TSSA Bans Series of Insta-Flame and Northern Flame Fireplaces

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has banned a series of natural gas and propane-fired direct vent freestanding fireplaces manufactured by CFM Inc., also known as Majestic Fireplace, in the province of Ontario due to an explosion risk.

A Director's Order was issued on September 14 prohibiting the sale, lease, rental, installation or use in Ontario of the following gas fireplaces manufactured by CFM Inc. (Majestic Fireplace):

• All Insta-Flame and Northern Flame natural gas or propane-fired direct vent freestanding fireplaces with 'FSDV22' or 'FSDV30' or 'FSDV32' in the model name or number.

Any Insta-Flame and Northern Flame natural gas or propane-fired direct vent freestanding fireplace with the prefix 'R' in the model name or number is not included in the Director's Order.

TSSA has investigated several incidents involving these fireplaces where a delayed ignition triggered an explosion, spraying shards of glass and causing personal injury. In April 2012, tests were conducted on a sample Majestic Fireplace and after further analysis, the public safety risk was confirmed.

Health Canada and the British Columbia Safety Authority have issued similar warnings on their respective websites: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca and http://www.safetyauthority.ca. A copy of TSSA's Director's Order is available at: http://www.tssa.org/corplibrary/ArticleFile.asp?Instance=136&ID=F269ED5300F811E289637673E00B94C4

Homeowners are advised to check the rating plate, which is typically located at the bottom of the fireplace near the gas controls, to confirm whether their fireplace is subject to the Director's Order. Homeowners who are uncertain whether their fireplace is banned should call a TSSA-certified fuel technician to confirm whether their fireplace is subject to the Director's Order.

Anyone with any of the banned fireplaces should immediately turn off the gas supply, stop using the fireplace and contact a TSSA-certified fuel technician to permanently disable and dispose of the fireplace. A retrofit kit is unavailable as the company is out of business. To ensure a contractor is registered in Ontario, call TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772). You can also visit www.tssa.org for a list of certified contractors. 

About TSSA

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an innovative, not-for-profit, organization dedicated to enhancing 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

Wilson Lee, Spokesperson
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: [phone]; Email: [email protected] 
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.