B.C. Reg. 95/83
O.C. 303/83
Filed February 28, 1983
effective March 1, 1983
This archived regulation consolidation is current to August 1, 2003 and includes changes enacted and in force by that date. For the most current information, click here.

Gas Safety Act

GAS SAFETY REGULATION

[includes amendments up to B.C. Reg. 211/2003]

Contents

1 

Interpretation

Part 1 — Construction, Protection and Maintenance of Gas Installations

Division 1 — Chief Inspector

2 

Chief inspector is enforcing authority

3 

Authority of chief inspector to enforce

4 

Emergencies and incident reporting

5 

Duties of gas company

Division 2 — Gas Installations and Excavations

6 

Repealed

7 

Work in accordance with codes

8 

Pipe above ground where entering building

9 

Connections for pressure gauges

10 

Tracer wire

11 

Installation in vicinity of underground structures

12 

Notice to gas company

13 

Excavations

14 

Excavator operator

15 

Excavator operator

Division 3 — Information from Gas Company

16 

Location of gas installation

17 

Area around indicated location

18 

Hand digging to confirm location

19 

No probing

20 

Gas installation not where indicated

21 

Non-metallic gas installation without tracer wire

22 

Excavator shall maintain markings

23 

Blasting

24 

Blasting where work in progress

25 

Verification of location

26 

Emergency excavations

27 

Prohibition

28 

Inspectors powers

29 

Procedure where gas escapes

30 

Notice of damage

31 

Exposure of installation

32 

Exposure of fittings

33 

Cathodic protection devices

34 

Damage to protective wrapping

35 

Backfilling

36 – 37 

Sections Repealed

38 

Test charts or reports

39 

Pressure tests

Part 2 — Permits Certification of Appliances, General Installation Procedures and Inspections

Division 1 — General Provisions

40 

No work on system until gas turned off

41 

Turning gas supply on and off

42 

Unrepairable appliance

43 

Notice to gas company where input above 45 kW

44 

Rental premises

45 

Odorization

46 

Gas fitter's tag

47 

Adjustments on connection to gas line

48 

Authorized or qualified persons to do certain work

49 

Testing after disconnection

50 

Gas fitter must notify of need to repair

51 

Gas fitter may make temporary repairs

Division 2 — Permits

52 

Chief inspector may designate person to issue permits

53 

No work on gas system unless permit applied for

54 

Persons who may apply for permits

55 

Permit application where local inspectors provided

56 

Permit application

57 

Drawings to accompany application

58 

Inspector may stop work where permit or application not produced

59 

Permit may be voided

60 

Chief inspector may extend permit

61 

Failure to pay fees or remedy deficiency

62 

Separate permit for each building

63 

Permit holder to inform inspector on completion

64 

Inspections and authorizations

65 

Inspector may stop work

Division 3 — Annual Permits

66 

Compulsory annual permits

67 

Fee

68 

Records

69 

Additions to system

70 

Gas fitter to do certain work

71 

Properly trained persons shall do certain work

72 

Inspection

73 

Provisions not applying to annual permits

Division 4 — Appliance Certification, Testing and Approval

74 

No installation unless certified

75 

Approved testing and certifying

76 

Application for certification before commencing installation

77 

Unapproved appliance must be certified

78 

Chief inspector may order remedying of problem

79 

No ignition of uncertified appliance unless authorized

80 

Appliance lit for test purposes

81 

Inspector may require to be present before ignition

Part 3 — Gas Licensing and Certification

Division 1 — Licensing

82 

No installation or alteration without licence

83 

Family home

84 

Farmer

85 

Licence must be provided

86 

Failure to produce licence

87 

Class A gas fitter

88 

Class B gas fitter

89 

Gas piping licence holder

90 

Domestic appliance service licence holder

91 

Gas venting licence holder

92 

Special purpose licence holder

92.1 

Gas utility licence holder

93 – 94 

Sections Repealed

95 

Class A gas fitter licence qualifications

96 

Class B gas fitter licence qualifications

97 

Class C appliance service licence qualifications

98 

Gas piping licence qualifications

99 

Recreation vehicle installation and service licence qualifications

99.1 

Liquid propane gas vehicle conversion licence qualifications

99.2 

Compressed natural gas vehicle conversion licence qualifications

99.3 

Compressed natural gas and liquid propane gas vehicle conversion licence qualifications

100 

Gas venting licence qualifications

100.1 

Examination fees

101 

Special purpose licence qualifications

101.1 

Gas utility licence qualifications

102 

Repealed

103 

Application for licence

104 

Affidavits

105 

Fees

106 

Re-examination

107 

Expiry of licences

108 

Repealed

109 

Licence renewal

110 

Duplicate of lost licence

Division 2 — Contractors

111 

Not to carry on business unless a contractor

112 

Register

113 

Application

114 

Bond

115 

Certificate of registration

116 

Expiry of certificate

117 

Expiry of certificate

118 

Bonds

119 

Surety may be required to rectify non-compliance

120 

Amount of bond insufficient to completely rectify

121 

Bond cancellation

122 

Contractor must ensure qualifications of employees

123 

Inspector may require contractor's compliance

124 

Suspension of certificate

Division 3 — Dealers

125 

Inspector may examine stock

126 

Dealer records

Division 4 — Appointment and Qualifications of Inspectors

127 

Issuance of certificates

128 

Grades of certificates

129 

Grade B certificate — local inspector

130 

Grade A certificate — inspector

131 

Temporary certificate

132 

Inactive certificate holder

133 

Duplicate of lost certificate

134 

Only inspectors may inspect

135 

Inspector may be issued gas fitter licence

136 

Application for certificate

137 

Qualifications for certificate

138 

Examinations

139 

No fee for competitive examination

140 

Re-examination

Division 5 — Suspension and Cancellation

141 

Licence suspension other than gas fitter's licence

142 

Cancellation or suspension of certificate of competency

143 

Certificate or licence cancellation or suspension for more than 30 days

143.1 

Cancellation of a gas fitter's licence

144 

Reasons

145 

False statement on licence

Part 4 — Offences and Liability

146 

Offences

147 

Continuing civil liability

Part 5 — Fees

148 

Fees

Schedules A and B

Form 1

Interpretation

1 In this regulation:

"Act" means the Gas Safety Act;

"chief inspector" means the chief inspector appointed under section 4 (1) of the Act;

"commercial installation" means any industrial, institutional, warehouse or sports facility and includes a restaurant, small business, office facility and common area in a single or multi-level complex;

"commercial premises" means premises other than a single family dwelling;

"conversion burner" means a burner designed to supply gaseous fuel to an appliance originally designed to use another fuel;

“gas utility” means a gas company that owns or operates a gas installation for conveying gas from a city gate or bulk storage facility to the outlet of an individual user’s meter set;

"issuing officer" means a person or a member of a class of persons designated by the chief inspector;

"licence" means a licence issued by the chief inspector;

"meter" means a meter and devices appurtenant to it which measure the volume of gas passing through it and which is installed by or on behalf of a gas company;

"multi-unit dwelling" means any building or buildings in a complex which contain multiple individual residential dwelling units each of which is occupied or intended to be occupied as a permanent residence of one family and includes an apartment building, condominium and townhouse;

"recognized testing agency" means a certification and approval agency set out in Schedule B;

"registered owner" means any person whose name is registered with the Land Title Office as holding title to the parcel of land;

"single family dwelling" means any detached building that is occupied or intended to be occupied as a permanent residence of one family;

"supervision" means the guidance and control of a tradesperson and the inspection of work by a gas fitter who holds a licence of a higher qualification.

[am. B.C. Regs. 441/87, s. 1; 52/91, ss. 1, 2; 128/95, s. 1; 61/96, s. 1.]

Part 1 — Construction, Protection and Maintenance
of Gas Installations

Division 1 — Chief Inspector

Chief inspector is enforcing authority

2 The chief inspector is the "enforcing authority" or "authority having jurisdiction" to administer codes or standards adopted for the purposes of this regulation.

Authority of chief inspector to enforce

3 The chief inspector shall have all the powers and authority necessary to administer any code or standard adopted for the purposes of this regulation.

Emergencies and incident reporting

4 (1) Where, in an emergency situation, the chief inspector is satisfied that a person is qualified in the circumstances to carry out the duties of an inspector, the chief inspector may issue a temporary certificate of competency and designate the person named in the certificate to be an inspector for a period not exceeding 60 days.

(2) Every explosion, fire or other incident caused by or involving gas shall be reported to the regional supervising inspector by the attending local authority or gas utility within 24 hours of the occurrence.

(3) Every incident caused by or involving gas that results in an injury or fatality shall be reported to the chief inspector by the attending local authority or gas utility using the quickest means available.

(4) The attending local authority or gas utility shall, in a manner the chief inspector requires, furnish information respecting an injury or fatality reported under this section.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 3.]

Duties of gas company

5 (1) Every gas company shall file with the chief inspector its standards of construction and amendments to them.

(2) A gas company shall on request of an inspector, make available within 24 hours, any relevant gas installation plan.

(3) A gas company shall pay the prescribed fee.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 2.]

Division 2 — Gas Installations and Excavations

Section Repealed

6 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 4.]

Work in accordance with codes

7 All work on a gas installation shall be performed in a workmanlike manner in accordance with relevant codes and standards.

Pipe above ground where entering building

8 Except where circumstances make it impracticable a person installing a service pipe shall install it so that it rises above ground level before it enters a building or structure.

Connections for pressure gauges

9 Where an inspector requests suitable connections for pressure gauges and recorders, the installer of a gas installation shall so supply them.

Tracer wire

10 All gas installations of non-metal material shall be provided with a copper tracer wire of not less than 18 gauge.

Installation in vicinity of underground structures

11 (1) Except where permitted in writing by an inspector, no person shall install or allow to be installed a gas installation so that it passes through or interferes with any underground structure that is not solely for the use of a gas installation.

(2) Except where permitted in writing by the chief inspector, no person shall commence to install or construct an underground structure that will interfere with a gas installation by passing over, under or enclosing the gas installation until an agreement has been entered into with the gas company for the removal or alteration of the gas installation.

Notice to gas company

12 A person proposing to construct an underground structure within one metre of a gas installation shall notify the gas company operating in the area not less than 3 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, prior to commencing the excavation for the structure.

Excavations

13 (1) Any person who intends to excavate shall, at least 3 days excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays before excavating, request from the gas company serving that area, or its agent, information on the location of all underground gas installations in the vicinity of the proposed excavation.

(2) Where a person who intends to excavate is aware that a gas installation is in the vicinity of the proposed excavation, he shall notify the gas company operating in that area of his intent to excavate at least 3 working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, before commencing operations.

(3) A gas company shall provide the information requested under subsection (1) within 3 working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Excavator operator

14 No person who excavates under the direction or supervision of another person shall commence excavation until he ascertains that a request for information under section 13 (1) was made which revealed no gas installation in the vicinity.

Excavator operator

15 No person who excavates under the direction or supervision of another person shall commence excavation where a request under section 13 (1) has disclosed that there is a gas installation in the vicinity unless the location of the installation has been indicated under section 16.

Division 3 — Information from Gas Company

Location of gas installation

16 (1) On request of a person intending to excavate in the vicinity of a gas installation, the gas company shall indicate the location of gas installations owned or operated by it in the area where the excavation is intended to be made.

(2) The location of gas installations shall be indicated by one or more of the following methods as appropriate for conditions at the excavation site:

(a) provision of a plan or listing of facility locations by measurement from a surface datum point;

(b) surface staking;

(c) surface marking.

Area around indicated location

17 Prelocated or marked gas installations shall be considered to lie within a zone equal to the diameter of the gas installation plus 0.5 metres on either side of the indicated location.

Hand digging to confirm location

18 The indicated location of gas installations shall be confirmed by the excavator by means of hand digging and he shall expose the gas installations at a sufficient number of locations to determine their exact positions and depths before using mechanized excavation equipment for any purpose other than breaking the surface cover.

No probing

19 No person shall probe with pointed tools to locate gas installations.

Gas installation not where indicated

20 Where an excavator finds that the gas installation is not within the limits described in section 17, he shall so advise the gas company. The gas company shall immediately assist in locating and exposing the installation for the excavator and no mechanized excavation shall be carried on in the vicinity until the installation has been located and exposed.

Non-metallic gas installation without tracer wire

21 For existing gas installations of non-metallic material not provided with tracer wires, the gas company shall upon request, indicate the location, including all changes in direction, of the installation by stakes or paint or both, at intervals not exceeding 100 metres and section 18 applies.

Excavator shall maintain markings

22 It shall be the responsibility of the excavator, as the work progresses, to maintain and keep visible the markings placed by the gas company which identify the location of the gas installation. Where such maintenance is not feasible, the excavator shall make other arrangements to ensure that the location of the gas installation is obvious to any person.

Blasting

23 A person who intends to blast in the vicinity of a gas installation shall comply with sections 12 to 22 of this regulation and in addition shall notify the relevant gas company at least 3 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, prior to blasting.

Blasting where work in progress

24 Where a person has already complied with sections 12 to 22 and discovers in the process of construction that blasting is required, the notice required to the gas company is 24 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Verification of location

25 Where excavation work is not started within 10 days of the provision of information by the gas company or its agent, the excavator shall verify the location information with the gas company before commencing excavation.

Emergency excavations

26 Sections 11 to 24 do not apply to emergency excavations where there may be an imminent danger to life, health, or property, provided, however, that notice of such excavation is given to the relevant gas company as soon as practicable if there is a gas installation in the area.

Prohibition

27 No person shall excavate or cause to be done any excavation in a manner damaging or dangerous to a gas installation.

Inspectors powers

28 (1) An inspector may at any time order a person to stop excavating near a gas installation if the inspector considers the excavation may damage a gas installation or if he considers it may otherwise cause the leakage of gas.

(2) An inspector may require a gas company, installer or the owner of the gas installation to cut out or repair any weld in a service pipe, whether metallic or non-metallic, which he considers to be faulty.

Procedure where gas escapes

29 A person who causes damage to a gas installation which results in the escape of gas shall immediately take the steps reasonable in the circumstance to

(a) notify the persons in any premises which may be affected,

(b) notify the gas company,

(c) warn all persons in any nearby building in which a gas odour is present to evacuate the building,

(d) notify a member of the police force having jurisdiction in the place where the installation is situated,

(e) extinguish all flames and sources of ignition in the vicinity of the installation,

(f) notify the nearest fire department, and

(g) warn traffic, vehicle, or pedestrian, not to enter the area rendered hazardous by the damage.

Notice of damage

30 A person who causes damage to a gas installation, whether or not gas is escaping as a result shall immediately notify the relevant gas company of the damage. Serious damage shall be reported by the gas company to the chief inspector.

Exposure of installation

31 Where a person exposes a gas installation for more than 3 metres he shall immediately notify the relevant gas company and securely support the gas installation, to the satisfaction of the gas company, on its original line and grade at intervals of not more than 3 metres.

Exposure of fittings

32 Any person who exposes any bell and spigot joints, mechanical couplings, valves or line insulators shall immediately notify the relevant gas company and adequately support, to the satisfaction of the gas company, the exposed fittings so no strain is placed on the gas installation.

Cathodic protection devices

33 A person working in the vicinity of a gas installation shall take all necessary precautions to ensure that no damage is done to insulators, test wires, sacrificial anodes, anode beds, rectifier wires and other cathodic protection devices. Where damage is done to any cathodic protection device the person causing the damage shall report the damage to the relevant gas company.

Damage to protective wrapping

34 Where a person has in any way damaged protective wrapping on a gas installation

(a) the damage shall be reported to the gas company before the damage is repaired,

(b) rewrapping shall be done in accordance with the current standards of the gas company, and

(c) the rewrapped section shall not be backfilled until authorized by the gas company.

Backfilling

35 Any person backfilling an excavation which has exposed any gas installation shall

(a) take care not to damage the installation, its protective wrapping or any cathodic protection devices,

(b) thoroughly tamp the backfill under the gas installation,

(c) adequately support the gas installation to the satisfaction of the gas company to ensure that it will remain in its original line and grade during settlement of the backfill, and

(d) ensure that the backfilling will not diminish lateral support for unexposed gas installation.

Sections Repealed

36 and 37 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 5.]

Test charts or reports

38 (1) A gas company or installer shall, on the request of the chief inspector, furnish copies of test pressure charts or test reports, or both, for any gas installation.

(2) Every gas company shall furnish to the chief inspector a report of the total length of distribution gas line extension installed in any calendar year.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 6.]

Pressure tests

39 The chief inspector may require that a pressure test of a gas installation be conducted in the presence of an inspector.

Part 2 — Permits Certification of Appliances, General
Installation Procedures and Inspections

Division 1 — General Provisions

No work on system until gas turned off

40 No person shall install or alter a gas system where there is the possibility of the escape of gas, unless the gas is turned off to eliminate hazards from the leakage of gas.

Turning gas supply on and off

41 (1) No person shall turn off the gas supply unless he notifies all affected consumers.

(2) Where the gas supply has been turned off, no person shall turn it on again until he re-notifies all affected consumers and carefully checks all outlets and pilots to ascertain that they are relighted or turned off.

Unrepairable appliance

42 (1) A person who finds any appliance or gas equipment beyond repair or in an unsafe condition shall place the appliance or gas equipment out of service and shall promptly notify an inspector of its condition and location.

(2) If the initial notification under subsection (1) is verbal, it shall be promptly confirmed by a written statement setting out the facts.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 7.]

Notice to gas company where input above 45 kW

43 No person shall install or cause to be installed any appliance on a gas system other than a vehicle gas system or gas equipment at a propane bulk plant where

(a) the installation of the appliance will increase the total connected hourly input ratings of the appliances served by a meter to more than 45 kW, or

(b) the total connected hourly input rating of the appliances served by a meter exceeds 45 kW

without first giving notice to the gas company which supplies that gas stating the type and input rating of the appliance and the address of the premises in which the appliance is to be installed.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 4.]

Rental premises

44 The owner of rental premises shall

(a) post a notice of a permanent nature on the safe operation of any appliance on the premises in a conspicuous location where it will be noted by any tenant, occupier or any other person using the appliance, and

(b) ensure that appliances are maintained in a safe condition.

Odorization

45 (1) All gas which does not naturally possess a distinctive odour so that its presence in the atmosphere is readily detectable at all gas concentrations of 1/5 of the lower explosive limit and above shall have an odorant added to make it so detectable.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply for gas delivered for further processing or for use where the odorant would serve no useful purpose as a warning agent.

Gas fitter's tag

46 After completion of installation of a gas system, a gas fitter shall affix a tag, bearing the gas fitter's name, registration number, type of appliance and date of affixation, to a pipe of a gas system at the point of an entry into a building or, if there is no building, at the meter.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 5.]

Adjustments on connection to gas line

47 A person who connects gas to an appliance shall

(a) adjust and test each appliance he has connected so that it will operate in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, and

(b) adjust the input rate to the required rate by

(i) replacing a fixed orifice size,

(ii) changing the adjustment of an adjustable orifice, or

(iii) where a regulator is provided, by re-adjustment of the gas pressure regulator outlet.

Authorized or qualified persons to do certain work

48 (1) No person, other than an authorized employee of a gas company or a person having permission of the gas company, shall

(a) open or make connections with a distribution main or service pipe,

(b) disconnect the inlet of a meter, or

(c) move a meter.

(2) No person shall do welding on metallic gas piping unless that person is the holder of a valid certificate of qualification.

(3) No person shall install or interconnect any non-metallic pipe unless that person is the holder of a valid certificate of qualification.

(4) The chief inspector may determine the qualification that a person shall have to weld piping or install or interconnect any other equipment composed of plastic, metal, glass or other material to which the Act applies.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 8.]

Testing after disconnection

49 Where a person disconnects the outlet of a meter from the house piping he shall

(a) remake the joint at the meter outlet, and

(b) turn the meter on again only after testing the house piping and ensuring that no other outlets are open.

Gas fitter must notify of need to repair

50 Where it comes to the attention of a gas fitter that there is a need for alterations or repairs by a gas company to any part of a supply system containing unmeasured gas, the gas fitter shall immediately so notify the gas company.

Gas fitter may make temporary repairs

51 Where gas is leaking from any part of a gas supply system containing unmeasured gas, any gas fitter may make necessary temporary repairs and shall notify the gas company that permanent repairs are necessary.

Division 2 — Permits

Chief inspector may designate persons to issue permits

52 The chief inspector may designate those persons or classes of persons who may issue permits under the Act.

No work on gas system unless permit applied for

53 No person shall commence an installation or alteration of any gas system unless he has delivered an application for a permit to an issuing officer and paid the applicable fee set out in section 2 or 3 of Schedule A.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 1; 425/88, s. 2; 100/94, App. 3, s. 1; 128/95, s. 2.]

Persons who may apply for permits

54 Application for a permit may be made by

(a) a contractor,

(b) an agent of a contractor, or

(c) the owner of a single family dwelling who lives, or bona fide intends to live, in that dwelling.

Permit application where local inspectors provided

55 For the purposes of section 8 (1) of the Act, a gas inspection service shall be provided and maintained by the municipal council, and the permit shall be obtained from the municipal council, where

(a) a single family dwelling is serviced by an individual meter and supplied with gas at a pressure of less than 14.0 kPa (gauge), or

(b) commercial premises are supplied with gas at a pressure of less than 14.0 kPa (gauge) and the connected load is less than 120 kW (409 600 BTU/hr).

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 9.]

Permit application

56 Application for a permit shall be made to an issuing officer in the form which the chief inspector may determine.

Drawings to accompany application

57 (1) An applicant for a permit for a gas system

(a) with gas pressure in the gas system in excess of 14.0 kPa (gauge),

(b) having a connected load in excess of 120 kW, or

(c) both (a) and (b)

shall, where required by the chief inspector, accompany his application with drawings for the system properly engineered at a suitable scale or in isometric projection showing all the details of the gas system.

(2) Where a permit has been issued and drawings submitted in support of the application do not, in the opinion of the chief inspector, meet minimum code requirements, he may suspend the permit, or issue a stop work order or both.

(3) The prescribed fee shall be paid by the applicant for the survey of drawings.

[am. B.C. Regs. 441/87, s. 6; 425/88, s. 4.]

Inspector may stop work where
permit or application not produced

58 Where a person fails to produce on the request of an inspector or local inspector

(a) a permit, or

(b) proof to the satisfaction of the inspector or local inspector of the application for a permit

the inspector or local inspector may order that the person stop work on the gas system.

Permit may be voided

59 A permit is void where

(a) the installation is not commenced within 30 days of the date of its issuance, or

(b) there has been no progressive work on the installation for 60 days.

Chief inspector may extend permit

60 The chief inspector may extend the period of validity of a permit up to 90 days.

Failure to pay fees or remedy deficiency

61 (1) Where an applicant for a permit for a gas system is delinquent in the payment of a fee payable under the Act or regulations or a bylaw of a municipality in respect of a gas inspection service, an issuing officer may decline to issue the permit until all delinquent fees are paid.

(2) Where a person who has been issued a permit for a gas system is delinquent in remedying a deficiency in an installation for which the permit was issued, an issuing officer may decline to issue further permits to that person until all deficiencies are remedied.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 10.]

Separate permit for each building

62 (1) Where more than one meter is installed by a gas company for any building, a single permit for the building shall be issued for each contractor performing work in that building provided that the work is done during the construction period.

(2) The fee paid for the permit under this section shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of section 3 (h) of Schedule A.

(3) Any work performed after the building is occupied shall require an individual permit for each gas system/meter combination.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 10; am. B.C. Regs. 100/94, App. 3, s. 2; 128/95, s. 3.]

Permit holder to inform inspector on completion

63 (1) On completion of each phase of the gas system authorized by a permit, the holder of the permit shall immediately inform an inspector or local inspector that the work has been performed and is ready for inspection.

(2) On final completion of the work authorized by a permit, the holder of the permit shall immediately inform an inspector and shall complete a Notification of Completion, Installation or Alteration form.

(3) The form shall be signed by the gas fitter who has done the work to certify that

(a) the work has been completed in accordance with the Act and regulations, and

(b) the work is in safe operating condition.

[am. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 11.]

Inspections and authorizations

64 (1) Except as otherwise provided in this regulation, an inspector is not required to inspect a gas system solely because a permit was issued in respect of the gas system.

(2) Where an inspector, on the request of an owner, contractor or other person, makes a special inspection, the owner, contractor or other person requesting the inspection shall pay the applicable fee set out in section 5 of the Schedule.

(3) A gas permit issued for the installation, alteration or repair of a gas system is also an authorization for the use of the gas system upon completion of the work, subject to any limitation required by the gas inspector.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 12; am. B.C. Reg. 100/94, App. 3, s. 3.]

Inspector may stop work

65 Where an inspector or a local inspector is of the opinion that work on a gas system is not being done in accordance with plans submitted with the permit or with the permit issued for it, the inspector or local inspector may order the immediate suspension of work on the system by posting a notice to that effect on the premises.

Division 3 — Annual Permits

Compulsory annual permits

66 (1) The operator of

(a) an industrial or commercial establishment with appliances used for processing or process water heating with a total input in excess of 1 500 kW used for purposes other than space heating or domestic water heating,

(b) a propane bulk plant,

(c) an establishment for filling cylinders or vehicle tanks with gas,

(d) an establishment where gas systems, appliances, equipment or containers are installed on vehicles,

(e) an establishment supplying portable heating appliances, and

(f) a portable appliance with an input in excess of 300 kW which can be transported from site to site

shall apply to the chief inspector for an annual permit for the type of work to be done.

(2) The operator of an establishment or plant not required to hold an annual permit under subsection (1) may apply to the chief inspector for an annual permit, which the chief inspector, in his discretion, may issue.

[am. B.C. Reg. 492/83, s. 3.]

Fee

67 The applicant for an annual permit shall pay the applicable fee set out in section 4 of Schedule A.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 4; 100/94, App. 3, s. 4; 128/95, s. 4.]

Records

68 The holder of an annual permit shall keep an accurate record of all functions authorized under the permit showing

(a) the location of the appliances,

(b) the type of appliances, and

(c) any maintenance performed on the appliances.

Additions to system

69 The holder of an annual permit issued under section 66 (1) (a) or (b), shall notify an inspector in writing of any addition to the gas system.

Gas fitter to do certain work

70 Any work performed under an annual permit issued under section 66 (1) (a), (b), (d) and (e) must be done by a gas fitter and the gas fitter must complete any records.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 1.]

Properly trained persons shall do certain work

71 (1) Any work performed under an annual permit issued under section 66 (1) (c) or (d) may only be done by a person possessing a certificate issued by the chief inspector.

(2) Where an annual permit has been issued under section 66 (1) (f) the appliance may only be operated by a person trained by the manufacturer of the appliance or his representative.

Inspection

72 Each establishment for which the operator holds an annual permit may be inspected at any reasonable time.

Provisions not applying to annual permits

73 Sections 53 to 56, 59, 62 and 63 do not apply in respect of annual permits.

Division 4 — Appliance Certification, Testing and Approval

No installation unless certified

74 (1) No person shall install or allow to be installed an appliance unless

(a) it has been tested and certified by an approved agency, or

(b) an application has been made to the chief inspector for certification of the appliance and the applicable fee set out in section 6 of Schedule A has been paid.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an appliance with a maximum input less than 120 kW which is being reinstalled but no appliance may be reinstalled unless it has been examined and repaired where necessary and certified to be in safe working condition by a gas fitter.

(3) No person shall use a portable heater for temporary heating unless the heater bears a decal valid for 2 years applied by a gas fitter certifying as to its safety and operation.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, ss. 5, 6; 441/87, s. 8; 100/94, App. 3, s. 5; 128/95, s. 4.]

Approved testing and certifying

75 (1) Every organization seeking approval as a testing and certifying agency for gas equipment and appliances in the Province shall

(a) be accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as a testing and certifying agency for specified gas equipment and appliances, and

(b) comply with any other requirements which may be specified by the chief inspector.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the chief inspector may

(a) approve an organization to conduct special tests and to certify gas appliances and equipment in the Province, and

(b) conduct tests and certify equipment, appliances and accessories in the Province.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 13.]

Application for certification before commencing installation

76 Where a person intends

(a) to install or reinstall any direct-fired non-recirculating type make-up heater, or

(b) to install a conversion burner, except where it is to be installed in a single family dwelling and has an input of less than 120 kW

he shall, before commencing installation, ascertain that an application has been made to the chief inspector for certification of the appliance and that the prescribed fee has been paid.

Unapproved appliance must be certified

77 Every person who manufactures or brings into the Province an unapproved appliance or any appliance having an input in excess of 120 kW shall apply to the chief inspector for certification of the appliance and pay the applicable fee set out in section 6 of Schedule A.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 7; 100/94, App. 3, s. 5; 128/95, s. 4.]

Chief inspector may order remedying of problem

78 Where an application for certification has been made to the chief inspector and he is of the opinion that the gas equipment is not safe, the chief inspector may require the installer to remedy the problem and may order that work installing the gas system cease until he is satisfied that the problem is corrected and the equipment is safe.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 9.]

No ignition of uncertified appliance unless authorized

79 The main burner or burners of any direct fired non-recirculating type make-up heater or any other appliance with an input in excess of 120 kW shall only be ignited after inspection and approval by an inspector except that an inspector may authorize the burners to be ignited and operated prior to inspection under conditions he may direct.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 10.]

Appliance lit for test purposes

80 Where a gas fitter has been authorized to ignite an appliance for test purposes under section 79 he shall not leave the appliance unattended by a gas fitter unless so authorized by an inspector.

Inspector may require to be present before ignition

81 An inspector may, where he considers it necessary, require a person who is installing any appliance to refrain from igniting an appliance until the inspector is present and approves of the ignition.

Part 3 — Gas Licensing and Certification

Division 1 — Licensing

No installation or alteration without licence

82 Except as permitted in section 83, no person shall install or alter a gas system unless

(a) he is the holder of a valid and subsisting licence to do that installation and is employed by a contractor, or

(b) he is working as an assistant to, and under the constant supervision of, the holder of a valid and subsisting licence to do that installation and is employed by a contractor.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 11.]

Family home

83 The owner of a single family dwelling who lives or intends to live in that dwelling, may do the work of a gas fitter in that dwelling provided that

(a) there is no other dwelling or premises that is directly attached to the single family dwelling,

(b) no person is being paid to do or assist the owner in doing the work, and

(c) no part of the dwelling is rented or intended to be rented to any person.

Farmer

84 Section 83 does not preclude a farmer from installing a gas system in his residence and in ancillary buildings, provided the installations are not being made to prepare the premises for sale or rent, or for occupancy or use by any person other than the immediate family of the farmer.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 12.]

Licence must be provided

85 The holder of a licence shall at the request of an inspector or local inspector produce the licence.

Failure to produce licence

86 Where any person fails to produce a licence on request of an inspector or local inspector, there shall be prima facie presumption that he is not the holder of a licence.

Class A gas fitter

87 A Class A gas fitter's licence shall entitle the holder, while employed by a contractor, to install or alter any gas system.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 13.]

Class B gas fitter

88 A Class B gas fitter's licence shall entitle the holder, while employed by a contractor, to install and alter

(a) atmospheric appliances with draft hoods which bear the certification mark of an approved testing agency,

(b) other appliances and vents up to and including 220 kW,

(c) piping and atmospheric vents, and

(d) with job site supervision acceptable to the chief inspector by the holder of a Class A gas fitter's licence, any appliance in excess of 220 kW.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 14.]

Gas piping licence holder

89 (1) A gas piping licence shall entitle the holder, while employed by a contractor, to install and test gas piping.

(2) The holder of a gas piping licence is not permitted to install, service or commission gas appliances.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 14.]

Domestic appliance service licence holder

90 A Class C appliance service licence shall entitle the holder, while employed by a contractor, to service

(a) gas appliances installed for residential use, or

(b) light commercial appliances up to an input of 120 kW (409 600 BTU/hr).

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 14.]

Gas venting licence holder

91 A gas venting licence shall entitle the holder, while employed by a contractor, to alter, repair and install venting.

Special purpose licence holder

92 A special purpose licence shall entitle the holder to perform only the gas fitting for which the licence is specifically issued and only under the conditions specifically endorsed on it.

Gas utility licence holder

92.1 A gas utility licence entitles the holder, while employed by a gas utility and after gas service is interrupted, to do any of the following:

(a) relight gas equipment with an input of 120 kW or less;

(b) replace thermocouples;

(c) perform other minor repairs;

(d) perform safety checks.

[en. B.C. Reg. 211/2003, s. 2.]

Sections Repealed

93 and 94 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 15.]

Class A gas fitter licence qualifications

95 An applicant for a Class A gas fitter's licence shall

(a) have held a Class B licence for a minimum of 2 years, and

(b) attain the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

[am. B.C. Reg. 425/88, s. 6.]

Class B gas fitter licence qualifications

96 An applicant for a Class B gas fitter’s licence must

(a) be the holder of a trade qualification or certificate of apprenticeship in plumbing, steamfitting, refrigeration, sprinkler fitting or gas fitting,

(b) have successfully completed a gas fitting apprenticeship, or

(c) have an equivalent combination of education and training acceptable to the chief inspector and attain the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

(2) An applicant referred to in subsection (1) (a) or (b) must have successfully completed a gas fitting course acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee.

[en. B.C. Reg. 334/2002.]

Class C appliance service licence qualifications

97 An applicant for a Class C appliance service licence shall

(a) have successfully completed a course in gas appliance service training, and

(b) attain the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 16.]

Gas piping licence qualifications

98 An applicant for a gas piping licence shall

(a) be the holder of a piping trades qualification acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee or have had a minimum of 2 years gas fitting experience, and

(b) attain the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

Recreation vehicle installation
and service licence qualifications

99 An applicant for a recreation vehicle installation and service licence must

(a) have documented evidence of a minimum of 2 years experience in the installation or repair, or both installation and repair, of recreation vehicle appliances and piping,

(b) have successfully completed a course in recreation vehicle appliance installation and servicing that is acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee, and

(c) attain a standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 3.]

Liquid propane gas vehicle
conversion licence qualifications

99.1 An applicant for a liquid propane gas vehicle conversion licence must

(a) be the holder of a 3 year automotive trade qualification or an equivalent 3 year automotive trade, or have documented evidence of a minimum of 3 years of automotive tuneup experience,

(b) have successfully completed a course in the conversion of vehicles to liquid propane gas that is acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee, and

(c) attain a standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 3.]

Compressed natural gas vehicle
conversion licence qualifications

99.2 An applicant for a compressed natural gas vehicle conversion licence must

(a) be the holder of a 3 year automotive trade qualification or an equivalent 3 year automotive trade, or have documented evidence of a minimum of 3 years of automotive tuneup experience,

(b) have successfully completed a course in the conversion of vehicles to compressed natural gas that is acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee, and

(c) attain a standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 3.]

Compressed natural gas and liquid propane gas
vehicle conversion licence qualifications

99.3 An applicant for a compressed natural gas and liquid propane gas vehicle conversion licence must

(a) be the holder of a 3 year automotive trade qualification or an equivalent 3 year automotive trade, or have documented evidence of a minimum of 3 years of automotive tuneup experience,

(b) have successfully completed a course in the conversion of vehicles to compressed natural gas and liquid propane gas that is acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee, and

(c) attain a standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 3.]

Gas venting licence qualifications

100 An applicant for a gas venting licence shall be the holder of sheet metal trades qualification, and attain the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

Examination fees

100.1 An application for an examination under this regulation must be accompanied by the applicable fee set out in section 7 of Schedule A.

[en. B.C. Reg. 192/2001, s. (a).]

Special purpose licence qualifications

101 An applicant for a special purpose licence shall meet the requirements of experience and training acceptable to the chief inspector.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 18.]

Gas utility licence qualifications

101.1 An applicant for a gas utility licence must

(a) successfully complete 2 years of training in utility installations and additional training acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee, and

(b) attain the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee.

[en. B.C. Reg. 211/2003, s. 3.]

Section Repealed

102 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 4.]

Application for licence

103 All applications for licences shall be made in the form and manner required by the chief inspector.

Affidavits

104 Applicants may be required to provide affidavits attesting to the accuracy of evidence required under the qualifications for a licence.

Fees

105 All applications for licences shall be accompanied by the applicable fee set out in section 7 of Schedule A.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 8; 128/95, s. 4; 192/2001, s. (b).]

Re-examination

106 (1) Where a person fails to attain the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee on an examination for a licence, he is entitled to be re-examined, on a date set by the Committee or by the chief inspector, upon payment of the applicable fee set out in section 7 of Schedule A.

(2) Where a licensed gas fitter fails to maintain a standard of proficiency in his work acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee, he may be re-examined, in whole or in part, for the licence he presently holds, on a date set by the chief inspector.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 8; 52/91, s. 19; 128/95, s. 4; 192/2001, s. (c).]

Expiry of licences

107 A licence expires 36 months after the date on which it was issued.

[en. B.C. Reg. 376/84; am. B.C. Reg. 100/94, App. 3, s. 6.]

Section Repealed

108 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 376/84.]

Licence renewal

109 A licence may be renewed without re-examination, unless it has been expired for more than 3 years prior to the date of application for renewal.

[am. B.C. Reg. 53/91.]

Duplicate of lost licence

110 The chief inspector may on payment of the applicable fee set out in section 7 of Schedule A, issue a duplicate licence where the holder satisfies him that the licence has been lost or destroyed.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 8; 100/94, App. 3, s. 7; 128/95, s. 4.]

Division 2 — Contractors

Not to carry on business unless a contractor

111 No person shall carry on a business the purpose of which is to install or alter a gas system unless he is a registered contractor.

[am. B.C. Reg. 441/87, s. 15.]

Register

112 The chief inspector must keep a register of contractors and annual permit holders in which is entered, at the time of registration, the name of each contractor and each annual permit holder and the address of the place of business of the contractor or annual permit holder, together with other information the chief inspector requires.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 5.]

Application

113 Application for registration as a contractor shall be made in writing to the chief inspector in the form he determines accompanied by the applicable fee set out in section 7 of Schedule A.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 8; 100/94, App. 3, s. 7; 128/95, s. 4.]

Bond

114 A person shall not be registered unless he provides, with his application for registration, a performance bond in the amount of $10 000 having the content of Form 1.

Certificate of registration

115 On registration of a contractor, the chief inspector shall send to the contractor a certificate of registration.

Expiry of certificate

116 A certificate of registration issued in October, November or December of any year shall expire on December 31 of the following calendar year.

Expiry of certificate

117 Subject to section 116 a certificate of registration expires on December 31 of the year it is issued.

Bonds

118 The bond as required under section 114 may be provided by

(a) a bond of a surety licensed under the Insurance Act, or

(b) a bond of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

Surety may be required to rectify non-compliance

119 Where a contractor, in the opinion of the chief inspector, has failed to comply with the standards required by the Act, the regulations or any code adopted under the Act and neglects or refuses to rectify the non-compliance, the chief inspector may require the surety to cause work to be done to rectify the non-compliance up to the maximum amount of the bond.

Amount of bond insufficient to completely rectify

120 Where the cost of work required to rectify the non-compliance will exceed the amount of the bond, the surety shall pay the amount of the bond to the minister who may cause that work to be done, up to the amount of the bond, which will ensure maximum safety.

[am. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 20.]

Bond cancellation

121 Where a bond required under section 114 has been cancelled or withdrawn the certificate of registration of the contractor is null and void until another bond is obtained.

Contractor must ensure qualifications of employees

122 No contractor shall cause or allow a person to do the work coming within the scope of any licence, unless the person is

(a) the holder of a valid and subsisting licence to do the work, or

(b) working as an assistant to and under the constant supervision of a holder of a valid and subsisting licence to do the work.

Inspector may require contractor's compliance

123 Where an inspector or local inspector finds that the installation or alteration of a gas system does not comply with the Act or any regulation, the inspector or local inspector shall notify the contractor by whom the installation or repairing was done of the deficiency or irregularity in writing and require the contractor to do or cause to be done, within a specified period of time whatever is necessary to bring the gas system into conformity with the Act and regulations.

Suspension of certificate

124 Where a contractor fails to comply with any requirement in a notice under section 123, the chief inspector may suspend his certificate of registration.

Division 3 — Dealers

Inspector may examine stock

125 An inspector or local inspector may examine appliances in a dealer's stock and prohibit their sale until the Act and the regulations have been complied with.

Dealer records

126 A dealer shall provide on request of an inspector or local inspector a record of every appliance that he sells, showing

(a) the name and address of the purchaser,

(b) the place of installation, and

(c) the type and model number of the appliance.

Division 4 — Appointment and Qualifications of Inspectors

Issuance of certificates

127 A certificate of competency may be issued by the chief inspector.

Grades of certificates

128 A certificate of competency may be Grade A, Grade B or temporary.

Grade B certificate — local inspector

129 The holder of a certificate of competency Grade B may be appointed a local inspector.

Grade A certificate — inspector

130 The holder of a certificate of competency Grade A may be appointed an inspector or local inspector.

Temporary certificate

131 The holder of a temporary certificate of competency who is appointed an inspector has only the powers of an inspector in respect of gas installations and their construction, installation and maintenance.

Inactive certificate holder

132 A certificate of competency held by a person who has not been an inspector or local inspector for 2 years, is null and void.

Duplicate of lost certificate

133 The chief inspector may upon payment of the applicable fee set out in section 7 of Schedule A, issue a duplicate certificate where the holder satisfies him that the certificate has been lost or destroyed.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 8; 100/94, App. 3, s. 7; 128/95, s. 4.]

Only inspectors may inspect

134 No person shall inspect a gas system for purposes of carrying out the provisions of the Act or regulations unless he has been appointed or designated an inspector or local inspector.

Inspector may be issued gas fitter licence

135 The chief inspector may renew or issue, without fee or examination,

(a) to each local inspector on his appointment and each year thereafter, a Class B gas fitter's licence, which shall be valid during his term of office only, and

(b) to each inspector on his appointment and every year thereafter a Class A gas fitter's licence, which shall be valid during his term of office only.

Application for certificate

136 An application for a certificate of competency Grade A or B shall be made in writing to the chief inspector in the form prescribed by him and shall be accompanied by

(a) proof that the person has been the holder of a Class B gas fitter's licence and employed as a gas fitter for a minimum of 5 years,

(b) testimonials signed by the person giving the testimonial regarding the knowledge and experience of the applicant and the class of work done during a stated period, and

(c) the prescribed fee.

Qualifications for certificate

137 The chief inspector may issue

(a) a certificate of competency Grade A to an applicant who has attained the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee and has complied with section 136,

(b) a certificate of competency Grade B to an applicant who has attained the standing acceptable to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee in an examination approved by the Committee and has complied with section 136, or

(c) a temporary certificate of competency to a person who satisfies him that he is, in the circumstance, qualified to carry out the duties of an inspector required of him.

Examinations

138 An examination for a certificate of competency as an inspector or local inspector shall be undertaken only by those persons whose applications have been approved by the chief inspector and who have paid the applicable fee set out in section 7 of Schedule A.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 8; 100/94, App. 3, s. 7; 128/95, s. 4.]

No fee for competitive examination

139 Notwithstanding section 138, where there is a competitive examination for the purpose of appointing an inspector, there shall be no fee for the examination.

Re-examination

140 Where a person fails to successfully complete an examination for a certificate of competency he is entitled, on payment of the applicable fee set out in section 7 of Schedule A, to be re-examined at a time to be determined by the chief inspector.

[am. B.C. Regs. 492/83, s. 8; 100/94, App. 3, s. 7; 128/95, s. 4.]

Division 5 — Suspension and Cancellation

Licence suspension other than gas fitter's licence

141 The chief inspector may, without a hearing, suspend a licence, other than a Class A or Class B gas fitter's licence, for a period not in excess of 30 days for violation of the Act or regulations and may refer the matter to the Gas Safety Advisory Committee for its recommendation.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 6.]

Cancellation or suspension of certificate of competency

142 The minister may suspend or cancel any certificate of competency for violation of the Act or regulation.

[am. B.C. Reg. 425/88, s. 9.]

Certificate or licence cancellation or
suspension for more than 30 days

143 (1) On the recommendation of the Gas Safety Advisory Committee, the chief inspector may cancel a certificate or licence, or may suspend a certificate or licence for a period in excess of 30 days, if

(a) due notice has been given to the holder of the certificate or licence of the time and place of a hearing to be held before the Gas Safety Advisory Committee,

(b) the holder of the certificate or licence has been requested to attend the hearing, and

(c) the hearing has been held.

(2) Due notice is deemed to have been given if a letter is mailed to the holder of the certificate or licence at his or her last known address at least 7 days before the date of the hearing.

(3) This section does not apply to a gas fitter's licence.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 7.]

Cancellation of a gas fitter's licence

143.1 (1) The chief inspector may cancel a Class A or Class B gas fitter's licence if

(a) due notice has been given to the holder of the licence of the time and place of a hearing to be held before the chief inspector,

(b) the holder of the licence has been requested to attend the hearing, and

(c) the hearing has been held.

(2) Due notice is deemed to have been given if a letter is mailed to the holder of the licence at his or her last known address at least 7 days before the date of the hearing.

[en. B.C. Reg. 127/95, s. 7.]

Reasons

144 Without limiting the general power of the chief inspector, the following reasons are cause for suspension, revocation or cancellation of a certificate or licence:

(a) use by the holder for an improper or fraudulent purpose;

(b) dereliction by the holder in a duty imposed on him under the Act;

(c) consistent laxity by the holder in rectifying faults and defects in the work undertaken by him;

(d) workmanship of persons employed by the holder not up to the standards required;

(e) causing or allowing a person other than gas fitters licensed to do such work in contravention of section 122;

(f) inadvertent or improper issuance of a certificate or licence;

(g) any other proper cause that exists for the suspension, cancellation or notation.

False statement on licence

145 Any person who obtains a licence or certificate by reason of a false statement made on his application commits an offence and the licence or certificate is void from the date of issue.

Part 4 —Offences and Liability

Offences

146 A person who contravenes sections 4 (2) or (3), 8, 11 (1) or (2), 12, 13 (1) or (2), 14 to 16, 18 to 23, 25, 27, 29 to 35, 38 (1) or (2), 40, 41 (1) or (2), 42 to 47, 48 (1), (2) or (3), 49 to 51, 53, 63 (1), (2) or (3), 68 to 70, 71 (1) or (2), 74 (1), (2) or (3), 76, 77, 79, 80, 82, 83, 85, 111, 122, 126 or 134 commits an offence.

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/91, s. 21.]

Continuing civil liability

147 Where, in respect of an act or omission, a person who does the act or makes the omission is subject to a penalty under this regulation, the fact that the person is so subject does not operate as an intent to preclude an action for damages in respect of that act or omission.

Part 5 — Fees

Fees

148 (1) The fees and payments that shall be paid under the Act and this regulation are set out in the Schedule.

(2) For permits issued under sections 2, 3 and 6 of Schedule A, in addition to the fees indicated in those provisions,

(a) an additional operator fee of $1.50, plus any G.S.T. applicable to the operator fee, is payable for any permit obtained by electronic means from a location outside a government office or at a government office by a person who is not a government employee, or

(b) an additional fee of $2.00 is payable for any permit issued by a government employee in a government office or by an agent of the government specifically authorized to issue permits on behalf of the government.

[en. B.C. Reg. 492/83, s. 9; am. B.C. Reg. 132/99, s. 4.]

Schedule A

[en. B.C. Reg. 83/98; am. B.C. Reg. 80/99; 192/2001, s. (d).]

Fees

Note: All calculations of fees pursuant to any formula set out in this Schedule shall be calculated to the nearest dollar.

Surveys

Survey of plans, designs or sites, for each hour or portion of an hour

 $78

Permits — residential

Note: A gas piping only permit requires that the line be capped or plugged and be pressure tested. An installation permit is required for the connection and firing of appliances.

2 Residential permit fees for installation, alteration, repair or replacement
(includes cost of any initial inspection)

(a) 

for a single family dwelling,

(i) 

installation of one or 2 appliances, including vent and gas piping

$41

(ii) 

installation of each additional appliance, including vent and gas piping

21

(iii) 

installation of vent or gas piping only

31

(iv) 

replacement (similar type, except water heaters) or repair of a gas appliance (for multiple appliances use item 2 (a) (i) and (ii))

31

(v) 

Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 80/99, s. 2.]

(vi) 

replacement of water heater by home owner

31

(vii) 

alteration of gas piping (required where appliances already in service, includes gas leak repair, seismic valves, etc.)

31

(viii) 

connection of gas piping to a new or used, certified mobile building with existing appliances

31

(ix) 

home owner (upon satisfactory completion of home owner data sheet)

 fees as above

(x) 

natural gas Vehicle Refuelling Appliance (VRA)

85

(b) 

for multi-unit dwellings,

(i) 

if the appliances in a building are of the domestic type and are installed in individual residential units, the fee will be calculated using Table 2, for each appliance, vent and associated piping

(ii) 

vent only

31

(iii) 

gas piping only,

(A) 

 for the first 50 m (163.75 ft) or part thereof

49

(B) 

for each additional 35 m (114.84 ft) or part thereof

30

Permits — commercial installations

3 Permit fees for installation, alteration, repair or replacement (includes cost of any initial inspection) for commercial installations, other than single family dwellings,

(a) 

each appliance, including vent and gas piping, with an
input as set out in Table 1

see Table 1

(b) 

temporary heating appliances, and the piping connecting
them,for each site

$39

(c) 

vent only

45

(d) 

gas piping only,

(i) 

for the first 50 m (163.75 ft) or part thereof

49

(ii) 

for each additional 50 m (163.75 ft) or part thereof

30

(iii) 

for alteration of gas piping (required where appliances already in service)

49

(e) 

chicken brooders, total BTUs for each floor, with an input as set out in Table 1

see Table 1

(f) 

installation of gas dispensers,

(i) 

propane dispensing units

106

(ii) 

natural gas dispensing units (compressor station)

212

(iii) 

each remote natural gas or propane dispenser

21

(iv) 

commercial refuelling appliance (VRA) (Natural Gas Compressor)

106

(g) 

replacement (similar type) or repair of gas appliances,

(i) 

having an input up to and including 409 600 BTU/hr

see Table 2A

(ii) 

having an input greater than 409 600 BTU/hr

see Table 2B

(h) 

laboratories using gas equipment (i.e. school science rooms), 200 000 total BTUs per room

43

Annual permits

4 Annual permit fees are determined as follows:

(a) 

for an industrial or commercial establishment having a processing or process
water heating load other than space heating or domestic water heating,

(i)

including the first hour of the initial inspection as conducted for heating load of 5 115 297 BTU/hr to 6 823 805 BTU/hr

$106

(ii)

including the first 2 hours of the initial inspection as conducted for  heating load of 6 823 806 BTU/hr to 10 234 003 BTU/hr

212

(iii)

 including the first 3 hours of the initial inspection as conducted for heating load of 10 234 004 BTU/hr or greater

355

(iv)

additional time in excess of that specified in subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii), each hour or portion of an hour

78

(b) 

for a propane bulk plant delivering an annual volume, for the volume set out in Column 1 of Table 3, the amount shown opposite it in Column 2,

(c) 

 for a vehicle or cylinder filling (dispensing) establishment, stationary or mobile, for the volume set out in Column 1 of Table 4, the amount shown opposite it in Column 2,

(d) 

for an establishment where gas systems, appliances, equipment or containers are installed on vehicles

162

(e) 

for an establishment or plant other than specified above (issued at the discretion of the chief inspector and upon request of the operator)

(i)

including cost of initial inspection

97

(ii)

any inspection over and above the initial inspection under subparagraph
(i), each hour or portion of an hour

78

(f) 

for a permit valid for one year for an appliance or gas system having an input in excess of 1 024 100 BTU/hr which can be transported from site to site

97

(g) 

for an establishment supplying portable heating appliances

49

(h) 

for a natural gas vehicle refuelling establishment using a Vehicle Refuelling Appliance(s) (VRA(s))

80

Special inspections

5 Special inspection fees are determined as follows:

(a) 

 for an inspection required as a result of a deficiency in, or inadequacy of, an installation located in any premises including premises covered by an annual permit, each hour or portion of an hour

$78

(b) 

for an inspection of an appliance or installation of a gas system for which the required permit was not taken out, each hour or portion of an hour

78

(c) 

for an inspection conducted outside regular business hours, $546 per day or $78 per hour or portion of an hour, whichever is less, with a minimum fee of $117, plus reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the inspector,

(d) 

 for an inspection of an appliance or installation of a gas system not requiring a permit, $546 per day or $78 per hour or portion of an hour, whichever is less, plus reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the inspector.

Certification of appliances — Special Gas (SG) Permits

6 (1) An application must be made for a special gas permit for each of the following:

(a) 

all appliances that do not bear the approval seal of a recognized testing agency;

(b) 

commercial and industrial conversion burners;

(c) 

direct fired equipment irrespective of input;

(d) 

forced draft appliance over 409 600 BTU/hr input;

(e) 

other equipment or appliances as may be specified by the Gas Safety Branch.

(2) 

The special gas permit fee for an appliance under subsection (1) (a) or (b), based
on an input as set out in Columns 1 and 3 of Table 5, is the amount shown
opposite in Columns 2 and 4 respectively.

(3) 

For an appliance under subsection (1) (c), (d) or (e) that bears the approval
seal of a recognized testing agency

$84

(4) 

When an appliance(s), previously installed under subsection (1) and (2)
or (3) above, is moved and installed in another location, a new special
gas permit is not required. Only an installation permit under section 3 (a)
of this Schedule is required for the appliance(s).

(5) 

For any appliance initially installed under a special gas permit, for which:

(a) 

the type of fuel is changed (unless certified as a dual fuel appliance)

$84

(b) 

the fuel burners are replaced

84

Examinations and licences

7 Examination and licence fees are determined as follows:

(a) 

examination for

(i) 

licence qualifications

$33

(ii) 

certificate of competency

33

(b) 

re-examination for

(i) 

licence qualifications

33

(ii) 

certificate of competency

33

(c) 

special purposes licence (without examination)

33

(d) 

licence — valid for 3 years

50

(e)  renewal of licence - valid for 3 years 50

(f) 

contractor's annual certificate of registration

80

(f) 

replacement of lost licence or certificate

27

Distribution line extensions

8 (1) A gas company must pay a fee for a distribution gas line extension based on the number of metres of distribution line installed in any one calendar year, calculated as follows:

Fee per metre

(a) 

first 3 000 metres (9 840 ft.)

$0.41

(b) 

next 7 000 metres (22 960 ft.)

0.30

(c) 

next 10 000 metres (32 800 ft.)

0.20

(d) 

next 20 000 metres (65 500 ft.)

0.11

(e) 

over 40 000 metres

0.08

(2) The fee must be paid within 90 days after the end of the calendar year to which the fee is applicable.

Seals and decals

9 Seal and decal fees are determined as follows:

(a) 

for an approved seal to be applied to gas systems and
appliances approved under section 74 of this regulation

$ 7

(b) 

for a decal valid for a period of 2 years and applied by
a gas fitter to a portable heater certifying its safety and operation

7

(c) 

for a decal applied to a gas system, an appliance,
equipment or a container installed on a vehicle

10

(d) 

for a decal applied to a residential dwelling unit replacement
of a gas water heater up to 50 000 BTU input

17

(e) 

for a decal applied to an air conditioning unit installed on an
existing hot air system in a residential dwelling unit

17

Table 1
Commercial Gas Permit Fees

(section 3 (a) and (e) of Schedule A)

Input
BTU/hr
(1 000s BTU)

 Fee
 ($)

Input
BTU/hr
(1 000s BTU)

Fee
($)

1-10

52

1 501-1 600

193

11-30

54

1 601-1 700

195

31-60

57

1 701-1 800

198

61-90

61

1 801-1 900

200

91-120

66

1 901-2 000

202

121-150

68

2 001-2 200

209

151-200

76

2 201-2 400

212

201-250

83

2 401-2 600

219

251-300

88

2 601-2 800

223

301-350

95

2 801-3 000

228

351-400

102

3 001-3 200

234

401-450

106

3 201-3 400

238

451-500

114

3 401-3 600

244

501-550

119

3 601-3 800

248

551-600

124

3 801-4 000

254

601-650

132

4 001-4 500

267

651-700

140

4 501-5 000

279

701-750

144

5 001-5 500

291

751-800

151

5 501-6 000

305

801-850

157

6 001-6 500

319

851-900

162

6 501-7 000

330

901-950

170

7 001-7 500

344

951-1 000

175

7 501-8 000

356

1 001-1 100

179

8 001-8 500

371

1 101-1 200

181

8 501-9 000

382

1 201-1 300

184

9 001-10 000

408

1 301-1 400

188

10 001-11 000

433

1 401-1 500

190

11 001-12 000

460

12 001 or greater

469

INPUT IN BTUs = KWs x 3413

Table 2
Sliding Scale for Multi-Unit Dwellings (Single Building)
(Section 2 (b) (i) of Schedule A)

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

1

32

 

21

437

 

41

533

 

61

629

 

81

725

2

64

 

22

442

 

42

538

 

62

634

 

82

730

3

96

 

23

446

 

43

542

 

63

638

 

83

734

4

128

 

24

451

 

44

547

 

64

643

 

84

739

5

160

 

25

456

 

45

552

 

65

648

 

85

744

6

192

 

26

461

 

46

557

 

66

653

 

86

749

7

224

 

27

466

 

47

562

 

67

658

 

87

754

8

256

 

28

470

 

48

566

 

68

662

 

88

758

9

288

 

29

475

 

49

571

 

69

667

 

89

763

10

320

 

30

480

 

50

576

 

70

672

 

90

768

11

331

 

31

485

 

51

581

 

71

677

 

91

773

12

342

 

32

490

 

52

586

 

72

682

 

92

778

13

354

 

33

494

 

53

590

 

73

686

 

93

782

14

365

 

34

499

 

54

595

 

74

691

 

94

787

15

376

 

35

504

 

55

600

 

75

696

 

95

792

16

387

 

36

509

 

56

605

 

76

701

 

96

797

17

398

 

37

514

 

57

610

 

77

706

 

97

802

18

410

 

38

518

 

58

614

 

78

710

 

98

806

19

421

 

39

523

 

59

619

 

79

715

 

99

811

20

432

 

40

528

 

60

624

 

80

720

 

100

816

FOR MORE THAN 100 APPLIANCES, ADD $5 FOR EACH APPLIANCE.

Table 2A
Sliding Scale for Replacement or Repair of Commercial Appliances
Appliances having an input up to and including 409 600 BTU/hr
(Section 3 (g) (i) of Schedule A)

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

1

49

 

11

507

 

21

669

 

31

742

 

41

816

2

98

 

12

524

 

22

676

 

32

750

 

42

823

3

147

 

13

541

 

23

684

 

33

757

 

43

831

4

196

 

14

559

 

24

691

 

34

764

 

44

838

5

245

 

15

576

 

25

698

 

35

772

 

45

845

6

294

 

16

593

 

26

706

 

36

779

 

46

853

7

343

 

17

610

 

27

713

 

37

786

 

47

860

8

392

 

18

627

 

28

720

 

38

794

 

48

867

9

441

 

19

644

 

29

728

 

39

801

 

49

875

10

490

 

20

662

 

30

735

 

40

809

 

50

882

 

Table 2B
Sliding Scale for Replacement or Repair of Commercial Appliances
Appliances having an input greater than 409 600 BTU/hr
(Section 3 (g) (ii) of Schedule A)

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

 

Number of
Appliances

Fee
$

1

80

 

11

828

 

21

1 092

 

31

1 212

 

41

1 332

2

160

 

12

856

 

22

1 104

 

32

1 224

 

42

1 344

3

240

 

13

884

 

23

1 116

 

33

1 236

 

43

1 356

4

320

 

14

912

 

24

1 128

 

34

1 248

 

44

1 368

5

400

 

15

940

 

25

1 140

 

35

1 260

 

45

1 380

6

480

 

16

968

 

26

1 152

 

36

1 272

 

46

1 392

7

560

 

17

996

 

27

1 164

 

37

1 284

 

47

1 404

8

640

 

18

1 024

 

28

1 176

 

38

1 296

 

48

1 416

9

720

 

19

1 052

 

29

1 188

 

39

1 308

 

49

1 428

10

800

 

20

1 080

 

30

1 200

 

40

1 320

 

50

1 440

 

Table 3
Bulk Plant
(section 4 (b) of Schedule A)

CLASS

Column 1
litres delivered
(millions of litres)

Column 2
Fee
$

2A

up to 2.0

112

2B

2.1 - 4.0

190

2C

over 4.1

268

Table 4
Cylinder and Vehicle Filling

(section 4 (c) of Schedule A)

CLASS

Column 1
litres of storage
(1 000s of litres)

Column 2
Fee
$

3A

0.1 - 2.0

40

3B

2.1 - 4.0

64

3C

4.1 - 6.0

86

3D

6.1 - 8.0

108

3E

8.1 - 10.0

132

3F

over 10.0

157

3G

Natural Gas Dispenser

80

Table 5
Special Gas (SG) Permit Fees

(section 6 (2) of Schedule A)

Column 1
(1000s BTU)

Column 2
(Fee) $

Column 3
(1000s BTU)

Column 4
(Fee) $

1-10

75

1 601-1 800

219

11-20

78

1 801-2 000

222

21-30

80

2 001-2 200

227

31-60

84

2 201-2 400

233

61-100

89

2 401-2 600

237

101-150

92

2 601-2 800

241

151-200

97

2 801-3 000

246

201-250

104

3 001-3 500

256

251-300

108

3 501-4 000

268

301-350

114

4 001-4 500

279

351-400

119

4 501-5 000

290

401-450

124

5 001-5 500

301

451-500

131

5 501-6 000

314

501-550

135

6 001-6 500

325

551-600

141 6

501-7 000

337

601-650

145

7 001-7 500

346

651-700

151

7 501-8 000

359

701-750

156

8 001-8 500

371

751-800

161

8 501-9 000

382

801-850

167

9 001-9 500

393

851-900

173

9 501-10 000

406

901-950

176

10 001-10 500

415

951-1 000

183

10 501-11 000

427

1 001-1 200

202

11 001-11 500

439

1 201-1 400

210

11 501-12 000

450

1 401-1 600

213

12 001 or greater

461

Schedule B

[en. B.C. Reg. 128/95, s. 5; am. B.C. Reg. 61/96, s. 3.]

Recognized Certification and Approval Agencies
in British Columbia

1 In this regulation, the following are recognized testing agencies:

CGA 

Canadian Gas Association

CSA 

Canadian Standards Association

G.S.B 

 Province of British Columbia, Gas Safety Branch

I.A.S. 

International Approval Services

U.L.C. 

Underwriters' Laboratory of Canada

c.U.L. 

Underwriters Laboratory (USA)

W.H. 

Warnock Hersey

Form 1

Gas Safety Act Bond
Gas Safety Act

       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that we .............................[NAME & ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL OR COMPANY]....................., (hereinafter called the Principal), and ..........[BONDING COMPANY] ............, (hereinafter called the Surety) are held and firmly bound unto the MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, RECREATION AND CULTURE for the Province of British Columbia, (hereinafter called the Obligee) in the penal sum of TEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($10 000) lawful money of Canada, to be paid to the Obligee or his successor in office or his or their assigns, for which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our successors and assigns firmly by these presents.

       WHEREAS the Principal, being a Contractor within the meaning of the Gas Safety Act, is required to furnish and maintain security in the sum of TEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS, ($10 000), lawful money of Canada, pursuant to the Regulations under the Gas Safety Act by way of a bond of an insurer licensed under the Insurance Act.

      NOW, the condition of the above written obligation is such that if the Principal shall conform to the provisions of the said Gas Safety Act during the term of any Contractor's Licence held by him under the said Act, then his obligation shall be void, otherwise shall be and remain in full force, virtue and effect.

      PROVIDED that if the Surety shall at any time give one month's calendar notice in writing to the Obligee and to the Principal of its intention to terminate the obligation hereby undertaken then this obligation and all liability of its part hereunder shall cease and determine so far as concerns any acts of the Principal subsequent to the termination of its obligation hereby undertaken, but otherwise shall remain in full force, virtue and effect in respect of any acts of the Principal from the date of such termination, and any such notice to the Principal shall be given by letter personally delivered to him or by registered letter addressed to him at his last post office address notified to the Surety.

SEALED WITH OUR SEALS AND dated this .............. day of .............................., 19.....

SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED                 )

in the presence of:                                             ) 

                                                                       ) 

....................................                                   )  ........................................................................
Witness                                                                PRINCIPAL (SIGNATURE)
                                                                            SEAL IF LTD. CO. OR
                                                                       )   SIGNATURE OF WITNESS

                                                                       )

                                                                       )........................................................................
                                                                       ) SURETY (SIGNATURE AND SEAL)
                                                                         

Distribution — ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED COPY OF BOND TO:
                          Gas Safety Branch
                          201 - 601 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4G9 Phone: 660-6233
                          NEW CONTRACTOR TO SUBMIT:
                          1) ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED copy of bond bearing signatures and seals as stated above.
                          2) Application for a gas contractor's licence.
                             (Form S.E.S. 363)
                          3) Fee for the Licence.

 

[Provisions of the Gas Safety Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 169, relevant to the enactment of this regulation: section 34]


Copyright © 2003: Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada