Recreation & Events

Gas Barbecue and Grill Safety

• Barbecues are for outdoor use ONLY. They produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can lead to unconsciousness or death. Always barbecue outside in a well-ventilated area. 
• At the beginning of grilling season, clean your barbecue, check it, and test it. Don't allow grease to build up on the burners, lid, or at the base, as this could cause a grease fire.
• When it’s time to light it, make sure there are no combustible or flammable materials near your BBQ (including hand sanitizer), then follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Never leave your grill unsupervised while it's in use. Keep kids and pets away at all times. Don’t lean over the grill when you’re lighting it or when you’re using it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. Never throw water on a grease fire—doing so will spread the flame.
• Direct-connected, natural gas-fired barbecues must be installed by a TSSA-registered fuels contractor. Find a Fuels Contractor near you. 
•  For more on barbecue safety, read our BBQ Safety Brochure (PDF).

Safely Using Patio Heaters

• Patio heaters belong outdoors—never use one inside.
• Check the manufacturer's installation instructions and keep it away from combustible materials. 
• Do not obstruct doors or block air intakes, exits or fire escapes, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, or fire department connections.
• Never move a patio heater while the flame is lit; shut off the fuel supply and let the unit cool before you move it. 
• Never leave a patio heater unattended. Be especially careful when children are in the area or nearby adults are using intoxicating substances.
• For more tips on using patio heaters, see our Patio Heater Safety Guidelines (PDF)

Gas Pool Heater Safety

• Have your gas pool heater installed and inspected at the beginning of each season by a TSSA-registered fuels contractor.
  • Use our Find a Fuels Contractor tool to locate TSSA-registered fuels contractor near you
• Improperly handling, using, or maintaining your pool heater can cause a fire or create deadly carbon monoxide gas.
• Make sure your pool heater is properly vented, and that vents and exhaust pipes are not broken or blocked. 
  • If the heater is located indoors, vent it outside and install a carbon monoxide alarmin the room with the heater. 
  • If the heater is outside, make sure that the equipment is not too close to any windows. 
• Natural gas connections can develop leaks that can lead to a fire or an explosion. If you notice a “rotten egg” smell, contact your gas supplier immediately for service.

Fuels Safety on Boats

• Have a fire extinguisher on board that is rated at least 5BC (able to handle a gasoline fire of at least five square feet or 0.465 square metres).
• Turn off the boat engine before you refuel. Lift the engine cover to check for leaks and odours. Also, make sure to turn off all auxiliary power sources and pilot lights on any gas appliances. Make sure everyone leaves the boat when you refuel.
• If it is safe to do so after you refuel, run the bilge blower for at least four minutes before you start the engine.

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) Safety

Faulty propane cylinders can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you use a propane appliance in your RV, install a carbon monoxide alarm and follow these additional safety tips:

• When refilling your propane, shut off all interior burners, pilot lights, appliances, and automatic ignition switches. Also, shut off the RV motor and have all passengers leave the vehicle.
• Keep propane cylinders, relief valves, and regulating equipment outside your RV or in a gas-tight compartment that is sealed off from the interior of the vehicle. This way, if your propane leaks, it will escape outside the RV. Consider installing a propane leak alarm. 
•  Use a tested and certified propane cylinder marked with an Approved Certification Mark, and learn how to safely transport and store propane for your RV.
• Only a certified fuels technician may legally install or remove propane piping, tubing equipment, and appliances in any RV. Use our Find a Fuels Contractor tool to locate a TSSA-registered fuels contractor near you.

Food Truck Safety

Mobile food service equipment, commonly known as ‘food trucks’, is mobile equipment with fuel-fired cooking facilities for preparing and selling food. Examples of food trucks include chip wagons, coffee trucks, and hotdog and hamburger carts.

If you are organizing an event where a food truck will be part of the fun, make sure all food truck owner/operators:

• Give you copies of all appropriate licenses, permits, and liability insurance coverage, as well as a copy of their TSSA Field Approval and proof of annual inspection.
• Display danger labels on cooking and heating equipment.
• Show proof that they have trained their staff on fuel safety, propane tank and generator operation, and emergency procedures.
• Have fully charged fire extinguishers and a carbon monoxide detector on board.
• Have a plan for making sure electrical cords from generators do not cause a tripping or electrocution hazard.
• Have a plan for safely transporting and storing their propane tanks.

Gardening, Landscaping, and Yard Work Safety

• Whether you’re starting a garden, landscaping or getting ready to tackle some outside home renovations, contact your local utility first. Even a minor scrape of a pipe can cause a natural gas leak; gas could quickly rise and cause a fire or explosion.
• If you are excavating in your yard, contact Ontario One Call at 1-800- 400-2255 to mark the location of buried infrastructure including underground natural gas pipelines. 
• Check the paperwork left by the locator to ensure it covers your dig area, and make sure you understand all the markings; if not, discuss it with the locator.
• Once pipeline locations are marked, dig only by hand within one metre (three feet) of the markings.
• If you accidentally strike a pipeline, immediately call 911 and the gas company. Shut off all equipment near the strike and tell neighbors to keep their doors and windows closed. Keep a distance from the struck pipeline. Do not smoke or use any ignition sources.
• If you have witnessed a pipeline strike, please call the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy Spills Action Centre (SAC) to report the incident at 1-866-663-8477.
• Read more about digging excavation safety.