| Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
Licence Disclaimer |
| B.C. Reg. 296/97 W.C.B. |
Deposited September 8, 1997 effective April 15, 1998 |
| This archived regulation consolidation is current to May 8, 2010 and includes changes enacted and in force by that date. For the most current information, click here. |
[includes amendments up to B.C. Reg. 258/2008, September 1, 2009]
29.3The employer must
(a) provide written safe work procedures for workers who are exposed to hazards from aircraft operations,
(b) ensure that workers are provided with adequate pre-job instruction and that the instruction is documented, and
(c) ensure that workers can demonstrate the ability to safely perform their tasks as required.
29.5(1) The employer must ensure that effective communication between air and ground crews has been established before initiating airlift operations.
(2) If hand signals are used to communicate between air and ground crews
(a) only internationally recognized hand signals may be used,
(b) the designated signaller must be identified to the pilot in command by means of high visibility apparel and position, and
(c) all workers exposed to hazards from the airlifting operation must know and understand the hand signals.
29.9(1) The employer must ensure that airlifted loads are not flown over workers.
(2) Workers must remain clear and in recognized safe areas when there is a hazard from airlifted loads.
29.10The employer must ensure that effective traffic control measures are employed as required by Part 18 (Traffic Control) wherever airlifted loads will be flown over travelled roadways.
29.11The employer must ensure that helicopter rotorwash will not expose workers to undue risk.
29.12The employer must ensure that work areas are planned and maintained to avoid placing workers in hazardous proximity to unstable materials.
29.16(1) The owner, or the person engaged by the owner to be the prime contractor, must give notice to the Board at least 2 weeks before commencing any operation involving aerial transport of logs or other products made of wood.
(2) The notice must provide the
(a) name of the principal contractor and of the person responsible for the operation,
(b) location, scheduled start date and expected duration of the operation, and
(c) type of logging activity to be done.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 74.]
29.17The employer must assign a person on site the responsibility for supervising and coordinating airlift operations.
29.20(1) Log loading areas must be separate from drop zones.
(2) Before accessing loading and drop zone areas, workers must communicate their intentions to aircraft and equipment operators, and get an "all clear" signal to proceed from the operators.
29.23A flagperson who may be exposed to pesticide spray or drift must wear protective clothing covering the head, body, hands and feet, and a respirator appropriate for the pesticide being applied.
[en. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. H, s. 9.]
30.1This Part applies to rooms, buildings or areas in buildings equipped with apparatus, equipment, chemicals or test animals and used for research, quality control, performance of tests, experiments or measurements, photographic development, or the preparation of drugs or other products in the natural sciences.
30.2Operators of laboratory equipment must be adequately instructed and trained in the safe use of laboratory equipment and the precautions to be taken when the equipment is used.
[en. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 63.]
30.4(1) Laboratory water faucets with goosenecks must be protected by vacuum breaks meeting the requirements of ANSI Standard ANSI/ASSE 1001-1990, Pipe Applied Atmospheric Type Vacuum Breakers.
(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 64 (b).]
(3) The location of an in-line vacuum break must be clearly identified.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 64.]
30.5(1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. E, s. 30.]
(2) Suitable fire extinguishers of a size easily handled by laboratory workers must be immediately accessible wherever flammable materials are used or stored.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. E, s. 30.]
30.6(1) Laboratory equipment which presents a physical hazard to workers must be adequately guarded, shielded or isolated by location.
(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. D, s. 33.]
(3) Hazards of equipment use must be identified on the equipment.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. D, s. 33.]
30.7Laboratory equipment and instruments which may emit harmful quantities of a substance during their operation must be provided with an effective local exhaust ventilation system.
30.7.1In sections 30.8 to 30.11:
"laboratory fume hood" means an enclosed and mechanically ventilated workspace located in a laboratory, that is designed to
(a) draw air into the workspace and to prevent or minimize the escape of airborne contaminants out of the workspace, and
(b) allow a worker to conduct physical, chemical and biological manipulations inside the workspace;
"operational face opening" means an opening in a laboratory fume hood through which a worker may conduct work inside the hood;
"sash" means a vertical or horizontal panel on a laboratory fume hood that defines the operational face opening and provides a protective barrier between the worker conducting work inside the hood and the contents of the hood.
[en. B.C. Reg. 319/2007, App. B, s. 1.]
30.8(1) A laboratory fume hood and its related ductwork must be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practice, published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, as amended from time to time.
(2) A laboratory fume hood must
(a) be connected to a local exhaust ventilation system,
(b) provide average face velocities of 0.4 m/s (80 fpm) to 0.6 m/s (120 fpm) across the operational face opening,
(c) not have face velocities of less than 80% of the average face velocity required in paragraph (b) at any point across its operational face opening, and
(d) not have face velocities of more than 120% of the average face velocity required in paragraph (b) at any point across its operational face opening.
(2.1) A laboratory fume hood must have a sash that is positioned to protect the upper body and face of a worker working in the laboratory fume hood from accidental releases of the contents of the hood while allowing hand and arm access to equipment inside the hood.
(2.2) A laboratory fume hood with a movable sash must be clearly marked to identify the maximum size of the operational face opening that will maintain the average face velocities required in subsection (2) (b).
(2.3) The employer must ensure
(a) that before it is used, a commercially manufactured laboratory fume hood has been certified as being tested by the manufacturer, and
(b) following installation and before it is used, a custom built laboratory fume hood is tested on site by a qualified person.
(2.4) A laboratory fume hood tested under subsection (2.3) must demonstrate containment not greater than the control level of 0.05 ppm when tested under "as manufactured" test conditions in accordance with the methods described in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 110-1995, Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods.
(2.5) The installation of a laboratory fume hood must be certified by a professional engineer.
(3) A laboratory fume hood must be located to prevent cross drafts or other disruptive forces from lowering the air flow across the operational face opening to unacceptable levels.
(4) A laboratory fume hood and its ductwork must be constructed from materials compatible with its use.
(5) A laboratory fume hood that will be or is being used for working with
(a) radioactive material in amounts that exceed the exemption quantity specified by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, or
(b) perchloric acid
must be clearly labelled with applicable restrictions on its use.
(6) A laboratory fume hood must not be used for storage of chemicals unless it is used exclusively for this purpose and is labelled with this limitation.
(7) Controls for the operation of a laboratory fume hood and its service fixtures must be
(a) located on the outside of the laboratory fume hood, and
(b) immediately accessible to the worker conducting work in the laboratory fume hood.
(8) Despite subsection (7), water taps may be located inside a laboratory fume hood if the main shutoff valve for the water is located outside the laboratory fume hood.
(9) Equipment being used in a laboratory fume hood must
(a) be kept at least 15 cm (6 in.) from the operational face opening of the laboratory fume hood, and
(b) not adversely affect airflow into the laboratory fume hood.
(10) Written procedures must be developed and implemented to ensure safe use and operation of a laboratory fume hood.
[am. B.C. Regs. 315/2003, App. A, s. 15; 319/2007, App. B, s. 2.]
30.9(1) Face velocities over the operational face opening of a laboratory fume hood must be quantitatively measured and recorded.
(2) The ability of a laboratory fume hood to
(a) maintain an inward flow of air across the operational face opening, and
(b) contain contaminants
must be assessed and recorded using a smoke tube or other suitable qualitative method.
(3) The actions described in subsections (1) and (2) must be performed
(a) after the laboratory fume hood is installed and before it is used,
(b) at least once in each 12 month period after installation, and
(c) after any repair or maintenance that could affect the air flow of the hood.
(4) If a laboratory fume hood is found to be operating with an average face velocity of less than 90% of the average face velocity required in section 30.8 (2), the employer must immediately take corrective action to bring the average face velocity within the required range of velocities.
(5) Airflow in a laboratory fume hood must be monitored continuously if loss of airflow will result in risk to a worker.
(6) A laboratory fume hood that is being installed must have an alarm capable of indicating when the average face velocity falls below the minimum average face velocity level required in section 30.8 (2) when the hood is in use.
[en. B.C. Reg. 319/2007, App. B, s. 3.]
30.10(1) Laboratory fume hoods located in the same room or separate rooms may be connected to a common exhaust duct or manifold system if the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) the requirements of section 5.3.2 of ANSI/AIHA Standard Z9.5-2003, Laboratory Ventilation are met;
(b) controls to prevent backdrafts and pressure imbalances between rooms are installed;
(c) the ventilation design and installation of the common exhaust duct or manifold system is certified by a professional engineer.
(2) Despite subsection (1), laboratory fume hoods that are or will be used for working with
(a) radioactive materials in amounts that exceed the exemption quantity specified by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, or
(b) perchloric acid
must not be connected to a manifold system.
(3) Ducting used in the installation of a laboratory fume hood must be designed in accordance with established engineering principles.
[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2003, App. B, s. 65; 319/2007, App. B, s. 4.]
30.11Laboratory fume hood local exhaust ventilation systems must discharge to the atmosphere in such a manner that the discharged air will not be recirculated into the laboratory or other work areas.
[am. B.C. Reg. 319/2007, App. B, s. 5.]
30.12(1) The limitations of a biological safety cabinet must be clearly posted on the unit and followed by workers.
(2) Biological safety cabinets must be certified by a qualified person at least annually and before use after
(a) initial installation,
(b) change of the HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter,
(c) moving of the unit, and
(d) any repair or maintenance that could affect the seal of the HEPA filter.
(3) Certification procedures used for compliance with subsection (2) must meet the requirements of the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 49-2002, Class II (Laminar Flow) Biohazard Cabinetry, and a record of the results must be maintained.
(4) Recirculation of exhaust air into a workspace from a biological safety cabinet is not permitted where volatile toxic materials or flammable liquids or gases are used in the cabinet, or where volatile radioactive materials are used in amounts that exceed the exemption quantity specified by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
(5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 319/2007, App. B, s. 6 (c).]
(6) Biological safety cabinets used for handling a biological agent that is designated as a hazardous substance in section 5.1.1 must be operated and ventilated in accordance with the Laboratory Biosafety Manual issued by the World Health Organization, as amended from time to time, and the Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines issued by Health Canada, as amended from time to time.
[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2003, App. A, s. 4; 319/2007, App. B, s. 6.]
30.13(1) Centrifuge loads must be balanced by sample distribution.
(2) Aerosol-proof safety heads or cups or other equally effective means to prevent exposure of workers must be used where biohazardous aerosols may be generated, where carcinogens are present or where radioactive samples pose a hazard to workers.
(3) Unless exempted by CSA Standard C22.2 No. 151-M1986 Laboratory Equipment, or other standard acceptable to the Board, centrifuge doors must be interlocked to prevent workers accessing spinning rotors.
(4) The interlock required by subsection (3) must prevent the door from opening while the rotor is spinning or cause the rotor to brake if the door is opened, or another equally effective means must be used to prevent a worker from accessing the spinning rotor.
(5) Equipment purchased before April 15, 1998 is exempt from the application of subsection (3) until January 1, 2001.
(6) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 66.]
(7) Rotors must be stored in a manner which will prevent them from being damaged.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 66.]
30.14Written safe work procedures must be prepared for hazardous operations, including work methods involving hazardous chemicals, spill response, and handling of biohazardous materials, and workers must be adequately instructed in and follow the procedures.
30.15Only the minimum necessary amounts of combustible, flammable, corrosive, toxic, biohazardous or highly reactive substances may be kept in the working area of the laboratory.
30.16The transport of containers of flammable, corrosive, toxic, biohazardous or highly reactive substances through a laboratory must be done in a manner that will not pose a danger of damage to the containers.
30.17(1) Protective laboratory clothing used in laboratories where toxic, radioactive or biohazardous substances are handled must not be worn outside the work area and must not be stored in a manner or location whereby workers may be exposed to the hazardous substances.
(2) Smoking, eating or drinking is not permitted in any laboratory area.
(3) Food for consumption must not be kept in the laboratory, and laboratory glassware, vessels and containers must not be used to prepare or store food or beverages for consumption.
(4) Substances must not be pipetted by mouth.
(5) If hazardous chemicals or materials are handled, all affected workers must receive instruction and training in the proper handling and disposal of such materials.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 75.]
30.18(1) Accidental release or spills of chemicals or other hazardous substances must be controlled immediately, and cleaned up under the supervision of persons knowledgeable in the hazards involved and the precautions to be taken during the cleanup operations.
(2) Personal protective equipment required during emergency cleanup or escape must be kept immediately available.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 75.]
30.19(1) Laboratory waste must be disposed of in a manner which ensures that workers are protected from injury.
(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. E, s. 31 (b).]
(3) Before disposal, organic solvents and flammable wastes must be collected in separate, tightly covered containers or in an equally effective manner.
(4) Before disposal, water solutions containing azides must first be inactivated, and contact with heavy metals or other incompatible contaminants must be prevented.
(5) Biohazardous waste material must be collected in separate, tightly covered containers before disposal.
(6) Containers of segregated waste must be clearly identified as to their intended use.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. E, s. 31.]
Specific Substances and Procedures
30.20(1) Quantities of explosive and highly reactive material available at the workbench or in the work area must be restricted to amounts immediately required for the work day.
(2) Storage facilities for explosive and highly reactive materials must be located and designed so as to prevent risk to workers.
(3) Explosive and highly reactive materials must be stored in a manner free from shock, vibration or other conditions which may compromise the stability of the material.
(4) If due to the nature of the laboratory work, explosions or implosions may result, the laboratory apparatus or equipment involved in such work must be adequately shielded and the operators must be provided with and must wear suitable personal protective devices, and wherever practicable the work must be safely isolated from workers by distance.
30.21(1) Perchloric acid must be used in a fume hood designed exclusively for its use and posted with a notice which
(a) identifies the hood as being for perchloric acid use, and
(b) prohibits the use or storage of combustibles in the hood.
(2) Exhaust ducts must be as short as possible, routed directly outdoors with no interconnections to other exhaust ducts, and provided with washdown facilities.
(3) No more than 6.4 kg (14 lbs) of perchloric acid may be stored in a laboratory unless the laboratory facility consists of several smaller laboratories physically separated as fire compartments meeting the requirements of the BC Fire Code, in which case a maximum of 6.4 kg (14 lbs) of perchloric acid may be stored in each laboratory.
(4) Containers of perchloric acid must be stored in such a manner that, in the event of breakage, the spilled acid will not contact flammable materials, wood or similar combustible materials.
(5) Stored perchloric acid must be inspected at least monthly and if any discolouration is noted it must be disposed of immediately and in a safe manner.
(6) Anhydrous perchloric acid may only be used if freshly made, and any unused perchloric acid must be disposed of safely at the end of the experiment or procedure but must not be kept for more than one day.
(7) Direct flames, oil baths and electrical stirring equipment must not be used to heat perchloric acid.
(8) Rubber stoppers or equipment with rubber components must not be used with perchloric acid.
(9) Spilled perchloric acid must immediately be neutralized and cleaned up using safe procedures, and waste material from the cleanup must be kept moist, sealed in plastic bags, placed in a separate covered metal waste receptacle and disposed of as soon as possible.
30.22(1) Solid picric acid must be stored with at least 10% moisture content and regular inspections must be made to ensure that the minimum moisture content is maintained.
(2) Solutions of picric acid must not be allowed to accumulate and dry around cap threads.
(3) Materials suspected of being in an unacceptable condition must be safely handled and disposed of by workers instructed in the applicable hazards, precautions and safe disposal methods.
30.23(1) Peroxide-forming compounds must be inspected and tested for peroxides regularly after the container is first opened, and records of the tests must be maintained.
(2) Compounds contaminated with peroxide materials must be disposed of using safe work procedures or must be treated chemically to eliminate the peroxides.
30.24(1) Containers used for storage, transport and dispensing of cryogenic liquids must be designed for that purpose.
(2) Indoor dispensing stations and storage locations for cryogenic liquids must be adequately ventilated and monitored to prevent the development of harmful atmospheres.
(3) Dispensing stations and freezers with automatic filling cycles for cryogenic liquids must be posted with a sign identifying the materials, the hazards and the precautions required.
30.25(1) Safe means of handling needles and other sharp materials must be provided and used.
(2) Recapping of needles before disposal is not permitted unless the recapping device is specifically designed for single handed use, or is otherwise safe for use.
30.26(1) Adequate facilities must be readily available for personal decontamination of workers who come in contact with biohazardous materials.
(2) Work procedures which may generate aerosols containing biohazardous materials must be performed only under controlled conditions designed to minimize creation of the aerosols and prevent worker exposure to them.
(3) For Risk Group 2 micro-organisms, sealed centrifuge safety heads, rotors or trunnion cups must be opened within a fume hood or biological safety cabinet unless there is a means of visually determining, by use of clear safety caps or other effective means, that no breakage or leaking has occurred.
(4) For Risk Group 3 micro-organisms, sealed centrifuge safety heads, rotors or trunnion cups must be loaded and unloaded within a biological safety cabinet.
(5) Work involving Risk Group 4 micro-organisms must be done as required by Health Canada Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines - 2nd edition (1996).
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5.]
30.27(1) Animal quarters and handling areas must be maintained in a clean, hygienic state.
(2) Work procedures and handling methods must be designed to control the spread of aerosols.
(3) Animal health must be monitored by qualified personnel and quarantine measures must be taken as required for infected animals.
(4) Appropriate handling and restraint equipment must be available to workers, and workers must use this equipment, as required, to prevent injury due to bites or other accidents.
(5) Workers must be instructed and trained in effective animal handling techniques.
30.29(1) Electrophoresis apparatus must be designed and maintained so that any hazardous electrical current is shut off when the cover is opened.
(2) Equipment must display a label warning workers of the electrical hazard, and all high voltage components must be guarded to prevent worker contact.
31.1In this Part:
"emergency incident" means a specific emergency operation of a fire department or industrial fire brigade;
"fire chief" means the highest ranking person in charge of a fire department or industrial fire brigade;
"fire department" means a fire brigade operated as a public service by an employer specified in clause (c) of the definition of "worker" in section 1 of the Workers Compensation Act;
"firefighter" means any worker employed in firefighting, fire inspection, fire investigation, the maintenance of firefighting equipment, the training for and direction of those activities, or other similar duties;
"firefighting vehicle" means an emergency vehicle used for firefighting;
"incident commander" means the firefighter in overall command of an emergency incident;
"industrial fire brigade" means an organization established by an employer to protect the employer's premises where the nature of the business creates specific hazards for which specialized training and equipment is required;
"structure" means a building, vehicle, vessel or similar enclosed location.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 76.]
31.2This Part applies to employers and to workers who are employed in firefighting activities on a full or part time basis, including volunteer firefighting in municipal service and industrial fire brigades under Part 1 of the Workers Compensation Act, but does not apply to forest fire fighting.
31.3(1) If an employer is required under Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act to establish a joint committee or worker health and safety representative, then a fire department or industrial fire brigade operated by the employer must have a separate joint committee or a worker health and safety representative, as applicable.
(2) Subsection (1) does not affect any obligation to have a workplace health and safety program for the whole of the employer's operations.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 77.]
31.4The employer must ensure the adequate instruction and direction of firefighters in the safe performance of their duties.
31.5(1) Written procedures must be established and followed by a fire department or industrial fire brigade to
(a) manage and track firefighters at an emergency incident,
(b) manage exposure to bloodborne pathogens,
(c) manage stress arising from an emergency incident that is likely to cause adverse health effects to firefighters,
(d) provide for effective traffic control at emergency incidents, and
(e) operate firefighting vehicles during emergency and non-emergency travel.
(2) Written procedures must be established and followed by a fire department or industrial fire brigade for the following situations, where applicable:
(a) fires in buildings 7 storeys or over;
(b) firefighting over water and underground;
(c) fires and other emergency incidents involving hazardous substances;
(d) rescue from high angles, confined spaces, trenches, excavations and water;
(e) disaster planning and response;
(f) electrical emergencies.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 78.]
31.6The emergency incident commander must make suitable provision for rest and rehabilitation for firefighters at an incident.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 79.]
31.7If, in the course of an emergency incident, a firefighter suffers serious injury or death, or is involved in an accident involving a risk of serious injury or death, the senior firefighter present must immediately impound the protective and other equipment used by the firefighter and keep the equipment out of service until released by the Board.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 79.]
31.8The employer must, without delay, notify the Board of any structural failure or manufacturing defects detected in a firefighting vehicle, apparatus, or other emergency equipment referred to in this Part.
31.9The employer must keep the test and inspection records required by this part available at the workplace for inspection by an officer or the joint committee or worker health and safety representative, as applicable.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 80.]
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
31.10Firefighters must wear personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the hazards to which they may be exposed.
31.11(1) The employer must have written procedures for the inspection of protective clothing and equipment at regular intervals.
(2) Procedures for cleaning and drying protective clothing must be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(3) Defective items of protective clothing or equipment must be repaired or replaced.
31.12Firefighters must ensure that the personal protective clothing and equipment used by them is maintained in good condition.
31.13(1) Safety headgear must be worn by firefighters required to approach the seat of a fire or enter a structure or other hazardous area during an incident.
(2) Safety headgear must meet the requirements of NFPA 1972, Helmets for Structural Firefighting: Structural Fire Fighters Helmets, 1992 Edition.
(3) Headgear meeting the requirements for safety headgear in Part 8 (Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment) may be used by firefighters
(a) while determining the cause of fires, or carrying out duties associated with preventing fires, or
(b) at the discretion of the incident commander, while fighting a fire in vegetation that is not within a structure.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5.]
31.14Firefighters required to approach the seat of a fire or enter a structure or other hazardous area during an incident must wear protective coats, pants and hoods meeting the requirements of
(a) NFPA 1971, Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting, 1991 Edition, or
(b) CGSB Standard CAN/CGSB-155.1-M88, Firefighters' Protective Clothing for Protection Against Heat and Flame.
(c) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, s. 26 (c).]
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, s. 26.]
31.15Firefighters required to approach the seat of a fire or enter a structure or other hazardous area during an emergency incident must not wear shirts, trousers, jackets or coveralls that have poor thermal stability or that ignite easily.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 79.]
31.16Firefighters required to approach the seat of a fire or enter a structure or other hazardous area during an emergency incident must wear gloves meeting the requirements of NFPA 1973, Gloves for Structural Fire Fighting, 1988 Edition.
[am. B.C. Regs. 185/99, s. 79; 312/2003, App. A, s. 5.]
31.17(1) A firefighter working on an aerial ladder must wear a safety belt and lanyard meeting the requirements of CSA Standard Z259.1-95, Safety Belts and Lanyards, and the securing lanyard must limit a fall to no more than 30 cm (12 in).
(2) A firefighter located on an aerial platform must wear a full body harness and lanyard meeting the requirements of Part 11 (Fall Protection).
(3) Rescue ropes, rappelling lines and safety belts and harnesses including safety hooks, rope grabs, lowering devices, and related equipment must meet the requirements of NFPA 1983, Fire Service Life Safety Rope, Harness and Hardware, 1990 Edition.
(4) The incident commander may depart from the requirements of Part 11 (Fall Protection) to use a fall protection system if, in the incident commander's opinion, such compliance is not practicable or may create a greater hazard, but subsections (1) to (3) of this section must be complied with.
[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2003, App. A, s. 4; 312/2003, App. A, ss. 4 and 5.]
31.18(1) A firefighter must be provided with and use a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) when involved in duties which require a self-contained breathing apparatus to be worn.
(2) A PASS device must meet the requirements of NFPA 1982, Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) for Fire Fighters, 1993 Edition.
(3) A PASS device must be tested at least weekly and prior to use.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 67.]
31.19Firefighters who may be exposed to an oxygen deficient atmosphere or to harmful concentrations of air contaminants must wear a self-contained breathing apparatus of a positive pressure type having a rated minimum duration of 30 minutes.
31.20A physician's certificate of fitness to use self-contained breathing apparatus must be provided to the employer by a firefighter who
(a) experiences breathing difficulty while using the apparatus, or
(b) is known to have heart disease, impaired pulmonary function, or any other condition that might make it dangerous for the firefighter to use self-contained breathing apparatus.
31.21Respirators must be used in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators, Clause 9.1.
[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5; 20/2006, s. 8.]
31.22(1) Firefighters who use a self-contained breathing apparatus must be clean shaven to ensure that the mask forms a positive seal against the face.
(2) Fit tests must be performed in accordance with procedures in CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators.
(2.1) A fit test must be carried out
(a) before initial use of a respirator,
(b) at least once a year,
(c) whenever there is a change in respirator facepiece, including the brand, model, and size, and
(d) whenever changes to the user's physical condition could affect the respirator fit.
(3) Personal protective equipment that is worn with self-contained breathing apparatus and might interfere with a proper fit must be worn during the fit test.
(4) Only corrective eyewear designed for use with self-contained breathing apparatus may be worn.
[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5; 20/2006, s. 9.]
31.23(1) When self-contained breathing apparatus must be used to enter a building, or similar enclosed location, the entry must be made by a team of at least 2 firefighters.
(2) Effective voice communication must be maintained between firefighters inside and outside the enclosed location.
(3) During the initial attack stages of an incident at least one firefighter must remain outside.
(4) A suitably equipped rescue team of at least 2 firefighters must be established on the scene before sending in a second entry team and not more than 10 minutes after the initial attack.
(5) The rescue team required by subsection (4) must not engage in any duties that limit their ability to make a prompt response to rescue an endangered firefighter while interior structural firefighting is being conducted.
31.24(1) The employer must ensure that air used for breathing purposes meets the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z180.1-00, Compressed Breathing Air and Systems.
(2) The air must be tested at least once annually in a manner acceptable to the Board.
[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5; 20/2006, s. 10.]
31.25(1) When self-contained breathing apparatus are used, the employer must ensure there are at least 4 apparatus available.
(2) At least one spare compressed air cylinder, having a rated minimum duration of 30 minutes, must be maintained at full rated capacity and available for each self-contained breathing apparatus.
31.26(1) Self-contained breathing apparatus, including regulators, must be serviced and repaired by qualified persons.
(2) Inspection of compressed air cylinders must be done in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators.
(3) Compressed air cylinders must be hydrostatically tested in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-B339-96, Cylinders, Spheres, and Tubes for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods.
(4) Complete maintenance and repair records for each self-contained breathing apparatus and all air cylinders must be kept in accordance with the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators (section 10.3.3.2.2-b to f, inclusive).
[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2003, App. B, s. 68; 20/2006, s. 11.]
31.27(1) Firefighters being transported by firefighting vehicles must ride in properly secured seats equipped with seat belts and providing not less than 41 cm (16 in) seating width for each occupant.
(2) The seats of all new firefighting vehicles ordered after April 15, 1998 must be equipped with headrests or other effective whiplash protection.
31.28Crew cabs on firefighting vehicles must have an effective means of voice communication between the driver and passengers.
31.29(1) Enclosed crew cabs on firefighting vehicles must be equipped with interior lights, and adequately ventilated.
(2) New firefighting vehicles ordered after April 15, 1998 must have fully enclosed crew cabs meeting the requirements of NFPA 1901, Automotive Fire Apparatus, 1991 Edition.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5.]
31.31A firefighting vehicle must not be moved if the vision of the driver is obscured, except on a signal from a designated person, who must ensure that the vehicle can be moved safely.
31.32Unless air monitoring shows that levels of vehicle exhaust gas components are below the exposure limits established under section 5.48, effective local venting for the exhaust gases must be provided in vehicle areas in firehalls.
[am. B.C. Reg. 315/2003, App. A, s. 16.]
Aerial Devices and Ground Ladders
31.33An aerial device used for firefighting must meet the requirements of NFPA 1904, Aerial Ladder and Elevating Platform Fire Apparatus, 1991 Edition.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5.]
31.34(1) A fire department aerial device must be inspected and tested in accordance with good engineering practice at intervals not exceeding 12 months, and certified as safe for use by a professional engineer or the equipment manufacturer.
(2) The inspection and testing of a fire department aerial device must be done in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 1914, Testing Fire Department Aerial Devices, 1991 Edition.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5.]
31.35The turntable on an aerial device must be fitted with a positive locking device to hold it in any desired position.
31.36During the operation of an aerial device an operator must be present at the lower controls in sight of and in voice contact with any firefighters upon the device.
31.37(1) A ground ladder used by firefighters must meet the requirements of NFPA 1931, Design of and Design Verification Tests for Fire Department Ground Ladders, 1989 Edition.
(2) A ground ladder must be used, tested and maintained in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 1932, Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders, 1989 Edition.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, s. 5.]
31.38Battery operated flashlights and hand lanterns that are CSA approved for hazardous locations classified under the CSA Standard C22.1-94, Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, as Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, and C must be provided as follows:
(a) one flashlight for each firefighter;
(b) at least 4 hand lanterns for each firefighting vehicle.
31.39Plaster hooks and pike poles must be fitted with electrically non-conductive shafts.
Part 32 — Evacuation and Rescue
32.2(1) Workers designated to provide rescue or evacuation services must be adequately trained.
(2) The training program must include simulated rescue or evacuation exercises and regular retraining, appropriate to the type of rescue or evacuation being provided, and training records must be kept.
32.3(1) Workers performing rescue or evacuation must wear personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the hazards likely to be encountered.
(2) Harnesses must meet the requirements of the applicable standards or code issued by the International Union of Alpinist Associations, National Fire Protection Association or Canadian Standards Association.
(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 69 (b).]
(4) When a platform suspended from a crane or hoist or attached to a crane boom is used for rescue, an injured worker on the platform is not required to use a personal fall protection system, if
(a) the worker is belted to a stretcher and the stretcher is securely fastened to the platform floor, and
(b) the platform has a safety strap that will prevent the platform from falling more than 15 cm (6 in) if the platform becomes dislodged from the hook.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 69.]
32.4(1) Ropes and associated rigging equipment used only for rescue or evacuation or training in such procedures must
(a) be of low stretch (static) kernmantle construction or equivalent,
(b) when new, have a minimum safety factor of 10 to 1, based upon a one-person load of 140 kilograms (300 pounds), and
(c) be replaced at intervals stated by the manufacturer, but not exceeding 5 years.
(2) A worker suspended on a rope for rescue purposes other than from a helicopter must, where practicable, be secured to an independent lifeline or belay line.
32.5(1) Ropes and associated equipment must be inspected visually and physically by qualified workers after each use for rescue, evacuation or training purposes.
(2) Equipment must not be used after it
(a) has been overstressed,
(b) has been subject to temperatures above 150°C (300°F), or
(c) shows significant damage due to contact with chemicals or due to any other cause.
32.6(1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 70 (b).]
(2) Maintenance records must be kept, including but not limited to
(a) the name of manufacturer,
(b) the type of equipment,
(c) the date put into service,
(d) when and for what purpose the equipment has been used,
(e) the date of the last inspection and name of the inspecting person,
(f) any damage suffered, and
(g) the date and nature of any maintenance.
(3) Maintenance records must be available upon request to any worker concerned with the safe operation of the equipment or to an officer.
[am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, s. 70.]
32.7At least one member of a rescue team must be a first aid attendant trained to immobilize an injured worker.
[en. B.C. Reg. 348/2003, s. 11.]
32.8Effective communications must be maintained between the workers engaged in rescue or evacuation and support persons.
32.9If workers are required to work in places from which they could fall and drown, and are not protected by guardrails or other means of fall protection permitted by this Regulation, the employer must provide
(a) a suitable rescue boat, equipped with a boat hook, available at the site and capable of being used for rescue at all times,
(b) a buoyant apparatus attached to a nylon rope not less than 9 mm (3/8 in) in diameter, and not less than 15 m (50 ft) in length, and
(c) a sufficient number of workers who are available when work is underway to implement rescue procedures and who are properly equipped and instructed in those procedures.
Contents | Parts 1-3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Parts 10-11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Parts 17-18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Parts 25-26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Parts 29-33 | Schedules
Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada