When it comes to workplace safety in Ontario, propane-fired heaters and torches play a significant role in many industries. They are commonly used in construction, roofing, manufacturing, and maintenance for heating, thawing, and various operational tasks. While propane heaters and torches are highly effective tools, they also present serious safety risks if not handled correctly.
At Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC), we understand how critical it is to ensure that workers not only know how to operate propane equipment safely but also comply with Ontario’s regulatory requirements. That’s why we are proud to announce that we will soon be offering TSSA-approved CH-02 Heater and Torch Training for the public.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the hazards of propane heaters and torches, Ontario’s legal requirements, the importance of TSSA-approved training, the difference between CH-01 and CH-02 training, and how STC can help prepare your team to use this equipment safely and in compliance with the law.
The Growing Use of Propane Heaters and Torches in Ontario
Propane has become one of the most widely used fuels in Ontario workplaces. Its portability, efficiency, and relatively clean-burning properties make it ideal for many job sites, particularly in the colder months.
Some of the most common uses include:
- Construction heating – Temporary heating for workers, equipment, or curing concrete in cold weather.
- Roofing applications – Torches used for applying roofing materials such as modified bitumen membranes.
- Surface preparation – Torches employed to dry, heat, or burn off old materials before applying new coatings.
- Thawing frozen equipment and pipes – Vital for keeping projects moving during the winter months.
Despite these advantages, propane presents very real dangers. Without proper knowledge and training, workers and employers put themselves at risk of fire, explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other hazards.
Hazards Associated with Propane Heaters and Torches
Understanding the risks of propane heaters and torches is the first step toward preventing accidents. Some of the most common hazards include:
1. Fire and Explosion Risks
Propane is highly flammable. Leaks, improper storage, or misuse of equipment can lead to devastating fires and explosions. Ignition sources such as open flames, sparks, or static electricity can trigger accidents in seconds.
2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Improperly vented or malfunctioning heaters can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, workers may not notice exposure until it’s too late. This risk is especially high in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
3. Burns and Contact Injuries
Torches and heaters generate extremely high temperatures. Without proper protective equipment and training, workers are at risk of severe burns, clothing ignition, or accidental fires caused by contact with hot surfaces or flames.
4. Cylinder Handling and Storage Hazards
Propane cylinders must be transported, stored, and handled carefully. Incorrect handling can cause leaks, regulator malfunctions, or even cylinder explosions under certain conditions.
5. Equipment Failure
Using non-approved, damaged, or poorly maintained propane heaters and torches increases the likelihood of accidents. Workers need to know how to inspect equipment before use and recognize when it should be removed from service.
Regulatory Requirements in Ontario
In Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates propane use through the Technical Standards and Safety Act and its associated regulations.
The TSSA requires that anyone operating propane-fired heaters and torches for construction, roofing, or maintenance work must have appropriate training and certification. Specifically:
- CH-02: Construction Heaters and Torch Training (up to 400,000 BTUh)
Required for workers who operate propane-fired heaters and torches with an input of 400,000 BTUh or less. This includes most portable heaters and roofing torches commonly found on job sites. - CH-01: Construction Heaters and Torch Training (over 400,000 BTUh)
Required for workers who operate larger propane heaters and torches above 400,000 BTUh. These high-capacity units demand a deeper understanding of propane system safety, handling, and emergency procedures due to the increased risks.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties, project shutdowns, and, most importantly, preventable injuries or fatalities.
The Importance of TSSA-Approved CH-02 Training
The CH-02 course is specifically designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely use propane-fired construction heaters and roofing torches up to 400,000 BTUh. By taking this course, workers and employers benefit in multiple ways:
1. Legal Compliance
With CH-02 certification, your business and employees meet TSSA requirements for smaller propane-fired equipment. For larger equipment, CH-01 certification ensures compliance.
2. Enhanced Safety Culture
Training ensures that workers understand the risks associated with propane equipment and how to mitigate them. This builds a safety-first culture within your organization.
3. Reduced Workplace Incidents
Properly trained workers are less likely to make costly mistakes that lead to fire, explosion, or injury. This translates into fewer lost-time injuries and lower workers’ compensation claims.
4. Increased Confidence and Productivity
Workers who receive CH-02 training can operate heaters and torches correctly and efficiently. This reduces downtime caused by safety concerns or improper use of equipment.
5. Employer Peace of Mind
As an employer, knowing your workers are trained and certified allows you to focus on the job at hand while maintaining compliance with provincial regulations.
STC’s Commitment to Safety Training
At Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd., our mission is to equip Ontario workers with the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe on the job. While we already provide a wide range of workplace safety training programs, we are excited to announce that we will soon be offering the TSSA-approved CH-02 Heater and Torch Training Course.
This upcoming course will:
- Be taught by qualified, experienced instructors with real-world expertise
- Include both classroom and hands-on practical training
- Cover all aspects of propane heater and torch safety for equipment up to 400,000 BTUh
- Ensure participants meet the TSSA’s regulatory requirements for safe propane equipment use
Once officially approved, STC will make the CH-02 course available to employers and individuals across Ontario. For workplaces that use equipment above 400,000 BTUh, we will also provide guidance on CH-01 training requirements.
How to Prepare for CH-02 Training
If your workplace uses propane heaters or torches, now is the time to plan ahead. Here are a few steps to take while waiting for STC’s CH-02 course launch:
- Conduct a Hazard Assessment – Identify all uses of propane equipment on your job site and assess associated risks.
- Review Existing Safety Practices – Check how propane cylinders are stored, handled, and used. Ensure your workplace meets ventilation and fire safety requirements.
- Identify Workers Who Need CH-02 or CH-01 Training – Determine which employees operate heaters and torches under or over 400,000 BTUh and match them with the proper certification requirements.
- Implement Interim Safety Measures – Until formal training is completed, ensure workers follow basic propane safety guidelines such as leak checks, cylinder upright storage, and proper ventilation.
Why Choose STC for CH-02 Training?
There are many training providers in Ontario, but STC stands apart because of our commitment to quality, practical instruction, and client support. We don’t just prepare workers to pass a course—we prepare them to apply safety knowledge every day on the job.
When you choose STC, you can expect:
- Engaging, hands-on training sessions
- Instructors who understand industry-specific propane applications
- Flexible scheduling to meet your workplace needs
- A focus on real-world safety practices, not just theory
Our upcoming TSSA-approved CH-02 Heater and Torch Training (up to 400,000 BTUh) is just one more way we’re helping Ontario employers stay compliant, reduce risks, and protect their teams.
Conclusion: Be Ready for Safe Propane Use in Ontario
Propane heaters and torches are indispensable tools on many Ontario job sites, but they also come with significant risks. Without proper training, workers and employers expose themselves to the dangers of fire, explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, and costly regulatory non-compliance.
Our CH-02 Heater and Torch Training course (up to 400,000 BTUh)—mandated by the TSSA—ensure that workers can safely and legally use propane equipment of all sizes.
Soon, Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC) will proudly offer CH-02 certification to the public, giving employers and workers access to high-quality, TSSA-approved propane safety training.
If your workplace uses propane-fired heaters or torches, now is the time to prepare. Stay tuned for the launch of our CH-02 course and contact STC to learn more about how we can help you meet all of your workplace safety training needs.