, despite the fact that these installations did not vary from the code requirements.

Electrolux Frigidaire gas cooktops recalled

This recall involves all Frigidaire Stainless-Steel 30-inch 4 Burner Gas Cooktops (model FFGC3026SS) and Frigidaire Stainless-Steel 36-inch 5 Burner Gas Cooktops (model FFGC3626SS) with control knobs with black shafts. The model number and serial number are located on a label on the underside of the unit. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cooktops, check for plastic control knobs with a black shaft and contact Electrolux Group for a free set of replacement knobs. For more information, visit: Transport Canada Recall – 2023402 – FOREST RIVER – Canada.ca.

BC: Consultation results on proposed fee adjustment consultation 

British Columbia has finalized the results of their recent fee consultation which looked at the impact the proposed fees would have on a company’s business or personal finances. View the results here. In general, 36% of respondents rated the impact as moderate, 25% as low, 17% as severe, and 16% as minimal.  Other general comments included: Cost of living and working is also increasing, high fees discourage consumers from wanting to get permits and hire licensed contractors, general fee increases affect certification of renewal fees, and some certificate holders feel they should not have to pay a renewal fee to maintain their certificate.

ON: Reminder – Heating Contractor Audit Program in effect as of September 1

Starting September 1, 2023, heating contractors in Ontario are responsible for checking their technicians’ work in the field and demonstrating that the work performed by their technicians complies with regulations. Read the complete advisory here.

NL: Province will not require certification for auto propane users at private cardlocks 

The CPA met with regulators in Newfoundland and Labrador to discuss the possible use of propane buses in the province.  During those meetings, it was decided that bus drivers would not require dispenser training. Only company-led cardlock training would be required in order for bus drivers to fill their buses at their cardlock facilities. Dispenser facilities must have at least one qualified employee on site. The cardlock facility would be expected to have the new style nozzle which functions in a manner that is safer than liquid fuels pump systems.

Upcoming CPA Committee Meetings

Atlantic Committee Meeting
Location: Inn on Prince Hotel and Conference Centre, Truro, NS
Date:
September 21, 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am AT

Ontario Committee Meeting
Location: TownePlace Suites Belleville, Belleville, ON
Date:
September 28, 2023
Time: 8:00 am – 11:00 am ET

Regulatory Affairs Committee Meeting
Virtual Meeting
Date:
October 18, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET

Manitoba Committee Meeting
Location: To be confirmed
Date:
October 24, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm CT

CPA Events - SAVE THE DATES!

Canadian Propane Association 2024 Leadership Summit 

When: May 14-16, 2024
Where: Ottawa, ON

Details coming soon!

Canadian Propane Association 2024 Atlantic Seminar & Golf Tournament

When: June 4-5, 2024
Where: Rodd Brudenell River Resort
86 Dewars LN, Cardigan, PE

Details coming soon!

Other Industry Events

September 17 - 21: 24th World Petroleum Conference 2023

The CPA is participating in the World Petroleum Congress in both speaker and moderating roles.

Tuesday, September 19 at 12:00 PM: VP of Government Relations West, Katie Kachur will be moderating the panel: Reverse engineering “Net-zero by 2050”: What it really needs to happen and the role of enablers, technology and investment.

Thursday, September 21 at 11:00 AM: CPA President and CEO Shannon Watt is a speaker in the panel: The role of natural gas and natural gas liquids in energy transition and a net-zero economy.

Where: BMO Centre at Stampede Park, Calgary, AB.
Register here

September 18-22: Union of BC Municipalities 2023 Convention

Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC.
Register here

September 27 - 28: Forward Summit - East: Empowering Indigenous Economies

Join CPA’s President & CEO, Shannon Watt, for the discussion panel, The Evolution of the Energy Industry – From Oil & Gas to Advancements in the Renewable Energy Sector. The energy industry is shifting, and this session sees industry leaders gather and discuss what the future could look like for both oil and gas and the renewable and clean energy industry across eastern Canada and beyond.

Where: Casino Rama, Rama Nation, Orillia, ON.
Register here

September 27-28: 11th Annual Alberta Power Symposium

Where: Double Tree by Hilton, Calgary, AB.
Register here

September 27-29: Alberta Municipalities 2023 Convention & Trade Show

Where: Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, AB.
Register here

November 13-17: 35th World LPG Forum

CPA’s President and CEO, Shannon Watt is participating in the session ‘Just Energy Transition’ on November 16th where she will discuss the role LPG has to play in ensuring that today’s energy transition is balanced and beneficial to people in both developed and developing countries and how can LPG play an even greater role in a people-focused, just energy transition.

Where: Rome, Italy
Register here

November 16: The 8th Annual National Energy Roundtable Conference

Where: Soco Ballroom, Delta Toronto Hotel, Toronto, ON.
Register here