New Fuel Safety Regulations Passed

New regulations governing fuel safety for natural gas and propane have been passed by cabinet.

"These changes help pave the way for the delivery of natural gas," said Labour Minister Ron Russell. "They help meet our commitment to ensure that all parts of Nova Scotia benefit from offshore gas. Through training and certification, qualified Nova Scotians will be able to take advantage of the onshore job opportunities that are available in the natural gas industry."

Public safety and the competency of people working on all types of gas installations are the key issues addressed by these regulations. They introduce a tagging system that is similar to our traffic light system -- green indicates all-clear; yellow warns that the system should be repaired; and red means the fuel supply is cut off.

"The need for government inspectors is reduced by having certified persons working on the front lines who have the power to use these tags," said Mr. Russell. "It's important for consumers and workers who work in gas environments to have confidence in the system. Part of that confidence is based on having trained personnel who are empowered to act when they see something wrong."

These changes complement the apprenticeship training programs set up for gas fitters, and other training set up for certified persons working in propane, in industrial settings and as gas pipefitters. A Fuel Safety Board is established to make decisions on licences and certificates.