TSSA Warns of Flood-Related Safety Risks for Fuel-Burning Equipment and Elevators

Event summary

  • TSSA issued seasonal flooding safety tips on April 21, 2026, highlighting risks associated with fuel-burning equipment and elevators during spring floods in Ontario.
  • The authority emphasized the dangers of using outdoor fuel-burning appliances indoors, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
  • TSSA advised against using elevators in flooded buildings due to potential water accumulation in elevator shafts and operational failures.
  • Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety Program, and AJ Kadirgamar, Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices Safety Program, provided expert quotes on the risks.

The big picture

TSSA's advisory underscores the growing need for robust safety measures as climate change exacerbates seasonal flooding risks. The authority's role in regulating safety standards for critical infrastructure highlights the broader trend of increasing regulatory oversight in public safety. The advisory also reflects the ongoing challenge of ensuring compliance with safety protocols during natural disasters.

What we're watching

Regulatory Compliance
How TSSA's advisory will impact compliance among Ontario residents and businesses during flood seasons.
Public Safety
Whether increased awareness of carbon monoxide risks will reduce accidents during future flooding events.
Infrastructure Resilience
The pace at which building owners adopt preventive measures to safeguard elevators and fuel-burning equipment from flood damage.