Brochures and Pamphlets

Carbon monoxide--Strike first

The tactics involved in keeping your family safe and secure at home can make a general's job look easy, say safety experts at Ontario's Ministry of Consumer and Business Services. The ministry joins with the newly formed Carbon Monoxide Safety Association (CMSA), a group that includes Ontario's top fuel safety professionals, to demonstrate that a strong first strike, together with a formidable defence, can greatly reduce the threat of carbon monoxide in your home this winter.

Carbon monoxide is a tough and ruthless enemy. It is a colourless and odorless gas, produced whenever fuel burns. When your furnace is running smoothly, the carbon monoxide drifts safely up the chimney and out of the house. But if the chimney or venting system is blocked by something as simple as a bird's nest, and the gas escapes into your home, it can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and death.

The only effective way to counter something you can't see or smell is to go on the offensive. Make an appointment with an Ontario-registered heating contractor to fully check your heating system, including the furnace, venting systems and chimney, every autumn. It could save your life.

With safety at stake, it's clearly important to hire a competent contractor. But every year the ministry hears from some consumers who have hired people to inspect and repair their home heating systems and found out later that they weren't qualified to do the work. This isn't just a waste of money. It can defeat your best intentions to make your home safe.

If someone comes to your door offering home heating inspection or repair services at a price that is lower than your regular supplier, you should wonder why. Anyone who is qualified should understand your wish to check with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), Ontario's fuel safety watchdog, to check their registration. The telephone number is (416) 325-2000 in Toronto. From other parts of the province, call toll free at 1-877-682-8772.

Many consumers deal with the same reputable home-heating contractor year after year. But if you're looking for a reliable firm, keep these tips in mind:

• Find out if the work is covered by a warranty or maintenance contract before hiring a contractor. If it is, you may be obliged to hire a particular contractor or from a list of firms recommended by your fuel supplier or furnace manufacturer.
• Ask your fuel supplier, neighbours, family and friends for recommendations.
• Obtain three written estimates of any work necessary and written confirmation whether or not subcontractors will be involved.
• Ask for references and check them.
• Be wary of any contractor offering a "special deal" over the telephone or at your door.
• Make sure the contractor is a registered professional before a contract is signed or any work is done, by calling the telephone numbers above.

Once you're sure your heating system is ready for the coming winter, prepare your defence. Make sure everyone in the family is aware of the danger signs of carbon monoxide.

• When your furnace or other fuel-burning appliance turns on, you may notice a sharp, penetrating smell of gas.
• The air feels stale or stuffy.
• The pilot light of your gas furnace or stove keeps going out.
• Chalky, white powder forms on the chimney/exhaust vent pipe or soot builds up around the exhaust vent.
• Excessive moisture forms on windows and walls.

There's one other important line of defence. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

For further information, ask for a copy of the free brochure Carbon Monoxide: What you need to know to protect you and your family from "the silent killer", produced by CMSA, which is available by calling (416) 325-2000 in Toronto. From other parts of the province, call toll free at 1-877-682-8772. Visit the TSSA Web site at www.tssa.org

Special electronic equipment for use by people who have hearing and speech difficulties is available at (416) 326-8566.

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Telephone Service: For general ministry information, call (416) 326-8555 or Toll free 1-800-268-1142 (in Ontario).
For consumer information and advice: (416) 326-8800 or Toll free1-800-889-9768.
TTY/Teletypewriter users only: (416) 325-3408 or Toll free 1-800-268-7095.

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