Stop the Silent Killer

TORONTO, Oct 6 /CNW/ - Over two-thirds of carbon monoxide (CO) incidents in Ontario occur in private dwellings, according to reports received by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) - the safety experts responsible for enforcing fuels safety regulations in Ontario.

CO is a silent killer.  It is an invisible, odourless, poisonous gas that can kill in just minutes and could be in your home.  In fact, your home heating system and appliances can cause potential CO exposure if not properly maintained.

"Awareness of the safety risks involved with CO is the best protection," says John Marshall, Director of the Fuels Safety Program at TSSA, "and there are several measures you can take to protect yourself and your family."

STEP 1: Eliminate CO at the source.  Get your home's 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 has 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.

For more public safety tips and valuable advice on safety issues around your home, visit www.safetyinfo.ca for useful guides, checklists and other free safety downloads.

About TSSA

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an innovative, not-for-profit organization focused on delivering public safety services. It provides regulatory safety services in industry sectors such as fuels, amusement devices, elevating devices, ski lifts, boilers and pressure vessels, operating engineers, and upholstered and stuffed articles. The organization's vision is to be the world leader in public safety services.

For further information:

For more information, please contact:

Bernadette Celis, Public Education Advisor
Public Relations and Communications, TSSA
Telephone: [phone]; Email: [email protected]

For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.