$8,000 fine for not having a valid TSSA Certificate
In December 2013, Robert Spearing, operating as Blue Flame Inspections Services, began installation of a natural gas furnace at a Hamilton residence but could not complete the task. Spearing attached temporary venting before completing the job, so the homeowner would have heat; however, the temporary venting created a serious carbon monoxide hazard (CO). The area gas supplier tagged the furnace as unsafe for use. Upon further investigation by TSSA, it was determined that Spearing was working with an expired TSSA fuels certificate.
The Ontario Court of Justice in Hamilton levied a fine of $8,000, plus the mandatory 25% victim surcharge, against Robert Spearing for violating the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
“Potentially lethal CO risks can be created if a fuel-fired appliance is not properly installed or serviced,” said John Marshall, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “
Anyone installing, repairing or servicing fuel-fired appliances must possess a valid TSSA certification and heed all applicable safety standards.” If in doubt of a technician’s certific