Carbon Monoxide Awareness

3 Steps to CO Safety:

Inspection and maintenance - Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a TSSA-registered contractor each year.
Install carbon monoxide alarms - It’s the law! Install a CO alarm near all sleeping areas.
Clear outdoor vents - Check that exhaust vents from all natural gas appliances are not blocked. Have a chimney checkup each year.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Install working carbon monoxide alarms beside all sleeping areas.

Test Alarm

Test alarms monthly. Consider using alarms that have a worry-free 10 year lithium battery.

Propane Heaters

Never use propane heaters inside the home or garage.

Barbecues

Never cook with barbecues or propane cookers inside the home or garage.

Garage

Never warm a vehicle in the garage.

Inspect and Maintain

Have a trained, TSSA-certified fuel technician inspect your furnace and fuel-burning appliances on a yearly basis. Keep outdoor exhaust vents clear.

CO FAQs

Carbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odourless, colourless, poisonous gas

Many Ontario households have, on average, 4 – 6 fuel-burning appliances that produce carbon monoxide, this includes:

furnace
BBQ
stove
water heater
dryer
stove
fuel fired fireplace
blocked vents or chimney
portable fuel fired generator
vehicle running in attached garage

Test CO alarms monthly or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace alarm batteries at least once a year or whenever the low-battery warning sounds. Never wait.
Know the difference between a low-battery warning and an emergency alarm – consult the CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace alarms in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dull headache
Weakness
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Blurred vision
Loss of consciousness or death