TSSA Recognized for Safety Excellence for the 5th Consecutive Year

Industry: All Industries

Category: Press release

May 26, 2026

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Toronto, ON, May 26, 2026 – For five years in a row, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has been honoured with the 5‑Star Safety Culture Award from Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine. Presented annually, the award recognizes Canadian organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to building and sustaining a strong culture of safety. 

“Receiving this award for five straight years speaks volumes about the unwavering commitment of TSSA’s 450 employees to protecting Ontarians and advancing our vision as an outcome‑based regulator,” said TSSA President and CEO, Bonnie Rose. “Safety is TSSA’s top priority, and our approach is to focus on where our efforts matter most, guided by data we have collected and analyzed. Internally, we continue to build a strong, safety‑minded team that works to ingrain and celebrate safety in their day‑to‑day work.” 

Upheld as one of TSSA’s core values, safety is central to the work employees carry out every day. To further embed safety into its workplace culture, TSSA has recently launched new employee‑focused initiatives, including the introduction of an online peer‑to‑peer recognition platform. Designed to promote a culture of appreciation, this initiative empowers TSSA employees to acknowledge each other’s contributions to safety and celebrate other values. 

The 5‑Star Safety Culture Award is presented to organizations that exemplify excellence in fostering robust workplace safety cultures and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to proactive risk management, comprehensive training, and employee engagement. Nominated by COS magazine, TSSA was shortlisted as a finalist following a detailed 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 80 percent. 

To learn more about the 5-Star Safety Culture Award and the organizations recognized this year, view the special report here

For more information about TSSA’s outcome-based regulatory model and how it supports risk-informed safety oversight, visit www.tssa.org.

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

As May Long Weekend gets Underway, Make your Space a Safe Place

Industry: All Industries

Category: Press release

May 14, 2026

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TORONTO, ON, May 14, 2026 –– Seasons “may” change, but safety remains the same. It’s been a long time coming but the May long weekend is finally upon us and with it the return of many favourite seasonal activities. Your safety partners at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) are teaming up to shed light on some of the biggest poisoning risks in and around our homes; often the ones we don’t think of, expect – or even notice. 

The good news is that many of these poisonings are preventable. 

Make your space a safe place. 

  
 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety 

CO – a household poison like many others - can make its way into popular summertime activities such as cottaging, camping, BBQing or RVing.

  • Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-registered fuels contractor. 
  • Have working, certified, CO alarms installed; regularly test and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.  
  • Never use indoors any fuel-burning equipment that is specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only such as generators, portable heaters, BBQs and camping stoves. 
  • Always keep external exhaust vents – including those at the cottage or your trailer or RV – free of debris or blockages.  
     

If you suspect CO poisoning, get outdoors immediately and call 911. 

For additional CO Safety information visit COsafety.ca  
 

Other Poisons  
 

Whether indoors or out, don’t let other potential poisoning hazards that may be in your environment dampen your spirits on these summer days.

  • Keep all cleaning products in their original containers. Never put cleaners in containers used for drinking, like water bottles or pop cans.  
  • Keep harmful products and medications “locked up tight and out of sight” in a cupboard or container.  
  • Do not leave weed killers, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers or other lawn or garden products unattended.  
  • Know the names of all the plants and trees inside and outside your home. 
  • Be prepared when hiking or visiting an area where rattlesnakes live. If you hear a rattle, move away from the sound of the snake. Do not try to touch it.  
     

If you, your child or anyone in your midst is experiencing suspected poisoning, call OPC toll-free at 1-800-268-9017 or 911 immediately.  
 

For additional poison prevention information visit ontariopoisoncentre.ca

  
 

  
 

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 supports in the ongoing care of the poisoned patient by following the clinical course of hospitalization, assessing the effectiveness of treatment recommendations and providing additional antidote recommendations. Our toxicology experts also work collaboratively alongside other healthcare professionals to support safe, evidence-informed, and patient-centered care for poisoned patients. The OPC is operated and supported by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto.  
 

www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca  
 

  
 

For more information, please contact:  
 

TSSA:  
 

Ammara Khan 

Director, Communications Technical Standards and Safety Authority Telephone: 416-734-2728 

Email: media@tssa.org 

For more information on TSSA visit www.tssa.org 

OPC: 

Chad Larabie 

Knowledge Translation Program Manager, 

Public Ontario Poison Centre 

Email: chad.larabie@sickkids.ca 

For more information on OPC visit ontariopoisoncentre.ca

Springing into Seasonal Safety: Your Safety Guide to Preventing Common Household Injuries

Industry:

Category: Press release

Apr 14, 2026

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TORONTO, ON, April 14, 2026 – As we spring into a new season of activities, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has issued SpringSafe – its latest free seasonal safety booklet, available on COsafety.ca.

Through a series of safety tips and resources on everything from carbon monoxide (CO) to household cleaners, helmets, digging activities, lithium-ion batteries, and more, our SpringSafe  booklet is packed with information to help Ontarians reduce the risk of preventable injuries.

“Carbon monoxide (CO) – a household poison like many others - knows no seasonal boundaries,” says Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety at TSSA. “In the spring we must pay special attention to potential exposures at cottages, campers, boat cabins and RVs,” adds Kennedy.

Residents can significantly reduce CO risks by taking these two important steps:

  • Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-registered fuel contractor:
    • to find a TSSA-registered contractor near you, use the Find A Registered Fuels Contractor Tool at COsafety.ca.
  • Have working, certified, CO alarms installed; regularly test and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.

Ontarians are encouraged to learn more about CO and other seasonal safety topics by reading and sharing the information in the SpringSafe booklet. 

More information on CO safety can be found on our dedicated website, COsafety.ca, and/or in the attached backgrounder.

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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

Safely Digging Out of One Season and Into Another: April Dig Safe Month is Here

Industry: Fuels - All

Category: Press release

Apr 10, 2026

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TORONTO, ON, April 10, 2026 –– With the unprecedented snowfall accumulations this year, the spring season brings a welcome change as Ontarians dig out of one season and into another. 

As April is designated ‘dig safe’ month, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and Ontario One Call are taking the opportunity to remind Ontarians of the importance of obtaining a locate before initiating any landscape, construction or any other digging project. 

Unsafe excavation practices can put many people at risk of losing essential services including but not limited to heat, hot water, electrical and telecommunications. In the most serious of cases, it can lead to potential explosions that can cause property damage, injuries, or even loss of life. During the spring and summer months, pipeline strikes typically increase more than two-fold due to excavations without the proper locate permissions from buried infrastructure owners.

Improper use of equipment such as a shovel, backhoe or other machinery can potentially damage underground infrastructure, leading to safety hazards or very dangerous or fatal consequences. 

  • Nicking a gas line could lead to leaks, fire, or explosions.
  • Damaging electrical cables could shock or electrocute you.
  • Hitting water or sewer lines could cause flying debris, floods, contamination, and environmental hazards.
  • Cutting telecommunications cables could disrupt internet or cable services and your ability to call 911 in an emergency. 


 

BEFORE starting any landscaping, construction, or other digging project, a locate request must be submitted at ontarioonecall.ca. This notifies underground utility owners so they can mark the location of buried infrastructure such as gas, hydro, and communication lines.

It's free, it's easy, it's the law.

  • If you are planning a digging project, you must submit a locate request at ontarioonecall.ca at least five business days before you start for a single property project and 10 business days for projects involving multiple properties or areas without a civic address.
  • If you have hired a contractor, make sure your contractor has contacted Ontario One Call before they start your project.
  • Check the paperwork emailed to you by the utility owners to ensure it covers your dig and make sure you understand all the markings - if not, contact the utility owner.
  • If you accidentally strike any underground services (e.g. pipelines, electrical lines, cables, etc.), immediately call 911 and all associated service providers.

  
 

Quotes 

TSSA

"With over 110,000 km of pipeline delivering fuel across Ontario, TSSA is focused on reducing risk and the potential of harm associated with pipeline strikes through engagement, evidence, enforcement and education. We are proud to be Partnering for a Safe Ontario with Ontario One Call and industry leaders to promote stronger awareness and compliance," said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA.

Ontario One Call

"Damage to underground infrastructure is entirely preventable. Safety is a shared responsibility, and every project - large or small - must begin with a locate request. Clicking Before You Dig is a simple step that protects workers and the public, and it's the law," said Mitch Panciuk, President and CEO of Ontario One Call. 

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 One Call

Ontario One Call is a public safety administrative authority that acts as a communications link between underground infrastructure owners and individuals who are planning to dig in the province of Ontario. In 2012, the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012 was passed, which stipulates by law that everyone in the province of Ontario must contact Ontario One Call for locates before they dig. 

www.ontarioonecall.ca

TSSA 

Alexandra Campbell 

Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and 

Customer Service 

Technical Standards and Safety Authority 

Telephone: 416-734-2728 

Email: media@tssa.org 

Ontario One Call 

Ian Simpson 

VP of Communications and Corporate Affairs (Interim) 

Email: media@OntarioOneCall.ca

Protecting Ontarians from Fraudulent Fuels Workers

Industry: Fuels - All

Category: Press release

Mar 23, 2026

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Safety Is a Right, Not a Compromise: Know Who You’re Hiring

Toronto, ON, March 23, 2026 – Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is continuing its efforts to help Ontarians stay vigilant against unregistered and uncertified fuels workers. Every year, TSSA’s public awareness campaign in Fraud Prevention Month highlights the importance of hiring qualified professionals for any work involving fuel‑burning appliances.

In Ontario, only TSSA‑registered contractors and certified fuel technicians are legally permitted to install, service, or maintain fuel‑burning appliances such as furnaces, boilers, and water heaters. Work performed by someone unregistered or uncertified can potentially put homeowners, tenants, and businesses at risk. Their fuel services lack TSSA oversight and can increase potential exposure to safety hazards, including carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. 

TSSA’s campaign aims to equip Ontarians with the knowledge to differentiate legitimate fuels contractors from those operating outside the law. The Campaign Resources Page features videos, real‑world stories, Frequently Asked Questions, and other tools to help people make informed decisions and recognize red flags of a fraudulent fuels worker. Ontarians are encouraged to report suspicious workers.

“Fraudulent fuels workers can put people in harm’s way. It is essential to know that the individual you’re hiring to work on your fuel-burning equipment is legally permitted to do so,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. 

“Don’t take the risk of hiring unqualified workers to service your fuel equipment, even if their prices seem low. That’s a sign that something isn’t right,” added Mr. Kennedy. “With 9,000 registered contractors and 60,000 certified professionals in Ontario, homeowners have plenty of trusted options. For your safety, verify the contractor’s credentials before hiring them.”

Consumers can verify a contractor’s registration status using TSSA’s Registered Fuels Contractor lookup tool

Suspicious fuel works can be reported to TSSA at fuels_technical_services@tssa.org.

More safety tips and educational content about fraudulent fuels workers can be found on FacebookLinkedIn and X.

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

Poison Prevention Week – Thinking Beyond the Obvious

Industry: Fuels - All

Category: Press release

Mar 16, 2026

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Poison Prevention Week – Thinking beyond the Obvious

TORONTO, ON, March 16, 2026 – Each year, more people in Canada lose their lives to unintentional poisoning than to transport-related incidents. More than 65,000 poisoning calls come into OPC each year and approximately 60% of these calls come from people’s homes.

As part of National Poison Prevention Week (March 15 – 21, 2026), the Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) are teaming up to shed light on some of the biggest risks within our homes; often the ones we don’t think of, expect – or even notice. In essence, it’s about encouraging Ontarians to think beyond the obvious. It all begins with taking time to #RethinkPoisons in the home.

Poisons may often be thought of as toxic substances with skull-and-crossbones labels, but perhaps not in the context of medications, household cleaners or carbon monoxide gas. In fact, these are among some of the most common sources of poisoning in the home.

The good news is that many of these household poisonings are preventable. Keep in mind that these incidents can happen at any time and at any age.

Quotes:

OPC
“Poisoning risks in the home are often not what people expect,” says Anna Leah Desembrana, Clinical Director of the Ontario Poison Centre. “While many people think of poisons as clearly labeled toxic substances, some of the most common exposures involve everyday items when not used properly like medications, household cleaners, and carbon monoxide. National Poison Prevention Week is a reminder for Ontarians to pause and #RethinkPoisons. We’re proud to partner with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), a recognized leader in protecting Ontarians through safety and prevention.”

TSSA
“We value our partnership with the Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) and an opportunity like Poison Prevention Week that allows us to reinforce that CO, like many other poisons, can exist in your home,” says Owen Kennedy, Director, Fuels Safety Program. “It’s all about getting your fuel-burning appliances inspected and having certified, working CO alarms in your homes.”


When in Doubt, Call for Help

If you suspect poisoning of any kind, don’t wait for symptoms. Call the Ontario Poison Centre at 
1-800-268-9017. Available anytime, anywhere, in any language. Fast action can save lives.

For more information and safety tips on common household poisons see backgrounder that follows.

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.ca

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:

OPC

Chad Larabie

Knowledge Translation Program Manager, Public

Ontario Poison Centre

Email: chad.larabie@sickkids.ca

TSSA

Alexandra Campbell 
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement
and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org

 

TSSA Urges Ontarians to Keep Gas Meters and Fuel-Burning Appliance Vents Free from Snow and Ice

Industry: Fuels - All

Category: Press release

Jan 26, 2026

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TORONTO, ON, January 26, 2026 - As major winter storm effects continue to impact parts of Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) urges homeowners and residents to check their gas meters and the external exhaust outlets for furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and all fuel-burning devices to ensure no snow or ice builds up. 

“Exhaust vents, in particular, often extend out of the side of a home as low as one foot above ground. They have the potential to get covered and blocked easily without a homeowner’s knowledge, especially when a homeowner is shoveling snow or using a snowblower or when there is a severe snow build-up,” says Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “Additionally, a snow-covered gas meter can interfere with its ability to regulate gas pressure, creating other serious safety risks,” adds Kennedy. 

Blocked vents can increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) building up inside a home. CO, is a highly poisonous and deadly gas commonly referred to as the “Silent Killer” as you can’t smell it, see it or taste it. When snow piles up, check your gas meter and vents. 

When snow piles up, check your gas meter and vents.

  • Use a car brush or broom to gently remove snow from gas meters and vent pipes. Avoid sharp tools to prevent damage.
  • Never shovel, plow, or blow snow against the meter or vent pipe.
  • Be cautious when using snow blowers to avoid bumping the meter.
  • Refrain from kicking the meter or vent pipes to clear ice or snow.
  • Remove icicles from overhead eaves to prevent dripping water from freezing on the meter or vent pipes. 


Also, for residents experiencing power-related issues it's important to remember to never use any fuel-burning appliances indoors that are specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only. 

Be in the Know when it Comes to CO. 

CO poisoning symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. If you're experiencing symptoms such as these, immediately move to fresh air and call emergency services. 

Learn more about CO in this backgrounder, by visiting COsafety.ca by browsing through TSSA's WinterWise booklet for additional CO and winter safety tips. 

About TSSA

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administrators provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, 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.  

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

Be Carbon Monoxide “WinterWise” this Season

Industry: Fuels - All

Category: Press release

Jan 12, 2026

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TORONTO, ON, January 12, 2026 – 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 across the province, select communities 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 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 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 Kennedy. 

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.

Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. 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

Carbon Monoxide – The ‘Silent Killer’: What Ontarians Need to Know this Winter

Industry: Fuels - All

Category: Press release

Nov 03, 2025

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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

Ontario Safety Partners Unite in the Fight Against Carbon Monoxide

Industry: Fuels - All

Category: Press release

Nov 03, 2025

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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

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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
 

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