Deadline Monday, September 30, 2024

Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Propane industry

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.

The Propane Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations.  This structure provides:

• a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced.
• a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services.
• a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
• a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.

The Propane Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent this stakeholder group:

• An owner/operator/distributor of a Large Retailer/Distributor (National)
• An owner/operator/distributor as a Bulk Cylinder Exchange Operator

Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Propane Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings:

If you are interested in nominating an individual as Council Member, please submit his/her letter of interest or nomination together with the individual’s resume by Sep 30, 2024, to:

Iuliana Afanase
Stakeholder Outreach Advisor
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org

TORONTO, ON, May 16, 2024 –   As Ontarians prepare to marshal in the unofficial start of the summer season, with BBQs leading the march, make sure to light it right when you light it up this May ‘2-4’ long weekend…..and beyond.

Get Ready. Get Set. Get Sizzling…safely by keeping these fuel-burning BBQ safety tips in mind:

Clean It, Check It and Test It 

• Clean all burner ports and tubes. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris. 
• Examine the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged. 

• Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, it could mean gas is leaking out. Tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest before using your BBQ.

Light It Right 

• Place your BBQ or grill on a level surface in a well-ventilated area. 
• Make sure there are no combustible materials near your BBQ. 
• Never lean over the grill when you are lighting it. 
• Open the hood and keep it open until the BBQ is lit. 
• Turn the gas release valve on. Turn on the burner controls or heat settings. 
• Take a step back. 
• Push the igniter button or use a barbecue lighter. 

• If it does not ignite right away, turn the gas off and wait five minutes, keeping the lid open before you try again.

Keep It Outdoors

• Always barbecue outside in a well-ventilated area – BBQs are approved for outdoor use ONLY. They emit carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can lead to unconsciousness and even death. 
• Don’t position your BBQ too close to wooden or vinyl fences or walls. Make sure the area behind your BBQ is free of combustible material, since this is where hot gases escape. 

• Don’t use or store propane cylinders inside any structure.

Stay Safe

• BBQs are intended to be attended. 
• Never leave your grill unsupervised while it’s in use. 
• Keep kids and pets away from the BBQ. Position a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. 
• Keep any flammable items/liquids away from the BBQ. This includes the use of hand sanitizers. 
• Never lean over a grill when it’s in use. 
• Don’t allow grease to build up on the burners, lid or at the base of the BBQ as this could cause a grease fire. 

• Never throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the flame.

BBQing on a Balcony 

Ontarians living in apartments and condominiums should be aware of additional safety restrictions and potential hazards related to BBQ use on balconies. Barbecues may be prohibited by the municipality or in the Condominium bylaws of your building or prohibited by the building owner or property manager, so be sure you are aware of any restrictions in place for your building.

IF permitted to BBQ on your balcony:

• Your balcony must be open, with no enclosures or walls that could restrict airflow. 
• You must keep your propane cylinder on the balcony and connected to your barbecue. 
• Keep your barbecue clear of any combustible material. 
• Make sure the propane cylinder’s relief valve is at least one metre from any building opening. Also make sure it is three metres from any mechanical air intake. 

• When transporting a propane cylinder to your apartment or condo, you must use a service elevator. If your building has no service elevators, you may use the passenger elevator, but you must be alone in the elevator. 

For additional BBQ safety tips, download a copy of our BBQ Safety Tips brochure or check out and share our animated safety videos. For more information on barbecue safety visit us at www.tssa.org. 

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, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities. 

PARTNERING FOR A SAFE ONTARIO 

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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

Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the propane industry

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements to service delivery within their respective industries.

The Propane Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:

• a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced;
• a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services;
• a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; and
• a mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.

The Propane Advisory Council is seeking nominations from a Manufacturer/Designer to represent this stakeholder group. 

Please visit the TSSA website to access information about the Propane Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings.

If you are interested in nominating yourself for a position as a Council Member, please submit a letter of interest/nomination together with a resume by March 29, 2024 to:

Olga Sousa Dias

(Acting) Council Coordinator

Technical Standards and Safety Authority

345 Carlingview Drive

Toronto, Ontario

M9W 6N9

Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org