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Transport of Non-specification Cylinders for the Use in Hot-air Balloons
This is to advise all hot air balloon owners, operators, and maintainers operating in Canada that the transport of propane to a hot air balloon launch site and from a landing site, as well as filling a cylinder with propane for the purposes of transportation are activities subject to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations). Section 1.27 of the TDG Regulations provides for a propane cylinder required for the operation of a hot-air balloon in flight ready condition to be exempt from the TDG Regulations. However, this exemption no longer applies when the cylinder is removed from the hot-air balloon for filling, or when the hot air balloon is no longer in flight ready condition, such as when transported in a trailer or other vehicle. It is our understanding that most hot-air balloon operators were unaware of this requirement.
TDG Regulations require that cylinders that are used to transport compressed gas must comply with and be certified to, the CAN/CSA B339 Standard. Such cylinders can be recognized by their stamp markings, which begin with the letters “TC”. Furthermore, the TDG Regulations require that cylinders be selected and used in accordance with CAN/CSA B340. Also, the TDG Regulations states that it is illegal to fill a non-compliant cylinder with dangerous goods such as propane. These requirements of the TDG Regulations are concurrent with the certification required by the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR 31, AWM 531). Hot air balloonists are reminded that the CARs address only the airworthiness of an aircraft for purposes pursuant to the Aeronautics Act. It is the user's responsibility to meet any additional requirements, such as the requirements of the TDG Regulations for the surface transportation of propane.
The TDG Directorate has been made aware that certain propane cylinders used in hot-air balloon operations may not comply with the CSA B339 and B340 standards. Hot air balloon owners and operators should verify that they satisfy the requirements of the TDG Regulations for the transportation of propane, including the requirements pertaining to the cylinders used for that purpose. If your existing cylinders do not comply with the TDG Regulations you may apply for a “Permit For Equivalent Level Of Safety” to get the authority to continue using them for a short period of time and find a suitable replacement. Several such permits have already been issued for this matter. For more information relating to permits, please visit our website at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/tdg/permits/apply.htm
Should you have any questions, please contact the TDG Regional Office in your region.
| TDG Regional Offices | |
|---|---|
| Atlantic | 1-866-814-1477 |
| Quebec | (514) 283-5722 |
| Ontario |
(416) 973-1868 tdgontario@tc.gc.ca |
| Prairie and Northern |
1-888-463-0521 Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon If you are located outside the provinces or territories listed above, please call our local line at: 204-983-3152 (ask to be directed to the TDG Inquiry Officer) |
| Pacific | (604) 666-2955 |
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