Important Information for Ottawa Residents Recovering from Tornado Damage

Use of Generators and Outdoor Appliances

TORONTO, Oct. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Ontario's public safety regulator, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), advises Ottawa residents to be safe, not sorry, as they recover from devastating tornadoes.

With key energy infrastructure temporarily out of commission, and with cooler weather approaching, many residents may be tempted to use portable fuel-fired generators or camp heaters to heat their homes or garages and/or propane BBQs and stoves for cooking indoors. While the temptation may be there, this is an important reminder never to use a generator or appliances designed for outdoor use indoors – not even during an emergency. These devices can pose risks of fire, explosion, and poisoning by carbon monoxide (CO).

Please follow these helpful tips when using generators and outdoor appliances:

• Never use a generator indoors - open doors, windows, or fans will never provide enough ventilation to prevent CO gas from rising to toxic levels
• When using a generator outside, as intended, make sure it is situated away from any open windows, doors, and vents of your house, garage or cottage – CO gas can even accumulate in a car port or covered patio
• Make sure you fully understand and follow the proper operating procedures before starting your generator
• Keep your portable generator in peak operating condition by following the manufacturer's maintenance and repair guidelines
• Consider using a battery-powered CO detector in the area you're operating your generator
• Always allow the generator to cool before attempting to refuel it to avoid risks of potential fires from gas splashing on hot components
• Appliances designed for outdoor use such as BBQs and camp stoves, lanterns, and heaters should only be used outdoors – they are not designed to be used inside your home or garage 
• In addition to the risks of fire and explosion, these devices, when used in an enclosed space such as a home or garage, can produce deadly carbon monoxide (CO) – an odourless, colourless, and tasteless poisonous gas – that can build up and lead to serious health effects, even death

You can find this public service announcement on our website at www.TSSA.org.

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, ski lifts, and upholstered and stuffed articles. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization's vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.

SOURCE Technical Standards and Safety Authority