Technical Standards and Safety Authority Issues Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Safety Warning
TORONTO, September 9, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Ontario's public safety regulator, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), is reminding the public of carbon monoxide (CO) safety tips following two recent CO-related fatalities.
An 11-year-old boy was found dead from CO poisoning in the family vehicle at the Lodge Louise campground in Parry Sound on Saturday, August 31. He'd opted to sleep in the family van rather than the tent. A propane-fueled cooler was operating in the back of the van with all but one of the vehicle's windows closed because of mosquitoes.
On Sunday, September 1, an 84-year-old man was found dead and his wife in critical condition as a result of CO poisoning while at their cottage in Armour, northeast of Burk's Falls. A propane-fueled refrigerator is suspected to be the source of the CO.
"These are sad and tragic incidents that could have been prevented," said John Marshall, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. "Awareness of CO safety risks is your best protection," added Mr. Marshall.
STEP 1: - Eliminate CO at the source. Follow manufacturer's installation and operating instructions. Get your fuel-burning appliances and equipment inspected by a certified technician who works for a TSSA-registered heating contractor. For a list of registered heating contractors, ask your fuel supplier or call TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772).
STEP 2: - Ensure your home and cottage have certified CO alarms. They will warn you of rising CO levels, giving you time to take potentially life-saving action. For proper installation locations, follow manufacturer instructions or ask your local fire department.
STEP 3: - Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. They are similar to the flu - nausea, headache, burning eyes, confusion and drowsiness - except there is no fever. If they appear, immediately get everyone, including pets, outside to fresh air and call 911 and/or your local fire department.
TSSA encourages the public to get the right facts about CO safety risks, the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America, by visiting cosafety.ca. The more you know, the better you can practice CO safety and ensure you and your family don't become victims of CO poisoning.
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is Ontario's public safety regulator dedicated to enhancing public safety. TSSA is mandated by the Government of Ontario and regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, ski lifts, and upholstered and stuffed articles throughout the province. Its range of safety services includes 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.
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