The Liquid Fuels Handling Code (LFHC) Technical Working Group (TWG) made three amendments to Appendix I of LFHC on retail mobile fueling. Please click to read the updated Appendix I – Retail Mobile Fueling Requirements. 

The amendments are as follows:   

Item 1 

Existing Clause: I.3.1 Twenty heavyweight spill pads (hydrophobic 45cm x 60cm) 

Amended Clause: I.3.1 Twenty heavyweight spill pads (hydrophobic, 38cm x 45cm)   

Rationale for Change: The size listed is not a common size and therefore it is difficult to source in the marketplace.   

Item 2

Existing Clause: I.4 Nozzles used for dispensing shall be no greater than 25.4mm (1in) in diameter and shall be of the automatic shut-off design. The fuel delivery driver shall be in attendance (within arms-reach) of the nozzle during fuel transfer.  

Additional Clause:

I.5 Notwithstanding Clause I.4, the dispensing of Class II fuel may be permitted using a non-auto shut-off nozzles with a spout greater than 25.4mm (1in) in diameter where: 

(a) The fuel level in the tank is visible during the fueling operation at the filling point when the fuel nozzle is inserted into the fill opening; and 

(b) The fuel delivery driver, or in the case of a watercraft, the person located at the fueling position, shall maintain a constant line of sight of the level of the fuel in the fuel tank during the fueling operation to prevent a spill. 

Rationale: 

It has become evident that the requirements listed in Appendix I – Retail Mobile Fueling, will place a burden on fuel distributors that currently perform mobile fueling to large commercial vehicles and watercraft using highway tanks that do not have a dedicated low pressure delivery hose used to conduct mobile fueling to small vehicles, watercraft and equipment. In most cases these existing delivery vehicles cannot be retrofitted to accommodate a third reel, piping configuration or controls to accomplish this. In addition, for trucks that can accept a third reel, the cost is excessive. This will effectively prevent any fuel distributor from continuing to use their existing delivery vehicles for the purpose of retail mobile fueling to these types of vehicles and watercraft, an activity that they have been doing safely for years with their highway tanks. Requiring an auto shut-off nozzle with a 25.4 mm (1in) spout to be used in this application will not increase dispensing safety or reduce the risk to the environment. In fact, it could have the opposite effect by creating unsafe conditions by using a device that may not function properly under this level of pressure. 

Item 3 

Under I.13 include an extra provision to allow fueling within 30 m of a stream, river, lake, canal or natural watercourse when fueling watercraft:  

I.13 (a) Fuel may be dispensed within 30 m of a stream, river, lake, canal, or natural watercourse

Rationale: Need this provision to fuel watercraft   

If you have questions or comments, please email Chris Thompson at cthompson@tssa.org. 

This communication was sent to Liquid Fuels Handling Code Working Group, liquid fuels tanker trucks, liquid fuel facilities and Fuel web subscribers.

Hamilton resident, facing third prosecution, was found guilty of multiple violations after unsafe work created immediate risks for homeowners

Robert Spearing has been found guilty of multiple counts of working on gas appliances while being uncertified and acting as a contractor when not registered.

Spearing was convicted on multiple counts. In two cases, the work was left with such immediate hazards that the local gas utility had to be called to shut off the gas supply to protect the residents. 

This is the third prosecution that Robert Spearing has faced for similar reasons. He has not held a valid certification to perform fuels work for households since 1996. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2026. 

“Contractors without a valid certification or registration with TSSA are operating illegally,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of the Fuel Safety at TSSA. “None of their work, equipment or qualifications are audited or verified by TSSA. Hiring these fuels scammers can lead to serious risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and other harmful consequences.” 

Under Ontario law, maintenance of furnaces and fuel-fired appliances must be performed by TSSA-registered contractors. All registered contractors are required to hire TSSA-certified gas technicians who have extensive training and are qualified to perform fuels work safely.

Before hiring a contractor for fuel-related work, members of the public are encouraged to search for and verify registered contractors using TSSA’s online Authorized Heating Fuel Contractors Lookup Tool.  

When approached by fraudulent fuels workers, consumers should report them to TSSA. TSSA is committed to investigating these reports and taking legal action when necessary. Reporting illegal workers can help save others from fuels scams.

About TSSA 

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority 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 

TSSA is using the Client Portal to share important, sector‑specific safety information with liquid fuel licence holders who renew their licences online.

Beginning June 1, 2026, operators renewing liquid fuel facility licences through the Client Portal will see a safety message pop‑up. They can choose to read the message immediately or later via email before completing the renewal process.

The Client Portal provides a timely opportunity for TSSA to share critical safety information with liquid fuel facilities to help prevent incidents and support safer operations. We encourage licence holders to read the message and share it with their safety teams.

Operators also have the option to email the safety message to colleagues or individuals responsible for safety, helping to reinforce compliance obligations across their organization.

The safety message will appear only once per account, even if multiple facilities are associated with the same account.

This news was shared with Fuels web subscribers and liquid fuel authorization holders who renew their licences online.

Toronto, ON, May 25, 2026 – Repeat offender Mark Van Watteghem has been sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined $10,000 plus a victim surcharge by the Ontario Court of Justice after being found guilty of fuel safety violations under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. 

Mr. Van Watteghem was convicted for the third time after removing a gas furnace and installing a replacement unit at a home in Windsor, Ontario. He was found performing this work without valid authorization by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). The fuel technician was previously convicted in 2016 and 2019 for unsafe fuel work and for performing fuel work as an unregistered contractor, receiving fines totalling $25,000 plus the victim surcharge. 

“Mark Van Watteghem’s fuel work was deceitful and placed the lives of those who trusted him at serious risk,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety at TSSA. “He has not been a registered contractor for 11 years and has been without a valid certificate for nine years. During that time, his work exposed customers to potentially fatal dangers, including carbon monoxide poisoning. TSSA supports the court’s decision to impose a stronger penalty in response to his repeated and fraudulent conduct.” 

In Ontario, only fuel contractors registered with TSSA and individuals holding a valid gas technician certificate are legally permitted to work on fuel‑fired appliances. Before commissioning any fuel work, members of the public are encouraged to search for and verify registered contractors using TSSA’s online Authorized Heating Fuel Contractors Lookup Tool. 

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, April 21, 2026 - Spring showers may bring flowers but torrential downpours, milder temperatures and the thawing of some mass accumulations of snow across parts of Ontario could bring serious flooding threats and consequences. As the risks of seasonal flooding increase, so do the potential hazards related to fuel-burning equipment and elevators. Additionally, disruptions to major energy systems during floods may prompt people to use unsafe power generation alternatives. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is reminding Ontarians to avoid taking unsafe actions, ‘fixes or alternatives.

Reduce the risks and potential of harm.

• Never use any fuel-burning appliances indoors that are specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only such as portable, fuel-fired generators, BBQs etc., as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other dangers.
• Keep outdoor generators away from open windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from infiltrating living spaces.
• Avoid using portable fuel-burning devices like generators and propane BBQs in enclosed areas such as garages or covered patios, as this can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
• Exercise caution when using commercial ventilating fans to dry out a basement, as this could create negative pressure, allowing carbon monoxide from household appliances to re-enter the home. Ensure proper ventilation during this process.
• Never use elevators in a flooded building as water can accumulate in elevator shafts or adversely affect an elevator's operation leading to entrapment or injury. 

If you're unsure about the safety of a specific TSSA-regulated equipment or device during floods, contact TSSA for more information. 

Quotes 

“CO is a leading cause of accidental poisonings in Ontario. That’s why it’s so important that residents do not compound a hazardous situation, such as a flood, by exposing themselves, families, friends and pets to potential CO risks. It’s critical that any fuel-burning appliances designed for outdoor use only, such as portable fuel generators or BBQs, remain just there – outside – to avoid the potential or CO poisoning, fires or other hazards.” Owen Kennedy, Director, Fuels Safety Program, TSSA 

“In buildings impacted by flooding, the elevators can potentially be compromised. Water can accumulate in elevator shafts or adversely affect an elevator’s operation, creating a dangerous situation for passengers including entrapment or injury. It’s important to never use elevators in a flooded building or where there is any indication that water has leaked onto elevator components.” AJ Kadirgamar, Director, Elevating and Amusement Devices Safety Program, TSSA

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 

Ammara Khan 

Director, Communications 

Technical Standards and Safety Authority 

Telephone: 416-734-2728 

Email: media@tssa.org

Thank you for attending the webinar on submitting fuel engineering applications through the TSSA Client Portal on April 13, 2026.

We are pleased to share a recording of the webinar for engineering firms and contractors who submit fuel engineering applications on behalf of owners. The webinar showed attendees how to navigate key features of the Client Portal, submit engineering applications, and link third‑party submitter accounts to client accounts.

A recording of the webinar is now available. Click here to view the recording.

This news was shared with Fuels web subscribers and Fuels clients who have submitted engineering applications to TSSA as a third party in the last 12 months.

TORONTO, ON, April 10, 2026 –– With the unprecedented snowfall accumulations this year, the spring season brings a welcome change as Ontarians dig out of one season and into another. 

As April is designated ‘dig safe’ month, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and Ontario One Call are taking the opportunity to remind Ontarians of the importance of obtaining a locate before initiating any landscape, construction or any other digging project. 

Unsafe excavation practices can put many people at risk of losing essential services including but not limited to heat, hot water, electrical and telecommunications. In the most serious of cases, it can lead to potential explosions that can cause property damage, injuries, or even loss of life. During the spring and summer months, pipeline strikes typically increase more than two-fold due to excavations without the proper locate permissions from buried infrastructure owners.

Improper use of equipment such as a shovel, backhoe or other machinery can potentially damage underground infrastructure, leading to safety hazards or very dangerous or fatal consequences. 

• Nicking a gas line could lead to leaks, fire, or explosions.
• Damaging electrical cables could shock or electrocute you.
• Hitting water or sewer lines could cause flying debris, floods, contamination, and environmental hazards.
• Cutting telecommunications cables could disrupt internet or cable services and your ability to call 911 in an emergency. 

BEFORE starting any landscaping, construction, or other digging project, a locate request must be submitted at ontarioonecall.ca. This notifies underground utility owners so they can mark the location of buried infrastructure such as gas, hydro, and communication lines.

It's free, it's easy, it's the law.

• If you are planning a digging project, you must submit a locate request at ontarioonecall.ca at least five business days before you start for a single property project and 10 business days for projects involving multiple properties or areas without a civic address.
• If you have hired a contractor, make sure your contractor has contacted Ontario One Call before they start your project.
• Check the paperwork emailed to you by the utility owners to ensure it covers your dig and make sure you understand all the markings - if not, contact the utility owner.
• If you accidentally strike any underground services (e.g. pipelines, electrical lines, cables, etc.), immediately call 911 and all associated service providers.

Quotes 

TSSA

"With over 110,000 km of pipeline delivering fuel across Ontario, TSSA is focused on reducing risk and the potential of harm associated with pipeline strikes through engagement, evidence, enforcement and education. We are proud to be Partnering for a Safe Ontario with Ontario One Call and industry leaders to promote stronger awareness and compliance," said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA.

Ontario One Call

"Damage to underground infrastructure is entirely preventable. Safety is a shared responsibility, and every project - large or small - must begin with a locate request. Clicking Before You Dig is a simple step that protects workers and the public, and it's the law," said Mitch Panciuk, President and CEO of Ontario One Call. 

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 One Call

Ontario One Call is a public safety administrative authority that acts as a communications link between underground infrastructure owners and individuals who are planning to dig in the province of Ontario. In 2012, the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012 was passed, which stipulates by law that everyone in the province of Ontario must contact Ontario One Call for locates before they dig. 

www.ontarioonecall.ca

TSSA 

Alexandra Campbell 

Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and 

Customer Service 

Technical Standards and Safety Authority 

Telephone: 416-734-2728 

Email: media@tssa.org 

Ontario One Call 

Ian Simpson 

VP of Communications and Corporate Affairs (Interim) 

Email: media@OntarioOneCall.ca

Following the communication on the Fuel Oil Code Adoption Document (CAD) amendments published on April 2, 2026, TSSA reshares the Fuel Oil CAD with the updated effective date of June 2, 2026.

Key changes to the Fuel Oil CAD include:

• Adoption of CSA B139:24
• Engineering required for equipment in a certain location (Amendment 1.1.13)
• Engineering required for combustion air in certain equipment (Amendment 1.1.15)
• Minor modifications to Annex K.4, including normative status (Amendments 1.1.18 and 1.1.19)
• Extension of timeframe for the approval of portable oil-burning equipment to December 1, 2030 (Amendment 1.2.1)
• Inclusion of former Part 3 of the Field Approval Code (Amendment 2) 

There is no change to the associated Fuel Oil CAD Consultation Summary that has been posted on TSSA’s website.

This news item was shared with Fuel oil certificate holders, Fuel oil variance contractors and Fuel web subscribers.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has published amendments to the Propane Code Adoption Document (CAD) and the associated Consultation Summary after reviewing feedback from the consultation that closed on January 19, 2026:

• Propane Code Adoption Document Amendments
• Propane Code Adoption Document (2026) Consultation Summary

Key changes in the new Propane CAD include:

• Inserting updated dates for the adopted Codes

• Inserting sections to transfer requirements from the former Codes into the Propane CAD:

  - Mobile Food Service Equipment Code
  - Digester, Landfill and Biogas Code
  - Field Approval Code

We thank stakeholders for their input on the Propane CAD, which was last updated and published in 2021.
 
The Codes and Standards Adopted by Reference Regulation (O. Reg. 223/01) authorizes TSSA to adopt technical codes and standards and make Ontario-specific modifications to code requirements. TSSA’s code adoption process advances outcome-based regulation by ensuring that adopted standards are aligned with risk-reduction objectives and evolving industry practices.

This news was shared with Fuels clients (propane & gaseous) and web subscribers