The 2020 B149 series of codes will be adopted in BC effective October 1, 2022. These codes highlight the minimum requirements for the installation of natural gas and propane piping systems, appliances and accessories, venting systems, and air requirements.

To support you in the adoption of the new codes, we have put together a list of the highest impact changes:

  1. Revised wording for high altitude installations: Updated wording for appliances installed at high elevations.
  2. New requirements for bonding of gas piping systems: Changes to bonding requirements for gas piping systems including additional specifications for corrugated stainless-steel tubing.
  3. Adoption of B149.3 Annex J: This new annex is the official installation code for gas systems and equipment in mobile outdoor food service units (food trucks).
  4. New certification/approval requirements for all engines or turbines: Specific requirements for generators and stationary engines are being relocated to the B149.3 code.
  5. Revised clearance requirements for pressure regulators and overpressure protection devices:  Service regulators must meet specific criteria to be installed with reduced clearances.
  6. Added coverage for emerging gas piping technologies: New allowances for schedule 10 piping used exclusively indoors and above ground with press-connect fittings.
  7. Revisions to acceptance criteria for welds on gas piping systems:  Revisions to acceptance criteria for welds on gas piping systems aligns well with PEBPVR regulations and pressure welding qualification requirements.
  8. New process for purging of gas piping systems: New requirements for purging a system before placing it into operation.
  9. Well-defined guidelines for direct fired process air heaters used in spray applications: Clarification of requirements for this type of equipment to improve worker safety.
  10. Improved accessibility for e-readers: Removal of bold, italicized text, and symbols to improve accessibility and user experience.

Learn more about gas safety regulation amendments and adopted code revisions.

In 2021, we held an online consultation about the impacts of adopting the gas codes in BC and any related issues. You can read a summary of what we heard during consultation, as well as the impact assessments on our Engage page.

If you’re interested in conversations with the Technical Safety BC community and being a part of future consultations, register to get involved now.