In the Air - HRAI Industry News

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has announced a significant update regarding the regulation of pressure equipment in Ontario. Effective October 1, 2024, TSSA will adopt CSA B52:2023, the Mechanical Refrigeration Code. This amendment to the Code Adoption Document (CAD) aligns with TSSA’s commitment to ensuring safety and compliance in the refrigeration industry.  

The CAD plays a crucial role in identifying standards that TSSA adopts, along with any Ontario-specific deviations from the published versions of these standards. The adoption of the latest edition of CSA B52 is a pivotal step in supporting the industry’s transition to low global warming potential refrigerants, reflecting a proactive approach to environmental sustainability. For those interested in accessing the complete CAD, please follow this link: https://www.tssa.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/BPV-Code-Adoption-Document-Amendment-BPV-24-01-BPV-CAD.pdf).  

The adoption of CSA B52:2023 by the TSSA is expected to have several significant impacts on the refrigeration industry in Ontario: 

1. Transition to Low-GWP Refrigerants:    This change is crucial for meeting environmental standards and reducing the overall carbon footprint of refrigeration systems. The new edition introduces two refrigerant groups, A2L (non-toxic, mildly flammable) and B2L (toxic, mildly flammable), reflecting a shift toward environmentally friendly low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. It includes updated installation requirements tailored to these new refrigerant classes, allowing for more flexibility than previous restrictions on A2 and B2 refrigerants. 

2. Compliance and Safety Standards:   With the updated code, refrigeration equipment manufacturers and service providers will need to align their practices with the new standard. This will enhance safety protocols and ensure that all equipment is compliant with the latest safety regulations, potentially reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall system reliability. The new Code adds testing and monitoring requirements for systems using secondary coolants, designed to prevent over-pressurization and ammonia release, based on lessons from past incidents like the Fernie Arena accident in 2017. 

3. System registration exemption: Refrigeration systems using A1 or A2L refrigerants up to 500 kW now no longer require design registration if certified by a Standards Council of Canada-accredited body. This supports the adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants and reduces regulatory hurdles for smaller systems. 

In addition, HRAI staff are actively collaborating with provincial and territorial officials to clarify the status of A2L equipment within provincial and territorial building and pressure equipment codes. Updates will be provided to HRAI members as new information becomes available. Stay informed and prepared for these important regulatory changes as we work together towards a more sustainable future in refrigeration.