Acronym
Fuels
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is offering an online training session for engineering firms and contractors submitting engineering applications on behalf of owners on:
Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
Time: 11 am – 1 pm (EST)
Join the online training:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2701226077314?p=XEtjvB02ncmx1pXJAy
Meeting ID: 270 122 607 731 4
Passcode: nr6dW2yr
This session will provide a walkthrough of the TSSA Client Portal, including:
- How to navigate key features of the Client Portal
- Submitting engineering applications
- Linking third‑party submitter accounts to client accounts
REGISTER NOW TO SAVE YOUR SPOT! Attendance is limited to the first 1,000 attendees.
This new item was sent to Fuels web subscribers and Fuels clients who have submitted engineering applications to TSSA as a third party in the last 12 months.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has published the amendments to the Fuel Oil Code Adoption Document (CAD) and the associated Consultation Summary, following a review of feedback received during the consultation that closed on December 19, 2025.
We thank stakeholders for their input on the Fuel Oil CAD, which was last updated and published in 2021.
Please read the amendments to the Fuel Oil CAD and the associated Consultation Summary.
Toronto, ON, March 25, 2026 – The Ontario Court of Justice has found Mark Van Watteghem guilty of two offences under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, following his work on gas appliances without the required authorization from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).
In Ontario, only fuel contractors registered with TSSA and individuals holding valid gas technician certificate are legally permitted to work on gas appliances.
Between June and September 2023, Mr. Van Watteghem, operating as Van Watts Mechanical, removed a gas furnace and installed a replacement unit at a home in Windsor, Ontario. At the time, his business was not registered with TSSA as a fuels contractor, and he did not hold a valid gas technician certificate. While Mr. Van Watteghem was previously certified as a gas technician, his certification had expired in 2017 and has not been renewed.
“Working with fuel‑related equipment without proper TSSA registration and certification puts lives at risk. Those who cut corners will face legal consequences,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of the Fuel Safety Program at TSSA.
Mr. Van Watteghem has a history of fuel safety violations. In 2016, he was convicted of performing unsafe fuel work and fined $10,000 plus the victim surcharge. In 2019, he was fined $15,000 and the victim surcharge for unsafe fuel work and for operating as an unregistered fuels contractor.
Due to the repeated nature of Mr. Van Watteghem’s safety violations, the penalties in the current case – including a fine, jail time, or both – will be determined through further court proceedings.
“Never hire unregistered fuel contractors or uncertified gas technicians as their work isn’t audited or inspected, and they lack the authorization to do this work. TSSA is committed to enforcing fuel safety requirements and helping consumers understand how to hire legitimate fuel contractors,” added Mr. Kennedy.
TSSA reminds fuels contractors and technicians that proper registration and certification are mandatory when performing work involving fuel equipment. Members of the public are encouraged to verify contractor credentials before allowing work to proceed in their homes. Ontarians can confirm a contractor’s authorization status using TSSA’s fuels contractor lookup tool.
More resources about fraudulent fuels workers are available on TSSA’s website.
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: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org
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 Facebook, LinkedIn 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
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
Fuels clients can access additional online services through the TSSA Client Portal as of March 16, 2026.
TSSA is integrating more core services into the Client Portal to streamline key processes and improve client experience. New services available on the Client Portal as of March 16, 2026, include:
- Engineering submissions
- Certification and Exam Services: Apply online for examinations, reinstate certificates, apply for a certificate if you’re from outside Ontario, and obtain Training Provider accreditation. Computer-based examinations will be done in person at dedicated exam centres.
Automating services enhances clients’ ability to self-serve and access real-time updates on their applications. The step-by-step approach of online services provides clear instructions that make it easier for clients to provide the required information and supporting documents.
What This Means to Fuels Clients
Fuels clients can expect the following changes on March 16, 2026:
- All Fuels engineering services will be moved to the Client Portal. Emailed applications will no longer be accepted. Mandatory required documents can still be found through the Engineering Approvals webpage on the TSSA website.
- Expedited engineering services will no longer be available, as turnaround times for processing such applications have come down significantly.
Temporary System Outage for Upgrade
TSSA will perform a system upgrade to migrate more services online. As a result, the Client and Prepayment Portals will not be accessible starting on Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m. until Monday, March 16 at 8:00 a.m. EST.
Fuels clients who need to submit requests or applications should do so before the system upgrade or after March 16. We seek your patience as TSSA’s response times may be affected during and immediately after the system upgrade.
Sign Up for Client Portal
If you are not yet Client Portal user, follow these instructions to sign up. After creating access to the Client Portal, you must link your portal profile to your existing TSSA account to perform transactions, submit applications and access online services.
Account users can continue to access existing services on the Client Portal to:
- Submit and pay for applications available on the Client Portal. Please use the Prepayment Portal for other applications.
- View and download inspection reports, permits, licences or certificates
- View issued orders
- Update your account and contact information
- Sign up for paperless invoicing
Stay tuned for further updates. For more information on the Client Portal, please refer to the FAQs.
This was shared with Fuels clients and Fuels web subscribers.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is seeking your comments on a proposal to license operations conducting retail mobile fueling under Ontario Regulation 217/01, Liquid Fuels and Liquid Fuels Handling Code.
Retail mobile fueling is defined as the dispensing of fuel from a highway tank to a licensed vehicle or a watercraft that cannot be fueled at a marina. A prior consultation was conducted on the technical requirements for retail mobile fueling facilities.
The opportunity to comment on a TSSA proposal to license retail mobile fueling operations is open for 30 days from January 30, 2026, to March 1, 2026. Please visit EngageTSSA to provide your feedback.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Chris Thompson at cthompson@tssa.org.
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
This communication was sent to Liquid Fuels Handling Code Working Group, liquid fuels tanker trucks, liquid fuel facilities and Fuel web subscribers.