TORONTO, ON, November 1, 2024 – 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 in people’s homes.
As part of its ongoing efforts to bring greater awareness to Ontarians, and with the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is once again teaming up with local fire and emergency services – this time in Halton Region – to increase CO awareness.
Coinciding with Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, this critical safety campaign will run from November 1-15, 2024, delivering important CO safety materials and messages directly to mailboxes, through local media and various social media platforms. 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 Kelly Hart, 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 Hart.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- 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 Hart. 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 backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe. cosafety.ca
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 or to arrange media availability, 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
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, visit www.tssa.org
TORONTO, ON, November 1, 2024 – It’s not just your furnace. Did you know, on average, Ontario homes have roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce Carbon Monoxide (CO) – an invisible, odourless, tasteless and highly poisonous gas?
Often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’, CO continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario, with approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes. Most, if not all of these incidents, are preventable.
As Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week kicks off, safety experts at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority are reminding residents to ‘Be in the Know when it comes to CO”.
“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 Kelly Hart, 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 Hart.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- 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.
“And it’s just as important for folks to note that fuel-burning appliances specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only – such as outdoor heaters - are to remain just there – outdoors,” stresses Hart.
With the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, TSSA continues to partner with local fire and emergency services and other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical CO safety information to residents in communities across Ontario.
The backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe. cosafety.ca
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 or to arrange media availability, 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
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, visit www.tssa.org
Fewer permanent injuries and decreased incident rates reported amidst Ontario’s population growth
While Ontario’s population continues to grow, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has reported improvements in safety outcomes over the past decade. The latest safety results, highlighted in TSSA’s Public Safety Report 2024, underscore decreased permanent injuries and incident rates within TSSA’s regulated sectors. Released during TSSA’s Annual Public Meeting alongside its 2024 Annual Report, the safety report highlights an improving safety environment across the province.
“Ontario's population has seen significant growth in the past 10 years, and our regulated industries have been working hard to improve safety. TSSA is committed to ensuring that public safety continues to be a priority by partnering with regulated parties to reduce the risk of harm for people in Ontario. This year’s safety results demonstrate this continued commitment is delivering its intended outcome," said Viola Dessanti, Director of Strategic Analytics, TSSA.
State of Safety Overview
As Ontario’s public safety regulator, TSSA oversees technical safety regulations in key sectors, including amusement devices, boilers, pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. TSSA’s Public Safety Report provides comprehensive metrics and data insights to inform its strategies to enhance public safety in the province.
For the reporting period (May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, which will be referred to as 2024 hereinafter), the number of permanent injuries on regulated devices in Ontario has dropped notably. In 2024, there were 32 per cent fewer permanent injuries reported compared to 2015, after adjusting for population growth.
The rate of incidents per million people has also improved compared to 10 years ago. Despite a 16 per cent growth in Ontario’s population from 2015 to 2024, the incident rate decreased from 389 incidents per million people in 2015 to 384 incidents per million people in 2024.
The reduction of harm is most notable in fuels, where the number of fuels-related incidents, excluding pipeline strikes, have decreased from 81 incidents per million people in 2015 to 59 incidents per million people in 2024.
Outcome-Based Regulator Continues to Advance Safety Results
TSSA’s Outcome-Based Regulator (OBR) approach is central to advancing safety and compliance, with compliance standards as a key tool to target areas of high risk and prioritize regulatory efforts. In May 2023, TSSA introduced new compliance standards for escalators, with pass rate reaching 64 per cent over the year. The compliance standards for heating contractors, also implemented over the past year, recorded a 90 per cent pass rate of audits performed.
“TSSA is proud to report improved safety outcomes while executing our new Strategic Plan. These results demonstrate that our outcome-focused vision is effective and reaffirm the value of our collaborative approach in working towards a safer Ontario,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO, TSSA.
“Our new strategy will continue to guide us toward better safety outcomes, building on the significant progress TSSA has made in recent years. Our team’s hard work in implementing new IT systems and addressing recommendations from the Auditor General is paying off. We now have a much stronger foundation to improve customer service and safety results,” added Rose.
For a full picture of the state of public safety in Ontario, access TSSA’s 2024 Public Safety Report at www.tssa.org. The report also includes case studies depicting some of the harmful incidents that occurred in Ontario in the past year, as well as actions taken and lessons learned.
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, September 19, 2024 – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) presented its 2024 Safety Awards to Andreas Tanzer and Modern Niagara Group Inc. during its Annual Public Meeting on September 19.
TSSA’s annual Safety Awards, a nomination-based program, honour individuals and organizations in TSSA-regulated sectors that have made significant contributions to public safety in Ontario.
“It is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals and organizations within our regulated industries who tirelessly raise the safety bar to keep Ontarians safe,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA. “I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Andreas Tanzer and Modern Niagara Group Inc. for their commitment to safety excellence and demonstrated leadership in pushing safety to the next level.”
Nominations are accepted for two award categories: the Impact Award, for significant contributions, initiatives, or projects that demonstrate safety excellence or exceed regulatory compliance; and the Legacy Award, for sustained safety conscientiousness demonstrated by individuals or organizations.
TSSA Impact Safety Award Recipient: Modern Niagara Group Inc.
Leading the way to safety excellence through education and partnership
Modern Niagara Group Inc., a national contractor providing mechanical, electrical, HVAC and plumbing solutions for industrial and institutional buildings, received the Impact Award for going above and beyond industry regulations to prioritize safety.
“Modern Niagara Group Inc. has demonstrated safety excellence through active engagement and partnership with the industry,” said Kim Semper, Director of Boilers, Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers with TSSA. “Their proactive approach and dedication to continuous improvements set a benchmark for others to follow.”
Modern Niagara’s investment in training and development enables its team to navigate regulatory requirements, uphold safety standards and relay safety and compliance messaging to stakeholders in various jurisdictions.
The organization’s partnerships with safety regulators are instrumental in mitigating risks and facilitating client-friendly solutions through initiatives spanning certification development, incident reporting, internal audits and adapting to outcome-based regulations.
Watch a video of Modern Niagara Group Inc. or read their story here.
TSSA Legacy Safety Award Recipient: Andreas Tanzer
Tanzer’s legacy of safety leadership sets the standard for the waterpark industry
Andreas Tanzer was honoured with the Legacy Award for his safety leadership in the waterpark industry. As the son of master sailboat builder Johann Tanzer, Tanzer inherited his father’s passion for facilitating fun in the water. Over a 38-year career, he has become a leading figure in professional water-ride design and developing industry standards and safety regulations for the waterpark industry.
“Tanzer’s work in standards development has made a positive difference to the safety of the waterpark industry,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices with TSSA. “He has inspired others with his dedication and expertise while significantly advancing safety and innovation in the field.”
Andreas has been instrumental in creating industry standards and chairing the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F24 committee’s task group for water slides. His notable efforts have led to the establishment of the internationally recognized ASTM F2376 Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems in 2006.
Watch a video of Andreas Tanzer or read his story here.
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 includes 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, April 17, 2024 – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is proud to announce that it has been honoured by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine with a 5-Star Safety Cultures Award for the third straight year. This award recognizes Canadian organizations that consistently demonstrate their commitment to fostering a strong safety culture.
“TSSA is a safety culture leader, both internally and externally, as it helps organizations in Ontario meet the highest safety standards,” said Shane Mercer, Senior Journalist, Canadian Occupational Safety. TSSA should be celebrated for its devotion to creating resilient safety cultures that help protect workers in many sectors of the economy.”
Nominated by COS magazine, TSSA was shortlisted as a finalist for the award following a comprehensive submission outlining its internal safety initiatives. In the next qualifying round, a cross-section of TSSA employees participated in a safety culture satisfaction survey, resulting in an overall satisfaction rating exceeding 75 percent.
TSSA has been on a transformative journey since 2018, transitioning into a modern Outcome-Based Regulator that harnesses data insights to better target safety risks and reduce harm. Strengthening TSSA's internal safety culture is a critical component to this transformation, enabling TSSA to achieve its safety goals.
“Winning this award for the third year in a row is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication of our entire team to maintaining the highest standards of safety,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO, TSSA. “At TSSA, safety is a core value ingrained in everything we do. This award serves as a validation of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment for all our employees and working together with the industries we regulate for a safer Ontario.”
In a feature article in COS magazine, TSSA sheds light on the strategies and initiatives that have contributed to its strong safety culture. For more details, read the story.
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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
Annual award program recognizes Ontario leaders in public safety
TORONTO, April 4, 2024 - The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is now accepting nominations for its 2024 Safety Awards honouring Ontario leaders in public safety.
Access online nomination forms on TSSA's website. Nominations of individuals and organizations working in TSSA's regulated sectors will be accepted until June 3, 2024 (Monday).
TSSA presents Safety Awards every year to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Ontario's public safety in TSSA's regulated sectors: Fuels; Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers; Elevating and Amusement Devices and Ski Lifts.
Organizations, teams or individuals can be nominated in two award categories recognizing acts and initiatives that enhance public safety for Ontarians:
- Impact Awards highlight significant contributions to safety or significant initiatives or projects that have positive safety outcomes and go above and beyond regulatory compliance.
- Legacy Awards recognize the impact over time for persons or organizations that have demonstrated a history of safety conscientiousness.
TSSA will announce the 2024 Safety Awards recipients at its annual public meeting on September 19, 2024.
The following were recipients of TSSA's Safety Awards in 2023:
2023 Impact Award Winner, Brandon Irwin
As a Lift Operator at Osler Bluff Ski Club in Blue Mountains, Ontario, Brandon Irwin proved that a vigilant safety mindset can save lives on the slopes. His unwavering focus on customers, along with a lifesaving outcome from his prompt safety actions, has distinguished him as the winner of the TSSA Impact Award 2023. Read the write-up or watch the video.
2023 Legacy Award Winner, Western University Power Plant Team
For two decades, Western University's Power Plant team has maintained an impeccable record of zero lost-time incidents. This safety achievement demonstrates the plant's robust safety culture, earning the 15-strong Power Plant team the TSSA Legacy Award for 2023. Read the write-up or watch the video.
Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA, says recognizing people and organizations that have made significant contributions to public safety in Ontario is an important part of TSSA's efforts to encourage best practices and improve safety outcomes.
"Organizations, teams and industry professionals dedicated to safety are vital partners in fostering a safer Ontario. These awards underscore that safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone has the potential to make an impact on safety," says Rose.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces 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, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
Toronto, ON, March 8, 2024 – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is pleased to announce that TSSA President and CEO Bonnie Rose has once again been honoured as one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine.
“I’d like to congratulate Ms. Rose for once again being recognized with this prestigious honour, especially fitting as we mark International Women’s Day today,” said RJ. Falconi, Chair of TSSA’s Board of Directors. “Bonnie has steered TSSA through an ambitious transformation into an Outcome-Based Regulator that uses data insights and other modern regulatory tools to improve safety for Ontarians. Thanks to her strong leadership, TSSA has a phenomenal foundation upon which it can advance safety standards, better target safety risks to reduce harm and blaze new trails in safety.”
TSSA has launched innovative regulatory initiatives that enhance safety for the province. These efforts include establishing compliance standards and a compliance support program that leverage data for harm reduction.
Rose said, “Everyone at TSSA has worked together to improve safety. I’m very proud of the work we have done as One TSSA, working collaboratively with our valued stakeholders, for a safer Ontario.”
Rose was initially recognized as one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety in 2021. Her leadership profile is now showcased on COS Top Women in Safety 2024 website.
Canada’s Top Women in Safety is a nomination-based award. Nomination needs to include the nominee’s professional achievements over the past 12 months, initiatives and innovations, and contributions to the Occupational Health and Safety industry.
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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
Technical Standards and Safety Authority Launches Public Education Campaign to Combat Fraudulent Fuels Workers
Toronto, ON, March 1, 2024 – Fraudulent fuels workers, commonly referred to as ‘trunk slammers’, pose a significant threat to the safety of Ontarians by performing services at a reduced rate using substandard and unsafe materials. This Fraud Prevention Month, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is launching its fifth Trunk Slammers Awareness and Enforcement Program to urge Ontarians to hire registered and certified fuels contractors, understand how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate fuels contractors and remain vigilant against fuels scammers by reporting them to TSSA.
As both data and incidents show, it is imperative for homeowners to engage legitimate fuels professionals for fuels-related work. According to TSSA’s historical data, approximately 65% of fuels-related incidents were caused by issues including substandard installation of fuel-burning appliances and poor maintenance practices. Furthermore, TSSA's most recent public safety report highlights an incident where improper installation of fuels appliances resulted in an explosion, injuring two Ontarians.
Under Ontario law, furnaces and fuels-fired appliances must be maintained by TSSA-registered contractors. All registered contractors are required to hire TSSA certified gas technicians who have extensive training and are qualified to perform fuels work safely. With some 9,000 registered fuels contractors and 78,000 certified professionals across the province, consumers have numerous legitimate options for fuels-related services.
As trunk slammers lack certification or registration with TSSA, neither their work, equipment nor qualifications are audited and verified by TSSA. Hiring these fuels scammers can lead to serious risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and other harmful consequences.
“Safety is a right, not a compromise. Hiring registered fuels contractors is the right thing to do to keep you and your loved ones safe,” said Kelly Hart, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. “Before engaging any fuels contractor, always verify the contractor’s registration status using the convenient and easy-to-use lookup tool on our website.”
Hart continued, “Fuels scams are a serious issue. When you are approached by fraudulent fuels workers, report them to TSSA. TSSA is committed to investigating these reports and taking legal action against unlawful players. Reporting illegal workers is a proactive step in saving others from these scams.”
TSSA’s online resources offer tailored safety content aimed at combating fuels scams. These include a series of videos featuring practical guides from TSSA investigator about legitimate fuels workers and trunk slammers, which will be released throughout the month.
Take these steps to protect yourselves from fraudulent fuels workers:
Stay informed about trunk slammers during this Fraud Prevention Month by following TSSA on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
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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
TORONTO, ON, January 15, 2024 – Carbon monoxide (CO) continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario. With approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes, TSSA urges everyone to be ‘WinterWise’ this season and learn about how they can protect themselves against this invisible, odourless and highly poisonous gas - often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’.
As part of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA’s) ongoing efforts to build CO awareness in communities across Ontario, residents in the Hamilton and Niagara region will be receiving a copy of an important safety booklet – WinterWise – this week. This campaign, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, provides 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 Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can essentially eliminate any potential harm, by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-registered fuel contractor o to find a TSSA-registered contractor near you use the Find A Registered Fuels Contractor Tool at cosafety.ca.
- Install certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test 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 Hart.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about CO and other seasonal safety topics by reading and sharing the information in the WinterWise booklet and by visiting COsafety.ca – a website dedicated to providing critical CO safety information.
TSSA continues to partner with local fire and emergency services and other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical CO safety information to residents in communities across Ontario. The attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe.
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 or to arrange media availability, 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
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org/
TORONTO, ON, January 15, 2024 – Carbon monoxide (CO) continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario. With approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes, TSSA urges everyone to be ‘WinterWise’ this season and learn about how they can protect themselves against this invisible, odourless and highly poisonous gas - often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’.
As part of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA’s) ongoing efforts to build CO awareness in communities across Ontario, residents in Northern Ontario will be receiving a copy of an important safety booklet – WinterWise – this week. This campaign, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, provides 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 Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can essentially eliminate any potential harm, by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-registered fuel contractor o to find a TSSA-registered contractor near you use the Find A Registered Fuels Contractor Tool at cosafety.ca.
Install certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test 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 Hart.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about CO and other seasonal safety topics by reading and sharing the information in the WinterWise booklet and by visiting COsafety.ca – a website dedicated to providing critical CO safety information.
TSSA continues to partner with local fire and emergency services and other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical CO safety information to residents in communities across Ontario. The attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe.
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.
-30-
For more information or to arrange media availability, 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
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org/