Ontario Propane Safety Review

On August 28, 2008, the government announced a safety review of the storage, handling, location and transport of propane in Ontario. This review focused on propane-related legislation and regulations compared with internationally-recognized best practices.

Dr. Michael Birk, P.Eng and Ms. Susana Katz , P.Eng were appointed to the Ontario Propane Safety Review Panel as independent experts to review and make recommendations on improving propane safety in Ontario, including enforcement and inspection.

The panel consulted with the public, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), the propane industry, the municipal sector, other provinces, and countries. The review focused on the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, and Ontario’s regulations compared with internationally-recognized best practices.

A discussion paper (72K ) was released and a public consultation was held. The consultations closed on October 17, 2008.

A final report, entitled Report of the Propane Safety Review (302K ),  was submitted to the Minister on November 7, 2008.

Current Status

On May 1, 2010, Ontario’s Technical Standards and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2009 came into force.  The legislation improves the accountability and transparency of the TSSA and further strengthens Ontario’s technical safety system.  Among other things, the legislation required the TSSA to appoint a Chief Safety and Risk Officer to independently review TSSA activities and prepare public reports. It also allows the Auditor General to audit the TSSA.

Since that time, Ontario has continued to implement new requirements to ensure Ontario has the highest propane safety standards in Canada.  Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to require all propane transfer facilities across the province to complete Risk and Safety Management Plans (RSMP). 

RSMPs were a key recommendation of the Propane Safety Review Panel and support Ontario’s priority of public safety. They enhance safety in Ontario’s communities by requiring that propane operators have emergency plans in place so that fire services across the province can better respond to possible on-site emergencies.  For Ontario’s 1,300 small propane facilities, their plan must include facility information, a site plan and map of the surrounding area, and an emergency response and preparedness plan. All other larger propane facilities are required to complete a more detailed plan prepared by an engineer. 

As of January 1, 2011, all propane transfer facilities across the province must submit an RSMP with the TSSA.  In doing so, they are ensuring that families and businesses across Ontario continue to have safe, convenient access to propane.