'Major change' impacts natural gas and propane use in industrial operations
“The B149 Code Series is the foundation for safe gas installations across Canada,” says Brent Hartman, director of fuels and transportation standards at CSA Group. “We update it every five years to reflect industry needs, field experience, and emerging technologies—so the code captures current best practices and safety requirements.”
This year’s release of the CSA B149 Code Series signals a significant shift in Canada’s gas safety landscape. The updated suite—most notably CSA B149.1, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code—includes new provisions aimed not just at aligning with existing electrical standards, but also at preparing the gas industry for a low-carbon future where hydrogen plays a central role.
Expanding scope, strengthening safety
CSA B149.1, adopted by all provinces and territories through regulation, has traditionally focused on residential and commercial applications. The 2025 edition expands that scope to include industrial settings.
“This is a major change,” says Hartman. “For the first time, the code explicitly addresses natural gas and propane use in industrial operations—like manufacturing or processing plants. Employers in those sectors will need to carefully review the new requirements.”
The updated code also aligns more closely with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I. This includes revised bonding requirements and clearer rules around press-connect fittings—ensuring safety where gas and electrical systems coexist in close quarters.
Changes also affect key areas like separation distances, vent terminations, piping materials, and leak testing protocols—elements that technicians and installers must navigate daily. But perhaps the most future-focused element is the groundwork laid for hydrogen-natural gas blends.
Hydrogen on the horizon
The updated B149.1 introduces early guidance on hydrogen integration—an emerging priority as Canada moves toward decarbonization.
“Hydrogen is gaining traction as a potential fuel,” Hartman explains. “Our first step was to explicitly bring hydrogen-natural gas blends into the scope of the code.”
This move lays the foundation for broader hydrogen use in pipelines and appliances. “There’s the installation aspect, which the code covers, but also a separate suite of product safety standards. Those are being developed independently,” Hartman says.
Additional changes address specific needs related to hydrogen, such as new rating plate requirements and odorization rules for blends—crucial steps in ensuring these fuels are handled safely as they enter the market.
Despite these forward-looking changes, Hartman clarifies that a separate hydrogen-specific code isn’t on the horizon. “The B149.1 code will continue to evolve to address hydrogen blends. It’s a continuous update process. As industry knowledge and technology mature, we adjust the code accordingly.”
Implications for the workforce
The B149 Code Series plays a pivotal role in training and certifying Canada’s gas fitters and technicians. Updates to the code mean updated learning materials—and new challenges for those maintaining certification.
“The B149 Series forms the backbone of gas technician training,” Hartman says. “Understanding and applying the code is critical for passing licensing exams. So when we publish a new edition, it’s essential the training content evolves with it.”
As for whether currently licensed gasfitters will need to re-certify under the new code, Hartman explains: “The need for re-certification due to a new edition of B149.1 depends on Red Seal requirements, jurisdictional regulations, or employer policies. Regardless of whether re-certification is required, gasfitters and gas technicians should familiarize themselves with the relevant changes.”
CSA Group doesn’t set recertification policy but does play a key educational role. “We offer training on the key updates in each new edition of the B149.1 code,” Hartman adds.
A living document for a changing energy landscape
With hydrogen entering the mix and industrial coverage expanding, the 2025 edition of the B149 Code Series reflects a gas sector in transition—balancing current safety needs with future fuel potential.
Hartman closes on a note of ongoing responsibility: “Our codes are living documents. They evolve with safety always at the core. As the energy landscape changes, we’ll keep building the standards that professionals and the public can rely on.”
