TORONTO, ON, January 15, 2024 – 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 in communities across Ontario, residents in Northern Ontario 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 Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can essentially eliminate any potential harm, by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-registered fuel contractor o 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 Hart.
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.
Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe.
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 or to arrange media availability, 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
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org/
With winter upon us, what could be cozier than basking in the warmth of fireplaces, furnaces and outdoor heaters? Yet, it is vital to ensure that your home heating appliances and systems are operating at their best. Failure to do so could expose you and your loved ones to the ‘Silent Killer’—Carbon Monoxide (CO)—often without awareness.
While CO presents serious hazards, you can protect yourself and your family from harm by following these guidelines throughout the cold winter months.
Demystify the ‘Silent Killer’
CO is an invisible, odourless, and tasteless poisonous gas that can pose a deadly risk if not managed properly. Common household fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves, propane heaters, kerosene lanterns, can be sources of CO. Approximately 65% of all CO injuries and deaths in Ontario occur in people’s homes. Remember, it’s not just your furnace or fireplace; many Ontario homes can have between 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO.
Address the Hazard at the Source
Schedule regular inspections for your home's fuel-burning appliances and equipment through the services of a TSSA-registered fuels contractor, which can be conveniently located using TSSA’s lookup tool.
Equip Your Home with Functioning, Certified CO Alarms
Install certified CO alarms, test them regularly and replace them as needed and in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. These alarms serve as an early warning system that provides time to take life-saving measures.
Recognize CO Poisoning Symptoms
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of CO poisoning, which can mimic the flu – but without the fever. If symptoms like nausea, headache, burning eyes, confusion, or drowsiness appear, evacuate everyone, including pets, to fresh air and call 911.
Never Operate Indoors Any Fuel-Burning Appliance Designed for Outdoor Use
Do not use indoors any fuel-burning appliances that are designed for outdoor use only, such as propane or kerosene-fueled heaters, bbqs, etc., as this can lead to lethal CO exposure, fires, and other health hazards.
Quick Tips for Maintaining Home Heating Systems
Whether you prefer a hands-on approach or opt for professional assistance in maintaining your home heating system, here are some quick tips for you:
Do it Yourself:
- Regularly inspect the heating system for signs of deterioration, such as water stains, corrosion, or leakage.
- Routinely clean furnace air filters in forced-air systems. Maintain a clear zone around the furnace area to prevent materials from catching fire or exploding due to excessive heat.
- Ensure that warm-air outlets and cold-air outlets are unobstructed. In case snow or ice covers your outdoor gas meter or external appliance vent pipe, remove it carefully with a car brush or broom.
- Don’t scrape the meter or vent pipe with a sharp instrument, as this may cause unintended damage.
Seek Professional Support:
- If the heating system malfunctions, check the electrical fuse, switch, and thermostat before contacting a TSSA-registered fuels contractor.
- Never allow uncertified gas technicians and unregistered contractors to tamper with or conduct work on heating systems.
For additional safety information and resources, visit cosafety.ca. Here's to a secure and warm winter season.