The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates private fuel outlets (PFOs) under the Ontario Regulation 217/01. Under this regulation TSSA provides oversight, conducts design reviews, and inspections to ensure all fuels safety regulations are met as they relate to handling fuel on PFO sites. The regulation adopts the Liquid Fuels Handling Code, 2017 (LFHC), which specifies the requirements for the storage, handling and dispensing of gasoline and associated products that are used as fuel in motor vehicles or motorized watercraft.
What is a Private Fuel Outlet (PFO)?
A PFO refers to any premise where gasoline or an associated product is put into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles or into portable containers. This definition excludes retail outlets, marinas, and bulk plants.
Examples of PFOs:
- Municipalities that fill their own fire trucks
- Farms and other agricultural operations that have fueling facilities
- Courier companies that fuel their own fleet of delivery vehicles
- Car rental agencies with fueling facilities
- Any other company with fueling facilities for its fleet vehicles
- Campgrounds, rental cottages or fishing camps where fuel is provided as part of the rental agreement for boats (via portable containers), ATV’s or snowmobiles. (Note: if the fuel is being dispensed directly into the fuel tank of a boat, this is a marina, not a PFO, and requires an annual license.)
Not a PFO:
- A logging or mining company that provides fuel to private contractors and then deducts the cost of fuel from the contractors would require a license for selling fuel
If you are unsure if your facility is a PFO, please contact us at fuels_technical_services@tssa.org.
PFO Inspections |
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TSSA does not have a periodic inspection program for PFOs. However, if you wish to have your facility inspected, please call toll-free 1-877-682-8772 or view our inspector directory. Inspections are an important way to ensure facilities are following Ontario’s safety laws. A typical inspection includes:
During an inspection, orders may be issued to correct any non-compliance with the regulations. |
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How to Prepare for an Inspection |
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Take the following steps to ensure safety, reduce the possibility of safety orders, and reduce the cost of your inspection:
- Make sure all equipment is certified to a Canadian standard (e.g. ULC or CSA) and is in good working order - if you are unsure of the safety of the equipment, contact a registered petroleum contractor. - Keep maintenance/tests (e.g. cathodic protection and precision leak detection tests) up-to-date and records available to the inspector
![]() - Make sure aboveground tanks have anti-syphon valves, if required, and vehicle protection - All storage tanks must have an overfill protection device or an overfill procedure (see appendix F in LFHC) for tanks <5,000L - If equipment is leaking, immediately shut it down and contact a registered petroleum contractor for repair
- The facility must have a spill kit and fire extinguishers - Storage tanks must be sited away from wells, buildings, etc. - Staff must be trained in the use of all equipment and emergency procedures and you must retain a record of the training.
- The facility must have proper electrical wiring (not extension cords), and an emergency shut off switch |
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Inspection Orders |
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When an inspection identifies fuel safety concerns, TSSA inspectors issue orders. Depending on the nature of the risk, owner/operators are given timelines to comply on the following basis:
TSSA appreciates that different sites may have unique challenges. Except for high-risk orders due to public and environmental safety risks, TSSA inspectors will work with you to develop compliance plans and, where appropriate, extend timelines to resolve orders. |
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Variances |
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Variances or deviations from the LFHC are granted in certain circumstances. They allow flexibility at facilities that do not comply with some of the requirements, but are equivalent in safety standards acceptable to TSSA. All liquid fuel variances are reviewed by a member of the TSSA engineering department and are posted for public consultation on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry for 30 days prior to being presented to the variance committee. The final decision must also be posted for 15 days. You may apply for a variance by completing the appropriate variance application form (either Non-certified Plastic Venting or All Other) and submitting it via our Service Prepayment Portal. Facility owners must demonstrate why the code cannot be met and what equivalent safety measures would be implemented to ensure safety. Variances to abandon an underground fuel tank in place will require additional information outlined in the following Fuels Safety Program Advisory: NOTE: Variances will not be granted for underground single wall tanks or piping. |
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Resources |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
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Contact(s)