Working as a gas technician means stepping into a high-stakes environment every day. Whether you’re installing gas appliances or troubleshooting leaks, safety always has to be your top priority. That’s why gas technician training programs put such a strong emphasis on safety right from day one.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the top safety practices gas technicians learn during training, the regulations they’re tested on, and how safety continues to evolve once you’re on the job.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Safety Matters in Gas Technician Work
- Core Safety Practices Gas Technicians Must Learn
- Codes, Standards, and Regulations You’ll Be Tested On
- How Training Programs Reinforce Safety
- Advancing Safety on the Job: Best Practices for Graduates
WHY SAFETY MATTERS IN GAS TECHNICIAN WORK
Gas technicians deal with one of the most high-risk environments in the skilled trades.
Natural gas, propane, and other combustible fuels are inherently dangerous. A small leak can lead to poisoning, asphyxiation, or explosion. Incorrect installation or maintenance can result in carbon monoxide exposure, fires, or catastrophic property damage. Many gas technicians also work in confined spaces like mechanical rooms, crawlspaces, and utility tunnels, where limited ventilation heightens the risks.
Beyond the immediate physical dangers, there are serious legal and regulatory consequences for safety failures. Gas technicians in Ontario operate under strict Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations and codes. Violations can result in fines, licence suspension, or criminal charges if negligence leads to injury or death. Employers can face massive liability claims, and technicians themselves may be held personally accountable for unsafe work.
Perhaps most importantly, safety is the cornerstone of professional trust. Clients invite gas technicians into their homes and businesses, trusting them to work safely around their families and employees. Employers rely on technicians to represent their companies responsibly and avoid costly incidents. Building a reputation for safety-conscious work opens doors to better opportunities, while a single serious safety violation can end a career.
Gas technician work is inherently dangerous
CORE SAFETY PRACTICES GAS TECHNICIANS MUST LEARN
Gas technicians must follow a number of foundational safety practices that protect both workers and the public.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Tools
Your first line of defence is always your equipment. You must learn how to select and use:
- Gloves: Chemical-resistant gloves for handling pipe dope and sealants, and sturdy work gloves for protection against cuts, heat, and abrasions.
- Eyewear: Safety glasses or goggles are essential to shield your eyes from flying debris or chemical splashes.
- Gas detectors: Portable electronic gas detectors are crucial for identifying the presence and concentration of flammable gases and carbon monoxide. Learn to calibrate and interpret readings from these life-saving devices.
- Specialized tools: This includes intrinsically safe (non-sparking) tools for use in potentially flammable atmospheres, proper ventilation equipment, and specialized leak detection fluids.
Proper Ventilation, Air Quality, and Gas Detection
A key skill for gas technicians is ensuring adequate ventilation in work areas. Learn to assess air quality, recognize signs of poor ventilation, and use portable gas detectors to monitor for combustible gas, carbon monoxide, and oxygen levels.
Never assume a space is safe! You should always verify it with instruments before beginning work.
You must also learn about the properties of different gases: natural gas rises and dissipates upward, while propane is heavier than air and pools in low areas, requiring different safety approaches.
Leak Testing, Pressure Checks, and Purging Protocols
You should be familiar with multiple leak detection methods, like using sensitive electronic “sniffers” or applying a soap solution to look for bubbles. Learn to systematically check every joint and connection.
It’s also critical to verify that gas lines and appliances are operating at the correct pressure. Use a manometer to accurately measure pressure in inches of water column and learn how to diagnose and fix pressure issues.
Safely introducing gas into a new system or removing it from an old one involves purging. This process uses an inert gas or a controlled release to prevent an explosive gas-air mixture from forming inside the pipes. You need to follow the strict purging procedures outlined in the code.
Safe Handling, Storage, and Transport of Gas Cylinders
Handling cylinders is a routine task that carries significant risk if done improperly. Always secure cylinders in an upright position in a well-ventilated vehicle. Store them outdoors or in approved cabinets, away from ignition sources and building exits. And be sure to check cylinders for dents, rust, and valve integrity before use.
Gas cylinders must be handled properly
Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
When things go wrong, you need to have a plan. Be ready to respond to emergencies like gas leaks, fires, or CO alarms. You should know when to shut off the gas supply, evacuate the area, and notify emergency services and the utility provider.
Lockout/Tagout and Electrical Safety Integration
Many gas appliances are tied into a building’s electrical system. Lockout/tagout procedures are a critical safety practice where the electrical supply to a unit is turned off and physically locked to prevent it from being accidentally re-energized while you are working on it. Learn how to safely isolate equipment electrically before beginning any service.
CODES, STANDARDS, AND REGULATIONS YOU’LL BE TESTED ON
To become a licensed gas technician in Ontario, you must demonstrate mastery of several key codes and regulations.
CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code: This is the primary codebook for gas technicians. The TSSA exams will be heavily based on its detailed requirements for everything from pipe sizing and venting to appliance installation and servicing.
CSA B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling Code: This code works in conjunction with B149.1 and provides specific, detailed rules for the safe storage and handling of propane in cylinders and tanks.
Technical Standards and Safety Act: You will also be tested on the specific regulations under this act, particularly O. Reg. 212/01 (Gaseous Fuels) and O. Reg. 215/01 (Fuel Industry Certificates), which outline the rules for gas handling, equipment, and technician licensing.
Related: Becoming a Certified Gas Technician: 6 Things to Know About the TSSA Exams
HOW TRAINING PROGRAMS REINFORCE SAFETY
Good gas technician training programs build a deep-seated culture of safety through:
Hands-on simulations and drills: Reputable programs have extensive lab time where you’ll practise everything from leak detection and pressure testing to emergency shutdown procedures in a controlled, supervised environment.
Safety sign-off modules: Before you’re allowed to work on live gas lines in a lab, you’ll have to pass specific safety modules and demonstrate competency to your instructor.
Developing a safety culture: Instructors emphasize that safety is not a checklist, but a mindset. This includes learning to perform a job safety analysis (JSA) before starting any task, identifying potential hazards, and mitigating risks.
Quizzes, audits, and continuous learning: Regular testing on safety codes and procedures ensures you retain the information. This prepares you for the rigorous TSSA certification exams.
ADVANCING SAFETY ON THE JOB: BEST PRACTICES FOR GRADUATES
Earning your G3 or G2 licence is the beginning, not the end, of your commitment to safety. Best practices include:
Refreshing your expertise: TSSA licences must be renewed periodically, and continuing education helps you stay competent. Even when not mandatory, attending refresher courses keeps your knowledge sharp and exposes you to new safety techniques.
Keeping up with regulatory changes: Keep up with code updates by subscribing to TSSA advisories and regulatory updates and investing in the latest code books when new editions are released.
Conducting proactive safety audits: Don’t be afraid to double-check your work and have a colleague review it. A second pair of eyes can catch something you might have missed.
Becoming a safety leader: As you gain experience, become a safety advocate on site. Mentor junior technicians, speak up if you see an unsafe practice, and lead by example. Your commitment to safety protects everyone.
GET GAS TECHNICIAN TRAINING THROUGH HERZING COLLEGE
Herzing College offers TSSA-approved gas technician training in both Toronto and Cambridge. The G3 (beginner-level) program is 12 weeks long and the G2 training takes 24 weeks.
You’ll get hands-on practice in our workshops and learn essential safety practices from certified, highly experienced instructors.
Want to learn more? Click below to get more details on our programs and chat live with an admissions advisor. We’re here to help!
