Spring into Carbon Monoxide Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (TORONTO, ON, March 16, 2021) – As the snow melts away and warmer temperatures are in the midst, our spring to-do lists are starting to grow. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) wants to remind Ontario residents that no spring to-do list is complete without one that addresses Carbon Monoxide (CO) safety.

With over 65% of all CO injuries and deaths in Ontario occurring in homes and the average dwelling having roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO, public education is  key when it comes to mitigating these risks.

With the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, TSSA partners with other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical information to residents in communities across Ontario. Most recently, TSSA has joined up with the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education and a number of eastern Ontario fire and emergency services departments to provide residents with important CO safety messages.

“Although spring is on the horizon, the risks of CO exposure don’t change,” says Sam Sadeghi, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “We need to remember that CO sources can exist in places other than just our homes, such as in our cottages, campers, boat cabins and RVs. CO can build up in these enclosed spaces quickly, and result in harmful and, unfortunately, at-times deadly poisoning.”

Take Action, Think Safe:

• Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a certified fuel technician.
  • To find a TSSA-registered contractor near you use the Find A Registered Contractor Tool at cosafety.ca.
• Install certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test them and replace in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.

“Safety is a shared responsibility” adds Sadeghi, and by taking these actions we can lower CO risks in our homes.”

Lastly, know the symptoms of CO poisoning. They are similar to the flu – nausea, headache, burning eyes, confusion and drowsiness – except there is no fever. If these symptoms appear, it is imperative to get everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 911 or the local fire department.

For more valuable safety information, visit TSSA’s public safety website – www.safetyinfo.ca.

Additional Resources:

Trunk Slammers Campaign (Fraudulent Fuels Safety Workers):

• TSSA Fraud Prevention Month Warning Media Release - March 1, 2021: TSSA Kicks Off Fraud Prevention Month with a Warning to Ontarians to be Aware of Fraudulent Fuels Workers

Patio Heater Safety:

• TSSA Joint Patio Heaters Media Release - Oct 2, 2020 : Fire Prevention Week Message Focuses on Safe Alfresco Dining Guidelines for the Safe Use of Heaters on Outdoor Patios
• TSSA Patio Heater Safety Guidelines

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 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.