Toronto, ON, April 6, 2022 – Spring’s much anticipated milder temperatures tend to arrive with rapid snowmelts and heavy rainfalls, which increase the risk of flooding. Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) reminds Ontarians to be aware of potential fuels and elevator related hazards that can occur during flooding conditions.
Carbon Monoxide and Fuels Safety
When flooding occurs, key energy infrastructures can become temporarily out of commission, tempting residents to turn to alternatives that may be unsafe. Keep in mind that portable, fuel-fired generators, propane BBQs and other outdoor fuel-burning appliances are never safe to use indoors because they can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other harmful risks.
“It’s important that residents ensure generators used outdoors are positioned away from open windows, doors and vents,” said Sam Sadeghi, Statutory Director, Fuels Safety Program. “For an added layer of protection, residents should consider using battery-powered CO detectors in areas where generators are operating.”
Elevator Safety
It is also imperative to refrain from elevator use in a flooded building or where there is any indication that water has leaked onto elevator components.
“Water can accumulate in elevator shafts or adversely affect an elevator’s operation, leading to entrapment or injury,” said Roger Neate, Statutory Director, Elevating and Amusement Devices Safety Program. “For this reason, we want to make sure Ontarians are aware that using an elevator during a flood is a safety hazard.”
Visit TSSA.org/Seasonal-Flooding-Safety for TSSA’s full seasonal flooding safety guide. Residents and businesses unsure of how flooding conditions may affect the safeness of specific TSSA-regulated devices should contact TSSA.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces 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, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, 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
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.