Media Release - Unauthorized Fuel Contractor Convicted in Hawkesbury (January 13, 2014)
Fuel Contractor Guilty of Safety Violations
TSSA Cracks Down on Unauthorized Contractor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Hawkesbury, ON, January 13, 2014) – The Technical Standard and Safety Authority (TSSA) has successfully prosecuted an unauthorized fuel contractor, Robert Thauvette, operating in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell in eastern Ontario.
The Ontario Court of Justice in Hawkesbury levied a fine of $5,000, plus the mandatory 25% victim surcharge, along with a suspended sentence and a 12-month probation order for violating safety regulations under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
Following an investigation by TSSA, it was determined that Mr. Thauvette had installed and serviced fuel-burning equipment at a Hawkesbury restaurant without holding a gas technician certificate or contractor registration. He had been ordered by a TSSA inspector back in 2007 to refrain from performing work which requires authorization, yet he continued to do so.
Mr. Thauvette was found guilty of installing and servicing gas appliances without holding the appropriate certification, operating as a fuels contractor without being registered, and failing to comply with a TSSA safety order.
“These are serious violations of Ontario’s public safety rules,” said John Marshall, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “An incorrectly installed gas appliance could easily lead to more serious conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.”
In Ontario, all technicians employed in the installation, repair or servicing of natural gas appliances must possess valid TSSA certification, which ensures fuels contractors are properly trained and familiar with Ontario’s safety rules. TSSA reminds the public that any fuel-fired appliance should be installed, serviced and/or inspected by a TSSA-certified technician. If in doubt of a technician’s certification, contact TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.
If Mr. Thauvette has serviced your fuel-burning appliance in Ontario, contact a TSSA-certified technician to re-service your equipment.
Full media release attached below.
