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.
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
Toronto, ON, March 19, 2025 – Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (Cavanagh Construction) has been fined $100,000 after pleading guilty last week to five safety violations under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. Cavanagh Construction’s violations resulted in damage to multiple gas lines in and around Ottawa, causing gas outages for six homes and a retail mall. The Ontario Court of Justice also imposed a 25% victim surcharge.
Between March 28, 2023, and July 24, 2024, while under contract with the City of Ottawa for tunnel and pipeline upgrades, Cavanagh Construction caused 11 gas line breaks. The company had proper locates and maps identifying gas lines and was aware that regulations prohibit using mechanical excavators within one metre of a gas line. Despite this, Cavanagh Construction used mechanical excavators instead of the required hand digging or hydro excavation methods near pipelines, leading to breaks and gas supply disruptions for homes and businesses.
“Using heavy machinery for excavation near pipelines is unsafe, as reflected in our safety regulations, and this case has proven that,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). “It is important to be cautious when digging because unsafe practices can put many people at risk of losing heat, hot water, and the ability to prepare meals. In the most serious cases, it can lead to explosions that cause property damage, injuries, or even loss of life.”
TSSA reminds individuals and businesses to contact Ontario One Call before digging to locate underground infrastructure, including gas, hydro, cable, and phone lines. Any damaged pipelines or gas leaks should be reported immediately to the Ministry of the Environment’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or TSSA at 1-877-682-8772.
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
Toronto, ON, June 24, 2024 – Elevator contractor OTIS Canada Inc. has been found guilty to one count of performing work on an elevator in an unsafe manner, an offence under the Technical Standards and Safety Act Ontario Regulation 209/01: Elevating Devices. The safety violation caused injuries to two apprentice elevator mechanics employed by the company. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered OTIS Canada Inc. to pay a fine of $300,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
In April 2023, OTIS Canada Inc. was the contractor responsible for installing new elevators in a nine-storey condominium under construction in Toronto, when two apprentice elevator mechanics employed by OTIS Canada Inc. were performing work on an almost completed elevator. The apprentice mechanics failed to properly counterbalance the elevator with appropriate weights. They were riding on the elevator when it plunged from the second floor to an underground car park level, causing significant injuries. One apprentice sustained bruises while the other suffered fractures to both feet. The fallen elevator was heavily damaged.
“This is one of the largest fines imposed on an elevator company in recent years, reflecting the seriousness of the contractor’s violation which caused significant harm,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices, TSSA. “Ensuring the safety of elevator workers is as critical as ensuring the safety of all riders. The elevator industry must prioritize maintaining a safe working environment for their employees and contractors.”
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
Robert Excavating Fined $15,000+ for Damaging Pipeline
Six homes evacuated, and 20 homes lost service
Toronto, ON, May 25, 2023 – Robert Excavating pled guilty last Thursday to damaging a pipeline, an offense under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. As a result of the damage, six Ottawa homes were evacuated, and 20 homes lost service. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Robert Excavating to pay a total fine of $15,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
In August 2021, Robert Excavating and its subcontractor were performing a water rehabilitation project. Robert Excavating’s subcontractor struck a two-inch polyethylene pipeline with a mechanical excavator, causing gas to escape. While valid locates were obtained and locate marks were made on site, the pipeline was not located by hand digging prior to the use of mechanical equipment. In addition, the subcontractor was excavating within the one metre boundary of the pipeline.
“Any excavation work must comply with Ontario’s safety laws, including obtaining a valid pipeline locate before breaking ground and not using mechanical equipment while digging within one metre of a pipeline,” said Sam Sadeghi, Statutory Director, Fuels Safety Program, TSSA. “The consequences of not abiding by these laws can be catastrophic, as puncturing a gas line can result in damage, explosions, injury and even death.”
TSSA reminds Ontarians to contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to have cables, wires, and pipes located before digging to avoid hitting underground facilities, such as gas, hydro, cable, and phone lines. Damaged pipelines and subsequent gas release should be reported immediately to the Ministry of Environment’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or by contacting TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.
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 include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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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
Individual Fined $5,000 for Activating Natural-Gas Pool Heater Without Certification, Resulting in Injury to Homeowner
Toronto, ON, May 25, 2023 – Jeffrey Payne, a plumber residing in Ottawa, pled guilty last Thursday to one count of activating a natural-gas pool heater without a TSSA-issued gas technician certificate, an offense under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Payne to pay a $5,000 fine, plus 25 per cent victim surcharge.
In September 2022, Payne visited an Ottawa home and completed the installation of plumbing connected to a natural-gas pool heater. The propane gas supply line had already been connected to the pool heater prior to Payne’s visit. Payne then turned on the gas supply line to the pool heater. This was the first time that the gas supply line and pool heater were activated.
Later that day after Payne left the home, the homeowner turned the pool heater off and then on again. Upon restarting the pool heater, an explosion occurred, and the homeowner sustained burns to his left hand.
“It is essential that homeowners hire only registered contractors for the installation, activation, service and inspection of all fuel-fired appliances,” said Sam Sadeghi, Statutory Director, Fuels Safety Program, TSSA. “Improper servicing of a natural-gas appliance could lead to explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning and other safety risks that can sicken, injure or even kill unsuspecting residents.”
TSSA provides direct oversight of all of Ontario’s registered fuels contractors, which means a registered contractor’s work — and the work of the contractor’s certified technicians – is subject to TSSA audits for compliance with safety requirements. The public can find all of Ontario’s registered contractors online and verify a company’s or an individual’s credentials by calling TSSA at 1-877-682-8772.
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 include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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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
Glover-Hill Inc. Fined $10,000+ for Employing Unlicensed Worker to Perform Boiler Maintenance at Healthcare Facility
Toronto, ON, May 3, 2023 – Glover-Hill Inc., an Ontario registered fuels contractor, pled guilty on Friday to one count of failing to take every reasonable precaution to ensure the company’s employees are appropriately certified to perform gas work, an offense under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Glover-Hill Inc. to pay a total fine of $10,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
Under Glover-Hill Inc.’s employment, an employee that did not hold a Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) gas technician certificate, was dispatched to a healthcare facility and installed a shut-off valve on a natural gas boiler. Glover-Hill Inc. was aware that the employee was a plumber and that the employee did not hold the required TSSA certificate.
“Improperly performed gas work is a significant safety risk that can lead to injury and even death to those in the vicinity,” said Sam Sadeghi, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “That’s why TSSA-registered contractors have a legal responsibility to ensure all of their employees are properly trained and certified to perform the work they are assigned. Those who fail to do so will be held accountable.”
TSSA reminds the public to hire only registered contractors for the installation, service and inspection of fuel-fired appliances. TSSA provides direct oversight of all of Ontario’s registered fuels contractors, which means a registered contractor’s work — and the work of the contractor’s technicians – is subject to TSSA audits for compliance with safety requirements. The public can find all of Ontario’s registered contractors online and verify a company’s or an individual’s credentials by calling TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.
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 include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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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
Improperly Done Work Resulted in Homeowner Fainting from Carbon Monoxide Leak
March 28, 2023 – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) recently successfully prosecuted Zlatko Antonov of Jolanta Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. for altering exhaust venting on a natural gas boiler without holding a TSSA gas technician certificate. The improperly done work resulted in a carbon monoxide (CO) leak and injury to a homeowner.
Three days after Antonov performed the work at a Toronto residence, the homeowner fainted, and 911 was called. When the first responders arrived and detected a high CO reading, the home was evacuated, and the homeowner was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
Antonov has never held a TSSA certificate and had a prior conviction for working without a certificate. Given the severe danger posed by Antonov’s unauthorized work and his previous conviction, the Ontario Court of Justice ordered Antonov to pay a $30,000 fine, plus a victim surcharge, within 180 days.
“A fine of this magnitude sends a clear message to Antonov and those participating in the underground market that performing fuels work without a TSSA certificate is a serious violation of Ontario’s public safety laws and will not be tolerated,” said Sam Sadeghi, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program.
TSSA reminds the public that all gas appliance work must be performed by a TSSA-certified technician who is employed by a TSSA-registered contractor. All Ontario contractors are listed on the TSSA website.
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 include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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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
Individual Fined $6,000+ for Employing Unlicensed Worker to Install Natural Gas Water Heater
March 16, 2023 – Michael Daniel Hogan, sole director of Mike Hogan Plumbing and Heating Inc. in Kingston, pled guilty on Monday to one count of failing to take every reasonable precaution to ensure the company’s employees are appropriately certified to perform gas work, an offense under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Hogan to pay a total fine of $6,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
Under Hogan’s employment, an employee who has never held a T SSA certificate, licence, or registration, was dispatched to a Kingston home to install a natural gas water heater. Hogan, a TSSA-certified G2 gas technician, failed to ensure the employee was certified to perform the work he completed during the course of his employment.
Difference Between Certified Technicians and Registered Contractors
While certification refers to the legal obligation for an individual to have the necessary qualifications to perform gas work, registration describes the legal requirement that a company be registered and therefore permitted to perform gas work.
“Registered contractors are responsible for ensuring all of the technicians they hire are properly trained and certified by TSSA to perform the tasks they are assigned to code,” said Sam Sadeghi, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “If contractors or homeowners have any doubt of a technician’s qualifications, they are urged to call TSSA at 1-877-682-8772 to verify the validity and level of the technician’s certification.”
TSSA reminds the public to hire only registered contractors for the installation, service and inspection of a fuel-fired appliances. TSSA provides direct oversight of all of Ontario’s registered fuels contractors, which means a registered contractor’s work — and the work of the contractor’s technicians – is subject to TSSA audits for compliance with safety requirements. The public can find all of Ontario’s registered contractors online or verify a company’s or an individual’s credentials by calling TSSA directly.
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 include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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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
Toronto, ON, January 30, 2023 – Zhoufeng Yu, sole director of Lucky Air Systems operating in Richmond Hill and the Greater Toronto Area, pled guilty on Friday to one count of repairing a natural gas appliance without a TSSA-issued gas technician certificate and one count of knowingly making a false statement or furnishing false information, offenses under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Yu to pay a total fine of $7,000 for both counts, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
Yu, who has not held a valid TSSA certificate since 2018, entered into a verbal contract with a Toronto homeowner to repair a natural gas furnace, which had previously been issued a hazard tag by Enbridge Gas. Upon completing the repairs, Yu signed the hazard tag with the name of another individual that held a valid TSSA certificate, thereby indicating under someone else’s legal authority that the hazard had been cleared.
Why Hire Qualified Workers to Perform Fuel-Related Work?
When individuals are not certified by TSSA to perform fuel-related work:
- their work on fuel-burning equipment is not subject to TSSA audits for compliance with safety requirements.
- their knowledge, competency and qualifications cannot be validated.
- they do not receive updates on safety information and training.
“Improper installation and poor work have been identified as major contributing factors to fuels- and carbon monoxide-related safety risks in people’s homes,” said Sam Sadeghi, Director, Fuels Safety, TSSA. “Hiring only those authorized by TSSA to perform fuel-related work is essential to safeguarding one’s health and wellbeing.”
TSSA reminds the public that any fuel-fired appliance should be installed, serviced and inspected by a TSSA-registered contractor. The public can verify a contractor’s authorization status online or call TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.
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 include public education authorization, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
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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
Alexander Oleszek has recently been fined $5,000, after pleading guilty to activating a natural-gas water heater at a Hamilton townhouse without the required certification in 2018. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Oleszek to pay the fine within two years.
Why Hire Qualified Workers to Perform Fuel-Related Work?
When individuals are not certified by TSSA to perform fuel-related work:
- their work on fuel-burning equipment is not subject to TSSA audits for compliance with safety requirements.
- their knowledge, competency and qualifications cannot be validated.
- they do not receive updates on safety information and training.
“Improper installation and poor work have been identified as major contributing factors to fuels- and carbon monoxide-related safety risks in people’s homes,” said Sam Sadeghi, Statutory Director, Fuels Safety Program, TSSA. “Hiring only those authorized by TSSA to perform fuel-related work is essential to safeguarding one’s health and wellbeing.”
If in doubt of a gas technician’s certification, contact TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772, to verify the individual’s credentials.