Gas
Annual State of Safety 2023
State of Safety: Gas
We oversee residential, industrial and commercial use of natural gas, propane, biogas, digester gas, manufactured gas, liquified petroleum gas, landfill gas and hydrogen throughout BC in accordance with the Safety Standards Act and the Gas Safety Regulation.
In 2023, we identified gas line strikes and carbon monoxide as two of our Top 5 Safety Risks. Twenty-two gas line hits were reported in the year and incidents tied to gas line hits have caused severe damage to property. Carbon monoxide continues to be a prevalent problem as 17 cases of CO were reported in 2023. We are monitoring both of these risks and working to minimize future occurrences with education on the severity of consequences associated with them.
Gas Appliance Installed by Unqualified Individual Causes Explosion in Cabin
An uncertified propane-fueled on-demand water heater was purchased online and installed in the crawl space of a cabin without a permit, by a person without qualifications. Incorrect gas fittings were installed that caused gas to leak into the crawl space. When the appliance started, an explosion occurred. The explosion resulted in second degree burn injuries to the face, hands, arms, and torso of the installer. The cabin’s windows, doors, and walls blew out; electrical components and interior surfaces in the cabin were damaged. This incident shows the importance of having a licensed contractor do regulated work. Homeowners should also be vigilant when purchasing gas or electrical items that must bear a mark of certification.
Incidents
Sixty-one gas incidents were reported to us in 2023, a decrease of 2% compared to 2022. Of the 61 incidents, five were ranked as “insignificant,” 29 were ranked as “minor,” 12 were ranked as “moderate,” and 11 were ranked as “major.” Two incidents were ranked as “severe” and two incidents remain “under assessment.”
Gas Incidents by Year (2019 - 2023)
Injuries
37 were reported to us in 2023, an increase of 48% compared to 2022.
We receive injury reports and descriptions from operators or first responders at the time of, or immediately following, the incident. Injuries may develop after the initial reports were made to us and the long-term effects of a resultant injury may not be recorded as part of our investigation
Gas Injuries by Year (2019 - 2023)
Permits
In 2023, we issued 54,821 installation permits, an 11% decrease from the previous year. We saw 1,597 active operating permits in 2023, which was the same as in 2022. The decrease in gas installations may be a result of higher interest rates affecting fewer housing starts.
Gas Installation Permits by Year
(2019-2023)
Gas Operating Permits by Year
(2019-2023)
Assessments
Our safety officers completed 13,547 assessments of gas equipment in 2023. Of this total, 6,985 were in-person assessments and 6,562 were remote assessments. Compared to 2022, in-person assessments increased by 18% while remote assessments decreased by 15%. Depending on the nature of the work, we determine which type of assessment, whether in-person or remote, is most suitable. Safety Officers increased the number of in person assessments in 2023 due to the complexity of assessments.
The results of in-person assessments included: 4,795 “passed” and 2,190 “failed." The results of remote assessments included: 5,828 “passed” and 734 “failed.”
Learn more about how we define these assessment outcomes.