Download the TSSA Media Release - Here (http://www.hvactechgroup.com/article.php/20130807100828731)
QuoteFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Kingston, ON, July 29, 2013)[/b] – The Technical Standard and Safety Authority's (TSSA's) enforcement of propane safety regulations has resulted in a guilty plea from an eastern Ontario propane company.
The Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston levied a total fine of $10,000 – plus the mandatory 25% victim surcharge – against Propane Levac Propane Inc. for two violations of safety regulations under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
In September 2011, the Ministry of Environment's Spills Action Centre received an anonymous report of a fire caused by a propane leak at a residence in Central Frontenac, Ontario, which had not been reported to TSSA. Further investigation of the incident by TSSA determined that Propane Levac Propane Inc. had, in July 2011, delivered a bulk heating cylinder to a residence and additionally filled a 100-pound propane cylinder next to a propane-fired refrigerator. When a spray of liquid propane left the spit valve of the cylinder, the airborne propane was ignited by the refrigerator. A fire broke out in the garage and was extinguished with two hand-held extinguishers – but not before burning the propane operator's right arm and scalp in the process.
Propane Levac Propane Inc. ensured its employee received appropriate medical care and reported the incident to the Ministry of Labour; however, it was not reported to TSSA, via the Spills Action Centre or otherwise, contrary to Ontario Regulation 211/01 for Propane Handling and Storage. TSSA subsequently determined that Propane Levac Propane Inc. had paid the resident $4000 to compensate for the damage, which was used to fund repairs – before TSSA inspectors had investigated the site. As such, Propane Levac Propane Inc. pled guilty to not notifying TSSA of an accidental release, vent or spill of propane causing a fire, and to interfering with or causing the disturbance of wreckage other than