Date:         Sun, 7 Jul 2013 19:16:50 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Propane Fill Question (Ontario, Canada)
Comments: To: Poppie Jagersand <poppie.jagersand@YAHOO.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <xav21l01X08X5Fr01av32r>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Since I plan to be traveling in Canada this fall, I read the linked report.  It includes this:

 "RVs and Campers

If you and your family use a recreational vehicle (R.V.) or camper it is important to ensure all users are familiar with the manufacturer's written operating and maintenance instructions. If you are renting, ask for safety instructions. Use the same care and diligence when tending to the propane systems in your R.V. or camper as you would for those in your home or business.  With respect to regulations specific to the use of R.V.s and campers in Canada:

    In many provinces, regular inspection of the propane system on board by a qualified service technician is mandatory.
    In most provinces, it's law that all appliances and pilot lights must be turned off and cylinder valves closed while travelling."

So, I don't know what I will encounter.  I guess I need to contact the provinces where I will be, which are British Columbia and Alberta.

mcneely

---- Poppie Jagersand <poppie.jagersand@YAHOO.CA> wrote: 
> Hi Ian,

It is interesting that the act is "silent". Indeed on http://www.propane.ca/en/about-propane/safety they divide applications into propane vehicles and propane cylinders. A bit more reading on propane cylinders verifies  that indeed they mean portable propane cylinders (such as  BBQ tanks). Vehicle mounted tanks not driving the vehicle seem not to be mentioned. Would you mind sharing the letter? (Attach to email -- Saves me the trouble of writing and TSSA the trouble of supplying another letter)


Martin (and '82 Westy)



________________________________
 From: Ian Allan <ian.allan@BMTS.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Saturday, July 6, 2013 8:37:30 PM
Subject: Propane Fill Question (Ontario, Canada)
 

About 3 years ago I was refused propane service at 3 locations in my area. Each operator looked for the propane inspection decal ( a diamond shaped decal) which I did not have. The local TSSA inspector had told the operators that they would be liable for a huge fine if they supplied propane to a vehicle not showing the inspection decal. One of the operators gave me the name of a shop in Markdale ON. the would do the inspection. I called the shop, explained my problem and they offered in inspect the system in my van for $150.00 and supply the decal. 

I sent an email to TSSA asking for clarification and was surprised to get a telephone call within a few hours from a TSSA rep. asking for details with respect to my propane system. After explaining that the tank supplied appliances only (not the engine) the rep. sent me a letter (signed) via email that said in part " while it is advisable to inspect all propane systems periodically the ACT IS SILENT on systems that supply propane to appliances only". (No inspection required).

I hand delivered copies of that letter to the retailers in my area received service from the first operator that I approached. I have not had to refill the tank for the last two years. 

I was also told that the mfg. tank certification ( Manchester's rust gathering tag) needed to be attached to the tank to authenticate the ASME spec.

I have no doubt the ever pervasive TSSA may have changed the regs. in Ontario since I got the letter. My intention is to convert my stove to the green bottles, my fridge is 12 V Danfloss, and avoid dealing with TSSA licensed retailers.

Worth an email to TSSA, I think they may respond to taxpayers...

Ian Allan

--
David McNeely