Private Fuel Outlets (PFOs) are defined in O. Reg. 217/01 (Liquid Fuels, Ontario.ca), where “private outlet” means any premises, other than a retail outlet, where gasoline or an associated product is put into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles or floating motorized watercraft or into portable containers.
This definition captures many different types of businesses, including farms, trucking companies, couriers, municipal operations, mines, construction sites, car rental agencies, utilities, telecommunications and other companies with fueling facilities for their vehicle fleets.
Examples of PFOs include the following:
Municipalities that fill their own fire trucks.
Regional transportation vehicle depots, such as bus fueling stations.
Farms and other agricultural operations that have fueling facilities.
Courier companies that fuel their own fleet of delivery vehicles.
Car rental agencies with fueling facilities.
Any other company with fueling facilities for its fleet vehicles.
Campgrounds, rental cottages, or fishing camps where fuel is provided as part of the rental agreement for boats (via portable containers), ATV’s or snowmobiles. (If the fuel is being dispensed directly into the fuel tank of a boat, this is a marina — not a PFO — and requires an annual license.)
Example of a non-PFO:
A logging or mining company that provides fuel to private contractors and deducts the cost of fuel from the contractors require a license for selling fuel.
Private fuel outlets must comply with CSA LFHC-17 Liquid Fuels Handling Code (CSAGroup.org), which specifies the requirements for the storage, handling and dispensing of gasoline and associated products used as fuel in motor vehicles or motorized watercraft.
All contractors working on liquid fuel equipment, such as underground tanks, must be registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Persons repairing, installing, removing and servicing underground tanks are also required to be trained and certified. For more information, visit Fuels Industry Professional.
If you are unsure if your facility is a PFO, please send an email to fuels_technical_services@tssa.org.
Private Fuel Outlet Inspections
Although TSSA does not licence PFOs, they still need to comply with CSA LFHC-17 Liquid Fuels Handling Code (CSAGroup.org).
Operators of PFOs who wish to have their facilities inspected by TSSA can call 1-877-682-8772 or view our inspector directory (pdf).
Resources
Advisory: Checklist For Gas Station Attendants and Operators (pdf): This checklist details information that a gas station attendant should know. It is also applicable to PFOs and may be used as a guide for training.
Ontario Petroleum Contractors Association: The website provides a list of petroleum contractors.
Advisory: Protection Against Vehicular Traffic (pdf): The advisory explains the requirements for protection of aboveground tanks from vehicles.
Keeping Private Fuel Outlets Safe (pdf): This brochure shows you how to ensure safety, reduce the possibility of safety orders, and reduce the cost of an inspection of your Private Fuel Outlet.