Acronym
Fuels
A slew of changes to the Ontario Fire Code will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The changes will improve harmonization of the Ontario Fire Code with the 2020 National Fire Code of Canada and introduce new requirements to enhance fire-prevention safety. This includes changes to where carbon monoxide (CO) alarms must be placed in existing homes, including detached or semi-detached houses, townhouses and cottages.
The updated requirements apply to all existing homes that have any of the following:
• A fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove that uses natural gas, propane, oil, or wood)
• A fireplace
• An attached garage
• Air for heating that comes from a fuel-burning appliance not contained within the home (e.g., an appliance in a utility shed).
If your home meets any of the conditions above, a CO alarm must be installed:
1. Adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms)
2. On every storey (floor) of your home, including storeys that do not have a sleeping area
These requirements are outlined in Section 2.16 of Division B of the Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07).
Changes introduced through O. Reg. 87/25: Fire Code also align with recent updates to the Ontario Building Code, including new requirements for CO alarms in existing residential and care occupancies. Click on the respective links for detailed information on new CO alarm requirements for:
Click here for details on other changes introduced by O. Reg. 87/25.
Toronto, ON, December 5, 2025 — Glen Robinson and Sons Plumbing and Heating (Glen Robinson & Sons) has been fined $10,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge, for safety violations related to a furnace installation under Ontario Regulation 212/01: Gaseous Fuels of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
In 2021, Glen Robinson & Sons installed a furnace at a property in Metcalfe, Ontario, but failed to affix the required pressure test tag upon completion. Without this tag, the homeowner could not change propane suppliers. Despite requests, the company refused to return to install the tag.
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) also found that Glen Robinson & Sons did not hold a valid TSSA contractor registration at the time of the furnace installation. In Ontario, all contractors working on fuel-burning equipment must be registered with TSSA and renew their registrations annually to continue operating legally. The company’s fuels contractor registration had expired for over 10 years and was only reinstated in October 2025.
“Contractors must ensure their TSSA registration is current before carrying out any work on fuel-burning equipment,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety, TSSA. “In Ontario, only contractors with active registration are legally authorized to operate. This registration serves as an essential credential, validating that a business meets the qualifications and safety standards required to perform technical work on fuel equipment.”
TSSA’s licensees are responsible for renewing their licences or registrations with TSSA to operate legally in Ontario. Devices, facilities, contractors, and businesses regulated by TSSA that operate without a valid licence or registration may pose a risk to public safety. If a regulated party fails to renew or reinstate their authorization, TSSA will take regulatory actions, which may include shutting down equipment or pursuing court proceedings for offences.
TSSA’s Lapsed Authorization Policy outlines the scope of lapsed authorizations, licensee responsibilities, and the process for reinstatement. For more information, please visit: TSSA’s website.
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org
Toronto, ON, November 10, 2025 — Oasis Pool and Landscaping was found guilty of eight offences related to pipeline strikes under Ontario Regulation 210/01 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems) of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. The Ontario Court of Justice has imposed a fine of $80,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge.
The safety violations occurred in June and July 2024, when Oasis Pool and Landscaping damaged two gas pipelines in two separate incidents in North York, Ontario, causing a loss of gas service to over 50 households in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) found that Oasis Pool and Landscaping failed to supervise its employee and did not follow safety procedures during excavation work. The company did not hand-dig within one metre of a gas pipeline as required and struck the line, in both incidents, with an excavator. Following each of the strikes, an employee of the contractor sealed the damaged gas line and continued working without reporting the incident—an unsafe and unlawful action that posed a serious risk to public safety.
In the July incident, the company conducted additional excavation without referencing the obtained locates, increasing the risk of a pipeline strike.
According to TSSA’s latest Public Safety Report, pipeline strikes account for over 60% of reported fuel-related incidents in fiscal year 2025. These incidents can result in gas leaks, fires, explosions, property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Repairs often require gas shut-offs, leaving nearby homes and businesses without service.
“This prosecution marks the third conviction for gas pipeline damage in Ontario this year,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety at TSSA. “In this case, the company involved even failed to use the obtained locates in one of the incidents. Digging without knowing the location of buried utilities is irresponsible, as it significantly increases the risk of damaging gas pipelines and other underground infrastructure.”
Mr. Kennedy added, “TSSA reminds all contractors to follow the rules when carrying out work that may contact gas pipelines. Every contractor has a duty to ensure locates are completed before excavation begins and to dig safely in accordance with safety codes.”
Before starting any digging project, both homeowners and contractors must contact Ontario One Call to identify the location of underground utilities such as gas, hydro, cable, and telephone lines. Taking this step is critical to preventing damage to pipelines and other buried infrastructure.
To help protect underground utilities, contractors are also required to follow the safety standards as outlined in the Canadian Standards Association’s Damage Prevention for the Protection of Underground Infrastructure safety code (CSA Z247-15).
If a gas line is damaged or a leak is suspected, it must be reported immediately to TSSA at 1-877-682-8772.
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org
Consultation closes on December 3, 2025
TSSA is planning to enforce requirements to ensure the safety of retail mobile fueling, or dispensing fuel from a highway tank to a licensed vehicle or a watercraft that cannot be fueled at a marina.
Please visit EngageTSSA to provide your comments on retail mobile fueling requirements drafted by the working group revising the Liquid Fuels Handling Code.
The opportunity to provide feedback will be open until December 3, 2025.
This communication was sent to liquid fuels tanker trucks and Fuel web subscribers.
TSSA and Local Fire Departments Team Up on CO Safety
TORONTO, ON, November 3, 2025 –– Carbon Monoxide (CO), often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer”, continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario, with approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring where people should feel safest: at home.
As part of its ongoing efforts to deliver CO safety education, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is once again teaming up with local fire and emergency services to increase CO awareness by launching one of its community CO safety campaigns in various communities across central and eastern Ontario.
The message: knowledge can – and does – save lives. Previous campaigns have reached thousands of residents, successfully boosting their levels of CO knowledge and the simple steps to take that reduce risks. Building on these proven campaigns, TSSA is rolling out new resources this fall to broaden the reach even further. Ontarians can now access a series of short, sharable videos explaining CO safety basics, along with a new “Kids CO Activity Sheet” designed to engage younger audiences. All resources are available online at COsafety.ca.
Starting the week of November 3, 2025 CO safety materials and messages will land directly in mailboxes, on social media feeds, and through various other communication channels. This, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, will provide vital information to assist residents in reducing CO risks in their homes.
“During the cold weather months, there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly,” says Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps,” adds Kennedy.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-
registered fuel contractor. To find a TSSA-registered contractor, use the Find A Registered Contractor Tool. - Have working, certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test them, change batteries and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
“It’s also important to remember to never use any fuel-burning appliances indoors that are specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only,” adds Kennedy.
On average, Ontario homes have roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO. While these appliances may be safely designed, like many other commonly used items, they must be properly operated and maintained.
The attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. TAKEACTION. THINKSAFE. COsafety.ca
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About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administers provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
www.tssa.org
For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact:
TSSA
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Relations
and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org
TORONTO, ON, November 3, 2025 – Every year, Ontario homes are the location of nearly 65 per cent of all CO incidents. CO also remains a leading cause of unintentional poisoning. With this in mind and to raise awareness of CO risks, four of the provinces’ leading safety organizations are teaming up to fight this “silent killer”. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), Ontario Poison Centre (OPC), Parachute, Canada’s national charity dedicated to injury prevention, and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) are combining efforts for Ontario’s annual CO Awareness Week, running November 1 to 7, to drive home a few critical messages.
The four organizations work year-round to increase carbon monoxide awareness and help Ontarians take practical steps to reduce risks at home. Each brings its own lens and focus to the challenge.
This fall, TSSA is once again launching one of its community CO safety campaigns. Previous campaigns have reached thousands of residents, successfully increasing their levels of CO knowledge and the actions to take to reduce risks. Building on these proven campaigns, TSSA is rolling out new initiatives this fall to broaden the reach even further. Ontarians can now access a series of short, sharable videos explaining CO safety basics, along with a new “Kids CO Activity Sheet” designed to engage younger audiences. All resources are available online at COsafety.ca.
These efforts, combined with the safety resources and education materials available on the websites of OPC, Parachute and SickKids, are making it easier for Ontarians to access up-to-date, reliable information and practical tools to reduce the risks and potential of harms of CO poisoning.
This unified approach underscores a shared commitment to CO safety with clear focus on helping all Ontario residents to reduce CO risks in their homes. By combining voices, resources and expertise, TSSA, OPC, Parachute, and SickKids are helping residents in Ontario take simple but vital steps to keep themselves, family and friends safe.
Quotes:
TSSA
“Our public education efforts are two-fold: increasing CO awareness and providing clear actions to reduce CO risk” says Owen Kennedy, Director, Fuels Safety Program.“ It’s all about scheduling an inspection of their fuel-burning appliances and having certified, working CO alarms in their homes; two key actions to protect themselves and their loved ones from CO risks in their home.”
OPC
“CO is a leading cause of inadvertent poisoning in Ontario and remains a major cause of preventable harm.” says, Dr. Emily Austin, Medical Director.” OPC telephone service provides guidance to the public on what to do in the event of a possible CO exposure and supports health care providers in managing affected patients. We are pleased to be working with TSSA, Parachute and SickKids on these important CO public education initiatives.”
Parachute
“When Canadians think of sources of poisoning, they aren’t aware that carbon monoxide is a leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in Canada and North America,” says Pamela Fuselli, President & CEO at Parachute. “It’s important to generate more awareness of CO risks and better understanding of the steps Canadians can take to better protect their homes and families. Collaborating with TSSA, OPC and SickKids is an opportunity to extend our reach to enhance the public’s level of CO knowledge.”
SickKids
“Children are a particularly at-risk group for many poisons, including carbon monoxide, due to their smaller size, higher metabolic rate, and developing bodies” explains Emma Schmidt, Injury Prevention Specialist at SickKids. “As experts in child health, it is important for us to help ensure that parents and caregivers are aware of the risks and understand how to reduce them. The new initiatives led by TSSA are another important resource to provide essential information about CO awareness and prevention.”
The attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. TAKEACTION. THINKSAFE. COsafety.ca
-30-
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administers provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
www.tssa.org
About Ontario Poison Centre
The Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) is a telephone toxicology consultation service that provides expert poison advice 24 hours a day to the public, emergency service personnel and health-care professionals across the province. The OPC participates in the ongoing care of the poisoned patient by following the clinical course of hospitalization, assessing the effectiveness of treatment recommendations and providing additional treatment recommendations. Our toxicology experts will collaborate with other health-care professionals to advocate for optimal, current and evidence-based care of the poisoned patient. The OPC is operated and supported by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto.
www.ontariopoisoncentre.com
About Parachute
Parachute, founded in 2012 through the amalgamation of four charities in the injury prevention field, has become Canada’s leader in injury prevention focused on three key areas where people are unintentionally injured: in the home, at play, and on the move. We educate and advocate for preventing serious injury in our homes, in sports and recreation and on our roads.
www.parachute.ca
About Sick Kids
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), affiliated with the University of Toronto, is Canada's most research-intensive hospital and the largest centre dedicated to improving children's health in the country.
With passionate and dedicated staff, SickKids is much more than a hospital. We work each day to provide the best in child and family-centred care, pioneer ground-breaking clinical and scientific advancements, and train the next generation of experts in child health. Together, we are advancing Precision Child Health, a movement to individualize care for every child based on what makes them unique - from their genetic code to their postal code. More information on injury prevention at SickKids can be found at: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/injuryprev
For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact:
TSSA
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Relations
and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Parachute
Kelley Teahen
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Telephone: 647-776-5128
Email: media@parachute.ca
SickKids/OPC
Sarah Warr
Team Lead, External Communications & Public Affairs
The Hospital for Sick Children
Email: sarah.warr@sickkids.ca