About HRAI & The BPV Program |
Founded in 1968, the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is a non-profit national trade association of manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors in the Canadian heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industries.
HRAI advocates a safe, responsible, and fair industry where indoor environment systems and refrigeration processes are designed, installed, and serviced by qualified professionals in order to ensure efficient and energy-conscious operation.
The association’s activities are directly related to the needs and requests of its members. They include education and training programs, industry meetings, up-to-date industry information, technical support, government and industry advocacy, statistics and trends, and a bi-annual national trade show.
To learn more about HRAI, you can visit HRAI's main website.
What is HRAI’s Boilers and Pressure Vessels (BPV) Regulation Compliance Assistance Program?
HRAI’s Boilers and Pressure Vessels Regulation Compliance Assistance Program is an HRAI-administered program that was developed by HRAI with support from TSBC to provide a clearer process and understanding of compliance with the existing Boilers and Pressure Vessels regulation as it pertains to B31.5 refrigeration piping work and repairs and assists in meeting requirements set out by TSBC.
Although registration in HRAI’s Boilers and Pressure Vessels (BPV) Compliance Assistance Program is not a mandatory requirement in TSBC’s BPV regulation compliance, the program is meant to assist and expedite the BPV compliance process for HRAI’s contractor members.
Please note that only HRAI contractor members in British Columbia are eligible to get registered in HRAI's Boilers and Pressure Vessels Regulation Compliance Assistance Program after paying a one-time program registration fee of $1,500 + HST.
FAQs
How are boiler, pressure vessel and refrigeration requirements regulated in British Columbia?
Contractors performing regulated refrigeration work in British Columbia must hold the appropriate contractor licence issued by Technical Safety BC. Contractors working on refrigeration systems generally require a Class REF contractor licence.
Licensed contractors are responsible for ensuring that regulated work complies with the Safety Standards Act, the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation, applicable codes, and Technical Safety BC requirements.
Effective January 1, 2026, new and renewing Class REF licence holders must submit a Quality Control Program manual for review and acceptance by Technical Safety BC. The manual documents the contractor’s procedures for controlling regulated work, including personnel responsibilities, applicable designs and procedures, brazing qualifications, inspection, testing and recordkeeping.
Additional requirements may apply to the design registration, certification and installation of refrigeration systems.
Are there any requirements for participating in the program?
Yes, there are two. First, you must become an HRAI contractor member and retain HRAI member status by paying an annual membership fee.
Then, you can join the BPV program with a one-time registration fee of $1,500.00 + HST.
To find out more about how to join the program, please contact Gautham Shine ( 905-602-4700 ext. 239) gshine@hrai.ca for details
