Toronto, ON, October 6, 2025 — The Ontario Court of Justice has fined Jegatheeswaran Velautham $20,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge, for damaging a natural gas line and failing to report the strike. Mr. Velautham pleaded guilty to violating the Gaseous Fuels Regulation under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
The incident occurred on one evening in August 2023, as Mr. Velautham was reversing a transport truck and trailer into a loading dock at a multi-unit industrial-commercial building in Scarborough, Ontario. While reversing, the trailer struck a natural gas riser pipe and two manifolded gas meters, rupturing the gas line and damaging the meters. Following the collision, the driver disconnected the trailer from the tractor and left the scene without reporting the incident to authorities.
The collision caused a continuous release of pressurized natural gas overnight, creating a significant risk of injury, fatality, or property damage had the gas ignited and caused a fire or explosion. The leak was discovered the following morning and the gas supply was shut off by the fire department. The building was evacuated and no injuries were reported.
“This incident was serious because it involved not just one but two safety non-compliances: damaging a gas pipe and then failing to report it. That compounded the risk to the public, though we are fortunate that, in this case, no one was hurt,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuel Safety at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. “Everyone has a responsibility to help keep our communities safe.”
TSSA reminds the public that any damage to gas facilities or infrastructure and/or subsequent release of gas should be immediately reported to the Ministry of Environment’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or by contacting 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: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Toronto, ON, October 3, 2025 — Kushdeep Gill, owner of Keepright Home Comfort, has been fined $20,000 plus a 25% victim surcharge after pleading guilty to an offence under Ontario Regulation 212/01 (Gaseous Fuels) of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. Mr. Gill was found guilty of unsafe fuel works, which resulted in the carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning of three children.
Mr. Gill, a certified G2 gas technician and TSSA-registered contractor, had been hired in May 2024 to install a furnace at a residence operating as a rental vacation home in Burlington, Ontario. During their stay in the property the following November, the children experienced carbon monoxide symptoms, including lethargy, headaches, and vomiting.
Mr. Gill shut off and later restored the home’s gas supply as part of his work at the property. When doing so, he was required to ensure that all gas appliances in the residence were operating safely. However, the property’s pool heater, which was designed for outdoor use, was being used indoors. The investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) found the pool heater was improperly vented and had a faulty safety valve that failed to shut it off when unsafe. The pool heater caused a gas leak that led to the CO exposure.
“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, which is highly poisonous, invisible, odourless, and tasteless. It is the responsibility of certified fuels contractors to ensure the safety of their work. Overlooking critical safety aspects can have serious consequences, like carbon monoxide poisoning, as we have seen in this case,” said Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuel Safety. “As the regulator, we will continue to uphold and enforce safety standards, which include prosecuting unsafe fuels work.”
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: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Toronto, ON, October 2, 2025 – Quebec-based company Franc Metal & Frères has pleaded guilty to two offences under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 (TSS Act) in connection with the sale of an unapproved mobile food truck to an Ontario business. The Ontario Court of Justice has imposed a fine of $30,000, along with a 25% victim surcharge.
Franc Metal & Frères was found to have sold an unapproved 2010-built food truck equipped with propane-fueled appliances to a catering business in Carleton Place, Ontario. The vehicle had not been certified for propane use as required by the Ontario Regulation 212/01: Gaseous Fuels of the TSSA Act. The company also misled the purchaser by affixing a falsified field approval label to the truck, falsely suggesting it met all safety standards set by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).
“The use of propane in food trucks can pose risks to owners, operators, and customers due to movement, vibration, and the presence of ignition sources on board. That’s why these vehicles must meet provincial safety regulations,” said Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuel Safety. “Selling an unapproved food truck with a fake TSSA approval label is irresponsible, and those who cut corners will face legal consequences.”
TSSA reminds businesses that all food trucks built after February 13, 2006, are required to have a Field Approval from TSSA or be certified and labelled by a certification organization that is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. For those who wish to verify the Field Approval of a food truck, please contact TSSA at 1-877-682-8772 or via email at customerservices@tssa.org.
Approved food trucks must also be inspected annually by a TSSA-certified technician.
To learn more about food truck approval requirements, 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: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Orin Landscaping Inc. Pleads Guilty for Striking Gas Pipeline in Toronto
Second Guilty Plea This Year for Pipeline Strikes in Ontario
Toronto, ON, August 20, 2025 — Vaughan-based Orin Landscaping Inc. (Orin Landscaping) has pleaded guilty to striking and damaging a natural gas pipeline in Toronto and has been fined $30,000 and a 25% victim surcharge by the Ontario Court of Justice. The company was found guilty of an offence under Ontario Regulation 210/01 of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
In December 2024, Orin Landscaping was using a mechanical excavator for a drainage installation project at Bathurst Street in downtown Toronto when it struck and damaged a 4-inch plastic gas main pipeline that was part of the Enbridge gas supply system. No injuries were reported in this incident.
By law, contractors must obtain locates before digging to avoid damaging pipelines and other underground infrastructure. Even with the legally required locates, Orin Landscape violated safety code requirements by using a mechanical excavator within one metre of the gas line. Only vacuum excavation equipment or hand tools is permitted within this distance, as specified by the safety code provision.
“Enforcement is one of our key tools to protect public safety as Ontario’s safety regulator. This marks the second guilty plea for gas pipeline strikes so far this year,” said Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuels. “Contractors must take every necessary precaution when digging near pipelines. Striking underground infrastructure doesn’t just disrupt the affected neighbourhoods; it can cause gas leaks and many other serious consequences. Follow rules and dig safe, that’s the right thing to do for every business involved in excavation,” added Mr. Kennedy.
In March 2025, another construction company was fined for damaging multiple gas lines in and around Ottawa, which caused gas outages for six homes and a retail mall. Pipeline strikes account for the vast majority of fuels incidents in Ontario, making up 70% of all reported fuels incidents in fiscal year 2024, according to TSSA’s latest Public Safety Report. Failing to follow safety requirements when digging can lead to serious risks, including gas leaks, fires, explosions, property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Additionally, repairs often require shutting off the gas supply, leaving nearby homes and businesses without heat, hot water, or cooking fuel.
Contractors must follow the safety code when digging. The requirements are set out in Canadian Standards Association’s Damage Prevention for the Protection of Underground Infrastructure safety code, CSA Z247-15.
Before any digging project, homeowners and contractors must contact Ontario One Call to locate underground infrastructure such as gas, hydro, cable, and phone lines. This is an important step to help reduce the risk of damaging pipelines and other buried services.
If a gas line is damaged or a leak is suspected, it must be reported immediately to the Ministry of the Environment’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or 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.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Toronto, ON, July 2, 2025 – Magical Midways Inc. has pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Technical Standards and Safety Act, following a serious safety incident involving one of its amusement rides in Campbellford, Ontario. The Ontario Court has imposed a fine of $30,000, along with a 25% victim surcharge.
The incident occurred in August 2022 at the Campbellford Fair, where one of the cars became detached from the ride known as the Tilt-A-Whirl while in operation. At the time, the car was carrying three passengers and they all sustained minor injuries.
An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) revealed that Magical Midways Inc. failed to maintain proper inspection records in accordance with Ontario Regulation 221/01. The employee responsible for maintenance used a simplified checklist that did not reflect the manufacturer’s required procedures. The logbook lacked any documentation of the necessary inspection and testing of fasteners on the car’s pivot pin assembly – a failure that led to the unit's unexpected detachment.
“Maintenance is just as important as installation when it comes to amusement ride safety,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of TSSA’s Amusement Devices Safety Program. “Installation ensures a ride is set up for safe use, but ongoing maintenance ensures it remains safe over time. Overlooking key procedures or failing to document them can put users at serious risk.
Every detail matters in maintenance, and the purpose of the logbook is to record all safety actions carried out. As the regulator, we urge amusement device operators to devote the necessary attention and effort to this safety process designed to help protect both property and passengers.”
TSSA’s data show that failures in maintenance and record-keeping remain a key compliance issue in the amusement devices sector. According to TSSA’s latest Public Safety Report, the highest number of orders issued during periodic inspections of amusement devices in fiscal year 2024 — accounting for 7.69% of all orders — were related to operators’ failure to ensure that certified mechanics performed periodic maintenance and documented it in the associated log books.
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: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
One fatality and seven injuries resulted from the poisonous gas exposure
Toronto, ON, March 20, 2025 – Brighton-based propane distributor, Gerow Propane Ltd., pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of an offence under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. The offence involved a fatal carbon monoxide exposure at a property in the Township of Hamilton, Ontario. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Gerow Propane to pay a fine of $80,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
Between December 16, 2020, and February 14, 2022, Gerow Propane supplied propane to fuel a boiler installed in the property’s garage for heating purposes. On February 14, 2022, a 57-year-old relative of the property owner was found deceased in the garage from carbon monoxide exposure. Additionally, seven other individuals at the scene, including five firefighters and two heating contractors, were injured by the poisonous gas and were hospitalized.
TSSA’s investigations revealed that the boiler released carbon monoxide into the indoor space, causing the poisonous exposure. The boiler had been built for use with natural gas but was found operating on propane as its fuel source. Without undergoing the necessary conversion, including the installation of a new orifice suited for propane, the boiler allowed products of combustion to leak.
Despite delivering propane to the property on seven occasions, Gerow Propane failed to comply with Ontario Regulation 211/01 prescribed under the Act, which requires propane suppliers to inspect appliances connected to propane to ensure their safe operation and attach a label confirming compliance with safety codes and requirements.
Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), said, “This is a tragic event caused by a serious non-compliance. Propane suppliers have a legal responsibility to ensure that fuel-burning devices are installed in compliance with the applicable codes and can be used safely. Any failure to verify this can lead to harmful consequences such as fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other hazards.”
Mr. Kennedy added, “For consumers, after installing a fuel-burning device in any indoor area, including those separate from your primary living space, it’s best to install a carbon monoxide alarm and have the heating equipment regularly inspected by a qualified fuel contractor. These precautions are important safeguards and could have been life-saving in this case.”
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: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Toronto, ON, March 19, 2025 – Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Cavanagh Construction) has been fined $100,000 after pleading guilty last week to five safety violations under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. Cavanagh Construction’s violations resulted in damage to multiple gas lines in and around Ottawa, causing gas outages for six homes and a retail mall. The Ontario Court of Justice also imposed a 25% victim surcharge.
Between March 28, 2023, and July 24, 2024, while under contract with the City of Ottawa for tunnel and pipeline upgrades, Cavanagh Construction caused 11 gas line breaks. The company had proper locates and maps identifying gas lines and was aware that regulations prohibit using mechanical excavators within one metre of a gas line. Despite this, Cavanagh Construction used mechanical excavators instead of the required hand digging or hydro excavation methods near pipelines, leading to breaks and gas supply disruptions for homes and businesses.
“Using heavy machinery for excavation near pipelines is unsafe, as reflected in our safety regulations, and this case has proven that,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). “It is important to be cautious when digging because unsafe practices can put many people at risk of losing heat, hot water, and the ability to prepare meals. In the most serious cases, it can lead to explosions that cause property damage, injuries, or even loss of life.”
TSSA reminds individuals and businesses to contact Ontario One Call before digging to locate underground infrastructure, including gas, hydro, cable, and phone lines. Any damaged pipelines or gas leaks should be reported immediately to the Ministry of the Environment’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or 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: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Toronto, ON, June 24, 2024 – Elevator contractor OTIS Canada Inc. has been found guilty to one count of performing work on an elevator in an unsafe manner, an offence under the Technical Standards and Safety Act Ontario Regulation 209/01: Elevating Devices. The safety violation caused injuries to two apprentice elevator mechanics employed by the company. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered OTIS Canada Inc. to pay a fine of $300,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
In April 2023, OTIS Canada Inc. was the contractor responsible for installing new elevators in a nine-storey condominium under construction in Toronto, when two apprentice elevator mechanics employed by OTIS Canada Inc. were performing work on an almost completed elevator. The apprentice mechanics failed to properly counterbalance the elevator with appropriate weights. They were riding on the elevator when it plunged from the second floor to an underground car park level, causing significant injuries. One apprentice sustained bruises while the other suffered fractures to both feet. The fallen elevator was heavily damaged.
“This is one of the largest fines imposed on an elevator company in recent years, reflecting the seriousness of the contractor’s violation which caused significant harm,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices, TSSA. “Ensuring the safety of elevator workers is as critical as ensuring the safety of all riders. The elevator industry must prioritize maintaining a safe working environment for their employees and contractors.”
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.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Robert Excavating Fined $15,000+ for Damaging Pipeline
Six homes evacuated, and 20 homes lost service
Toronto, ON, May 25, 2023 – Robert Excavating pled guilty last Thursday to damaging a pipeline, an offense under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. As a result of the damage, six Ottawa homes were evacuated, and 20 homes lost service. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Robert Excavating to pay a total fine of $15,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
In August 2021, Robert Excavating and its subcontractor were performing a water rehabilitation project. Robert Excavating’s subcontractor struck a two-inch polyethylene pipeline with a mechanical excavator, causing gas to escape. While valid locates were obtained and locate marks were made on site, the pipeline was not located by hand digging prior to the use of mechanical equipment. In addition, the subcontractor was excavating within the one metre boundary of the pipeline.
“Any excavation work must comply with Ontario’s safety laws, including obtaining a valid pipeline locate before breaking ground and not using mechanical equipment while digging within one metre of a pipeline,” said Sam Sadeghi, Statutory Director, Fuels Safety Program, TSSA. “The consequences of not abiding by these laws can be catastrophic, as puncturing a gas line can result in damage, explosions, injury and even death.”
TSSA reminds Ontarians to contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to have cables, wires, and pipes located before digging to avoid hitting underground facilities, such as gas, hydro, cable, and phone lines. Damaged pipelines and subsequent gas release should be reported immediately to the Ministry of Environment’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or by contacting TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.
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 include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Individual Fined $5,000 for Activating Natural-Gas Pool Heater Without Certification, Resulting in Injury to Homeowner
Toronto, ON, May 25, 2023 – Jeffrey Payne, a plumber residing in Ottawa, pled guilty last Thursday to one count of activating a natural-gas pool heater without a TSSA-issued gas technician certificate, an offense under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Payne to pay a $5,000 fine, plus 25 per cent victim surcharge.
In September 2022, Payne visited an Ottawa home and completed the installation of plumbing connected to a natural-gas pool heater. The propane gas supply line had already been connected to the pool heater prior to Payne’s visit. Payne then turned on the gas supply line to the pool heater. This was the first time that the gas supply line and pool heater were activated.
Later that day after Payne left the home, the homeowner turned the pool heater off and then on again. Upon restarting the pool heater, an explosion occurred, and the homeowner sustained burns to his left hand.
“It is essential that homeowners hire only registered contractors for the installation, activation, service and inspection of all fuel-fired appliances,” said Sam Sadeghi, Statutory Director, Fuels Safety Program, TSSA. “Improper servicing of a natural-gas appliance could lead to explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning and other safety risks that can sicken, injure or even kill unsuspecting residents.”
TSSA provides direct oversight of all of Ontario’s registered fuels contractors, which means a registered contractor’s work — and the work of the contractor’s certified technicians – is subject to TSSA audits for compliance with safety requirements. The public can find all of Ontario’s registered contractors online and verify a company’s or an individual’s credentials by calling TSSA at 1-877-682-8772.
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 include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org