Boiler and Pressure Vessel

The BC Safety Authority is inviting feedback from all interested parties on the proposed 2012-2014 fee changes for the electrical, elevating devices, gas, and boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration technologies.

Proposed fee changes

The BC Safety Authority conducted a preliminary consultation with its top clients and key industry associations on an initial proposal of a 5% maximum increase in 2012, and a 3% maximum increase in both 2013 and 2014. The feedback was that the increased cost pressures would impact their business in a competitive market. We are therefore reducing the proposed increases to a weighted average of 3% in each year from 2012 through 2014, with 2012 increases in effect September 2012 at the earliest. Fees for homeowner permits will not be increased in 2012.

Proposed fee schedules by technology:

Boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration proposed fees
Electrical proposed fees
Elevating devices proposed fees
Gas proposed fees

Larger print format of proposed fee schedules:

Boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration proposed fees (large print format)
Electrical proposed fees (large print format)
Elevating devices proposed fees (large print format)
Gas proposed fees (large print format)

The proposed fee schedules are also available at all BC Safety Authority offices.

Reasons for fee increase

The BC Safety Authority has maintained a fee freeze for the past four years in support of its clients during the economic downturn. Unfortunately, this has caused the BC Safety Authority to run deficits in 2010 and 2011. In order to effectively continue providing professional regulatory oversight and a high level of client service, we need to increase our fees. Your fees support several safety services including, but not limited to the following:

Safety & Education (2011)

• 254,000 permits, licences and certificates issued
• 60,000 physical Inspections
• 180 compliance orders
• 13 monetary penalties
• More than 200 incident investigations at no additional cost
• 70 free tech talks around the province
• Direct-to-Public safety campaigns (Be in the Know about CO; Think Permit)

Efficiency & Innovation

• Risk-based inspection and certification programs means BC Safety Authority resources go to the areas on highest risk to public safety – savings to the entire system
• Safety management plans introduced – a new way of managing safety in complex situations

Investing in the Future

$10 million over 3 years to replace outdated IT system so that by 2013:

• Online processing for all technologies
• More convenience through online credit card payment
• Consolidate invoices - many permits on one invoice will reduce paperwork
• One account per client across all technologies
• Fees increasingly based on risk rankings

Consultation, feedback and questions

We now would like to get feedback from all interested parties on the proposed fees. The consultation period will run from April 11, 2012 through May 18, 2012. After considering all input from the consultation process, a final 2012-2014 fee schedule will then be determined. In June 2012, we will publish a notification of the final fee schedules and their effective dates. Later in 2012, we will also be consulting on the simplification of our fee structures.

To provide feedback on the proposed 2012-2014 fee changes, please use any of the following methods:

1. Feedback form:
   Give your comments through the webform
   Download a PDF form to give your comments
   Hard copies of forms are also available at all BC Safety Authority offices.
2. Email: feecomments@safetyauthority.ca
   
   
3. Mail:
   BC Safety Authority
   #200 - 505 6^th Street
   New Westminster BC  V3L 0E1
   Attention:  Jim Allaway, Leader - Stakeholder Engagement Programs
4. Fax: 778-396-2064
   Attention: Jim Allaway, Leader - Stakeholder Engagement Programs

Please note that all comments become part of the Stakeholder Engagement Program's database and may be published, including the identity of organizations and those participating on behalf of organizations. The identity of those who have participated as individuals will be kept confidential according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

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Operating permits are for owners of regulated equipment in commercial, residential, industrial, institutional or public assembly buildings. This equipment includes:

• Hot water boilers with a heating surface area exceeding 3 m2
• Steam boilers with a heating surface area exceeding 2m2
• Hot potable water heaters exceeding 120 kW or 400,000 BTUs/h
• Pressure vessels with a pressure exceeding 103 kPa operating pressure
• Air conditioning and refrigeration systems exceeding 25 kW input prime mover nameplate rating

A Safety Officer must inspect any of the equipment listed above before you can receive an operating permit. Once the equipment has passed inspection, you’ll receive the permit by mail along with the invoice for your permit, inspection and registration. Please be prepared to pay the appropriate boiler fees.

The permit needs to be stored alongside the equipment. You will be invoiced for the permit’s annual renewal.

If you are selling, scrapping, or are no longer using your boiler, pressure vessel or refrigeration/HVAC system, please submit a Boiler Declaration Form 1186 to any BCSA office to confirm that the equipment is out of use.

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Licensed contractors and owners need a permit before they install, operate or perform maintenance on any boiler, refrigeration system or pressure vessel.

Register a design before getting your installation permit

Before installing a boiler, you’ll need to first provide a Canadian Design Registration Number (CRN) or submit the design specifications of the device registered to obtain your CRN.

All licensed contractors qualified to work with the following equipment need an installation permit before they begin any operations:

• Hot water boilers with a heating surface area exceeding 3 m2
• Steam boilers with a heating surface area exceeding 2m2
• Hot potable water heaters exceeding 120 kW or 400,000 BTUs/h
• Air conditioning and refrigeration systems exceeding 5 kW input prime mover nameplate rating

Pressure vessels don’t need an installation permit, but before purchasing the unit you should contact your nearest BCSA office just in case it can’t be registered in BC.

To get your installation permit please prepare all the information in the Boiler Installation Permit Form 823 or Refrigeration Installation Permit Form 824 and:

1. Call our customer service line at 1-866-566-7233 or,
2. Mail or fax the form to any BCSA regional offices or Service BC Centre or,
3. Visit your nearest BCSA office in person.

Please be prepared to pay the appropriate fee for your type of boiler, refrigeration system or pressure vessel: Boiler Fee Schedule.

Alterations and new equipment

If you intend to bring a new boiler into British Columbia or alter existing equipment, you need to contact your nearest BCSA office to let us know.

New equipment must be approved before you can apply for an installation permit. To learn more, see: Design Registration for boilers.

Only Class A contractor licence holders can make alterations or repairs. Notify the BCSA ahead of time by completing the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Repair and Alteration Form 1060. Mail the completed form to any BCSA office.