Regulation of the Propane Industry

The storage, transportation, handling and use of propane is regulated by a variety of Acts and Regulations within Federal, Provincial, and Territorial jurisdictions. That's part of the reason the industry operates so safely!

Free Technical Service for Members

To help propane companies navigate the complex array of legislation and regulations, the Propane Gas Association of Canada offers a technical service to members. Information about the service is available in the secure Members Area of this website (under 'Ask an Expert').

Training Courses by the Propane Training Institute

The PGAC's Propane Training Institute (P•T•I) offers dozens of courses to the industry that are recognized by regulatory authorities across Canada, certifying over twenty thousand students annually on the safe handling of propane.

[ Learn more about P●T●I... ]

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B149 Series

To provide general insight into the regulatory framework of the industry, a good place to start is the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The CSA develops national codes for many aspects of the propane industry. These code are then adopted (usually with regional specific requirements) by each of the provinces.

The primary CSA code affecting the propane industry is the B149 series which covers the safe installation and handling of propane. CSA develops other codes pertaining to containers and other pressure vessels used in the propane industry.

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate

Another good place to explore is the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Directorate. The TDG Directorate guides many of the activities related to transporting propane.  

[ Go to Transport Canada's TDG Home page... ] 

Equivalency Certificates (Permits)

If a person wishes to carry on an activity related to transporting dangerous goods in a way that is not technically in compliance with the TDG Regulations, he or she can apply for a permit for the activity if it can be shown to provide an equivalent level of safety and compliance with the intent of the regulations. The PGAC has applied for and holds a number of these valid permits on behalf of members. 

[ More about Equivalency Certificates (Permits)… ]

TDG Emergency Response Assistance Plans (ERAPs)

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act requires that before a person offers for transport or imports certain dangerous goods, the person must have an approved Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP).

[ Go to the TDG website for more about ERAPs... ]

[ The LPG Emergency Response Corporation can help you with your ERAP... ] 

Environment Canada's Environmental Emergency (E2) Regulations

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act stipulates regulations that apply to the propane industry; for example the Environmental Emergency Regulations. These regulations require certain propane users with large quantities of propane (4.5 to 9 tonnes) on their property to have an Environmental Emergency Response Plan (EERP) registered. Note: an EERP is not the same as an ERAP!

[ View the Environment Canada website for more about E2 Regulations... ]

If you are a PGAC member, log into the secure Members area, and go to 'Regulations', for the PGAC's "model" EERP and "model" Testing Protocol; both are requirements under the E2 regulations for certain propane users. [ Click here if you've forgotten your login information... ]

Provincial Propane Regulators – Authorities Having Jurisdiction

Each jurisdiction in Canada interprets and adopts national regulations and codes according to its mandate and authority.  For information pertaining to your locale, it is important to consult the regulatory body in your area for complete details.  For a list of regulatory authorities in each province, please find the following contact sheets:

[ For Propane as a Transportation Fuel ] [ For Propane Use Generally ]