Pressure Equipment Safety At Home

Be aware! Pressure equipment requires care, awareness, and regular professional maintenance to be safe.

As the owner of pressure equipment, you are responsible for ensuring its safe operation and proper maintenance, even if the equipment is exempt from the legislation.

This is for your protection - both from liability and personal injury. Should a vessel rupture and cause injury or death, you, the owner, could face civil and criminal penalties.

An owner's responsibilities, in part, are to ensure that:

• pressure equipment covered by the Safety Codes Act fully meets the requirements of the Act

• the manufacturer's instructions (including periodic testing, inspection, maintenance, and/or replacement) are followed

• the pressure equipment is protected by an appropriate pressure relief valve

• the pressure equipment is not modified without written approval from ABSA

• pressure relief valves are not be plugged off and are checked regularly to ensure that they work properly

• if the pressure relief valve leaks, or does not work when tested, it is replaced or repaired immediately to ensure it will prevent overpressure of the equipment

• pressure relief valves discharge to a safe location.

  For additional information see: AB-502 Guidelines For Care and Operation of Hot Water Heating Boilers

Typical Concerns Regarding Household Pressure Equipment

Important Note: Homeowners must contact qualified service personnel for advice and maintenance regarding pressure equipment.

Hot Water Heaters

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• Have the relief valve tested. Replace it if it does not function.

• Never modify or use the heater for other purposes.

Propane Cylinders

• Protect cylinders from corrosion, damage, and heat.

• Inspect O-rings at connections and check for leaks with soapy water.

• Always close the valve on the cylinder when not in use.

• Discontinue use if you suspect any problem.

• Never use a cylinder past the "end of life" date stamped on it.

• Never modify or use a cylinder for other purposes (see bulletins on News and Information page).

Air Compressors

• Drain water from tank regularly to prevent corrosion.

• Never use damaged hoses or attachments.

• Use only hoses and fittings intended for compressed air, and rated for the maximum pressure your compressor can generate.

• Never use a tank after the "end of life" date stamped on it, if present.

• Never modify a tank or use it for other purposes.

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