Acronym
Fuels
Toronto, ON, May 15, 2025 – No matter what’s in store this May ‘2-4’ - whether you’re opening the cottage, sparking up the grill, pitching a tent, tuning up your RVs or trailers or simply gearing up to enjoy the great outdoors – your safety partners at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) want you to keep these safety tips in mind so you can make the most of your days as summer unofficially gets underway.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
A highly poisonous and deadly gas, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a by-product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing (or carbon-based) fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, charcoal and more. And while some of us may tend to think that this is a winter concern, CO knows no seasonal boundaries.
Commonly known as the ‘silent killer’ this poisonous, gas can go undetected as you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it.
CO can make its way into popular summertime activities such as cottaging, camping, BBQing, RVing or boating. No matter what’s in store this May ‘2-4’ - CO should have no place in your summer space.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- have all fuel-burning appliances inspected through the services of a TSSA-registered contractor
- install, certified, working CO alarms
- never use indoors, nor in enclosed spaces, any fuel-burning equipment that is specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only such as generators, portable heaters, BBQs and camping stoves
- keep external exhaust vents – whether at the cottage or your trailer or RV – free of debris or blockages
- know the sources; know the symptoms of CO poisoning
- if you suspect CO poisoning, get outdoors immediately and call 911
“No matter the season, any one CO incident is always one too many. Keep in mind that while seasons change, the risks of CO exposure don’t,” says Owen Kennedy, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “Even though fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly. Know the sources. Know the symptoms. Know the steps to keep yourselves, family, friends and loved ones – pets included – safe this summer,” stresses Kennedy.
For additional CO Safety information visit cosafety.ca
Other Poison Prevention
Whether indoors or out, don’t let other potential poisoning hazards, such as snake bites, poisonous plants, chemicals, or medications that may be in your environment, dampen your spirits on these summer days.
Storage
Keep harmful products and medications “locked up tight and out of sight” in a cupboard or container. There are a variety of safety latches that can be purchased to lock a cupboard or cabinet. Find them in the child safety section of local stores. You should choose one that works for your family. For more details, check out the Poison Storage Checklist.
Snake Bites
Be prepared when hiking or visiting an area where rattlesnakes live. Have an emergency plan. Know how to contact the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the area and know how to get to the closest hospital.
- if you hear a rattle, move away from the sound of the snake. Do not try to touch it.
- if bitten by a snake, remain calm.
- if you experience a snake bite, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) or immediately call 911
Plant and Mushroom Safey
Plants, berries and mushrooms are attractive to many and particularly young children who like to put things in their mouths. Make sure you know the names of plants that grow inside and outside of your home. If your child eats a plant, berry, seed, bulb, or wild mushroom that you aren’t sure about or think may be poisonous, call OPC at 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 or 911 immediately.
- do not assume that a plant is safe for people just because birds or wildlife eat it
- do not suck nectar from flowers or make tea from flowers or leaves
- cactus plants can cause skin to be irritated and should be kept away from children
- poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms may grow side by side
- it can be dangerous to eat a mushroom that you have found outdoors
- cooking outdoor mushrooms does NOT make them safe to eat
For more information on mushroom foraging safety, check out this infographic and video
Pesticides:
As the season may call for people to use weed killers, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers or other lawn or garden products, don’t ever leave these chemicals unattended, particularly if children may be around.
- follow all instructions on the label carefully
- wear protective equipment
- store pesticides in a locked box or cabinet
“As families head outdoors this May long weekend, it’s important to remember that poison hazards don’t take a vacation. From plants and pesticides to bites and medications, prevention starts with awareness” – Dr. Connie Mackenzie, Assistant Medical Director, Ontario Poison Centre.
For additional poison prevention information visit ontariopoisoncentre.ca
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.
About OPC
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. The OPC also operates a bilingual satellite site in Ottawa in collaboration with Montfort Hospital.
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For more information, please contact:
TSSA:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement
and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
For more information on TSSA visit www.tssa.org
OPC:
Sarah Warr
Team Lead, Communications & Public Affairs
The Hospital for Sick Children
Email: Media.line@sickids.ca
For more information on OPC visit www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca
As an Outcome-Based Regulator, Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is committed to continuously improving safety outcomes across Ontario. TSSA has identified an opportunity to strengthen the safe operation of Ontario’s biogas facilities by introducing regular audits aligned with both Gaseous Fuels Regulation, O. Reg. 212/01 and with other sectors under TSSA’s oversight.
Starting in April 2025, TSSA will launch the Biogas Facility Audit Program, which applies to all biogas facilities in Ontario—commonly referred to as digester, landfill, and biogas (DLB) facilities. This program aims to support improved compliance and ensure ongoing safety in the sector.
These audits will roll out in phases over the next three years. TSSA will contact each biogas facility owner directly to schedule their first audit and offer necessary assistance throughout the preparation and audit process. Facilities can anticipate an audit approximately every three years. This audit program is expected to eventually transition to a risk-based model, where high-risk biogas facilities would be audited more frequently than lower risk facilities. TSSA’s inspection rate will be charged for the audits and follow-ups, if one is required. For more information, please read TSSA’s fee schedule.
Audit Parameters
TSSA will continue to conduct initial engineering review and registration of biogas entities to ensure code compliance at the design and construction stage. The new audit program will establish a regular review cycle for code and regulatory compliance from an operational and maintenance perspective, ensuring that audited facilities continue to meet safety and compliance standards and address any emerging risks. Through the audit, facility owners can take greater ownership of compliance by demonstrating that their processes and records meet regulatory requirements.
The audit program will focus on the five primary requirements under the Gaseous Fuels Regulation, O. Reg. 212/01 that are defined as the facility owner’s responsibilities. These responsibilities fit into the following five categories:
1. Site compliance with respect to fuel storage and fuel burning equipment associated to it
2. Employees’ certification and compliance
3. Incident reporting, identification and action
4. Identification and action of non-compliances (unacceptable conditions)
5. Compliance to documented Operating and Maintenance Procedures submitted during initial registration
Owners will be required to address all non-compliances found during the audit and TSSA will do a follow up inspection to ensure any outstanding high-risk safety issues are resolved.
Please refer to the Audit Checklist below for further detail. Explore more information at Biogas Facility Audit Program. For enquiries, please contact TSSA at Tel: 1-877-682-8772 or email: customerservices@tssa.org.
Register for Webinar
Join us for a webinar, through Waste to Resource Ontario's Webinar Series, on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 1 pm for an overview of the new program and an opportunity to ask questions. Please register using this link: Waste to Resource Ontario | W2RO Webinar Series: TSSA Biogas Audit Program Webinar
The Propane Compliance Standard came into effect on April 14, 2025, for all licensed propane-filling facilities in Ontario.
The Propane Compliance Standard seeks to enhance the safety of propane facilities across Ontario by:
- Prioritizing high-risk non-compliances that pose significant safety risks: Help owners, contractors and mechanics understand safety priorities by directing their focus on addressing high-risk non-compliances.
- Promoting inspection consistency: Inspection orders are based on risk and data analyses from inspection and incident history, ensuring standardized and consistent inspections.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) will apply this standard during periodic inspections to enhance safety and regulatory consistency. If high-risk non-compliances are found during a periodic inspection, TSSA will:
- Issue an order(s) requiring corrective action
- Conduct a follow-up inspection to confirm compliance
- If compliance is not confirmed within the specified time, further enforcement action will be taken, including possible shutdown
High-risk non-compliances may require immediate compliance (0 days), could result in a shutdown, or allow 14 days to rectify the issues. In some cases, a high-risk non-compliance may be given more than 14 days to resolve, depending on practical considerations and circumstances.
Other violations, categorized as safety tasks (low- and medium-risk), will be noted on the inspection report. Owners and operators are responsible for resolving safety tasks within the time specified in the inspection report. TSSA will not conduct a follow-up inspection if only safety tasks are found during a periodic inspection.
Below is a list of high-risk non-compliances in the Propane Compliance Standard:
| Issue | Compliance Order | Regulation/Code Clause |
| The facility must be licensed. | Rectify | Section 13(1) of O.Reg 211/01 |
| The facility must be operated in accordance with its Risk and Safety Management Plan (RSMP). | Rectify | Section 3.1(0.1)(d) of O. Reg. 211/01 |
| Employees must hold a valid Record of Training (ROT) to transfer products. | Cease-and-desist | Section 6(1) of O. Reg. 211/01 |
| Employees must be trained in the facility’s emergency procedures. | Rectify | Section 27(9)(a) of O. Reg. 211/01 |
| Facilities must have operational and maintenance procedure manuals. | Rectify | Clause 7.22.4 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| An inspection must be conducted by the fuel supplier in the past 12 months. | Rectify | Section 29(1) of O. Reg. 211/01 |
| Tanks and cylinders must be protected from vehicular impact. | Rectify | Clause 5.3.2 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| The area around the tanks and cylinders must be clear of readily ignitable materials (such dry grass, weeds, paper, cardboard and firewood). | Rectify | Clause 5.3.3 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Access must be provided for firefighting personnel. | Rectify | Clause 7.12.2 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| The emergency electrical shut-off switch must be clearly identified, readily accessible and operational. | Rectify | Clause 7.19.1.7 of the CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Hoses must be in good condition. | Rectify | Clause 5.9 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 code |
| Equipment at the facility must be approved. | Rectify | Clause 4.2.1 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Liquid piping must be installed with hydrostatic relief valve(s) between shut-off valve(s). | Rectify | Clause 5.6.1 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Hydrostatic relief valve(s) must discharge away from the tank or cylinder. | Rectify | Clause 5.8.3 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| The tank inspection must be conducted every 10 years. | Rectify | Clause 1.6 of Propane Code Adoption Document |
| Pressure relief valves must be inspected every 5 years. | Rectify | Clause 1.7 of Propane Code Adoption Document |
| Relief valve(s) must be protected with loose-fitting cap(s). | Rectify | Clause 7.2.5 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| The facility must be equipped with an emergency shut-off valve and/or a back-check valve. | Rectify | Clause 7.3.5 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Tanks must have an excess flow valve or a back-check valve. | Rectify | Clause 7.4.1 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Tanks must be equipped with liquid level gauges. | Rectify | Clause 7.6.1 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Tank relief vents must extend vertically upwards, unobstructed to the outdoors with no impingement on any other tank. | Rectify | Clause 7.9.5 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Portable storage at the facility must not exceed the allowed capacity of the RSMP. | Rectify | Section 3.1(7) of O.Reg 211/01 |
| Container filling locations with container storage must meet these required clearances: 10ft (3 m) from a tank, 25ft (7.5 m) from a property line, and 25ft (7.5 m) from any source of ignition. | Rectify | Clause 7.17.1 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 |
| Cylinders must be stored in an upright position. | Rectify | Clause 6.1.8 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Required fencing must meet code requirements. | Rectify | Clause 7.19.2 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Relief valve(s), gauging device(s), bypass line(s) and filler valve(s) must be located inside the cabinet when the doors are closed. | Rectify | Clause 7.19.3(a) of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| The internal safety valve must be in a closed position when the cabinet door is closed. | Rectify | Clause 7.19.3(b) of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
| Vehicle dispenser hose(s) must be equipped with breakaway couplings. | Rectify | Clause 7.20.9 of CAN/CSA-B149.2 Code |
Visit the Propane Compliance Standard webpage for more information or watch a recording of the webinar on Propane Compliance Standard held on March 25, 2025.
This news item was sent to propane facility owners and operators, Propane Compliance Standard webinar attendees, and Fuels web subscribers.
The Liquid Fuels Compliance Standard came into effect on April 14, 2025, for all licensed retail liquid fuels facilities in Ontario.
The Liquid Fuels Compliance Standard seeks to enhance the safety of liquid fuels facilities across Ontario by:
- Prioritizing high-risk non-compliances that pose significant safety risks: To help owners, contractors and mechanics understand safety priorities by directing their focus on addressing high-risk non-compliances.
- Promoting inspection consistency: Inspection orders are based on risk and data analyses from inspection and incident history, ensuring standardized and consistent approach to inspections.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) will apply this standard during periodic inspections to enhance safety and regulatory consistency. If high-risk non-compliances are found during a periodic inspection, TSSA will:
- Issue an order(s) requiring corrective action
- Conduct a follow-up inspection to confirm compliance
- If compliance is not confirmed within the specified time, further enforcement action will be taken, including possible shutdown
High-risk non-compliances may require immediate compliance (0 days), could result in a shutdown, or allow 14 days to rectify the issues. In some cases, a high-risk non-compliance may be given more than 14 days to resolve, depending on practical considerations and circumstances.
Other non-compliances, categorized as safety tasks (low- and medium-risk), will be noted on the inspection report. Owners and operators are responsible for resolving safety tasks within the time specified in the inspection report. TSSA will not conduct a follow-up inspection if only safety tasks are found during a periodic inspection.
Below is a list of high-risk non-compliances in the Liquid Fuels Compliance Standard:
| Issue | Compliance Order | Regulation/Code Clause |
| The facility must be licensed. | Rectify | Section 10(1) of O. Reg. 217/01 |
| Any modification to the facility requires approval. | Rectify | Section 22(4) of O. Reg. 217/01 |
| Employees must be trained in emergency procedures. | Rectify | Clause 6.5.2 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Copies of the inventory control must be made available. | Rectify | Clause 1.2.3 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Annual shear-valve and leak-detection system tests and maintenance records must be available. | Rectify | Clause 4.6.9 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| The sump leak detection system must be interlocked to shut off product flow. | Rectify | Clause 4.6.10 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Copies of the current precision leak tests must be available. | Rectify | Clause 7.3.1 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Current corrosion protection reports for the underground storage tank system(s) must be available. | Rectify | Clause 2.3.1.2 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| The cathodic protection test report must indicate a passing result. | Rectify | Clause 2.3.1.4 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Equipment must be approved and installed according to the code and manufacturer's instructions and be appropriate for the intended use. | Rectify | Clause 1.3.1 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| The product must be dispensed or vented at least 3 metres from any ignition source. | Rectify | Clause 6.3.1 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| All applicable stage 1 vapour recovery equipment must be installed, operated and maintained. | Rectify | Clause 1.3.2 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Dispenser hose(s) must be equipped with approved emergency breakaway device(s). | Rectify | Clause 4.6.13 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Dispenser(s) sumps must be leak-tight. | Rectify | Clause 4.5.2.7 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Any loss of liquid or gain of water in the tank(s) not attributed to condensation must be investigated. | Rectify | Clause 7.3.5(a) of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| Video monitoring images must be adequately sized and clear enough to allow the attendant to read a vehicle’s licence plate held by a person in the fueling area. | Rectify | Clause 5.2.5 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
| A manual leak detection system(s) must comply with the Liquid Fuels Handling Code. | Rectify | Clause C.1.1 of Liquid Fuels Handling Code |
Visit the Liquid Fuels Compliance Standard webpage for more information or watch a recording of the webinar on Liquid Fuels Compliance Standard held on March 27, 2025.
This news item was sent to liquid fuels contractors and facilities, Liquid Fuels Compliance Standard webinar attendees and Fuels web subscribers.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) hosted two webinars on Compliance Standards for Propane and Liquid Fuels on March 25 and March 27, 2025, respectively.
To enhance safety and regulatory consistency, TSSA will apply Compliance Standards for Propane and Liquid Fuels during periodic inspections with effect from April 14, 2025.
The webinars were intended to give attendees an overview of how compliance standards work, indicate TSSA’s expectations, outline safety obligations and highlight Propane and Liquid Fuels Compliance Standards. We hope those who attended the webinars have a better understanding of how Compliance Standards will enhance the safety of licensed propane-filling and retail liquid fuels facilities across Ontario by prioritizing high-risk non-compliances and promoting inspection consistency.
Below are recordings of the respective webinars:
Propane Compliance Standard webinar
Liquid Fuels Compliance Standard webinar
Visit our website for more information:
Gerow Propane Ltd. Fined $80,000 For Safety Violation in Fatal Carbon Monoxide Incident
One fatality and seven injuries resulted from the poisonous gas exposure
Toronto, ON, March 20, 2025 – Brighton-based propane distributor, Gerow Propane Ltd., pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of an offence under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. The offence involved a fatal carbon monoxide exposure at a property in the Township of Hamilton, Ontario. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Gerow Propane to pay a fine of $80,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
Between December 16, 2020, and February 14, 2022, Gerow Propane supplied propane to fuel a boiler installed in the property’s garage for heating purposes. On February 14, 2022, a 57-year-old relative of the property owner was found deceased in the garage from carbon monoxide exposure. Additionally, seven other individuals at the scene, including five firefighters and two heating contractors, were injured by the poisonous gas and were hospitalized.
TSSA’s investigations revealed that the boiler released carbon monoxide into the indoor space, causing the poisonous exposure. The boiler had been built for use with natural gas but was found operating on propane as its fuel source. Without undergoing the necessary conversion, including the installation of a new orifice suited for propane, the boiler allowed products of combustion to leak.
Despite delivering propane to the property on seven occasions, Gerow Propane failed to comply with Ontario Regulation 211/01 prescribed under the Act, which requires propane suppliers to inspect appliances connected to propane to ensure their safe operation and attach a label confirming compliance with safety codes and requirements.
Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), said, “This is a tragic event caused by a serious non-compliance. Propane suppliers have a legal responsibility to ensure that fuel-burning devices are installed in compliance with the applicable codes and can be used safely. Any failure to verify this can lead to harmful consequences such as fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other hazards.”
Mr. Kennedy added, “For consumers, after installing a fuel-burning device in any indoor area, including those separate from your primary living space, it’s best to install a carbon monoxide alarm and have the heating equipment regularly inspected by a qualified fuel contractor. These precautions are important safeguards and could have been life-saving in this case.”
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, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Safety Is a Right, Not a Compromise: Beware of Fraudulent Fuels Workers
Fraudulent fuels workers are known for performing less expensive work with cheaper, unsafe materials. This can be dangerous or even deadly.
Toronto, ON, March 17, 2025 – Fraudulent fuels workers, those that are uncertified or unregistered - also known as ‘trunk slammers,’ put Ontarians at risk by offering cut-rate services using substandard materials and unsafe practices.
This Fraud Prevention Month, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is continuing its efforts to help consumers avoid scams that can lead to serious safety consequences.
Through TSSA’s public education campaign, consumers can learn how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate fuels workers and help curb this safety issue by reporting fraudulent activities and individuals to TSSA.
As ‘trunk slammers’ operate without TSSA registration or certification, their work is neither inspected nor audited for safety. Services from unqualified workers can potentially expose homeowners, residents and businesses to grave dangers, including carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards. In Ontario, work performed on fuel-burning appliances, including furnace installation and maintenance, must be performed by TSSA-registered contractors.
“Fraudulent fuels workers don’t just take your money—they compromise your safety. Their work is unsafe and is not audited by TSSA,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. “With 9,000 registered contractors and 60,000 certified professionals in Ontario, homeowners have plenty of trusted options. Always choose a registered contractor and verify their status before hiring them.”
Consumers can verify a contractor’s registration using TSSA’s Find a Registered Fuels Contractor lookup tool.
Watch expert videos, read real stories, and access checklists and more on TSSA’s Trunk Slammer Campaign Resources.
When encountering suspicious fuels workers, report them to TSSA by this email: customerservices@tssa.org.
Stay informed throughout the Fraud Prevention Month by following TSSA 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.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org