2018 Canadian Positive Air Shutoff System Regulations
As of January 12, 2018, new government regulations will come into effect regarding the presence and use of positive air shutdown systems in diesel engines. While these systems are already mostly in place for trucks that come into contact with atmospheric gaseous hydrocarbons, many of them are still either manually activated, or automatically reset after they have been used. The new rules target this specifically: only trucks and equipment that may come into contact with hazardous gaseous hydrocarbons will be required to have positive air shutdown systems, and furthermore, they must automatically activate in the event of an engine runaway and remain on until they are manually reset. All Class 2 & 3 chemical haulers must be equipped with RPM controlled manual reset positive air shutoff systems.
New requirement for automatic engine air intake shut-off devices on diesel engines (7.1 (j))CSA B621-14 requires automatic engine air intake shut-off devices on diesel engines used during loading or off loading. These devices are important in preventing engine runaway in case of exposure to flammable vapours that could lead to catastrophic engine failure which could provide the ignition source for a fire and/or explosion.
Despite the 1 Jan 2016 date identified in the clauses, the mandatory compliance date is January 12, 2018. As of this date, automatic engine air intake shut-off devices will be mandatory for diesel engines that are used during loading or off loading, on all highway tanks and portable tanks containing either dangerous goods of primary Class 3, or subsidiary Class 3.