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

TORONTO, ON, January 26, 2026 - As major winter storm effects continue to impact parts of Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) urges homeowners and residents to check their gas meters and the external exhaust outlets for furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and all fuel-burning devices to ensure no snow or ice builds up. 

“Exhaust vents, in particular, often extend out of the side of a home as low as one foot above ground. They have the potential to get covered and blocked easily without a homeowner’s knowledge, especially when a homeowner is shoveling snow or using a snowblower or when there is a severe snow build-up,” says Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “Additionally, a snow-covered gas meter can interfere with its ability to regulate gas pressure, creating other serious safety risks,” adds Kennedy. 

Blocked vents can increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) building up inside a home. CO, is a highly poisonous and deadly gas commonly referred to as the “Silent Killer” as you can’t smell it, see it or taste it. When snow piles up, check your gas meter and vents. 

When snow piles up, check your gas meter and vents.

• Use a car brush or broom to gently remove snow from gas meters and vent pipes. Avoid sharp tools to prevent damage.
• Never shovel, plow, or blow snow against the meter or vent pipe.
• Be cautious when using snow blowers to avoid bumping the meter.
• Refrain from kicking the meter or vent pipes to clear ice or snow.
• Remove icicles from overhead eaves to prevent dripping water from freezing on the meter or vent pipes. 

Also, for residents experiencing power-related issues it's important to remember to never use any fuel-burning appliances indoors that are specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only. 

Be in the Know when it Comes to CO. 

CO poisoning symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. If you're experiencing symptoms such as these, immediately move to fresh air and call emergency services. 

Learn more about CO in this backgrounder, by visiting COsafety.ca by browsing through TSSA's WinterWise booklet for additional CO and winter safety tips. 

About TSSA

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administrators provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, 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.  

For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact: 

TSSA 

Alexandra Campbell 

Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Relations 

and Customer Service 

Technical Standards and Safety Authority 

Telephone: 416-734-2728 

Email: media@tssa.org

TORONTO, ON, January 12, 2026 – Carbon monoxide (CO) continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario. With approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes, TSSA urges everyone to be ‘WinterWise’ this season and learn about how they can protect themselves against this invisible, odourless and highly poisonous gas - often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’. 

As part of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA’s) ongoing efforts to build CO awareness across the province, select communities will be receiving a copy of an important safety booklet – WinterWise – this week. This campaign, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, provides vital information to assist residents in reducing CO risks in their homes. 

“During the cold weather months, there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly,” says Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps,” adds Kennedy. 

• Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-registered fuel contractor: to find a TSSA-registered contractor near you, use the Find A Registered Fuels Contractor Tool at cosafety.ca.
• Install certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction. 

“It’s also important to remember to never use any fuel-burning appliances indoors that are specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only,” adds Kennedy. 

Residents are encouraged to learn more about CO and other seasonal safety topics by reading and sharing the information in the WinterWise booklet and by visiting COsafety.ca – a website dedicated to providing critical CO safety information. 

TSSA continues to partner with local fire and emergency services and other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical CO safety information to residents in communities across Ontario. The attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.

Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. COsafety.ca 

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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: TSSA Alexandra Campbell Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Relations and Customer Service Technical Standards and Safety Authority Telephone: 416-734-2728 Email: media@tssa.org

TSSA and Local Fire Departments Team Up on CO Safety
 

TORONTO, ON, November 3, 2025 –– Carbon Monoxide (CO), often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer”, continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario, with approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring where people should feel safest: at home.  

As part of its ongoing efforts to deliver CO safety education, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is once again teaming up with local fire and emergency services to increase CO awareness by launching one of its community CO safety campaigns in various communities across central and eastern Ontario. 

The message: knowledge can – and does – save lives.  Previous campaigns have reached thousands of residents, successfully boosting their levels of CO knowledge and the simple steps to take that reduce risks. Building on these proven campaigns, TSSA is rolling out new resources this fall to broaden the reach even further. Ontarians can now access a series of short, sharable videos explaining CO safety basics, along with a new “Kids CO Activity Sheet” designed to engage younger audiences. All resources are available online at COsafety.ca.

Starting the week of November 3, 2025 CO safety materials and messages will land directly in mailboxes, on social media feeds, and through various other communication channels. This, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, will provide vital information to assist residents in reducing CO risks in their homes. 

“During the cold weather months, there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly,” says Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps,” adds Kennedy. 

• Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-
  registered fuel contractor.  To find a TSSA-registered contractor, use the Find A Registered Contractor Tool.
• Have working, certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test them, change batteries and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.

“It’s also important to remember to never use any fuel-burning appliances indoors that are specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only,” adds Kennedy.

On average, Ontario homes have roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO. While these appliances may be safely designed, like many other commonly used items, they must be properly operated and maintained. 

The attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.

Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. TAKEACTION. THINKSAFE. COsafety.ca

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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:

TSSA

Alexandra Campbell 
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Relations
and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org

TORONTO, ON, November 3, 2025 – Every year, Ontario homes are the location of nearly 65 per cent of all CO incidents. CO also remains a leading cause of unintentional poisoning. With this in mind and to raise awareness of CO risks, four of the provinces’ leading safety organizations are teaming up to fight this “silent killer”. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), Ontario Poison Centre (OPC), Parachute, Canada’s national charity dedicated to injury prevention, and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) are combining efforts for Ontario’s annual CO Awareness Week, running November 1 to 7, to drive home a few critical messages.

The four organizations work year-round to increase carbon monoxide awareness and help Ontarians take practical steps to reduce risks at home. Each brings its own lens and focus to the challenge. 

This fall, TSSA is once again launching one of its community CO safety campaigns. Previous campaigns have reached thousands of residents, successfully increasing their levels of CO knowledge and the actions to take to reduce risks. Building on these proven campaigns, TSSA is rolling out new initiatives this fall to broaden the reach even further. Ontarians can now access a series of short, sharable videos explaining CO safety basics, along with a new “Kids CO Activity Sheet” designed to engage younger audiences. All resources are available online at COsafety.ca.

These efforts, combined with the safety resources and education materials available on the websites of OPC, Parachute and SickKids, are making it easier for Ontarians to access up-to-date, reliable information and practical tools to reduce the risks and potential of harms of CO poisoning. 

This unified approach underscores a shared commitment to CO safety with clear focus on helping all Ontario residents to reduce CO risks in their homes. By combining voices, resources and expertise, TSSA, OPC, Parachute, and SickKids are helping residents in Ontario take simple but vital steps to keep themselves, family and friends safe. 

Quotes:

TSSA

“Our public education efforts are two-fold: increasing CO awareness and providing clear actions to reduce CO risk” says Owen Kennedy, Director, Fuels Safety Program.“ It’s all about scheduling an inspection of their fuel-burning appliances and having certified, working CO alarms in their homes; two key actions to protect themselves and their loved ones from CO risks in their home.” 

OPC 
“CO is a leading cause of inadvertent poisoning in Ontario and remains a major cause of preventable harm.” says, Dr. Emily Austin, Medical Director.” OPC telephone service provides guidance to the public on what to do in the event of a possible CO exposure and supports health care providers in managing affected patients.  We are pleased to be working with TSSA, Parachute and SickKids on these important CO public education initiatives.”

Parachute 

“When Canadians think of sources of poisoning, they aren’t aware that carbon monoxide is a leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in Canada and North America,” says Pamela Fuselli, President & CEO at Parachute. “It’s important to generate more awareness of CO risks and better understanding of the steps Canadians can take to better protect their homes and families. Collaborating with TSSA, OPC and SickKids is an opportunity to extend our reach to enhance the public’s level of CO knowledge.”

SickKids

“Children are a particularly at-risk group for many poisons, including carbon monoxide, due to their smaller size, higher metabolic rate, and developing bodies” explains Emma Schmidt, Injury Prevention Specialist at SickKids. “As experts in child health, it is important for us to help ensure that parents and caregivers are aware of the risks and understand how to reduce them. The new initiatives led by TSSA are another important resource to provide essential information about CO awareness and prevention.”

The attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.

Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. TAKEACTION. THINKSAFE. COsafety.ca

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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
 

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.com

About Parachute 

Parachute, founded in 2012 through the amalgamation of four charities in the injury prevention field, has become Canada’s leader in injury prevention focused on three key areas where people are unintentionally injured: in the home, at play, and on the move. We educate and advocate for preventing serious injury in our homes, in sports and recreation and on our roads.
www.parachute.ca

About Sick Kids

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), affiliated with the University of Toronto, is Canada's most research-intensive hospital and the largest centre dedicated to improving children's health in the country.  

With passionate and dedicated staff, SickKids is much more than a hospital. We work each day to provide the best in child and family-centred care, pioneer ground-breaking clinical and scientific advancements, and train the next generation of experts in child health. Together, we are advancing Precision Child Health, a movement to individualize care for every child based on what makes them unique - from their genetic code to their postal code. More information on injury prevention at SickKids can be found at: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/injuryprev

For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact:

TSSA

Alexandra Campbell 
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Relations
and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org

Parachute
Kelley Teahen

Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Telephone: 647-776-5128

Email: media@parachute.ca

SickKids/OPC

Sarah Warr

Team Lead, External Communications & Public Affairs

The Hospital for Sick Children 

Email: sarah.warr@sickkids.ca

Toronto, ON, September 26, 2025 – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has released its 2025 Public Safety Report, highlighting decreased permanent injuries and stable incident rates across TSSA-regulated sectors. These results reflect the ongoing improvements in industry compliance and safety management practices. 

Released alongside its 2025 Annual Report at TSSA's Annual Public Meeting yesterday, the report provides a comprehensive review of public safety trends in Ontario across all sectors regulated by TSSA. These sectors include amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. The report documents data, evidence, and patterns that support enhanced safety management and risk-reduction strategies. 

Safety Trends and Key Metrics 

For the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), TSSA observed that the rate of incidents per million people remained stable compared to five years ago. Permanent injuries declined over the past decade, with 39% fewer cases in FY25, after adjusting for population growth. TSSA’s periodic inspections of regulated technologies, devices, equipment, and contractors recorded a compliance rate of 69%, reflecting the ongoing commitment of industry partners, owners, operators, and certificate holders to manage risk and enhance public safety. 

“This year, we’re continuing to see positive safety results thanks to our partners, regulated parties and stakeholders, all working together to strengthen compliance and reduce risk,” said Viola Dessanti, Director of Strategic Analytics, TSSA. “Efforts we made to build partnerships, enhance education and awareness, and bridge safety gaps supported these outcomes, ensuring people involved in safety can effectively manage and reduce risks.” 

TSSA’s Compliance Support team provided one-on-one guidance to owners and operators, helping them strengthen compliance across 1,375 authorized items. Additionally, through industry engagements across Ontario, TSSA also educated 1,464 professionals, practitioners, and stakeholders on key safety topics and the latest regulatory requirements. 

To address safety risks from lapsed authorizations, TSSA took steps to ensure expired authorizations were either renewed or operations ceased. 

Advanced Data Analytics to Strengthen Safety Outcomes 

TSSA collects data from engineering designs, registrations, inspections, and incidents to guide outcome-based, risk-informed decisions. Insights are shared with stakeholders through channels such as the Public Safety Report and Advisory Councils, which comprise leaders from regulated industries and consumer representatives. 

“Data is the cornerstone of TSSA’s modernized regulatory approach,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA. “We will continue to develop advanced analytics to identify priorities and maximize harm reduction. One area we’re focusing on is applying machine learning to optimize inspection frequencies, risk scores, and performance metrics, so that we can target our resources where they matter most and keep people safer.” 

For a complete view of public safety in Ontario, read TSSA’s 2025 Public Safety Report. The report also covers TSSA’s safety initiatives and lessons learned from incidents over the past year, providing insights to help further improve safety across the province. The FY2025 Public Safety Dashboard and past reports are also available at 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. 

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

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) celebrated outstanding public safety leadership at its 2025 Safety Awards, honouring the achievements of Jamie Kovacs and the Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP) during its Annual Public Meeting on September 25.

The annual TSSA Safety Awards, a nomination-based program, recognizes individuals and organizations in TSSA-regulated sectors that have made significant contributions to public safety in Ontario. By shining a light on these efforts, TSSA celebrates and aims to inspire exceptional commitment to safety standards and practices across the province.

“Safety is a shared responsibility, and it’s essential to recognize the dedication of those who go above and beyond to enhance safety in our regulated sectors,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA. “I warmly congratulate this year’s winners, Jamie Kovacs and Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program, for their leadership and for serving as powerful examples of how innovation and diligence can drive meaningful progress in safety practices.”

Each year, nominations are accepted in two award categories: the Impact Award, for significant contributions, initiatives, or projects that demonstrate safety excellence or exceed regulatory compliance; and the Legacy Award, for sustained safety conscientiousness shown by individuals or organizations.

TSSA Impact Safety Award Recipient: Jamie Kovacs

Harnessing passion to drive fire safety 

Jamie Kovacs, Executive Director of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, received the Impact Award for his dedication to advancing fire safety and prevention. Partnering with fire departments across Ontario, Jamie leads a team that helps make fire safety and prevention a community priority. 

As a volunteer firefighter with Central Elgin Fire Rescue since 2018, Jamie responds to more than 100 fire and carbon monoxide calls each year — living out his commitment to protecting others well beyond his professional role. He also works diligently with the Central Elgin communities to promote fire safety messages and educate the public on the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

“Jamie’s unwavering dedication to fire safety advocacy is commendable,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety Program with TSSA. “His hands-on service and passion for protecting communities through public education on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make him a true champion of prevention.”

Watch a video of Jamie or read his story here.

TSSA Legacy Safety Award Recipient: Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP)

Beyond Compliance: Recognizing a legacy of elevating safety standards 

The Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program was honoured with the Legacy Award for its safety leadership and delivery of safety education and apprenticeship programs for elevator constructor apprentices and mechanics since its establishment in 1967. 

As the sole training provider offering a foundational apprenticeship program and continuing education for certified elevator mechanics, CEIEP plays an instrumental role in developing in-school curriculum standards for apprenticeship training and creating the initial TSSA-approved curriculum and workbooks focusing on safety and maintenance. 

Its comprehensive approach to safety education, which focuses on both technical competencies and human well-being, positively impacts worker safety within the elevating devices industry.

“CEIEP is a cornerstone of safety education in Ontario’s elevating devices sector,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices with TSSA. “We are proud to honour CEIEP for its enduring leadership and commitment to advancing safety codes and protecting workers and the public through education.”

CEIEP continues to influence industry regulations by participating in industry advisory boards, shaping training standards and certification policies by contributing to the development of safety codes for elevators and escalators.

Watch a video of CEIEP or read its story here. 

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, 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: 416-734-2728

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

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: 416-734-2728

Email: media@tssa.org