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Important Information
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012
Amended by:
2018 c8
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012
(Filed January 17, 2012)
Under the authority of section 65 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council makes the following regulations.
Dated at
Robert Thompson
Short title
1. These regulations may be cited as the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 .
2. (1) In these regulations
(a) "accident" includes
(i) an event occasioned by a physical or natural cause, or
(ii) disablement arising out of and in the course of employment;
(b) "ACGIH" means the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists;
(c) "Act" means the Occupational Health and Safety Act ;
(d) "administrative controls" means the provision, use and scheduling of work activities and resources in the workplace, including planning, organizing, staffing and coordinating, for the purpose of controlling risk;
(e) "ASHRAE" means the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers;
(f) "authorized" means, in reference to a person, a qualified person designated by an employer to carry out specific functions;
(g) "commission" means the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission established under the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act ;
(h) "competent" means a person who is
(i) qualified because of that person's knowledge, training and experience to do the assigned work in a manner that ensures the health and safety of every person in the workplace, and
(ii) knowledgeable about the provisions of the Act and these regulations that apply to the assigned work, and about potential or actual danger to health or safety associated with the assigned work;
(i) "construction" means building, erection, excavation, alteration, repair, renovation, dismantling, demolition, structural maintenance, painting, moving, land clearing, earth moving, grading, street and highway building, concreting, equipment installation and alteration and the structural installation of construction components and materials in any form or for any purpose, and work in connection with it;
(k) "engineering controls" means the physical arrangement, design or alteration of workstations, equipment, materials, production facilities or other aspects of the physical work environment, for the purpose of controlling risk;
(l) "hazardous health occupation" means an occupation from which an occupational disease may arise;
(m) "hot work" means work which involves burning, welding, cutting, grinding, using fire or spark producing tools or other work that produces a source of ignition;
(n) "injury" means
(i) an injury as a result of a chance event occasioned by a physical or natural cause,
(ii) an injury as a result of wilful and intentional act, not being the act of the worker,
(iii) disablement,
(iv) occupational disease, or
(v) death as a result of an injury arising out of and in the course of employment and includes a recurrence of an injury and an aggravation of a pre-existing condition but does not include stress other than stress that is an acute reaction to a sudden and unexpected traumatic event;
(o) "ISO" means the International Organization for Standardization;
(p) "mine" means mine as defined in the Mining Act ;
(q) "occupation" means an employment, business, calling or pursuit but does not include an endeavour that is not included in one of the classes of occupations in the current National Occupational Classification List developed by the Department of Human Resources and Social Development Canada in collaboration with Statistics Canada;
(r) "occupational disease" means a disease prescribed by regulations under section 90 of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act and another disease peculiar to or characteristic of a particular industrial process, trade or occupation;
(s) "occupational health service" means a service established in or near a workplace to maintain and promote the physical and mental well-being of workers and may include personnel, equipment, transportation, supplies and facilities;
(t) "plant" means buildings, equipment and facilities where a worker or self-employed person is engaged in an occupation;
(u) "professional engineer" means a person who holds a certificate of registration to engage in the practice of engineering under the Engineers and Geoscientists Act ;
(v) "proof test" means a test applied to a product to determine material or manufacturing defects;
(w) "qualified" means being knowledgeable of the work, the hazards involved and the means to control the hazards, by reason of education, training, experience or a combination of them;
(x) "TLV" means the documentation of threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents in the work environment published annually or more frequently by the ACGIH; and
(y) "work platform" means an elevated or suspended temporary work base for workers.
(2) In these regulations, a reference to a code or guideline, unless otherwise stated, includes amendments to that code or guideline and a reference shall be presumed to be a reference to the most current code or guideline.
(3) Where there is a conflict between a standard established by these regulations or a code or standard adopted by these regulations, the more stringent standard applies.
3. These regulations apply to all employers and self-employed persons and workers and other persons to whom the Act applies except where the context of the regulations indicates otherwise.
Responsibility of division
4. The division may approve and distribute educational material, information and statistics required in the administration of the Act.
Right to refuse work
5. (1) Where an employer cannot resolve an issue in the workplace regarding occupational health and safety and there is a refusal to work, the issue shall be referred to the occupational health and safety committee, the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate, as appropriate, and the employer shall notify the division.
(2) Where a notification under subsection (1) is made orally, the employer shall provide the division with a written confirmation of the notification within 5 days of the oral notification.
(3) Where action has been taken by a worker to exercise the right to refuse to work under the Act, the employer shall not assign a substitute worker to perform those duties unless the substitute worker has been informed of the prior refusal and the reason for that refusal.
Stop work orders
6. (1) Stop work orders shall
(a) be posted in the workplace; and
(b) where applicable, state the remedial action to be taken.
(2) A copy of a stop work order shall be provided by the division to the occupational health and safety committee, the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate, as appropriate.
(3) A stop work order shall not be cancelled or removed from the workplace until the remedial action has been taken to the satisfaction of an officer.
7. (1) An appeal under section 33 of the Act or an application under section 51 of the Act to the board shall contain
(a) the name and address of the person making the appeal or the application;
(b) the names and addresses of all other parties involved in the appeal or application; and
(c) a statement of the grounds on which the appeal or application is being made.
(2) The board shall
(a) give notice of the appeal or application; and
(b) send one or more copies of the appeal or application
to all parties considered by the board to be affected by the appeal or application.
(3) The parties referred to in subsection (2) shall, within 14 calendar days of receiving a copy of the appeal or application, file a reply with the board.
New project
8. Before beginning a new construction project or an industrial enterprise that is intended to continue for 30 days or more, an employer shall
(a) send a written notice to the minister containing the name of the plant or construction site, its location, the mailing address to which correspondence should be directed, the nature of the work, the numbers of workers to be employed and the name of the firm under which the business is to be carried on; and
(b) in the case of a plant, provide the minister, upon request, with plans showing the plant buildings and the main disposition of equipment and information relevant to processes and the nature of the substances that may be used.
Notifiable occupational diseases
9. (1) The occupational diseases for which notification is required under section 60 of the Act shall be those set out in the Schedule.
(2) Notwithstanding that it is not a disease referred to in the Schedule, an employer shall inform the minister of a disease or illness affecting a worker in his or her employ that is determined by a medical practitioner to be an occupational or work related disease or illness.
(3) Where an employer is advised by or on behalf of a worker that the worker has an occupational disease or that a claim in respect of an occupational disease has been filed with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission by or on behalf of the worker, the employer shall give notice to the division within 3 days of being advised.
Serious injury
10. (1) In this section, "serious injury" includes an injury that
(a) places life in jeopardy;
(b) produces unconsciousness;
(c) results in substantial loss of blood;
(d) involves the fracture of a leg or arm but not a finger or toe;
(e) involves the amputation of a leg, arm, hand, foot, finger or toe;
(f) consists of burns to a major portion of the body; or
(g) causes the loss of sight in an eye.
(2) An employer shall, within 3 days after an accident happens to a worker that results in a serious injury to the worker, provide written notice to the minister advising the minister that an accident has occurred and containing the following information:
(a) the nature of the accident;
(b) the time and placed of the accident;
(c) the name and address of the worker injured in the accident; and
(d) the name and address of the physician who treated or is treating the worker for the injury.
(3) A fatality shall be reported to the minister immediately by telephone, or by whatever other means of communication that are readily available and that report shall be followed up in writing within 5 days.
(4) For the purpose of subsection (2), a copy of the applicable report of injury form is acceptable.
(5) Where the minister finds that it is impractical to conduct an investigation respecting an accident, the report of the investigation by the employer conducted in consultation with the occupational health and safety committee or the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate shall be forwarded to the minister.
(6) Where a medical practitioner requires a worker to be examined to determine
(a) the extent of an injury suffered in the course of his or her occupation; or
(b) whether he or she suffers from an occupational disease,
the medical report of the commission may be accepted.
Notification to utilities
11. An employer whose work activities result in a hit or damage to a pipeline, buried electrical cable, overhead cable or other utility shall notify the owner of the utility without delay.
Occupational health and safety program
12. (1) An occupational health and safety program required under section 36.1 of the Act shall be signed and dated by the employer and by the person or persons responsible for the management of the employer's operations in the province and shall include:
(a) a statement of the employer's commitment to cooperate with the occupational health and safety committee and workers in the workplace in carrying out their collective responsibility for occupational health and safety;
(b) a statement of the respective responsibilities of the employer, supervisors, the occupational health and safety committee and workers in carrying out their collective responsibility for occupational health and safety;
(c) procedures to identify the need for, and for the preparation of written safe work procedures to implement health and safety practices, including practices required by the Act and the regulations, or as required by an officer;
(d) written work procedures appropriate to the hazards and work activity in the workplace;
(e) a plan for orienting and training workers and supervisors in workplace and job-specific safe work practices, plans, policies and procedures, including emergency response, that are necessary to eliminate, reduce or control hazards;
(f) provisions for establishing and operating an occupational health and safety committee, including provisions respecting
(i) maintenance of membership records,
(ii) procedural rules,
(iii) access by the committee to management staff with the authority to resolve health and safety issues and to information about the employer's operations required under the Act and the regulations, and
(iv) a plan for training committee members as required under the Act;
(g) a system for the recognition, evaluation and control of hazards that includes:
(i) evaluation and monitoring of the workplace to identify potential hazards and the associated risks,
(ii) procedures and schedules for regular inspections by management and committee members,
(iii) procedures for the identification, reporting and control or correction of hazards,
(iv) procedures for the prompt investigation of hazardous occurrences to determine the cause of the occurrence and the actions necessary to prevent a recurrence,
(v) identification of the circumstances where the employer is required to report hazards to the committee and the procedures for doing so, and
(vi) measures for the accountability of persons responsible for the reporting and correction of hazards;
(h) a plan for the control of biological and chemical substances handled, used, stored, produced or disposed of at the workplace and where appropriate, the monitoring of the work environment to ensure the health and safety of workers and other persons at or near the workplace;
(i) a system to ensure that persons contracted by the employer or for the employer's benefit comply with the program developed under this section and the Act and regulations;
(j) an emergency response plan;
(k) maintenance of records and statistics, including occupational health and safety committee minutes, reports of occupational health and safety inspections and investigations, with procedures to allow access to them by persons entitled to receive them under the Act; and
(l) provision for monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the program.
(2) An employer that is required to establish and maintain an occupational health and safety program under section 36.1 of the Act shall
(a) implement the occupational health and safety program; and
(b) review and, where necessary, revise the occupational health and safety program as follows:
(i) at least every 3 years,
(ii) where there is a change of circumstances that may affect the health and safety of workers, and
(iii) where an officer requests a review.
Occupational health and safety policy
13. (1) An occupational health and safety policy required under section 36.2 of the Act shall be signed and dated by the employer and by the person or persons responsible for the management of the employer's operations in the province, and shall contain a statement of the employer's commitment to occupational health and safety that includes:
(a) a statement of the employer's commitment to cooperate with the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate and workers in the workplace in carrying out their collective responsibility for occupational health and safety; and
(b) a statement of the respective responsibilities of the employer, supervisors, the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate and other workers in carrying out their collective responsibility for occupational health and safety.
(2) An employer that is required to establish and maintain an occupational health and safety policy under section 36.2 of the Act shall review and, where necessary, update the policy at least annually, in consultation with the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate.
General duties of employers
14. (1) An employer shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that all buildings, structures, whether permanent or temporary, excavation, machinery, workstations, places of employment and equipment are capable of withstanding the stresses likely to be imposed upon them and of safely performing the functions for which they are used or intended.
(2) An employer shall ensure that necessary protective clothing and devices are used for the health and safety of his or her workers.
(3) The employer shall ensure that safe work procedures are followed at all workplaces.
(4) An employer shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that work procedures promote the safe interaction of workers and their work environment to minimize the potential for injury.
Working alone
15. (1) In this section, "to work alone or in isolation" means to work in circumstances where assistance would not be readily available to the worker
(a) in case of an emergency; or
(b) in case the worker is injured or in ill health.
(2) An employer shall conduct a risk assessment where a worker is assigned to work alone or in isolation.
(3) Where a risk assessment required under subsection (2) identifies a hazard, appropriate controls shall be implemented to eliminate, or where elimination is not practicable, minimize the risk associated with the hazard.
(4) An employer shall develop and implement a written procedure for checking the well-being of a worker assigned to work alone or in isolation.
(5) A procedure referred to in subsection (4) shall include the time interval between checks and the procedure to follow in case the worker cannot be contacted, including provisions for emergency response.
(6) A person shall be designated to establish contact with the worker at predetermined intervals and the results shall be recorded by the person.
(7) A procedure referred to in subsection (4) shall be developed in consultation with the worker assigned to work alone or in isolation, the occupational health and safety committee, the worker health and safety representative or designate, whichever applies.
(8) A procedure referred to in subsection (4) shall be reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if there is
(a) a change in work arrangements that may adversely affect a worker's well-being or safety; or
(b) a report that procedures are not working effectively.
Safe working load of equipment
16. (1) Except as provided elsewhere in these regulations, the safe working load of equipment shall be that specified by the manufacturer.
(2) The safe working load of equipment shall be certified by a suitably qualified and registered professional engineer or other person named by the employer and acceptable to the assistant deputy minister where
(a) the manufacturer's specification or other acceptable warranty cannot be produced;
(b) the equipment has been modified in a manner that changes its safe working load;
(c) wear, corrosion, damage or signs of fatigue are found which may reduce the safe working load;
(d) the equipment is used in a manner or for a purpose other than that for which it was originally designed, where that use changes the safe working load; or
(e) the provision of the certification is considered to be necessary by an officer.
General duties of workers
17. (1) A worker shall make proper use of all necessary safeguards, protective clothing, safety devices, lifting devices or aids, and appliances
(a) designated and provided for his or her protection by the employer; or
(b) required under these regulations to be used or worn by a worker.
(2) A worker shall follow the safe work procedure in which he or she has been instructed.
(3) A worker shall immediately report a hazardous work condition that may come to his or her attention to the employer or supervisor.
Safety inspections
18. (1) Regular inspections of all buildings, excavations, structures, machinery, equipment, work practices and places of employment shall be made by the employer or his or her representative at intervals to ensure that safe working conditions are maintained and that unsafe conditions found as a result of the inspection are remedied without delay.
(2) Where an unsafe condition is discovered by a person, it shall be reported as soon as practicable to a supervisor who shall ensure that appropriate action is taken, without delay, to prevent a worker from being injured.
(3) Where emergency action is required to correct a condition that constitutes an immediate threat to workers, only those qualified and properly instructed workers necessary to correct the unsafe condition shall be exposed to the hazard and every possible effort shall be made to control the hazard while the corrective action is taking place.
Co-ordination of work
19. (1) An owner shall ensure that all workers and other persons at the workplace are informed of
(a) the hazards of an owner's operations or site conditions; and
(b) the health and safety activities to be used to address the hazards.
(2) A principal contractor shall ensure work schedules and tasks are organized to provide safe working conditions for workers.
Two or more employers
20. Where a construction project involves the work of 2 or more employers or their workers,
(a) the principal contractor shall ensure compliance with the regulations where conditions or activities affect the workers of more than one employer; and
(b) each employer shall notify the principal contractor in advance of an undertaking likely to create a hazard for a worker of another employer.
Appointment of qualified co-ordinator
21. Where, at a work location, the overlapping or adjoining work activities of 2 or more employers create a hazard to workers and the combined work force at the workplace is more than 5 persons, the principal contractor shall
(a) ensure that an individual is designated at the work location to coordinate communication for the purpose of ensuring health and safety on the worksite; and
(b) where the principal contractor is not at the work location the principal contractor shall designate a person to assume the duty.
22. (1) In sections 23 and 24, "violence" means the attempted or actual exercise of physical force to cause injury to a worker and includes threatening statements or behaviour which gives a worker reason to believe that he or she is at risk of injury.
(2) In this section and section 24.1, "workplace harassment" means inappropriate vexatious conduct or comment by a person to a worker that the person knew or ought to have known would cause the worker to be humiliated, offended or intimidated.
(3) In sections 24.1 and 24.2, "harassment prevention plan" means a plan developed, implemented and maintained by an employer in accordance with section 24.1.
(4) A reasonable action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of workers or the workplace is not workplace harassment.
Risk assessment
22.1 (1) An employer shall conduct a risk assessment which shall include consideration of
(a) previous experience in the workplace;
(b) occupational experience in similar workplaces;
(c) the location and circumstances in which work may take place;
(d) workplace characteristics including demographics, culture and the presence of new workers; and
(e) issues raised by the occupational health and safety committee, the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate.
(2) Where an employer obtains personal information in the course of conducting a risk assessment under this section, the employer shall keep the personal information confidential and shall not disclose the personal information except for the purpose of an investigation or where required by law.
Violence prevention
23. (1) Where a risk of injury to workers from violence is identified by an assessment performed under section 22.1, the employer shall
(a) establish procedures, policies and work environment arrangements to eliminate the risk to workers from violence; and
(b) where elimination of the risk to workers is not possible, establish procedures, policies and work environment arrangements to minimize the risk to workers.
(2) Where an employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that family violence that would likely expose a worker to physical injury may occur in the workplace, the employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the worker.
(3) In this section, "family violence" has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Family Violence Protection Act .
Instruction to workers
24. (1) An employer shall inform workers who may be exposed to the risk of violence of the nature of the risk and the precautions that may be taken.
(2) The duty to inform workers in subsection (1) includes a duty to provide information related to the risk of violence from persons who have a history of violent behaviour and whom workers are likely to encounter in the course of their work.
Harassment prevention plan
24.1 (1) An employer shall develop, implement and maintain a written harassment prevention plan in consultation with the occupational health and safety committee, the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate.
(2) A harassment prevention plan shall
(a) include a statement that every worker is entitled to employment free from workplace harassment;
(b) include a statement that the employer is committed to eliminating, where possible, or otherwise, minimizing the hazard of workplace harassment;
(c) include a statement of the worker's obligation to take reasonable care to
(i) not engage in bullying or workplace harassment,
(ii) report observations or experiences of bullying and workplace harassment, and
(iii) comply with the harassment prevention plan;
(d) include a statement of a supervisor's obligation to ensure the health and safety of workers, including the supervisor's obligation to apply and comply with the harassment prevention plan;
(e) set out the procedures for workers to report instances of harassment to an employer or supervisor or where the employer or supervisor is the alleged harasser, the procedures to report harassment to an external third party;
(f) set out the procedures to be followed after a complaint of workplace harassment is received and the manner in which a complaint is investigated;
(g) include a statement that any information obtained relating to workplace harassment, including personal information, will not be disclosed unless it is necessary for the purpose of an investigation, corrective action relating to the complaint or where required by law;
(h) set out the procedures regarding notification of results of investigations and any actions to be taken as a result of an investigation;
(i) include a statement that the harassment prevention plan is not intended to discourage a worker from exercising his or her rights under the Human Rights Act, 2010 , the Criminal Code (Canada) or any other law of the province or of Canada; and
(j) include a statement that the employer shall protect workers from retaliation and provide support to workers when workplace harassment occurs.
(3) The harassment prevention plan shall be
(a) accessible to all workers in the workplace; and
(b) reviewed as necessary but at least annually.
(4) An employer shall investigate complaints of workplace harassment.
(5) An officer may, where he or she considers it necessary, order that an impartial third party investigate a complaint of workplace harassment.
(6) Any expenses relating to an investigation referred to in subsection (6) shall be the responsibility of the employer.
24.2 (1) An employer shall participate in training relating to harassment prevention.
(2) An employer shall provide training to employees regarding harassment prevention and the harassment prevention plan.
Operations of committees, representatives and designates
25. (1) An employer shall ensure that
(a) an occupational health and safety committee is established;
(b) a worker health and safety representative is appointed; or
(c) a workplace health and safety designate is designated; and
(d) a copy of the Act and regulations under the Act are easily accessible to an employee.
(2) Minutes of all regular meetings and special committee meetings shall be recorded in the form prescribed by the commission and one copy shall be kept on file with the committee, one copy shall be filed with the commission and one copy shall be posted in a prominent place in the workplace.
(3) A worker health and safety representative or a workplace health and safety designate shall report to the commission in the form required by the commission.
(4) An occupational health and safety committee shall
(a) meet within 2 weeks of its establishment;
(b) elect co-chairpersons as required by subsection 38(6) of the Act; and
(c) notify the commission of the elected co-chairs.
(5) A quorum of the committee shall consist of one-half of its membership, provided that both employer and worker members are equally represented.
(6) Where an agreement cannot be reached between co-chairpersons on convening a meeting of the committee, the minister may be requested to intervene.
(7) The minister may require that a committee have monthly meetings where a particular hazard is involved, the operations are particularly complex or large numbers of workers are involved.
(8) A representative of the employer and
(a) the workers of an occupational health and safety committee;
(b) the worker health and safety representative; or
(c) the workplace health and safety designate, except where the workplace health and safety designate is the employer,
have the right to accompany an officer of the division when the health and safety inspections are being conducted.
(9) Copies of all health and safety inspection reports made by an officer of the division, shall be circulated by the employer to
(a) the occupational health and safety committee;
(b) the worker health and safety representative; or
(c) the workplace health and safety designate.
Personal conduct
26. (1) A worker with a medically documented physical or mental impairment shall not be assigned to work where those impairments endanger the health and safety of that worker or other workers.
(2) An employer, supervisor or worker shall not enter or remain on the premises of a workplace or at a job site while his or her ability to perform work responsibilities is impaired by intoxicating substances or another cause that endangers his or her health or safety or that of other workers.
(3) A person shall not engage in horseplay, scuffling, unnecessary running or jumping, practical jokes or other similar activity or behaviour that may create or constitute a hazard to workers.
(4) Before tools, machinery or equipment is put into operation, the person responsible for doing so shall ensure that all guards are in place and that putting the equipment into operation does not endanger a person.
Travel over and work on ice
27. (1) Where a worker is to travel over or work on ice and the water beneath the ice is more than one metre deep at any point, the employer of the worker shall ensure the ice supports the load to be placed on it.
(2) The employer shall test the ice for the purpose of subsection (1)
(a) before work begins; and
(b) as often during the work as necessary to ensure the safety of the workers.
28. (1) Guardrails shall be installed where an open-sided floor, working platform, runway, walkway or balcony is over 1.22 metres above the existing floor or ground level.
(2) Detour guardrails shall be installed where a stairway ends in direct proximity to dangerous traffic or other hazards.
(3) An employer shall ensure that a guardrail is secured so that it cannot move in any direction if it is struck or if a point on it comes in contact with a worker, materials or equipment.
(4) Guardrails shall be installed on walkways over open tanks containing harmful substances or over open tanks 1.22 metres or more in depth.
(5) Walkways and platforms installed over machinery and work areas shall be equipped with toe boards at least 10 centimetres high along all sides of the walkway or platform.
(6) A guard rail shall have a top rail located at least .9 metres but not more than 1.1 metres above the working surface and an intermediate rail located midway between the top rail and the working surface.
Roof work
29. (1) Where work is being done at a distance greater than 2 metres from the edge of a roof that has a slope of less than 3/12, the employer shall implement control zones to alert workers upon entering within 2 metres of the edge without an appropriate means of fall protection.
(2) Where work is being done from the edge of a roof or within 2 metres of the edge of a roof that has a slope of less than 3/12 in circumstances described in paragraph 141 (a), (b) or (c), fall protection shall be used, in accordance with paragraph 141 (d), (e), (f), (g), or (h).
(3) Where work is being done from or on a roof that has a slope that is equal to or greater than 3/12 but less than 6/12, under circumstances described in paragraph 141 (a), (b) or (c)
(a) a fully decked scaffold with toeboards installed continuously along the edge of the roof,
(b) roof brackets, guardrails and toeboards installed continuously along the edge of the roof, or
(c) a fall arrest system in accordance with paragraph 141 (d)
shall be implemented.
(4) Where work is being done from a roof that has a slope that is equal to or greater than 6/12 but less than 9/12, under circumstances described in paragraph 141 (a), (b) or (c), a combination of 2 of the following shall be implemented:
(a) roof brackets,
(b) a fully decked scaffold with toeboards installed continuously along the length of the eave, and
(c) a fall arrest system in accordance with paragraph 141 (d).
(5) Where work is done from or on a roof that has a slope equal to or greater than 9/12, under circumstances described in paragraph 141 (a), (b) or (c), roof brackets with planks and a fall arrest system shall be used in accordance with these regulations.
(6) Crawl boards and ladders used for roof work shall be securely fastened over the ridge of the roof or be otherwise effectively anchored.
(7) An eavestrough shall not be used to support a crawl board or ladder on a roof.
Openings, pits and tanks
30. (1) Where a worker is employed around an open tank containing liquid or a harmful substance, the sides of the tanks shall be constructed to extend at least 91.44 centimetres above a working platform or standard guardrails shall be provided to prevent the worker from falling into the tank.
(2) A hole or pit in a floor, roof, walkway or work area accessible to a worker shall be securely covered and identified.
(3) Where a vehicle service pit is used so frequently that compliance with this section is impractical, the perimeter of the pit shall be delineated by high visibility, luminescent, skid-resistant paint instead of guardrails.
(4) A vehicle service pit shall have a fixed ladder at each end.
Material storage
31. (1) Material and equipment shall be placed, stacked or stored in a stable and secure manner that does not constitute a hazard to a worker who is in the area or who is manually stacking the items.
(2) Stacked material or containers shall be stabilized where necessary by interlocking, strapping or other effective means of restraint.
(3) A worker shall not enter or remain in a place where there is a danger of entrapment or engulfment unless
(a) safe access and a safe work area is provided by catwalks, walkways, barriers or other means; or
(b) measures are taken, where practicable, to control the risk of entrapment or engulfment and, where the risk is not eliminated, the worker
(i) shall use a lifeline and harness prescribed in Part X that keeps the worker in a position to be able to be rescued, and
(ii) is continuously tended by a standby person who is equipped for and capable of effecting immediate rescue.
(4) An area in which material may be dropped, dumped or spilled shall be guarded to prevent inadvertent entry by a worker, or protected by adequate covers and guarding.
32. Signs posted in a workplace for the purpose of providing information about health and safety shall conform with the requirement of a standard acceptable to the minister.
33. An employer shall, to the extent reasonably practical, ensure that a workplace or an area in that workplace is not so overcrowded as to cause risk of injury to the health or safety of a worker.
Slipping hazards
34. (1) Where the regular work process results in liquid spilling on to the floor or work areas, and where this spillage could introduce a slipping or other hazard, floor drains shall be installed or other suitable means used or adopted to eliminate this hazard.
(2) Only an approved non-combustible grease and oil absorbent shall be used to eliminate a hazard referred to in subsection (1).
(3) Where wet processes are used, an employer or contractor shall ensure that reasonable drainage is maintained and that false floors, platforms, mats or other dry standing places are provided and kept clean.
35. Where a worker may be exposed to flying fragments or particles, he or she shall be protected by an appropriate barrier or wear appropriate personal protection equipment.
36. (1) An employer shall provide sufficient and suitable lighting, whether natural or artificial, in every part of a workplace while a worker is present and the illumination shall comply with the standards set by the American National Standards Institute - Illuminating Engineering Society, or other standards acceptable to the minister.
(2) An artificial light source or reflective surface shall be positioned, screened or provided with a shade to prevent glare or discomfort or the formation of shadows that cause eyestrain or a risk of accident or injury to workers.
(3) Where the visibility in a work area is restricted due to the presence of smoke, steam or other substances in the atmosphere, and where this condition may result in injury to workers, corrective measures shall be taken to eliminate, control or reduce the hazard.
(4) Handling, storage and disposal of fluorescent bulbs shall be in accordance to manufacturers' instructions.
(5) Fluorescent bulbs shall be stored in suitable containers.
(6) Where fluorescent bulbs are disposed of by crushing or compacting, it shall be done in an area adequately ventilated to protect the health and safety of the worker and the worker shall be provided with and use appropriate protective equipment.
Compressed air
37. Compressed air shall not be used to clean clothes, machinery, work benches or floors.
Emergency plan risk assessment
38. (1) An employer shall conduct a risk assessment in a workplace in which a need to rescue or evacuate workers may arise.
(2) Where the risk assessment required by subsection (1) shows a need for evacuation or rescue, appropriate written procedures shall be developed and implemented and a worker assigned to coordinate their implementation.
(3) Written rescue and evacuation procedures are required for but not limited to
(a) work at high angles;
(b) work in confined spaces or where there is a risk of entrapment;
(c) work with hazardous substances;
(d) underground work;
(e) work in close proximity to power lines;
(f) work on or over water; and
(g) workplaces where there are persons who require physical assistance to be moved.
(4) Where a workplace is a low risk workplace in the opinion of an employer, the employer shall post information about escape routes and conduct emergency drills he or she considers appropriate.
Emergency procedures
39. (1) An emergency exit route shall be provided from a work area in which the malfunctioning of equipment or a work process could create an immediate danger to a worker and the regular means of exit could become dangerous or unusable.
(2) An emergency exit route shall be designed and marked to provide quick and unimpeded exit.
(3) At least once a year an emergency drill shall be held to ensure awareness and effectiveness of the emergency exit routes and procedure, and a record of the drill shall be kept for a period of 5 years.
Emergency lighting
40. (1) Where a failure of a lighting system would create conditions dangerous to the health and safety of workers, an emergency lighting system shall be provided for the workplace and the exit routes.
(2) An emergency lighting system shall provide dependable illumination while the primary lighting system is off to enable all emergency measures to be carried out, including
(a) emergency shutdown procedures, and
(b) evacuation of workers from the premises.
Emergency training
41. (1) A worker shall be given adequate instruction in the fire prevention and emergency evacuation procedures applicable to his or her workplace.
(2) A worker assigned to firefighting duties in a workplace shall be given adequate training by a qualified instructor in fire suppression methods, fire prevention, emergency procedures, organization and chain of command, firefighting crew safety and communications applicable to the workplace in accordance with National Fire Protection Association standards.
(3) Retraining for firefighting duties shall be provided periodically, but not less than once a year.
Hazardous substances
42. (1) An employer shall monitor the use or presence of substances at the workplace that may be hazardous to the health and safety of workers.
(2) In accordance with subsection (1), an employer shall implement a chemical and biological control program commensurate with the associated risks.
(3) In accordance with subsection (1), an employer shall eliminate hazardous substances from the workplace and where this is not practicable substitute a less hazardous substance.
(4) Where hazardous substances exist, an employer shall employ engineering and administrative controls to ensure their safe use.
(5) An employer shall ensure that a substance produced, used or handled at a workplace which by reason of toxicity, flammability or reactivity creates a risk to the health or safety of workers is controlled in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet or manufacturer's specifications.
(6) Where the minister determines that the use or presence of a hazardous substance at a place of employment may be injurious to the health of workers, the minister may inquire into the substance and may prohibit, restrict or modify the use of the substance until a time that an employer establishes to the minister that its use or presence is not injurious to the health of workers.
(7) An employer shall ensure that
(a) atmospheric contamination of the workplace by hazardous substances is kept as low as is reasonably practicable;
(b) a worker is informed of the nature and degree of health effects of the hazardous substances to which the worker is exposed;
(c) exposure of a worker to hazardous substances is as minimal as is reasonably practicable, and where a threshold limit value has been established by the ACGIH, exposure shall not exceed the threshold limit value;
except as otherwise determined by the division, a worker is not exposed to a substance that exceeds the ceiling limit, short-term exposure limit or 8-hour
where a substance referred to in paragraph (d) has an 8-hour
3 times the 8-hour
5 times the 8-hour
(8) Where extended work periods exist where the work period is more than 8 hours in a 24 hour day, the 8 hour exposure shall be adjusted accordingly as outlined in the ACGIH "Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)" Manual.
(9) Adjustment of TLVs, as required, shall be done in consultation with the occupational health and safety committee, the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate, as appropriate.
(10) Where a worker is exposed to a substance which is designated as a reproductive toxin or a sensitizer, an employer shall develop policy and procedures appropriate to the risk, which may include protective reassignment.
(11) Where workers may be exposed to contact with chemicals harmful to the skin, facilities shall be available for the worker to effectively cleanse the contaminated body areas, including, where corrosive chemicals are involved, emergency water baths, showers, jump tanks, eyewash facilities or other effective means of treatment.
(12) The policy and procedures required by subsection (10) shall include
(a) informing workers about the reproductive toxin and identifying ways to minimize exposure to the toxin for a worker who has advised the employer of pregnancy or intent to conceive a child; and
(b) identifying ways to eliminate exposure to a sensitizer for a worker who is or may become sensitized to that substance.
(13) Solvents, oils, greases, paints or other flammable substances shall be cleaned up by using an approved non-combustible grease and oil absorbent which shall be placed in covered metal containers before disposal.
(14) Containers referred to in subsection (13) shall not be stored in work areas.
Health surveillance
(1) In accordance with subsection 42
(2), an employer shall assess the need for and extent of health surveillance of his or her workers.
(2) Based on the results of the assessment under subsection (1), an employer shall establish and maintain a program for the surveillance of the health of workers, which shall be in accordance with the following guidelines
(a) the International Code of Ethics for Occupational Health Professionals; and
(b) the International Labour Organization's Technical and Ethical Guidelines for Health Surveillance.
(3) In addition, to subsections (1) and (2), the minister may
(a) designate a workplace or class of workplaces as requiring an occupational health surveillance program; or
(b) make requirements for modifications to an occupational health surveillance program.
(4) An employer shall ensure that an occupational health surveillance program in a workplace is communicated to employees of that workplace.
(5) The minister may require a worker to undergo a medical examination as part of a health surveillance program where it may be necessary for the prevention of occupational disease.
(6) A medical examination shall be performed during normal working hours without loss of pay to workers.
(7) Where the minister has been advised by a physician that a worker has been adversely affected by a hazardous substance in the workplace and requires temporary removal or workplace accommodation from that workplace or hazard, the minister may require the employer to provide without loss of pay to the worker temporary alternative work for the time period required.
(8) An employer shall keep records of a health surveillance program for a period of time specified by the minister, and these records shall be made available to
(a) an employee who requests information pertaining to his or her health surveillance records; and
where a physician is no longer able to keep medical records pertaining to an occupational exposure, the minister shall be notified in advance to make alternate arrangements that are in accordance with the guidelines of the
Thermal environment
44. (1) An employer shall ensure that a thermal environment which is reasonable and consistent with the nature and degree of the work performed, as established by the ACGIH, is provided and maintained in a workplace.
(2) An employer shall provide appropriate and suitable monitoring equipment in a workplace where the thermal environment is likely to pose a hazard to a worker.
(3) Under unusually hot or cold working conditions an employer shall make further provision for the health and safety and reasonable thermal comfort of a worker, which may include:
(a) regular monitoring, posting of warning devices and additional first aid measures;
(b) provision of special equipment and clothing;
(c) provision of screens or shelters;
(d) medical supervision, hot or cold drinks and acclimatization procedures;
(e) limited work schedules with rest periods; and
(f) other appropriate controls and measures.
(4) In a workplace, an open flame, steampipe or other high temperature source shall be identified at the source and positioned or shielded to prevent contact by a worker, unless the exposed source is necessary for work processes and cannot be appropriately controlled by engineering means.
(5) Where a source referred to in subsection (4) is necessarily exposed, a worker shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
45. (1) An employer shall ensure that
(a) there is appropriate circulation of clean and wholesome air;
(b) there is adequate ventilation; and
(c) impurities are made harmless and inoffensive
in a workplace in accordance with standards established by ASHRAE and ACGIH.
(2) Where a work or process gives off dust, fumes, vapour, mist or other impurity of a kind and quantity liable to be injurious or offensive to a worker, an employer shall provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of a ventilation system sufficient to protect the worker against inhalation of impurities and to prevent impurities accumulating in the work space.
(3) Where practicable, local exhaust ventilation shall be installed and maintained near to the point of origin of an impurity to prevent it entering the air of the workplace and the breathing zone of its workers.
(4) Impurities removed under subsections (2) and (3) shall be exhausted clear of a workplace and prevented from entering a workplace.
(5) An employer shall ensure that,
(a) all parts of a ventilation system are maintained;
(b) louvers are cleaned regularly; and
(c) ventilation openings are free of obstruction and sources of contamination.
(6) Where possible, exhaust from an internal combustion engine operated indoors shall be vented to the outdoors.
(7) Where mobile equipment powered by an internal combustion engine is operated indoors or in an enclosed work area
(a) the engine shall be adequately serviced and maintained to minimize the concentration of air contaminants in the exhaust to the applicable ACGIH Standards, and
(b) the work area shall be assessed to determine the potential for exposure of workers to harmful levels of exhaust components.
(8) Where a worker is or may be exposed to an exhaust gas component in concentrations exceeding the applicable exposure limits, exhaust gas scrubbers, catalytic converters, or other engineering controls shall be installed.
(9) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that
(a) the mechanical ventilation system
(i) including humidification equipment, is constructed and maintained to minimize the growth and dissemination of micro-organisms, insects and mites through the ventilation system, and
(ii) where reasonably practicable, is readily accessible for cleaning and inspection;
(b) a qualified person inspects and maintains all parts of a mechanical ventilation system, cleans all louvers and replaces or adequately cleans all filters at a frequency that is sufficient to protect the health and safety of workers;
(c) a record of all inspections, maintenance and cleaning of the mechanical ventilation system is
(i) completed by a qualified person who performs the work, and
(ii) readily available for examination by the occupational health and safety committee, or worker representative or designate or, where there is no committee, representative or designate, by the workers and the occupational health and safety officer;
(d) when mechanical ventilation is required, the ventilating fans are located to prevent recirculation of contaminated air; and
(e) measurements of the air volume of the mechanical ventilation system are taken at suitable intervals to ensure compliance with the minimum air volume requirements in accordance with standards established by ASHRAE, ACGIH or other applicable standard approved by the minister.
(10) An employer shall ensure that, wherever possible, a less hazardous substance or work process is used in preference to a more hazardous substance or process.
(11) A ventilation system used to control airborne contaminants shall have electrical and mechanical systems designed to control all potential ignition sources and meet the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code.
Silica regulation
46. (1) In this section
(a) "blasting" means the cleaning, smoothing, roughening or removing of part of the surface of an article by the use as an abrasive of a jet of sand, metal shot or grit or other material propelled by compressed air or steam or by a wheel;
(b) "blasting chamber" means a blasting enclosure into which workers enter;
(c) "blasting enclosure" means a chamber, barrel, cabinet or other similar enclosure designed for the purpose of blasting in it;
(d) "cleaning of castings" means, where done as an incidental or supplemental process in connection with the making of metal castings, the freeing of the castings from adherent sand or other substance, and includes the removal of cores and the general smoothing of the castings where the freeing is done, but does not include the freeing of castings from scale formed during annealing or heat treatment;
(e) "sandblasting" means the process of projecting sand by means of compressed air or steam or by a wheel;
(f) "silica dust" means dust of respirable particle size and composed substantially of uncombined silica (Silicon Dioxide Si O2 );
(g) "silica flour" means the ground material produced by the milling of siliceous rocks or other siliceous substances, including diatomite (Kieselguhr, diatomaceous earth);
(h) "uncombined silica" means silica which is not combined chemically with another element or compound; and
(i) "use of a parting material" means the application of a material to a surface of a pattern or of a mould to facilitate the separation of the pattern from a mould or the separation of parts of the mould.
(2) The provisions of this section apply wherever workers are employed in a silica process, including
(a) sandblasting;
(b) the cleaning of castings;
(c) the blasting, fettling, grinding or dressing of a surface containing silica, including the engraving or abrasive cleaning of gravestones, buildings or structures of siliceous stones or rocks;
(d) a process in which silica flour is used;
(e) the manufacture of silica-containing refractory bricks or silica-containing substances and the dismantling or repair of the refractory lining of furnaces;
(f) a process which the chief occupational medical officer has reason to believe creates a risk to the health of workers by silica dust; and
(g) a process that includes the getting, cutting, splitting, crushing, grinding, milling, drilling, sieving, or other mechanical manipulation of gravel or siliceous stone or rock where there is potential for exceeding 1% free silica or 50% of TLV.
(3) An employer shall ensure that at every silica process except sandblasting to which subsection (12) applies, the entry into the air of silica dust is prevented where reasonably practicable by the provision of
(a) total or partial enclosure of the process;
(b) efficient local exhaust ventilation;
(c) jets or sprays of water or other suitable wetting agent; and
(d) another method considered suitable by the assistant deputy minister.
(4) An employer shall ensure that
(a) enclosure apparatus and exhaust ventilation equipment used or likely to be used to contain silica dust is maintained and is inspected at least once in every 7 days and is certified by a competent person at least once in every calendar year; and
(b) effective means is provided to collect silica dust removed by exhaust ventilation equipment and to prevent its re-entry into a workroom, and every filtering or settling device situated in a workroom is completely separated from the general air of that workroom in an enclosure ventilated to the open air.
(5) Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent the entry into the air of silica dust, the employer shall provide for the isolation of the worker from the air containing silica dust.
(6) Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent the entry into the air of silica dust nor practicable to isolate the worker from the air containing silica dust, and for all cleaning and maintenance work, the employer shall provide for the use of each worker who may be exposed to silica dust
(a) approved respiratory protective equipment; and
(b) protective clothing, including coveralls and headgear, that, when worn, exclude silica dust and that is maintained and cleaned in a safe manner.
(7) A worker shall not be required to perform work for which respiratory protective equipment and clothing is provided unless fully instructed in the need for and proper use of that equipment and clothing.
(8) An employer shall ensure that all places where silica dust may accumulate are regularly cleaned using vacuum methods wherever practicable.
(9) An employer shall ensure that the standard for dust levels does not exceed the threshold limit value (TLV) established by the ACGIH.
(10) A worker who in the course of his or her employment is likely to be engaged in a silica process shall be warned by the employer of the danger to his or her health of inhaling silica dust and that the risk of injury is made greater by smoking.
(11) Persons under the age of 18 shall not be employed in a silica process nor in cleaning or maintenance work likely to involve exposure to silica dust except work that is a recognized part of apprenticeship or comparable course of training.
(12) An employer shall ensure that
(a) sandblasting is not done outside a blasting enclosure to an article which it is practicable to introduce into a blasting enclosure;
(b) sand or other substance containing more than 1% by weight of respirable dust is not introduced into a blasting enclosure;
(c) sandblasting is not done except with the written permission of the officer and in accordance with the conditions and to the extent that he or she may prescribe; and
(d) sandblasting is not done underground,
and sandblasting shall not be undertaken nor performed by an employer, worker or self-employed person other than those registered for that purpose with the division.
(13) An employer shall ensure where practicable that castings, gravestones and other articles which are liable to give rise to silica dust by blasting are not blasted except in a blasting enclosure, and that work is not performed in a blasting enclosure except blasting and work immediately incidental to that and the cleaning and repairing of the enclosure and of plant and appliances situated in that enclosure.
(14) An employer shall ensure that every blasting enclosure which is liable to contain silica dust is
(a) constructed, operated and maintained to prevent the escape of dust;
(b) provided with an efficient dust extraction system, which is kept in continuous operation whenever the blasting enclosure is in use whether or not blasting is actually taking place, and a blasting chamber is in operation when a worker is inside the chamber;
(c) specially inspected by a competent person once in every week in which it is used for blasting, and the enclosure, the apparatus connected with it and the ventilating plant associated with it is thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person once every month, and all results of required inspection, examinations and tests are recorded and all defects remedied without avoidable delay; and
(d) provided with efficient apparatus for separating where practicable the abrasive from other dust, and the abrasive is not again introduced into the blasting apparatus until it has been separated.
(15) An employer shall provide and maintain for workers who work in a blasting chamber, whether in blasting or other work, protective blasters' helmets supplied with clean and not unreasonably cold air of not less than 6 cubic feet a minute, and the helmets shall be used by workers whenever they are in the blasting chamber.
(16) Suitable gauntlets and coveralls shall be provided for the use of, and shall be worn by, all workers while performing blasting or assisting at blasting, and suitable provision shall be made for the storage, regular cleaning by vacuum and maintenance in good condition of the gauntlets and coveralls.
(17) When a worker is engaged in the cleaning of a blasting apparatus or enclosure, ventilating or separating plant, or the surrounds, all practical measures shall be taken to prevent the inhalation of silica dust or its dissemination into the air and all the cleaning shall be by vacuum or hosing by water whenever practicable.
(18) An employer shall ensure that silica flour
(a) is not manufactured except under standards prescribed by the division;
(b) is not used for a purpose for which a less hazardous substance may be substituted; and
(c) is not used in the manufacture of scouring powder or abrasive soaps or as an abrasive in a process.
(19) The examining physician shall record in the log the date and nature of the certificate he or she issues to each worker he or she has medically examined.
Silica medical surveillance
47. (1) An employer shall establish and maintain a system for the surveillance of the health of his or her employees arising from silica dust exposure in accordance with the silica health surveillance guidance document prescribed by the minister.
(2) An employee who requires silica related health surveillance is one who:
(a) works in an industry where he or she is potentially affected by a silica process as defined in this subsection 46 (2);
is potentially exposed to silica levels in excess of the ACGIH TLV-
(c) has been determined, through the company's silica control program, to require silica health surveillance as prescribed in the general health surveillance section.
(3) An employer shall not regularly employ a worker in a silica process unless the employer has been assured by a medical practitioner by a written notification that the worker is medically fit for the work being undertaken.
(4) An employer shall keep at the place of employment to be readily available to an officer a log recording the name of every worker referred for medical examination.
(5) The initial health assessment shall be carried out under the direction of a physician and shall include
(a) an occupational history;
(b) a respiratory questionnaire;
(c) a pulmonary/lung function test;
(d) a chest x-ray (Full size PA view); and
(e) a medical history and physical examination emphasizing the respiratory system.
(6) A periodic health assessment shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) the frequency of chest x-rays shall be in accordance with the silica health surveillance document;
(b) the medical examination emphasizing the respiratory system shall be repeated annually unless prescribed otherwise by the physician; and
(c) the pulmonary /lung functions tests including FEV1, FVC, and DLCO standardized for alveolar volume shall be repeated annually unless prescribed otherwise by the physician.
(7) Where an employee is undergoing health surveillance for silica, the physician shall ensure, as soon as practicable, that
(a) the employee is notified of the results, together with a necessary explanation of these results;
(b) the employer is notified of the general outcome of a worker's health surveillance and is advised on the need for remedial actions; and
(c) the minister is notified of a prescribed adverse health effect that had been detected which is consistent with exposure to silica.
(8) Where an employer has been advised by the physician on the need for remedial action, the employer shall, as soon as practicable, re-evaluate the assessment of the employee's exposure to silica and implement the control measures required.
(9) An employer shall ensure employees are informed of the purpose and procedures for health surveillance and make arrangements for employees to participate in the health surveillance program.
48. (1) When work or manufacturing processes cause or are likely to cause workers to be exposed to asbestos, or dusts containing asbestos, means shall be provided to control asbestos dust from exceeding the threshold limit value established by the ACGIH or lower where practically attainable.
(2) Dust arising from the cutting and shaping of block and pipe insulation materials, whether by power saws or hand saws, shall be controlled by adequate local exhaust ventilation with the discharged air passed through an effective filter.
(3) Where mortar containing asbestos is mixed, dust concentrations shall be controlled by adequate local exhaust ventilation with discharged air passed through an effective filter or other effective means.
(4) Where work is being done with asbestos containing materials, dust concentrations shall be controlled through adequate local exhaust ventilation with discharged air passed through an effective filter or other effective means.
Lead exposure control plan
49. (1) An employer shall develop an exposure control plan for lead where
(a) a worker at a work site may be exposed to airborne lead in excess of its occupational exposure limit for more than 30 days in a year; or
(b) a worker's exposure to lead at a work site could result in an elevated body burden of lead through a route of entry.
(2) The exposure control plan shall include
(a) a statement of purpose and the responsibilities of individuals;
(b) methods of hazard identification, assessment and control;
(c) worker education and training;
(d) safe work practices as required;
(e) descriptions of personal and work site hygiene practices and decontamination practices;
(f) processes of health monitoring, including biological testing;
(g) methods of documentation and record keeping; and
(h) procedures for maintenance of the plan, including annual reviews and updating.
(3) A worker shall follow the exposure control plan and practice the personal and work site hygiene practice established by the employer to minimize lead exposure at the work site.
(4) Where there is potential for a worker to be exposed to lead in harmful amounts at a work site, an employer shall ensure that air monitoring and surface testing for lead is regularly conducted to confirm that the controls in place are effective.
(5) Where a worker at a work site could reasonably be expected to have an elevated body burden of lead, an employer shall establish a system for the surveillance of the health of their employees arising from lead exposure in accordance with the lead health surveillance guidance document as prescribed by the minister.
(6) An employer shall ensure that a worker who has been exposed to lead is informed of the health surveillance requirements.
Musculoskeletal injury prevention
(1) For the purpose of this section and sections 51
to 54
, "musculoskeletal injury (
(2) An employer shall
(a) recognize factors in the workplace that may expose workers to a risk of musculoskeletal injury; and
(b) evaluate the risk to workers presented by the factors that have been recognized under paragraph (a).
(1) An employer shall eliminate, or where elimination is not practicable, minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury to a worker through the implementation of a control measure that may include one or more of the following:
(a) providing, positioning and maintaining equipment that is designed and constructed to reduce or eliminate the risk of musculoskeletal injury;
(b) developing and implementing safe work procedures to eliminate or reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury;
(c) implementing work schedules that incorporate rest and recovery periods, changes to workload or other arrangements for alternating work; and
providing personal protective equipment in accordance with Part
(2) Personal protective equipment may only be used as a substitute for engineering or administrative controls where it is used in circumstances in which those controls are not practicable.
(3) An employer shall, without delay, implement interim control measures when the introduction of permanent control measures are delayed.
52. An employer shall ensure that a worker who is or may be exposed to a risk of musculoskeletal injury is
(a) educated in risk identification related to work, including the recognition of early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injury and its potential health effects; and
(b) trained in the use of specific control measures, including, where applicable, work procedures, mechanical aids and personal protective equipment.
53. An employer shall
(a) monitor the effectiveness of a control measure implemented to eliminate or reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury; and
(b) where the monitoring referred to in paragraph (a) identifies a risk of musculoskeletal injury that is not or has not been eliminated or reduced, implement additional control measures, where reasonably practicable.
54. (1) An employer shall consult with the occupational health and safety committee, the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate, as applicable.
(2) An employer shall, when performing a risk assessment, consult with
(a) workers with signs or symptoms of musculoskeletal injury; and
(b) a representative sample of the workers who are required to carry out the work being assessed.
Seating or standing work
55. (1) Where a worker in the course of his or her work has a reasonable opportunity to sit without detriment to his or her work, an employer shall provide and maintain suitable seating for the worker's use to enable him or her to take advantage of that opportunity.
(2) Where a substantial proportion of work can be done while seated, an employer shall provide and maintain for a worker a seat suitably designed, constructed, dimensioned and supported for the worker to do the work, including, where necessary, a footrest that can readily and comfortably support the feet.
(3) Where a worker is required to stand for long periods in the course of his or her work, an employer or contractor shall provide an antifatigue mat, footrest or other suitable device to provide relief.
Lifting and handling
56. (1) An employer or contractor shall ensure, where reasonably practicable, that suitable equipment is provided and used for the handling of heavy or awkward loads.
(2) Where use of equipment is not reasonably practicable, an employer or contractor shall take all practicable means to adapt heavy or awkward loads to facilitate lifting, holding or transporting by workers, or to otherwise minimize the manual handling required.
Permitted quantities
57. (1) The amount of a hazardous substance in a work area shall not exceed the quantity reasonably needed for work in progress, normally in one work shift.
Bulk or reserve quantities of a hazardous substance shall be stored in a designated area separate from the work area.
Incompatible substances
58. Substances which are incompatible shall not be stored in a manner that would allow them to mix in the event of container leakage, breakage or other similar circumstance.
Storage of hazardous substances
59. (1) A hazardous substance shall be stored in a designated area, in a manner which ensures that it can not readily fall, become dislodged, suffer damage, or be exposed to conditions of extreme temperature.
(2) A designated storage area for a hazardous substance shall be
designed and constructed to provide for the safe containment of the contents;
clearly identified by signs, placards or similar means;
designed and maintained to allow the safe movement of workers, equipment and material;
provided with adequate ventilation and lighting; and
in a location not normally occupied by workers, including a lunchroom, eating area, change room, clothing storage locker or passenger compartment of a vehicle.
60. Where a flammable liquid is dispensed or transferred inside a flammable liquids storage room,
the storage room shall be mechanically ventilated at a rate of at least 18 m3/hr a square metre of floor area (1 cfm/sq ft), but not less than 250 m3/hr (150 cfm);
(b) exhaust air shall be discharged to the outdoors, and makeup air provided;
(c) makeup air duct passing through a fire separation shall be equipped with an approved fire damper; and
(d) doors shall be self-closing.
Toilet facilities
61. (1) An employer shall provide, maintain and keep clean sufficient and suitable toilet facilities for workers and shall make effective provision for lighting and heating the toilet facilities.
(2) Sufficient and suitable toilet facilities referred to in subsection (1) include the following:
(a) one suitable toilet to be provided for up to 10 workers and one additional toilet for every 20 workers or fraction of those likely to be present;
(b) additional toilets to be provided where toilet facilities are likely to be used by persons in addition to workers;
(c) where both males and females are employed, separate toilets shall be provided and suitably identified for workers of each sex;
(d) where a toilet is designated for males, the employer may replace not more than two thirds of the toilets with urinals;
(e) where more than 100 males work or are likely to work on a shift and sufficient urinal accommodations are provided, the requirements of paragraph (a) may be reduced at the discretion of an officer;
(f) a toilet that is under cover and positioned and partitioned off to secure privacy shall have a proper door and fastenings;
(g) doors and partitions shall extend at all parts from not more than 30.48 centimetres and not less than 1.83 metres above floor level;
(h) a supply of toilet tissue shall be maintained in a toilet stall at all times and easily cleanable covered receptacles shall be provided for waste materials; and
(i) the toilets shall be conveniently accessible to the workers at all times during work.
Washing facilities
62. (1) An employer shall provide and maintain for the use of workers
(a) adequate and suitable facilities for personal washing; and
(b) a supply of clean hot and cold or warm water, soap and clean towels or other suitable means of cleaning or drying.
(2) Where there is a high risk of contamination of workers by hazardous substances, infectious or offensive materials as a part of the regular work processes at a place of employment, an employer shall
(a) where reasonably practicable, provide and maintain suitable, adequate and clean facilities for changing and showering; and
(b) allow sufficient time during normal working hours for a worker to use those facilities without loss of pay or other benefits.
Emergency washing facilities
63. An employer shall ensure that
(a) appropriate emergency washing facilities are provided in a work area where a worker's eyes or skin may be exposed to harmful or corrosive materials or other materials which may burn or irritate;
(b) only a potable water supply is used in a plumbed emergency eyewash facility and that only potable water or an isotonic saline flushing solution is used in a portable (non-plumbed) eyewash unit;
(c) access to emergency eyewash and shower facilities is not blocked by material or equipment; and
(d) selection of emergency washing facilities is based upon an assessment of the risks present in the workplace.
Work clothing and accommodations
64. (1) An employer shall provide and maintain, for the use of workers, clean, adequate, appropriately located and suitable accommodations for street clothing not worn during working hours and where it is necessary to protect the street clothing from becoming wet, dirty or contaminated by work clothing, separate accommodation shall be provided.
(2) Where a worker's work clothing or skin is likely to be contaminated by hazardous substances, an employer shall
(a) provide protective clothing and head cover appropriate to the work and hazard;
(b) provide a suitably located changing area; and
(c) ensure that the clothing and head cover are handled and cleaned or disposed of in a manner that prevents worker exposure to hazardous substances.
Eating areas
65. Where a substance used in the work or a work process is likely to contaminate a worker's person, clothing or food, an employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that a clean eating area, separate from the worksite, is available and close to washing facilities.
Supply of drinking water
66. An employer shall provide and maintain at suitable points conveniently accessible to all workers, an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water from a public main or other source approved by the appropriate health authority.
Sanitary and orderly conditions
67. An employer shall ensure that the workplace is sanitary and kept as clean as is reasonably practicable and that
(a) accumulated dirt and refuse is removed daily by a suitable method from floors, working surfaces, stairways and passages;
(b) floors are cleaned at least once a week by washing, vacuum cleaning or other effective and suitable means;
(c) interior walls and partitions, ceilings, passages and staircases are kept in a reasonable state of repair and suitably finished and maintained; and
(d) floors, platforms, stairs and walkways used by workers are kept in a state of good repair and free of hazards.
Noise hazards
68. (1) When a worker is required to work in an area in which noise levels exceed the criteria for permissible noise exposure established by the ACGIH Noise Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)
(a) the employer shall first take appropriate action to implement control measures to reduce noise to acceptable levels; and
where it is not practicable to reduce the noise to acceptable levels or to isolate workers from the noise, the workers shall wear personal protective equipment in accordance with
(2) Where conditions referred to in subsection (1) exist, an employer shall establish and maintain a hearing conservation program.
(3) A hearing conservation program established under subsection (2) shall comply with the following minimum requirements:
a noise survey of the workplace to identify high noise areas shall be performed in accordance with
(b) hearing tests for every worker exposed to noise levels in excess of permissible levels to be conducted on an annual basis or where recommended by an audiologist or occupational physician;
(c) a hearing test, within 3 months of commencement of employment, for each new worker who is exposed to noise in excess of the permissible levels; and
(d) mandatory training and education for all workers in the health hazards of noise and the fitting, maintenance, care and use of hearing protection.
(4) A hearing conservation program shall be documented and those records shall be kept by the employer or the employer designate while the worker remains employed by the employer.
(5) An employer shall post and maintain signs at entrances to or on the periphery of areas where persons are exposed to high noise levels in excess of the threshold limit.
(6) A sign referred to in subsection (5) shall clearly state that a noise hazard exists and shall describe the personal protective equipment that is required.
(7) Upon termination of employment, a worker may request from the employer a record of noise exposure during the term of employment.
Painting, coating and working with plastics/resins
69. (1) This section applies to a workplace in which there is spraying or the use of paint or a similar coating, fibre-reinforced resin, thermoplastic material, an expandable resin form or other similar materials.
(2) Spraying a flammable or other hazardous product is prohibited within a general work area unless effective controls have been installed to control the fire, explosion and toxicity hazards.
(3) Where practicable, a coating shall not be applied to a material that is about to be welded.
(4) A work area or enclosure where hazardous materials are handled or used shall be posted with suitable signs or placards warning workers of the hazards within the identified restricted access area and stating the precautions for entry into the area.
(5) Where practicable, a ventilated spray booth or other enclosure designed to control worker exposure shall be used during
(a) an operation or process which involves spraying paint or resin;
(b) lay-up or moulding of reinforced plastic; or
(c) an application of a paint, coating or insulation containing a sensitizer including an isocyante compound, or similar operations using toxic materials.
(6) The air velocity through a horizontal flow spray booth, a vertical flow, down-draft or other enclosure required by subsection (5) shall be as prescribed by a standard acceptable to the minister.
(7) In outdoor applications of materials or processes listed in subsection (5), an air velocity across the work area of at least 50 fpm shall be assured, by mechanical means where necessary, to carry vapours and aerosols away from the breathing zone of a worker.
(8) A ventilation system subject to heavy concentrations of over-spray from the operation shall have an arrester filter which is maintained in good operating condition and replaced when the pressure drop across the filter exceeds the design criteria.
(9) A worker who is or may be exposed to an airborne contaminant generated by a spray operation involving a sensitizing agent shall be provided with and shall wear air-supplied respiratory protection.
(10) Only a qualified person authorized by the employer may operate
(a) an airless spray unit of the type which atomizes paint and fluid at pressure;
(b) a spray paint powered by compressed air in excess of 10 psi; or
(c) a chopper spray gun unit.
(11) An airless spray gun shall have
(a) a means to electrically bond the gun to the paint reservoir and pump;
(b) a guard that protects against trigger activation where the gun is dropped; and
(c) a trigger function configured to require two distinct operations by the user to activate the release of paint or fluid through the nozzle, or a safety device which prevents the nozzle tip from coming into contact with the worker.
(12) Emissions from operations involved in heating plastics to temperatures which may release thermal decomposition products shall be removed from the workplace by local exhaust ventilation when there is a risk of harm to a worker from exposure to these emissions.
(13) A resin foam installation process performed indoors shall be controlled or contained so that an unprotected worker is not exposed to emissions by using an enclosure or portable local exhaust ventilation or by scheduling arrangements.
(14) A resin foam installation process performed outdoors and relying on natural ventilation shall be completed in an area restricted to authorized personnel wearing adequate personal protective equipment.
(15) Safe work procedures shall be developed for lead paint removal operations, including provisions for warning unauthorized persons, worker training, containment, ventilation, work practices, personal protective equipment worker decontamination and safe means of disposal.
70. In this Part
(a) "fit check" means a negative or positive pressure check of a respirator's fit, performed in accordance with the respirator manufacturer's instructions;
"fit test" means a quantitative or qualitative fit test performed in accordance with procedures in
(c) "flame resistant", in reference to clothing, means made of a material that, due to its inherent properties or as a result of treatment by a flame retardant, slows, terminates or prevents flaming combustion.
Selection, use and maintenance
71. Personal protective equipment shall
(a) be selected and used in accordance with recognized standards and provide effective protection;
(b) not in itself create a hazard to the wearer;
(c) be compatible so that one item of personal protective equipment does not make another item ineffective; and
(d) be maintained in good working order and in sanitary condition.
72. An employer shall ensure that a worker who wears personal protective equipment is adequately instructed in the correct use, limitations and assigned maintenance duties for the equipment to be used.
Personal clothing and accessories
73. (1) The personal clothing of a worker shall be of a type and in a condition which does not expose the worker to an unnecessary or avoidable hazard.
(2) Where there is a danger of contact with moving parts of machinery or with electrically energized equipment, or where the work process presents similar hazards
(a) the clothing of a worker shall fit closely about the body;
(b) dangling neckwear, bracelets, wristwatches, rings or similar articles shall not be worn, except for medical alert bracelets which may be worn with transparent bands that hold the bracelets snugly to the skin; and
(c) cranial and facial hair shall be confined or worn at a length which shall prevent it from being snagged or caught in the work process.
General requirements of safety headgear
74. (1) Safety headgear shall be worn by a worker where there is a danger of head injury from falling, flying or thrown objects, or other harmful contacts.
Safety headgear shall meet the requirements of
Eye and face protection
Where a worker handles or is exposed to materials or conditions that are likely to injure or irritate the eye or face, an employer shall ensure that he or she wears properly fitting face and eye protection appropriate to the conditions of the workplace and in accordance with the requirements of
Prescription safety eyewear
(1) Prescription safety eyewear shall meet the requirements of
(2) Bifocal and trifocal glass lenses shall not be used where there is a danger of impact unless the lenses are worn behind impact-rated goggles or other eye protection acceptable to the minister.
Where the use of polycarbonate or plastic prescription lenses is impracticable due to the conditions of the workplace and there is no danger of impact, a worker may use prescription lenses made of treated safety glass meeting the requirements of
Contact lenses
77. Adequate precautions shall be taken where a hazardous substance or condition may adversely affect a worker wearing contact lenses.
General requirements of limb and body protection
78. Where there is a danger of injury, contamination or infection to a worker's skin, hands, feet or body, the worker shall wear properly fitting protective equipment appropriate to the work being done and the hazards involved.
Leg protection
79. A worker operating a chain saw shall wear a leg protective device with a label permanently affixed to the outer surface of the device indicating the standard it meets.
Foot protection
80. (1) A worker's footwear shall be of a design, construction, and material appropriate to the protection required.
(2) To determine the appropriate protection under subsection (1) the following factors shall be considered:
(a) slipping;
(b) uneven terrain;
(c) abrasion;
(d) ankle protection;
(e) foot support;
(f) crushing potential;
(g) temperature extremes;
(h) corrosive substances;
(i) puncture hazards;
(j) electrical shock; and
(k) another recognizable hazard.
Where a determination has been made that safety protective footwear is required to have toe protection, metatarsal protection, puncture resistant soles, dielectric protection or a combination of these, the footwear shall meet the requirements of
High visibility apparel
81. A worker whose duties are regularly performed in areas and under circumstances where he or she is exposed to the danger of moving vehicles or heavy equipment shall wear distinguishing apparel containing highly visible material suitable for daytime or night time use, as appropriate.
Flame resistant clothing
82. (1) Where a worker may be exposed to a flash fire or electrical equipment flashover, an employer shall ensure that the worker wears flame resistant outerwear and uses other protective equipment appropriate to the hazard.
(2) A worker shall ensure that clothing worn beneath flame resistant outerwear and against the skin is made of flame resistant fabrics or natural fibers that do not melt when exposed to heat.
Respiratory protection program
Where required, an employer shall establish, implement and maintain, and revise where necessary, a written respiratory protection program in accordance with
Respiratory protection
84. (1) When a worker is or may be exposed to an oxygen deficient atmosphere or harmful concentrations of air contaminants, atmospheric contamination shall be prevented to the extent practicable by accepted engineering controls and when engineering or other controls are not practicable, appropriate respiratory protection equipment shall be used in accordance with this section.
(2) Respiratory protection equipment shall be provided by an employer when the equipment is necessary to protect the health of a worker.
An employer shall ensure that compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air and liquid oxygen used for respiration comply with the specifications of
(4) An employer shall ensure that compressed oxygen is not used in atmosphere-supplying respiratory equipment that has previously used compressed air.
(5) Access points shall display signs warning that respiratory protection equipment is required and naming the contaminant or hazard involved.
(6) An employer shall ensure that sufficient workers who are trained in rescue procedures are immediately available whenever workers are working in areas where an oxygen deficient atmosphere or hazardous contaminants may be present.
(7) A rescue worker referred to in subsection (6) shall have immediate access to appropriate breathing apparatus or other aids necessary to effect a rescue.
Respiratory protection equipment
85. (1) An employer shall select and provide appropriate respiratory protection equipment based on the respiratory hazard to which a worker is exposed and workplace and user factors that affect the performance and reliability of the equipment.
(2) The equipment referred to in subsection (1) shall be certified by the National Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and used in compliance with the conditions of its certification.
(3) An employer shall identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace, and the evaluation shall include an employee's potential exposure to respiratory hazards and an identification of the contaminant's chemical composition and physical state.
(4) Where an employer cannot identify the exposure referred to in subsection (3), the employer shall take immediate precautions to protect a worker from immediate danger.
(5) An employer shall not permit a respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece to be worn by an employee who has
(a) hair on the face or scalp that is likely to prevent effective sealing of the facepiece to the facial skin; or
(b) a condition that interferes with the face to facepiece seal or valve function.
(6) Where an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, the employer shall ensure that the equipment is worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face of the user.
(7) Where a tight-fitting respirator is used by an employee, an employer shall ensure that the employee performs a user seal check before each use.
Inspection and maintenance of respiratory protection equipment
86. (1) Respiratory protection equipment that is issued for the exclusive use of an employee shall be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to maintain it in a sanitary condition.
(2) Respiratory protection equipment that is issued for the use of more than one employee shall be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by different individuals.
(3) An employer shall ensure that respiratory protection equipment is inspected as follows:
(a) equipment used in routine situations is inspected before each use and after cleaning;
(b) equipment maintained for use in emergency situations is inspected at least once monthly and according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and is checked for proper function before and after each use; and
(c) emergency escape only equipment is inspected before being carried into the workplace for use.
(4) Where an inspection conducted under subsection (3) reveals damage, the equipment shall be discarded.
87. In this Part
means a type of safeguard consisting of a physical barrier which prevents a worker from reaching over, under, around or through the barrier to a moving part or point of operation;
"point of operation"
means the danger area in a machine where a part is being formed or work is being done;
"power transmission part"
means a moving part of a machine that transfers power from a power source to a point of operation;
means the use of a guard, a safety device, a shield, an awareness barrier, warning signs, or other appropriate means, either singly or in combination, to provide effective protection to workers from hazards;
"safety device"
means a type of safeguard consisting of an arrangement of operating controls, an active or passive physical restraint, an interlock, or a presence sensing device which ensures that a worker cannot access or be in a hazardous area while a machine is operating; and
means a type of safeguard consisting of a physical cover or barrier which restricts but does not prevent access to a hazardous moving part or a point of operation.
Safe machinery and equipment
88. (1) An employer shall ensure that each tool, machine and piece of equipment in the workplace is
(a) capable of safely performing the functions for which it is used; and
(b) selected, used and operated in accordance with
(i) the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions, where available,
(ii) safe work practices, and
(iii) the requirements of these regulations.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, the installation, inspection, testing, repair, maintenance or modification of a tool, machine or piece of equipment shall be carried out
(a) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or a standard acceptable to the minister; or
(b) as specified by a professional engineer.
(3) Where equipment or a structure is dismantled in whole or in part and subsequently reassembled, it shall not be used until completely checked and found to be safe for operation or occupancy.
General requirements
89. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, an employer shall ensure that machinery and equipment is fitted with adequate safeguards that
(a) protect an employee from contact with hazardous power transmission parts;
(b) ensure that an employee cannot access a hazardous point of operation; and
(c) safely contain material ejected by the work process that could be hazardous to an employee.
(1) The application, design, construction and use of safeguards, including an opening in a guard and the reach distance to a hazardous part, shall meet the requirements of
(2) A safeguard shall be capable of effectively performing its intended function.
91. (1) A fixed guard shall not be modified to be readily removable without the use of tools.
(2) A guard shall be designed, where practicable, to allow lubrication and routine maintenance without the removal of the guard.
Identifying unsafe equipment
92. An unsafe tool, machine or piece of equipment shall be removed from service and identified in a manner that ensures that it is not inadvertently returned to service until it has been made safe for use.
Operating controls
93. (1) Powered equipment other than portable powered tools or mobile equipment shall have
(a) starting and stopping controls located within easy reach of the operator;
(b) controls and switches clearly identified to indicate the functions that they serve;
(c) controls positioned, designed or shielded to prevent inadvertent activation;
(d) where two-hand controls are installed, controls designed to require concurrent use of both hands to operate the equipment, and to require both controls to be released before another machine cycle can be initiated; and
(e) control systems meeting the requirements of these regulations.
(2) Portable powered tools and mobile equipment shall have operating controls that conform to an appropriate standard acceptable to the minister.
Machinery location
94. A machine shall be located or safeguarded so that operation of the machine does not endanger a worker using a normal passage route about the workplace or operating an adjacent machine.
Marking of hazards
95. A physical hazard shall be identified and marked in a manner that clearly identifies the hazard to an affected worker in accordance with a standard acceptable to the minister:
Piping systems
96. A piping system containing substances shall be clearly identified in a manner known to an affected worker and the identification markings on a piping system shall be maintained in a legible condition.
Restraining devices
97. Effective means of restraint shall be used
(a) on a connection of a hose or a pipe where inadvertent disconnection could be dangerous to a worker;
(b) where unplanned movement of an object or component could endanger a worker; or
(c) to secure an object from falling and endangering a worker.
Rotating hazards
98. Where a worker may be exposed to contact with rotating parts, such as friction drive, shafts, couplings and collars, set screws and bolts, keys and keyways, and projecting shaft ends, the parts shall be guarded.
Flywheels and pulleys
99. A pit for a flywheel or pulley shall have curbs or toeboards around the upper edge of the pit.
Conveyor standards
(1) Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, a conveyor shall meet the requirements of
(2) A conveyor shall have guards or sideboards to prevent material from falling from the conveyor into areas occupied by workers where the falling material creates a risk of injury.
(3) A conveyor shall have an emergency stopping system except where worker access to the conveyor is prevented by guarding.
(4) Where a conveyor emergency stopping system uses a pull wire, the system shall activate by a pull of the wire in any direction, or by a slack cable condition.
(5) A conveyor emergency stopping system shall be designed and installed so that after an emergency stop manual resetting is required before the conveyor can be restarted.
(6) A conveyor shall not be restarted after an emergency stop until inspection has determined it can be operated safely.
Power presses, brake presses and shears
101. Point of operation safeguarding, and the design, construction and reliability of the operating controls of a power press, brake press, ironworker or shear shall meet the requirements of the following applicable standard:
Exception for custom work
102. The safeguarding for the point of operation of a brake press may be removed upon application to and approval by the minister where custom or different bends are being done with each cycle of the machine, provided that safe work procedures are followed, and safeguarding is replaced upon completion of the custom work.
Cutting and cooling material containment
103. Cutting or cooling fluids, metal chips and turnings from machine tool work shall be contained.
Standards for abrasive equipment
An abrasive wheel shall be guarded, used and maintained to meet the requirements of
Powder actuated tools standards
105. A powder actuated fastening system, consisting of the tool, power loads and fasteners, shall meet the requirements of:
(c) other authority acceptable to the minister.
Powder actuated tool use
106. (1) A low velocity powder actuated tool, with a fastener test speed rating of less than 100 metres a second, shall be used unless no low velocity tool available on the market is capable of doing the fastening task.
(2) Two separate and distinct operations shall be required to activate a powder actuated tool and the final firing movement shall be separate and subsequent to depressing the tool into the firing position.
(3) A powder actuated tool shall be designed so that positive means of varying the power level is available, or can be made available, to enable the operator to select a power level appropriate to perform the desired work.
(4) A powder actuated tool shall be marked with the manufacturer's name or trademark, model number and serial number.
(5) When not in use, a powder actuated tool shall be unloaded and the tool and power loads shall be securely stored and be accessible only to qualified and authorized persons.
(6) Powder loads of different power levels and types shall be kept in different compartments or containers.
(7) A worker shall not operate a powder-actuated tool until he or she
(a) has been trained in the use of the specific make and model of tool and is in possession of a valid operator's certificate issued by the manufacturer or other qualified instruction agency;
(b) has demonstrated that he or she can use the tool effectively and safely;
(c) is familiar with these regulations;
(d) has been authorized by his or her supervisor to use the tool; and
(e) is wearing the personal protective equipment required by sections 70 to 86 .
(8) When using or servicing a powder-actuated tool, an operator shall have immediately available
(a) a copy of the manufacturer's operating instructions for the tool;
(b) a copy of the powder load and fastener charts for the tool; and
(c) accessories or tools needed for use or field servicing of the tool, including personal protective equipment.
(9) A powder-actuated tool shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
(10) A powder-actuated tool may only be loaded where it is being prepared for immediate use, and shall be unloaded at once where work is interrupted after loading.
(11) A powder-actuated tool shall not be pointed at a person.
(12) Where a powder-actuated tool misfires, the operator shall hold the tool firmly against the work surface for at least 5 seconds, then follow the manufacturer's instructions for those occurrences and, until the cartridge has been ejected, keep the tool pointed in a direction that cannot cause injury to a person.
Limitations on use of powder actuated tools
107. (1) A powder-actuated tool fastener shall not be driven into very hard or brittle materials, including cast iron, glazed tile, hardened steel, glass block, natural rock, hollow tile, and most brick.
(2) A powder-actuated tool fastener may only be driven into easily penetrated or thin materials or materials of unknown resistance where the receiving material is backed by a material that prevents the fastener from passing completely through.
(3) A powder-actuated tool fastener shall not be driven into steel within 13 millimetres of an edge, or within 5 centimetres of a weld except for special applications permitted by the manufacturer.
(4) Except for special applications recommended by the manufacturer, a powder-actuated tool fastener may not be driven into masonry materials
(a) within 7.5 centimetres of an unsupported edge with a low velocity tool; or
(b) within 15 centimetres of an unsupported edge with a medium or high velocity tool.
(5) A powder-actuated tool fastener shall not be driven
(a) into concrete unless material thickness is at least 3 times the fastener shank penetration;
(b) into a spalled area; or
(c) through existing holes unless a specific guide means, recommended and supplied by the manufacturer, is used to assure positive alignment.
108. (1) A hand-fed mobile chipper shall have a barrier or baffle installed on the feed side of the rotor to prevent ejection of chipped material.
(2) A self-feeding chipper shall have a table or apron extending at least 1.5 metres back from the rotor with sides sufficiently high to prevent a worker from reaching in and contacting the rotating knife.
(3) A driven-feed chipper shall have a guard chute or apron extending at least 90 centimetres from the feed rollers and a panic bar to stop the feed rollers.
(4) On a mobile chipper which gravity feeds material through a vertical hopper to the rotor, the sides of the hopper shall be of a sufficient depth to prevent the operator from reaching in and contacting the rotor, but in no case not less than 90 centimetres measured from the top edge of the hopper to the periphery of the rotor.
Chain saws
(1) A chain saw shall meet the requirements of
(2) A chain saw shall have a chain brake that activates automatically upon kickback regardless of the position of the power head or operator's hands.
(3) A chain saw chain shall be stopped before the saw operator moves from cut to cut, unless the next cut is in the immediate area and the saw operator can safely move to the next cutting position.
Automotive lifts and vehicle supports
(1) An automotive lift or hoist shall meet the requirements of
A shop crane, jack, axle stand, ramp or other type of vehicle support shall meet the requirements of the applicable section of
(3) Operation, inspection, repair, maintenance and modification of a vehicle support or lift shall be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions or the written instructions of a professional engineer.
(4) The employer shall keep a maintenance and inspection record for each automotive lift or hoist for not less than 5 years.
(5) The rated capacity shall be marked on each automotive lift or hoist, shop crane, jack, axle stand, ramp or other vehicle support and shall not be exceeded.
(6) The control for an automotive lift shall require continuous pressure by the operator when raising or lowering the unit, and the control shall return to the neutral position when released.
Pneumatic nailing and stapling tools
111. (1) A hand held pneumatic nailing or stapling tool capable of driving fasteners larger than 1.2 millimetres (18 gauge ASWG) shall not activate unless the operator performs 2 actions, one of which is to place the tool against a work surface.
(2) The trigger of a pneumatic nailing or stapling tool shall not be taped or otherwise secured in the "on" position, or held in the "on" position while moving between operations.
(3) The air supply to a pneumatic nailing or stapling tool shall be disconnected before adjusting or servicing the tool.
Drilling equipment - general requirements
112. An employer shall ensure that before drilling
(a) the back, face and sides of the work area have been scaled and stabilized;
(b) the working face and surrounding area have been thoroughly washed; and
(c) remnants of holes have been inspected for explosives and distinctively marked.
Drilling equipment use
113. (1) An employer shall ensure that
(a) a rock drill is not used unless equipped with a water jet or other device capable of suppressing rock dust; and
(b) adequate restraining devices are installed on hose connections under pressure, where inadvertent disconnection could endanger workers.
(2) Operating controls shall not be installed on the feed side of a top-hammer percussion drill.
Drilling procedures
114. A driller shall ensure that
(a) the cut is not drilled in the same location as the previous round;
(b) holes are not drilled within 15 centimetres of a part of a bootleg; and
(c) there is no drilling at a face when a hole is loaded or being loaded with explosives except in conformity with the requirements on drilling to refire a misfire, as specified in PART XIX.
Rod handling
115. (1) A drill operator shall not manually add or remove drill steel, a drill bit or service drilling equipment while the drill is rotating under power.
(2) A worker assisting the drill operator with drill bit or drill steel handling shall remain clear of rotating parts of the drill system.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (4), a boom-mounted percussion drill being used with multiple lengths of coupled drill steel shall have a rod changer or other effective device installed and used to add or remove drill steel.
(4) Where it is not practicable to fit a rod changer to a boom-mounted percussion drill, adequate written safe work procedures for adding and removing drill steel shall be available and the drill shall be operated in accordance with those procedures.
Self-propelled drills
116. (1) An operator or other worker may only ride on a self-propelled drill where he or she is in a safe position inside a roll over protective structure.
(2) Where there is no roll over protective structure, the drill shall have controls for machine travel located to allow the operator to move the machine from a position off the machine and clear of hazard should the drill roll or slide downhill.
Cleaning drilled holes
117. Where a drilled hole is being cleaned using an air or water pressure blowpipe, the operator shall ensure that all persons are clear of the area made hazardous by blowback.
Abrasive blasting and high pressure washing definitions
118. For the purpose of this section and sections 119 to 126 ,
(a) "cabinet" means an enclosure designed to permit abrasive blasting, high pressure washing or a similar operation to be conducted safely inside the enclosure by a worker who is outside the enclosure;
(b) "enclosure" means a temporary or permanent enclosure of a work area provided with exhaust ventilation and makeup air to reduce exposure of workers inside the enclosure and prevent the uncontrolled release of air contaminants from the enclosure; and
(c) "high pressure washing" or "jetting" means the use of water or other liquid delivered from a pump at a pressure exceeding 34 MPa (5,000 psi), with or without the addition of solid particles, to remove unwanted matter from a surface or to penetrate into the surface of a material for the purpose of cutting that material.
Risk assessment
119. An employer shall ensure that a risk assessment is done before any abrasive blasting activity, high pressure washing process, or related cleanup is started which may cause release of a harmful level of an air contaminant from a surface or coating containing a toxic heavy metal or hazardous substance.
Work procedures outside a cabinet
120. Where abrasive blasting, high pressure washing or a similar operation is conducted by a worker outside a cabinet, written safe work procedures addressing the hazards and necessary controls shall be prepared and implemented by the employer.
Substitution of abrasive blasting materials
121. Abrasive blasting materials containing crystalline silica shall be replaced with less toxic materials, where practicable.
122. (1) Used abrasive blasting materials which contain a hazardous substance shall be removed from the work area using effective procedures designed to minimize the generation of airborne dust and wearing suitable personal protective equipment.
(2) Removal under subsection (1) shall take place by the end of each shift except where
(a) a risk assessment establishes that the risks from removal exceed the risks from leaving the materials in place;
(b) a worker will not be exposed to the materials before removal occurs; or
(c) the materials cannot be separated from the environment in which the abrasive blasting takes place.
(3) Where removal is delayed under subsection (2), an employer shall assess the risks arising from delay and develop written safe work procedures.
Engineering controls
123. Engineering controls, including an enclosure or local exhaust ventilation with dust collection, shall be used to maintain airborne contaminant levels below exposure limits, where practicable.
Exhaust ventilation
124. (1) Where abrasive blasting or a similar operation is conducted within a structure, the process shall be isolated in a separate, properly ventilated enclosure or cabinet to minimize worker exposure to air contaminants generated by the process.
(2) Where abrasive blasting or a similar operation is conducted inside an enclosure or cabinet, the enclosure or cabinet shall have exhaust ventilation that
(a) maintains air pressure below the air pressure outside the enclosure or cabinet, to prevent the escape of air contaminants from the enclosure or cabinet to other work areas; and
(b) minimizes worker exposure inside the enclosure.
Restricted work zones
125. (1) Where abrasive blasting or a similar operation is conducted outside a structure, the process shall be restricted to a work zone which is identified by warning signs or similar means as a contaminated area.
(2) Only a properly protected worker who is necessary to perform the work shall be permitted inside an enclosure or a restricted work zone where abrasive blasting or a similar operation is conducted.
Operating procedures
126. (1) The operating controls for a sandblasting machine or jetting gun shall be
(a) located near the nozzle in a position where the operator's hands are when using the device;
(b) a continuous pressure type that immediately stops the flow of material when released; and
(c) protected from inadvertent activation.
(2) Where hand operated controls are impracticable, subsection (1)(a) does not apply and an operator shall use a foot operated control or equivalent safety device, of a design acceptable to the minister.
(3) A jetting gun shall not be modified except as authorized by the manufacturer.
(4) A worker shall not hand hold an object while it is being cleaned or cut by a jetting gun.
(5) High pressure hoses, pipes, and fittings shall be supported to prevent excessive sway and movement.
(6) A nozzle or jetting gun operator shall wear personal protective clothing and equipment on the body, hands, arms, legs and feet, including the metatarsal area, made of canvas, leather or other material which will protect the worker's skin from injury in the event of contact with the flow from the nozzle.
(7) Except where the process is isolated from the operator in a separate cabinet, suitable respiratory protective equipment shall be provided and worn whenever abrasive blasting or a similar operation is conducted.
127. In this Part
(a) "control system isolating device" means a device that physically prevents activation of a system used for controlling the operation of machinery or equipment;
(b) "energy isolating device" means a device that physically prevents the transmission or release of an energy source to machinery or equipment;
(c) "energy source" means an electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or other source of energy of potential harm to workers;
(d) "key securing system" means a system which physically prevents access to keys when locks or positive sealing devices are applied in a group lockout procedure;
(e) "lockout" means the use of a lock to render machinery or equipment inoperable or to isolate an energy source in accordance with written procedure;
(f) "maintenance" means work performed to keep machinery or equipment in a safe operating condition, including installation, repair, cleaning, lubrication and the clearing of obstructions;
(g) "normal production" means work that is routine, repetitive, and integral to the normal use of machinery or equipment for production; and
(h) "personal lock" means a lock provided by the employer for use by a worker to ensure personal lockout protection such that each lock, when applied, is operable only by a key in the worker's possession, and by a key under the control of the supervisor or manager in charge.
General requirement
128. Where the unexpected energization or startup of machinery or equipment or the unexpected release of an energy source could cause injury, the energy source shall be isolated and effectively controlled.
When lockout required
129. (1) Where machinery or equipment is shut down for maintenance, no work may be done until
(a) all parts and attachments have been secured against inadvertent movement;
(b) where the work would expose workers to energy sources, the hazard has been effectively controlled; and
(c) the energy isolating devices have been locked out as required by this Part.
(2) Where machinery or equipment is in use for normal production work, subsection (1) applies where a work activity creates a risk of injury to workers from the movement of the machinery or equipment, or exposure to an energy source, and the machinery or equipment is not effectively safeguarded to protect the workers from the risk.
Lockout procedures
130. (1) Where lockout of energy isolating devices is required, the devices shall be secured in the safe position using locks in accordance with procedures that are made available to all workers who are required to work on the machinery or equipment.
(2) An employer shall ensure that each worker required to lock out has ready access to sufficient personal locks to implement the required lockout procedure.
(3) Combination locks shall not be used for lockout.
(4) A personal lock shall be marked or tagged to identify the person applying it, the equipment being locked out and the date the lock was applied.
(5) Procedures shall be implemented for shift or personnel changes, including the orderly transfer of control of locked-out energy isolating devices between outgoing and incoming workers.
(6) Where the use of a personal lock is not practicable for lockout, other effective means approved by the minister may be used in place of a personal lock to secure an energy isolating device in the safe position.
(7) Where an energy isolating device is locked out, the lock shall not prevent access to other energy isolating devices supplying machinery or equipment that could cause injury to workers.
Checking locked out equipment
131. (1) Effective means of verifying lockout shall be provided and used.
(2) Before commencing work, a worker shall verify that all energy sources have been effectively locked out.
Worker responsibilities
132. A worker who works on machinery or equipment requiring lockout is responsible for
(a) locking out the energy isolating devices before starting work except as provided by section 134 ;
(b) removing personal locks on the completion of his or her work; and
(c) maintaining immediate control of the key to personal locks throughout the duration of the work.
Removal of locks
133. (1) A personal lock shall only be removed by the worker who installed it, or where this is not possible, the matter shall be referred to the supervisor who shall be responsible for its removal.
(2) A supervisor shall
(a) make every reasonable effort to contact the worker who installed the lock;
(b) ensure that the machinery or equipment can be operated safely before removing the lock; and
(c) ensure that locks that are not in active use are removed from machinery or equipment.
(3) A worker shall be notified at the start of his or her next shift where the worker's personal lock has been removed since the worker's previous shift.
Group lockout procedure
134. (1) Where a large number of workers are working on machinery or equipment or a large number of energy isolating devices are to be locked out, a group lockout procedure that meets the requirements of this section may be used.
(2) In a group lockout procedure, 2 qualified workers shall be responsible for
(a) independently locking out the energy isolating devices;
(b) securing the keys for the locks used under paragraph (a) with personal locks or other positive sealing devices acceptable to the minister; and
(c) completing, signing and posting a checklist that identifies the machinery or equipment components covered by the lockout.
(3) Before commencing work, a worker working on the locked out components shall apply a personal lock to the key securing system referred to in paragraph (2)(b).
(4) Workers may lock out a secondary key securing system where 2 qualified workers lock out the primary key securing system and place their keys in the secondary system.
(5) On completion of his or her work, a worker referred to in subsections (3) and (4) shall remove his or her personal lock from the key securing system.
(6) Where the requirements of subsection (5) have been met and it has been determined that it is safe to end the group lockout, 2 qualified workers shall be responsible for removing their personal locks or the positive sealing device from the key securing system containing the locks referred to in paragraph (2)(a), and when those keys are released, the system is no longer considered to be locked out.
(7) The written group lockout procedure shall be conspicuously posted at the place where the system is in use.
Alternative procedures
135. (1) Where lockout of energy isolating devices as required by section 129 is not practicable,
(a) in the case of a power system as defined in Part XXVI, the requirements of that Part shall be followed;
(b) in the case of mobile equipment as defined in Part XII, the requirements of that Part shall be followed;
(c) in the case of machinery equipment designed and equipped with effective control system isolating devices, the devices shall be locked out as required by sections 130 to 134 and subsection (2); and
(d) in an emergency, the energy isolating devices or control system devices shall be effectively controlled to prevent inadvertent start-up or hazardous energy release.
(2) Control system isolating devices and the procedures for their use shall be approved in writing by the minister and shall be used by a qualified worker authorized to carry out the work.
Where locks not required
136. The application of a lock is not required under section 129 or 135 where
(a) the energy isolating device is under the exclusive and immediate control of the worker at all times while working on the machinery or equipment; or
(b) a tool, machine or piece of equipment that receives power through a readily disconnected supply, including an electrical cord or quick release air or hydraulic line, is disconnected from its power supply and its connection point is kept under the immediate control of the worker at all times while the work is being done.
Work on energized equipment
137. Where it is not practicable to shut down machinery or equipment for maintenance, only the parts which are vital to the process may remain energized and the work shall be performed by a qualified worker who has been authorized by the employer to do the work and provided with and follows written safe work procedures.
138. In this Part
(a) "anchorage point" means a secure point of attachment for a lifeline or lanyard;
(b) "arborist" means a worker trained and employed, in whole or in part, to climb trees for an economic or scientific purpose, including
(i) detection and treatment of disease, infections or infestations,
(ii) pruning, spraying or trimming,
(iii) repairing damaged trees,
(iv) assessing growth or harvesting potential, or
(v) scientific research;
(c) "body belt" means a belt worn by a worker as a means of fall restraint;
(d) "debris net" means a net that is used to catch material and debris that can drop from work areas;
(e) "fall arrest system" means a system of physical components attached to a worker that stops a worker during a fall;
(f) "full body harness" means a harness consisting of leg and shoulder straps and an upper back suspension unit that distributes and reduces the impact force of a fall;
(g) "guardrail" means a system of vertical and horizontal members that warns of a fall hazard and reduces the risk of a fall;
(h) "lanyard" means a flexible line used to secure a worker to a lifeline, a static line or a fixed anchor point;
(i) "lifeline" means a vertical line attached to a fixed anchor point or a static line and to which a lanyard and a ropegrab may be attached;
(j) "means of fall protection" means a fall protection system and includes a harness, net, rope, body belt, structure or other equipment or device or means of
(i) restraining a worker who is at risk of falling, or
(ii) stopping a worker who has fallen;
(k) "personnel safety net" means a net that is used to catch a worker during a fall;
(l) "ropegrab" means a mechanical fall-arrest device that
(i) is attached to a lifeline and a lanyard, and
(ii) locks itself immediately on the lifeline in the event of a fall;
(m) "safe surface" means a surface at a workplace that
(i) has sufficient size and strength to adequately support a worker who falls on to the surface, and
(ii) is sufficiently horizontal to prevent a further fall from the surface by a worker who has fallen on to the surface;
(n) "softener" means padding or hoses that are used with a lifeline or static line to prevent a rope from being cut or chafed; and
(o) "static line" or "horizontal life line" means a rope
(i) that is attached horizontally to 2 or more fixed anchor points, and
(ii) to which a fall arrest system is attached.
Training requirement
A worker shall not use fall protection equipment after
Fall protection systems
140. Where an employer determines it is impractical to provide adequate work platforms or staging, the employer shall ensure that fall protection systems are used by all workers who are exposed to the hazard of falling, as required in section 141 .
General requirements
141. Where a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling from a work area that is
(a) 3 metres or more above the nearest safe surface or water;
(b) above a surface or thing that could cause injury to the worker if the worker were to fall on the surface or thing; or
(c) above an open tank, pit or vat containing hazardous material,
the employer shall ensure that
(d) the worker is provided with a fall arrest system that meets the requirements of section 142 ;
(e) a guardrail that meets the requirements of section 28 is constructed or installed at the work area;
(f) a personnel safety net that meets the requirements of section 143 is installed at the work area;
(g) temporary flooring that meets the requirements of section 146 is constructed or installed at the work area; or
(h) the worker is provided with another means of fall protection that provides a level of safety equal to or greater than a fall arrest system that meets the requirements of section 142 .
Fall arrest system
142. (1) A fall arrest system that is provided in accordance with section 141 shall
(a) be adequately secured to
(i) an anchorage point, or
(ii) a lifeline that is
(A) securely fastened to anchor points, or
(B) attached to a static line that is securely fastened to anchorage points and that is capable of withstanding either the maximum load likely to be imposed on the anchorage point or a load of 22.2 kilonewtons, whichever is the greater;
(b) include a lanyard
(i) that is attached to an anchorage point or lifeline, where practicable, above the shoulder of the worker, and
that complies with
(c) prevent a free fall greater than 1.22 metres where
the fall arrest system is not equipped with a shock absorption system that complies with
(ii) the combined free fall and shock absorbed deceleration distance exceeds the distance between the work area and a safe surface; and
(d) include a full body harness that
(i) is attached to a lanyard,
(ii) is adjusted to fit the user of the harness, and
complies with
(2) Where a fall arrest system includes a lifeline, the lifeline shall
comply with
(b) extend to a safe surface below the work area and be securely attached to an anchorage point;
(c) be secured at the bottom of the lifeline to prevent tangling or disturbance of the line and be free of knots, lubricants and imperfections;
(d) be free of splices, except where they are necessary to connect the lifeline to an anchorage point;
(e) be provided with softeners at all sharp edges or corners to protect against cuts or chafing; and
(f) be clearly identified as a lifeline by colour or by another means that provides an equivalent level of safety.
(3) No worker shall
(a) use a lifeline in a fall arrest system while that fall arrest system is being used by another worker; or
(b) provide a rope for use, or permit a rope to be used, as a lifeline in a fall arrest system where the rope has been used for another purpose.
Where a fall arrest system provided to a worker includes a ropegrab, the ropegrab used shall comply with
(5) An employer who provides a worker with a fall arrest system shall ensure the fall arrest system is inspected by a qualified person before each work shift undertaken by the worker.
(6) A qualified person who carries out an inspection of a fall arrest system shall advise the employer where a component of the system is defective in condition or function and the employer shall ensure that the system is not used until the defective component is replaced or repaired.
(7) Where a fall arrest system has arrested the fall of a worker at a work area, the employer shall ensure that the fall arrest system
(a) is removed from service and inspected by a qualified person; and
(b) is repaired, before it is reused, to the original manufacturer's specifications, where an inspection under paragraph (a) reveals that a component of the system is defective.
(8) Where a fall arrest system includes a static line, the static line shall
(a) have a nominal diameter of at least 12.7 millimetres and be made of improved plow wire rope;
(b) be equipped with vertical supports at least every 9 metres and have a maximum deflection, when taut, of no greater than 381 millimetres for a 9 metre span;
(c) be equipped with turnbuckles or other comparable tightening devices that provide an equivalent level of protection, at the ends of the static line;
(d) be equipped with softeners at all sharp edges or corners to protect against cuts or chafing;
(e) be made only of components that are able to withstand either the maximum load likely to be imposed on the components or a load of 8 kilonewtons, whichever is the greater; and
comply with
(9) Where a fall arrest system is provided to an arborist, the fall arrest system shall
(a) include a tree climbing or tree trimming harness or saddle;
(b) be adequately secured to
(i) an anchorage point, or
(ii) a lifeline that is
(A) securely fastened to anchorage points, or
(B) attached to a static line that is securely fastened to anchorage points;
(c) include a climbing rope or safety strap;
(d) where practicable, include a second climbing rope or safety strap that
(i) provides additional stability, and
(ii) back-up fall protection; and
(e) be capable of withstanding either the maximum load likely to be imposed or a load of 22.2 kilonewtons, whichever is the greater.
(10) Where an employer uses a fall arrest system or a personnel safety net as a means of fall protection, the employer shall have a written fall protection plan that specifies
(a) the procedure to assemble, maintain, inspect, use and disassemble the fall arrest system or personnel safety net; and
(b) the procedure for the rescue of a worker who has fallen and is suspended by the fall arrest system or personnel safety net, but is unable to effect self-rescue.
143. (1) Where a personnel safety net is installed in accordance with section 141 , an employer shall ensure that it
(a) is installed
(i) not more than 4.6 metres below the work area,
(ii) to ensure that no obstructions or intervening members may be struck by a worker during a fall between the work area and the personnel safety net, and
(iii) maintained so that the maximum deflection when arresting the fall of a worker does not allow a part of the worker to contact another surface;
(b) extends 2.4 metres on all sides beyond the work area; and
(c) where connected to another personnel safety net, the splice joints connecting it with the other personnel safety nets are equal to, or greater in strength than, the strength of the weakest of the personnel safety nets.
Notwithstanding subsection (1), an employer shall ensure that a personnel safety net is manufactured, used, maintained, inspected and stored in accordance with
Debris nets
144. (1) Where a worker having access to an area below an elevated work area is exposed to the hazard of falling objects or debris from the work area, an employer shall ensure that
(a) a debris net is installed below the work area in accordance with subsection (2); or
(b) other means of protection are provided that provide an equivalent level of protection from falling objects and debris.
(2) An employer shall ensure that a debris net under subsection (1) is
manufactured, used, maintained, inspected and stored in accordance with
(b) installed not more than 4.6 metres below the elevated work area.
Travel restraint
An employer shall ensure that a body belt provided in accordance with section 141
complies with
Temporary flooring
146. Temporary flooring that is constructed or installed in accordance with section 141 shall
(a) be constructed or installed at each floor level of the work area where work is in progress;
(b) extend over the whole work area except for openings necessary for the carrying out of work;
(c) be able to withstand 4 times the maximum load likely to be imposed on it; and
(d) be securely fastened to and supported on members that are able to withstand 4 times the maximum load likely to be imposed on them.
147. In this Part, "eccentric loading" means a load that is applied off the central axis of a structural member.
Portable ladder standards
148. (1) Except as otherwise permitted by this Part, portable ladder design, construction and use shall meet the requirements of
(d) other standard acceptable to the minister.
(2) A manufactured portable ladder shall be
(a) marked for grade and use; and
(b) used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Job built ladders
149. Where a portable wooden ladder is constructed at the job site,
(a) the side rails
(i) shall be of 38 millimetres by 89 millimetres nominal dimensions for lengths up to 5 metres, and 38 millimetres by 140 millimetres nominal dimensions for lengths from 5 metres to 7.3 metres, and
(ii) shall not be notched, dapped, tapered or spliced,
and the distance between the inner faces of the side rails shall not be less than 38 centimetres or more than 50 centimetres;
(b) cleats shall be
(i) 19 millimetres by 64 millimetres for ladder lengths up to 5 metres,
(ii) 19 millimetres by 89 millimetres for ladder lengths from 5 metres to 7.3 metres,
(iii) spaced at 30 centimetres centres, and
(iv) nailed directly onto the smaller surfaces of the side rails, using three 57 millimetres wire nails on each end of the 89 millimetre cleats, and two similar nails on each end of the 64 millimetre cleats;
(c) the spaces on the side rails between the cleats shall be filled with close fitting and well secured filler pieces that are the same thickness as the cleats; and
(d) a double cleat ladder shall have 3 rails evenly spaced, and be 107 centimetres to 127 centimetres wide and have continuous cleats which extend the full width of the ladder.
Protective coatings
150. A protective coating applied to a wooden ladder, other than a small amount for identification purposes, shall be transparent to allow defects to be discovered by inspection.
151. Portable ladders shall be inspected before use, and ladders with loose, broken or missing rungs, split side rails or other hazardous defects shall be removed from service.
Inclination and support
152. Where a portable single or extension ladder is in use
(a) the ladder shall be placed so that the horizontal distance from the base to the vertical plane of support is approximately one-quarter of the ladder length between supports; and
(b) the lower ends of the ladder side rails shall rest on a firm and level base and the upper support of the side rails shall be rested on a bearing surface strong enough to safely withstand the applied load.
153. A ladder shall be of sufficient length to project approximately one metre above the level of the upper landing to which it provides access, except where there is limited clearance and the ladder is adequately secured.
Restrictions on use
154. (1) Except as otherwise permitted by a manufacturer, a worker shall not work from either the top 2 rungs of a portable single or extension ladder or the top 2 steps of a stepladder.
(2) A ladder shall not be used as a scaffold component or as a horizontal walkway, ramp or work platform support except where the ladder is part of a premanufactured or engineered system.
(3) A worker shall maintain 3 points of contact when using a ladder.
(4) A worker may only work from a portable ladder without fall protection where
(a) the work is a light duty task of short duration at each location;
(b) the worker's centre of gravity is maintained between the ladder side rails; and
(c) the ladder is not positioned near an edge or floor opening that would significantly increase the potential fall distance.
Fixed ladders
(1) A fixed ladder shall comply with the requirements of
(2) All fixed ladders, where a potential fall is more than 7.32 metres in length, shall be
(a) provided with platforms at intervals not greater than 7.32 metres;
(b) provided with safety cages starting at 2.13 metres and a maximum of 2.44 metres from the base of the ladder; or
(c) provided with acceptable devices to prevent workers from falling.
(3) Fixed ladders shall be anchored at intervals of not more than 3.05 metres for the entire length of the ladder.
(4) A continuous clearance of at least 17.78 centimetres shall be provided at the back of rungs of fixed ladders.
(5) Ladder rungs shall be omitted above the landing and the side rails shall extend at least 1.07 metres above the landing.
(6) Where acceptable devices to prevent workers from falling are used, platforms shall be provided at intervals not greater than 45.72 metres where the continuous length of climb is greater than 45.72 metres and every 45.72 metres afterward.
Special purpose ladders
156. A special purpose ladder, including a ship's ladder, escape ladder, individual rung ladder or a ladder visible to the audience in a theatre scenic unit or prop, shall be engineered or constructed to a standard acceptable to the minister.
157. For the purpose of this section and sections 158 to 200 ,
(a) "building tie" means a connection between a standing scaffold and a permanent structure;
(b) "double-pole scaffold" means a scaffold with both ends of the bearers supported by connections to posts or uprights;
(c) "heavy duty" means intended to support both workers and stored or stacked materials, including bricks and masonry, where the maximum load capacity does not exceed 366 kilograms a square metre;
(d) "light duty" means intended to support workers, their personal hand tools and material for immediate use only where the maximum load capacity does not exceed 122 kilograms a square metre;
(e) "painter's plank" means a single manufactured extension staging;
(f) "running scaffold" means a double-pole scaffold comprised of 2 or more bays;
(g) "scaffold" or "scaffolding" means a temporary work platform and its supporting structure used for supporting workers or materials or both; and
(h) "single pole scaffold" means a scaffold with the outer ends of the bearers supported on ledgers secured to a single row of posts or uprights, and the inner ends of the bearers supported on or in a wall.
158. (1) Employers shall ensure that scaffolds used by their workers are in safe condition, regardless of who erected the scaffolds.
(2) A scaffold shall be erected, altered and dismantled by, or under the direct supervision of, qualified workers.
(3) A scaffold shall be inspected daily before use and after a modification.
(4) A damaged scaffold component shall not be used until it has been effectively repaired.
Unless otherwise permitted by this Part, a scaffold shall be designed, erected and maintained in accordance with the requirements of
(d) another standard acceptable to the minister; or
(e) the written requirements of a professional engineer.
Scaffold stability
160. (1) A scaffold shall be erected with vertical members plumb and ledgers and bearers level.
(2) The lower end of the vertical support of a scaffold shall be supported by firm and adequately sized foundations or sills.
(3) The poles, legs and uprights of a scaffold shall be securely and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement.
(4) A scaffold shall be effectively guyed or secured to a building or structure where the height of the scaffold exceeds 3 times its minimum base.
(5) Where building ties or guys are used
(a) the first level of ties or guys shall be placed at a height not exceeding 3 times the scaffold minimum base dimension, and additional building ties or guys placed at vertical intervals not exceeding 6 metres; and
(b) the ties or guys shall be placed at horizontal intervals of every third bay or 6.4 metres, whichever is the lesser, and at the ends of the scaffold.
(6) A building tie shall be capable of resisting a working load of 4 kilonewtons, applied horizontally and perpendicular to the structure, or a proportionately equivalent load where ties are spaced closer together or guying is employed.
(7) Where a scaffold is enclosed by a tarp or other cover, bracing for the scaffold shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or those of a professional engineer to meet design criteria for induced loads.
Guardrails and toeboards
161. (1) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (2), a work platform 1.22 metres or more above grade or floor level shall have guardrails on all open sides and ends which comply with the requirements of sections 28 and 30 .
(2) Where an edge of the work platform is adjacent to a structure that provides protection equivalent to guardrails, guardrails may be omitted on that edge and there may be an open space of up to 30 centimetres between the work platform and the structure.
(3) Toeboards shall be provided and comply with all the requirements for toeboards set out in these regulations.
162. A metal scaffold located in proximity to a high voltage energized electrical conductor or equipment shall be effectively grounded where a hazardous level of electrical charge is likely to be induced in the scaffold.
Lumber planks
163. (1) Scaffold planks shall
(a) be rough sawn and of not less than 5.08 centimetres by 25.40 centimetre dimensions;
(b) extend not less than 15.24 centimetres and not more than 30.48 centimetres beyond the supporting members;
(c) be supported at intervals not exceeding 3.05 metres for light work and 2.13 metres for heavy work, including bricklaying and masonry;
(d) be of uniform thickness in adjoining planks; and
(e) have maximum allowable deflection not exceeding the span length divided by 80.
(2) Each lumber scaffold plank shall be visually inspected for defects before each installation and shall be removed from service where it is found to be defective.
Manufactured planks
164. (1) A manufactured scaffold plank shall meet the requirements of section 163 and shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and limitations, except as provided in subsection (2).
(2) A single manufactured extension staging painter's plank may be used for the support of one worker only.
Securing planks
165. Each lumber and manufactured scaffold plank installed for use shall be secured against dislodgement.
Access to scaffolds
166. (1) Access to otherwise inaccessible working levels of a scaffold up to 9 metres above a floor or grade shall be provided by
(a) end frames providing a ladder-like structure having horizontal members uniformly spaced at approximately 30 centimetres on centre; or
(b) a vertical or portable ladder or stairway, attached to the scaffold.
(2) Access to otherwise inaccessible working levels of a scaffold over 9 metres above a floor or grade shall be provided by
(a) a stairway erected for the full height of the scaffold;
a temporary passenger hoist approved for use under the Public Safety Act
(c) an attached vertical ladder, with rest platforms at least every 6.1 metres which are fully guarded except at the ladder location; or
(d) end frames with a ladder-like structure having horizontal members uniformly spaced at 30 centimetres on centre, and rest platforms at least every 6.10 metres which are fully guarded except at the ladder location.
(3) A worker shall not climb the outside of scaffold frames between landings.
Vertical ladders
167. (1) A vertical ladder providing access to working levels of a scaffold shall
(a) be adequately fastened to the scaffold;
(b) be configured so that its siderails extend approximately one metre above the uppermost working level; and
(c) have rungs spaced at 30 centimetres on centre and have a clear space of at least 15 centimetres behind each rung.
(2) A ladder attached to a scaffold shall be positioned so that its use will not cause the scaffold to become unstable.
Erection and dismantling.
168. The requirements of sections 141 to 146 apply to the erection and dismantling of a scaffold.
Spacing of components
169. The horizontal spacing between uprights, guardrail posts and bearers in a wood scaffold shall not exceed
(a) 3 metres for a light duty scaffold; or
(b) 2 metres for a heavy duty scaffold.
Bracing of uprights
170. Adjacent uprights shall be connected with horizontal runners (ledgers and bearers) to ensure that the unbraced vertical length of an upright does not exceed 2.4 metres.
Cross bracing
171. A scaffold shall be adequately supported in 2 directions by a system of diagonal cross braces secured to the uprights as close to the ledgers as possible.
Wood scaffolds
172. (1) Components of a light duty single-pole wood scaffold shall have minimum nominal dimensions conforming to the following table:
(2) Components of double-pole scaffolds shall have minimum nominal dimensions conforming to the following table:
Extension of uprights
173. (1) A wood upright may only be extended using a butt joint, strengthened by two wooden splice plates not less than 1.2 metres long.
(2) The splice plates for wood uprights shall have a minimum thickness of 38 millimetres and be of the same width as the spliced members.
(3) The combined cross-sectional area of the splice plates shall be at least that of the vertical upright member.
Laminated uprights
174. When wood uprights are fabricated by the lamination of two or more pieces of material to obtain the required cross-sectional dimensions, the distance between joints shall be at least 1.2 metres.
Bearer supports
175. (1) The inner ends of bearers on single-pole scaffolds shall be supported by bearer blocks and securely fastened to wall scabs.
(2) Manufactured bearer supports shall be
(a) of a design acceptable to the minister; and
(b) secured to solid wall materials.
(3) Bearer hooks which engage holes in the wall sheathing shall be adequately supported by stiffeners secured to wood studs or blocking.
Pumpjack scaffold
176. (1) A pumpjack scaffold made of metal
(a) shall not be more than 13.7 metres in height; and
(b) shall be braced every 4.6 metres, starting at the base of the scaffold.
(2) A pumpjack scaffold that includes one or more supports made of wood
(a) shall not be more than 7.3 metres in height; and
(b) shall be braced every 3 metres, starting at the base of the scaffold.
(3) A pumpjack scaffold
(a) shall be used only as a light duty scaffold; and
(b) shall not be used by more than 2 workers at one time.
(4) A pumpjack scaffold shall have guard rails in accordance with section 28 .
For the purpose of this section and sections 178
to 200
(a) "end frame scaffold" means a system of fabricated tubular metal frames (panels) that are connected in the field with bracing members;
(b) "system scaffold" means a scaffold consisting of posts with fixed connection points which accept runners, bearers and diagonal braces that can be interconnected at predetermined levels;
(c) "tower scaffold" means a double-pole scaffold comprised of only one bay;
(d) "tube and coupler scaffold" means an assembly of tubing members (posts, bearers, runners, diagonal braces, ties), a base supporting the posts and special couplers to connect the uprights and to join the various members; and
(e) "tubular metal scaffold" means a scaffold with members made primarily of steel or aluminium tubing.
Manufacturers specifications
178. Except as provided in section 179 , a tubular metal scaffold shall
(a) be erected in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and specifications, including bracing in both vertical and horizontal planes;
(b) have all components installed and connected using the fasteners specified by the manufacturer, or fasteners of equivalent quality; and
(c) be maintained in a condition which meets the manufacturer's specifications.
179. Where a scaffold is erected using components made by different manufacturers, the employer shall ensure that the components are compatible.
Engineering requirements
180. A scaffold shall be erected and used in accordance with the written instructions of a professional engineer where the scaffold
(a) exceeds 25 metres in height;
(b) exceeds 20 metres in height where stairways are included as part of the scaffold;
(c) is used to support a temporary floor;
(d) is subject to loads which can cause overturning; or
(e) is suspended from a structure.
Adjustable height bases
181. (1) A scaffold shall be erected plumb using adjustable height bases under the uprights to accommodate foundation settlement and uneven, sloping or stepped surfaces.
(2) Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, a height adjustment device shall not extend more than the lesser of two-thirds of its total length or 60 centimetres.
182. Spacing between frames or uprights shall not exceed the maximum allowable span for work platform components and for the intended loading.
183. (1) Vertical frames and uprights shall be joined using coupling or stacking pins to ensure proper vertical alignment.
(2) Where uplift could occur and cause components to separate, height adjusting screws, castors, coupling pins, frames and uprights shall be secured to prevent separation of components.
Height restriction
184. The height of a free-standing tower or rolling scaffold shall not exceed 3 times its minimum base dimension.
185. (1) Where outriggers are used to increase the minimum base dimension of a tower or rolling scaffold, the outriggers shall be installed on both sides of the scaffold structure.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where outriggers are used to increase the minimum base dimension of a tower or rolling scaffold erected adjacent to a building or other structure, the scaffold shall be braced against the structure, and outriggers used on the opposite side.
186. (1) The wheels on at least one end of a rolling scaffold shall be the swivel type.
(2) The wheels of a rolling scaffold shall not be less than 13 centimetres in diameter and shall be secured in the scaffold leg to prevent the wheel from falling out while the scaffold is being erected, used or dismantled.
(3) Height adjusting screws for castors of a rolling scaffold shall extend not more than two-thirds of their total length or 30 centimetres whichever is the lesser.
(4) A wheel of a rolling scaffold shall be equipped with effective brakes or locking devices which shall be applied when workers are working on the scaffold.
(5) A rolling scaffold mounted on pneumatic tires shall have supports in addition to pneumatic tires while the scaffold is being erected or dismantled or when a worker is on it.
Moving restrictions
187. A worker is not permitted on a rolling scaffold while it is being moved.
Surface conditions
188. To ensure the stability of a rolling scaffold, the floor or surface over which it is moved shall be sufficiently firm, within 3° of level, and free from pits, holes, depressions and obstructions.
Components of tube and coupler scaffold
189. (1) Where 48 millimetres outside diameter aluminium or steel tube components are used in a tube and coupler scaffold
(a) the spacing of standards shall not exceed 3 metres;
(b) standards shall be connected with ledgers and transoms at a vertical spacing not to exceed 2 metres; and
(c) transoms constructed from 48 millimetres outside diameter aluminium or steel tubing shall be limited to 1.2 metre bearing length.
(2) A tube and coupler scaffold system which does not comply with the requirements of subsection (1) shall be constructed in accordance with the design of a professional engineer.
Cross bracing
(1) A running scaffold shall have internal horizontal cross-bracing installed in the bay immediately adjacent to and at the level of a building tie unless equivalent bracing is achieved by use of fabricated scaffold planks secured by end hooks to provide a fully decked work platform at this level.
(2) A double-pole tube and coupler scaffold shall have internal bracing in accordance with subsection (1).
Work platforms supported by a crane or hoist
191. A work platform suspended from a crane or hoist, or attached to a crane boom shall be approved and certified by a professional engineer.
Crane capacity
192. The weight of a work platform suspended from a crane or hoist or attached to a crane boom, and its rigging, plus the rated capacity, shall not exceed 25% of the crane's rated capacity at the working radius.
Eccentric loading
193. Where a work platform attached to a crane boom causes eccentric loading on the boom, the rated capacity of the crane shall be reduced and shall be determined and certified by the crane manufacturer or a professional engineer.
194. Rigging used to suspend a work platform from a crane or hoist shall have a safety factor of at least 10, and shall be used exclusively for suspending the work platform.
Two block prevention
195. Where a crane or hoist is being used to hoist personnel with a load line, the line shall have a device to prevent two-blocking.
Powered booms and winches
196. (1) A crane used to suspend a work platform shall have a powered boom or a fixed boom.
(2) A hoist used to raise or lower a work platform suspended from a crane shall be capable of lowering under power.
(3) A free running boom or hoisting winch, controlled only by brakes, shall not be used to raise or lower a work platform.
(4) Hoisting and lowering speed of a crane or hoist shall be kept as slow as practicable while supporting a work platform.
Fall protection - suspended work platforms
197. (1) An occupant of a work platform suspended from a crane or hoist shall use a personal fall arrest system with a shock absorbing lanyard secured to a designated anchorage point on the platform or above the load hook.
(2) Where a work platform suspended by a crane or hoist is occupied by a worker with a personal fall arrest system attached to the platform, the platform shall have a safety strap that prevents the platform from falling more than 15 centimetres where the platform becomes dislodged from the hook.
(3) Each occupant of a work platform attached to a crane boom shall use a personal fall arrest system secured to a designated anchorage point on the boom.
Articulating booms prohibited
198. A work platform shall not be
(a) suspended from an articulating boom crane; or
(b) attached to an articulating boom crane unless the installation is approved by the crane manufacturer.
Travelling restriction
199. Travelling with a worker in a work platform supported by a crane or hoist is not permitted except where the platform is supported by a rail-mounted crane.
200. The operator of a crane or hoist used to suspend a work platform shall have an effective means of constant communication with a person on the platform.
Definitions -elevating work platforms
201. For the purpose of this section and sections 202 to 217 ,
(a) "aerial device" means a vehicle-mounted device having a boom which may be telescoping or articulating, or both, with a work platform on the boom, which is used to position personnel;
(b) "aerial ladder" means a vehicle-mounted aerial device with a single or multiple-section ladder with or without a platform at the top;
(c) "boom-supported elevating work platform" means an elevating work platform or aerial device which has its platform supported by an elevating device that elevates and rotates relative to the machine base;
(d) "elevating work platform" means a work platform or aerial device which self-elevates to overhead work locations and includes other similar devices not covered elsewhere in these regulations; and
(e) "self-propelled" means the capability of an elevating work platform to be power propelled with the primary controls on the work platform.
202. (1) A self-propelled work platform comprising a boom-supported elevating platform, which telescopes, articulates, rotates or extends beyond the base dimensions, and is not mounted on a separate self-propelled vehicle shall meet the requirements of
(c) other standard acceptable to the minister.
(2) A self-propelled integral chassis elevating work platform having a platform that cannot be positioned laterally completely beyond the base and for which primary functions are controlled from the platform shall meet the requirements of
(c) other standard acceptable to the minister.
(3) A manually propelled, integral chassis elevating work platform having a platform that cannot be positioned laterally completely beyond the base, which may be adjusted by manual or powered means and which shall not be occupied when moved horizontally, shall meet the requirements of
(c) other standard acceptable to the minister.
A telescopic aerial device, aerial ladder, articulating aerial device, vertical tower, material-lifting aerial device or a combination of these, when vehicle-mounted, whether powered or manually operated, shall meet the requirements of
(5) An elevating work platform of a type other than that referred to in subsections (1) to (4) shall meet a standard acceptable to the minister.
Operating and maintenance manuals
203. (1) The equipment manufacturer's
(a) operation manual; and
(b) maintenance manual, containing maintenance instructions and replacement part information
for each elevating work platform in use at the workplace shall be available at the workplace.
(2) Where either of the manuals referred to in subsection (1) is not available, the equipment shall not be used until the manual is obtained, or until written instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment are supplied by a professional engineer.
Inspection and maintenance records
204. (1) Records of inspection, maintenance, repair and modification shall be kept for an elevating work platform by the equipment operator and a person inspecting and maintaining the equipment.
(2) Where the inspection and maintenance records required under subsection (1) are not available, an elevating work platform shall be inspected and certified by a professional engineer before use, and an inspection and maintenance recording system shall be established as required by subsection (1).
Shift inspection
205. An elevating work platform shall be inspected by the operator before use on each shift and a condition that could endanger workers shall be remedied before the platform may be used.
Annual inspection and certification
206. (1) An elevating work platform shall be inspected, maintained, repaired and modified in accordance with
(a) the manufacturer's instructions;
the relevant
(c) the direction of a professional engineer; or
another standard acceptable to the minister.
An insulated aerial device shall be dielectrically tested at least annually in accordance with
Fall protection - elevating work platform
207. (1) A person on an elevating work platform shall wear a personal fall arrest system secured to an anchorage point that is approved by the manufacturer or professional engineer.
(2) A worker on an aerial ladder shall be continuously protected by means of a personal fall arrest system as required by Part X or shall maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder at all times.
Safe access
208. Safe means shall be provided to get on and off the platform of an elevating work platform.
Rated capacity
209. The rated capacity of an elevating work platform
(a) shall be marked on the platform; and
(b) shall not be exceeded.
210. (1) An outrigger on an elevating work platform shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(2) Where an elevating work platform has outriggers, notices indicating the circumstances specified by the manufacturer for which the outriggers are to be used shall be clearly displayed at the operating controls for the platform.
211. (1) Each control on an elevating work platform shall be clearly identified to indicate its function.
(2) Controls on an elevating work platform shall be 'hold-to-run' (continuous pressure) type that return to the neutral or stop position when released.
Controls on an elevating work platform shall be protected against inadvertent operation.
(4) Each set of operating controls of an elevating work platform shall be provided with an emergency stop device.
(5) An emergency stop device referred to in subsection (4) shall be
(a) within easy reach of the operator;
(b) clearly labelled 'STOP'; and
(c) red in colour.
(6) An elevating work platform shall have a clearly marked overriding lowering control to enable a worker at the lower controls to stop and lower the platform in the event of an emergency.
Immobilization of vehicles
212. (1) The carrier vehicle of an elevating work platform shall be secured against inadvertent movement before a worker occupies the platform.
(2) Where a manufacturer permits an elevating work platform to be elevated on sloping ground, the vehicle's wheels shall be secured according to the manufacturer's instructions and where no instructions have been provided, the wheels shall be chocked.
Shear hazard
213. An elevating work platform lifting mechanism which creates a shear hazard to workers shall be adequately guarded or identified with signs, decals or similar markings warning of the hazard.
Warning devices
An elevating work platform, other than a vehicle-mounted aerial device which complies with the requirements of
Transporting workers
215. A worker may not be transported on an elevated work platform unless the transport is in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Lift truck platform
216. A work platform mounted on the forks of a lift truck shall be designed by an engineer or conform to a standard acceptable to the minister and
(a) securely attached to the lifting carriage or forks;
(b) provided with perimeter guardrails meeting the requirements of sections 28 and 30 ;
(c) equipped with guarding to prevent occupants from contacting a hazardous part of the lifting machinery; and
(d) clearly marked with the rated load of the platform.
Fall protection - lift truck
217. Where a worker is elevated on a work platform supported by a lift truck,
(a) the lift truck operator shall remain at the controls of the lift truck;
(b) the lift truck mast shall be kept vertical;
(c) the lift truck shall not be moved except for minor adjustments necessary to facilitate positioning of the platform; and
(d) a platform occupant shall use a personal fall protection system as required by Part X.
Swing stages - definitions
218. For the purpose of this section and sections 219 to 242
(a) "bridging" means using a deck or planking to span a gap between two independent work platforms;
(b) "rated load" means the maximum load, designated by the manufacturer, that may be placed safely on a swing stage, and includes the weight of the workers, their tools and equipment, material to be transported and allowances for loads including trailing electric power supply cords, compressed air supply lines, abrasive blasting feed supply lines, or other loads, but does not include the weight of the work platform or its supporting rigging;
(c) "safe lower landing" means an area onto which a swing stage or other suspended platform system can be lowered that is capable of safely supporting the weight of the swing stage plus the rated load of the system and which can be accessed safely by workers;
(d) "stati c load" means
(i) for suspension by 2 or more lines, the rated load of the swing stage plus half the weight of the stage including the working platform, hangers or stirrups, hoisting units and suspension lines, and
(ii) for suspension by a single line, the rated load plus the weight of the stage;
(e) "suspension height" means the distance from the upper attachment points of the suspension line to the safe lower landing for the swing stage; and
(f) "swing stage" means a temporary suspended work platform used to support workers, tools, equipment and materials, which is raised and lowered by manually controlled hoisting equipment.
Rated load
219. The rated load
(a) shall be permanently marked upon a swing stage and clearly readable by workers on the stage; and
(b) shall not be exceeded.
Weight identification
220. A swing stage platform and a hoist unit shall have its weight clearly marked on it.
Prior permission
221. A swing stage shall not be used without the prior permission of the minister when
(a) there are 2 or more work platforms at different levels on one swing stage assembly;
(b) one swing stage is used above or below a portion of another swing stage;
(c) there is bridging between swing stages;
(d) a work platform exceeds 10 metres in length; or
(e) the suspension height exceeds 90 metres.
Attachment points
222. A swing stage shall be suspended from parapet clamps, cornice hooks, thrust-out beams or other solid anchorages having a working load limit that is at a minimum equivalent to that of the suspension system for the swing stage.
Securing suspension lines
223. A suspension line for a swing stage shall be secured at the upper end using a safety hook, shackle or other method acceptable to the minister.
Hook and clamp working load limit
224. The working load limit of a cornice hook or parapet clamp shall be determined by the manufacturer or professional engineer and be clearly marked on the hook or clamp.
Hook and clamp engagement
225. (1) A cornice hook or parapet clamp shall be installed to engage structurally sound portions of a building or structure having adequate strength for the purpose.
(2) Where the structural adequacy of the building or structure at the point of attachment of a cornice hook or parapet clamp is not known, a professional engineer shall determine and certify the attachment points.
226. (1) A cornice hook, parapet clamp or thrust-out beam shall be secured by a tieback to a solid anchorage on the building or structure or to another parapet clamp secured on the far side of the structure.
(2) The securing, rigging and anchorage required under subsection (1) shall have an ultimate strength of at least 22.2 kilonewtons.
(3) A tieback referred to in subsection (1) shall, to the extent practicable, be rigged at a right angle to the building face.
Thrust-out beams
227. (1) A thrust-out beam used to support a swing stage shall provide a minimum safety factor of 4, based on the ratio of the ultimate load carrying capacity of the thrust-out beam to the static load.
(2) The rated load for the allowable thrust-out beam projections shall be determined by the beam manufacturer or a professional engineer and clearly marked on the beam.
Counterbalance of thrust-out beams
228. (1) A thrust-out beam used for supporting a swing stage shall be counterbalanced to support a load of at least 4 times the static load.
(2) A counterweight used to counterbalance a thrust-out beam shall be
(a) clearly marked to indicate its weight;
(b) of solid material not subject to loss of weight through attrition; and
(c) secured to the thrust-out beam.
Hook closures
229. (1) A hook used in a swing stage suspension system shall be moused or have a safety latch.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the connection between a cornice hook and the structure.
Protection against damage
230. (1) Where a suspension line, tieback, lifeline or other part of the rigging for a swing stage comes into contact with a rough or sharp edge, the line shall be protected from damage.
(2) Padding shall be used to minimize loss of rope strength where a line supporting a swing stage makes a sharp bend over an edge.
Fibre rope suspension
231. Fibre rope used to suspend a swing stage or similar equipment shall
(a) provide a safety factor of at least 10, based on the ratio of the rope manufacturer's rated breaking strength for the rope to the load on the rope due to the static load;
(b) be made of synthetic fibre having a breaking strength of at least 22 kilonewtons;
(c) be reeved through a block and tackle system comprising at least one double upper and one single lower block, for each hanger;
(d) have the hauling line secured to prevent free running of the line;
(e) be free of knots or splices except for terminal eye-splices; and
(f) not be used where exposed to adverse effects of chemicals, unless the rope is made of materials inert to the chemicals.
Wire rope suspension
232. Wire rope used to suspend a swing stage or similar equipment shall
(a) provide a safety factor of at least 10, based on the ratio of the manufacturer's rated breaking strength of the wire rope on the load on the rope due to the static load;
(b) be a type recommended for that use by the rope manufacturer, and recommended for use by the hoist manufacturer; and
(c) be continuous and unspliced, except for terminal eye-splices or other types of terminal connections required under Part XV, but fold back eyes secured by only a pressed metal sleeve shall only be used where the sleeve manufacturer approves the use of the sleeve for this application, and the eyes are made in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction and proof tested.
Length of suspension ropes
233. (1) Suspension ropes for a swing stage shall be of sufficient length to permit the work platform to be lowered to a safe lower landing.
(2) Where a swing stage or platform is suspended over water, or where it is impractical to lower the work platform to a safe lower landing, lower limit travel devices, compatible for safe use with the hoist system, shall be used to ensure the working platform shall not be lowered beyond the safe lower limit of travel.
Hoisting devices
234. Winches and other mechanical devices used for hoisting and lowering swing stages or similar equipment shall have automatically operated locking mechanisms that prevent slipping of the suspension ropes.
Hangers or stirrups
235. A hanger or stirrup used for supporting a swing stage shall
(a) be made of mild steel or other metal having similar properties, but shall not be made of wire rope;
(b) have a minimum safety factor of 10 based on the ratio of the ultimate load carrying capacity of the stirrup or hanger to the static load; and
(c) be effectively fastened to the swing stage platform to prevent inadvertent separation.
Platform width
236. A swing stage work platform shall be at least 50 centimetres wide.
Safety factor
237. A swing stage work platform shall have a safety factor of at least 4, based on the ratio of the ultimate load carrying capacity of the work platform to the rated load.
Rated load
238. The rated load for a swing stage platform shall be established by the platform manufacturer or a professional engineer.
239. (1) A swing stage shall have guardrails with
(a) a top rail of 1.07 metres high on all sides of the platform and an intermediate rail, located midway between the top rail and the platform floor, or top of the toeboard, where applicable; or
(b) other type of guarding providing equivalent protection and satisfactory to the minister.
(2) Guardrails on a swing stage shall be adequately supported and shall be able to withstand an ultimate load of 900N concentrated at any point on the top rail.
Toeboards and netting
240. A swing stage on which loose material or equipment is carried shall have toeboards at least 10 centimetres high along all sides of the work platform, and netting with a mesh opening of less than 2.5 centimetres extending from the toeboard to the top rail on the backside.
Equipment inspection
241. (1) A swing stage and associated equipment shall be thoroughly inspected before use on each shift and defective equipment shall not be used.
(2) A swing stage that has been subjected to a sudden drop, contact with exposed energized electrical equipment or conductors, or shows signs of a structural failure shall be removed from service until certified safe for use by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
Fall protection - swing stage
242. A worker on a swing stage which is 3 metres or more above grade or a safe lower landing, or where a fall from a lesser height may involve an unusual risk of injury, shall use a personal fall arrest system meeting the requirements of Part X secured to an anchor independent of the swing stage system.
Boatswain's chairs
(1) A boatswain's chair shall meet the requirements of the applicable
(2) A boatswain's chair shall provide stable and adequate support for the user.
(3) A boatswain's chair shall be suspended from a parapet clamp, cornice hook, thrust-out beam or other solid anchorage having a working load limit at least equivalent to that of the suspension system for the boatswain's chair.
(4) A counter weight shall be
(a) positively secured to thrust outs; and
(b) tied back to an anchorage that is capable of withstanding 22 kilonewtons static load where a counter weight configuration has not been designed into the building.
(5) Where a boatswain's chair is supported by block and tackle
(a) the rope shall be synthetic fibre rope with a breaking strength of at least 22 kilonewtons;
(b) the rope shall be reeved through not less than one single lower block and one double upper block and secured to prevent the line from free running; and
(c) block hooks shall be moused, or otherwise secured against dislodgement.
(6) Fibre rope used to suspend a boatswain's chair other than with a block and tackle system shall be synthetic fibre rope having a breaking strength of at least 27 kilonewtons and of a type compatible for use with the rigging hardware in the suspension system.
(7) Wire rope used to suspend a boatswain's chair shall be a type recommended for that use by the rope manufacturer or a professional engineer and suitable for the hoist being used.
(8) A worker in a boatswain's chair which is 3 metres or more above grade or a safe lower landing, or where a fall from a lesser height may involve an unusual risk of injury, shall use a personal fall arrest system meeting the requirements of Part X independent of the boatswain's chair system.
(9) A boatswain's chair shall not be used where the suspension height exceeds 92 metres without the prior permission of the minister.
(10) A thorough inspection shall be made of a boatswain's chair and associated equipment before use each day and defective equipment shall not be used.
244. For the purpose of sections 245 to 249
(a) "permanent powered platform" means a powered platform which is a permanent installation on a particular building or structure;
(b) "portable powered platform" means a powered platform any part of which is not permanently installed or attached to a particular building or structure and which may be removed and relocated elsewhere where required; and
(c) "powered platform" means a suspended swing stage which is raised or lowered by other than manual means.
Permanent powered platforms
A permanent powered platform shall meet the requirements of
Portable powered platforms
246. (1) A portable powered platform shall meet
(a) the requirements for a swing stage regarding suspension, construction and use of fall protection; and
the requirements of
(2) Where a portable powered platform is raised and lowered by 2 separately controlled hoists operated by a single occupant on the platform, the controls shall be located so that they can be used simultaneously by the occupant.
Fall protection - powered platform
247. (1) Except as permitted by subsection (2), where a powered platform is 3 metres or more above a grade or a safe lower landing or where a fall from a lesser height may involve an unusual risk of injury, a worker on the platform shall use a personal fall arrest system meeting the requirements of Part X secured to an anchor independent of the powered platform system.
A worker supported on a permanent powered platform having 4 or more suspension ropes shall be attached to a secure anchorage on the platform by means of a personal fall arrest system and the installation shall meet the requirements of
Maintenance and operating records
248. Records of inspection and maintenance shall be maintained for 5 years by the operator and another person inspecting and maintaining a permanent powered platform.
Window cleaning
A window cleaning operation shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of
250. In this Part
(a) "mobile equipment" means a wheeled or tracked vehicle which is engine or motor powered, together with attached or towed equipment, but does not include a vehicle operated on fixed rails or tracks;
(b) "no significant hazard of rollover" means an area in which there are no grades exceeding 10%, no operating areas with open edges, and no open ramps, loading docks, ditches or other similar hazards which may cause a rollover; and
(c) "specific location" means a yard, plant or other clearly defined and limited area in which mobile equipment is operated, but does not include a entire municipality, district, transient forestry operation or construction site.
Operation and maintenance
251. (1) Mobile equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition and operation, inspection, repair, maintenance and modification shall be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or, in the absence of instructions, as approved by a registered professional engineer.
(2) Servicing, maintenance and repair of mobile equipment shall be done
(a) when the equipment is not in operation; or
(b) when the equipment is in operation, where continued operation is essential to the process and a safe means is provided.
(3) The design, fabrication, use, inspection and maintenance of mobile equipment shall meet the requirements of the following applicable standard or other standards acceptable to the minister:
(4) Maintenance and inspection records shall be maintained and made reasonably available to the operator and maintenance personnel during work hours.
(5) Mobile equipment used off maintained roads shall be appropriate and safe for the intended use taking into account factors including the nature of the travel surface and its slope and the activities to be undertaken.
(6) Adequate and approved fire suppression equipment shall be provided where required by the minister.
Competency and testing operators
252. (1) A person shall not operate mobile equipment unless he or she
(a) has received adequate instruction and has demonstrated to a supervisor or instructor that he or she is a competent equipment operator;
(b) has been authorized to operate mobile equipment;
(c) is familiar with the operating instructions for particular equipment before he or she attempts to operate it; and
(d) has, where required to operate an air brake equipped vehicle, evidence of successful completion of a course on air brake systems issued by an organization acceptable to the minister.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply where a trainee operates the equipment under the supervision of a qualified instructor or supervisor as authorized by the employer.
Operator's responsibility
253. (1) The operator of mobile equipment shall operate the equipment safely, maintain full control of the equipment, and comply with the laws governing the operation of the equipment.
(2) The operator of mobile equipment shall ensure that a worker is not in close proximity to the swing radius of the equipment while it is in operation.
Supervisor's responsibility
254. A supervisor shall not knowingly operate, or permit a worker to operate, mobile equipment which is, or which could create, an undue hazard to the health or safety of a person, or which is in violation of these regulations.
Warning signal device
(a) where the mobile equipment is capable of a forward speed exceeding 8 kilometres an hour;
(b) where mobile equipment operates in reverse motion, it shall be equipped with a suitable audible warning device that initiates automatically when the equipment starts to move in reverse and which continues to operate while the equipment is moving in reverse; and
(c) where the mobile equipment is not capable of speeds greater than 8 kilometres an hour, the minister may, in exceptional circumstances, order the use of an audible warning device.
(2) Where an audible warning device referred to in subsection (1) cannot be clearly heard or identified above the noise of other equipment or surrounding noise, another warning device or measure shall be utilized.
256. (1) Mobile equipment used during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, or when a person or vehicle is not clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres shall have and use light to adequately illuminate
(a) the direction of travel;
(b) the working area about the mobile equipment; and
(c) the cab instruments.
A headlight and backing light required by paragraph (1)(a) shall meet the requirements of Society of Automotive Engineers (
Rear view mirrors
257. (1) Mobile equipment shall have a mirror providing the operator with an undistorted reflected view to the rear of the mobile equipment or combination of mobile equipment, except as provided in subsection (2).
(2) Where necessary to improve rear vision, a combination of parabolic and flat mirrors may be used.
Load handling attachments
258. Buckets, forks, booms, hoists and other load handling attachments shall only be installed on mobile equipment as specified by the equipment manufacturer or where certified by a professional engineer for use on the equipment.
Load ratings
(2) A load chart shall be displayed in the operator's cab where the rated load varies with the reach of the equipment.
Operative protective structures
260. (1) An equipment operator shall be protected against falling, flying or intruding objects or materials by means of a suitable cab, screen, grill, deflector or guard that meets the design criteria of the Society of Automotive Engineers applicable recommended practice.
(2) A worker shall not remain in the cab of a vehicle while loads are elevated over the cab unless the cab is protected by an adequate overhead guard.
Rollover protective structures
261. (1) The following types of mobile equipment weighing 700 kilograms or more shall have rollover protective structures ("ROPS"):
(a) crawler tractors, dozers, loaders and skidders;
(b) wheeled tractors, dozers, loaders and skidders;
(c) motor graders;
(d) self-propelled wheel scrapers;
(e) agricultural and industrial tractors;
(f) compactors and rollers; and
(g) self-propelled rock drills moved by an on-board operator.
(2) The minister may require a rollover protective structure to be installed on mobile equipment, other than mobile equipment referred to in subsection (1), where the design of the equipment or circumstances of use indicate the need.
Rollover protective structure standards
262. A rollover protective structure shall meet the requirements of one of the following applicable standards or other standard acceptable to the minister:
Society of Automotive Engineers (
Rollover protective structure certification
263. (1) A rollover protective structure shall be certified by the manufacturer or a professional engineer as meeting a standard specified in section 262 .
(2) An addition, modification, welding or cutting on a rollover protective structure shall be done in accordance with the instructions of, and be recertified by, the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
Rollover protective structure identification
264. (1) The following information shall be permanently marked upon a rollover protective structure:
(a) the name and address of the manufacturer or the professional engineer who certified the rollover protective structure;
(b) the model number or other effective means of identifying the machine for which the rollover protective structure was designed;
(c) the serial number or other unique means of identifying the rollover protective structure;
(d) the maximum weight of the machine for which the rollover protective structure was designed; and
(e) the standard to which the rollover protective structure conforms.
(2) A modified rollover protective structure shall be permanently marked with the following information:
(a) an identification of the modifications effected;
(b) the date of recertification; and
(c) the name and address of the recertifying engineer.
Effect of rollover protective structure on visibility
265. A rollover protective structure or other structure required by this Part for the protection of the operator shall be designed and installed to provide an adequate view to allow the operator to safely use the machine.
Seating and standard requirements
266. (1) A well designed and constructed, safely located and securely mounted seat and seat belt or other safe facilities shall be provided for the operator of powered mobile equipment and a passenger.
(2) Safe facilities for an equipment operator, referred to in subsection (1), shall include:
(a) footboards or platforms upon which the workers stand or sit, located to protect workers from accidental contact; and
(b) handholds; or
(c) safety-belts, harnesses, guardrails or other effective means of restraint.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to mobile equipment designed to be controlled by an equipment operator in a standing position.
(4) Where mobile equipment is equipped with seat belts, in conformity with these regulations or other applicable federal or provincial legislation, the installations shall be maintained and they shall be worn by the equipment operator and passengers at all times while the equipment is in motion, or when operated in a stationary mode.
(5) Where a road grader is operated with cab doors open, and the equipment operator is necessarily in a standing position and unable to comply with subsection (4), additional restraining devices approved by the minister shall be installed and used to prevent occupants from falling from the cab.
(6) Where an equipment operator is required to operate in a standing position, there shall be protection provided equivalent to the protection required under subsection (5) in the form of a restraining harness designed to prevent the equipment operator being thrown from the cab in a roll-over situation, but the restraining harness shall have a quick release device.
Start of shift inspection
267. (1) An operator shall inspect the mobile equipment before the start of operation on the shift and after that where required to ensure the safe operating condition of the equipment and a defect or other condition affecting the safe operation of the equipment shall be reported immediately to the supervisor or employer.
(2) A repair or adjustment necessary for the safe operation of the equipment shall be made before the equipment is used.
Securing tools and equipment
268. An operator shall maintain the cab, floor and deck of mobile equipment free of material, tools or other objects which could create a tripping hazard, interfere with the operation of controls, or be a hazard to the operator or other occupants in the event of an accident.
Unattended equipment
269. An operator of mobile equipment shall not leave the controls unattended unless the equipment has been secured against inadvertent movement, including by setting the parking brake, placing the transmission in the manufacturer's specified park position and by chocking wheels where necessary, and buckets and blades shall be landed in a safe position before equipment controls are left unattended.
Securing elevated loads
270. (1) An elevated load, part, extension or machine, shall not be left unattended by an operator unless it has been immobilized and secured against inadvertent movement.
(2) Where a worker is required to work beneath an elevated part of mobile equipment, the elevated part shall be securely blocked.
(3) An hydraulic or pneumatic jack shall not be used for blocking unless it has been fitted with a device to prevent collapse in the event of loss of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.
Swinging equipment
271. Where the swinging movement of a load, cab, counterweight or other part of mobile equipment creates a hazard, a worker shall not be within range of the swinging load or equipment, and the operator shall not move the equipment when a worker is so exposed.
Obstructed view
272. Where a mobile equipment operator's view of the work area is obstructed, the operator shall not move the equipment until precautions have been taken to protect the operator and another worker from injury, including
(a) immediately before the movement, the inspection by the operator on foot of the area into which the equipment is being moved;
(b) direction by a signaller
(i) stationed in a safe position in continuous view of the operator,
(ii) having an unobstructed view of the area into which the equipment is being moved, and
(iii) not being otherwise occupied while the equipment is in motion; or
(c) direction by a traffic control or warning system.
Guy lines
273. (1) Guy lines passing over travelled roads shall be rigged at a sufficient height to clear all traffic.
(2) Guy lines which are not at sufficient height to clear all traffic shall be clearly identified in accordance to standards acceptable to the minister.
Pedestrian and equipment traffic
274. (1) Where practicable, designated walkways shall be used to separate pedestrian traffic from areas of operation of mobile equipment.
(2) Where it is impracticable to provide designated walkways, adequate safe work procedures to minimize the possibility of collision shall be used in hazardous work areas, including
(a) use of a traffic control system;
(b) enforcement of speed limits for mobile equipment; and
(c) a requirement for the pedestrian and the mobile equipment operator to acknowledge each other's presence before the pedestrian proceeds through the hazardous area; or
(d) other effective means.
Securing loads
275. (1) When material or equipment is being transported, it shall be loaded or secured to prevent movement of the load which could create a hazard to workers.
(2) To protect the crew of a vehicle transporting a load which may shift on rapid deceleration, a means of load restraint shall be provided that
(a) prevents significant load shift relative to the carrier under emergency stopping conditions; and
(b) meets a standard acceptable to the minister.
Restraint for cylindrical objects
276. Cylindrical objects transported on their sides shall be effectively restrained against inadvertent movement.
Lift truck loads
277. (1) A unitized load transported on a lift truck shall not project a distance greater than half its height above the fork carriage, back rest or back rest extension of the lift truck.
(2) No part of a load comprised of loose objects may project above the fork carriage, back rest or back extension of a lift truck.
(3) A load which could shift during transportation shall be restrained where shifting would result in the instability of the load or the lift truck.
Tire installation
278. (1) An employer shall
(a) establish and implement safe work procedures for servicing mobile equipment, tires, rims and wheels, including
(i) inspecting tire, rim and wheel components,
(ii) mounting a tire to the rim and wheel, and inflating a tire,
(iii) installing and removing tire assemblies from mobile equipment, and
(iv) demounting tires from the rim and wheel assemblies; and
(b) ensure that tire limits are not exceeded.
(2) A worker assigned to work on tires, rims and wheels shall be trained in and follow the safe work procedures established under subsection (1).
Equipment and procedures
279. (1) A tire shall be deflated before demounting, and deflation shall be done in an area where ignition sources are controlled or removed.
(2) A tire, rim and wheel part shall be cleaned and inspected for damage before mounting, and a cracked, broken, bent or otherwise damaged part replaced.
(3) A tire shall be inflated using a remote chuck with a sufficient length of hose and an inline, hand operated valve with a gauge so the worker is outside the likely trajectory should wheel components separate during inflation.
(4) A tire mounted on a multipiece rim wheel shall be placed in a cage or other restraining device when it is being inflated.
(5) Where a bead expander is used to seat the beads of a tire, it shall be removed before the tire is inflated to more than 34.5 kPa (5 psi).
(6) Welding or heating on an assembled rim or wheel part is not permitted, except that limited heating to facilitate removal of a wheel from a hub is acceptable after the tire has been deflated by removing the valve core.
(7) A tire on a multipiece rim wheel shall be deflated to atmospheric pressure by removing the valve core or by other effective means before demounting, and in the case of a dual wheel arrangement, both tires shall be deflated to atmospheric pressure before a wheel nut is loosened.
(8) Multipiece rim and wheel components shall not be interchanged except as permitted by rim/wheel charts from the appropriate rim/wheel manufacturer.
(9) A multipiece rim wheel which has been used at less than 80% of the recommended inflation pressure for that application shall be deflated, disassembled and inspected before reinflation.
280. This Part applies to all persons, including the operator, engaged in transporting a worker by a vehicle operated on behalf of the employer except for the transportation of a worker by
(a) a public transportation system including a taxi, bus line, chartered air service or airline; or
(b) personal transport of the worker on public roads before or following a work shift.
Seat belts
(1) Where reasonably practicable, a vehicle used to transport workers shall have seats with full seat backs.
A seated worker shall wear a seat belt while being transported in a vehicle equipped with seat belts and the number of workers being transported shall not exceed the number of seat belts available in the vehicle.
Securing equipment
282. (1) Materials, goods, tools or equipment carried in a portion or compartment of a vehicle in which a worker is riding shall be located and secured to prevent injury.
(2) Materials, goods, tools or equipment regularly carried in a vehicle in which a worker is riding shall be transported in a designated area in the vehicle.
Hazardous materials
283. Where a volatile, flammable or otherwise hazardous material is transported in a vehicle transporting workers, it shall be carried in an isolated compartment that is
(a) accessible only from the outside of the vehicle, securely fastened and fitted with adequate ventilation and drainage facilities; or
(b) where internal to the vehicle, separated from the crew compartment by an approved firewall.
Passenger compartments
284. An enclosed portion or compartment of a vehicle in which a worker is transported shall be provided with
(a) effective ventilation, independent of doors, providing clean air;
(b) adequate lighting and means for heating and cooling;
(c) an effective means of communication between the operator and the passengers; and
(d) more than one means of egress.
Boarding and leaving
285. A worker shall not board or leave a vehicle while it is in motion, except in case of an emergency.
Seating design
286. A vehicle used to transport workers shall be equipped with seats that
(a) are safely located and securely attached to the vehicle with a width of at least 41 centimetres for each passenger and an upholstered seat and seat back which provide normal and comfortable seating for passengers;
(b) face to the front or the rear of the vehicle, unless installed otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer; and
(c) provide a spacing of at least 66 centimetres measured between the face of the seat back at seat level and the back of the seat or other fixed object in front.
287. In this Part
(a) "anti-two block device" means a device that, when activated, disengages all crane functions whose movement may cause two-blocking; and
(b) "safe working load" means the load a crane or hoist may safely lift in a particular situation, taking into account factors including wind load, extremes of temperature and load sail area, which load may be equal to or less than the rated capacity or rated load.
Cranes, derricks and hoists
288. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, a crane, derrick, hoist and similar equipment shall be designed, constructed, erected, maintained, operated, inspected, disassembled and modified as specified by the manufacturer to meet the requirements of
the applicable
(b) a professional engineer; or
(c) other standard acceptable to the minister.
(1) A crane or hoist shall be permanently identified by the legible display of the manufacturer's name, model and serial number on the structure.
(2) Each major interchangeable structural component of a crane or hoist shall be legibly marked to identify compatibility with the crane or hoist, and be uniquely identified.
Rated capacity
290. (1) The rated capacity of a crane or hoist shall not be exceeded.
(2) The safe working load as determined by
(a) the original manufacturer of the equipment;
(b) a professional engineer; or
(c) other persons with qualifications acceptable to the minister
shall not be exceeded.
Rated capacity indication
291. (1) The rated capacity of a crane or hoist shall be permanently indicated on the superstructure, hoist and load block of the equipment.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), rated capacity indication shall not be required where it is affected by
(a) the vertical or horizontal angle of a boom or jib;
(b) the length of a boom or jib;
(c) the position of a load supporting trolley; or
(d) the use or position of outriggers to increase the stability of the structure.
(3) Where the rated capacity is affected by a factor set out in paragraph 287 (b), a legible load chart, showing the rated capacity in all permitted working positions and configurations of use shall be
(a) permanently posted on the equipment; or
(b) issued to the equipment operator, who shall have the legible load chart available at all times when operating the equipment.
Boom angle indicator
292. A crane or hoist with a boom movable in the vertical plane shall be equipped with a device to indicate the boom angle where the rated capacity is affected by the boom angle, and the device shall be readable by the operator at the control station.
Boom extension and load radius indicators
293. A crane or hoist shall have a means or device to indicate the boom extension or load radius where the rated capacity of the equipment is affected by boom extension or load radius.
Support structure
294. The rated capacity of a hoist shall not exceed the capacity of the structure supporting the hoist.
295. (1) The manufacturer's manual for a crane or hoist shall be reasonably available at the workplace where the equipment is being used.
(2) The manual referred to in subsection (1) shall show the approved methods of erection, dismantling, maintenance and operation of the component parts and of the assembled crane or hoist.
(3) The portions of the manufacturer's manual, or a copy of them, related to safe operation of the crane or hoist shall be available at the workplace where the equipment is being used.
(4) A crane or hoist shall not be used in a manner other than that referred to in the manual referred to in subsection (1) unless that use has been approved by the manufacturer or by a professional engineer, and the modifications and deviation shall be recorded in the manual.
Inspection and maintenance
(1) A crane or hoist shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the applicable
(2) A crane or hoist shall not be used until a condition that could endanger workers is remedied.
(3) A repair to a load bearing component of a crane or hoist shall be certified by a professional engineer or the original equipment manufacturer as having returned the component to a condition capable of carrying out its original design function with an adequate margin of safety.
Inspection and maintenance records
297. (1) A log book or other record shall be provided and maintained for a crane, derrick or similar hoisting equipment showing the maintenance history and structural modification and inspection of the equipment.
(2) The log book or record referred to in subsection (1) shall be available at all times to the operator and to a worker concerned with the maintenance and safe operation of the equipment, and that worker shall be responsible for recording defects, operating difficulties, and the need for maintenance and all maintenance and modification work performed.
298. Before a crane or hoist is placed in service, a professional engineer shall inspect, proof test and certify in writing the rated capacity of a crane or hoist in accordance with criteria established by the manufacturer or applicable design or safety standard where
(a) the equipment is new;
(b) the origin or rated capacity of the equipment cannot be determined;
(c) the continued safe use of the equipment cannot be assured due to its age or history;
(d) repairs or modifications have been made to load carrying components;
(e) modifications have been made which affect the rated capacity; or
(f) the crane or hoist has been in contact with an electric arc or current.
Audible warning
299. An effective audible warning signal device shall be installed on a crane, derrick or other hoisting equipment where accidental contact with, or inadvertent release of, the load could injure a worker or cause damage to equipment.
Molten metal
300. A crane or hoist that handles molten metal shall have 2 holding brakes on the hoist mechanism.
Two-block protection
301. (1) On a telescopic and conventional boom crane, an anti-two-block device shall be provided for all parts of two-blocking which is capable of preventing damage to the hoist rope, boom-tip sheaves and to other machine components when hoisting the load, extending the boom or lowering a boom on a machine that has a stationary winch mounted to the rear of the boom hinge.
(2) The anti-two-block device referred to in subsection (1) shall prevent contact between the travelling block or headache ball and the boom tip.
Sheave guards
302. A running line sheave on a crane or hoist shall be equipped with a device to retain the rope in the sheave groove.
Ungrounded supply
303. An electric crane or hoist shall be grounded appropriately.
304. (1) A control on a crane or hoist shall have its function clearly identified and be maintained in good condition.
(2) Controls for a crane or hoist that are not operated from a cab shall be located to provide a safe distance between the operator and the load being lifted.
(3) A pendant control for a crane or hoist shall be supported independently from its electrical conductors.
Operator protection
305. The operator of a crane or hoist shall be protected against hazardous conditions, including falling or flying objects, swinging, and excessive heat or cold that could adversely affect the health or safety of the operator.
Cab windows
(1) A cab window on a mobile crane shall be made of safety glazing material that meets the requirements of
(2) A cab window on a crane or hoist which is not a mobile crane may be made of laminated glass, tempered glass, wired glass or clear polycarbonate plastic.
(3) An operator's cab window shall be kept clear and provide an unobstructed field of vision toward the load hook and shall have functional window wipers.
307. (1) The cab of a crane or hoist shall be kept free of unnecessary tools, material and equipment.
(2) Adequate storage facility shall be provided where it is necessary to keep tools or equipment in the operator's cab of a crane or hoist.
Fire extinguisher
308. A fire extinguisher with at least a 10 BC rating shall be immediately available in the cab of each crane.
Operator qualifications
(1) A crane or hoist shall only be operated by a qualified person who has been authorized to operate the equipment.
(2) An operator of a crane shall have an appropriate trade qualification valid in the province or be an apprentice indentured in the appropriate trade in the province, or have equivalent qualifications as determined by the Industrial Training Division of the Department of Education after the following dates:
for a mobile crane operator, other than a boom truck operator, after
for a tower crane operator in the construction industry, after
for an operator of a boom truck with a rated capacity of more than 10 tonnes, after
Shift inspection
310. (1) An operator shall inspect the crane or hoist at the beginning of each shift and shall test control and safety devices in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the applicable safety code and regulations.
A defect found by an operator during the inspection referred to in subsection (1) or during the use of the crane or hoist shall be:
(a) recorded in the inspection and maintenance record log; and
(b) reported to the supervisor who shall determine the course of action to be taken.
(3) Where a defect affects the safe operation of the crane or hoist, the equipment shall not be used until the defect has been remedied.
Load weight
311. (1) The weight of a load to be hoisted by a crane or hoist shall be determined by the equipment operator and communicated to a worker involved in the hoisting operation.
(2) Where the weight of a load cannot be determined, the crane or hoist to be used for the lift shall have either a load weight indicator or a load limiting device.
312. A load weighing device, including a load movement indicator, on a crane or hoist shall be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications or at more frequent intervals and the date of calibration shall be recorded in the inspection and maintenance records system.
Unsafe lift
313. An operator of a crane or hoist shall not attempt to move a load where he or she has reason to doubt that the load can be safely handled.
Swing hazards
314. A worker shall not remain within range of the swing of the load or equipment where the swing movement of the load, cab, counterweight or another part of the crane or hoist creates a hazard and the operator shall not move the equipment when a worker is so exposed.
Position of equipment
315. (1) Equipment shall be positioned so that no moving part of the equipment comes within 60 centimetres of an obstruction in an area accessible to workers.
(2) Where the clearance required under subsection (1) cannot be provided, entry to an area referred to in subsection (1) shall be prevented by barriers or other effective means.
Multiple crane lift
316. (1) A multiple crane lift shall be under the direction of a competent supervisor who shall be responsible for the safe conduct of the operation.
(2) A written procedure shall be prepared for a multiple mobile crane lift where the load on a crane exceeds 75% of its rated capacity or where other factors make the lift complex.
(3) A written procedure shall be prepared for a lift in which 3 or more cranes are used at one time to hoist a load.
(4) Multiple crane lift procedures shall address rigging details, wind speed, hoist line speed, crane travel speed, load distribution and other considerations that may be necessary.
(5) The procedures for a multiple crane lift referred to in subsection (2) shall be communicated to all persons involved before hoisting operations are commenced by the supervisor.
(6) A means of effective communication shall be established and maintained between all persons involved during a multiple crane lifting operation.
Travelling with a load
317. (1) Where an operator is travelling with a load, the operator shall ensure that the load is carried as close to the ground or grade as possible and that it is rigged to control load swing.
(2) Where necessary, a worker designated as a signaller shall walk ahead of a moving load and warn workers to keep clear.
Loads over work areas
318. (1) An employer shall arrange work to prevent passing a load over workers wherever possible.
A crane or hoist operator shall not pass a load over workers unless no practicable alternative exists and the lifting procedure has been communicated to all affected workers.
(3) A worker shall not stand or pass beneath a suspended load except as permitted under subsection (2).
Unattended loads
319. A load shall not be left suspended from the load hook of a crane or hoist when an operator is not at the controls.
Hook position
320. The hook or load block of a crane or hoist shall be positioned over the load to prevent side loading of the crane when the load is hoisted.
321. The operator of a crane or hoist shall act only on the directions of a designated and competent signaller where the operator does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the load hook and load throughout the whole range of the hoisting operation.
Alternative to hand signals
322. Two-way radio or other audio or video systems shall be used where distance, atmospheric conditions or other circumstances make the use of hand signals hazardous or impracticable.
Dedicated radio system
323. (1) A two-way radio system used to direct crane or hoist movement shall operate on a dedicated radio channel.
(2) Multi-channel radios shall not be permitted for use to direct crane or hoist movement.
Unhooking loads
324. A load on a crane or hoist shall be safely landed and supported, before being unhooked.
Riding hook or load
325. A worker shall not ride on a load, sling, hook or other rigging equipment.
Induced voltage
326. (1) Before a crane or hoist is operated near a source, including a radio transmitter or energized high voltage electrical equipment, capable of inducing an electric charge which may pose a hazard to workers
(a) the crane or hoist shall be effectively grounded;
(b) any induced electric charge shall be dissipated by applying grounding cables or by other effective means before the workers come into contact with the load; and
(c) all flammable materials shall be removed from the immediate work area.
(2) Paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) do not apply where work is being performed on a power system in accordance with Part XXVI.
Uptravel limit
327. (1) A bridge, gantry or other overhead travelling crane shall be equipped with a device that prevents hook travel beyond the safe upper limit at all design hoist speeds.
(2) The uptravel limit device required under subsection (1) shall be tested at the beginning of each shift, and the test results recorded in the equipment record system.
Electrical conductors
328. Electrical conductors for the bridge and trolley shall be located or guarded to prevent contact by workers.
Power shutoff
329. An electrically powered crane shall have a means for the operator to safely interrupt the main electric circuit under a load condition.
Direction markings
330. A bridge, gantry, or overhead travelling crane operated by a pendant or remote control shall have markings on the crane structure or building, visible to the operator, clearly indicating the direction of hook, bridge and trolley motions compatible with those marked on the controls.
Manually powered hoists
331. (1) A hand operated hoist shall be provided with a ratchet and pawl, load brake or other mechanism which shall hold the load at a desired height.
(2) A crank operated winch that is not fitted with automatic load brakes shall be provided with a means of preventing the crank-handle from slipping off the crank-shaft while hoisting.
(3) A crank handle shall be removed from the crank shaft before the load is lowered on the winches referred to in subsection (2).
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply where a crank handle have been replaced by permanently secured, smooth rimmed hand wheels.
Cranes on floating supports
332. (1) The rated capacity and allowable operating radius of a crane or boom truck designed for use on land shall be modified where it is used on a floating support, considering list and trim for each installation as specified by the crane manufacturer or a professional engineer.
(2) A mobile crane or boom truck equipped with outriggers, operating on a floating support, shall be supported on its outriggers during lifting operations unless the instructions required by subsection (1) specifically allow otherwise.
(3) Where a crane or boom truck is used on a floating support, a device to measure the list of the floating equipment shall be provided and be readable by the operator while in the operating position.
(4) A mobile crane or boom truck being used on a floating support shall be blocked and secured to prevent it shifting relative to the bearing surface of the floating support.
Level turntable
333. (1) A mobile crane or boom truck shall be operated with the turntable level, except as permitted by the manufacturer.
(2) Level indicating devices shall be provided to permit the operator to determine whether the crane turntable or boom truck frame is level within the limits specified by the manufacturer.
334. (1) Outrigger beams on a crane or boom truck shall be marked to indicate when the necessary extension has been achieved.
(2) Floats shall be secured to the outrigger jacks of a crane or boom truck when outriggers are used.
335. Mobile crane or boom truck tire type, condition and inflation shall be as specified by the manufacturer when lifting on rubber.
Supporting surface
336. (1) A mobile crane or boom truck shall only be used on a surface capable of supporting the equipment and a hoisted load without failure.
(2) Where a crane or hoist is used adjacent to an excavation, slope or backfilled area, a qualified person shall determine the location for the equipment for hoisting operations.
Travelling with a load
337. A mobile crane or boom truck may travel with a suspended load only where the crane manufacturer specifies load ratings for this operation.
Boom inspection
338. (1) A crane boom used for driving piles with a vibratory hammer shall be inspected in accordance with good engineering practice, and certified safe for continued use by a professional engineer at least every 3 months, and before being returned to lifting service.
(2) A crane boom used with a vibratory pile extractor or for dynamic compaction shall be inspected in accordance with good engineering practice, and certified safe for continued use by a professional engineer at least monthly, and before being returned to lifting service.
Tower cranes
339. (1) The foundation for support of a tower crane shall be certified by a professional engineer.
(2) The design of shoring and bracing to support a tower crane shall be certified by a professional engineer, and the shoring and bracing shall be constructed as specified by the design.
(3) Where a tower crane is supported partially or fully by, or connected to, a building or structure, the connections to and bracing or shoring of the building or structure necessary to support the tower crane shall be certified by a professional engineer.
Verification before use
340. (1) A tower crane erector shall verify that the crane has been erected according to the manufacturer's specifications before it is put in service.
(2) Where a tower crane is not erected according to the manufacturer's specifications a professional engineer shall certify that it is safe for use before the crane is put in service.
(3) Before a tower crane is used following repositioning of the mast, a professional engineer shall certify that the parts of the crane affected by the climbing process have been properly installed and required reshoring for and bracing to the supporting structure is in place.
341. The structural components of a tower crane shall be uniquely identified and that unique identification shall be used when referring to a structural component in reports for inspection and testing, and certifications for repairs and modifications.
Structural inspection
342. (1) Before erection of a tower crane, the structural components of the crane shall be
(a) inspected to determine their integrity by a qualified person using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods meeting the requirements of the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB); and
(b) repaired where necessary and those repairs certified by a professional engineer as safe for use.
(2) Where a tower crane remains erected at a workplace for more than 12 months
(a) its structural components shall be inspected to determine their integrity by a qualified person using NDT methods meeting the requirements of the CGSB; and
(b) after the inspection required by paragraph (a), the crane, including necessary repairs, shall be certified by a professional engineer as safe for use.
(3) The inspection and certification of a tower crane scheduled to be dismantled within 15 months of erection may be delayed until before the next erection of the crane.
Structures kept clean
343. A tower crane structure shall be kept clean and free of concrete and other debris that may hinder inspection and the base area shall be clear of debris and the accumulation of water.
344. A tower crane operator shall have an effective two-way voice communication with another tower crane or equipment operator where contact between the tower crane and another tower crane or equipment operator could occur.
Wind limitations
345. In the absence of the manufacturer's specifications for maximum permitted wind speed during crane operation, the maximum allowable wind speed in which a tower crane may be used is 50 kilometres an hour measured at the operator's cab, or less where a load cannot be handled safely because of wind.
346. In this Part
(a) "design factor" means the theoretical reserve capability of a product, usually determined by dividing the breaking strength by the working load limit; and
(b) "rigging" means fibre ropes, wire ropes, chains, slings, attachments, connecting fittings and associated components.
Qualified riggers
347. Rigging and slinging work shall be done by or under the direct supervision of a qualified worker familiar with the rigging to be used and with the code of signals acceptable to the minister for controlling hoisting operations.
Use of rigging
The load applied to rigging or a rigging assembly shall not exceed the working load limit (
Component identification
349. (1) Rigging fittings shall be marked with the manufacturer's identification, product identifier and the working load limit or sufficient information to readily determine it.
required by subsection (1) shall be determined by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
Design factors
350. (1) Except as otherwise specified in these regulations, the design factor based on breaking strengths for a rigging component shall be at least equal to the values given in the following table:
(2) The design factor for a rigging assembly used to support a worker shall be at least 10.
Natural fibre rope
351. Natural fibre rope shall not be used for hoisting.
Wedge socket connections
352. Where a wedge socket is used as a wire rope termination, the dead end of the rope shall be secured to prevent release of the wedge or rope slippage at the socket.
Open hook restriction
353. (1) An employer shall ensure that a hook has a safety latch, mousing or shackle where the hook could cause injury if it is dislodged while in use.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a competent worker disconnecting the hook would be in danger if the hook has a safety latch, mousing or shackle, the employer may use another type of hook.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), an employer may use a sorting hook for hoisting a skeleton steel structure or for performing similar operations where a sorting hook is safer to use than a hook with a safety latch, mousing or shackle.
(4) During a hoisting operation in a caisson, an employer
(a) shall not use a spring loaded safety latch hook; and
(b) shall use a shackle assembly consisting of a pin fully shouldered into the eyes of the shackle and secured by a nut that is prevented from rotating by a cotter pin.
Securing pins
354. (1) A shackle-pin, heel-pin and similar device shall be secured against dislodgement.
(2) The pin in a screw-pin type shackle shall be wired or otherwise secured against rotation when used in applications that may cause the pin to loosen.
Replacing pins
355. A shackle-pin shall not be replaced with a bolt or other makeshift fitting.
Securing ropes to drums
356. (1) A rope shall be secured to its winding drum, unless the line is required to automatically disengage from the drum.
(2) A rope shall not be fastened to a drum by a knot tied in the rope.
Wraps required
357. At least 3 full wraps of rope shall remain on winding drums where the load hook is in the lowest position.
358. A sheave shall be
(a) correctly sized for the rope;
(b) equipped with a device to retain the rope within the groove; and
(c) removed from service where it has a damaged groove or flange.
359. (1) The strength of each guyline and its anchor shall exceed the breaking strength of the load-line rigging arrangement.
(2) A guyline anchor shall be placed so that the interior angle between the guyline and the horizontal plane does not exceed 45 degrees.
(3) Guylines shall be arranged so that the hoisting line pull in any direction is shared by 2 or more guys.
(4) Guylines and anchor systems, where certified by a professional engineer, may deviate from the requirements of subsections (1) to (3).
Spooling tape
360. (1) A worker shall not use his or her hands or feet or a hand-held object to guide the rope when spooling the rope onto a drum.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), in an emergency a worker may use a steel guide bar of acceptable design to guide the rope onto the drum but the line speed shall be kept as low as practicable and the worker shall be positioned to be clear of the drum.
Termination efficiencies
361. Except as otherwise permitted by the manufacturer, the working load limit shall be reduced in accordance with the efficiency rating for the type of termination specified as follows:
Wire rope clips
362. (1) Where a manufacturer's specifications for installing and using wire rope clips cannot be determined, the number of clips and the installation torque shall be in accordance with the following table:
Restriction on foldback eyes
363. (1) A wire rope termination using a swaged fold back eye shall be identified with a serial number or other unique identification code and proof-tested before being placed in service and a record of the proof test shall be kept available for the service life of the termination.
(2) A swaged fold back eye termination shall be identified with the working load limit.
Slings standards
364. Except where otherwise required by these regulations, wire rope, alloy steel chain, metal mesh, synthetic fibre rope and synthetic fibre web slings shall meet the requirements of ASME B30.9-1990, "Slings".
Inspection before use
365. Slings and attachments shall be visually inspected before use and defective equipment shall be immediately removed from service.
366. A sling shall be stored to prevent damage when not in use
367. A sling with a knot shall not be used.
Sharp edges
368. Where a sling is applied to a sharp edge of a load, the edge or the sling shall be protected to prevent damage to the sling.
Slinging loads
369. (1) A sling shall be selected and used to prevent slipping or overstressing the sling or the load.
(2) A load consisting of 2 or more pieces of material over 3 metres long shall be slung using a 2-legged sling arrangement that is positioned to keep the load horizontal during the lift and each sling shall be choked around the load with a double wrap.
Multiple piece lifts
370. For each multiple piece lift,
(a) each member of the lift that is being delivered to a different spot shall be independently slung back to the main load hook or master link using graduated length slings;
(b) a lifted member shall not support another lifted member; and
(c) a crane equipped with power controlled lowering shall be used.
Below-the-hook lifting devices
371. (1) A spreader bar or other specialized below-the-hook lifting devices shall be constructed, inspected, installed, tested, maintained and operated in accordance with the requirements of ASME B30.20-1993 "Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices" and its working load limit shall be certified by a professional engineer or established by its manufacturer.
(2) A spreader bar or specialized below-the-hook lifting device shall display a nameplate or other permanent marking showing the
(a) manufacturer's name and address;
(b) serial number;
(c) weight of the device where it weighs more than 45 kilograms; and
(d) working load limit.
Part of lifted load
372. A spreader bar and other specialized below-the-hook lifting device shall be considered part of the lifted load.
Traffic control
373. (1) For the purpose of this Part, "traffic control" includes
(a) patrol vehicles;
(b) traffic lights;
(g) traffic control persons; and
(h) other techniques and devices necessary according to the particular circumstances.
(2) Where the movement of vehicular traffic constitutes a hazard to workers, effective traffic control shall be provided.
(3) Traffic control procedures shall at minimum meet the requirements of the Department of Transportation and Works "Traffic Control Manual for Roadway Work Operations" or procedures established by a municipality that have been approved by the minister and all relevant specifications.
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (3), an officer may require those additional or alternate traffic control procedures and equipment that are necessary in the particular circumstances.
Traffic control person
374. (1) A traffic control person shall be employed
(a) according to the criteria established by the Department of Transportation and Works "Traffic Control Specification"; or
(b) where required by an officer and where one may be necessary under the particular circumstances.
(2) A traffic control person shall
(a) stand in a safe position, preferably on the driver's side of the lane under the traffic control person's control, be clearly visible, and have an unobstructed view of approaching traffic; and
(b) be positioned at least 25 metres away from the work area unless circumstances or space requirements, including working at or near an intersection, dictate otherwise.
(3) Where 2 or more traffic control persons are working as a team, the employer shall ensure that one traffic control person is responsible for traffic co-ordination and for the initiation of changes in the direction of traffic flow in order to create a cycle which results in minimum traffic delay and maximum protection for the workers.
(4) Traffic control persons shall perform their duties responsibly and in accordance with the Department of Transportation and Works "Traffic Control Manual".
A person shall not work as a traffic control person after
Traffic control signals
375. (1) An employer shall ensure that where traffic control persons are working as a team, methods of communication shall be determined and understood by personnel using them before the commencement of the flagging operations.
(2) Where traffic is diverted onto dusty surfaces, good visibility shall be maintained by the suppression of dust through periodic application of an approved substance.
376. In this Part
(a) "adjacent to an excavation" means within a distance less than or equal to the overall depth of the excavation measured from a vertical line through the toe of the excavation face;
"construction project" means erection, alteration, repair, dismantling, demolition, structural or routine maintenance, painting, land clearing, earth moving, grading, excavating, trenching, boring, drilling, blasting, concreting, installation of machinery or other work considered to be construction by the minister;
(c) "demolition" means the tearing down, destruction, breakup, razing or removal of the whole or part of a building or structure, or of free-standing machinery or equipment that is directly related to the function of the structure;
(d) "falsework" means structural supports and the necessary bracing required for the support of temporary load during construction;
(e) "formwork" includes the foundation, supporting structure, and mould into which concrete may be placed;
(f) "tilt-up construction" means a system of building construction in which concrete wall panels are placed in position in the permanent structure and temporarily braced or supported; and
(g) "trench" means an excavation less than 3.7 metres wide at the bottom, more than 1.2 metres deep, and of any length.
Temporary floors
377. (1) During the erection of a building or structure of skeleton construction, a temporary floor, decking or formwork shall be installed at the main working level where work is being done.
(2) Where compliance with subsection (1) is not practicable, a temporary floor or other effective means of protection shall be installed not more than 2 levels or 8 metres below the main working level.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the initial connection of structural members where it is not practicable to provide a floor or decking.
(4) A safe means of access and egress to a main working level referred to in subsection (1) shall be provided.
(5) A stairway comprised, at a minimum, of framing, treads, midrail and a handrail shall be provided to each floor level before construction of the next floor or deck surface is undertaken, and the treads on the stairway shall not create a tripping or slipping hazard.
Protection from falling materials
378. (1) Where falling material could endanger workers
(a) the danger area shall be barricaded or effectively guarded to prevent entry by workers, and conspicuous warning signs shall be displayed on all sides and approaches;
(b) adequate protective canopies shall be installed over the danger area; or
(c) adequate catch platforms or nets shall be provided to prevent materials from falling into areas accessible to workers.
(2) Temporary washroom facilities, offices and similar structures on a construction site shall be
(a) located outside areas where there is the potential of being hit by falling materials; or
(b) covered by adequate protective canopies.
(3) Protective canopies shall be designed and constructed to safely support all loads that may reasonably be expected to apply to them.
379. (1) Chutes shall be provided where the free fall of materials or debris being removed exceeds 6 metres.
(2) Vertical chutes shall be completely enclosed and have gates at each point of entry.
(3) The discharge area of a chute shall be barricaded or effectively guarded to prevent workers being injured by falling or flying debris and conspicuous signs shall be posted near a chute outlet to warn of danger.
Chutes and hoists
380. The roof edge about a chute, bitumen spout and material hoist shall have guardrails meeting the requirements of sections 28 and 30 on each side of the work area.
Glass panels
381. A glass panel installed during construction shall be marked to clearly indicate its presence or effectively guarded at the time of installation.
Temporary support
382. During the erection or dismantling of a structure or equipment, the employer shall ensure that a partially assembled structure or component is to safely withstand loads likely to be imposed on it.
383. (1) A qualified supervisor shall supervise the erection and use of formwork and falsework.
(2) A worker shall be properly instructed on the hazards that he or she may be exposed to and on the precautions to be taken while around or on formwork or falsework.
Concrete placing hazards
384. (1) A protruding end of reinforcing steel that is hazardous to a worker shall be removed or effectively guarded.
(2) Where a worker is required to be underneath the formwork during a concrete pour or placement of another significant load, the worker shall be restricted from the areas where the loads are placed.
(3) A worker shall be restricted from the area under a portion of formwork where a load or concrete has been placed until it can be ensured that the formwork can withstand the load.
(4) Placement of concrete or other loads shall cease in the event of weakness, undue settlement or excess distortion of formwork and may only restart after the formwork has been repaired or strengthened as specified by a professional engineer.
A load shall not be applied to an uncured concrete structure except where permitted by the erection drawings and supplementary instructions.
385. Immediately before the placement of concrete or other loading, an employer shall ensure that the concrete formwork and falsework is inspected by a qualified person.
Pre-use inspections
386. (1) An operator shall inspect a concrete placing boom or mast and test its safety and control devices before use on each shift and record the results of the inspection and tests.