How can I verify a gas technician's TSSA certification?

In Ottawa and across Ontario, you can verify a gas technician's TSSA certification through the official TSSA website at tssa.org using their online lookup tool.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) maintains a public database of all certified gas technicians in Ontario. Here's exactly how to verify your technician's credentials:

Step-by-Step Verification Process:

Visit tssa.org and navigate to their "Find a Contractor" or license lookup section. You can search by the technician's name, company name, or certificate number. The database will show you their current certification status, what types of gas work they're authorized to perform (G1, G2, G3 classifications), and when their certification expires.

G1 technicians can work on residential gas appliances and piping, G2 technicians handle commercial and industrial systems, while G3 covers specialized equipment. For most Ottawa homeowners, you'll need a G1-certified technician for furnace installations, gas fireplace hookups, or gas line work.

What the TSSA Database Shows:

The lookup will display the technician's full legal name, their employer, certification level, issue and expiry dates, and current status. Active certifications show as "valid" while expired or suspended licenses are clearly marked. This is crucial because working with an uncertified technician voids your insurance and creates serious safety risks.

Red Flags to Watch For:

If a contractor can't provide their TSSA certificate number upfront, that's a major warning sign. Legitimate gas technicians carry their certification cards and should willingly provide their details for verification. Never hire someone who says they're "working on getting certified" or claims they don't need TSSA certification for "simple" gas work - all gas work in Ontario requires proper certification.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations:

In Ottawa, gas work also requires City building permits for new installations or major modifications. Your TSSA-certified technician should handle the permit application, but you can verify permit status through ottawa.ca/building or by calling 613-580-2424. The combination of TSSA certification and proper City permits ensures your work meets both safety standards and local building codes.

Additional Protection:

Beyond TSSA certification, verify the contractor carries WSIB coverage (check at wsib.ca/clearances) and proper liability insurance. For gas work in Ottawa homes, this protects you from liability if accidents occur during installation or if workers are injured on your property.

Always verify certification before work begins, not after. TSSA takes unauthorized gas work seriously, and using uncertified technicians can result in expensive remediation requirements and insurance claim denials.