CANADA LABOUR CODECanada Occupational Health and Safety RegulationsP.C.1986-61619863
13
Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Labour, pursuant to sections 82* and 83* and subsection 106(1)* of the Canada Labour Code, is pleased hereby to revokeS.C. 1984, c. 39, s. 20the Canada Accident Investigation and Reporting Regulations, C.R.C., c. 993,the Canada Boiler and Pressure Vessel Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1979-1426 of May 9, 1979**,SOR/79-399, 1979 Canada Gazette Part II, p. 2069the Canada Building Safety Regulations, C.R.C., c. 995,the Canada Confined Spaces Regulations, C.R.C., c. 996,the Canada Dangerous Substances Regulations, C.R.C., c. 997,the Canada Electrical Safety Regulations, C.R.C., c. 998,the Canada Elevating Devices Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1979-1428 of May 9, 1979***,SOR/79-401, 1979 Canada Gazette Part II, p. 2075the Canada Fire Safety Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1000,the Canada First-Aid Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1001,the Canada Hand Tools Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1002,the Canada Machine Guarding Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1003,the Canada Materials Handling Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1004,the Canada Motor Vehicle Operators Hours of Service Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1005,the Canada Noise Control Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1006,the Canada Protective Clothing and Equipment Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1007,the Canada Safe Illumination Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1008,the Canada Sanitation Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1979-3181 of November 22, 1979****,SOR/79-891, 1979 Canada Gazette Part II, p. 4401the Canada Temporary Work Structure Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1010,the Employment Safety Order for Railways, Aerodromes and Air-Stations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1978-1666 of May 18, 1978*****, andSOR/78-472, 1978 Canada Gazette Part II, p. 2687the Stevedores Safety Order, made by Order in Council P.C. 1978-881 of March 23, 1978******,SOR/78-282, 1978 Canada Gazette Part II, p. 1276and to make the annexed Regulations respecting occupational safety and health made under Part IV of the Canada Labour Code, in substitution therefor, effective March 31, 1986.PART I[Repealed, SOR/2002-208, s. 2]InterpretationIn these Regulations,Act means Part II of the Canada Labour Code; (Loi)ANSI means the American National Standards Institute; (ANSI)approved organization means an organization that is approved by the Minister under section 16.12 for the teaching of first aid; (organisme agréé)basic first aid certificate means the certificate issued by an approved organization for successful completion of a one day first aid course; (certificat de secourisme élémentaire)change room means a room that is used by employees to change from their street clothes to their work clothes and from their work clothes to their street clothes, and includes a locker room; (vestiaire)CSA means the Canadian Standards Association; (ACNOR)dangerous substance[Repealed, SOR/88-68, s. 1]elevating device means an escalator, elevator or other device for moving passengers or freight; (appareil élévateur)fire hazard area means an area that contains or is likely to contain explosive or flammable concentrations of hazardous substances; (endroit présentant un risque d’incendie)first aid room means a room that complies with the requirements of section 16.10; (salle de premiers soins)high voltage means a voltage of 751 volts or more between any two conductors or between a conductor and ground; (haute tension)locked out means, in respect of any equipment, machine or device, that the equipment, machine or device has been rendered inoperative and cannot be operated or energized without the consent of the person who rendered it inoperative; (verrouillé)lower explosive limit means the lower limit of flammability of a chemical agent or a combination of chemical agents at ambient temperature and pressure, expressedfor a gas or vapour, as a percentage in air by volume, andfor dust, as the weight of dust per volume of air; (limite explosive inférieure)medical practitioner[Repealed, SOR/88-68, s. 1]Minister means the Minister of Labour; (ministre)National Building Code means the National Building Code of Canada, 1995, issued by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, National Research Council of Canada, dated 1995, as amended from time to time; (Code canadien du bâtiment)National Fire Code means the National Fire Code of Canada 1995, issued by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, National Research Council of Canada, dated 1995, as amended from time to time; (Code national de prévention des incendies du Canada)oxygen deficient atmosphere means an atmosphere in which there is less than 18 per cent by volume of oxygen at a pressure of one atmosphere or in which the partial pressure of oxygen is less than 135 mm Hg; (air à faible teneur en oxygène)personal service room means a change room, toilet room, shower room, lunch room, living space, sleeping quarters or a combination thereof; (local réservé aux soins personnels)protection equipment means safety materials, equipment, devices and clothing; (équipement de protection)qualified person means, in respect of a specified duty, a person who, because of his knowledge, training and experience, is qualified to perform that duty safely and properly; (personne qualifiée)regional office, in respect of a work place, means the office of the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development that is responsible for the HRSDC Labour Program in any of the Department’s administrative regions in which the workplace is situated; (bureau régional)toilet room means a room that contains a toilet or a urinal, but does not include an outdoor privy. (lieux d’aisances)
SOR/88-68, ss. 1, 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 1(F);
SOR/94-33, s. 1;
SOR/94-263, s. 3;
SOR/96-294, s. 1;
SOR/2000-328, s. 1;
SOR/2000-374, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F);
SOR/2009-147, s. 1.
Previous VersionPrescriptionThese Regulations are prescribed for the purposes of sections 125, 125.1, 125.2 and 126 of the Act.
SOR/88-68, s. 2;
SOR/94-263, s. 4.
ApplicationThese Regulations do not apply in respect of employees employedon trains while in operation;on aircraft while in operation;on ships;subject to Part II of the Oil and Gas Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, on or in connection with exploration or drilling for or the production, conservation, processing or transportation of oil or gas in frontier lands, as that term is defined in the Canada Petroleum Resources Act; oron or in connection with a work or undertaking that is excluded from the application of the Act by an order made pursuant to section 123.1 of the Act.
SOR/87-623, s. 1;
SOR/94-263, s. 5;
SOR/2009-147, s. 2.
Previous VersionRecords and ReportsIf an employer is required by section 125 or 125.1 of the Act to keep and maintain a record, report or other document, the employer shall keep and maintain the record, report or other document in such a manner that it is readily available for examination by a health and safety officer and by the work place committee or the health and safety representative for the work place to which it applies.
SOR/88-68, s. 3;
SOR/94-263, s. 6;
SOR/2002-208, s. 3.
Inconsistent ProvisionsIn the event of an inconsistency between any standard incorporated by reference in these Regulations and any other provision of these Regulations, that other provision shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.Notwithstanding any provision in any standard incorporated by reference in these Regulations, a reference to another publication in that standard is a reference to the publication as it read on March 31, 1986.Alternate MediaIn this section,alternate media means any method of communication that permits an employee with a special need to receive any information, instruction or training required by these Regulations to be provided, including braille, large print, audio tape, computer disc, sign language and verbal communications; (média substitut)highly visible means marked with brightly coloured paint, painted with a reflective coating or marked by other means so as to be readily apparent; (très visible)special need means a condition that impairs an employee’s ability to receive any information, instruction or training that is required by these Regulations to be provided. (besoins spéciaux)Subject to subsection (5), where an employer or other person is required by these Regulations to give, provide or make available any information, instruction or training to an employee and the employee has a special need, the employer or other person shall give, provide or make available the information, instruction or training to the employee by means of an alternate medium.Where information, including warnings, is required by these Regulations to be provided by means of a sign or marking, the alternate medium shall be visible or audible to an employee with a special need.Where a warning is required to be given by a means other than a sign or marking, the warning shall be given to an employee with a special need in a manner that effectively warns the employee of the nature of the danger.Where an employer or other person is required by these Regulations to give, provide or make available any information by means of labels, defect tags or lockout tags, the employer or other person need not provide the information by means of an alternate medium on the labels, defect tags or lockout tags.
SOR/96-525, s. 1.
PERMANENT STRUCTURESInterpretationThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.ASHRAE means the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. (ASHRAE)building means a structure that is used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy, and includes a grain-handling facility, a tower, an antenna and an antenna-supporting structure. (bâtiment)floor hole means an opening in a floor or platform that measures less than 300 mm but more than 50 mm in its smallest dimension. (trou dans le plancher)floor opening means an opening in a floor, platform, pavement or yard that measures 300 mm or more in its smallest dimension. (ouverture dans le plancher)grain-handling facility means a structure that is constructed, installed or established to handle, store or process grain or grain products, and includes an elevator as defined in section 2 of the Canada Grain Act. (installation de manutention des grains)HVAC system means a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system that is installed in a building, and includes all of its equipment and components. (système CVCA)wall opening means an opening in a wall or partition that measures at least 750 mm in height and 300 mm in width. (ouverture dans un mur)
SOR/94-263, s. 7;
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
BUILDINGSStandardsThe design and construction of every building, the construction of which begins on or after the day of the coming into force of this subsection, shall meet the requirements of the National Building Code.Every building, the construction of which begins before the day of the coming into force of this subsection, shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, meet the requirements of the National Building Code.The renovation of any building or part of a building shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, meet the requirements of the National Building Code.When it is not reasonably practicable for an employer to comply with the requirements of subsection (3), the employer shall, before the proposed renovations start, notify the work place committee or the health and safety representative.
SOR/88-632, s. 2(F);
SOR/96-525, s. 2;
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 4.
DoorsEvery double-action swinging door that is located in an exit, entrance or passageway used for two-way pedestrian traffic or traffic involving wheelchairs or other similar devices shall be designed and fitted in a manner that will allow persons who are approaching from one side of the door to be aware of persons who are on the other side of it.The area of every passageway into which a door or gate extends when open, other than the door of a closet or other small unoccupied storage room, shall be marked, in consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative in a manner that clearly indicates the area of hazard created by the opening of the door or gate.Where a door or gate that is to remain open extends into a passageway for a distance that will reduce the effective width of the passageway to a width less than that required by the National Building Code,an attendant shall be posted near the open door or gate; ora highly visible barricade shall be placed across the passageway before the door or gate is opened to prevent persons from using the passageway while the door or gate is open.
SOR/88-632, s. 3(F);
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 5.
ClearancesA window awning or canopy or any part of a building that projects over an exterior passageway shall be installed or constructed in a manner that allows a clearance of not less than 2.2 m between the passageway surface and the lowest projection of the awning or canopy or projecting part of the building.
SOR/96-525, s. 3;
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Floor and Wall OpeningsWhere an employee has access to a wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 1.2 m or to a floor opening, highly visible guardrails shall be fitted around the wall opening or floor opening or it shall be covered with material capable of supporting all loads that may be brought to bear on it.The material shall be securely fastened to and supported by structural members.Subsection (1) does not apply to vehicle maintenance pits or to the loading and unloading areas of truck, railroad or marine docks the edges of which are marked in a highly visible manner.Where a pit is used for the maintenance of vehicles, including railway rolling stock, the hazard it represents shall be clearly identified and its perimeter shall be delineated by highly visible markings.
SOR/88-632, s. 4(F);
SOR/96-525, s. 4;
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Open-top Bins, Hoppers, Vats and PitsWhere an employee has access to an open-top bin, hopper, vat, pit or other open-top enclosure from a point directly above the enclosure, the enclosure shall becovered with a grating, screen or other covering that will prevent the employee from falling into the enclosure; orprovided with a walkway that is not less than 500 mm wide and is fitted with highly visible guardrails.The grating, screen, covering or walkway shall be designed, constructed and maintained so that it will support a load that is not less than the greater ofthe maximum load that may be brought to bear on it, anda live load of 6 kPa.Where an employee is working above an open-top bin, hopper, vat, pit or other open-top enclosure that is not covered with a grating, screen or other covering, the inside wall of the enclosure shall be fitted with a fixed ladder, except where the operations carried on in the enclosure make such a fitting impracticable.Every enclosure referred to in subsection (1) whose walls extend less than 1.1 m above an adjacent floor or platform used by employees shall becovered with a grating, screen or other covering;fitted with a highly visible guardrail; orguarded by a person in order to prevent employees from falling into the enclosure.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Ladders, Stairways and RampsWhere an employee is required to move from one level to another that is more than 450 mm higher or lower than the first level, the employer shall install a fixed ladder, stairway or ramp between the levels.
SOR/96-525, s. 5;
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Where one end of a stairway is so close to a traffic route used by vehicles, to a machine or to any other hazard as to be hazardous to the safety of an employee using the stairway, the employer shall, at that end of the stairway,post a sign to warn employees of the hazard; andwhere practicable, install a highly visible barricade that will protect employees using the stairway from the hazard.
SOR/96-525, s. 6;
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
A fixed ladder installed after the day of the coming into force of this section shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of ANSI Standard A14.3-1984 entitled American National Standard for Ladders — Fixed — Safety Requirements, as amended from time to time, other than section 7 of that Standard.A fixed ladder that is installed before the day of the coming into force of this section shall, where reasonably practicable, meet the requirements referred to in subsection (1).While ascending or descending a fixed ladder, an employee shallmaintain a three-point contact with the ladder; andcarry any tools, equipment or materials in a pouch or holster or in any other secure manner.A fixed ladder shall be highly visible or its presence otherwise brought to the attention of any employee in the area.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2011-206, s. 1.
Previous VersionEvery grain-handling facility that has a manlift or ladder that provides access to a floor or roof over a grain bin or silo shall, in addition to its primary exit, have a secondary exit from the floor or roof that consists of an exterior fixed ladder constructed in accordance with the requirements referred to in subsection 2.9(1).A fixed ladder that is installed in a grain-handling facility before the day of the coming into force of this section shall, where reasonably practicable, meet the requirements referred to in subsection 2.9(1).A fixed ladder that is installed adjacent to a manlift and that is intended for emergency exit from the manlift shall meet the requirements of section 5.1.9 of CSA Standard B 311-M1979, entitled Safety Code for Manlifts, the English version of which is dated October 1979 and the French version of which is dated July 1984.
SOR/96-525, s. 7;
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Docks, Ramps and Dock PlatesEvery loading and unloading dock and ramp shall beof sufficient strength to support the maximum load that may be brought to bear on it;free of surface irregularities that may interfere with the safe operation of mobile equipment; andfitted around its sides that are not used for loading or unloading with side rails, curbs or rolled edges of sufficient height and strength to prevent mobile equipment from running over the edge.Cross-traffic on dock levellers shall be limited to the portion of the dock leveller where there is no danger of tipping the materials handling equipment.Every portable ramp and every dock plate shall beclearly marked or tagged to indicate the maximum safe load that it is capable of supporting; andinstalled so that it cannot slide, move or otherwise be displaced under the load that may be brought to bear on it.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
GuardrailsEvery guardrail shall be highly visible and consist ofa horizontal top rail not less than 900 mm but not more than 1 100 mm above the base of the guardrail;a horizontal intermediate rail spaced midway between the top rail and the base; andsupporting posts spaced not more than 3 m apart at their centres.Every guardrail shall be designed to withstand a static load of 890 N applied in any direction at any point on the top rail.
SOR/94-263, s. 8(F);
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Toe BoardsWhere there is a hazard that tools or other objects may fall onto a person from a platform or other raised area, or through a floor opening or floor hole,a toe board that extends from the floor of the platform or other raised area to a height of not less than 125 mm shall be installed; orif the tools or other objects are piled to such a height that a toe board would not prevent the tools or other objects from falling, a solid or mesh panel shall be installed from the floor to a height of not less than 450 mm.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Housekeeping and MaintenanceEvery exterior stairway, walkway, ramp and passageway that may be used by employees shall be kept free of accumulations of ice and snow or other slipping or tripping hazards.All dust, dirt, waste and scrap material in every work place in a building shall be removed as often as is necessary to protect the health and safety of employees and shall be disposed of in such a manner that the health and safety of employees is not endangered.Every travelled surface in a work place shall beslip resistant; andkept free of splinters, holes, loose boards and tiles and similar defects.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 6.
Where a floor in a work place is normally wet and employees in the work place do not use non-slip waterproof footwear, the floor shall be covered with a dry false floor or platform or treated with a non-slip material or substance.
SOR/88-632, s. 5(F);
SOR/96-525, s. 8;
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
The cleaning of a window on any level above the ground floor level of a building the construction of which begins on or after the day of the coming into force of this subsection shall be done in accordance with the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z91-M90, entitled Safety Code for Window Cleaning Operations, as amended from time to time.To the extent reasonably practicable, the cleaning of a window on any level above the ground floor level of a building the construction of which began before the day of the coming into force of this subsection shall be done in accordance with the requirements referred to in subsection (1).Subsections (4) to (8) apply to buildings whose owners are employers as defined in subsection 122(1) of the Act.The employer shall, in respect of buildings the construction of which begins on or after the day of the coming into force of this subsection, ensure that a qualified person inspects the anchor points and permanently installed suspended platforms used for window cleaning and that they meet the requirements referred to in subsection (1).The employer shall, in respect of buildings the construction of which began before the day of the coming into force of this subsection, ensure that a qualified person inspects the anchor points and permanently installed suspended platforms used for window cleaning and that they meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z91-M1980, entitled Safety Code for Window Cleaning Operations, the English version of which is dated May 1980 and the French version of which is dated November 1983.The inspection of anchor points and permanently installed suspended platforms shall be donebefore they are used for the first time;as often as necessary, but at least as often as recommended by their manufacturer;whenever they are reported as being defective; andin every case, at least once a year.Immediately on completion of an inspection, the qualified person shall, in a written, signed and dated report, inform the employer of any defects or hazardous conditions detected in the anchor points or permanently installed suspended platforms.The employer shallensure that any reported defect in the anchor points or permanently installed suspended platforms is repaired before they are used;ensure that any maintenance and repairs are performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations;keep, for a period of two years, a record of any inspection and maintenance, including the date the inspection or maintenance was carried out and the name of the person who did it; andkeep, for as long as the anchor points and permanently installed suspended platforms are used, a record of the modifications or repairs made to them, including the day the work was done and the name of the person who did it.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Temporary HeatingSubject to subsection (2), where a high-capacity portable open-flame heating device is used in an enclosed work place, the heating device shallbe located, protected and used so that there is no hazard of igniting tarpaulins, wood or other combustible materials near the heating device;be used only when there is ventilation provided;be located so as to be protected from accidental contact, damage or overturning; andnot restrict a means of exit.Where the heating device does not provide complete combustion of the fuel used in connection with it, it shall be equipped with an exhaust system that discharges the products of combustion outside the enclosed work place.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
TOWERS, ANTENNAS AND ANTENNA-SUPPORTING STRUCTURESNo employee shall climb a tower, an antenna or an antenna-supporting structure unlessthe employer has authorized the employee to do so;the employee has been trained and instructed in a safe method of climbing; andthe employer has provided a fall-protection system in accordance with section 12.10.No employee shall climb or work on a tower, an antenna or an antenna-supporting structurewhen weather conditions are likely to be hazardous to the health or safety of the employee, except when the work is required to remove a hazard or to rescue an employee; orif the physical condition of the tower, antenna or antenna-supporting structure is likely to be hazardous to the health or safety of the employee.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 41.
Where reasonably practicable, the design and construction of every tower, antenna and antenna-supporting structure the construction of which begins on or after the day of the coming into force of this section shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-S37-94, entitled Antennas, Towers, and Antenna-Supporting Structures, as amended from time to time.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
HVAC SYSTEMSApplicationSections 2.21 to 2.24 apply to every work place that is equipped with an HVAC system that is under the employer’s control.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2011-206, s. 2.
Previous VersionStandardsSubject to section 2.22, every HVAC system installed on or after the day of the coming into force of this section shall meet the design requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, entitled Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, as amended from time to time.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
To the extent reasonably practicable, the relevant portion of an HVAC system shall be modified to meet the design requirements referred to in section 2.21 ifthe level of occupancy in a building or portion of a building exceeds the level for which the HVAC system was designed; orthe use of a building or portion of a building differs from the use for which the HVAC system was designed.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
RecordsFor HVAC systems installed on or after the day of the coming into force of this section, the employer shall keep a record of the information required by section A-2.3.5.2 of Appendix A of the National Building Code and make the record readily available.In addition to the record required by subsection (1), the employer shall keep and make readily available a record of the normal hours of occupancy and the types of activities of the occupants of the building.In the case of HVAC systems to which subsection (1) does not apply, the employer shall keep and make readily available all records required by subsections (1) and (2) that are reasonably practicable to keep.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2.
Operation, Inspection, Testing, Cleaning and MaintenanceEvery employer shall appoint a qualified person to set out, in writing, instructions for the operation, inspection, testing, cleaning and maintenance of an HVAC system and the calibration of probes or sensors on which the system relies. In writing the instructions, the qualified person shall take into account CSA Guideline Z204-94, entitled Guideline for Managing Air Quality in Office Buildings, dated June 1994.The instructions shall[Repealed, SOR/2011-206, s. 3]be readily available;[Repealed, SOR/2009-147, s. 3]specify the manner of operation of the HVAC system;specify the nature and frequency of inspections, testing, cleaning and maintenance; andbe reviewed by a qualified person and, if necessary, amendedwhen modifications to the HVAC system are carried out in accordance with section 2.22,when the standard referred to in section 2.21 is amended,when the an investigation carried out in accordance with section 2.27 has identified that a health or safety hazard exists, orat least every five years.Despite paragraph (2)(c), if an investigation referred to in section 2.27 identifies that a health or safety hazard exists, the instructions shall be developed and made readily available without delay.The employer shall appoint a qualified person or persons to implement the instructions and make a report, in writing, of each inspection, testing, cleaning and maintenance operation.The report shall be kept readily available by the employer for a period of at least five years and shallspecify the date and type of work performed, and the identity of the person who performed it;identify the components of the HVAC system or portion of an HVAC system involved; andrecord test results, any deficiencies observed and the actions taken to correct them.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 39;
SOR/2009-147, s. 3;
SOR/2011-206, s. 3.
Previous VersionAn employer shall ensure that the qualified person or persons referred to in subsection 2.24(4) are instructed and trained in the specific procedures to be followed in the operation, inspection, testing, cleaning and maintenance of the HVAC system and the calibration of probes or sensors on which the system relies.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2009-147, s. 4(F).
Previous VersionAn employer shall post, in a place readily accessible to every employee, the telephone number of a contact person to whom health or safety concerns regarding the indoor air quality in the work place can be directed.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 42.
InvestigationsEvery employer shall develop, or appoint a qualified person to develop, a procedure for investigating situations in which the health or safety of an employee in the work place is or may be endangered by the air quality.The procedure shall include the following steps:a review of the nature and number of health or safety complaints;a visual inspection of the work place;the inspection of the HVAC system for cleanliness, operation and performance;a review of the maintenance schedule for the HVAC system;the assessment of building use as compared to the use for which it was designed;the assessment of actual level of occupancy as compared to the level for which the building was designed;the determination of potential sources of contaminants;the determination of levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, temperature, humidity and air motion, where necessary;the specification, where necessary, of tests to be conducted to determine levels of formaldehyde, particulates, airborne fungi and volatile organic compounds; andthe identification of the standards or guidelines to be used in evaluating test results.In developing the procedure, the employer or the qualified person appointed by the employer shall take into account the Department of Health publication 93-EHD-166, entitled Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: A Technical Guide.Where the health or safety of an employee in a work place is or may be endangered by the air quality, the employer shall, without delay, appoint a qualified person to carry out an investigation in accordance with the procedure developed pursuant to subsection (1).The investigation shall be carried out in consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative.To the extent reasonably practicable, the employer shall, in consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative, remove or control any health or safety hazard that is identified in the course of the investigation.Every employer shall keep the records of every indoor air quality complaint and investigation for at least five years.
SOR/2000-374, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, ss. 7, 40, 42.
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND EXCAVATIONSApplicationThis Part applies to portable ladders, temporary ramps and stairs, temporary elevated work bases used by employees and temporary elevated platforms used for materials.GeneralNo employee shall use a temporary structure where it is reasonably practicable to use a permanent structure.
SOR/94-263, s. 9(F).
No employee shall work on a temporary structure in rain, snow, hail or an electrical or wind storm that is likely to be hazardous to the health or safety of the employee, except if the work is required to remove a hazard or to rescue an employee.
SOR/2002-208, s. 8.
Tools, equipment and materials used on a temporary structure shall be arranged or secured in such a manner that they cannot be knocked off the structure accidentally.
SOR/88-632, s. 6(F).
No employee shall use a temporary structure unlesshe has authority from his employer to use it; andhe has been trained and instructed in its safe and proper use.Prior to a work shift, a qualified person shall make a visual safety inspection of every temporary structure to be used during that shift.Where an inspection made in accordance with subsection (1) reveals a defect or condition that adversely affects the structural integrity of a temporary structure, no employee shall use the temporary structure until the defect or condition is remedied.
SOR/2002-208, s. 9(F).
BarricadesWhere a person or a vehicle may come into contact with a temporary structure, a person shall be positioned at the base of the temporary structure or a highly visible barricade shall be installed around it to prevent any such contact.
SOR/96-525, s. 9.
Guardrails and Toe BoardsGuardrails and toe boards shall be installed at every open edge of a platform of a temporary structure.The guardrails and toe boards referred to in subsection (1) shall meet the standards set out in sections 2.12 and 2.13.
SOR/2000-374, s. 3.
Temporary Stairs, Ramps and PlatformsSubject to subsection 3.10(3), temporary stairs, ramps and platforms shall be designed, constructed and maintained to support any load that is likely to be imposed on them and to allow safe passage of persons and equipment on them.Temporary stairs shall haveuniform steps in the same flight;a slope not exceeding 1.2 in 1; anda hand-rail that is not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 100 mm above the stair level on open sides including landings.Temporary ramps and platforms shall besecurely fastened in place;braced if necessary to ensure their stability; andprovided with cleats or surfaced in a manner that provides a safe footing for employees.A temporary ramp shall be so constructed that its slope does not exceedwhere the temporary ramp is installed in the stairwell of a building not exceeding two storeys in height, 1 in 1, if cross cleats are provided at regular intervals not exceeding 300 mm; andin any other case, 1 in 3.ScaffoldsThe erection, use, dismantling or removal of a scaffold shall be carried out by or under the supervision of a qualified person.The footings and supports of every scaffold shall be capable of carrying, without dangerous settling, all loads that are likely to be imposed on them.Every scaffold shall be capable of supporting at least four times the load that is likely to be imposed on it.The platform of every scaffold shall be at least 480 mm wide and securely fastened in place.Portable LaddersCommercially manufactured portable ladders shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard CAN3-Z11-M81, Portable Ladders, the English version of which is dated September, 1981, as amended to March, 1983 and the French version of which is dated August, 1982, as amended to June, 1983.Subject to subsection (3), every portable ladder shall, while being used,be placed on a firm footing; andbe secured in such a manner that it cannot be dislodged accidentally from its position.Where, because of the nature of the location or of the work being done, a portable ladder cannot be securely fastened in place, it shall, while being used, be sloped so that the base of the ladder is not less than one-quarter and not more than one-third of the length of the ladder from a point directly below the top of the ladder and at the same level as the base.Every portable ladder that provides access from one level to another shall extend at least three rungs above the higher level.Metal or wire-bound portable ladders shall not be used where there is a hazard that they may come into contact with any live electrical circuit or equipment.No employee shall work from any of the three top rungs of any single or extension portable ladder or from either of the two top steps of any portable step ladder.
SOR/88-632, s. 7(F).
ExcavationBefore the commencement of work on a tunnel, excavation or trench, the employer shall mark the location of all underground pipes, cables and conduits in the area where the work is to be done.Where an excavation or trench constitutes a hazard to employees, a highly visible barricade shall be installed around it.In a tunnel or in an excavation or trench that is more than 1.4 m deep and whose sides are sloped at an angle of 45° or more to the horizontalthe walls of the tunnel, excavation or trench, andthe roof of the tunnelshall be supported by shoring and bracing that is installed as the tunnel, excavation or trench is being excavated.Subsection (3) does not apply in respect of a trench where the employer provides a system of shoring composed of steel plates and bracing, welded or bolted together, that can support the walls of the trench from the ground level to the trench bottom and can be moved along as work progresses.The installation and removal of the shoring and bracing referred to in subsection (3) shall be performed or supervised by a qualified person.Tools, machinery, timber, excavated materials or other objects shall not be placed within 1 m from the edge of an excavation or trench.
SOR/96-525, s. 10.
Safety NetsWhere there is a hazard that tools, equipment or materials may fall onto or from a temporary structure, the employer shall provide a protective structure or a safety net to protect from injury any employee on or below the temporary structure.The design, construction and installation of a safety net referred to in subsection (1) shall meet the standards set out in ANSI Standard ANSI A10.11-1979, American National Standard for Safety Nets Used During Construction, Repair and Demolition Operations, dated August 7, 1979.HousekeepingEvery platform, hand-rail, guardrail and work area on a temporary structure used by an employee shall be kept free of accumulations of ice and snow while the temporary structure is in use.The floor of a temporary structure used by an employee shall be kept free of grease, oil or other slippery substance and of any material or object that may cause an employee to trip.ELEVATING DEVICESApplicationThis Part does not apply to elevating devices used in the underground workings of mines.StandardsEvery elevating device and every safety device attached thereto shallmeet the standards set out in the applicable CSA standard referred to in subsection (2) in so far as is reasonably practicable; andbe used, operated and maintained in accordance with the standards set out in the applicable CSA standard referred to in subsection (2).For the purposes of subsection (1), the applicable CSA standard forelevators, dumbwaiters, escalators and moving walks is CSA Standard CAN3-B44-M85, Safety Code for Elevators, other than clause 9.1.4 thereof, the English version of which is dated November 1985 and the French version of which is dated March 1986;manlifts is CSA Standard B311-M1979, Safety Code for Manlifts, the English version of which is dated October, 1979 and the French version of which is dated July, 1984 and Supplement No. 1-1984 to B311-M1979, the English version of which is dated June, 1984 and the French version of which is dated August, 1984; andelevating devices for the handicapped is CSA Standard CAN3-B355-M81, Safety Code for Elevating Devices for the Handicapped, the English version of which is dated April, 1981 and the French version of which is dated December, 1981.
SOR/88-632, s. 8;
SOR/94-263, s. 10.
Use and OperationNo elevating device shall be used or operated with a load in excess of the load that it was designed and installed to move safely.Subject to subsection (3), no elevating device shall be used or placed in service while any safety device attached thereto is inoperative.Subject to subsection (3), no safety device attached to an elevating device shall be altered, interfered with or rendered inoperative.Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an elevating device or a safety device that is being inspected, tested, repaired or maintained by a qualified person.Inspection and TestingEvery elevating device and every safety device attached thereto shall be inspected and tested by a qualified person to determine that the prescribed standards are metbefore the elevating device and the safety device attached thereto are placed in service;after an alteration to the elevating device or a safety device attached thereto; andonce every 12 months.A record of each inspection and test made in accordance with section 4.5 shallbe signed by the person who made the inspection and test;include the date of the inspection and test and the identification and location of the elevating device and safety device that were inspected and tested; andset out the observations of the person inspecting and testing the elevating device and safety device on the safety of the devices.Every record referred to in subsection (1) shall be made by the employer and kept by him in the work place in which the elevating device is located for a period of two years after the date on which it is signed in accordance with paragraph (1)(a).Repair and MaintenanceRepair and maintenance of elevating devices or safety devices attached thereto shall be performed by a qualified person appointed by the employer. BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELSInterpretationThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.Boiler Code means CSA Standard B51-97, Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code, the English version of which is dated September 1997 and was amended in February 1998 and the French version of which is dated September 1998. (Code des chaudières)high pressure boiler means a boiler in which steam, gas or vapour is generated at more than one atmosphere of pressure or a boiler containing liquid that has a working pressure exceeding 1,100 kPa or an operating temperature exceeding 121°C. (chaudièreà haute pression)inspector means a person recognized under the laws of any province or by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors as qualified to inspect boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping systems. (inspecteur)low pressure hot water boiler means a hot water boiler that has a pressure not exceeding 1,100 kPa and an operating temperature not exceeding 121°C. (chaudière à eau chaude basse pression)low pressure organic fluid boiler means a boiler that contains an organic fluid, that has an operating temperature not exceeding 343°C and that has no valves or other obstructions to prevent circulation of the organic fluid between the boiler and an expansion tank that is fully vented to the atmosphere. (chaudière à basse pression contenant un hydrocarbure)low pressure steam boiler means a boiler that operates at a vapour pressure not exceeding of one atmosphere of pressure. (chaudière à vapeur basse pression)low working pressure hot water boiler[Repealed, SOR/2009-147, s. 5]maximum allowable working pressure means the maximum working pressure that is specified by the manufacturer in the plans and specifications accepted and registered by the provincial authorities and that is set out in the record referred to in section 5.18. (pression de fonctionnement maximale autorisée)maximum temperature means the maximum temperature that is specified by the manufacturer in the plans and specifications accepted and registered by the provincial authorities and that is set out in the record referred to in section 5.18. (température maximale)NDT technician means a person who performs nondestructive testing and who is certified to carry out such testing. (technicien END)pipeline has the same meaning as in section 2 of the National Energy Board Act, but does not include boilers. (pipeline)pressure piping system means an assembly of pipes, pipe fittings, valves, safety devices, pumps, compressors and other fixed equipment that contains a gas, vapour or liquid and is connected to a boiler or pressure vessel. (réseau de canalisations sous pression)unfired boiler means a boiler in which steam or other vapour is generated by a source of heat other than combustion and includes an electric boiler. (chaudière sans combustion)waste heat boiler means an indirect-fired boiler that utilizes waste gases produced by the primary process to generate steam. (chaudière à récupération de chaleur)
SOR/88-632, s. 9;
SOR/2001-284, s. 1;
SOR/2009-147, s. 5(E).
Previous VersionApplicationThis Part does not apply toa heating boiler that has a wetted heating surface of 3 m2 or less;a pressure vessel that has a capacity of 40 L or less;a pressure vessel that is installed for use at a pressure of one atmosphere of pressure or less;a pressure vessel that has an internal diameter of 152 mm or less;a pressure vessel that has an internal diameter of 610 mm or less and that is used to store hot water;a pressure vessel that has an internal diameter of 610 mm or less connected to a water pumping system and that contains compressed air which serves as a cushion;a hydropneumatic tank that has an internal diameter of 610 mm or less;an interprovincial or international pipeline; ora refrigeration plant that has a capacity of 18 kW or less.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
Fabrication and Installation StandardsEvery boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping system used in a work place shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, meet the standards relating to design, construction, testing, stamping, nameplates, fabrication inspection and installation set out in clauses 4.15 to 4.18 and 5.1 to 9.1 of Part 1 of the Boiler Code.
SOR/94-263, s. 11;
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
Every boiler and pressure vessel shall have at least one safety valve or other equivalent fitting to maintain pressure at or below the maximum allowable working pressure of the boiler or pressure vessel.When two or more boilers or pressure vessels are connected and are used at a common operating pressure, they shall each be fitted with at least one safety valve or other equivalent fitting to maintain pressure at or below the maximum allowable working pressure of the boiler or pressure vessel that has the lowest maximum allowable working pressure.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
Use, Operation, Repair, Alteration and MaintenanceAn employer shall ensure that a qualified person, charged with the operation of a boiler, is in attendance and readily available at all times while the boiler is in operation and other employees are normally present in the same building as a boiler.The attendance referred to in subsection (1) is not required ifthe boiler is equipped with a fail-safe device and an automated warning device that will ensure the safe operation of the boiler and its shutdown if required, and that are installed in such a manner that theycannot be rendered inoperative, andcan be tested under operating conditions; andthe boiler is rated below 2,000 kW in the case of a high pressure boiler, and below 3,000 kW in the case of a low pressure boiler, which includes a low pressure hot water boiler, a low pressure organic fluid boiler and a low pressure steam boiler.When a boiler is shut down by a device referred to in paragraph (2)(a), the boiler shall not be restarted unless it has been examined by a qualified person and the cause of the shutdown rectified.
SOR/88-632, s. 10(F);
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
Every boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping system in use at a work place shall be operated, maintained and repaired only by a qualified person.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
All repairs and welding of boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping systems shall be carried out in accordance with the standards referred to in clauses 6.1, 7.1 and 8.1 of Part I of the Boiler Code.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
No person shall alter, interfere with or render inoperative any fitting attached to a boiler or pressure vessel except for the purpose of adjusting or testing the fitting.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1;
SOR/2009-147, s. 6(F).
Previous VersionThe factor of safety of a high pressure lap-seam riveted boiler, shall be increased by at least 0.1 each year after 20 years of use.If the boiler is relocated at any time, it shall not be operated at a pressure that is more than one atmosphere of pressure.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
InspectionsNo person shall use a boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system unless it has been inspected by an inspector in accordance with subsection (2) and it has been certified by the inspector as safe for its intended use as stated in the declaration referred to in subparagraph 5.18(2)(b)(v).The inspector shallinspect every boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping systemafter it is installed and before it is used for the first time,after any welding, alteration or repair is carried out on it, andin accordance with section 5.11, 5.12 or 5.16; andmake a record of each inspection in accordance with section 5.18.A person who operates, repairs or maintains a boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system or any part of it may not inspect the boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system for the purposes of subsection (2).
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
Every high pressure boiler and every low pressure steam boiler in use at a work place shall be inspectedexternally, at least once each year; andinternally, at least once every two years.Every low pressure hot water boiler and every unfired boiler in use at a work place shall be inspectedexternally, at least once every two years; andinternally, at least once every four years.Every low pressure organic fluid boiler in use at a work place shall be inspectedexternally, at least once every two years; andinternally, at least once every three years.Every waste heat boiler in use at a work place shall be inspectedexternally, at least once every year; andinternally,at least once every two years, orwhere ultrasonic thickness measurements are performed annually by an NDT technician, at least once every three years.Pressure vessels, other than buried pressure vessels, that have a corrosion rate exceeding 0.1 mm of metal loss per year shall be inspectedexternally, at least once every year; andinternally,at least once every two years, orif ultrasonic thickness measurements are performed annually by an NDT technician on representative sections of the pressure vessel, at least once every three years.Pressure vessels, other than buried pressure vessels, that have a corrosion not exceeding 0.1 mm of metal loss per year shall be inspectedexternally, at least once every year; andinternally,at least once every four years, orif ultrasonic thickness measurements are performed annually by an NDT technician on representative sections of the pressure vessel, at least once every six years.Air receivers shall be inspectedexternally, at least once every year; andinternally, at least once every five years.If the known corrosion rate of a pressure vessel is zero, internal inspection is not necessary provided that complete external inspections, including nondestructive thickness measurements performed by an NDT technician, are made at least once every two years on the pressure vessel and the following conditions are met:the non-corrosive nature of the service conditions, including the effect of trace components, has been established by at least five continuous years of comparable service experience with the fluid being handled;the periodic external inspection indicates that the condition of the pressure vessel does not warrant any further investigation;the operating temperature and pressure of the pressure vessel does not exceed the lower limits for the creep rupture range of the vessel metal; andthe pressure vessel is protected against inadvertent contamination, and there is no evidence of contamination.If a pressure vessel is used to store anhydrous ammonia, the internal inspection frequency referred to in paragraph (5)(b) may be replaced by an internal inspection conducted at least once every five years if, at the same time, a hydrostatic test at a pressure equal to one and one-half times the maximum allowable working pressure is conducted.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
Every boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping system in use at a work place shall be inspected by an inspector more frequently than it is provided for in section 5.11, if it is necessary to ensure that the boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system is safe for its intended use.
SOR/88-632, s. 11;
SOR/94-263, s. 12;
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
For the purposes of subsections 5.11(5), (6) and (8), the corrosion rate shall be determined from actual metal loss during the last appropriate inspection period specified in the subsections.
SOR/88-632, s. 12(F);
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
Stationary or portable air receivers used in the railway industry, instead of being inspected in accordance with subsection 5.11(7) and a record completed in accordance with section 5.18, may be inspected and tested and a record filed in accordance with TC-0-010, Rules for the Installation, Inspection and Testing of Air Reservoirs (Other Than on Motive Power Equipment) made by the Railway Association of Canada and approved by the Minister of Transport on December 5, 1994.
SOR/88-632, s. 13(F);
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
If a pressure vessel that contains materials hazardous to human health or the environment is to be emptied before being inspected, it shall be emptied and inspected in a manner that does not pose a risk to human health or the environment.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
Buried Pressure VesselsThe installation of a buried pressure vessel shall meet the requirements set out in Appendix A to Part I of the Boiler Code.Notice of the proposed backfilling shall be given to a health and safety officer at the regional office or district office before backfilling is done over a pressure vessel.If test plates are used as an indication of corrosion of a buried pressure vessel, the test plates and, subject to subsection (4), the pressure vessel shall be completely uncovered and inspected by an inspector at least once every three years.If, on an inspection referred to in subsection (3), the test plates show no corrosion, the buried pressure vessel may be completely uncovered and inspected at intervals exceeding three years if the employer, immediately after the inspection, notifies in writing a regional health and safety officer at the regional office or district office of the condition of the test plates and of the proposed inspection schedule for the pressure vessel.Every buried pressure vessel shall be completely uncovered and inspected at least once every 15 years.
SOR/88-632, s. 15(F);
SOR/2001-284, s. 1;
SOR/2009-147, s. 7(F).
Previous VersionRecords and ReportsThe employer shall keep and maintain a record of every boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping system to which this Part applies and that is under the employer’s control.
SOR/88-632, s. 16(F);
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
A report of each inspection carried out under sections 5.10 to 5.16 shall be completed by the inspector who carried out the inspection.Every report referred to in subsection (1)shall be signed by the inspector who carried out the inspection; andshall includethe date of the inspection,the identification and location of the boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system that was inspected,the maximum allowable working pressure and the maximum temperature at which the boiler or pressure vessel may be operated,a declaration as to whether the boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system meets the standards prescribed by this Part,a declaration as to whether the boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system is safe for its intended use,a list of any defects or deficiencies the inspector has observed in the condition or operating and maintenance practices of the boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system, andany other observation that the inspector considers relevant to the safety of employees.The employer shall keep readily available every record of inspection for the last two inspection periods and on the request of the work place committee or the health and safety representative, shall provide the work place committee or the health and safety representative with a copy.
SOR/2001-284, s. 1.
LIGHTINGInterpretationIn this Part,aerodrome apron means that part of a land aerodrome intended to accommodate the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo and the refuelling, servicing, maintenance and parking of aircraft; (aire de trafic)aircraft stand means that part of an aerodrome apron intended to be used for the parking of aircraft for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers and providing ground services; (poste de stationnement)primary grain elevator means a grain elevator the principal use of which is the receiving of grain directly from producers for storage or forwarding; (installation primaire)task position means a position at which a visual task is performed; (poste de travail)VDT means a visual display terminal. (TEV)For the purposes of this Part, 1 lx is equal to .0929 fc.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
ApplicationThis Part does not apply in respect of lighting in any underground portion of a coal mine.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Measurement of Average Levels of LightingFor the purposes of sections 6.4 to 6.10, the average level of lighting at a task position or in an area shall be determinedby making four measurements at different places representative of the level of lighting at the task position or, in an area, representative of the level of lighting 1 m above the floor of the area; andby dividing the aggregate of the results of those measurements by four.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Lighting — Office AreasThe average level of lighting at a task position or in an area set out in Column I of an item of Schedule I, other than a task position or area referred to in section 6.7 or 6.9, shall not be less than the level set out in Column II of that item.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Lighting — Industrial AreasThe average level of lighting in an area set out in Column I of an item of Schedule II, other than an area referred to in section 6.7 or 6.9, shall not be less than the level set out in Column II of that item.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Lighting — General AreasThe average level of lighting in an area set out in Column I of an item of Schedule III, other than an area referred to in section 6.7 or 6.9, shall not be less than the level set out in Column II of that item.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Lighting — VDTThe average level of lighting at a task position or in an area set out in Column I of an item of Schedule IV shall not be more than the level set out in Column II of that item.Reflection glare on a VDT screen shall be reduced to the point where an employee at a task position is able toread every portion of any text displayed on the screen; andsee every portion of the visual display on the screen.Where VDT work requires the reading of a document, supplementary lighting shall be provided where necessary to give a level of lighting of at least 500 lx on the document.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Lighting — Aerodrome Aprons and Aircraft StandsSubject to subsection (2), the average level of lighting at a task position on an aerodrome apron shall not be less than 10 lx.The average level of lighting at a task position on an aircraft stand shall not be less than 20 lx.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Lighting — Artefactual Exhibits and Archival MaterialsThe average level of lighting in an area in which artefactual exhibits or archival materials are handled or stored shall not be less than 50 lx.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Emergency LightingEmergency lighting shall be provided to illuminate the following areas within buildings:exits and corridors;principal routes providing access to exits in open floor areas; andfloor areas where employees normally congregate.Except in the case of a primary grain elevator in which hand-held lamps are used for emergency lighting, all emergency lighting provided in accordance with subsection (1) shalloperate automatically in the event that the regular power supply to the building is interrupted;provide an average level of lighting of not less than 10 lx; andbe independent of the regular power source.Where a generator is used as a power source for emergency lighting, the inspection, testing and maintenance of the generator shall be in accordance with the requirements referred to in section 6.7 of the National Fire Code, as amended from time to time.Where a central storage battery system is used as a power source for emergency lighting or where emergency lighting is provided by a self-contained emergency lighting unit, the battery system or the unit shall be testedmonthly by hand; andannually under simulated power failure or electrical fault conditions.Where a battery, other than a hermetically sealed battery, is tested in accordance with paragraph (4)(a), the electrolyte level of the battery shall be checked and, if necessary, adjusted to the proper level.Where a self-contained emergency lighting unit is tested in accordance with paragraph (4)(b), all lamps forming part of the unit shall be operated for the time period set out in Sentence 3.2.7.3(2) of the National Building Code, as amended from time to time, that is applicable to the class of buildings to which the building in which the unit is installed belongs.Every employer shall make a record of the results of each test performed in accordance with subsection (3) or (4) and keep the record for two years after the test.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
Minimum Levels of LightingSubject to subsections (2) to (4), the level of lighting at any place at a task position or in an area that may be measured for the purposes of section 6.3 shall not be less than one third of the level of lighting prescribed by this Part for that task position or area.The level of lighting at any place at a task position or in an area set out in Column I of item 8 or 9 of Schedule III or Column I of item 1 of Schedule IV that may be measured for the purposes of section 6.3 shall not be less than one tenth of the level of lighting prescribed by this Part for that task position or area.The level of lighting at any place at a task position referred to in section 6.8 that may be measured for the purposes of section 6.3 shall not be less than one quarter of the level of lighting prescribed by this Part for that task position.In a building the construction of which is commenced after October 31, 1990, the level of emergency lighting at any place in an area referred to in subsection 6.10(1) that may be measured for the purposes of section 6.3 shall not be less than 0.25 lx.
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
(s. 6.4)LEVELS OF LIGHTING IN OFFICE AREAS
Column IColumn IIItemTask position or areaLevel in lx1.DESK WORK(a)Task positions at which cartography, designing, drafting, plan-reading or other very difficult visual tasks are performed 1 000(b)Task positions at which business machines are operated or stenography, accounting, typing, filing, clerking, billing, continuous reading or writing or other difficult visual tasks are performed 5002.OTHER OFFICE WORKConference and interview rooms, file storage areas, switchboard or reception areas or other areas where ordinary visual tasks are performed 3003.SERVICE AREAS(a)Stairways and corridors that are(i) used frequently100(ii) used infrequently50(b)Stairways that are used only in emergencies 30
SOR/89-515, s. 1.
(s. 6.5)LEVELS OF LIGHTING IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Column IColumn IIItemAreaLevel in lx1.GARAGES(a)Main repair and maintenance areas, other than those referred to in paragraph (b) 300(b)Main repair and maintenance areas used for repairing and maintaining cranes, bulldozers and other major equipment 150(c)General work areas adjacent to a main repair and maintenance area referred to in paragraph (b) 50(d)Fuelling areas 150(e)Battery rooms 100(f)Other areas in which there is(i) a high or moderate level of activity 100(ii) a low level of activity 502.LABORATORIES(a)Areas in which instruments are read and where errors in such reading may be hazardous to the health or safety of an employee 750(b)Areas in which a hazardous substance is handled 500(c)Areas in which laboratory work requiring close and prolonged attention is performed 500(d)Areas in which other laboratory work is performed 3003.LOADING PLATFORMS, STORAGE ROOMS AND WAREHOUSES(a)Areas in which packages are frequently checked or sorted 250(b)Areas in which packages are infrequently checked or sorted 75(c)Docks (indoor and outdoor), piers and other locations where packages or containers are loaded or unloaded 150(d)Areas in which grain or granular material is loaded or unloaded in bulk 30(e)Areas in which goods are stored in bulk or where goods in storage are all of one kind 30(f)Areas where goods in storage are of different kinds 75(g)Any other area 104.MACHINE AND WOODWORKING SHOPS(a)Areas in which medium or fine bench or machine work is performed 500(b)Areas in which rough bench or machine work is performed 300(c)Any other area 2005.MANUFACTURING AND PROCESSING AREAS(a)Major control rooms or rooms with dial displays 500(b)Areas in which a hazardous substance is processed, manufactured or used(i) in main work areas 500(ii) in surrounding areas 200(c)Areas in which substances that are not hazardous substances are processed, manufactured or used or where automatically controlled equipment operates(i) in main work areas 100(ii) in surrounding areas 506.SERVICE AREAS(a)Stairways and elevating devices that are(i) used frequently 100(ii) used infrequently 50(b)Stairways that are used only in emergencies 30(c)Corridors and aisles that are used by persons and mobile equipment(i) at main intersections 100(ii) at other locations 50(d)Corridors and aisles that are used by mobile equipment only 50(e)Corridors and aisles that are used by persons only and are(i) used frequently by employees 50(ii) used infrequently by employees 30
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/89-515, s. 1;
SOR/94-263, s. 13;
SOR/96-525, s. 11;
SOR/2002-208, ss. 40, 43(F).
(s. 6.6)LEVELS OF LIGHTING — GENERAL AREAS
Column IColumn IIItemAreaLevel in lx1.BUILDING EXTERIORS(a)Entrances and exits that are(i) used frequently 100(ii) used infrequently 50(b)Passageways used by persons(i) at vehicular intersections 30(ii) at other locations 10(c)Areas used by persons and mobile equipment in which there is(i) a high or moderate level of activity 20(ii) a low level of activity 10(d)Storage areas in which there is(i) a high or moderate level of activity 30(ii) a low level of activity 102.FIRST AID ROOMS(a)in treatment and examination area 1 000(b)in other areas 5003.FOOD PREPARATION AREAS 5004.PERSONAL SERVICE ROOMS 2005.BOILER ROOMS 2006.ROOMS IN WHICH PRINCIPAL HEATING, VENTILATION OR AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT IS INSTALLED 507.EMERGENCY SHOWER FACILITIES AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT LOCATIONS 508.PARKING AREAS(a)Covered 50(b)Open 109.LOBBIES AND ATRIA 100
SOR/89-515, s. 1;
SOR/96-525, s. 12.
(s. 6.7)LEVELS OF LIGHTING — VDT WORK
Column IColumn IIItemTask position or areaLevel in lx1.VDT WORK(a)Task positions at which data entry and retrieval work are performed intermittently 500(b)Task positions at which data entry work is performed exclusively 750(c)[Repealed, SOR/2008-276, s. 1](d)Telephone operator areas 300
SOR/89-515, s. 1;
SOR/2008-276, s. 1.
Previous VersionLEVELS OF SOUNDInterpretationIn this Part,A-weighted sound pressure level means a sound pressure level as determined by a measurement system which includes an A-weighting filter that meets the requirements set out in the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 651 (1979), Sound Level Meters, as amended from time to time; (niveau de pression acoustique pondérée A)dBA means decibel A-weighted and is a unit of A-weighted sound pressure level; (dBA)large truck[Repealed, SOR/98-589, s. 1]noise exposure level (Lex,8) means 10 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the time integral over any 24 hour period of a squared A-weighted sound pressure divided by 8, the reference sound pressure being 20 µPa; (niveau d’exposition (Lex,8))sound level meter means a device for measuring sound pressure level that meets the performance requirements for a Type 2 instrument as specified in the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 651 (1979), Sound Level Meters, as amended from time to time; (sonomètre)sound pressure level means 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the root mean square pressure of a sound to the reference sound pressure of 20 µPa, expressed in decibels. (niveau de pression acoustique)
SOR/91-448, s. 1;
SOR/98-589, s. 1.
Measurement and Calculation of ExposureFor the purposes of this Part, the exposure of an employee to sound shall be measured using an instrument thatis recommended for that measurement in clause 4.3 of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z107.56-M86, Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure, as amended from time to time; andmeets the requirements for such an instrument set out in clause 4 of the Standard referred to in paragraph (a).The exposure of an employee to sound shall be measured in accordance with clauses 5, 6.4.1, 6.4.4, 6.5.2, 6.5.4, 6.6.2 and 6.6.4 of the Standard referred to in paragraph (1)(a).For the purposes of this Part, the measurement and calculation of the noise exposure level (Lex, 8) to which an employee is exposed shall take into account the exposure of the employee to A-weighted sound pressure levels of 74 dBA and greater.The measurement and calculation of the noise exposure level (Lex, 8) referred to in subsection (3) may also take into account the exposure of the employee to A-weighted sound pressure levels that are less than 74 dBA.
SOR/91-448, s. 1.
Hazard InvestigationWhere an employee in a work place may be exposed to an A-weighted sound pressure level equal to or greater than 84 dBA for a duration that is likely to endanger the employee’s hearing, the employer shall, without delay,appoint a qualified person to carry out an investigation of the degree of exposure; andnotify the work place committee or the health and safety representative of the investigation and the name of the person appointed to carry out the investigation.[Repealed, SOR/98-589, s. 2]For the purposes of subsection (1), the measurement of the A-weighted sound pressure level in a work place shall be performed instantaneously, during normal working conditions, using the slow response setting of a sound level meter.In the investigation referred to in subsection (1), the following matters shall be considered:the sources of sound in the work place;the A-weighted sound pressure levels to which the employee is likely to be exposed and the duration of such exposure;the methods being used to reduce this exposure;whether the exposure of the employee is likely to exceed the limits prescribed by section 7.4; andwhether the employee is likely to be exposed to a noise exposure level (Lex,8) equal to or greater than 84 dBA.On completion of the investigation and after consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative, the person appointed to carry out the investigation shall set out in a written report signed and dated by the personobservations respecting the matters considered in accordance with subsection (4);recommendations respecting the measures that should be taken in order to comply with sections 7.4 to 7.8; andrecommendations respecting the use of hearing protectors by employees who are exposed to a noise exposure level (Lex,8) equal to or greater than 84 dBA and not greater than 87 dBA.The report shall be kept by the employer at the work place in respect of which it applies for a period of ten years after the date of the report.Where it is stated in the report that an employee is likely to be exposed to a noise exposure level (Lex,8) equal to or greater than 84 dBA, the employer shall, without delay,post and keep posted a copy of the report in a conspicuous place in the work place in respect of which it applies; andprovide the employee with written information describing the hazards associated with exposure to high levels of sound.
SOR/91-448, s. 1;
SOR/98-589, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 10.
Limits of ExposureNo employee in a work place shall, in any 24 hour period, be exposed toan A-weighted sound pressure level set out in column I of the schedule for a duration of exposure exceeding the applicable duration set out in column II, ora noise exposure level (Lex 8) that exceeds 87 dBA.
SOR/91-448, s. 1;
SOR/98-589, s. 3.
Reduction of Sound ExposureInsofar as is reasonably practicable, every employer shall, by engineering controls or other physical means other than hearing protectors, reduce the exposure to sound of employees to a level that does not exceed the limits prescribed by section 7.4.
SOR/91-448, s. 1;
SOR/94-33, s. 2(F);
SOR/98-589, s. 4.
Report to Regional Health and Safety Officer[SOR/2002-208, s. 11]Where it is not reasonably practicable, without providing hearing protectors, for an employer to maintain the exposure to sound of an employee to whom section 7.4 applies at a level that does not exceed the limits prescribed by that section, the employer shall, without delay,make a report in writing to the regional health and safety officer setting out the reasons why it is not reasonably practicable to do so; andprovide a copy of the report to the work place committee or the health and safety representative.
SOR/91-448, s. 1;
SOR/98-589, s. 5;
SOR/2002-208, s. 12.
Hearing ProtectionWhere an employer is required to make a report pursuant to section 7.6, the employer shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, provide every employee whose exposure to sound is likely to exceed the limits prescribed by section 7.4 with a hearing protector thatmeets the requirements set out in CSA Standard Z94.2-M1984, Hearing Protectors, as amended from time to time; andprevents the employee using the hearing protector from being exposed to a level of sound that exceeds the limits prescribed by section 7.4.Where an employer provides a hearing protector to an employee pursuant to subsection (1), the employer shallin consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative, formulate a program to train the employee in the fit, care and use of the hearing protector; andimplement the program.Every employer shall ensure that every person, other than an employee, to whom the employer grants access to a work place where the person is likely to be exposed to a level of sound that exceeds the limits set out in section 7.4 uses a hearing protector that meets the standard referred to in paragraph (1)(a).
SOR/91-448, s. 1;
SOR/94-33, s. 3;
SOR/98-589, s. 6;
SOR/2002-208, s. 13.
Warning SignsAt every work place where an employee may be exposed to an A-weighted sound pressure level greater than 87 dBA, the employer shall, at conspicuous locations within the work place, post and keep posted signs warning of a potentially hazardous level of sound in the work place.For the purposes of subsection (1), the measurement of the A-weighted sound pressure level in a work place shall be performed instantaneously, during normal working conditions, using the slow response setting of a sound level meter.
SOR/91-448, s. 1;
SOR/98-589, s. 7.
(Section 7.4)MAXIMUM DURATION OF EXPOSURE TO A-WEIGHTED SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS IN THE WORK PLACE
Column IColumn IIA-weighted sound pressure level (dBA)Maximum duration of exposure in hours per employee per 24 hour period878.0886.4895.0904.0913.2922.5932.0941.6951.3961.0970.80980.64990.501000.401010.321020.251030.201040.161050.131060.101070.0801080.0641090.0501100.0401110.0321120.0251130.0201140.0161150.0131160.0101170.0081180.0061190.0051200.004
SOR/91-448, s. 1;
SOR/98-589, s. 8.
[Repealed, SOR/98-589, s. 9]ELECTRICAL SAFETYInterpretationIn this Part,Canadian Electrical Code meansCSA Standard C22.1-1990, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, dated January 1990, andCSA Standard C22.3 No.1-M1979, Overhead Systems and Underground Systems, dated April, 1979; (Code canadien de l’électricité)control device means a device that will safely disconnect electrical equipment from its source of energy; (dispositif de commande)electrical equipment means equipment for the generation, distribution or use of electricity; (outillage électrique)guarantor means a person who gives a guarantee of isolation; (garant)guarded means covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers or casings, barriers, guardrails, screens, mats or platforms to remove the possibility of dangerous contact or approach by persons or objects; (protégé)isolated means separated or disconnected from every source of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or other kind of energy that is capable of making electrical equipment dangerous; (isolé)person in charge means an employee who supervises employees performing work on or a live test of isolated electrical equipment. (responsable)
SOR/88-632, s. 17(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 14;
SOR/98-427, s. 1.
ApplicationThis Part does not apply to the underground workings of mines.
SOR/94-263, s. 15.
StandardsThe design, construction and installation of all electrical equipment shall meet the standards set out in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, in so far as is reasonably practicable.The operation and maintenance of all electrical equipment shall meet the standards set out in the Canadian Electrical Code.
SOR/94-263, s. 16.
Safety ProceduresAll testing or work performed on electrical equipment shall be performed by a qualified person or an employee under the direct supervision of a qualified person.Where the electrical equipment has a voltage in excess of 5,200 V between any two conductors or in excess of 3,000 V between any conductor and ground,the qualified person or the employee referred to in subsection (1) shall use such insulated protection equipment and tools as will protect him from injury during the performance of the work; andthe employee referred to in subsection (1) shall be instructed and trained in the use of the insulated protection equipment and tools.Subject to subsections (2) and (3), no employee shall work on electrical equipment unless the equipment is isolated.If it is not reasonably practicable to isolate the electrical equipment and an employee must work on live equipment, the employer shall instruct the employee in procedures that are safe for live conductors.Where electrical equipment is not live but is capable of becoming live, no employee shall work on the equipment unlessprocedures that are safe for work on live equipment are used; ora safety ground is connected to the equipment.Subject to subsections (5) and (6), where an employee is working on or near electrical equipment that is live or may become live, the electrical equipment shall be guarded.Subject to subsection (6), where it is not practicable for the electrical equipment referred to in subsection (4) to be guarded, the employer shall take measures to protect the employee from injury by insulating the equipment from the employee or the employee from ground.Where live electrical equipment is not guarded or insulated in accordance with subsection (4) or (5) or where the employee referred to in subsection (5) is not insulated from ground, the employee shall not work so near to any live part of the electrical equipment that is within a voltage range listed in column I of an item of the schedule to this Part that the distance between the body of the employee or any thing with which the employee is in contact and the live part of the equipment is less thanthe distance set out in column II of that item, where the employee is not a qualified person; orthe distance set out in column III of that item, where the employee is a qualified person.No employee shall work near a live part of any electrical equipment referred to in subsection (6) where there is a hazard that an unintentional movement by the employee would bring any part of the body of the employee or any thing with which the employee is in contact closer to that live part than the distance referred to in that subsection.
SOR/88-632, s. 18(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 17(F);
SOR/98-427, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 14.
No employee shall work on or near high voltage electrical equipment unless he is authorized to do so by his employer.A legible sign with the words “Danger — High Voltage” and “Danger — Haute Tension” in letters that are not less than 50 mm in height on a contrasting background shall be posted in a conspicuous place at every approach to live high voltage electrical equipment.Safety WatcherWhere an employee is working on or near live electrical equipment and, because of the nature of the work or the condition or location of the work place, it is necessary for the safety of the employee that the work be observed by a person not engaged in the work, the employer shall appoint a safety watcherto warn all employees in the work place of the hazard; andto ensure that all safety precautions and procedures are complied with.A safety watcher shall beinformed of his duties as a safety watcher and of the hazard involved in the work;trained and instructed in the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency;authorized to stop immediately any part of the work that he considers dangerous; andfree of any other duties that might interfere with his duties as a safety watcher.For the purposes of subsection (1), an employer may appoint himself as a safety watcher.Coordination of WorkWhere an employee is working on or in connection with electrical equipment, that employee and every other person who is so working, including every safety watcher, shall be fully informed by the employer with respect to the safe coordination of their work.Poles and Elevated StructuresBefore an employee climbs a pole or elevated structure that is used to support electrical equipment, the employer shall give instructions and training to the employee respecting inspections and tests of the pole or structure to be carried out before the pole or structure is climbed.Where, as a result of an inspection or test of a pole or elevated structure referred to in subsection (1), it appears to an employee that the pole or structure will be safe for climbing only when temporary supports have been installed, pike-poles alone shall not be used for such supports.No employee shall work on any pole or elevated structure referred to in subsection (1) unless he has been instructed and trained in the rescue of employees who may be injured in the course of the work.Every pole or elevated structure that is embedded in the ground and is used to support electrical equipment shall meet the standards set out inCSA Standard CAN3-015-M83, Wood Utility Poles and Reinforcing Studs, dated January, 1983; orCSA Standard A14-M1979, Concrete Poles, the English version of which is dated September 1979 and the French version of which is dated November 1987.
SOR/94-263, s. 18.
Isolation of Electrical EquipmentBefore an employee isolates electrical equipment or changes or terminates the isolation of electrical equipment, the employer shall issue written instructions with respect to the procedures to be followed for the safe performance of that work.The instructions referred to in subsection (1) shall be signed by the employer and shall specifythe date and hour when the instructions are issued;the date and hour of the commencement and of the termination of the period during which the instructions are to be followed;the name of the employee to whom the instructions are issued; andwhere the instructions are in respect of the operation of a control device that affects the isolation of the electrical equipment,the device to which the instructions apply, andwhere applicable, the correct sequence of procedures.A copy of the instructions referred to in subsection (1) shall be shown and explained to the employee.The instructions referred to in subsection (1) shall be kept readily available for examination by employees for the period referred to in paragraph (2)(b) and thereafter shall be kept by the employer for a period of one year at his place of business nearest to the work place in which the electrical equipment is located.
SOR/88-632, s. 19((F).
Subject to subsection (4), no work on or live test of isolated electrical equipment shall be performed unlessisolation of the equipment has been confirmed by test; andthe employer has determined, on the basis of visual observation, that every control device and every locking device necessary to establish and maintain the isolation of the equipmentis set in the safe position with the disconnecting contacts of control devices safely separated or, in the case of a draw-out type electrical switch gear, is withdrawn to its full extent from the contacts of the electrical switch gear,is locked out, andbears a distinctive tag or sign designed to notify persons that operation of the control device and movement of the locking device are prohibited during the performance of the work or live test.Where more than one employee is performing any work on or live test of isolated electrical equipment, a separate tag or sign for each such employee shall be attached to each control device and locking device referred to in subsection (1).The tag or sign referred to in subparagraph (1)(b)(iii) or subsection (2) shallcontain the words “DO NOT OPERATE — DÉFENSE D’ACTIONNER” or display a symbol conveying the same meaning;show the date and hour that the control device and the locking device referred to in paragraph (1)(b) were set in the safe position or were withdrawn to their full extent from the contacts;show the name of the employee performing the work or live test;where used in connection with a live test, be distinctively marked as a testing tag or sign;be removed only by the employee performing the work or live test; andbe used for no purpose other than the purpose referred to in paragraph (1)(b)(iii).Where, because of the nature of the work in which the electrical equipment is being used, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1), no work on or live test of electrical equipment shall be performed unless a guarantee of isolation referred to in section 8.14 is given to the person in charge.
SOR/88-632, s. 20(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 19(F).
Guarantees of Isolation for Electrical Equipment[SOR/88-632, s. 21(F)]No employee shall give or receive a guarantee of isolation for electrical equipment unless he is authorized in writing by his employer to give or receive a guarantee of isolation.Not more than one employee shall give a guarantee of isolation for a piece of electrical equipment for the same period of time.Before an employee performs work on or a live test of isolated electrical equipment, the person in charge shall receive from the guarantora written guarantee of isolation; orwhere owing to an emergency it is not practicable for the person in charge to receive a written guarantee of isolation, a non-written guarantee of isolation.A written guarantee of isolation referred to in paragraph (3)(a) shall be signed by the guarantor and by the person in charge and shall contain the following information:the date and hour when the guarantee of isolation is given to the person in charge;the date and hour when the electrical equipment will become isolated;the date and hour when the isolation will be terminated, if known;the procedures by which isolation is assured;the name of the guarantor and the person in charge; anda statement as to whether live tests are to be performed.Where a non-written guarantee of isolation referred to in paragraph (3)(b) is given, a written record thereof shall forthwithbe made by the guarantor; andbe made and signed by the person in charge.A written record referred to in subsection (5) shall contain the information referred to in subsection (4).Every written guarantee of isolation and every written record referred to in subsection (5) shall bekept by the person in charge readily available for examination by the employee performing the work or live test until the work or live test is completed;given to the employer when the work or live test is completed; andkept by the employer for a period of one year after the completion of the work or live test at his place of business nearest to the work place in which the electrical equipment is located.
SOR/88-632, ss. 21, 22;
SOR/94-263, s. 20(F);
SOR/96-525, s. 13.
Where a written guarantee of isolation or a written record of an oral guarantee of isolation is given to a person in charge and the person in charge is replaced at the work place by another person in charge before the guarantee has terminated, the other person in charge shall sign the written guarantee of isolation or written record of the oral guarantee of isolation.
SOR/88-632, s. 23(F).
Before an employee gives a guarantee of isolation for electrical equipment that obtains all or any portion of its electrical energy from a source that is not under his direct control, the employee shall obtain a guarantee of isolation in respect of the source from the person who is in direct control thereof and is authorized to give the guarantee in respect thereof.
SOR/88-632, s. 23(F).
Live TestNo employee shall give a guarantee of isolation for the performance of a live test on isolated electrical equipment unlessany other guarantee of isolation given in respect of the electrical equipment for any part of the period for which the guarantee of isolation is given is terminated;every person to whom the other guarantee of isolation referred to in paragraph (a) was given has been informed of its termination; andany live test to be performed on the electrical equipment will not be hazardous to the health or safety of the person performing the live test.Every person performing a live test shall warn all persons who, during or as a result of the test, are likely to be exposed to a hazard.
SOR/88-632, s. 23(F);
SOR/2002-208, s. 39.
Termination of Guarantee of IsolationEvery person in charge shall, when work on or a live test of isolated electrical equipment is completed,inform the guarantor thereof; andmake and sign a record in writing containing the date and hour when he so informed the guarantor and the name of the guarantor.On receipt of the information referred to in subsection (1), the guarantor shall make and sign a record in writing containingthe date and hour when the work or live test was completed; andthe name of the person in charge.The records referred to in subsections (1) and (2) shall be kept by the employer for a period of one year after the date of signature thereof at his place of business nearest to the work place in which the electrical equipment is located.
SOR/88-632, s. 24(F).
Safety GroundingNo employee shall attach a safety ground to electrical equipment unless he has tested the electrical equipment and has established that it is isolated.Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of electrical equipment that is grounded by means of a grounding switch that is an integral part of the equipment.
SOR/88-632, s. 25(F).
Subject to subsection (2), no work shall be performed on any electrical equipment in an area in which is locateda grounding bus,a station grounding network,a neutral conductor,temporary phase grounding, ora metal structureunless the equipment referred to in paragraphs (a) to (e) is connected to a common grounding network.Where, after the connections referred to in subsection (1) are made, a safety ground is required to ensure the safety of an employee working on the electrical equipment referred to in that subsection, the safety ground shall be connected to the common grounding network.Every conducting part of a safety ground on isolated electrical equipment shall have sufficient current carrying capacity to conduct the maximum current that is likely to be carried on any part of the equipment for such time as is necessary to permit operation of any device that is installed on the electrical equipment so that, in the event of a short circuit or other electrical current overload, the electrical equipment is automatically disconnected from its source of electrical energy.
SOR/88-632, s. 26(F).
For the purposes of subsection (2), apoint of safety grounding meansa grounding bus, a station grounding network, a neutral conductor, a metal structure or an aerial ground, orone or more metal rods that are not less than 16 mm in diameter and are driven not less than l m into undisturbed compact earth at a minimum distance of 4.5 m from the base of the pole, structure, apparatus or other thing to which the electrical equipment is attached or from the area where persons on the ground work and in a direction away from the main work area. (point de mise à la terre)No safety ground shall be attached to or disconnected from isolated electrical equipment except in accordance with the following requirements:the safety ground shall, to the extent that is practicable, be attached to the pole, structure, apparatus or other thing to which the electrical equipment is attached;all isolated conductors, neutral conductors and all non-insulated surfaces of the electrical equipment shall be short-circuited, electrically bonded together and attached by a safety ground to a point of safety grounding in a manner that establishes equal voltage on all surfaces that can be touched by persons who work on the electrical equipment;the safety ground shall be attached by means of mechanical clamps that are tightened securely and are in direct contact with bare metal;the safety ground shall be so secured that none of its parts can make contact accidentally with any live electrical equipment;the safety ground shall be attached and disconnected using insulated protection equipment and tools;the safety ground shall, before it is attached to isolated electrical equipment, be attached to a point of safety grounding; andthe safety ground shall, before being disconnected from the point of safety grounding, be removed from the isolated electrical equipment in such a manner that the employee avoids contact with all live conductors.
SOR/88-632, s. 27;
SOR/94-263, s. 21(F);
SOR/98-427, s. 3(F).
Switches and Control DevicesEvery control device shall be so designed and located as to permit quick and safe operation at all times.The path of access to every electrical switch, control device or meter shall be free from obstruction.Where an electrical switch or other device controlling the supply of electrical energy to electrical equipment is operated only by a person authorized to do so by the employer, the switch or other device shall be fitted with a locking device that only an authorized person can activate.(Subsection 8.5(6))DISTANCES FROM LIVE ELECTRICAL PARTS
Column IColumn IIColumn IIIItemVoltage Range of Part : Part to GroundDistance in metresDistance in metres1.Over425 to 12,000 30.92.Over12,000 to 22,000 31.23.Over22,000 to 50,000 31.54.Over50,000 to 90,000 4.51.85.Over90,000 to 120,000 4.52.16.Over120,000 to 150,000 62.77.Over150,000 to 250,000 63.38.Over250,000 to 300,000 7.53.99.Over300,000 to 350,000 7.54.510.Over350,000 to 400,000 95.4
SOR/98-427, s. 4.
SANITATIONInterpretationIn this Part,ARI means the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute of the United States; (ARI)Canadian Plumbing Code means the Canadian Plumbing Code, 1985; (Code canadien de la plomberie)field accommodation means fixed or mobile accommodation that is living, eating or sleeping quarters provided by an employer for the accommodation of employees at a work place; (logement sur place)mobile accommodation means field accommodation that may be easily and quickly moved. (logement mobile)GeneralEvery employer shall maintain each personal service room and food preparation area used by employees in a clean and sanitary condition.Personal service rooms and food preparation areas shall be so used by employees that the rooms or areas will remain as clean and in such a sanitary condition as is possible.All janitorial work that may cause dusty or unsanitary conditions shall be carried out in a manner that will prevent the contamination of the air by dust or other substances injurious to health.Each personal service room shall be cleaned at least once every day that it is used.Every plumbing system that supplies potable water and removes water-borne wasteshall meet the standards set out in the Canadian Plumbing Code; andsubject to subsection (2), shall be connected to a municipal sanitation sewer or water main.Where it is not practicable to comply with paragraph (1)(b), the employer shall provide a waste disposal system that meets the standards set out in ANSI standard ANSI Z4.3-1979, Minimum Requirements for Nonsewered Waste-Disposal Systems, dated November 8, 1978.
SOR/94-263, s. 22(F).
Each container that is used for solid or liquid waste in the work place shallbe equipped with a tight-fitting cover;be so constructed that it can easily be cleaned and maintained in a sanitary condition;be leak-proof; andwhere there may be internal pressure in the container, be so designed that the pressure is relieved by controlled ventilation.Each container referred to in subsection (1) shall be emptied at least once every day that it is used.Each enclosed part of a work place, each personal service room and each food preparation area shall be constructed, equipped and maintained in a manner that will prevent the entrance of vermin.Where vermin have entered any enclosed part of a work place, personal service room or food preparation area, the employer shall immediately take all steps necessary to eliminate the vermin and prevent the re-entry of the vermin.No person shall use a personal service room for the purpose of storing equipment unless a closet fitted with a door is provided in that room for that purpose.
SOR/88-632, s. 28(F).
In each personal service room and food preparation area, the temperature, measured one metre above the floor in the centre of the room or area, shall be maintained at a level of not less than 18°C and, where reasonably practicable, not more than 29°C.
SOR/94-263, s. 23(F).
In each personal service room and food preparation area, the floors, partitions and walls shall be so constructed that they can be easily washed and maintained in a sanitary condition.The floor and lower 150 mm of any walls and partitions in any food preparation area or toilet room shall be water-tight and impervious to moisture.
SOR/94-263, s. 24(E).
Where separate personal service rooms are provided for employees of each sex, each room shall be equipped with a door that is self-closing and is clearly marked to indicate the sex of the employees for whom the room is provided.Toilet RoomsWhere it is reasonably practicable, a toilet room shall be provided for employees and, subject to section 9.13, where persons of both sexes are employed at the same work place, a separate toilet room shall be provided for employees of each sex.Subject to subsections (3) and (4), where a toilet room is provided in accordance with subsection (1), the employer shall provide in that room a number of toilets determined according to the maximum number of employees of each sex who are normally employed by him at any one time at the same work place as follows:where the number of such employees does not exceed nine, one toilet;where the number of such employees exceeds nine but does not exceed 24, two toilets;where the number of such employees exceeds 24 but does not exceed 49, three toilets;where the number of such employees exceeds 49 but does not exceed 74, four toilets;where the number of such employees exceeds 74 but does not exceed 100, five toilets; andwhere the number of such employees exceeds 100, five toilets and one toilet for every 30 such employees or portion of that number in excess of 100.Subject to subsection (4), where the class of employment in a work place is the transaction of business or the rendering of professional or personal services, the number of toilets provided by the employer in accordance with subsection (2) may be reducedwhere the number of employees of each sex does not exceed 25, to one toilet;where the number of employees of each sex exceeds 25 but does not exceed 50, to two toilets; andwhere the number of employees of each sex exceeds 50, to three toilets and one toilet for every 50 employees or portion of that number in excess of 50.An employer may substitute urinals for up to two-thirds of the number of toilets required by subsection (2) or (3) to be provided for male employees.For the purposes of subsections (2) and (3), an employee who is normally away from his work place for more than 75 per cent of his working time and does not normally use the toilet room in the work place shall not be counted.Where reasonably practicable, toilet rooms and wash basins separate from those used by other employees shall be provided for food handlers.
SOR/88-632, s. 29(F).
Subject to subsection (2), an employer may provide only one toilet for both male and female employees ifthe total number of employees normally employed by him in the work place at any one time does not exceed five; andthe door of the toilet room is fitted on the inside with a locking device.Where the class of employment in a work place is the transaction of business or the rendering of professional or personal services, the employer may provide only one toilet for both male and female employees ifthe total number of employees normally employed by him in the work place at any one time does not exceed 10 or the area of the work place does not exceed 100 m2; andthe door of the toilet room is fitted on the inside with a locking device.
SOR/88-632, s. 30(F).
Toilet rooms shall be located not more than 60 m from and not more than one storey above or below each work place.Every toilet room shall be so designed thatit is completely enclosed with solid material that is non-transparent from the outside;no toilet or urinal is visible when the door of the toilet room is open;it has a ceiling height of not less than 2.2 m;where the toilet room contains more than one toilet, each toilet is enclosed in a separate compartment fitted with a door and an inside locking device; andthe walls of each separate toilet compartment are designed and constructed to provide a reasonable amount of privacy for its occupant.Toilet paper on a holder or in a dispenser shall be providedwhere there is only one toilet in a toilet room, in that toilet room; andin each toilet compartment.A covered container for the disposal of sanitary napkins shall be provided in each toilet room provided for the use of female employees.Wash BasinsHot water provided for personal washingshall be maintained at a temperature of not less than 35°C and not more than 43°C; andshall not be heated by mixing with steam.Subject to sections 9.20 and 9.21, every employer shall provide for each toilet room wash basins supplied with cold water and hot water that meets the requirements of section 9.18 as follows:where the room contains one or two toilets or urinals, one wash basin; andwhere the room contains more than two toilets or urinals, one wash basin for every two toilets or urinals.Where an outdoor privy is provided by an employer, the employer shall provide wash basins required by subsection (1) as close to the outdoor privy as is reasonably practicable.
SOR/88-632, s. 31;
SOR/94-263, s. 25(F).
Subject to section 9.21, where a toilet room is provided and the work environment of employees is such that their health is likely to be endangered by a hazardous substance coming into contact with their skin, the employer shall provide a wash room with individual wash basins supplied with cold water and hot water that meets the requirements of section 9.18 as follows:where the number of those employees does not exceed five, one wash basin;where the number of those employees exceeds five but does not exceed 10, two wash basins;where the number of those employees exceeds 10 but does not exceed 15, three wash basins;where the number of those employees exceeds 15 but does not exceed 20, four wash basins; andwhere the number of those employees exceeds 20, four wash basins and one additional wash basin for every 15 of those employees or portion of that number in excess of 20.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 32(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 65(F);
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
An industrial wash trough or circular wash basin of a capacity equivalent to the aggregate of the minimum standard capacities of the wash basins referred to in sections 9.19 and 9.20 may be provided in place of the wash basins.An industrial wash trough or circular wash basin referred to in subsection (1) shall be supplied with cold water and hot water that meets the requirements of section 9.18.
SOR/94-263, s. 26.
In every personal service room that contains a wash basin, the employer shall providepowdered or liquid soap or other cleaning agent in a dispenser at each wash basin or between adjoining wash basins;sufficient sanitary hand drying facilities to serve the number of employees using the personal service room; anda non-combustible container for the disposal of used towels where towels are provided.Showers and Shower RoomsA shower room with a door fitted on the inside with a locking device and at least one shower head for every 10 employees or portion of that number shall be provided for employees who regularly perform strenuous physical work in a high temperature or high humidity or whose bodies may be contaminated by a hazardous substance.Every shower receptor shall be constructed and arranged in such a way that water cannot leak through the walls or floors.No more than six shower heads shall be served by a single shower drain.Where two or more shower heads are served by a shower drain, the floor shall be sloped and the drain so located that water from one head cannot flow over the area that serves another head.Except for column showers, where a battery of shower heads is installed, the horizontal distance between two adjacent shower heads shall be at least 750 mm.Waterproof finish shall be provided to a height of not less than 1.8 m above the floor in shower rooms and shall consist of ceramic, plastic or metal tile, sheet vinyl, tempered hardboard, laminated thermosetting decorative sheets or linoleum.Finished flooring in shower rooms shall consist of resilient flooring, felted-synthetic fibre floor coverings, concrete terrazzo, ceramic tile, mastic or other types of flooring providing similar degrees of water resistance.Where duck boards are used in showers, they shall not be made of wood.Every shower shall be provided with cold water and hot water that meets the requirements of section 9.18.Where an employee referred to in subsection (1) takes a shower as a result of his work, a clean towel and soap or other cleaning agent shall be provided to him.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 33(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 65(F);
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Potable WaterEvery employer shall provide potable water for drinking, personal washing and food preparation that meets the standards set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality 1978, published by authority of the Minister of National Health and Welfare.Where it is necessary to transport water for drinking, personal washing or food preparation, only sanitary portable water containers shall be used.Where a portable storage container for drinking water is used,the container shall be securely covered and closed;the container shall be used only for the purpose of storing potable water;the container shall not be stored in a toilet room; andthe water shall be drawn from the container bya tap,a ladle used only for the purpose of drawing water from the container, orany other means that precludes the contamination of the water.Except where drinking water is supplied by a drinking fountain, sanitary single-use drinking cups shall be provided.Any ice that is added to drinking water or used for the contact refrigeration of foodstuffs shallbe made from potable water; andbe so stored and handled as to prevent contamination.Where drinking water is supplied by a drinking fountain, the fountain shall meet the standards set out in ARI Standard 1010-82, Standard for Drinking-Fountains and Self-Contained, Mechanically-Refrigerated Drinking-Water Coolers, dated 1982.Field AccommodationAll field accommodation shall meet the following standards:it shall be located on well-drained ground;it shall be so constructed that it can easily be cleaned and disinfected;the food preparation area and lunch room shall be separated from the sleeping quarters;where a water plumbing system is provided, the system shall operate under sanitary conditions;garbage disposal facilities shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of garbage;toilet rooms shall be maintained in a sanitary condition; andvermin prevention, heating, ventilation and sanitary sewage systems shall be provided.
SOR/94-263, s. 27(F).
Living quarters providedin any fixed accommodation shall comprisefor a single occupant, a space of at least 18 m3, andwhere there is more than one occupant, 18 m3 plus 12 m3 for each additional occupant; andin any mobile accommodation shall comprisefor a single occupant, a space of at least 12 m3, andwhere there is more than one occupant, 12 m3 plus 8 m3 for each additional occupant.The living quarters referred to in subsection (1) shall have no floor dimension that is less than 1.5 m.Toilet rooms and locker rooms shall not be counted in the calculation made in accordance with subsection (1).
SOR/88-632, s. 34(F).
All mobile accommodation shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard Z240.2.1-1979, Structural Requirements for Mobile Homes, dated September, 1979, as amended to April, 1984.For the purposes of clause 4.12.4 of the Standard referred to in subsection (1), there is no other approved method.In any field accommodation provided as sleeping quarters for employeesa separate bed or bunk shall be provided for each employee;the beds or bunks shall not be more than double-tiered and shall be so constructed that they can be cleaned and disinfected;mattresses, sheets, pillow cases, blankets and bed covers shall be provided for each employee and kept in a clean and sanitary condition;clean laundered sheets and pillow cases shall be provided for each employee at least once each week; andat least one shelf and a locker fitted with a locking device shall be provided for each employee.Preparation, Handling, Storage and Serving of FoodEach food handler shall be instructed and trained in food handling practices that prevent the contamination of food.No person who is suffering from a communicable disease shall work as a food handler.Where food is served in a work place, the employer shall adopt and implement Section G of the Sanitation Code for Canada’s Foodservice Industry published by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, dated September, 1984, other than items 2 and 11 thereof.Where foods stored by an employer for consumption by employees require refrigeration to prevent them from becoming hazardous to health, the foods shall be maintained at a temperature of 4°C or lower.Where foods stored by an employer for consumption by employees require freezing to prevent them from becoming hazardous to health, the foods shall be maintained at a temperature of -11°C or lower.
SOR/88-632, s. 35.
All equipment and utensils that come into contact with food shall bedesigned to be easily cleaned;smooth, free from cracks, crevices, pitting or unnecessary indentations; andcleaned to maintain their surfaces in a sanitary condition.No person shall eat, prepare or store foodin a place where a hazardous substance may contaminate food, dishes or utensils;in a personal service room that contains a toilet, urinal or shower; orin any other place where food is likely to be contaminated.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Food Waste and GarbageNo food waste or garbage shall be stored in a food preparation area.Food waste and garbage shall be handled and removed from a food preparation area or lunch room in accordance with subsections (3) to (5).Wet food waste and garbage shall bedisposed of by mechanical grinders or choppers connected to sewage disposal lines; orheld in leak-proof, non-absorptive, easily-cleaned containers with tight-fitting covers in a separate enclosed area or container until removal for disposal.Dry food waste and garbage shall be removed or incinerated.Food waste and garbage containers shall be kept covered and the food waste and garbage removed as frequently as is necessary to prevent unsanitary conditions.Food waste and garbage containers shall, each time they are emptied, be cleansed and disinfected in an area separate from the food preparation area.
SOR/88-632, s. 36(F).
Lunch RoomsEvery lunch room provided by the employershall be separated from any place where a hazardous substance may contaminate food, dishes or utensils;shall not be used for any purpose that is incompatible with its use as a lunch room;shall not have any dimension of less than 2.3 m;shall have a minimum floor area of 9 m2;shall have 1.1 m2 of floor area for each of the employees who normally use the room at any one time;shall be furnished with a sufficient number of tables and seats to accommodate adequately the number of employees normally using the lunch room at any one time; andshall be provided with non-combustible covered receptacles for the disposal of waste food or other waste material.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 37(F);
SOR/2001-321, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
VentilationEach personal service room and food preparation area shall be ventilated to provide at least two changes of air per hourby mechanical means, where the room is normally used by 10 or more employees at any one time; orby mechanical means or natural ventilation through a window or similar opening, where the room is used by fewer than 10 employees ifthe window or similar opening is located on an outside wall of the room, andnot less than 0.2 m2 of unobstructed ventilation is provided for each of the employees who normally use the room at any one time.Where an employer provides ventilation by mechanical means in accordance with paragraph (1)(a), the amount of air provided for a type of room set out in Column I of an item of the schedule to this Part shall be not less than that set out in Column II of that item.Where an employer provides for the ventilation of a food preparation area or a lunch room by mechanical means in accordance with paragraph (1)(a), the rate of change of air shall be not less than nine litres per second for each employee who is normally employed in the food preparation area at any one time or for each employee who uses the lunch room at any one time.
SOR/88-632, s. 38(F).
Subject to subsection (2), any exhaust system from a personal service room containing a toilet or a shower shall not be connected with any other exhaust or air supply system.The exhaust system for a personal service room containing a toilet or shower may be connected with the exhaust duct of another room at the exhaust fan inlet if the system is connected in such a manner that an exchange of air cannot occur between the rooms.
SOR/88-632, s. 39.
Clothing StorageClothing storage facilities shall be provided by the employer for the storage of overcoats and outer clothes not worn by employees while they are working.A change room shall be provided by the employer wherethe nature of the work engaged in by an employee makes it necessary for that employee to change from street clothes to work clothes for health or safety reasons; oran employee is regularly engaged in work in which his work clothing becomes wet or contaminated by a hazardous substance.Where wet or contaminated work clothing referred to in paragraph (1)(b) is changed, it shall be stored in such a manner that it does not come in contact with clothing that is not wet or contaminated.No employee shall leave the work place wearing clothing contaminated by a hazardous substance.Every employer shall supply drying and cleaning facilities for the purpose of drying or cleaning wet or contaminated clothing referred to in paragraph (1)(b).In each change room,a floor area of at least 0.4 m2 shall be provided for each of the employees who normally use the room at any one time; andwhere it is necessary for the employees to change footwear, seats shall be provided in sufficient numbers to accommodate them.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 40(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 28(F);
SOR/2002-208, ss. 42, 43(F).
To the extent that is reasonably practicable, the clothing storage facilities referred to in section 9.43 and the change room referred to in section 9.44 shall be locatednear the work place and connected thereto by a completely covered route;on a direct route to the entrance to the work place;near a shower room provided pursuant to section 9.23; andnear a toilet room.(Subsection 9.41(2))MINIMUM VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CHANGE ROOMS, TOILET ROOMS AND SHOWER ROOMS
Column IColumn IIItemType of RoomVentilation Requirements in litres per second1.Change Roomfor employees with clean work clothes5 L/s per m2 of floor areafor employees with wet or sweaty work clothes10 L/s per m2 of floor area; 3 L/s exhausted from each lockerfor employees who work where work clothes pick up heavy odours15 L/s per m2 of floor area; 4 L/s exhausted from each locker2.Toilet Room10 L/s per m2 of floor area; at least 10 L/s per toilet compartment; minimum 90 L/s3.Shower Room10 L/s per m2 of floor area; at least 20 L/s per shower head; minimum 90 L/s
SOR/88-632, s. 41(F).
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES[SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F)]InterpretationIn this Part,airborne chrysotile asbestos means airborne fibres longer than 5 micrometers (µm) with an aspect ratio equal to or greater than 3:1; (fibres de chrysotile aéroportées)hazard information, in respect of a hazardous substance, means information on the proper and safe storage, handling, use and disposal of the hazardous substance, including information relating to its toxicological properties; (renseignements sur les risques)product identifier, in respect of a hazardous substance, means the brand name, code name or code number specified by the supplier or employer or the chemical name, common name, generic name or trade name; (identificateur du produit)readily available means present in an appropriate place in a physical copy form that can be handled; (facilement accessible)supplier means a person who is a manufacturer, processor or packager of a hazardous substance or a person who, in the course of business, imports or sells a hazardous substance. (fournisseur)
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
ApplicationThis Part does not apply to the handling or transportation of dangerous goods to which the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 and regulations made thereunder apply.
SOR/88-68, ss. 5, 14;
SOR/94-263, s. 29;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
GENERALRecords of Hazardous SubstancesEvery employer shall keep and maintain a record of all hazardous substances that, in the work place, are used, produced, handled, or stored for use in the work place, and may either keep and maintain such a record in the work place or keep and maintain a centralized record in respect of several work places, in one work place.
SOR/94-263, s. 30;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Hazard InvestigationIf there is a likelihood that the health or safety of an employee in a work place is or may be endangered by exposure to a hazardous substance, the employer shall, without delay,appoint a qualified person to carry out an investigation in that regard; andfor the purposes of providing for the participation of the work place committee or the health and safety representative in the investigation, notify either of the proposed investigation and of the name of the qualified person appointed to carry out that investigation.In an investigation referred to in subsection (1), the following criteria shall be taken into consideration:the chemical, biological and physical properties of the hazardous substance;the routes of exposure to the hazardous substance;the acute and chronic effects on health of exposure to the hazardous substance;the quantity of the hazardous substance to be handled;the manner in which the hazardous substance is stored, used, handled and disposed of;the control methods used to eliminate or reduce exposure of employees to the hazardous substance;the concentration or level of the hazardous substance to which an employee is likely to be exposed;whether the concentration of an airborne chemical agent or the level of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation is likely to exceed 50 per cent of the values referred to in subsection 10.19(1) or the levels referred to in subsections 10.26(3) and (4); andwhether the level referred to in paragraph (g) is likely to exceed or be less than that prescribed in Part VI.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, ss. 15, 43(F).
On completion of an investigation referred to in subsection 10.4(1) and after consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative,the qualified person shall set out in a written report signed by the qualified personthe qualified person’s observations respecting the criteria considered in accordance with subsection 10.4(2), andthe qualified person’s recommendations respecting the manner of compliance with sections 10.7 to 10.26, including recommendations respecting sampling and testing methods; andthe employer shall develop and maintain a written procedure for the control of the concentration or level of the hazardous substance in the work place.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/94-263, s. 31;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, ss. 16, 43(F).
A report referred to in section 10.5 shall be kept by the employer for a period of thirty years after the date on which the qualified person signed the report.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Medical ExaminationsWhere a report referred to in section 10.5 recommends a medical examination for the employees likely to be exposed to a hazardous substance, the employer shall consult a physician to ascertain the necessity for that medical examination.The employer, having consulted a physician pursuant to subsection (1) who has confirmed the necessity for a medical examination, shall not permit an employee to handle the hazardous substance in the work place unless a physician acceptable to the employee has examined the employee and declared the employee fit, or fit with specified restrictions, to handle the hazardous substance.Where the physician examining an employee pursuant to subsection (2) declares the employee fit with specified restrictions to handle the hazardous substance, the employer shall not permit the employee to handle the hazardous substance in the work place except in accordance with the specified restrictions.Where an employer consults a physician pursuant to subsection (1), the employer shall keep a copy of the physician’s decision with the report referred to in section 10.5.The cost of a medical examination referred to in subsection (2) shall be borne by the employer.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Storage, Handling and UseEvery hazardous substance stored, handled or used in a work place shall be stored, handled or used in a manner whereby the hazard related to that substance is reduced to a minimum.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Where a hazardous substance is stored, handled or used in a work place, any hazard resulting from that storage, handling or use shall be confined to as small an area as is practicable.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/94-263, s. 32(F);
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Every container for a hazardous substance that is used in a work place shall be so designed and constructed that it protects the employees from any health or safety hazard that is caused by the hazardous substance.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 42(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 33;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 17.
The quantity of a hazardous substance for use or processing in a work place shall, to the extent that is practicable, be limited to the quantity required for one work day.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Where, in a work place, a hazardous substance is capable of combining with another substance to form an ignitable combination and there exists a hazard of ignition of the combination by static electricity, the employer shall implement the standards set out in the United States National Fire Protection Association, Inc. publication NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity, dated 1988, as amended from time to time.For the purpose of interpreting the standards referred to in subsection (1), acceptable means appropriate.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 43;
SOR/94-263, s. 34;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Warning of Hazardous SubstancesWhere a hazardous substance is stored, handled or used in a work place, warnings shall be given in appropriate places at access points warning every person granted access to the work place of the presence of the hazardous substance and of any precautions to be taken to prevent or reduce any hazard of injury to health.
SOR/88-68, ss. 6, 14;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/96-525, s. 14;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Employee EducationEvery employer shall, in consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative, develop and implement an employee education program with respect to hazard prevention and control at the work place.The employee education program referred to in subsection (1) shall includethe instruction of each employee who is likely to handle or be exposed to a hazardous substance with respect tothe product identifier of the hazardous substance,all hazard information disclosed by the supplier or by the employer on a material safety data sheet or label,all hazard information of which the employer is aware or ought reasonably to be aware,the observations referred to in subparagraph 10.5(a)(i),the information disclosed on a material safety data sheet referred to in section 10.28 and the purpose and significance of that information, andin respect of controlled products in the work place, the information required to be disclosed on a material safety data sheet and on a label under Division III and the purpose and significance of that information;the instruction and training of each employee who installs, operates, maintains or repairs an assembly of pipes or any other equipment referred to in section 10.24, with respect toevery valve and other control and safety device connected to the assembly of pipes, andthe procedures to follow for the proper and safe use of the assembly of pipes;the instruction and training of each employee referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) with respect tothe procedures to follow to implement sections 10.8, 10.9 and 10.12, andthe procedures to follow for the safe storage, handling, use and disposal of hazardous substances, including procedures to be followed in an emergency involving a hazardous substance; andwhere the employer keeps a computerized version of a material safety data sheet available in accordance with subsection 10.34(2), the instruction and training referred to in paragraph 10.34(2)(b) in accessing that material safety data sheet.Every employer shall, in consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative, review the employee education program referred to in subsection (1) and if necessary, revise itat least once a year;whenever there is a change in conditions in respect of the hazardous substances in the work place; andwhenever new hazard information in respect of a hazardous substance in the work place becomes available to the employer.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, ss. 18, 43(F).
The employer shall keep a written or computerized record of the instruction and training given to every employee andmake it readily available for examination by the employee; andkeep it for a period of two years after the employee ceasesto handle or be exposed to the hazardous substance, orto install, operate, maintain or repair the assembly of pipes.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Substitution of SubstancesNo person shall use a hazardous substance in a work place where it is reasonably practicable to substitute a substance for it that is not a hazardous substance.Where a hazardous substance is to be used for any purpose in a work place and an equivalent substance that is less hazardous is available to be used for that purpose, the equivalent substance shall be substituted for the hazardous substance where reasonably practicable.
SOR/88-68, ss. 8, 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 44(F);
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
VentilationEvery ventilation system installed on or after January 1, 1997 to control the concentration of an airborne hazardous substance shall be so designed, constructed, installed, operated and maintained thatthe concentration of the airborne hazardous substance does not exceed the values and levels prescribed in subsections 10.19(1) and 10.20(1) and (2); andit meets the standards set out inPart 6 of the National Building Code,the publication of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists entitled Industrial Ventilation, 20th edition, dated 1988, as amended from time to time, orANSI Standard ANSI Z9.2-1979 entitled Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local Exhaust Systems, dated 1979, as amended from time to time.To the extent that is reasonably practicable, every ventilation system installed before January 1, 1997 to control the concentration of an airborne hazardous substance shall be maintained so as to meet the requirements set out in subsection (1).
SOR/88-68, s. 9;
SOR/94-263, s. 35;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Before a ventilation system referred to in subsection 10.17(1) is operated for the first time in a work place, the employer shall set out in writing instructions pertaining to the inspection, testing and maintenance of that ventilation system.The instructions referred to in subsection (1) shall specify the nature and frequency of inspections, tests and maintenance to be performed on the ventilation system.The employer shall ensure that a qualified personcarries out each inspection, testing and maintenance of the ventilation system in accordance with the instructions referred to in subsection (1); andmakes and signs a report with respect to each inspection, test or maintenance work.A report referred to in paragraph (3)(b) shallinclude the date of the inspection, test or maintenance work performed by the qualified person;identify the ventilation system that was inspected, tested or maintained; andset out the safety observations of the qualified person in respect of the ventilation system.The employer shall keep at the work place at which the ventilation system is located a copy ofthe instructions referred to in subsection (1), andthe most recent report referred to in paragraph (3)(b).The employer shall give to every operator of a ventilation system the necessary instruction and training for the safe and proper use of the system.The employer shall keep a written or computerized record of the instruction and training given to every operator of a ventilation system for as long as the operator remains in the employer’s employ.
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Control of HazardsAn employee shall be kept free from exposure to a concentration ofan airborne chemical agent, other than grain dust or airborne chrysotile asbestos, in excess of the value for that chemical agent adopted by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, in its publication entitled Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, dated 1994-1995, as amended from time to time;airborne grain dust in excess of 10 mg/m3; orairborne chrysotile asbestos in excess of one fibre per cubic centimetre.Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of concentrations of carbon dioxide or respirable dust in the underground portion of a coal mine.Where there is a likelihood that the concentration of an airborne chemical agent may exceed the value referred to in subsection (1), air samples shall be taken and the concentration of the chemical agent shall be determinedin accordance with the standards set out by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists in its publication entitled Manual of Analytical Methods Recommended for Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheric Contaminants, dated 1958, as amended from time to time;in accordance with the standards set out by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, third edition, volumes 1 and 2, dated February, 1984, as amended from time to time;in accordance with a method that collects and analyses a representative sample of the chemical agent with accuracy and with detection levels at least equal to those which would be obtained if the standards referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) were used; orwhere no specific standards for the chemical agent are set out in the publications referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) and no method is available under paragraph (c), in accordance with a scientifically proven method used to collect and analyse a representative sample of the chemical agent.A written or computerized record of each test made pursuant to subsection (3) shall be kept by the employer at the employer’s place of business nearest to the work place where the air sample was taken, for a period of three years after the date of the test.A record referred to in subsection (4) shall includethe date, time and location of the test;the hazardous substance in respect of which the test was made;the sampling and testing method used;the result obtained; andthe name and occupation of the person who made the test.
SOR/88-68, ss. 10, 14;
SOR/94-263, s. 37(F);
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/98-427, s. 5;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Subject to subsection (2), the concentration of an airborne chemical agent or combination of airborne chemical agents in the work place shall be less than 50 per cent of the lower explosive limit of the chemical agent or combination of chemical agents.Where a source of ignition may ignite an airborne chemical agent or combination of airborne chemical agents in the work place, the maximum concentration of the chemical agent or of the combination of chemical agents shall be 10 per cent of the lower explosive limit of the chemical agent or combination of chemical agents.Subsection (2) does not apply in respect of concentrations of methane gas in the underground portion of a coal mine.
SOR/88-68, ss. 11(E), 14(F);
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Compressed air, gas or steam shall not be used for blowing dust or other substances from structures, machinery or materials wherethere is a risk of any person being directly exposed to the jet or where a fire, explosion, injury or health hazard is likely to result from such use; orsuch use would result in a concentration of an airborne hazardous substance in excess of the values referred to in paragraphs 10.19(1)(a) and (c) or the limits referred to in subsections 10.20(1) and (2).
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 46(F);
SOR/90-180, s. 1;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/98-427, s. 6;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning clothing contaminated with:asbestos; ora hazardous substance having an exposure limit referred to in paragraph 10.19(1)(a) or (b) lower than 1 mg/m3.Where compressed air is used to clean clothing,appropriate eye protection shall be worn; andthe maximum compressed air pressure in the pipeline shall be 69 kPa (10 psi) or a safety nozzle limiting the air pressure to no more than 69kPa (10 psi) shall be used.
SOR/88-632, s. 47;
SOR/90-180, s. 2;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
WarningsWhere reasonably practicable, the employer shall provide automated warning and detection systems where the seriousness of any exposure to a hazardous substance so requires.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Assembly of PipesEvery assembly of pipes, pipe fittings, valves, safety devices, pumps, compressors and other fixed equipment that is used for transferring a hazardous substance from one location to another shall belabelled to identify the hazardous substance transferred therein and, where appropriate, the direction of the flow; andfitted with valves and other control and safety devices to ensure its safe operation, maintenance and repair.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
ExplosivesAll blasting using dynamite or other explosives shall be done by a qualified person who, where required under the laws of the province in which the blasting is carried out, holds a blasting certificate or such other authorization as may be required under those laws.
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Ionizing and Non-ionizing RadiationWhere a device that is capable of producing and emitting energy in the form of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation is used in the work place, the employer shallif the device is listed in the schedule to this Division, make a report in writing to the Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau of the Department of Health, setting out a description of the device and the location of the work place; andif the device is referred to in subsection (2), implement the applicable document, as amended from time to time, published by the Department of National Health and Welfare, as specified in one of paragraphs (2)(a) to (k) or published by ANSI, as specified in paragraph (2)(l).For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the applicable document isin respect of radio frequency and microwave devices in the frequency range from 10 kHz to 300 GHz, Safety Code - 6, dated 1990;in respect of X-ray equipment in medical diagnosis, Safety Code - 20A, dated 1980;in respect of baggage inspection X-ray equipment, Safety Code - 21, dated 1978;in respect of dental X-ray equipment, Safety Code - 22, dated 1980;in respect of ultrasound equipment, Safety Code - 23, dated 1989, and Safety Code - 24, dated 1990;in respect of short-wave diathermy equipment, Safety Code - 25, dated 1983;in respect of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy equipment, Safety Code - 26, dated 1987;in respect of industrial X-ray equipment, Safety Code - 27, dated 1987;in respect of veterinary X-ray equipment, Safety Code - 28, dated 1991;in respect of demonstration-type discharge devices, Recommended Safety Procedures for the Selection and Use of Demonstration-Type Discharge Devices in Schools, dated 1979;in respect of dielectric (RF) heaters, Dielectric (RF) Heaters Guidelines for Limiting Radio-Frequency Exposure, dated 1980; andin respect of lasers, ANSI Standard ANSI Z136.1-1986, American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, dated 1986, including its appendices with the exception of Appendix D.If an employee works on or near a device that may emit nuclear energy, the employer shall ensure that the exposure of the employee to nuclear energy does not exceed the radiation dose limits set out in the Radiation Protection Regulations.No employee, other than a nuclear energy worker as defined in section 2 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, shall be exposed in the course of any year to a concentration of radon that on average, over the year, is higher than 800 Bq/m3.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 19.
(Paragraph 10.26(1)(a))DEVICES TO BE REPORTED TO THE BUREAU OF RADIATION AND MEDICAL DEVICES
ItemDevice1.Dental X-ray Equipment2.Baggage Inspection X-ray Equipment3.Demonstration-Type Gas Discharge Device4.Photofluorographic X-ray Equipment5.Electron Microscopes6.Diagnostic X-ray Equipment7.X-ray Diffraction Equipment8.Cabinet X-ray Equipment9.Therapeutic X-ray Equipment10.Industrial X-ray Radiography and Fluoroscopy Equipment11.Analytical X-ray Equipment12.X-ray Spectrometer13.X-ray Equipment Used for Irradiation of Materials14.Electron Welding Equipment15.Electron Processor16.Accelerator17.X-ray Gauge18.Laser Scanner19.Demonstration Laser20.Sunlamp21.Industrial Radiofrequency Heater and Sealer22.Laser23.Ultraviolet Polymerizer24.Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices25.Induction Heater26.Radar27.Telecommunication Transmitter above 5 W28.Nebulizer Ultrasound Equipment29.Non-portable Ultrasonic Cleaner30.Ultrasonic Machining Tool31.Ultrasonic Welding Equipment32.Airborne Ultrasound Pest Repeller33.Short-wave Diathermy34.Microwave Diathermy
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES OTHER THAN CONTROLLED PRODUCTS[SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F)]IdentificationEvery container of a hazardous substance, other than a controlled product, that is stored, handled, used or disposed of in the work place shall be labelled in a manner that discloses clearlythe generic name of the substance; andthe hazard information in respect of the substance.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Where a material safety data sheet in respect of a hazardous substance, other than a controlled product, that is stored, handled or used in the work place may be obtained from the supplier of the hazardous substance, the employer shallobtain a copy of the material safety data sheet; andkeep a copy of the material safety data sheet readily available in the work place for examination by employees.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
CONTROLLED PRODUCTSInterpretationIn this Division,bulk shipment means a shipment of a controlled product that is contained, without an intermediate container or intermediate packaging, ina tank with a water capacity of more than 454 L,a freight container or a portable tank,a road vehicle, railway vehicle or ship, ora pipeline; (expédition en vrac)fugitive emission means a controlled product in gas, liquid or solid form that escapes from processing equipment, from control emission equipment or from a product; (émission fugitive)hazardous waste means a controlled product that is intended solely for disposal or is sold for recycling or recovery; (résidu dangereux)laboratory sample, in respect of a controlled product, means a sample of the controlled product that is intended solely to be tested in a laboratory, but does not include a controlled product that is to be usedby the laboratory for testing other products, materials or substances, orfor educational or demonstration purposes; (échantillon pour laboratoire)manufactured article means any article that is formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture, the intended use of which when in that form is dependent in whole or in part on its shape or design, and that, under normal conditions of use, will not release or otherwise cause a person to be exposed to a controlled product; (article manufacturé)research and development, in respect of a controlled product, means systematic investigation or search carried out in a field of science or technology by means of experiment or analysis, other than investigation or search in respect of market research, sales promotion, quality control or routine testing of controlled products, and includesapplied research, namely, work undertaken for the advancement of scientific knowledge with a specific practical application in view, anddevelopment, namely, use of the results of applied research for the purpose of creating new, or improving existing, processes or controlled products; (recherche et développement)risk phrase, in respect of a controlled product, means a statement identifying a hazard that may arise from the exposure to the controlled product; (mention de risque)sale includes offer for sale, expose for sale and distribute; (vente)supplier label, in respect of a controlled product, means a label prepared by a supplier pursuant to the Hazardous Products Act; (étiquette du fournisseur)supplier material safety data sheet, in respect of a controlled product, means a material safety data sheet prepared by a supplier pursuant to the Hazardous Products Act; (fiche signalétique du fournisseur)work place label, in respect of a controlled product, means a label prepared by an employer pursuant to this Division; (étiquette du lieu de travail)work place material safety data sheet, in respect of a controlled product, means a material safety data sheet prepared by an employer pursuant to subsection 10.33(1) or (2). (fiche signalétique du lieu de travail)
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
ApplicationThis Division does not apply in respect of anywood or product made of wood;tobacco or product made of tobacco; ormanufactured article.This Division, other than section 10.43, does not apply in respect of hazardous waste.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Material Safety Data Sheets and Labels in respect of Certain Controlled ProductsSubject to subsection (2) and section 10.42, every employer shall implement the provisions of sections 10.27 and 10.28 in respect of a controlled product and may, in so doing, replace the generic name of the substance with the product identifier, where the controlled product is a controlled product thatis present in the work place;was received from a supplier; andis one of the following:an explosive within the meaning of section 2 of the Explosives Act,a cosmetic, device, drug or food within the meaning of section 2 of the Food and Drugs Act,a control product within the meaning of section 2 of the Pest Control Products Act,a nuclear substance, within the meaning of section 2 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, that is radioactive, anda product, material or substance included in Part II of Schedule I to the Hazardous Products Act that is packaged as a consumer product.An employer may store a controlled product received from a supplier without having a supplier label on it, without having obtained a material safety data sheet for it and without having conducted a program of employee education with respect to the matters referred to in subparagraphs 10.14(2)(a)(ii) and (c)(ii)while the employer is actively seeking a supplier label and a supplier material safety data sheet for the controlled product; andif labelling affixed to the container of the controlled product containing information on the controlled product is not removed, defaced, modified or altered.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/94-263, s. 38;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 20.
Supplier Material Safety Data SheetsWhere a controlled product, other than a controlled product referred to in paragraph 10.31(1)(c), is received in the work place by an employer, the employer shall, without delay, obtain from the supplier of the controlled product a supplier material safety data sheet in respect of the controlled product, unless the employer is in possession of a supplier material safety data sheet thatis for a controlled product that has the same product identifier;discloses information that is current at the time that the controlled product is received; andwas prepared and dated not more than three years before the date that the controlled product is received.Where there is a controlled product in a work place and the supplier material safety data sheet in respect of the controlled product is three years old or more, the employer shall, where possible, obtain from the supplier an up-to-date supplier material safety data sheet.Where it is not practicable for an employer to obtain an up-to-date supplier material safety data sheet, the employer shall update the hazard information on the most recent supplier material safety data sheet that the employer has received on the basis of the ingredients disclosed on that supplier material safety data sheet.Where a controlled product is received in a work place that is a laboratory, from a supplier who is exempted by the Controlled Products Regulations from the requirement to provide a material safety data sheet for that product, the employer is exempt from the requirements of subsection (1) if the controlled productoriginates from a laboratory supply house;is intended for use in a laboratory; andis packaged in a container in a quantity of less than 10 kg.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/94-263, s. 39;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/98-427, s. 7.
Work Place Material Safety Data SheetsSubject to section 10.42, where an employer produces a controlled product, other than a fugitive emission, in the work place or imports into Canada a controlled product and brings it into the work place, the employer shall prepare a work place material safety data sheet in respect of the controlled product that discloses the information required to be disclosed byparagraph 125.1(e) of the Act; andthe Controlled Products Regulations.Subject to section 10.42, where an employer receives a supplier material safety data sheet, the employer may prepare a work place material safety data sheet to be used in the work place in place of the supplier material safety data sheet ifthe work place material safety data sheet discloses at least the information disclosed on the supplier material safety data sheet;the information disclosed on the work place material safety data sheet does not disclaim or contradict the information disclosed on the supplier material safety data sheet;the supplier material safety data sheet is readily available for examination by employees in the work place; andthe work place material safety data sheet discloses that the supplier material safety data sheet is available in the work place.Where an employer produces, in a work place that is a laboratory supply house, or imports into Canada and brings it into such a work place, a controlled product that is intended for use in a laboratory, the employer is exempted from the requirements of subsection (1) if the employerpackages the controlled product in containers in quantities of less than 10 kg per container; andsubject to section 10.42, discloses on the label of the container of the controlled product the information required to be disclosed byparagraph 125.1(e) of the Act, andsection 10.39.The employer shall update a work place material safety data sheet referred to in subsection (1) or (2) or a label referred to in paragraph (3)(b)as soon as practicable but not later than 90 days after new hazard information becomes available to the employer; andat least once every three years.Where the information required to be disclosed by this section is not available or not applicable to the controlled product, the employer shall replace the information with the words “not available” or “not applicable”, as the case may be, in the English version and the words “pas disponible” or “sans objet”, as the case may be, in the French version of the work place material safety data sheet.
SOR/88-68. s. 12;
SOR/94-263, s. 40;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Availability of Material Safety Data SheetsSubject to subsection (2), every employer, other than an employer referred to in subsection 10.32(4), shall keep readily available for examination by employees and by the work place committee or the health and safety representative in any work place in which an employee may handle or be exposed to a controlled product, a copy in English and in French ofin the case of an employer who is an employer referred to in subsection 10.33(1) or (2), the work place material safety data sheet; andin any other case, the supplier material safety data sheet.In place of keeping a material safety data sheet in the manner required by subsection (1), an employer may keep a computerized version of the material safety data sheet available in English and in French, for examination by employees and by the work place committee or the health and safety representative, by means of a computer terminal, if the employertakes all reasonable steps to maintain the terminal in working order;provides the instruction and training referred to in paragraph 10.14(2)(d) to one or more employees on each shift and to all members of the work place committee or the health and safety representative; andon the request of an employee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative, makes the material safety data sheet readily available to the employee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 21.
LabelsSubject to sections 10.37 to 10.39, each controlled product, other than a controlled product referred to in paragraph 10.31(1)(c), in a work place and each container in which the controlled product is contained in a work place shall, if the controlled product or the container is received from a supplier,in the case where the controlled product is in a bulk shipment, be accompanied by a supplier label;in the case where the employer has undertaken in writing to apply a label to the inner container of the controlled product, have applied to it a supplier label, as soon as possible after the controlled product is received from the supplier; andin any other case, have applied to it a supplier label.Subject to sections 10.37 to 10.39 and 10.42, where a controlled product, other than a controlled product referred to in paragraph 10.31(1)(c), is received from a supplier and an employer places the controlled product in the work place in a container, other than the container in which it was received from the supplier, the employer shall apply to the container a supplier label or a work place label that discloses the information referred to in paragraphs 10.41(a) to (c).Subject to sections 10.41 and 10.42, no person shall remove, deface, modify or alter the supplier label applied toa controlled product that is in the work place; orthe container of a controlled product that is in the work place.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/94-263, s. 41;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Subject to sections 10.37 to 10.39, where an employer produces a controlled product in a work place, other than a fugitive emission, or imports into Canada and brings into a work place, a controlled product, and the controlled product is not in a container, the employer shall disclose the following information on a work place label applied to the controlled product or on a sign posted in a conspicuous place in the work place:the product identifier;the hazard information in respect of the controlled product; anda statement indicating that a work place material safety data sheet for the controlled product is available in the work place.Subject to sections 10.37 and 10.39, where an employer produces a controlled product in the work place, other than a fugitive emission, or imports into Canada and brings into the work place a controlled product, and places the controlled product in a container, the employer shall apply to the container a work place label that discloses the information referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) to (c).Subsection (2) does not apply in respect of a controlled product that isintended for export, if the information referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) to (c) is disclosed on a sign posted in a conspicuous place in the work place; orpackaged in a container and offered for sale in Canada, if the container is or is in the process of being appropriately labelled for that purpose.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Portable ContainersWhere an employer stores a controlled product in the work place in a container that has applied to it a supplier label or a work place label, a portable container filled from that container is exempted from the labelling requirements under section 10.35 or 10.36 ifthe controlled product is required for immediate use; orthe following conditions apply in respect of the controlled product:it is under the control of and used exclusively by the employee who filled the portable container,it is used only during the work shift in which the portable container was filled, andit is clearly identified by a work place label applied to the portable container that discloses the product identifier.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 22(F).
Special CasesAn employer shall, in a conspicuous place near a controlled product, post a sign in respect of the controlled product that discloses the product identifier if the controlled product isin a process, reaction or storage vessel;in a continuous-run container;in a bulk shipment that is not placed in a container at the work place; ornot in a container and stored in bulk.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
LaboratoriesSubject to subsection (2), the label of the container of a controlled product in a laboratory shall disclosewhere the controlled product is used exclusively in the laboratory, the product identifier;where the controlled product is a mixture or substance intended solely for analysis, testing or evaluation for research and development, the product identifier; andwhere the controlled product originates from a laboratory supply house and is received in a container in a quantity of less than 10 kg, the following information:the product identifier,where a material safety data sheet is available, a statement to that effect,risk phrases that are appropriate to the controlled product,precautionary measures to be followed when handling, using or being exposed to the controlled product, andwhere appropriate, first aid measures to be taken in case of exposure to the controlled product.No supplier label is required on a sample of a product received from a supplier that is, or the employer has reason to believe may be, a controlled product, ifthe controlled product isin a container in a quantity of less than 10 kg,intended by the employer for use solely for analysis, testing or evaluation in a laboratory, andone in respect of which the supplier is exempted by section 9 of the Controlled Products Regulations from the requirement to provide a material safety data sheet; andthe supplier provides a label that is to be affixed to the container of the controlled product disclosing the information described in subsection (3).A label referred to in paragraph (2)(b) shall disclose, in respect of the controlled product,the product identifier;the chemical identity or generic chemical identity of every ingredient of the controlled product referred to in any of subparagraphs 13(a)(i) to (iv) of the Hazardous Products Act, if known to the supplier;the supplier identity;the statement “Hazardous Laboratory Sample. For hazard information or in an emergency call (number disclosed pursuant to paragraph (e))/Échantillon pour laboratoire d’un produit dangereux. Pour obtenir des renseignements sur les risques ou en cas d’urgence, composer (le numéro indiqué conformément à l’alinéa e))”; andan emergency telephone number of the supplier that enablesa user of the controlled product to obtain the hazard information in respect of the controlled product, anda medical professional to obtain the information in respect of the controlled product that is referred to in paragraph 13(a) of the Hazardous Products Act.Where a controlled product is in a container other than the container in which it was received from a supplier, or is produced in the work place, the employer is exempt from the requirements of section 10.36 and subparagraph 10.37(b)(iii) ifthe employer has complied with subsection (5);employee education is provided as required by these Regulations; andthe controlled productoriginates from a laboratory supply house or is a laboratory sample,is intended by the employer solely for analysis, testing or evaluation in a laboratory, andis clearly identified through any mode of identification visible to employees at the work place.For the purposes of paragraph (4)(a), the employer shall ensure that the mode of identification used and the employee education enable the employees to readily identify and obtain either the information required on a material safety data sheet or the information referred to in subsection (3) with respect to the controlled product or laboratory sample.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/98-427, s. 8.
SignsThe information disclosed on a sign referred to in subsection 10.36(1), paragraph 10.36(3)(a), section 10.38 or paragraph 10.43(b) shall be of such a size that it is clearly legible to employees.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Replacing LabelsWhere, in a work place, a label applied to a controlled product or a container of a controlled product becomes illegible or is removed from the controlled product or the container, the employer shall replace the label with a work place label that discloses the following information in respect of the controlled product:the product identifier;the hazard information; anda statement indicating that a material safety data sheet is available in the work place.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Exemptions from DisclosureSubject to subsection (2), where an employer has filed a claim for exemption from disclosure of information on a material safety data sheet or on a label pursuant to subsection 11(2) of the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, the employer shall disclose, in place of the information that the employer is exempt from disclosing,where there is no final disposition of the proceedings in relation to the claim, the date on which the claim for exemption was registered and the registry number assigned to the claim under that Act; andwhere the final disposition of the proceedings in relation to the claim is that the claim is valid, a statement that an exemption has been granted and the date on which the exemption was granted.Where a claim for exemption is in respect of the chemical name, common name, generic name, trade name or brand name of a controlled product, the employer shall, on the material safety data sheet or label of the controlled product, replace that name with a code name or code number specified by the employer as the product identifier for that controlled product.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Hazardous WasteWhere a controlled product in a work place is hazardous waste, the employer shall disclose the generic name and hazard information in respect of the controlled product byapplying a label to the hazardous waste or its container; orposting a sign in a conspicuous place near the hazardous waste or its container.
SOR/88-68, s. 12;
SOR/94-263, s. 42;
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Information Required in a Medical EmergencyFor the purposes of subsection 125.2(1) of the Act, a medical professional is a registered nurse registered or licensed under the laws of a province.
SOR/96-294, s. 2.
Fire and Explosion Prevention[Repealed, SOR/98-427, s. 9]For the purpose of interpreting the standards referred to in sections 10.46 to 10.49,[Repealed, SOR/2000-374, s. 4]dangerous goods means controlled products used in these Regulations; andin respect of a controlled product classified under the Controlled Products Regulations,flammable liquids means flammable liquids used in these Regulations,combustible liquids means combustible liquids used in these Regulations,compressed gases means compressed gases used in these Regulations,reactive substances means reactive flammable materials used in these Regulations,aerosol products means flammable aerosols used in these Regulations,poisonous and infectious substances means poisonous and infectious materials used in these Regulations,corrosive substances" means corrosive materials used in these Regulations, andoxidizing substances means oxidizing materials used in these Regulations.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/98-427, s. 9;
SOR/2000-374, s. 4.
Controlled products shall be stored in accordance with subsections 3.2.7, 3.2.8, 3.2.9 and 3.3.4 of the National Fire Code.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2000-374, s. 5.
Flammable aerosols shall be stored in accordance with subsection 3.2.5 of the National Fire Code.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2000-374, s. 5.
The provisions of Part 3 of the National Fire Code apply as follows:compressed gases shall be stored and handled in accordance with subsections 3.2.8 and 3.3.5;reactive flammable materials shall be stored and handled in accordance with subsections 3.2.7 and 3.3.4;poisonous and infectious materials shall be stored and handled in accordance with subsections 3.2.7, 3.2.8 and 3.3.4;corrosive materials shall be stored and handled in accordance with subsections 3.2.7, 3.2.8 and 3.3.4; andoxidizing materials shall be stored and handled in accordance with subsections 3.2.7, 3.2.8 and 3.3.4.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2000-374, s. 5.
The provisions of Part 4 of the National Fire Code apply as follows:areas used for the storage, handling and use of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall meet the standards set out in subsection 4.1.5, with the exception of article 4.1.5.6;the drainage and disposal of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with subsection 4.1.6;flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be stored in storage tanks meeting the standards set out in subsection 4.1.8;maintenance and operating procedures shall be established to prevent the escape of flammable liquids and combustible liquids, as required by subsection 4.1.6;general container storage and handling of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with subsections 4.2.1 to 4.2.8, with the exception of paragraph 4.2.8.4(d);rooms used for container storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall conform with subsection 4.2.9, with the exception of article 4.2.9.3;cabinets used for container storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall conform with subsection 4.2.10;outdoor container storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with subsection 4.2.11;storage tanks for flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall conform with section 4.3, with the exception of paragraph 4.3.13.1(1)(d), articles 4.3.13.5 and 4.3.15.2 and sentences 4.3.16.1(3) and (4);piping and transfer systems for flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall conform with section 4.4, with the exception of articles 4.4.6.2, 4.4.11.1 and 4.4.11.2; andflammable liquid and combustible liquid installations on piers and wharves shall conform with section 4.7, with the exception of article 4.7.10.2.
SOR/96-294, s. 2;
SOR/2000-374, s. 5;
SOR/2011-206, s. 4(E).
Previous VersionCONFINED SPACESInterpretationIn this Part,class of confined spaces means a group of at least two confined spaces that are likely, by reason of their similarity, to present the same hazards to persons entering, exiting or occupying them; (catégorie d’espaces clos)confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space thatis not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing work,has restricted means of access and egress, andmay become hazardous to any person entering it owing toits design, construction, location or atmosphere,the materials or substances in it, orany other conditions relating to it; (espace clos)hot work means any work where flame is used or a source of ignition may be produced. (travail à chaud)
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 48(F);
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 1(E).
Hazard AssessmentWhere it is likely that a person will, in order to perform work for an employer, enter a confined space and an assessment pursuant to this subsection has not been carried out in respect of the confined space, or in respect of the class of confined spaces to which it belongs, the employer shall appoint a qualified personto carry out an assessment of the physical and chemical hazards to which the person is likely to be exposed in the confined space or the class of confined spaces; andto specify the tests that are necessary to determine whether the person would be likely to be exposed to any of the hazards identified pursuant to paragraph (a).The qualified person referred to in subsection (1) shall, in a signed and dated report to the employer, record the findings of the assessment carried out pursuant to paragraph (1)(a).The employer shall make a copy of any report made pursuant to subsection (2) available to the work place committee or the health and safety representative.Subject to subsection (5), the report made pursuant to subsection (2) shall be reviewed by a qualified person at least once every three years to ensure that its assessment of the hazards with which it is concerned is still accurate.If a confined space has not been entered in the three years preceding the time when the report referred to in subsection (4) should have been reviewed and no entry is scheduled, the report need not be reviewed until it becomes likely that a person will, in order to perform work for an employer, enter the confined space.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 49(F);
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 2(F);
SOR/2002-208, s. 23.
Entry ProceduresEvery employer shall, after considering the report made pursuant to subsection 11.2(2),in consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative, establish procedures, with the date on which they are established specified therein, that are to be followed by a person entering, exiting or occupying a confined space assessed pursuant to subsection 11.2(1), or a confined space that belongs to a class of confined spaces assessed pursuant to that subsection, and establish, where reasonably practicable, an entry permit system that provides forspecifying, in each case, the length of time for which an entry permit is valid, andrecordingthe name of the person entering the confined space, andthe date and time of entry and the anticipated time of exit;specify the protection equipment referred to in Part XII that is to be used by every person who is granted access to the confined space by the employer;specify any insulated protection equipment and tools referred to in Part VIII that a person may need in the confined space; andspecify the protection equipment and emergency equipment to be used by a person who takes part in the rescue of a person from the confined space or in responding to other emergency situations in the confined space.
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 3;
SOR/2002-208, s. 24.
Confined Space EntryThe employer shall, where a person is about to enter a confined space, appoint a qualified personto verify, by means of tests, that compliance with the following specifications can be achieved during the period of time that the person will be in the confined space, namely,the concentration of any chemical agent or combination of chemical agents in the confined space to which the person is likely to be exposed will not result in the exposure of the personto a concentration of that chemical agent or combination of chemical agents in excess of the value referred to in paragraph 10.19(1)(a), orto a concentration of that chemical agent or combination of chemical agents in excess of the percentage set out in subsection 10.20(1), or in subsection 10.20(2) under the circumstances described in that subsection,the concentration of airborne hazardous substances, other than chemical agents, in the confined space is not hazardous to the health or safety of the person, andthe percentage of oxygen in the air in the confined space is not less than 18 per cent by volume and not more than 23 per cent by volume, at normal atmospheric pressure;to verify thatany liquid in which the person could drown has been removed from the confined space,any free-flowing solid in which the person may become entrapped has been removed from the confined space,the entry of any liquid, free-flowing solid or hazardous substance into the confined space has been prevented by a secure means of disconnection or by the fitting of blank flanges,all electrical and mechanical equipment that may present a hazard to the person has been disconnected from its power source, real or residual, and has been locked out, andthe opening for entry into and exit from the confined space is sufficient to allow the safe passage of a person using protection equipment; andsubject to subsection 11.5(1), to verify that the specifications set out in paragraph (a) are complied with during all times that a person is in the confined space.The qualified person referred to in subsection (1) shall, in a signed and dated report to the employer, set out the results of the verification carried out in accordance with that subsection, including the test methods, the test results and a list of the test equipment used.The employer shallwhere the report made pursuant to subsection (2) indicates that a person who has entered the confined space has been in danger, send the report to the work place committee or the health and safety representative; andin all other cases, make a written copy or a machine-readable version of the report available to the work place committee or the health and safety representative.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 4;
SOR/96-294, s. 3;
SOR/2002-208, ss. 25, 43(F).
Emergency Procedures and Equipment[SOR/95-286, s. 5(F)]Where conditions in a confined space or the nature of the work to be performed in a confined space is such that the specifications set out in paragraph 11.4(1)(a) cannot be complied with during all times that a person is in the confined space, the employer shallin consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative, establish emergency procedures to be followed in the event of an accident or other emergency in or near the confined space, which procedures shall specify the date on which they are established and provide for the immediate evacuation of the confined space whenan alarm is activated, orthere is any significant change in a concentration or percentage referred to in paragraph 11.4(1)(a) that would adversely affect the health or safety of a person in the confined space;provide the protection equipment referred to in paragraphs 11.3(b), (c) and (d) for each person who is about to enter the confined space;ensure that a qualified person trained in the entry and emergency procedures established pursuant to paragraph 11.3(a) and paragraph (a) isin attendance outside the confined space, andin communication with the person inside the confined space;provide the qualified person referred to in paragraph (c) with a suitable alarm device for summoning assistance; andensure that two or more persons are in the immediate vicinity of the confined space to assist in the event of an accident or other emergency.One of the persons referred to in paragraph (1)(e) shallbe trained in the emergency procedures established pursuant to paragraph (1)(a);be the holder of a basic first aid certificate; andbe provided with the protection equipment and emergency equipment referred to in paragraph 11.3(d).The employer shall ensure that every person entering, exiting or occupying a confined space referred to in subsection (1) wears an appropriate safety harness that is securely attached to a lifeline thatis attached to a secure anchor outside the confined space;is controlled by the qualified person referred to in paragraph (1)(c);protects the person from the hazard for which it is provided and does not in itself create a hazard; andis, where reasonably practicable, equipped with a mechanical lifting device.
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 6;
SOR/2002-208, s. 26.
Record of Emergency Procedures and EquipmentWhen a person is about to enter a confined space under circumstances such that the specifications set out in paragraph 11.4(1)(a) cannot be complied with, the qualified person referred to in paragraph 11.5(1)(c) shall, in a signed and dated report to the employer,specify those procedures established pursuant to paragraph 11.5(1)(a) that are to be followed and the protection equipment, insulated protection equipment and tools and the emergency equipment that are to be used; andspecify any additional procedures and any other equipment that may be needed to ensure the health and safety of the person.The report made pursuant to subsection (1) and any procedures specified therein shall be explained by the qualified person to every employee who is about to enter a confined space, and a copy of the report shall be signed and dated by any employee to whom the report and the procedures have been so explained, acknowledging by signature the reading of the report and the explanation thereof.
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 7;
SOR/2002-208, s. 39.
Provision and Use of EquipmentThe employer shall provideeach person who is granted access to a confined space with the protection equipment specified pursuant to paragraph 11.3(b); andeach person who is to undertake rescue operations with the protection equipment and emergency equipment specified pursuant to paragraph 11.3(d).The employer shall ensure that every person who enters, exits or occupies a confined space follows the procedures established pursuant to paragraph 11.3(a) and uses the protection equipment specified pursuant to paragraphs 11.3(b) and (c).
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 8.
PrecautionNo person shall close off a confined space until a qualified person has verified that no person is inside it.
SOR/92-544, s. 1.
Hot WorkUnless a qualified person has determined that the work can be performed safely, hot work shall not be performed in a confined space that containsan explosive or flammable hazardous substance in a concentration in excess of 10 per cent of its lower explosive limit; oroxygen in a concentration in excess of 23 per cent.Where hot work is to be performed in a confined space that contains concentrations of flammable or explosive materials in excess of the concentration set out in paragraph (1)(a) or (b),a qualified person shall patrol the area surrounding the confined space and maintain a fire-protection watch in that area until all fire hazard has passed; andfire extinguishers specified as emergency equipment pursuant to paragraph 11.3(d) shall be provided in the area referred to in paragraph (a).Where an airborne hazardous substance may be produced by hot work in a confined space, no person shall enter or occupy the confined space unlesssection 11.10 is complied with; orthe person uses a respiratory protective device that meets the requirements of sections 12.2, 12.3 and 12.7.
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 9;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Ventilation EquipmentWhere ventilation equipment is used to maintain the concentration of a chemical agent or combination of chemical agents in a confined space at or below the concentration referred to in subparagraph 11.4(1)(a)(i), or to maintain the percentage of oxygen in the air of a confined space within the limits referred to in subparagraph 11.4(1)(a)(iii), the employer shall not grant access to the confined space to any person unlessthe ventilation equipment isequipped with an alarm that will, if the equipment fails, be activated automatically and be audible or visible to every person in the confined space, ormonitored by an employee who is in constant attendance at the equipment and who is in communication with the person or persons in the confined space; andin the event of failure of the ventilation equipment, sufficient time will be available for the person to escape from the confined space beforethe concentration of the chemical agent or combination of chemical agents in the confined space exceeds the concentrations referred to in subparagraph 11.4(1)(a)(i), orthe percentage of oxygen in the air ceases to remain within the limits referred to in subparagraph 11.4(1)(a)(iii).If the ventilation equipment fails to operate properly, the employee referred to in subparagraph (1)(a)(ii) shall immediately inform the person or persons in the confined space of the failure of the equipment.
SOR/92-544, s. 1.
TrainingThe employer shall provide every employee who is likely to enter a confined space with instruction and training inthe procedures established pursuant to paragraphs 11.3(a) and 11.5(1)(a); andthe use of the protection equipment referred to in paragraphs 11.3(b), (c) and (d).The employer shall ensure that no person enters a confined space unless the person is instructed inthe procedures to be followed in accordance with paragraphs 11.3(a) and 11.5(1)(a); andthe use of the protection equipment referred to in paragraphs 11.3(b), (c) and (d).
SOR/92-544, s. 1;
SOR/95-286, s. 10(F).
Record KeepingThe employer shall, at the employer’s place of business nearest to the work place in which the confined space is located, keep a written copy or a machine-readable version ofany report made pursuant to subsection 11.2(2) and the procedures established pursuant to paragraphs 11.3(a) and 11.5(1)(a) for a period of ten years after the date on which the qualified person signed the report or the procedures were established; andany report made pursuant to subsection 11.4(2)for a period of ten years after the date on which the qualified person signed the report where the verification procedures undertaken pursuant to paragraphs 11.4(1)(a) and (c) indicate that the specifications set out in subparagraphs 11.4(1)(a)(i) to (iii) were not complied with, andin every other case, for a period of two years after the date on which the qualified person signed the report.
SOR/92-544, s. 1.
SAFETY MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, DEVICES AND CLOTHINGGeneralWhereit is not reasonably practicable to eliminate or control a health or safety hazard in a work place within safe limits, andthe use of protection equipment may prevent or reduce injury from that hazard,every person granted access to the work place who is exposed to that hazard shall use the protection equipment prescribed by this Part.
SOR/94-263, s. 44(F);
SOR/95-533, s. 2(F);
SOR/2002-208, s. 39.
All protection equipment referred to in section 12.1shall be designed to protect the person from the hazard for which it is provided; andshall not in itself create a hazard.All protection equipment provided by the employer shallbe maintained, inspected and tested by a qualified person; andwhere necessary to prevent a health hazard, be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition by a qualified person.Protective HeadwearWhere there is a hazard of head injury in a work place, protective headwear that meets the standards set out in CSA Standard Z94.1-M1977, Industrial Protective Headwear, the English version of which is dated April, 1977, as amended to September, 1982 and the French version of which is dated April, 1980 as amended to September, 1982, shall be used.Protective FootwearWhere there is a hazard of a foot injury or electric shock through footwear in a work place, protective footwear that meets the standards set out in CSA Standard Z195-M1984, Protective Footwear, the English version of which is dated March, 1984 and the French version of which is dated December, 1984, shall be used.Where there is a hazard of slipping in a work place, non-slip footwear shall be used.Eye and Face ProtectionWhere there is a hazard of injury to the eyes, face, ears or front of the neck of an employee in a work place, the employer shall provide eye or face protectors that meet the standards set out in CSA Standard Z94.3-M1982, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors, the English version of which is dated May, 1982 and the French version of which is dated February, 1983.Respiratory ProtectionWhere there is a hazard of an airborne hazardous substance or an oxygen deficient atmosphere in a work place, the employer shall provide a respiratory protective device that is listed in the NIOSH Certified Equipment List published on February 13, 1998 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as amended from time to time, and that protects against the hazardous substance or oxygen deficiency, as the case may be.A respiratory protective device referred to in subsection (1) shall be selected, fitted, cared for, used and maintained in accordance with the standards set out in CSA Standard Z94.4-M1982, Selection, Care and Use of Respirators, the English version of which is dated May, 1982, as amended to September, 1984 and the French version of which is dated March, 1983, as amended to September, 1984, excluding clauses 6.1.5, 10.3.3.1.2 and 10.3.3.4.2(c).Where air is provided for the purpose of a respiratory protective device referred to in subsection (1),the air shall meet the standards set out in clauses 5.5.2 to 5.5.11 of CSA Standard CAN3-Z180.1-M85, Compressed Breathing Air and Systems, the English version of which is dated December 1985 and the French version of which is dated November 1987; andthe system that supplies air shall be constructed, tested, operated and maintained in accordance with the CSA Standard referred to in paragraph (a).
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/94-263, s. 45;
SOR/99-151, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Where a steel or aluminum self-contained breathing apparatus cylinder has a dent deeper than 1.5 mm and less than 50 mm in major diameter or shows evidence of deep isolated pitting, cracks or splits, the cylinder shall be removed from service until it has been shown to be safe for use by means of a hydrostatic test at a pressure equal to one and one-half times the maximum allowable working pressure.
SOR/94-263, s. 46.
Skin ProtectionWhere there is a hazard of injury or disease to or through the skin in a work place, the employer shall provide to every person granted access to the work placea shield or screen;a cream to protect the skin; oran appropriate body covering.Fall-Protection SystemsSubject to subsection (1.1), every employer shall provide a fall-protection system to any person, other than an employee who is installing or removing a fall-protection system in accordance with the instructions referred to in subsection (5), who worksfrom an unguarded structure or on a vehicle, at a height of more than 2.4 m above the nearest permanent safe level or above any moving parts of machinery or any other surface or thing that could cause injury to a person on contact;from a temporary structure at a height of more than 6 m above a permanent safe level; orfrom a ladder at a height of more than 2.4 m above the nearest permanent safe level where, because of the nature of the work, that person is unable to use at least one hand to hold onto the ladder.Where an employee is required to work on a vehicle on which it is not reasonably practicable to provide a fall-protection system, the employer shallin consultation with the policy committee or, if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative,perform a job safety analysis to eliminate or minimize the need for the employee to climb onto the vehicle or its load, andprovide every employee who is likely to climb onto the vehicle or its load with training and instruction on the safe method of climbing onto and working on the vehicle or its load;make a report in writing to the regional health and safety officer setting out the reasons why it is not reasonably practicable to provide a fall-protection system and include the job safety analysis and a description of the training and instruction referred to in paragraph (a); andprovide a copy of the report referred to in paragraph (b) to the policy committee or, if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative.The job safety analysis, training and instruction referred to in paragraph (1.1)(a) shall be reviewed every two years in consultation with the policy committee or, if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative.The components of a fall-protection system shall meet the following standards:CSA Standard Z259.1-1976, Fall-Arresting Safety Belts and Lanyards for the Construction and Mining Industries, the English version of which is dated November, 1976, as amended to May, 1979 and the French version of which is dated April, 1980;CSA Standard Z259.2-M1979, Fall-Arresting Devices, Personnel Lowering Devices and Life Lines, the English version of which is dated November, 1979 and the French version of which is dated October, 1983; andCSA Standard Z259.3-M1978, Lineman’s Body Belt and Lineman’s Safety Strap, the English version of which is dated September, 1978, as amended to April, 1981 and the French version of which is dated April, 1980, as amended to April, 1981.The anchor of a fall-protection system shall be capable of withstanding a force of 17.8 kN.A fall-protection system that is used to arrest the fall of a person shall prevent that personfrom being subjected to a peak fall arrest force greater than 8 kN; andfrom falling freely for more than 1.2 m.Where an employee is about to install or remove a fall-protection system, the employer shallprepare written instructions for the safe installation or removal of the fall-protection system; andkeep a copy of the instructions readily available for the information of the employee.
SOR/88-632, s. 50(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 47(F);
SOR/2002-379, s. 1.
Protection Against DrowningWhere, in a work place, there is a hazard of drowning, the employer shall provide every person granted access to the work place witha life jacket or buoyancy device that meets the standards set out in the Canadian General Standards Board StandardCAN2-65.7-M80, Life Jackets, Inherently Buoyant Type, dated April, 1980, or65-GP-11, Standard for: Personal Flotation Devices, dated October, 1972; ora safety net or a fall-protection system.Where, in a work place, there is a hazard of drowning,emergency equipment shall be provided and held in readiness;a person who is qualified to operate all the emergency equipment provided shall be available;if appropriate, a powered boat shall be provided and held in readiness; andwritten emergency procedures shall be prepared by the employer containinga full description of the procedures to be followed and the responsibilities of all persons granted access to the work place, andthe location of any emergency equipment.Where a work place is a wharf, dock, pier, quay or other similar structure, a ladder that extends at least two rungs below water level shall be affixed to the face of the structure every 60 m along its length.
SOR/88-632, s. 51(F).
Loose ClothingLoose clothing, long hair, dangling accessories, jewellery or other similar items that are likely to be hazardous to the health or safety of an employee in a work place shall not be worn unless they are so tied, covered or otherwise secured as to prevent the hazard.
SOR/2002-208, s. 27.
Protection Against Moving VehiclesWhere an employee is regularly exposed to contact with moving vehicles during his work, he shallwear a high-visibility vest or other similar clothing, orbe protected by a barricadethat is readily visible under all conditions of use.
SOR/88-632, s. 52(F).
RecordsA record of all protection equipment provided by the employer shall be kept by him in the work place in which the equipment is located for a period of two years after it ceases to be used.The record referred to in subsection (1) shall containa description of the equipment and the date of its acquisition by the employer;the date and result of each inspection and test of the equipment;the date and nature of any maintenance work performed on the equipment since its acquisition by the employer; andthe name of the person who performed the inspection, test or maintenance of the equipment.
SOR/88-632, s. 53(F).
Instructions and TrainingEvery person granted access to the work place who uses protection equipment shall be instructed by the employer in the use of the equipment.Every employee who uses protection equipment shall be instructed and trained in the use, operation and maintenance of the equipment.Every person granted access to a work place shall be instructed in respect of the written emergency procedures referred to in paragraph 12.11(2)(d).The instructions referred to in subsections (2) and (3) shall beset out in writing; andkept by the employer readily available for examination by every person granted access to the work place.Defective Protection EquipmentWhere an employee finds any defect in protection equipment that may render it unsafe for use, he shall report the defect to his employer as soon as possible.An employer shall mark or tag as unsafe and remove from service any protection equipment used by his employees that has a defect that may render it unsafe for use.TOOLS AND MACHINERYInterpretationIn this Part, explosive actuated fastening tool means a tool that, by means of an explosive force, propels or discharges a fastener for the purpose of impinging it on, affixing it to or causing it to penetrate another object or material. (pistolet de scellement à cartouches explosives)Design, Construction, Operation and Use of ToolsThe exterior surface of any tool used by an employee in a fire hazard area shall be made of non-sparking material.
SOR/88-632, s. 54.
All portable electric tools used by employees shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard CAN C22.2 No. 71.1-M89, Portable Electric Tools, the English version of which is dated September 1989 and the French version of which is dated February 1991.
SOR/94-263, s. 48.
Subject to subsection (2), all portable electric tools used by employees shall be grounded.Subsection (1) does not apply to tools thatare powered by a self-contained battery;have a protective system of double insulation; orare used in a location where reliable grounding cannot be obtained if the tools are supplied from a double insulated portable ground fault circuit interrupter of the class A type that meets the standards set out in CSA Standard C22.2 No. 144-1977, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, dated March, 1977.
SOR/94-263, s. 49(F).
All portable electric tools used by employees in a fire hazard area shall be marked as appropriate for use or designed for use in the area of that hazard.Where an air hose is connected to a portable air-powered tool used by an employee, a restraining device shall be attachedwhere an employee may be injured by the tool falling, to the tool; andto all hose connections, in order to prevent injury to an employee in the event of an accidental disconnection of a hose.All explosive actuated fastening tools used by employees shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard Z166-1975, Explosive Actuated Fastening Tools, dated June, 1975.No employee shall operate an explosive actuated fastening tool unless authorized to do so by his employer.Every employee who operates an explosive actuated fastening tool shall operate it in accordance with the CSA Standard referred to in subsection (1).All chain saws used by employees shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard CAN3-Z62.1-M85, Chain Saws, dated February, 1985.Defective Tools and MachinesWhere an employee finds any defect in a tool or machine that may render it unsafe for use, he shall report the defect to his employer as soon as possible.An employer shall mark or tag as unsafe and remove from service any tool or machine used by his employees that has a defect that may render it unsafe for use.Instructions and TrainingEvery employee shall be instructed and trained by a qualified person appointed by his employer in the safe and proper inspection, maintenance and use of all tools and machinery that he is required to use.Every employer shall maintain a manual of operating instructions for each type of portable electric tool, portable air-powered tool, explosive actuated fastening tool and machine used by his employees.A manual referred to in subsection (1) shall be kept by the employer readily available for examination by an employee who is required to use the tool or machine to which the manual applies.
SOR/88-632, s. 55(F).
General Requirements for Machine GuardsEvery machine that has exposed moving, rotating, electrically charged or hot parts or that processes, transports or handles material that constitutes a hazard to an employee shall be equipped with a machine guard thatprevents the employee or any part of his body from coming into contact with the parts or material;prevents access by the employee to the area of exposure to the hazard during the operation of the machine; ormakes the machine inoperative if the employee or any part of his clothing is in or near a part of the machine that is likely to cause injury.To the extent that is reasonably practicable, a machine guard referred to in subsection (1) shall not be removable.A machine guard shall be so constructed, installed and maintained that it meets the requirements of subsection (1).
SOR/94-263, s. 50(F).
Use, Operation, Repair and Maintenance of Machine GuardsMachine guards shall be operated, maintained and repaired by a qualified person.Subject to section 13.16, where a machine guard is installed on a machine, no person shall use or operate the machine unless the machine guard is in its proper position.
SOR/94-263, s. 51.
Subject to subsection (2), where it is necessary to remove a machine guard from a machine in order to perform repair or maintenance work on the machine, no person shall perform the repair or maintenance work unless the machine has been locked out in accordance with a written lock out procedure provided by the employer.Where it is not reasonably practicable to lock out a machine referred to in subsection (1) in order to perform repair or maintenance work on the machine, the work may be performed ifthe person performing the work follows written instructions provided by the employer that will ensure that any hazard to that person is not significantly greater than it would be if the machine had been locked out; andthe person performing the workobtains a written authorization from the employer each time the work is performed, andperforms the work under the direct supervision of a qualified person.A copy of the instructions referred to in section 13.16 shall be kept readily available by the employer for the information of persons who perform repair and maintenance work on his machines.Abrasive WheelsAbrasive wheels shall beused only on machines equipped with machine guards,mounted between flanges, andoperatedin accordance with sections 4 to 6 of CSA Standard B173.5-1979, Safety Requirements for the Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels, dated February, 1979.
SOR/88-632, s. 56(F).
A bench grinder shall be equipped with a work rest or other device thatprevents the work piece from jamming between the abrasive wheel and the wheel guard; anddoes not make contact with the abrasive wheel at any time.Mechanical Power Transmission ApparatusEquipment used in the mechanical transmission of power shall be guarded in accordance with sections 7 to 10 of ANSI Standard ANSI B15.1-1972, Safety Standard for Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus, dated July, 1972.Woodworking MachineryWoodworking machinery shall be guarded in accordance with clause 3.3 of CSA Standard Z114-M1977, Safety Code for the Woodworking Industry, dated March, 1977.Punch PressesPunch presses shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard Z142-1976, Code for the Guarding of Punch Presses at Point of Operation, dated February, 1976.MATERIALS HANDLINGInterpretationIn this Part,materials handling equipment means equipment, including its supporting structures, auxiliary equipment and rigging devices, used to transport, lift, move or position persons, materials, goods or things and includes mobile equipment used to lift, hoist or position persons, but does not include an elevating device that is permanently installed in a building; (appareil de manutention)motorized hand-rider truck means motorized materials handling equipment that is designed to be controlled by a walking or onboard operator; (chariot à conducteur porté ou accompagnant)operator means a person who controls the operation of motorized or manual materials handling equipment and who has received or is receiving instruction and training in respect of the procedures referred to in subsection 14.23(1) or (3), as the case may be; (opérateur)safe working load means the maximum load that the motorized or manual materials handling equipment is designed and constructed to handle or support safely under particular operating conditions; (charge de travail admissible)signaller means a person instructed by an employer to direct, by means of visual or auditory signals, the safe movement and operation of motorized materials handling equipment. (signaleur)
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
ApplicationThis Part does not apply in respect ofsubject to subsection 14.4(4), the use and operation of motor vehicles on public roads;the use and operation of tackle regulated pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act in the loading or unloading of ships; orthe underground workings of mines.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTIONGeneralMotorized and manual materials handling equipment shall, to the extent that is reasonably practicable, be so designed and constructed that if there is a failure of any part of the materials handling equipment, that failure will not result in loss of control of the materials handling equipment or create a hazardous condition.All glass and other transparent materials used in doors, windows and other parts of motorized materials handling equipment shall be of a type that does not shatter into sharp or dangerous pieces on impact.Subject to subsection 14.51(1), an employer shall ensure that the onboard operator’s compartment in, or position on, motorized materials handling equipment provides adequate adjustability of range to accommodate properly the operator for the work that is required to be done.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Protection from Falling ObjectsWhere motorized materials handling equipment is used under such circumstances that the onboard operator of the equipment may be struck by a falling object or shifting load, the employer shall equip the motorized materials handling equipment with a protective structure of such a design, construction and strength that it will, under all foreseeable conditions, prevent the penetration of the object or load into the compartment or position occupied by the operator.Subsection (1) does not apply to a motorized hand-rider truck unless there is a likelihood of its operator being struck by a falling object or a shifting load.A protective structure referred to in subsection (1) shall beconstructed of non-combustible or fire-resistant material; anddesigned to permit quick exit from the motorized materials handling equipment in an emergency.Where there is a likelihood that materials, goods or things will shift and endanger employees in a motor vehicle acquired after July 1, 1995 and having a gross vehicle weight of less than 4,500 kg, the employer shall install a bulkhead or other means to protect the employees.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Where during the loading or unloading of motorized materials handling equipment the load will pass over the operator’s compartment or position, the operator shall not occupy that compartment in, or position on, the equipment unless it is equipped with a protective structure required under section 14.4.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Protection from OverturningSubject to subsection 14.51(2), where motorized materials handling equipment is used in circumstances where it may turn over, it shall be fitted with a rollover protection device that meets the standards set out in CSA Standard B352-M1980, Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial, and Mining Machines, the English version of which is dated September 1980 and the French version of which is dated April 1991, as amended from time to time, and that will prevent the operator of the motorized materials handling equipment from being trapped or crushed under the equipment if it does turn over.Subject to subsection 14.51(1), all motorized materials handling equipment used in circumstances described in subsection (1) shall be fitted withseat-belts; andrestraining devices preventing the displacement of the battery if the equipment turns over.
SOR/88-632, s. 57(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 52;
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Seat-BeltsWhere motorized materials handling equipment is used under conditions where a seat-belt or shoulder-type strap restraining device is likely to contribute to the safety of the operator or passengers, the materials handling equipment shall be equipped with such a belt or device.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/94-263, s. 53(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Fuel TanksIf a fuel tank, compressed gas cylinder or other container or any associated assembly mounted on motorized materials handling equipment contains a hazardous substance, the employer shall ensure that the tank, cylinder, container or assembly isso located or guarded that under all conditions it is not hazardous to the health or safety of an employee who is required to operate or ride on the materials handling equipment;connected to fuel overflow and vent pipes that are so located that fuel spills and vapours cannot beignited by hot exhaust pipes or other hot or sparking parts, orhazardous to the health or safety of an employee who is required to operate or ride on the materials handling equipment; andlabelled on its servicing caps or covers as to its contents.Subject to subsection 14.51(2), the installation, operation and maintenance of propane fuelled motorized materials handling equipment shall be in accordance with the Canadian Gas Association Standard CAN/CGA-B149.2-M91, Propane Installation Code, dated 1991, as amended from time to time.
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 28.
Protection from ElementsMotorized materials handling equipment that is regularly used outdoors shall be fitted with a roof or other structure that will protect the operator from exposure to any weather condition that is likely to be hazardous to the operator’s health or safety.Where the heat produced by motorized materials handling equipment results in a temperature above 26°C in the compartment or position occupied by that operator, the area shall be protected from the heat by an insulated barrier.
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 41.
VibrationSubject to subsection 14.51(1), an employer shall ensure that all motorized materials handling equipment in use is designed and constructed so that any employee required to operate or ride on it will not be injured or its control will not be impaired by any vibration, jolting or uneven movement of the materials handling equipment.
SOR/88-632, s. 58;
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
ControlsSubject to subsection 14.51(1), the design and arrangement of displays and controls and the general design and layout of the operator’s compartment or position on all motorized materials handling equipment shall not hinder or prevent its operator from operating the equipment and shall, where reasonably practicable, maximize its operator’s ability to collect, comprehend and process information necessary for the safe use of the equipment.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Fire ExtinguishersAn employer shall equip motorized materials handling equipment that is used for transporting or handling flammable substances with a dry chemical fire extinguisher.A fire extinguisher referred to in subsection (1) shallhave not less than a 5 B, C rating as defined in the National Fire Code;meet the standards set out in section 6.2 of the National Fire Code; andbe so located that it is readily accessible to the operator of the motorized materials handling equipment while the operator is in the operating position.Subsection (1) does not apply to motorized materials handling equipment that is used exclusively within a building that has the fire extinguishers required by Part XVII.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Means of Entering and ExitingSubject to subsection 14.51(1), an employer shall ensure that all motorized materials handling equipment has a safe means of entering and exitingthe work area of the operator; andany other place on the equipment to which an employee requires regular access.A safe means referred to in subsection (1) shall take into account the employee’s body dimensions while wearing personal protective equipment and shall not require the employee to jump from the motorized materials handling equipment.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
LightingSubject to subsection (2), where motorized materials handling equipment is used by an employee in a work place at night or at any time when the level of lighting within the work place is less than 10 lx, the materials handling equipment shall be fitted withwarning lights on the front and rear that are visible from a distance of not less than 100 m; andlighting that ensures the safe operation of the equipment.No motorized materials handling equipment shall be used at night on a route that is used by other vehicles unless it is fitted with such lights as are required under the laws of the province in which the equipment is used.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Control SystemsAll motorized materials handling equipment shall be fitted with braking, steering and other control systems thatare capable of controlling and stopping its movement and that of any hoist, bucket or other part of the equipment; andrespond reliably and quickly to moderate effort on the part of the employee controlling them.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Warning DevicesMotorized materials handling equipment that is used in an area occupied by employees and that travelsforward at speeds in excess of 8 km/h shall be fitted with a horn or other similar audible warning device; andin reverse shall, subject to subsection 14.51(1), be fitted with a horn or other similar audible warning device that automatically operates while it travels in reverse.Where an audible warning device referred to in subsection (1) cannot be clearly heard above the noise of the motorized materials handling equipment and any surrounding noise, does not allow enough time for a person to avoid the danger in question or does not otherwise provide adequate warning, other visual, audible or tactile warning devices or methods shall be used so that adequate warning is provided.Where the use of an audible warning device referred to in subsection (1) would result in night-time noise levels in excess of those allowed by a municipal by-law applicable where the motorized material handling equipment is used, visual or tactile warning devices or methods may be used at night if such devices or methods provide an adequate warning.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Rear View MirrorsWhere motorized materials handling equipment cannot be operated safely in reverse unless it is fitted with sufficient rear-view mirrors, it shall be so fitted.
SOR/88-632, s. 59(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Guided Industrial VehiclesSubject to subsection 14.51(2), the design, construction, operation and maintenance of guided industrial vehicles shall meet the standards set out in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Standard ASME B56.5-1993, Safety Standard for Guided Industrial Vehicles and Automated Functions of Manned Industrial Vehicles, dated 1993, as amended from time to time.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
ConveyorsSubject to subsection 14.51(2), the design, construction, operation and maintenance of each conveyor, cableway or other similar motorized materials handling equipment shall meet the standards set out in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Standard ASME B20.1-1993, Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment, dated 1993, as amended from time to time.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
MAINTENANCE, USE AND OPERATIONInspection, Testing and MaintenanceBefore motorized or manual materials handling equipment is used for the first time in a work place, the employer shall set out in writing instructions on the inspection, testing and maintenance of that materials handling equipment.Instructions referred to in subsection (1) shall specify the nature and frequency of inspections, testing and maintenance.The inspection, testing and maintenance referred to in subsection (1) shall be performed by a qualified person whocomplies with the instructions referred to in that subsection; andmakes and signs a report of each inspection, test or maintenance work performed by the qualified person.A report referred to in paragraph (3)(b) shallinclude the date of the inspection, testing or maintenance performed by the qualified person;identify the materials handling equipment that was inspected, tested or maintained; andset out the safety observations of the qualified person.The employer shall keep at the work place at which the motorized or manual materials handling equipment is located a copy ofthe instructions referred to in subsection (1) for as long as the materials handling equipment is in use; andthe report referred to in paragraph (3)(b) for a period of one year after the report is signed.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Mobile CranesMobile cranes shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the requirements of section 5 of CSA Standard Z150-1974, Safety Code for Mobile Cranes, dated 1974, and its supplement Z150S1-1977 entitled Supplement 1-1977 to CSA Standard Z150-1974 Safety Code for Mobile Cranes, published in 1977.
SOR/88-632, s. 60(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Split Rim WheelsEvery employer whose employees maintain or repair motorized materials handling equipment equipped with split rim wheels shall set out in writing instructions for those employees on the maintenance and repair of those wheels.Instructions referred to in subsection (1) shall include instructions on training, inspection, installation, guarding, compatibility of parts used and repairs relating to the assembling and disassembling of split rim wheels.The employer shall keep a copy of the instructions referred to in subsection (1) at the work place in which the motorized materials handling equipment referred to in that subsection is kept for as long as the equipment is in use.
SOR/88-632, s. 61(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Instruction and TrainingSubject to subsection (2), every employer shall ensure that every operator of motorized materials handling equipment has been instructed and trained in the procedures to be followed forits inspection;its fuelling; andits safe and proper use, in accordance with any instructions provided by the manufacturer and taking into account the conditions of the work place in which the operator will operate the materials handling equipment.Subsection (1) does not apply to an operator who, under the direct supervision of a qualified person, is being instructed and trained to use motorized materials handling equipment or on the matters referred to in that subsection.An employer shall ensure that every operator of manual materials handling equipment receives on-the-job training by a qualified person on the procedures to be followed forits inspection; andits safe and proper use, in accordance with any instructions of the manufacturer and taking into account the conditions of the work place in which the operator will operate the manual materials handling equipment and the operator’s physical capabilities.Every employer shall keep a written record, in respect of an operator, of any instruction or training referred to in subsection (1) for as long as the operator remains in the employer’s employment.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
QualificationsNo employer shall require an employee to operate motorized or manual materials handling equipment unless the employeeis an operator; andwhere the laws of the province in which the equipment is operated require an operator’s licence, possesses an operator’s licence issued by any province.
SOR/88-632, s. 62(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
SignalsNo employer shall require an operator to operate motorized materials handling equipment unless the operatoris directed by a signaller; orhas an unobstructed view of the area in which the equipment is to be operated.
SOR/88-632, s. 63;
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2009-147, s. 8(F).
Previous VersionEvery employer who wishes to use signals to direct the movement of motorized materials handling equipment shall establish a single code of signals to be used by signallers in all of the employer’s work places.Subject to subsection (3), signals from the code referred to in subsection (1) shall be given by a signaller, who may use only those signals.A signal to stop given in an emergency by any person granted access to the work place by the employer shall be obeyed by an operator.No signaller shall perform duties other than signalling while the motorized materials handling equipment under the signaller’s direction is in operation.Where any movement of motorized materials handling equipment that is directed by a signaller poses a risk to the safety of any person, the signaller shall not give the signal to move until that person is warned of, or protected from, the risk.Where the operator of any motorized materials handling equipment does not understand a signal, the operator shall consider that signal to be a stop signal.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Subject to subsection (2), where the use by a signaller of visual signals will not be an effective means of communication, the employer shall provide the signaller and the operator with a telephone, radio or other audible signalling device.No radio transmitting equipment shall be used in a work place for the transmission of signals where such use may activate electric blasting equipment in that place.Where a signalling device referred to in subsection (1) functions unreliably or improperly and the operation of any motorized materials handling equipment cannot be safely directed by another means of signalling, use of the motorized materials handling equipment shall be discontinued until the signalling device is repaired or replaced.Where an employee finds a defect in radio transmitting signalling equipment that may render it unsafe for use, the employee shall report the defect to the employer as soon as possible.
SOR/94-263, s. 54(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
GradientsNo employee shall operate and no employer shall permit an employee to operate motorized materials handling equipment on a ramp with a gradient in excess of the lesser ofthe gradient that is recommended as safe by the manufacturer of the motorized materials handling equipment, either loaded or unloaded, as applicable; andsuch gradient as a qualified person determines to be safe, having regard to the mechanical condition of the motorized materials handling equipment and its load and traction.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
RepairsMotorized or manual materials handling equipment that creates a health or safety hazard owing to a defect in the materials handling equipment shall be taken out of service until it has been repaired or modified by a qualified person.Subject to subsection (3), any repair, modification or replacement of a part of any motorized or manual materials handling equipment shall at least maintain the safety factor of the materials handling equipment or part.If a part of less strength or quality than the original part is used in the repair, modification or replacement of a part of any motorized or manual materials handling equipment, the employer shall restrict the use of the materials handling equipment to such loading and use as will ensure the retention of the original safety factor of the equipment or part.An employer shall keep a record of any repair or modification referred to in subsection (1) and of any restriction on use imposed pursuant to subsection (3).
SOR/96-400, art. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 39.
Transporting and Positioning EmployeesMotorized or manual materials handling equipment shall not be used for transporting an employee and no employee shall so use the equipment unless the equipment is specifically designed for that purpose.Motorized or manual materials handling equipment shall not be used for hoisting or positioning an employee, unless the equipment is equipped with a platform, bucket or basket designed for those purposes.Any motorized materials handling equipment that is normally used for transporting employees from place to place in a work place shall be equipped witha mechanical parking brake; anda hydraulic or pneumatic braking system.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Loading, Unloading and Maintenance While in MotionNo materials, goods or things shall be picked up from, or placed on, any motorized or manual materials handling equipment while the equipment is in motion unless the equipment is specifically designed for that purpose.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Except in the case of an emergency, no employee shall get on or off of motorized or manual materials handling equipment while it is in motion.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Subject to subsection (2), no repair, maintenance or cleaning work shall be performed on motorized or manual materials handling equipment while the materials handling equipment is in use.Fixed parts of motorized or manual materials handling equipment may be repaired, maintained or cleaned while the materials handling equipment is being used if the parts are so isolated or guarded that the use of the materials handling equipment does not present a risk to the safety of the employee performing the repair, maintenance or cleaning work.
SOR/88-632, s. 64(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 55(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Positioning the LoadWhere motorized or manual materials handling equipment is travelling with a raised or suspended load, its operator shall ensure that the load is carried as close to the ground or floor as the situation permits and shall not in any case transport the load at or beyond the point at which the loaded equipment becomes unstable.Any load, other than bulk materials, that would likely slide on or fall from motorized or manual materials handling equipment resulting in a hazardous condition shall be secured to prevent such movement.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
ToolsTools, tool boxes or spare parts that are carried on motorized or manual materials handling equipment shall be securely stored.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
HousekeepingThe floor, cab and other occupied parts of motorized materials handling equipment shall be kept free of any grease, oil, materials, tools, equipment or other hazards that may cause an employee to slip or trip or may create a fire hazard or otherwise interfere with the safe operation of the equipment.
SOR/88-632, s. 65(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
ParkingNo motorized or manual materials handling equipment shall be parked in a corridor, aisle, doorway or other place where it may interfere with the safe movement of persons, materials, goods or things.Where motorized or manual materials handling equipment is required to enter or exit a vehicle other than a railway car to load or unload materials, goods or things to or from the vehicle, the vehicle shall be immobilized and secured against accidental movement, by means additional to the vehicle’s braking system.Where motorized or manual materials handling equipment is required to enter or exit a railway car to load or unload materials, goods or things to or from the railway car, the railway car shall be immobilized.Any motorized materials handling equipment that is left unattended shall be immobilized against accidental movement, by applying a parking brake or other braking device.
SOR/88-632, s. 66(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Materials Handling AreaIn this section, materials handling area means an area within which materials handling equipment may create a hazard to any person.An employer shall cause warning signs to be posted, or a signaller to be in control, at the approaches to any materials handling area while materials handling operations are in progress.Only the following persons may enter a materials handling area while materials handling operations are in progress:a health and safety officer;an employee whose presence in the materials handling area is essential to the conduct, supervision or safety of the materials handling operations; ora person who has been authorized by the employer to be in the materials handling area while materials handling operations are in progress.If any person other than a person referred to in subsection (3) enters a materials handling area, the employer shall cause the materials handling operations in the immediate vicinity of the unauthorized person to be immediately discontinued and to remain discontinued until the person has left that materials handling area.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 67(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 65(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 38.
Hazard AreasSubject to subsection (2), no motorized or manual materials handling equipment shall be used in an area in which it may contact an electrical cable, a pipeline containing a hazardous substance or any other hazard known to the employer, unless the employer has informed the operator of the presence and location of the hazard and of the safety clearance that the operator must maintain with respect to the hazard.Where an employer is unable to determine with reasonable certainty the location of an electrical cable or a pipeline containing a hazardous substance, the electrical cable shall be de-energized or the pipeline shut down and drained before any activity involving the use of motorized materials handling equipment commences within the area of possible contact with the electrical cable or the pipeline.
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
Rear DumpingWhere rear-dumping motorized materials handling equipment is used to discharge a load at the edge of a sudden drop in grade level that may cause the equipment to tip and in order to prevent the motorized materials handling equipment from being backed over the edge,a bumping block shall be used; ora signaller shall give directions to the operator of the equipment.
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2009-84, s. 1(F).
Previous VersionFuellingWhere motorized materials handling equipment is fuelled in a work place, a qualified person shall do the fuelling in accordance with procedures referred to in subsection 14.23(1) in a place that is well ventilated so that the vapours from the fuel will be dissipated quickly.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Ropes, Slings and ChainsThe employer shall, with respect to the use and maintenance of any rope, sling or chain or any attachment or fitting thereon used by an employee, adopt and implement the recommendations set out in Chapter 10 of the Accident Prevention Manual for Business and Industry, 10th edition, published by the National Safety Council of the United States, dated 1992.Subsection (1) does not apply to ropes, slings or chains or to any attachments or fittings thereon that comply with the requirements of the Tackle Regulations.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Safe Working LoadsMotorized or manual materials handling equipment shall be legibly marked with sufficient information so as to enable the operator to determine its safe working load.No motorized or manual materials handling equipment shall be used with a load that exceeds its safe working load.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Aisles and CorridorsAn employer shall provide a clearly marked pathway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and persons using wheelchairs and other similar devices that is not less than 750 mm wide along one side of an aisle, corridor or other course of travel that is found in a work place and thatis a principal traffic route for mobile equipment, pedestrians and persons using wheelchairs and other similar devices; andexceeds 15 m in length.Subsection (1) does not apply where a signaller or traffic lights are provided for the purpose of controlling traffic and protecting persons.Where an aisle, corridor or other course of travel that is a principal traffic route in a work place intersects with another route, an employer shall cause warning signs marked with the words “DANGEROUS INTERSECTION — CROISEMENT DANGEREUX”, in letters not less than 50 mm in height on a contrasting background, to be posted along the approaches to the intersection.At blind corners, mirrors shall be installed that permit a mobile equipment operator to see a pedestrian, a person using a wheelchair or other similar device, a vehicle or mobile equipment approaching the blind corner.
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/96-525, s. 15.
ClearancesIn any passageway that is regularly travelled by motorized or manual materials handling equipment, the employer shall ensure thatan overhead clearance is at least 150 mm abovethat part of the materials handling equipment or its load that is the highest when the materials handling equipment is in its highest normal operating position at the point of clearance, andthe top of the head of the operator or any other employee required to ride on the materials handling equipment when occupying the highest normal position for the operator or employee at the point of clearance; anda side clearance is sufficiently wide to permit the motorized or manual materials handling equipment and its load to be manoeuvred safely by an operator, but in no case less than 150 mm on each side measured from the furthest projecting part of the equipment or its load, when the equipment is being operated in a normal manner.Where an overhead clearance measured in accordance with subparagraph (l)(a)(i) or (ii) is less than 300 mm, the employer shall causethe top of the doorway or object that restricts the clearance to be marked with a distinguishing colour or mark; andthe height of the passageway in metres to be shown near the top of the passageway in letters that are not less than 50 mm in height and are on a contrasting background.Subparagraph (l)(a)(i) and subsection (2) do not apply in respect ofmotorized materials handling equipment whose course of travel is controlled by fixed rails or guides;that portion of the route of any motorized or manual materials handling equipment that is inside a railway car, truck or trailer truck, including the warehouse doorway leading directly to it; ora load the nature of which precludes compliance with that subparagraph or subsection if precautions are taken to prevent contact with objects that may restrict the movement of the equipment.
SOR/88-632, s. 68(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIALSWhere, because of the weight, size, shape, toxicity or other characteristic of materials, goods or things, the manual handling of materials, goods or things may be hazardous to the health or safety of an employee, the employer shall issue instructions that the materials, goods or things shall, where reasonably practicable, not be handled manually.For the purposes of subsection (1), the employer shall take into account the frequency and duration of manual lifting and the distances and terrain over which an object is to be manually lifted or carried in deciding whether the manual handling of the materials, goods or things may be hazardous to the health or safety of an employee.
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, ss. 29(E), 39.
No employer shall require an employee who is an office worker and whose primary tasks do not include manual lifting or carrying to manually lift or carry materials, goods or things in excess of 23 kg.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Where an employee is required manually to lift or carry loads weighing in excess of 10 kg, the employer shall instruct and train the employeein a safe method of lifting and carrying the loads that will minimize the stress on the body; andin a work procedure appropriate to the employee’s physical condition and the conditions of the work place.
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
Where an employee is required manually to lift or carry loads weighing in excess of 45 kg, the employer shall give instructions to the employee in accordance with section 14.48 that areset out in writing;readily available to the employee; andkept by the employer for a period of two years after they cease to apply.
SOR/88-632, s. 69(F);
SOR/96-400, s. 1.
STORAGE OF MATERIALSAll materials, goods and things shall be stored in the work place in such a manner that the maximum safe load carrying capacity of the floor or other supporting structures is not exceeded.All materials, goods or things shall be stored and placed in such a manner that employees are not required manually to lift materials, goods or things in a manner that would lead to overextension of or excessive strain on the body.All materials, goods or things shall be stored in a manner so thatlight in the storage area is not reduced below the levels required by Part VI;there is no obstruction or encroachment of passageways, traffic lanes or exits;the safe operation of motorized or manual materials handling equipment is not impeded;the ready access to or the operation of fire fighting equipment is not obstructed;the operation of fixed fire protection equipment is not interfered with; andthere is no risk to the health or safety of any employee.
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 39.
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONSSubject to subsection (3), motorized materials handling equipment that is in use at the time this amendment comes into force, and that meets the requirements of this Part as it read immediately before the coming into force of this amendment, is exempt from having to comply with the amendment as long as the motorized materials handling equipment continues to meet those requirements.Subject to subsection (3), motorized or manual materials handling equipment that is in use at the time an amendment to a standard or code incorporated by subsection 14.6(1) or 14.8(2) or section 14.18 or 14.19 comes into force and that complies with the standard or code as it read immediately before the coming into force of the amendment, is exempt from having to comply with the amendment as long as the motorized or manual materials handling equipment continues to meet that standard or code.An employer shall ensure that, wherever reasonably practicable, equipment referred to insubsection (1) meets the requirements of subsection 14.3(3) or 14.6(2), section 14.10, 14.11 or 14.13 or paragraph 14.16(1)(b); andsubsection (2) complies with an amendment referred to in that subsection.If it is not reasonably practicable for materials handling equipment in use at the time an amendment referred to in subsection (1) or (2) comes into force to comply with the amendment, the employer whose employees use the equipment shall notify the work place committee or the health and safety representative of the non-compliance.
SOR/96-400, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 30.
HAZARDOUS OCCURRENCE INVESTIGATION, RECORDING AND REPORTINGInterpretationIn this Part,disabling injury means an employment injury or an occupational disease thatprevents an employee from reporting for work or from effectively performing all the duties connected with the employee’s regular work on any day subsequent to the day on which the injury or disease occurred, whether or not that subsequent day is a working day for that employee,results in the loss by an employee of a body member or part thereof or in the complete loss of the usefulness of a body member or part thereof, orresults in the permanent impairment of a body function of an employee; (blessure invalidante)district office, in respect of a work place, means the office of the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development that is responsible for the HRSDC Labour Program and that isclosest to the work place, andin any of the Department’s administrative regions in which the work place is situated; (bureau de district)minor injury means an employment injury or an occupational disease for which medical treatment is provided and excludes a disabling injury. (blessure légère)
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/2009-147, s. 9.
Previous VersionApplicationSubject to subsection (2), this Part does not apply in respect of employees employed in a coal mine or in an underground portion of any other type of mine.Section 15.10 applies in respect of employees employed in a coal mine.
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/90-180, s. 3.
Reports by EmployeeWhere an employee becomes aware of an accident or other occurrence arising in the course of or in connection with the employee’s work that has caused or is likely to cause injury to that employee or to any other person, the employee shall, without delay, report the accident or other occurrence to his employer, orally or in writing.
SOR/89-479, s. 1.
InvestigationsWhere an employer becomes aware of an accident, occupational disease or other hazardous occurrence affecting any of his employees in the course of employment, the employer shall, without delay,appoint a qualified person to carry out an investigation of the hazardous occurrence;notify the work place committee or the health and safety representative of the hazardous occurrence and of the name of the person appointed to investigate it; andtake necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of the hazardous occurrence.Where the hazardous occurrence referred to in subsection (1) is an accident involving a motor vehicle on a public road that is investigated by a police authority, the investigation referred to in paragraph (1)(a) shall be carried out by obtaining from the appropriate police authority a copy of its report respecting the accident.As soon as possible after receipt of the report referred to in subsection (2), the employer shall provide a copy thereof to the work place committee or the health and safety representative.
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/94-263, s. 56;
SOR/2002-208, s. 31.
Telephone or Telex ReportsThe employer shall report to a health and safety officer, by telephone or telex, the date, time, location and nature of any accident, occupational disease or other hazardous occurrence referred to in section 15.4 that had one of the following results, as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours after becoming aware of that result, namely,the death of an employee;a disabling injury to two or more employees;the loss by an employee of a body member or a part thereof or the complete loss of the usefulness of a body member or a part thereof;the permanent impairment of a body function of an employee;an explosion;damage to a boiler or pressure vessel that results in fire or the rupture of the boiler or pressure vessel; orany damage to an elevating device that renders it unserviceable, or a free fall of an elevating device.
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/94-263, s. 57;
SOR/2002-208, s. 38.
RecordsThe employer shall, within 72 hours after a hazardous occurrence referred to in paragraph 15.5(f) or (g), record in writinga description of the hazardous occurrence and the date, time and location of the occurrence;the causes of the occurrence; andthe corrective measures taken or the reason for not taking corrective measures.The employer shall, without delay, submit a copy of the record referred to in subsection (1) to the work place committee or the health and safety representative.
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/94-263, s. 58;
SOR/2002-208, s. 32.
Minor Injury RecordsEvery employer shall keep a record of each minor injury of which the employer is aware that affects any employee in the course of employment.A record kept pursuant to subsection (1) shall containthe date, time and location of the occurrence that resulted in the minor injury;the name of the employee affected;a brief description of the minor injury; andthe causes of the minor injury.
SOR/89-479, s. 1.
Written ReportsThe employer shall make a report in writing, without delay, in the form set out in Schedule I to this Part setting out the information required by that form, including the results of the investigation referred to in paragraph 15.4(1)(a), where that investigation discloses that the hazardous occurrence resulted in any one of the following circumstances:a disabling injury to an employee;an electric shock, toxic atmosphere or oxygen deficient atmosphere that caused an employee to lose consciousness;the implementation of rescue, revival or other similar emergency procedures; ora fire or an explosion.The employer shall submit a copy of the report referred to in subsection (1)without delay, to the work place committee or the health and safety representative; andwithin 14 days after the hazardous occurrence, to a health and safety officer at the regional office or district office.
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/94-263, s. 59;
SOR/2002-208, s. 33.
Where an accident referred to in subsection 15.4(2) results in a circumstance referred to in subsection 15.8(1), the employer shall, within 14 days after the receipt of the police report of the accident, submit a copy of that report to a health and safety officer at the regional office or district office.
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 38.
Annual ReportEvery employer shall, not later than March 1 in each year, submit to the Minister a written report setting out the number of accidents, occupational diseases and other hazardous occurrences of which the employer is aware affecting any employee in the course of employment during the 12 month period ending on December 31 of the preceding year.The report shall be in the form set out in Schedule II to this Part, contain the information required by that form and be accompanied by a copy of any report made in accordance with subsection 19.8(1).
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/2005-401, s. 1.
Retention of Reports and RecordsEvery employer shall keep a copy ofeach report submitted pursuant to section 15.9 or subsection 15.10(1) for a period of 10 years following the submission of the report to the health and safety officer or the Minister; andthe record or report referred to in subsection 15.6(1), 15.7(1) or 15.8(1) for a period of 10 years following the hazardous occurrence.
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 38.
(s. 15.8)HAZARDOUS OCCURRENCE INVESTIGATION REPORT FORMGRAPHIC IS NOT DISPLAYED, SEE SOR/89-479, S. 1; SOR/2002-208, SS. 34, 38
SOR/89-479, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, ss. 34, 38.
(s. 15.10)EMPLOYER’S ANNUAL HAZARDOUS OCCURRENCE REPORT FORMGRAPHIC IS NOT DISPLAYED, SEE SOR/89-479, S. 1
SOR/89-479, s. 1.
FIRST AIDInterpretationThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.ambulance response time means the time required for an ambulance with trained personnel and emergency medical equipment to reach the workplace from the nearest point of dispatch under normal travel conditions. (délai d’intervention ambulancière)first aid attendant means a holder of a valid basic or standard first aid certificate. (secouriste)first aid station means a place, other than a first aid room, at which first aid supplies or equipment are stored. (poste de secours)health unit means a facility that is under the charge of a physician or a person who is registered as a registered nurse under the laws of any province, and that, if it is under the control of the employer, meets the minimum requirements of a first aid room contained in this Part. (service de santé)medical treatment facility means a hospital, medical clinic or physician’s office, at which emergency medical treatment can be dispensed. (installation de traitement médical)remote workplace means a workplace for which the ambulance response time is more than two hours. (lieu de travail isolé)standard first aid certificate means the certificate issued by an approved organization for successful completion of a two-day first aid course. (certificat de secourisme général)
SOR/88-68, s. 13(E);
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
GeneralEvery employer shall establish, and keep up to date, written instructions that provide for the prompt rendering of first aid to an employee for an injury, an occupational disease or an illness.The employer shall keep a copy of the instructions readily available for consultation by employees.
SOR/88-632, s. 70(F);
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
First Aid AttendantsAt every workplace at which six or more employees are working at any time, the employer shall ensure that there is a first aid attendant.At every remote workplace at which two or more employees are working at any time, the employer shall ensure that there is a first aid attendant.At every workplace at which an employee is working on live high voltage electrical equipment, the employer shall ensure thata first aid attendant is readily available; orat least one of the employees has the training necessary to provide resuscitation by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation or an equivalent direct method.At every workplace that is required to have a first aid attendant, the employer shall ensure that the first aid attendant at the workplace is qualified by having at leastif the workplace is an office workplace for which the ambulance response time isup to two hours, a basic first aid certificate, ormore than two hours, a standard first aid certificate;if the workplace is any other workplace, other than a workplace in a wilderness area, and the ambulance response time for the workplace isless than twenty minutes, a basic first aid certificate, ortwenty minutes or more but not more than two hours, a standard first aid certificate; andif the workplace is in a wilderness area, a standard first aid certificate and wilderness first aid training that is specially designed to meet the first aid needs of persons who work, live or travel in such an area.
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
A first aid attendant referred to in section 16.3 or paragraph 16.10(1)(a)shall be assigned to a first aid station or first aid room;shall be readily available and accessible to employees during working hours;shall render first aid to employees who are injured or ill at the workplace;shall, if required, accompany an injured or ill employee to a health unit or a medical treatment facility and render first aid in transit;shall, in providing care to an injured or ill employee, not be overruled by anyone not trained in first aid; andshall be in charge of providing care for the injured or ill employee until the treatment is complete or the employee is under the care of an equally or more qualified caregiver.The first aid attendant referred to in subsection (1)shall work close to the first aid station or first aid room to which the first aid attendant is assigned; andshall not be assigned duties that will interfere with the prompt and adequate rendering of first aid.
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
First Aid StationsAt least one first aid station shall be provided for every workplace.In multi-storey buildings, the location of first aid stations shall be such that employees are no more than two stories from a first aid station.Every first aid station shall belocated at or near the workplace;clearly identified by a conspicuous sign; andreadily available and accessible during all working hours.The employer shall inspect every first aid station regularly, at least monthly, and shall ensure that its contents are maintained in a clean, dry and serviceable condition.Subsection (1) does not apply if a first aid room, health unit or medical treatment facility that meets the requirements of subsection (3) is provided by the employer.
SOR/88-632, s. 71(F);
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
Communication of InformationSubject to subsection (2), the employer shall post and keep posted or have readily available in a conspicuous place accessible to every employee in each workplaceinformation regarding first aid to be rendered for any injury, occupational disease or illness;information regarding the location of first aid stations and first aid rooms;at every first aid station and first aid room, a list of first aid attendants, and information on how they may be located;near the telephones, a list of telephone numbers kept up-to-date for use in emergencies; andinformation regarding transport procedures for injured employees.At a remote workplace or in a motor vehicle, the information and lists referred to in subsection (1) shall be provided and retained with the first aid kit.
SOR/96-525, s. 16;
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
First Aid Supplies and EquipmentAt every workplace with a number of employees set out in column 1 of an item of Schedule I to this Part, the employer shall ensure that there is provided a first aid kit of the type set out in column 2 of that item.A first aid kit of type A, B, C or D shall contain the first aid supplies and equipment set out in column 1 of an item of Schedule II to this Part in the quantity, if any, set out in column 2 of that item for that type.A first aid kit of type A for use in a remote workplace shall, in addition to the contents required by subsection (2), contain the first aid supplies and equipment set out in column 1 of an item of Schedule III to this Part in the quantity set out in column 2 of that item.Prescription drugs or other medications not set out in Schedules II, III and IV to this Part shall not be stored in first aid kits or with first aid supplies.
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
Subject to subsection (2), if a hazard for skin or eye injury from a hazardous substance exists in the workplace, the employer shall ensure that shower facilities to wash the skin and eye wash facilities to irrigate the eyes are provided for immediate use by employees.If it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1), the employer shall provide portable equipment that may be used in place of the facilities referred to in that subsection.If, due to adverse or extreme weather conditions, it is not possible to comply with either subsection (1) or (2), the employer shall provide personal protection equipment for all employees likely to be exposed to the hazardous substance for all parts of their bodies that may be injured because of the presence of hazardous substances in the workplace.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/88-632, s. 72(F);
SOR/94-263, ss. 60(F), 65(F);
SOR/2000-328, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 43(F).
First Aid RoomsIf 200 or more employees are working at any time in a workplace, the employer shall ensure that a first aid room is provided and that it is clearly identified by a conspicuous sign.A first aid room may be used for purposes other than first aid ifthe minimum floor area required for first aid is maintained;there is no potential for delay in the administration of first aid; andthe use for those other purposes will not impede the treatment of an injured employee or pose a hazard to employees.Subsection (1) does not apply if a health unit or medical treatment facility at which medical treatment is provided without charge to employees is readily accessible.
SOR/88-632, s. 73(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 61(F);
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
Every first aid room provided in accordance with section 16.9 shall beunder the supervision of a first aid attendant;located as close as practicable to the workplace and within easy access to a toilet room;situated on a minimum floor area of 10 m2 and constructed to allow for optimum ease of access to persons carrying a patient on a stretcher;maintained in an orderly and sanitary condition; andequipped witha washbasin supplied with cold water and hot water that meets the standards set out in Part IX,a storage cupboard and a counter,a separate cubicle or curtained-off area with a cot or bed equipped with a moisture-protected mattress and two moisture-protected pillows,a table and two or more chairs,a telephone, or other effective means of communication, and an up-to-date list of appropriate emergency contacts and telephone numbers for use in emergencies, andthe first aid supplies and equipment set out in Schedule IV to this Part.In every first aid room referred to in subsection (1),the air shall be changed at least once each hour; andthe temperatureshall be maintained at not less than 21oC, measured one meter above the floor, when the outdoor temperature is 21oC or less, andto the extent that is reasonably practicable, when the outdoor temperature in the shade exceeds 24oC, shall not exceed the outdoor temperature.
SOR/88-632, s. 74(F);
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
TransportationBefore assigning employees to a workplace, the employer shallensure that for that workplace there is an ambulance service or other suitable means of transporting an injured or ill employee to a health unit or medical treatment facility; andprovide for that workplace a means of quickly summoning the ambulance service or other suitable means of transportation.
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
Teaching First AidAn organization that wants to obtain the approval of the Minister for offering courses in first aid shall apply for it in writing to the Minister.The application shall be accompanied by a description of the proposed courses.If the application is for approval for offering a course in advanced first aid, including wilderness first aid, in relation to a particular work place, the application shall also be accompanied by a report from the employer at that work place, prepared in consultation with the work place committee or health and safety representative, that identifies the first aid training requirements for the work place, having regard to the particular nature of that work place.The Minister shall approve an application by an organization to offer courses in basic and standard first aid if the organization’s training program contains the elements and meets the criteria set out in Schedule V to this Part.The Minister shall approve an application by an organization to offer courses in advanced first aid, including wilderness first aid, in relation to a particular workplace if the organization’s training program is appropriate for that workplace, having regard to the training requirements identified in the report referred to in subsection (3).Subject to subsections (7) and (8), a letter of approval from the Minister is valid for a period of five years starting on the date of issue.The Minister may suspend or cancel the approval of an organization under subsection (4) if the organization’s training program no longer contains the elements or meets the criteria set out in Schedule V to this Part.The Minister may suspend or cancel the approval of an organization under subsection (5) in relation to a workplace if the organization’s training program is no longer appropriate for that workplace.Basic and standard first aid certificates and certifications of completion of advanced first aid courses, including wilderness first aid courses, are valid for a maximum of three years, starting on their date of issue.
SOR/88-632, s. 75;
SOR/2000-328, s. 2;
SOR/2002-208, s. 35.
RecordsIf first aid is required by this Part to be rendered, the first aid attendant who renders the first aid shallenter in a first aid record the following information:the date and time of the reporting of the injury or illness,the full name of the injured or ill employee,the date, time and location of the occurrence of the injury or illness,a brief description of the injury or illness,a brief description of the first aid rendered, if any,a brief description of arrangements made for the treatment or transportation of the injured or ill employee, andthe names of witnesses, if applicable; andsign the first aid record beneath the information entered in accordance with paragraph (a).The information referred to in subsection (1) shall be enteredif first aid was rendered to an employee at a remote workplace detached from the main party or on a snowmobile or other small vehicle, in the first aid record stored in the first aid kit at the site of the main party or work site; andin any other case, in the first aid record stored in the first aid kit.The employer shall keep a first aid record containing information entered in accordance with subsection (2) for a period of two years beginning on the date of that entry.Persons with access to first aid records shall keep the information contained in the records confidential, except as required for the purposes of meeting reporting obligations under Part XV.On receiving a written request from a workers’ compensation authority for the province where the workplace is located or a medical practitioner, the employer shall provide an employee with a copy of the first aid record pertaining to the employee’s treatment.The employer shall maintain a record of the expiry dates of the first aid certificates of the first aid attendants and make it readily available to them.
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
(Subsection 16.7(1))REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST AID KITS
Column 1Column 2ItemNumber of EmployeesType of First Aid Kit1.2 to 5 (subject to item 5)A2.6 or more, where the first aid attendant is required to have at least a basic first aid certificateB3.6 or more, where the first aid attendant is required to have at least a standard first aid certificateC4.1, detached from the main party in a remote workplaceD5.1 to 3, travelling by snowmobile or other small vehicle, other than a truck, van or automobileD
Note: The contents of first aid kits A, B, C and D are set out in Schedule II.
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
(Subsections 16.7(2) and (4))CONTENT OF FIRST AID KITS
Column 1Column 2Quantity According to Type of First Aid Kit:ItemSupplies and EquipmentABCD1.Antiseptic swabs (10-pack)11412.Scissors: super shears——1—3.Bandages: adhesive strips124810064.Plastic bags: waterproof, sealable——2—5.Bandages: triangular, 100 cm, folded26816.Blankets: emergency, pocket size1———7.First Aid Kit Container11118.Dressings: combination, 12.7 cm x 20.3 cm——6—9.Dressings: compress, 7.5 cm x 12 cm12——10.Dressings: gauze sterile 10.4 cm x 10.4 cm41224211.Dressings: gauze, non-sterile 10.4 cm x 10.4 cm1040200—12.Forceps: splinter111—13.Gloves: disposable4840—14.Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation mask with one-way valve111—15.Record book: First Aid111116.Scissors: bandage11——17.Self-adhering gauze bandage: 7.5 cm x 4.5 cm2624—18.Tape: adhesive, 1.2 cm x 4.5 cm———119.Tape: adhesive, 2.5 cm x 4.5 cm124—Additional supplies and equipment maintained outside of the kit itself (for remote workplace)20.Blankets: bed type——2—21.Splint set—11—22.Stretcher——1—
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
(Subsections 16.7(3) and (4))ADDITIONAL FIRST AID SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR REMOTE WORKPLACES
Column 1Column 2ItemSupplies and EquipmentQuantity1.Guide on wilderness first aid12.30 mL (6 teaspoonsful) table salt, sealed in strong plastic bag13.30 mL (6 teaspoonsful) baking soda (not baking powder), sealed in strong plastic bag14.60 mL (12 teaspoonsful) sugar, sealed in strong plastic bag15.1 litre plastic bags56.Large plastic garbage bags27.Patient treatment record forms, which include vital sign recording sections38.Oral temperature thermometer in an unbreakable case19.Emergency signalling mirror110.Blanket: emergency, pocket size111.Anti-itch ointment/lotion/swabs (10-pack)212.Scissors: super shears113.Bags: disposable, waterproof, emesis414.Burn jelly (5 mL)415.Plastic bags: waterproof and sealable for disposal of contaminated waste216.Cold packs: instant type217.Hot packs: instant type2
Note: In addition to the type A first aid kit and the above items, an effective means of communication with the base camp of operations must be available. The contents of a type A first aid kit are set out in Schedule II.
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
(Subsection 16.7(4) and subparagraph 16.10(1)(e)(vi))FIRST AID ROOM SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
Column 1Column 2ItemSupplies and EquipmentQuantity1.First aid kit: type C (containing the supplies and equipment set out in Schedule II)12.Basin: wash, portable, 4.7 L capacity13.Bedding: disposable, 2 sheets and 2 pillow cases (set)64.Tray: instrument15.Waste receptacle: covered16.Soap: liquid, with dispenser17.Towels: disposable, with dispenser18.Cups: box of disposable, with dispenser19.Flashlight (appropriate for the workplace)1
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
(Subsections 16.12(4) and (7))Subjects to be Included in the CoursesBasic first aid:the provision of basic first aid and the first aid attendant’s role and obligations in relation to basic first aid;emergency scene management;cardiopulmonary resuscitation;medical emergencies;shock and unconsciousness;anti-contamination procedures; andwounds and bleeding.Standard first aid:the provision of standard first aid and the first aid attendant’s role and obligations in relation to standard first aid;emergency scene management;cardiopulmonary resuscitation;medical emergencies;shock and unconsciousness;anti-contamination procedures;wounds and bleeding;fractures and their immobilization;chest injuries;head and spinal injuries;muscle, ligament and joint injuries;burns;eye injuries;pelvic, genital and abdominal injuries;movement and transportation of casualty;environmental illnesses and injuries;toxicological emergencies; andevacuation and transportation of casualties.Testing CriteriaPractical evaluation:evaluation points and criteria.Written evaluation:example and marking scheme.Qualifications of InstructorsTraining program:course content;length of the program; andevaluation process.Recertification procedures:recertification schedule;instructor quality assurance procedures; andinstructor’s guide.Other CriteriaStudent reference material:current volume submitted for review.Lesson plans:lesson contents; andlesson teaching outline.Audio-Visual aids.First aid certificate:example submitted for authentication.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate:example submitted for authentication.
SOR/2000-328, s. 2.
SAFE OCCUPANCY OF THE WORK PLACEInterpretationIn this Part, emergency evacuation plan means a written plan for use in an emergency, prepared in accordance with section 17.4.ApplicationThis Part does not apply in respect of employees employed in the underground workings of mines.Fire Protection EquipmentFire protection equipment shall be installed, inspected and maintained in every building in which there is a work place in accordance with the standards set out in Parts 6 and 7 of the National Fire Code.[Repealed, SOR/2000-374, s. 6]All fire protection equipment shall be maintained and repaired by a qualified person.
SOR/2000-374, s. 6.
Emergency Evacuation PlanWhere more than 50 employees are working in a building at any time, the employer or employers of those employees shall prepare an emergency evacuation plan for all employees, including those who require special assistance, after consultation withthe work place committee or the health and safety representative; andthe employers of any persons working in the building to whom the Act does not apply.An emergency evacuation plan referred to in subsection (1) shall containa plan of the building, showingthe name, if any, and the address of the building,the name and address of the owner of the building,the names and locations of the tenants of the building,the date of preparation of the plan,the scale of the plan,the location of the building in relation to nearby streets and in relation to all buildings and other structures located within 30 m of the building,the maximum number of persons normally occupying the building at any time,a horizontal projection of the building, showing thereon its principal dimensions, andthe number of floors above and below ground level;a plan of each floor of the building, showingthe name, if any, and the address of the building,the date of preparation of the plan,the scale of the plan,a horizontal projection of the floor, showing thereon its principal dimensions,the number of the floor to which the plan applies,the maximum number of persons normally occupying the floor at any time,the location of all fire escapes, fire exits, stairways, elevating devices, main corridors and other means of exit,the location of all fire protection equipment, andthe location of the main electric power switches for the lighting system, elevating devices, principal heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment and other electrical equipment;a full description of the evacuation procedures to be followed in evacuating the building, with the time required to complete the evacuation, includingactivating the fire alarm,notifying the fire department, andevacuating employees who require special assistance; andthe names, room numbers and telephone numbers of the chief emergency warden and the deputy chief emergency warden of the building appointed by the employer or employers under section 17.7.An emergency evacuation plan referred to in subsection (1) shall be kept up-to-date and shall take into account any changes in the building or the nature of its occupancy.An employer referred to in subsection (1) shall keep a copy of the up-to-date emergency evacuation plan in the building to which it refers.
SOR/94-263, s. 62;
SOR/96-525, s. 17;
SOR/2002-208, s. 36.
Emergency ProceduresEvery employer shall, after consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative and with the employers of any persons working in the building to whom the Act does not apply, prepare emergency proceduresto be implemented if any person commits or threatens to commit an act that is likely to be hazardous to the health and safety of the employer or any of his or her employees;if there is a possibility of an accumulation, spill or leak of a hazardous substance in a work place controlled by the employer, to be implemented in the event of such an accumulation, spill or leak;if more than 50 employees are working in a building at any time, to be implemented when evacuation is not an appropriate means of ensuring the health and safety of employees;to be implemented in the event of a failure of the lighting system; andto be implemented in the event of a fire.The emergency procedures referred to in subsection (1) shall containan emergency evacuation plan, where applicable, or a plan for evacuating employees who require special assistance to be implemented in the event of a fire;a full description of the procedures to be followed;the location of the emergency equipment provided by the employer; anda plan of the building, showingthe name, if any, and the address of the building, andthe name and address of the owner of the building.The plan for the evacuation of employees who require special assistance shall be established in consultation with those employees.
SOR/88-68, s. 14;
SOR/94-263, s. 63;
SOR/96-525, s. 18;
SOR/2002-208, s. 37.
Instructions and TrainingEvery employee shall be instructed and trained inthe procedures to be followed by him in the event of an emergency; andthe location, use and operation of fire protection equipment and emergency equipment provided by the employer.Notices that set out the details of the evacuation plans and procedures referred to in paragraphs 17.4(2)(c) and 17.5(2)(a) and (b) shall be posted at locations accessible to every employee at the work place.
SOR/96-525, s. 19.
Emergency WardensWhere an employer or employers have prepared an emergency evacuation plan for a building, the employer or employers shall appointa chief emergency warden and a deputy chief emergency warden for that building;an emergency warden and a deputy emergency warden for each floor of the building that is occupied by employees of the employer or employers; andmonitors for any employee who require special assistance in evacuating the building.The chief emergency warden and deputy chief emergency warden appointed for a building shall be employees who are normally employed in the building.The emergency warden and the deputy emergency warden appointed for a floor in a building shall be employees who are normally employed on that floor and monitors for an employee who requires special assistance shall be employees who are normally employed on the same floor as the employee requiring special assistance.
SOR/96-525, s. 20.
Every emergency warden, deputy emergency warden and monitor appointed under section 17.7 shall be instructed and trained inhis responsibilities under the emergency evacuation plan and the emergency procedures referred to in paragraph 17.5(1)(c); andthe use of fire protection equipment.A record of all instruction and training provided in accordance with subsection (1) shall be kept by the employer in the work place to which it applies for a period of two years from the date on which the instruction or training is provided.
SOR/88-632, s. 76(E);
SOR/96-525, s. 21.
InspectionsIn addition to the inspections carried out under section 17.3, a visual inspection of every building to which subsection 17.4(1) applies shall be carried out by a qualified person at least once every six months and shall include an inspection of all fire escapes, exits, stairways and fire protection equipment in the building in order to ensure that they are in serviceable condition and ready for use at all times.A record of each inspection carried out in accordance with subsection (1) shall be dated and signed by the person who made the inspection and kept by the employer in the building to which it applies for a period of two years from the date on which it is signed.Meetings of Emergency Wardens and DrillsAt least once every year and after any change is made in the emergency evacuation plan or the emergency procedures referred to in paragraph 17.5(1)(c) for a building,emergency wardens, deputy emergency wardens and monitors appointed under section 17.7 and employees requiring special assistance shall meet for the purpose of ensuring that they are familiar with the emergency evacuation plan and the emergency procedures and their responsibilities thereunder; andan evacuation or emergency drill shall be conducted for the employees in that building.The employer or employers shall keep a record of each meeting and drill referred to in subsection (1) in the building referred to in that subsection for a period of two years from the date of the meeting or the drill.The record referred to in subsection (2) shall containin respect of each meeting,the date of the meeting,the names and titles of those present, anda summary of the matters discussed; andin respect of each drill,the date and time of the drill, andwhere applicable, the length of time taken to evacuate the building.The employer shall notify the local fire department for the building where an evacuation or emergency drill is to take place at least 24 hours in advance of the date and time of the drill.
SOR/88-632, s. 77(E);
SOR/96-525, s. 22.
Fire Hazard AreasSubject to subsection (2), no person shall, in a fire hazard area,use any equipment, machinery or tool of a type that may provide a source of ignition; orsmoke or use an open flame or other source of ignition.Where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid performing work involving the use of any equipment, machinery or tool that may provide a source of ignition in an area that has an atmosphere that contains or is likely to contain explosive concentrations of combustible dust or in an area where combustible dust has accumulated in a sufficient quantity to be a fire hazard, the following shall apply:the atmosphere and surfaces in the area where the work is to be performed and within that portion of the surrounding area that is accessible to sparks or pieces of hot metal produced by the work shall be substantially free of combustible dust;where any equipment, machinery or tool produces combustible dust that may reach the areas referred to in paragraph (a), the equipment, machinery or tool shall be made inoperative prior to and during the time the work is being performed;in so far as is practicable, the area where the work is to be performed shall be enclosed to prevent the escape of sparks or pieces of hot metal produced by the work;all openings in floors and walls through which sparks or pieces of hot metal produced by the work may pass shall be sealed or covered to prevent such passage;any combustible materials within the areas referred to in paragraph (a) shall be removed or, if this is not reasonably practicable, shall be covered with a non-combustible protective covering;floors and walls of combustible material within the areas referred to in paragraph (a) shall be protected from the fire hazard bydrenching the surfaces of the floors and walls with water, orcovering the floors and walls with a non-combustible protective covering;the work shall be performed under the supervision of a qualified person, who shall remain in the work area while the work is performed and for 30 minutes thereafter; andthere shall be readily available in the work area at least one hand-held portable fire extinguisher anda water hose at least 25 mm in diameter that is connected to a water supply line, ora supply of not less than 200 L of water and a bucket.
SOR/88-632, s. 78(F);
SOR/94-263, s. 64.
Signs shall be posted in conspicuous places at all entrances to a fire hazard areaidentifying the area as a fire hazard area; andprohibiting the use of an open flame or other source of ignition in the area.DIVING OPERATIONSDefinitionsThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.contaminated environment meansa point of discharge of effluent from a sewer, a water or sewage treatment plant or an industrial plant;a site where chemical or biological effluent has accumulated; orthe site of an oil or radioactive spill. (environnement contaminé)decompression table means a table or set of tables that shows a schedule of rates for the safe ascent of a diver from depth in order to minimize the risk of decompression sickness. (table de décompression)dive supervisor means a qualified person who has been designated by the employer to be in charge of a diving operation at the dive site, including the health and safety of its divers. (chef de plongée)diver means a qualified person who performs work under water. (plongeur)diver’s flag means the rectangular red flag set out in Schedule I, each side of which is not less than 50 cm in length, that has a white diagonal stripe extending from the tip of the hoist to the bottom of the flag. (pavillon du plongeur)diver’s tender means a qualified person who attends to a diver for the duration of a dive. (assistant du plongeur)hyperbaric chamber means a pressure vessel and associated equipment designed to subject humans to greater-than-atmospheric pressures. (caisson hyperbare)International Code Flag A means the white and dark blue flag set out in Schedule II, which is not less than 1 m in height. (pavillon A du code international)liveboating means the support of a diving operation from a vessel that is not at anchor, made fast to the shore or a fixed structure, or aground. (plongée avec bateau-soutien)no-decompression limit means the maximum time that can be spent at a depth without requiring a decompression stop. (limite de remontée sans palier)surface supply dive means a diving operation where a diver is supplied with breathing mixtures by a life support umbilical from the surface. (plongée non autonome)therapeutic recompression means the treatment of a diver in a hyperbaric chamber in accordance with generally accepted tables and practices. (recompression thérapeutique)type 1 dives means diving operationsthe primary purpose of which isto conduct scientific, archaeological or other research operations, orto gather evidence or information relating to a crime;thatdo not require decompression,do not involve diving in the vicinity of underwater pressure differentials,are not related to the search, construction, repair or inspection of ships, bridge piers, wharves, dry docks, underwater tunnels, or water control and water intake facilities, anddo not involve using underwater welding or cutting equipment; andthe depth of which does not exceed 40 m. (plongées de type 1)type 2 dives means diving operations other than type 1 dives. (plongées de type 2)
SOR/98-456, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 39.
ApplicationThis Part does not apply to diving operations to which the Canada Oil and Gas Diving Regulations, the Nova Scotia Offshore Area Petroleum Diving Regulations or the Newfoundland Offshore Area Petroleum Diving Regulations apply.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Division I applies to type 1 dives and type 2 dives.Division II applies to type 2 dives.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
TYPE 1 DIVES AND TYPE 2 DIVESWritten ProceduresEvery employer shall establish written procedures and requirements that are to be followed and met by employees involved in diving operations and that specify which of those procedures and requirementsapply to each type of dive in which the employees are likely to engage, including the qualifications of the dive team members;are to be implemented or met to counter any known hazards, including those arising out of contaminated or potentially contaminated environments, low visibility, hazardous water flow conditions and entrapment; anddeal with emergency situations and the evacuation of dive team members.Every employer shall review the procedures referred to in paragraph (1)(c) at least once a year and, if necessary, revise those procedures.The procedures and requirements referred to in subsection (1) shall be available to all employees involved in diving operations.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Instruction and TrainingEvery employer shall ensure that an employee required to dive has received instruction and training with respect tothe types of dives in which the employee is likely to participate; andthe equipment that the employee is likely to use.Every employer shall ensure that an employee involved in diving operations demonstrates on an annual basis that the employee is competent to perform the types of dives in which the employee is likely to participate.Every employer shall ensure that persons who are not employees and who dive with employees demonstrate that they are competent to perform the types of dives in which they will participate.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that an employee required to dive has been trained in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and in the recognition of the symptoms and the management of diving-related injuries.Where oxygen equipment for therapeutic purposes is provided at the dive site, the employer shall ensure that an employee required to dive or act as a diver’s tender is trained in its use.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Medical EvaluationsEvery employer shall ensure that an employee required to dive hasreceived a medical examination within the last two years; andbeen declared fit to dive, or fit to dive with specified restrictions, by the examining physician.For the purposes of subsection (1), the examining physician shall use as a guideline the factors and tests listed in Appendices A and B of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z275.2-92, Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations, published in English in April 1992 and in French in February 1994, as amended from time to time.Where the physician examining the employee pursuant to subsection (1) declares the employee fit to dive with specified restrictions, the employer shall not permit the employee to dive otherwise than in accordance with the specified restrictions.Every employer shall ensure that a diver who has been treated for a pressure-related injury or illness does not dive unless written clearance for further diving is given by a physician.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Fitness to DiveIf a diver considers himself or herself unfit to dive owing to illness, fatigue or any other cause, the diver shall inform the employer of that fact.An employer who has been notified pursuant to subsection (1) shall not permit the employee to dive.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Dive PlanEvery employer shall ensure that, for each dive, the dive team develops a dive plan that identifies the surface and underwater conditions and hazards likely to be encountered, including those arising from contaminated environments and underwater pressure differentials, and that specifiesthe duties of each dive team member;the diving equipment to be used;the breathing supply requirements, including the reserve supply;the thermal protection to be used;the repetitive dive factor;the no-decompression limit;the emergency procedures to be followed;the communication methods to be used;for a type 1 dive that is a scuba dive, whether there is a need for a diver’s tender;the circumstances in which the dive must be terminated;the procedures to be followed to ensure that machinery, equipment or devices that could create a hazard have been locked out; andwhether lifelines must be used.In the case of a type 1 dive, the dive plan referred to in subsection (1) shall also specify whether there is a need for a standby diver.In the case of a type 2 dive that requires decompression, the dive plan referred to in subsection (1) shall also specify the decompression schedule to be used.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Dive TeamSubject to subsections (3) and (4) and Division II, every employer shall ensure that a dive team consisting of at least two divers is present at every dive site.One member of the dive team referred to in subsection (1) shall be designated as the dive supervisor.A diver’s tender shall be present at any surface supply dive.A dive boat operator shall be present at any dive carried out from a boat or vessel.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that, for the duration of a surface supply dive, the diver’s tender devotes his or her entire time and attention to the work of a diver’s tender.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that, for the duration of a type 2 dive carried out from a boat or vessel, the dive boat operator devotes his or her entire time and attention to the work as a dive boat operator.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
A standby diver shall be present at all times when type 2 dives are in progress.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Where a standby diver is needed pursuant to subsection 18.9(2) or section 18.13, the standby diver shallbe trained and equipped to operate at the depth at which and in the circumstances in which a submerged diver is operating;be readily available to assist the submerged diver in the event of an emergency; andnot dive or be required to dive except in an emergency.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Emergency AssistanceEvery employer shall, for the purposes of paragraph 18.9(1)(g), arrange forassistance in the event of an emergency;medical support on a 24-hour-a-day basis and a suitable means of communication between the dive site and that medical support; andevacuation of a diver to a hyperbaric chamber if necessary.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Pressure-related InjuryEvery employer shall ensure that, when a diver shows any indication of a pressure-related injury or requires therapeutic recompression,the necessary first-aid treatment is initiated; andthe medical support referred to in paragraph 18.15(b) is notified immediately.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
DecompressionDiving operations, repetitive dives and the treatment of divers shall be carried out in accordance with generally accepted decompression tables and procedures.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Identification of Dive SiteEvery employer shall ensure that the following flags are conspicuously displayed at or in close proximity to the dive site whenever diving operations are conducted in areas of marine traffic:the International Code Flag A, hoisted from any vessel, boat or platform used in support of a dive in such a manner as to ensure all-round visibility of the dive site; andone or more diver’s flags from a white buoy which may be equipped witha light, in which case the light shall be yellow and flashing, andreflecting material, in which case the reflecting material shall be yellow.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
SupervisionEvery diving operation shall be conducted under the supervision of a dive supervisor.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
The primary duties of the dive supervisor shall includeensuring that every member of the dive team is familiar with the dive plan;ensuring that every member of the dive team understands the member’s duties, including the emergency procedures to be followed;ensuring, before each dive, that all necessary equipment is available and in good operating condition; andsupervising the entire diving operation.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
HazardsImmediately before each dive, the dive supervisor shall review the nature of any hazards at the dive site and ensure that all divers are fully aware of the hazards likely to be encountered in the diving operation.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
CommunicationsEvery employer shall, for the purposes of paragraph 18.9(1)(h), ensure that all means of communication used at the dive site areappropriate for the operation; andunderstood by all members of the dive team.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Breathing SupplyEvery employer shall ensure that a reserve breathing supply sufficient to allow the safe termination of a dive is immediately available to the diver.Where required by the dive plan, the reserve breathing supply referred to in subsection (1) shall be carried by the diver.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that air compressors and filter systems are tested annually and produce breathing mixtures that meet the requirements of clause 3.8 of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z275.2-92, Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations, published in English in April 1992 and in French in February 1994, as amended from time to time.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Where a dive plan requires that oxygen for therapeutic purposes be available, the employer shall supplydemand-type oxygen therapy equipment; andan adequate quantity of oxygen.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Diving EquipmentEvery employer shall ensure that all diving equipment used by employees isdesigned for its intended use and maintained in a condition that ensures its continuing operation for the purpose and at the depth for which it was designed; andinspected, tested, maintained and calibrated by a qualified person at intervals recommended by the manufacturer and whenever the equipment is thought to be defective.Every employer shall ensure that diving equipment used by persons who are not employees and who are granted access to the work place is in a condition that ensures its operation for the purpose and at the depth for which it was designed.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Immediately before each dive, every diver shall check that all the equipment the diver requires is present, properly fastened in place and functioning.Before beginning a descent, every diver shall conduct the check specified in subsection (1) again in the water.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that whenever diving operations are carried out from a diving station located more than 2 m above the water, the divers are transported through the air-water interface by a cage, basket or platform.Every employer shall ensure that a stationary platform from which a diver works, or any cage, basket or platform on or in which a diver is lowered to or raised from an underwater work place, and any associated hoisting devices and tackle,are used for the purpose for which they were designed; anddo not in themselves create a hazard.Any cage, basket or platform and any associated equipment referred to in subsection (2) shall be dedicated to the diving operations until the dive is completed.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Floating equipment used in diving operations, including a vessel that is anchored or moored, shall not be moved or relocated while a diver is in the water unless the dive supervisor agrees to the move or relocation.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
The employer shall ensure that, when a floating platform, vessel or boat is used in support of the dive, it remains on site at all times while a diver is in the water.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that, where a dive plan requires the use of a lifeline to tether a diver, the lifelineis free of knots and splices, other than knots and splices necessary to attach the lifeline to the diver and the dive site;has a breaking strength of not less than 1400 kg;is secured to the diver so as to prevent loss of contact with the diver; andis secured at the surface to a safe point of anchorage.A lifeline shall always be used in dives taking place under ice.Every employer shall ensure that a lifeline is tended at all times by a diver’s tender.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every submersible pressure gauge and every depth gauge shall be inspected by a qualified personbefore being used for the first time;thereafter at intervals not exceeding 12 months; andwhenever the gauge is thought to be defective.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Where an employee finds a defect in any diving equipment, including pressure gauges and depth gauges, that may render it unsafe for use, the employee shall immediately report the defect to the employer.An employer shall mark or tag as unsafe and remove from service any diving equipment, including pressure gauges and depth gauges, that may be used by employees where a defect may render it unsafe for use.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Termination of DiveA dive shall be terminated in accordance with the dive plan referred to in subsection 18.9(1) or whena dive team member requests termination;a diver loses contact with or fails to respond correctly to a communication from a diving partner;a diver loses contact with or fails to respond correctly to a communication from the diver’s tender;a diver’s primary breathing supply fails; ora diver becomes aware of any sign of a malfunction of equipment or any sign or symptom of diver distress.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Observation After DivingEvery employer shall ensure that, on completion of a dive, a diver remains under observation for a period of time sufficient to ensure the health and safety of the diver.
SOR/98-456, s. 1;
SOR/2002-208, s. 41.
Flying After DivingAn employer shall not allow a diver to fly at an altitude greater than 300 m above the altitude of the dive site unless the following period of time has elapsed:12 hours following a no-decompression dive;24 hours following a decompression dive; orsuch time as is specified by a physician who treated the diver for a pressure-related injury.Subsection (1) does not apply to an emergency air evacuation.In the event of an emergency air evacuation, provision shall be made to furnish the diver with oxygen, and the flight altitude and in-flight conditions shall be those recommended by the attending physician or dive supervisor.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Reports and RecordsEvery diver shall report to the employer any occurrence that has caused a diving-related injury to the diver.The employer shall investigate the occurrence reported pursuant to subsection (1) and keep a written record of its findings.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that a dive record is kept and maintained for every diver.The record referred to in subsection (1) shall contain, for each dive,the date of the dive;the dive location;the name of the diver;the name of the standby diver, if any;the name of the diver’s tender, if any;the signature of the diver and the dive supervisor; andthe breathing mixture used, if other than air.The record referred to in subsection (1) shall also contain, for each type 1 dive,the total elapsed time, measured in minutes, from the time the diver leaves the surface to the time the diver begins final ascent, rounded to the next whole minute;the maximum depth reached; andany unusual incident or condition, including emergency decompression time.The record referred to in subsection (1) shall also contain, for each type 2 dive,the type of diving equipment used;the time the diver leaves the surface;the maximum depth reached;the time the diver begins final ascent;the time the diver reaches the surface;the decompression schedule used, if any; andany unusual incident or condition.The employer shall keep the record referred to in subsection (1) for a period of 12 months after the date of the dive.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall keep a dated dive record for each diver that shall includethe year in which the dive occurs;the maximum depth reached;the total elapsed time, measured in minutes, from the time the diver leaves the surface to the time the diver begins final ascent, rounded to the next whole minute;the breathing mixture used, if other than air;any unusual incident or condition;any occurrence reported pursuant to subsection 18.37(1); anda copy of any record referred to in subsection 18.37(2).The employer shall annually supply the record referred to in subsection (1) to the diver and keep a copy for a period of five years after the date on which the diver ceases to be employed by the employer.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall keep a record of all diver instruction and training received and all competency demonstrations given pursuant to section 18.5, for as long as the employee is employed by the employer as a diver.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall maintain a record of each air quality test performed pursuant to section 18.24 for a period of five years after the date on which the test was made.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall maintain a record of each equipment inspection, test, maintenance and calibration performed pursuant to paragraph 18.26(1)(b) for a period of five years after the date on which the inspection, test, maintenance or calibration was performed.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
TYPE 2 DIVESApproach to Water Control and Intake FacilitiesUnderwater approaches to water control and intake facilities where underwater pressure differentials may be encountered shall be made in accordance with sections 18.44 to 18.46.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that a diver working near a facility referred to in section 18.43 wears a lifeline tended from a position outside the approach area.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that any diver required to approach an underwater intake pipe, tunnel or duct is provided with the means to differentiate the intake from any other similar intake in the dive area.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Subject to subsection (2), every employer shall ensure thata diver is not allowed to approach any underwater intake or structure where underwater pressure differentials may be encountered until the flow of water is stopped or controlled; andthe flow of water is not re-established until the diver leaves the water or until the dive supervisor has determined that the diver is clear of the approach area referred to in paragraph (a).Where the flow of water referred to in subsection (1) cannot be stopped, the employer shall assess the safety of a diver approaching the intake by determining flow patterns using reliable indicators, direct measurements or calculations.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Diving HazardsNo employer shall permit a diver to approach a work place that may be hazardous because of the operation of machinery or equipment, unless the machinery or equipment is secured against inadvertent movement and made inoperable for the duration of the dive.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Where there is a likelihood that a diver may be entrapped, the employer shall ensure thata two-way voice communication system between the diver and the diver’s tender is provided; anda second dive team, equipped to rescue a diver in the event of an emergency, is present at the dive site.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Use of ExplosivesThe initiation of underwater explosive charges at a dive site shall be under the direct control of the dive supervisor.A two-way voice communication system shall be provided when explosives are being used at a dive site, unless the voice communication system itself would pose a hazard.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Hyperbaric ChambersEvery employer shall ensure that a hyperbaric chamber meeting the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z275.1-93, Hyperbaric Facilities, published in English in December 1993 and in French in January 1995, as amended from time to time, for Class A (double-lock type) hyperbaric chambers, is available and in operable condition whenevera decompression dive is occurring; orthe depth of a dive is to exceed 40 m.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that a hyperbaric chamber is operated by a qualified person.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Alternative Energy SourcesEvery employer shall ensure that a second source of power capable of supplying sufficient power to operate all essential diving equipment is available in the event of failure of the primary power source.Every employer shall ensure that the second source of power referred to in subsection (1) is capable ofbeing rapidly brought on line; andoperating all equipment essential to the diving operation.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Surface Supply Type 2 DivesSections 18.54 to 18.62 apply to surface supply type 2 dives.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Where the planned depth of a dive does not exceed 40 m, there shall be at least three persons present at the dive site, of whomat least two are divers, one of whom is a standby diver; andat least one is a diver’s tender.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
The diver’s tender or the standby diver of a diving operation, the depth of which does not exceed 40 m, shall be designated as the dive supervisor.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Where the planned depth of a dive exceeds 40 m, there shall be at least four persons at the dive site, of whomat least two are divers, one of whom is a standby diver;one is the dive supervisor; andone is the diver’s tender.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that, except in an emergency, each surface supply diver in the water has a separate diver’s tender.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
The voice communication system provided between a diver and the surface shallallow the diver’s breathing to be heard at the surface; andinclude a recording system where the maximum depth of the dive is greater than 55 m.An emergency signal system must be in effect during a diving operation to supplement the primary communication system.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
A reserve breathing supply appropriate for the dive shall be carried by each diver.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that nonreturn valves arefitted to all diving helmets and surface supply diving masks; andchecked daily before the commencement of diving operations in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that every life support umbilical incorporates a lifeline rigged to prevent stress on the air line.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Every employer shall ensure that, in a liveboating operation,a method that will prevent the lifeline or life support umbilical from becoming entangled in the propellers is used;the diver’s tender is a qualified person for the type of tending used; andthe vessel operator is a qualified person.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Type 2 Scuba DivingSections 18.64 to 18.67 apply to type 2 dives in the course of which divers use scuba.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
In a diving operation where the diver is tethered to the surface by a lifeline or float, there shall be at least three persons present at the dive site, of whomone is a standby diver; andone is a diver’s tender.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
In a diving operation where the diver is not tethered to the surface by a lifeline or float, there shall be a through-water, two-way voice communication system between the divers and between the divers and the surface, and at least four persons present at the dive site, of whomthree are divers, one of whom is a standby diver; andone is a diver’s tender.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
One of the employees on the surface shall be designated as the dive supervisor of the scuba diving operation.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
Subject to subsection (2), dives shall be limited to a depth not exceeding 40 m.A diver may dive to a depth greater than 40 m for the purpose of saving a life provided that, where conditions permit, the diver issecured by a lifeline; andtended by a diver’s tender.
SOR/98-456, s. 1.
(Sections 18.1 and 18.18)DIVER’S FLAGRed rectangle with white diagonal stripeGRAPHIC IS NOT DISPLAYED, SEE SOR/98-456, S. 1
SOR/98-456, s. 1
(Sections 18.1 and 18.18)INTERNATIONAL CODE FLAG AWhite rectangle with dark blue tailsGRAPHIC IS NOT DISPLAYED, SEE SOR/98-456, S. 1
SOR/98-456, s. 1
HAZARD PREVENTION PROGRAMHazard Prevention ProgramThe employer shall, in consultation with and with the participation of the policy committee, or, if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative, develop, implement and monitor a program for the prevention of hazards, including ergonomics-related hazards, in the work place that is appropriate to the size of the work place and the nature of the hazards and that includes the following components:an implementation plan;a hazard identification and assessment methodology;hazard identification and assessment;preventive measures;employee education; anda program evaluation.[Repealed, SOR/2009-84, s. 2]
SOR/2005-401, s. 2;
SOR/2007-271, s. 1;
SOR/2009-84, s. 2.
Previous VersionImplementation PlanThe employer shalldevelop an implementation plan that specifies the time frame for each phase of the development and implementation of the prevention program;monitor the progress of the implementation of the preventive measures; andreview the time frame of the implementation plan regularly and, as necessary, revise it.In implementing the prevention program, the employer shall ensure that ergonomics-related hazards are identified and assessed and that they are eliminated or reduced, as required by subsection 19.5(1), as much as is reasonably possible and that any person assigned to identify and assess ergonomics-related hazards has the necessary instruction and training.
SOR/2005-401, s. 2;
SOR/2007-271, s. 2.
Previous VersionHazard Identification and Assessment MethodologyThe employer shall develop a hazard identification and assessment methodology, including an identification and assessment methodology for ergonomics-related hazards, taking into account the following documents and information:any hazardous occurrence investigation reports;first aid records and minor injury records;work place health protection programs;any results of work place inspections;any employee reports made under paragraph 126(1)(g) or (h) of the Act or under section 15.3;any government or employer reports, studies and tests concerning the health and safety of employees;any reports made under the Safety and Health Committees and Representatives Regulations;the record of hazardous substances; andany other relevant information, including ergonomics-related information.The hazard identification and assessment methodology shall includethe steps and time frame for identifying and assessing the hazards;the keeping of a record of the hazards; anda time frame for reviewing and, if necessary, revising the methodology.
SOR/2005-401, s. 2;
SOR/2007-271, s. 3.
Previous VersionHazard Identification and AssessmentThe employer shall identify and assess the hazards in the work place, including ergonomics-related hazards, in accordance with the methodology developed under section 19.3 taking into accountthe nature of the hazard;in the case of ergonomics-related hazards, all ergonomics-related factors such asthe physical demands of the work activities, the work environment, the work procedures, the organization of the work and the circumstances in which the work activities are performed, andthe characteristics of materials, goods, persons, animals, things and work spaces and the features of tools and equipment;the employees’ level of exposure to the hazard;the frequency and duration of employees’ exposure to the hazard;the effects, real or apprehended, of the exposure on the health and safety of employees;the preventive measures in place to address the hazard;any employee reports made under paragraph 126(1)(g) or (h) of the Act or under section 15.3; andany other relevant information.
SOR/2005-401, s. 2;
SOR/2007-271, s. 4.
Previous VersionPreventive MeasuresThe employer shall, in order to address identified and assessed hazards, including ergonomics-related hazards, take preventive measures to address the assessed hazard in the following order of priority:the elimination of the hazard, including by way of engineering controls which may involve mechanical aids, equipment design or redesign that take into account the physical attributes of the employee;the reduction of the hazard, including isolating it;the provision of personal protective equipment, clothing, devices or materials; andadministrative procedures, such as the management of hazard exposure and recovery periods and the management of work patterns and methods.As part of the preventive measures, the employer shall develop and implement a preventive maintenance program in order to avoid failures that could result in a hazard to employees.The employer shall ensure that any preventive measure shall not in itself create a hazard and shall take into account the effects on the work place.The preventive measures shall include steps to addressnewly identified hazards in an expeditious manner; andergonomics-related hazards that are identified when planning implementation of change to the work environment or to work duties, equipment, practices or processes.The employer shall ensure that any person assigned to implement ergonomics-related prevention measures has the necessary instruction and training.
SOR/2005-401, s. 2;
SOR/2007-271, s. 5;
SOR/2009-84, s. 3(F).
Previous VersionEmployee EducationThe employer shall provide health and safety education, including education relating to ergonomics, to each employee which shall include the following:the hazard prevention program implemented in accordance with this Part to prevent hazards applicable to the employee, including the hazard identification and assessment methodology and the preventive measures taken by the employer;the nature of the work place and the hazards associated with it;the employee’s duty to report under paragraphs 126(1)(g) and (h) of the Act and under section 15.3; andan overview of the Act and these Regulations.The employer shall provide education to an employeewhenever new hazard information in respect of a hazard in the work place becomes available to the employer; andshortly before the employee is assigned a new activity or exposed to a new hazard.The employer shall review the employee education program, and, if necessary, revise itat least every three years;whenever there is a change in conditions in respect of the hazards; andwhenever new hazard information in respect of a hazard in the work place becomes available to the employer.Each time education is provided to an employee, the employee shall acknowledge in writing that they received it, and the employer shall acknowledge in writing that they provided it.The employer shall keep, in paper or computerized form, records of the education provided to each employee, which shall be kept for a period of two years after the employee ceases to be exposed to a hazard.
SOR/2005-401, s. 2;
SOR/2007-271, s. 6.
Previous VersionProgram EvaluationThe employer shall evaluate the effectiveness of the hazard prevention program, including its ergonomics-related components, and, if necessary, revise itat least every three years;whenever there is a change in conditions in respect of the hazards; andwhenever new hazard information in respect of a hazard in the work place becomes available to the employer.The evaluation of the effectiveness of the prevention program shall be based on the following documents and information:conditions related to the work place and the activities of the employees;any work place inspection reports;any hazardous occurrence investigation reports;any safety audits;first aid records and any injury statistics, including records and statistics relating to ergonomics-related first aid and injuries;any observations of the policy and work place committees, or the health and safety representative, on the effectiveness of the prevention program; andany other relevant information.
SOR/2005-401, s. 2;
SOR/2007-271, s. 7.
Previous VersionReportsIf a program evaluation has been conducted under section 19.7, the employer shall prepare a program evaluation report.The employer shall keep readily available every program evaluation report for six years after the date of the report.
SOR/2005-401, s. 2;
SOR/2009-84, s. 4.
Previous VersionVIOLENCE PREVENTION IN THE WORK PLACEInterpretationThe employer shall carry out its obligations under this Part in consultation with and the participation of the policy committee or, if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
In this Part, work place violence constitutes any action, conduct, threat or gesture of a person towards an employee in their work place that can reasonably be expected to cause harm, injury or illness to that employee.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
Work Place Violence Prevention PolicyThe employer shall develop and post at a place accessible to all employees a work place violence prevention policy setting out, among other things, the following obligations of the employer:to provide a safe, healthy and violence-free work place;to dedicate sufficient attention, resources and time to address factors that contribute to work place violence including, but not limited to, bullying, teasing, and abusive and other aggressive behaviour and to prevent and protect against it;to communicate to its employees information in its possession about factors contributing to work place violence; andto assist employees who have been exposed to work place violence.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
Identification of Factors that Contribute to Work Place ViolenceThe employer shall identify all factors that contribute to work place violence, by taking into account, at a minimum, the following:its experience in dealing with those factors and with work place violence;the experience of employers in dealing with those factors and with violence in similar work places;the location and circumstances in which the work activities take place;the employees’ reports of work place violence or the risk of work place violence;the employer’s investigation of work place violence or the risk of work place violence; andthe measures that are already in place to prevent and protect against work place violence.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
AssessmentThe employer shall assess the potential for work place violence, using the factors identified under section 20.4, by taking into account, at a minimum, the following:the nature of the work activities;the working conditions;the design of the work activities and surrounding environment;the frequency of situations that present a risk of work place violence;the severity of the adverse consequences to the employee exposed to a risk of work place violence;the observations and recommendations of the policy committee or, if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative, and of the employees; andthe measures that are already in place to prevent and protect against work place violence.The employer, when consulting with the policy committee or, if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative, shall not disclose information whose disclosure is prohibited by law or could reasonably be expected to threaten the safety of individuals.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
ControlsOnce an assessment of the potential for work place violence has been carried out under section 20.5, the employer shall develop and implement systematic controls to eliminate or minimize work place violence or a risk of work place violence to the extent reasonably practicable.The controls shall be developed and implemented as soon as practicable, but not later than 90 days after the day on which the risk of work place violence has been assessed.Once controls referred to in subsection (1) are implemented, the employer shall establish procedures for appropriate follow-up maintenance and corrective measures, including measures to promptly respond to unforeseen risks of work place violence.Any controls established to eliminate or minimize work place violence shall not create or increase the risk of work place violence.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
Work Place Violence Prevention Measures ReviewThe employer shall review the effectiveness of the work place violence prevention measures set out in sections 20.3 to 20.6 and update them whenever there is a change that compromises the effectiveness of those measures, but at least every three years.The review shall include consideration of the following:work place conditions and work locations and activities;work place inspection reports;the employees’ reports and the employer’s records of investigations into work place violence or the risk of work place violence;work place health and safety evaluations;data on work place violence or the risk of work place violence in the employees’ work place or in similar work places;the observations of the policy committee, or if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative; andother relevant information.The employer shall keep, for a period of three years, a written or electronic record of findings following the review of the work place violence prevention measures, and make it readily available for examination by a health and safety officer.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
Procedures in Response to Work Place ViolenceThe employer shall develop in writing and implement emergency notification procedures to summon assistance where immediate assistance is required, in response to work place violence.The employer shall ensure that employees are made aware of the emergency notification procedures applicable to them and that the text of those procedures is posted at a location readily accessible to those employees.In the development and implementation of emergency notification procedures, the employer’s decision of whether or not to notify the police shall take into account the nature of the work place violence and the concerns of employees who experienced the work place violence.If the police are investigating a violent occurrence, the work place committee or the health and safety representative shall be notified of their investigation, unless notification is prohibited by law.The employer shall develop and implement measures to assist employees who have experienced work place violence.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
Notification and InvestigationIn this section, competent person means a person whois impartial and is seen by the parties to be impartial;has knowledge, training and experience in issues relating to work place violence; andhas knowledge of relevant legislation.If an employer becomes aware of work place violence or alleged work place violence, the employer shall try to resolve the matter with the employee as soon as possible.If the matter is unresolved, the employer shall appoint a competent person to investigate the work place violence and provide that person with any relevant information whose disclosure is not prohibited by law and that would not reveal the identity of persons involved without their consent.The competent person shall investigate the work place violence and at the completion of the investigation provide to the employer a written report with conclusions and recommendations.The employer shall, on completion of the investigation into the work place violence,keep a record of the report from the competent person;provide the work place committee or the health and safety representative, as the case may be, with the report of the competent person, providing information whose disclosure is not prohibited by law and that would not reveal the identity of persons involved without their consent; andadapt or implement, as the case may be, controls referred to in subsection 20.6(1) to prevent a recurrence of the work place violence.Subsections (3) to (5) do not apply ifthe work place violence was caused by a person other than an employee;it is reasonable to consider that engaging in the violent situation is a normal condition of employment; andthe employer has effective procedures and controls in place, involving employees to address work place violence.
SOR/2008-148, s. 1.
TrainingThe employer shall provide information, instruction and training on the factors that contribute to work place violence that are appropriate to the work place of each employee exposed to work place violence or a risk of work place violence.The employer shall provide information, instruction and trainingbefore assigning to an employee any new activity for which a risk of work place violence has been identified;when new information on work place violence becomes available; andat least every three years.The information, instruction and training shall include the following:the nature and extent of work place violence and how employees may be exposed to it;the communication system established by the employer to inform employees about work place violence;information on what constitutes work place violence and on the means of identifying the factors that contribute to work place violence;the work place violence prevention measures that have been developed under sections 20.3 to 20.6; andthe employer’s procedures for reporting on work place violence or the risk of work place violence.At least once every three years and in either of the following circumstances, the employer shall review and update, if necessary, the information, instruction and training provided:when there is a change in respect of the risk of work place violence; orwhen new information on the risk of work place violence becomes available.The employer shall maintain signed records, in paper or electronic form, on the information, instruction and training provided to each employee for a period of two years after the date on which an employee ceases to perform an activity that has a risk of work place violence associated with it.