NEW – ON: TSSA issues COVID-19 considerations

On February 8, 2021, the TSSA issued new guidance for propane handling, training and technology requirements in light of ongoing COVID-19 protocols.

The document, TSSA Considerations during COVID-19, provides the following:

1. Licenses – TSSA has continued to require propane licenses to be renewed before the date of expiry. Any licensee who deferred submission of a new or revised Risk and Safety Management Plan (RSMP) during wave one should have submitted one no later than November 30, 2020.

2. 10-year tank inspections – TSSA offered propane distributors a grace period to complete the 10-year inspections of tanks and appliances required by section 18 of O. Reg. 211/01 if they could not be completed safely. Any inspections deferred during wave one were to be completed by November 30, 2020. Inspections must respect physical distancing and mask-wearing requirements.

TSSA will consider exceptions during wave two of the pandemic as follows: Consistent with TSSA’s modified inspections, if the site is deemed to be low risk, inspections of long-term care homes, retirement homes, hospitals and private dwellings may be deferred.

3. Other site inspections – May be deferred if there is a health risk to those performing the inspection. Distributors must notify TSSA of exceptions to the Statutory Director of Fuels.

4. Annual mobile food inspections, propane terminal and propane dispenser inspections – As per Ontario Regulation 211/01, these installations must be inspected annually for propane supply. Any deferred inspections during wave one for devices/sites that plan to operate should have been completed no later than November 30, 2020. Inspections are required for any business that decides to operate.