Pressure vessel installation in Quebec
Complete Guide to Compressed Air receivers in Quebec
🎯 Purpose of this guide
You work in an industrial company in Quebec and you are wondering:
- Am I allowed to install a compressed air tank myself?
- Do I need an RBQ license or a CRN number?
- How often is maintenance or inspection required?
Ce guide vous explique, de manière claire et concrète, ce que dit la réglementation québécoise (RBQ) sur les installations sous pression utilisées pour l’air comprimé.
⚠️ Disclaimer : This guide is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute official legal or technical advice. Any decision related to the installation, maintenance, or operation of pressure equipment must be validated by a qualified professional and comply with the requirements of the competent authorities. The author accepts no responsibility for any misinterpretation or incorrect application of the regulations cited. Refer to the laws and regulations in force in Quebec and Canada for official legal obligations.
Link to the RBQ regulations : LIEN ICI
Link to the Quebec plumbing installation code : BNQ3650-900
🧾 What does the RBQ consider to be a reservoir?
A compressed air tank is a device subject to Code d’installation BNQ 3650-900 and to the Règlement sur les installations sous pression (B-1.1, r.6.1). These rules are intended to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
Legal reference – Section 2 of BNQ 3650-900 :
"This code applies to the installation of boilers, appliances, and pressure piping, both inside and outside buildings."
❓ Am I allowed to install a tank myself?
No, unless you are:
- A company that holds a licence specific to the installation (installation or modification of pressure equipment), or
- An employee of a company with a permis d’exploitant-utilisateur for internal work (e.g., a factory that maintains its own tanks).
Reference: Section 14 of Regulation B-1.1, r.6.1
❓ Can I install compressed air piping myself without installing the air tank?
✅ OUI, si :
- The diameter of the pipe is less than or equal to 19 mm (¾ inch) ;
or - The work do not require welding (mechanical, threaded, compression fittings).
References:
- Article 4, paragraph 4 – Piping ≤ 19 mm exempted
- Article 16, paragraph 2 – Seamless work
📅 Preventive maintenance and mandatory inspection
Even if you are exempt from CRN, certain tanks must be inspected regularly.
📌 Periodic inspection (Article 78, Table 1):
| Tank type | External inspection | Internal inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Compressed air receiver | Every 4 years | Not required |
📌 Special cases:
- After a break of more than a year or a change of use → Mandatory inspection (Article 81)
- In case of transport → Mandatory internal/external inspection (Article 79)
👉 These inspections must be carried out by a recognized person.
🆔 What is a CRN (Canadian Registration Number)?
The CRN is a registration number required for any pressure equipment (such as an air tank) manufactured or used in Canada.
It certifies that the tank:
- Designed in accordance with Canadian standards (ASME, CSA B51, etc.)
- Has been evaluated and approved by a provincial authority (e.g., RBQ in Quebec)
⚠️ A tank without a CRN may be rejected during an inspection, even if it is new.
❓ Mon réservoir a-t-il besoin d’un CRN ?
✅ Yes, if it is subject to taxation as a device under section 2 Figure b):
🔗 Link to the RBQ flowchart: LOGIGRAMME RBQ
👷♂️ What is a "recognized person"?
This is a certified inspector by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) to perform regulatory inspections of pressure equipment.
👉 Official list of recognized individuals as of August 8, 2025
- Les inspecteurs de la RBQ
- Anchor Risk Solutions Corporation
- Aviva Canada
- B&M Risk Advice Inc.
- Bureau Veritas Inspections and Insurance Company
- Chubb Canada
- FM Global
- HSB Canada
- Intact Assurance
- Les consultants en soudage MEQUALTECH inc.
- Services Précis d’Opta
- TORNGATS Inspections Réglementaires inc.
🔗 Link to the RBQ's updated list: LISTE À JOUR
⚙️ Mandatory components on an air tank
According to BNQ code 3650-900, a tank must include:
- A readable pressure gauge (Section 11.2.1.1)
- A drain valve located at the lowest point (Section 11.2.2)
- Mechanical protection if moving parts are accessible (mesh or plate) – Article 11.2.1.2
🛠 CRN tank installation process
- TFind an installer who has an installer license.
👉 list of licensees - Prior approval RBQ (Article 31)
- Declaration of works (Article 32) – at least 30 days before the end of the works
- Website address
- CRN number
- Valve adjustment pressure
- Technical specifications (volume, pressure, manufacturer)
- Verification of compliance at the end of the work
- Your installer will send you a certificate of compliance attesting that the installation work complies with applicable regulations.
Here is an excerpt from the Preparation guide which suggests a format for compliance statements:
🧠 Onyx Recommended training (BNQ 3650-900)
Train your staff to avoid costly mistakes:
- Interpretation of the BNQ code specific to your installation: 8 hours
- Tank installation: 8 hours
- RBQ compliance: 8 hours
- Overview of regulations applicable to your situation: 2 hours
📌 Summary of key points
✅ The exemption in Article 71 applies only to inspection, not to the CRN.
✅ You must have an RBQ license to install a tank.
✅ Piping ≤ ¾" is not subject to pressure equipment regulations.
✅ An external inspection is required every 4 years for tanks subject to
✅ A tank relocation = mandatory inspection
✅ All installations submitted must be declared to the RBQ.
📞 Free consultation
Our team will help you validate your project, choose a compliant tank, and commission it safely.
📍 Contact us for a free evaluation
- Virtual meeting or in-plant meeting
- Quick and personalized quote
- Regulatory compliance support
Join us: +1 (418) 410.3592
📚 Legal references
- Code BNQ 3650-900 : Installation of boilers and pressure vessels
- Règlement B-1.1, r. 6.1 : Pressure equipment in Quebec (RBQ)
- RBQ website: Scope of intervention of Installations sous pression
✍️ Auteur : Onyx Formations M3 – Experts en air comprimé et conformité RBQ 📅 Mise à jour : Janvier 2025
