Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common gas that you cannot see, smell or taste – but it is poisonous and can be deadly. This is why carbon monoxide is commonly known as the “Silent Killer”. In fact, approximately 65% of all CO deaths and injuries that occur in Ontario, happen in the home.
However with the right knowledge and safeguards in place, you can help protect yourself, and your family.
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. One of their main initiatives is educating the public on the dangers of carbon monoxide, and how to best protect your family from this potentially lethal threat.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week is the ideal time for the TSSA to shine light on tools and resources to help families stay safe in their homes, including the latest new educational videos and kids activity sheet they’ve produced.
Susy Ceolin, Communications Program Manager at TSSA, explains that public education and resources such as these are an integral component to ensure the public is well informed on CO poisoning risks and key actions to stay safe. “With approximately 65% of CO injuries and deaths occurring in private dwellings, it’s really important to recognize that at we all have a role in staying safe,” Ceolin says. “Especially when our actions can reduce the likelihood of injury to ourselves, our loved ones or others.”
How can residents reduce the risks of residential carbon monoxide incidents?
Here are two key steps Ontarians should take to reduce carbon monoxide incidents in their homes:
|
1. Have all fuel burning appliances in homes inspected and maintained on a yearly basis through the services of a TSSA-registered contractor who must employ certified technicians. Visit TSSA’s-registered fuels contractor tool to locate one near you or to verify their credentials. |
|
2. Have working, certified, carbon monoxide or smoke/carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.* Test the alarms, replace batteries regularly and replace the alarms when they have expired and as per manufacturer’s instructions; typically, every 7-10 years, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. * Effective January 1, 2026 updates to the Ontario Fire Code will require CO alarms near sleeping areas and on every floor in all homes and residential units that have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. |
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, CO poisoning has the potential to become an insidious intruder in any home, if they are not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly. Being prepared with the right knowledge is paramount to helping reduce the risks and keeping your family safe.
TSSA remains a committed and trusted partner to advise and assist Ontario’s families. “At the end of the day, we want people to be: Informed. Empowered. Responsible. And Safe,” says Ceolin.
Visit COsafety.ca to learn more.