Propane vehicle maintenance facilites code

Note: The scope of this Notice of Intent (originally published on November 21, 2023) was updated by the responsible SDO on July 30, 2024.

1.1 Inclusions

This Code applies to the portions of a motor vehicle maintenance facility where propane-fuelled on-road vehicles are maintained, repaired, or stored during maintenance or repair, including ancillary areas and systems. This applies to where the fuel system is for motive power of the vehicle.

1.2 Exclusions

This Code does not apply to

1. motor vehicle repair procedures;
2. parking facilities;
3. facilities where motor vehicle maintenance is not the primary purpose;
4. repair of vehicles where the Transport Canada (TC) or Department of Transportation (DOT) cylinder can be removed, as this content can be found in CSA B149.2;
5. other fuels used for vehicles; or
6. propane when used for other purposes such as cooking, space, or water heating.
7. Repairs in outdoor spaces, as this content can be found in CSA B149.2.

Note: Requirements for the storage, handling, and transferring of propane can be found in CSA B149.2.

1.3 Purpose

The purpose of this Code is to provide reasonable means to manage the risks associated with the maintenance and repair of vehicles fuelled with propane inside motor vehicle maintenance facilities.

1.4 Terminology

1.4.1 Fuelling and refuelling

The terms “fuelling” and “refuelling” are used interchangeably in this Code.

1.4.2 Fuel composition

Where the term “propane” is used, the requirements of this Code include, and apply equally to, any fuel that is composed predominantly of any of the following hydrocarbons or a mixture of them:

1. propane;
2. propylene; 
3. butane (either normal butane or isobutane); and 
4. butylenes.

1.5 Units of measure

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Code. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

Notes:

1. CSA B149.5 can be used as a guide when converting imperial units to metric units.
2. Less than 1 m will be shown in mm.
3. 1 m or more will be shown in m to the nearest 0.1 m.
4. Pressures will be rounded to the nearest whole value using traditional rounding conventions.
5. Where the word “gallon” is used in this Code, it indicates a U.S. gallon equivalent to 3.785 L water capacity.

1.6 Gauge pressure

Unless otherwise specified, all references to pressure throughout this Code are to be considered gauge pressures.