Adoption of Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration Codes

The Province of British Columbia has published Ministerial Order M225-2024 that provides amendments to the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation (PEBPVRSR). These amendments will update the Schedule to the PEBPVRSR by adopting the new editions of the codes. Other amendments will introduce necessary editorial changes to align with the adopted codes.

Effective December 31, 2024 the following changes will be made to the PEBPVRSR through Ministerial Order M225-2024.

The current editions of the codes listed in the schedule to the PEBPVRSR will be updated to their newest editions as listed below. These codes will be adopted with no British Columbia-specific deviations.

• CSA B52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code 2023 Edition
• CSA B51 Boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping code 2024 Edition
• ANSI/NB-23 National Board Inspection Code 2023 Edition
• API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration, Eleventh Edition
• API 570 Revision/Edition 5 Piping Inspection Code: Inspection, Repair, Alteration and Rerating of In-Service Piping Systems
• NFPA 85 Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code 2023 Edition

The following code references will be removed from the Schedule to the PEBPVRSR. This change is made to simplify the code references in the Schedule to the PEBPVRSR and has no impact on the applicability or usability of these codes in British Columbia. Compliance with all ASME and ANSI/CGA codes listed below is required within British Columbia by virtue of their reference within the CSA B51:24.

• ASME B31.1 Power Piping
• ASME B31.3 Process Piping
• ASME B31.5 Refrigeration Piping and Heat Transfer Components
• ASME B31.9 Building Services Piping
• ASME Section I — Rules for Construction of Power Boilers
• ASME Section IV — Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers
• ASME Section VIII — Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels, Divisions 1, 2 and 3
• ASME Section X — Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels
• ASME Section XII — Rules for Construction and Continued Service of Transport Tanks
• ASME CSD-l Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically Fired Boilers
• ASME/ANSI PVHO-1 Safety Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy
• The Standards of the Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA)
• ANSI/CGA G-2.1-2014 Requirements for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia

The following editorial changes to the PEBVRSR will be made to support the adoption of CSA B52:23 and accommodate A2L and B2L refrigerants, as well as updated design registration requirements.

• Sections 6, 25, 61 and 62 of the PEBPVRSR will be amended to include refrigeration groups A2L and B2L.
• Section 88 of the PEBPVRSR will be repealed. This section does not align with the updated design registration requirements of CSA B52:23 and as such will be removed. This change does not impact the design registration requirements for refrigeration systems. Refrigeration systems will still require registration in accordance with the requirements set out in CSA B52, unless specifically exempt through clause 5.2.

All code-related information bulletins and directives that have been issued to date remain in effect. All potentially impacted information bulletins and directives will be reviewed for consistency with the new code edition and revised if necessary. If you have any questions about the new code edition or are interested in conversations with the Technical Safety BC community, register now to get involved.

Transition for Regulated Work

• Except as provided below, regulated work performed under installation permits, or initiated by means of submitting notification in accordance with PEBPVRSR section 62 when an installation permit is not required, prior to December 31, 2024, must comply with the edition of the code adopted at the time of permit issuance or notification submission until the work is completed (i.e., even if the work is completed after December 31, 2024).
  • Regulated work performed under installation permits issued before December 31, 2024 may comply with the newest edition of the code listed in this information bulletin, provided that the work will be completed after December 31, 2024 and the licensed contractor has declared which code edition will be followed on the permit application under specific onsite details. Mixing code sections from different editions is not permitted.
• All regulated work performed after December 31, 2024 must comply with the newest edition of the code noted in this information bulletin and adopted under the PEBPVRSR.

New editions of codes may be purchased from multiple sources, and it is the responsibility of licensed contractors and operating permit holders to ensure that all regulated work is performed in compliance with the regulations and applicable adopted edition of the code(s).

In accordance with the Safety Standards Act section 24, licensed contractors are responsible for maintaining current knowledge of all relevant safety information, including codes and standards. In addition, holders of operating permits and licenced contractors have the responsibility under sections 24 and 28 to ensure that any individuals doing regulated work in their employ or under a permit maintain current knowledge with respect to the applicable adopted edition of the codes.

Transition for Registered Designs

• New designs submitted for registration prior to December 31, 2024, may comply with the edition of the code adopted at the time of design submission or they may comply with the newest edition of the code listed in this information bulletin. The design registration submission must specify the code edition used for the design in its entirety. Mixing code sections from different editions is not permitted.
• New designs submitted for registration after December 31, 2024 must comply with the newest edition of the code noted in this information bulletin and adopted under the PEBPVRSR unless the equipment was contracted for by the manufacturer and the design code established prior to December 31, 2024. Equipment contracted for prior to December 31, 2024 may be designed to the previously adopted edition of the code if evidence of this is submitted with the application for registration.
• Designs currently registered with Technical Safety BC must be reviewed to assess if changes in the new code edition(s) will invalidate the design. If modifications are necessary to comply with the updated codes, these designs will become obsolete as per CSA B51:2014 clause 4.1.2 and CSA B51:2024 clause 6.2.1.2. Obsolete designs must be revised or re-submitted for registration, incorporating the new code requirements. Existing pressure retaining items with valid CRN registrations are not affected by these requirements.

Provincial Safety Manager – Boilers, Pressure Vessels, and Refrigeration

References:
Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel & Refrigeration Safety Regulation