Ontario Gas Station & Fuel Depot Safety Signs — TSSA Compliance Guide

Operating a gas station, fuel depot, or propane filling facility in Ontario requires strict compliance with safety signage regulations enforced by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07), and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1). Failing to display proper signs can result in TSSA orders, municipal fines, and—most critically—serious injury or death from fuel-related incidents.

This guide covers every sign required at Ontario fuelling facilities, the specific regulations behind each requirement, and where to order compliant signage for your station.

TSSA Jurisdiction Over Ontario Fuel Facilities

The TSSA regulates fuels safety in Ontario under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 (S.O. 2000, c. 16) and the Liquid Fuels Handling Code (adopted from the CSA B139 series and the National Fire Code of Canada). Every gas station, marina fuelling dock, cardlock facility, and bulk fuel depot must hold a valid TSSA licence and comply with the Operating Engineers Regulation (O. Reg. 219/01) where applicable.

TSSA inspectors conduct both scheduled and unannounced inspections. Signage deficiencies are among the most common compliance findings and can trigger immediate orders requiring correction before the facility may continue operating.

No Smoking & Open Flame Signs

The Ontario Fire Code, Section 5.2.1.2 prohibits smoking and open flames within the fuelling area. Signs must be posted:

• At every fuel dispenser island — minimum one sign per island, visible from both sides
• At the entrance to the fuelling area from any direction of vehicle approach
• Within 3 metres of any fuel storage tank fill point
• At propane dispensing areas (additional requirements under CSA B149.2)
• Inside any enclosed fuel storage building or shed

Signs must include the international no-smoking symbol (red circle with diagonal bar over a cigarette) and the words “NO SMOKING” in letters at least 50mm (2 inches) in height. Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA), the prohibition extends to vaping devices and cannabis within the entire property of a fuelling facility.

Emergency Shutoff Signs

Every gas station must have an emergency fuel pump shutoff button or switch, and it must be clearly marked. The Ontario Fire Code (Section 5.2.2.3) and TSSA guidelines require:

• A sign reading “EMERGENCY FUEL SHUTOFF” or “EMERGENCY STOP” at the shutoff location
• The sign must be visible from the fuelling area, even if the shutoff is inside the kiosk
• Red background with white lettering is the recognized standard (per CSA Z321)
• Minimum letter height of 50mm for the word “EMERGENCY”
• Directional arrows if the shutoff is not directly visible from the pump island

Many modern stations also install a remote emergency shutoff at the pump island itself. Both locations must be signed. If your shutoff is behind the counter, a sign at the pump island must direct customers to “ASK ATTENDANT FOR EMERGENCY SHUTOFF.”

Fuel Classification & Hazard Signs

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015, aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), requires hazard identification for all fuel products stored or dispensed on site. Key requirements:

• WHMIS placards on all bulk storage tanks identifying the product (gasoline, diesel, kerosene) and GHS hazard pictograms (flame, health hazard, exclamation mark)
• NFPA 704 diamond (fire diamond) on storage tanks visible to emergency responders — not legally mandated in Ontario but universally expected by fire departments
• Product identification on every dispenser — the Weights and Measures Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. W-6) and Measurement Canada require clear labelling of fuel grade and type at each nozzle
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be accessible — a sign directing workers to the SDS binder location is required under OHSA Section 38

Propane & Compressed Gas Signs

If your station dispenses propane or stores compressed gas cylinders, additional signage is required under CSA B149.2 (Propane Storage and Handling Code) and the Ontario Propane Regulation (O. Reg. 211/01):

• “PROPANE — FLAMMABLE GAS” sign at every propane dispenser and cylinder storage cage
• “NO SMOKING WITHIN 3 METRES” at propane dispensing points
• Maximum cylinder quantity signs on propane cages (per CSA B149.2 Table 6.3)
• “FLAMMABLE GAS — KEEP FIRE AND FLAME AWAY” on bulk propane tanks
• Emergency contact information posted at the propane area, including the facility’s TSSA licence number

Static Electricity & Cell Phone Warnings

While no Ontario statute explicitly mandates cell phone warning signs at gas stations, the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) and Canadian Fuels Association recommend posting static electricity discharge signs at every pump island. Best practice includes:

• “DISCHARGE STATIC ELECTRICITY BEFORE FUELLING — TOUCH METAL SURFACE”
• “DO NOT RE-ENTER VEHICLE DURING FUELLING” — re-entry is the leading cause of static ignition
• “TURN OFF ENGINE BEFORE FUELLING” — required under Ontario Fire Code Section 5.2.1.3
• “DO NOT USE PORTABLE CONTAINERS IN VEHICLE” — grounding requirement for portable fuel cans

Accessible Fuelling & AODA Signs

Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA, S.O. 2005, c. 11), gas stations must provide accessible customer service. Signage requirements include:

• International Symbol of Accessibility at any designated accessible fuelling lane
• A sign indicating “ACCESSIBLE SERVICE AVAILABLE — HONK OR CALL FOR ATTENDANT” with a phone number if self-serve
• Stations with kiosks must post signs showing the accessible entrance route

The Ontario Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19) further protects against discrimination, and accessible service signage demonstrates compliance.

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Signs

Facilities with underground fuel storage tanks must display additional signage per TSSA and the Environmental Protection Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19):

• Tank fill point identification (product type, tank number, and capacity)
• “NO PARKING” within 3 metres of tank fill points
• “FUEL DELIVERY IN PROGRESS — NO ENTRY” signs (deployable during tanker offloading)
• Spill containment procedure signs at tank fill connections
• Monitoring well locations must be marked if present

Fire Extinguisher & Emergency Equipment Signs

The Ontario Fire Code (Section 6.2) requires fire extinguisher location signs throughout the fuelling area:

• Minimum 2A:20-B:C rated extinguisher within 15 metres of any fuel dispenser
• Each extinguisher location must be marked with a sign visible from the fuelling area
• “FIRE EXTINGUISHER” sign with an arrow pointing to the location
• Extinguisher type and rating posted on or adjacent to the unit
• Emergency fire department number (911) posted at the kiosk and pump island

TSSA Inspection & Licensing Display

Every TSSA-licensed facility must display its licence certificate in a location visible to the public, typically inside the kiosk or at the pay point. The TSSA licence includes the facility classification, authorized fuel types, and the licence expiry date. Operating without a displayed licence or with an expired licence is an offence under the Technical Standards and Safety Act and can result in orders to cease operations immediately.

Sign Material & Durability Requirements

Gas station signs are exposed to fuel vapours, UV radiation, temperature extremes (Ontario winters to -30°C), and vehicle impact risk. Recommended materials:

• Aluminum with reflective sheeting — required for any sign that must be visible at night (emergency shutoff, no smoking at entrance)
• 3M Engineer Grade or High-Intensity Prismatic reflective — meets TSSA visibility expectations
• Chemical-resistant laminate — gasoline and diesel vapours degrade standard vinyl; use fuel-resistant overlaminate
• Minimum 0.040″ aluminum substrate — withstands wind loading and minor impact
• UV-stable inks — minimum 7-year outdoor durability to prevent fading

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with TSSA safety sign requirements can result in:

• TSSA compliance orders — must be addressed within the specified timeframe or face licence suspension
• Administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) — up to $100,000 per contravention under the Technical Standards and Safety Act
• Fire Code fines — up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations per offence under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
• OHSA fines — up to $100,000 per individual and $1,500,000 per corporation for workplace safety violations
• Insurance implications — missing safety signs can void liability insurance coverage in the event of a fire or explosion

Ontario Gas Station Sign Checklist

Sign Type	Location	Regulation
No Smoking / No Open Flame	Every pump island, tank fill, entrance	Fire Code 5.2.1.2, SFOA
Emergency Shutoff	Shutoff location + directional at pumps	Fire Code 5.2.2.3, CSA Z321
WHMIS / GHS Placards	Bulk storage tanks	OHSA s.38, WHMIS 2015
Propane — Flammable Gas	Dispensers, cages, bulk tanks	CSA B149.2, O. Reg. 211/01
Turn Off Engine	Each pump island	Fire Code 5.2.1.3
Fire Extinguisher Location	Within 15m of any dispenser	Fire Code 6.2
TSSA Licence	Visible to public (kiosk)	TSSA Act, 2000
Accessible Fuelling	Accessible lane / entrance	AODA, Human Rights Code
Tank Fill Identification	Each UST fill point	TSSA, EPA

Frequently Asked Questions — Ontario Gas Station Safety Signs

What safety signs does TSSA require at Ontario gas stations?

TSSA requires no smoking signs at all fuel dispensing points, emergency shutoff identification signs, propane hazard signs (if applicable), WHMIS/GHS placards on storage tanks, and display of the TSSA licence certificate. The Ontario Fire Code adds requirements for fire extinguisher location signs and engine shut-off warnings at pump islands.

How far from fuel pumps must no smoking signs be posted?

The Ontario Fire Code requires no smoking signs at every fuel dispenser island and at the entrance to the fuelling area. For propane dispensing, CSA B149.2 mandates no smoking signs within 3 metres. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act extends the smoking prohibition to the entire property of a fuelling facility.

Are emergency shutoff signs mandatory at Ontario gas stations?

Yes. The Ontario Fire Code (Section 5.2.2.3) requires that every emergency fuel pump shutoff be clearly marked with a sign visible from the fuelling area. If the shutoff is inside the kiosk, directional signage must guide users from the pump island to the shutoff location.

What propane signage does Ontario require?

Under CSA B149.2 and O. Reg. 211/01, propane dispensing areas need “PROPANE — FLAMMABLE GAS” signs, no smoking within 3 metres signs, maximum cylinder quantity signs on storage cages, and emergency contact information including the TSSA licence number.

Do Ontario gas stations need WHMIS signs?

Yes. Under OHSA Section 38 and WHMIS 2015 (GHS-aligned), every bulk fuel storage tank must display WHMIS placards with GHS hazard pictograms. Additionally, a sign must direct workers to the location of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials on site.

What are the fines for missing gas station safety signs in Ontario?

TSSA can issue administrative monetary penalties up to $100,000 per contravention. Fire Code violations carry fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations. OHSA violations can reach $1,500,000 for corporations. Operating without proper signage can also void insurance coverage.

What material should gas station safety signs be made of?

Gas station signs should be made of aluminum with reflective sheeting (3M Engineer Grade or High-Intensity Prismatic) for nighttime visibility. Use fuel-resistant laminate to protect against gasoline and diesel vapour degradation. Minimum 0.040-inch aluminum substrate provides durability in Ontario weather conditions from -30°C to +35°C.

Do Ontario gas station attendants need to post hours of full-service?

Under AODA, gas stations must provide accessible fuelling service. If the station is self-serve, a sign must indicate how customers requiring assistance can request it (e.g., honk horn, call a posted phone number). The station must also post whether full-service or accessible assistance is available and during which hours.