Toronto, Oct. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Ontarians attempt to take the chill out of outdoor gatherings in crisper weather, national and provincial safety partners encourage homeowners to learn the fundamentals of patio heater safety and maintenance.
With risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire a significant concern this season due to the potential for improper use of outdoor heating equipment, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), in partnership with Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association (OMFPOA), and Canadian Propane Association, offer the following fall and winter weather patio heater safety tips.
Patio Heater Selection
Device Placement and Transport
Propane Cylinder Handling
Keeping a Watchful Eye
Additional information for the safe use of patio heaters on residential or commercial patios can be found in TSSA's TSSA's Patio Heater Safety Guidelines and TSSA's Patio Heater Safety Checklist for Restaurant Owners and Operators available at www.tssa.org.
Quotes
"The risk of CO poisoning isn't limited to indoor areas. CO is produced by devices that burn fuel, like patio heaters, and deadly CO gas can accumulate in any environment with limited air movement. That's why it's so important to ensure that areas where patio heaters are located are well ventilated and verify that smoke and CO alarms located inside nearby shelters and buildings are working properly."
Sam Sadeghi, Director, Fuels Safety, Technical Standards and Safety Authority
"As the weather cools and people look to keep warm while spending time outside, it is imperative that you remember the inherent risks with heating devices. All heating appliances or devices can spark a fire, even when used outdoors. Fuel burning appliances also produce carbon monoxide, which is dangerous if not properly ventilated. Be sure to only use fuel burning appliances in well ventilated areas. It is the responsibility of owners and operators of these devices to ensure that they're properly installed, maintained, and ventilated according to the manufacturer's instructions."
Fire Chief Mark MacDonald, President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
"Outdoor heating devices are great tools that provide temporary warmth when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Improperly used devices can lead to the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. When using these devices, ensure that they are kept away from combustible materials and used in well ventilated areas."
Vince Giovannini, President, Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association
"As we enter the cold weather season, many Canadians want to continue using outdoor spaces. Propane patio heaters are a safe, low-emission and effective way to heat any space. For portable propane heaters, always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe set up and use outdoors."
Robert Loenhart, Sr. Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs and Safety, Canadian Propane Association
About the Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Throughout Ontario, 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 includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities. For more information, visit www.tssa.org.
About the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
The OAFC represents more than 700 chief fire officers in Ontario, from across 441 municipalities, who are responsible for the management and delivery of fire, rescue and emergency response to the province's 14.5 million residents. Its mission is to lead innovation and excellence in public and life safety by inspiring and influencing a safer Ontario. For more information, visit www.oafc.on.ca.
About the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association
The OMFPOA is an independent, non-profit organization representing approximately 200 fire departments across Ontario. For more information, visit www.omfpoa.com.
About the Canadian Propane Association
The CPA represents over 400 companies in every region of the country and promotes a culture of safe propane handling and use of propane-fueled equipment. For more information, visit www.propane.ca.
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