Technical Safety BC Report Identifies Increased Carbon Monoxide Risk From Certain Gas Boilers

November 3, 2026

Technical Safety BC Report Identifies Increased Carbon Monoxide Risk From Certain Gas Boilers

Province-wide measures are being implemented to help reduce carbon monoxide exposure and improve public safety.

 

Vancouver, BC (November 3, 2026) – This Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week, Technical Safety BC is highlighting the province's leading technical safety risk as a new report reveals a gas boiler-related issue that can increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) being released indoors.

In the report, Technical Safety BC highlights the risks associated with certain direct-ignition gas boilers, noting that multiple incidents have demonstrated they can continue operating even when the venting system has been damaged, potentially leading to dangerous CO exposure. The report is accompanied by a new safety order requiring building owners and gas contractors to strengthen inspection, maintenance and repair practices for specific boiler models associated with CO release incidents. The order also recommends the installation of CO alarms as an additional layer of protection for residents.

“Carbon monoxide has been the top safety risk for British Columbians for the past three years, and this recurring issue identified through our investigations only emphasizes the need to build awareness and take action,” says Ryan Hazlett, Leader, Incident Investigation, Technical Safety BC. “To help keep all British Columbians safe, we released a safety order for building owners and gas contractors to reduce CO risks and strengthen safety protection.”

A 2021 incident in Maple Ridge marked the first significant occurrence of this issue, which was followed by over a dozen subsequent incidents across the province and led to Technical Safety BC investigation into this trend. The most recent occurrence happened in North Vancouver on August 10, 2026, when a gas-fired heating boiler damaged its venting system but continued operating, resulting in CO exposure that required several occupants to receive medical treatment and be transported to hospital.

As part of its province-wide awareness and prevention efforts, Technical Safety BC encourages all British Columbians, especially those in multi-unit residential and commercial buildings, to follow these recommendations:

  • Install and maintain CO alarms in mechanical rooms and residential suites, which can provide an early warning of hazardous conditions and help reduce exposure risk. Test the alarms monthly, replace batteries as needed, and replace the unit every seven to 10 years.

  • If a CO alarm sounds, immediately move to fresh air, call 911 if anyone is experiencing symptoms of exposure, and contact a licensed gas contractor or emergency responder to investigate the source before re-entering the building.

  • Schedule annual inspections with a licensed gas contractor to keep appliances safe, properly vented, and up to code. Report any unusual boiler or venting issues to building management.

  • Recognize the symptoms of CO exposure, including headaches, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, dizziness, unexplained tiredness or weakness, nausea, confusion or disorientation, vomiting, and chest pain.

  • Know the sources of CO including furnaces, boilers, hot water tanks, stoves, fireplaces, portable heaters, generators, vehicles running in attached garages, or any fuel-burning device used without proper ventilation.

“While our recommendations and safety order are intended to help manage CO risk in the near term, we understand there still needs to be longer-term improvements,” says Hazlett. “We are committed to working with the broader industry, including manufacturers and standards committees, to address the root causes identified in our investigation.”

More information on the investigation, report and safety order can be found here.

 

About Technical Safety BC

Technical Safety BC is an independent, self-funded organization that oversees the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing licences, certificates, and permits it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, incident investigations, and enforcement. For more information, visit www.technicalsafetybc.ca.

Media contact:
Technical Safety BC
media@technicalsafetybc.ca