Fuel Oil Tank Inspection Requirements in Ontario, Canada
The Technical Standards & Safety Authority governs fuel oil safety standards in Ontario, Canada. The TSSA's aim is to address safety and environmental concerns regarding aboveground and underground fuel oil installations. Fuel oil tank inspection requirements fall within the governance of the TSSA. Both fuel oil suppliers and fuel oil users have responsibilities with regard to fuel tanks and inspections that must be fulfilled. Does this Spark an idea?
Inspection Requirements
All existing fuel oil storage tanks and appliances are required to undergo a comprehensive inspection by the fuel oil distributor at least once every 10 years in order to ensure compliance with the regulations and code.
Fuel Oil User Responsibilities
The fuel oil user is responsible for ensuring that his equipment is in compliance with safety regulations, for clean up costs in the event of a leak or spill, and is liable in the event of an accident. As of 2001, the TSSA requires that owners of fuel oil heating systems have their heating systems inspected by qualified oil burner technicians. This applies to aboveground tanks only. Oil tanks installed prior to 1971 are grandfathered and "deemed" to be approved.
TSSA Registration
Fuel oil suppliers must conduct inspections initially and again once every 10 years on all fuel oil heating systems, on all aboveground and underground tanks, piping, venting, and heating appliances such as furnaces, boilers and water heaters. If a hazard is found, fuel oil cannot be delivered. All heating contractors of fuel oil equipment must be registered with the TSSA. When calling a contractor to do an inspection, ask for his TSSA registration number.
The Inspection
The inspection consists of various components. The inspector must verify that tanks have proper gauge and overfill protection devices. The stability of the tank must be ensured. The tank must be examined for signs of leakage at the tank bottom, and it must be ensured that the fill and vent are piped outside. All of these items must receive a pass, or the fuel oil supplier must either discontinue delivery or allow a reasonable length of time for the faults to be rectified by the fuel oil user.
TSSA Notification
The TSSA must be notified when both aboveground or underground storage tanks are to be permanently removed.
Tags: aboveground underground, heating systems, Inspection Requirements, Ontario Canada, compliance with, every years, fuel heating
