TSSA Reminds Ontarians of Spring Flooding Safety Sense

Posted Thursday May 07, 2020

Posted By: Elizabeth Leal

Category: Elevating Devices,TSSA News,Fuels,Safety Exchange Blog,In The Know,Safety Matters

With flood risks looming across various Ontario regions amid national Emergency Preparedness Week, the province’s technical safety regulator, Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), is advising Ontarians of important spring flooding safety guidelines.

The Government of Ontario recently issued a news release, Ontario Ready to Respond to Spring Flooding Season, noting a “moderate-to-high risk of flooding for northern Ontario and the James and Hudson Bay coasts” and “risk of shoreline flooding from snow melt in southern Ontario along the Great Lakes.”

Should these provincial floods come to pass, TSSA recommends that Ontarians take note of the following fuels and other safety measures.

Fuels Safety

When flooding occurs, key energy infrastructures can become temporarily out of commission, tempting residents to turn to alternatives that may be unsafe. Portable, fuel-fired generators, propane BBQs and other fuel-burning outdoor appliances are never safe to use indoors because they can cause fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

• Never use fuel-fired generators, heaters, camp stoves, outdoor lanterns or BBQs inside enclosed spaces.
• Ensure generators used outside are situated away from open home windows, doors and vents.
• Keep in mind that CO gas can also accumulate in car ports, garages and covered patios.
• Consider using battery-powered CO detectors in areas where generators are operating.
• Allow generators and appliances to cool before attempting to refuel them.
• If drying a basement with commercial ventilating fans, keep in mind that these fans can create a ‘negative pressure’ environment causing CO to spill back into the home. Ensure there is proper ventilation during the procedure.

The Canadian Propane Association also offers this essential advice.

• Learn how and where to shut off gas supplies to propane tanks and appliances.
• Propane tanks (even full ones) float in water, so secure tanks to fixed objects, when flood warnings are issued.
• Ensure family members recognize the rotten-egg or skunk-like smell of propane.

Elevator Safety

• Never use elevators in a flooding building, as water may disable or flood elevators and lead to occupant entrapment.

Residents and businesses unsure of how flooding conditions may affect the safeness of specific TSSA-regulated devices should contact TSSA.

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 include public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, 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

For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.