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(Consolidated up to 150/2020)
ALBERTA REGULATION 87/2009
Occupational Health and Safety Act
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
Table of Contents
Core Requirements Applicable
to All Industries
TUPart 1
Definitions and General Application
1 Definitions
1.1 Farming and ranching operations
1.2 Domestic workers
2 Repealed
2.1 Repealed
2.2 Designated person to prepare plan
3 Adoption of standards
3.1 Previous editions of referenced standards
4, 5 Repealed
6 Coming into force
TUPart 2UT
Hazard Assessment, Elimination and
ControlUT
7 Hazard assessment
8 Worker participation
9 Hazard elimination and control
10 Emergency control of hazard
11 Repealed
Part 3
Specifications and Certifications
12 Following specifications
12.1 Following specifications on a farm or ranch
13 Manufacturer’s and professional engineer’s specifications
14 Certification by a professional engineer
15 Approved equipment
Requirements Applicable to All Industries
Part 4U
Chemical Hazards, Biological
Hazards
and Harmful Substances
16 Worker exposure to harmful substances
17 Exposure to multiple substances
18 Exposure during shifts longer than 8 hours
19 Review of exposure limits
20 Airborne concentration measurements
21 Potential worker exposure
22 Worker overexposure
23 Worker decontamination
24 Emergency baths, showers, eye wash equipment
25 Prohibited activities
26 Codes of practice
27 Storage of harmful substances
28 General provisions for asbestos, silica, coal dust and lead
29 Restricted area
30 Protective
clothing used in restricted areas containing
asbestos or lead
31 Release of asbestos
32 Prohibitions related to asbestos
33 Asbestos in air distribution systems
34 Asbestos in a building to be demolished
35 Encapsulation, enclosure or removal of asbestos
36 Notification of a project
37 Asbestos worker course
38 Containment and labelling of asbestos waste
39 Use of crystalline silica in abrasive blasting
40 Health
assessments for workers exposed to asbestos,
silica or coal dust
41 Lead exposure control plan
42 Lead — air monitoring
43 Medical monitoring for lead
43.1 Controlling mould exposure
Part 5
Confined Spaces
44 Code of practice
45 Hazard assessment
46 Training
47 Entry permit system
48 Safety and protection — generally
49 Protection — hazardous substances and energy
50 Unauthorized entry
51 Traffic hazards
52 Testing the atmosphere
53 Ventilation and purging
54 Inerting
55 Emergency response
56 Tending worker
57 Entry and exit
58 Retaining records
Part 6
Cranes, Hoists and Lifting Devices
General Requirements
59 Application
60 Not commercially manufactured
61 Identification of components
62 Rated load capacity
63 Load charts
64 Operator requirements
65 Log books
66 Preventing an unsafe lift
67 Preventing collisions
68 Load weight
68.1 Lift calculation
69 Loads over work areas
70 Tag and hoisting lines
71 Hand signals
72 Controls
73 Repairs and modifications
74 Containers for hoisting
75 A‑Frames and gin poles
75.1 Suspended personnel baskets
Cantilever Hoists
76 Installation and use
Chimney Hoists
77 Equipment requirements
78 Operator responsibilities
79 Worker in lifting device
Hand‑Operated Hoists
80 Holding suspended load
Material Hoists
81 Safety code for material hoists
82 Rider restriction
83 Gate interlocks
84 Operator responsibilities
85 Signal systems
86 Hoist brakes
87 Location protected
Mobile Cranes and Boom Trucks
88 Safety code for mobile cranes
88.1 Personnel baskets
89 Non‑destructive testing
90 Counterweights and outriggers
91 Warning device
92 Preventing damage
92.1 Load blocks
92.2 Outriggers
Overhead Cranes
93 Electrical components and functions
94 Maintenance and inspection
95 Safe movement
95.1 Controls
Personnel Hoists
96 Safety code for personnel hoists
Roofer’s Hoists
97 Safe use and design
Tower and Building Shaft Hoists
98 Protective enclosure
99 Design
Tower Cranes
100 Safety code for tower cranes
101 Limit devices
102 Operation
103 Changing components
104 Test weights
105 Structural testing and examination
106 Wind and temperature limitations
107 Multiple cranes
Underground Shaft Hoists
108 Safety requirements
109 Operator responsibilities
110 Hoist cage
111 Unguided suspended cage
Vehicle Hoists
112 Safety standards
113 Safe use
Winching Operations
114 Safe practices
Part 7
Emergency Preparedness and Response
115 Emergency response plan
116 Contents of plan
117 Rescue and evacuation workers
118 Equipment
Part 8
Entrances, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders
Entrances, Walkways, Stairways
119 Safe entry and exit
120 Doors
121 Walkways, runways and ramps
122 Stairways
123 Handrails on stairways
Ladders — General
124 Restriction on use
125 Prohibition on single rail
126 Prohibition on painting
127 Use near energized electrical equipment
128 Ladders on extending booms
Crawl Board or Roof Ladder
129 Safe use
Fixed Ladders
130 Design criteria
131 Fixed ladders in manholes
132 Rest platform exemption
Portable Ladders
133 Prohibition
134 Constructed portable ladder
135 Manufactured portable ladder
136 Securing and positioning
137 Fall protection
Part 9
Fall Protection
138 Rescue personnel exemption
139 General protection
140 Fall protection plan
141 Instruction of workers
142 Full body harness
142.1 Body belt
142.2 Lanyard
142.3 Shock absorber
143 Connectors, carabiners and snap hooks
144 Fall arresters
145 Self‑retracting device
146 Descent control device
147 Life safety rope
148 Adjustable lanyard for work positioning
148.1 Rope adjustment device for work positioning
149 Wood pole climbing
150 Equipment compatibility
150.1 Inspection and maintenance
150.2 Removal from service
150.3 Prusik and similar knots
151 Clearance, maximum arresting force and swing
Anchors
152 Anchor strength — permanent
152.1 Anchor strength — temporary
152.2 Duty to use anchors
152.3 Independence of anchors
152.4 Wire rope sling as anchor
153 Flexible and rigid horizontal lifeline systems
153.1 Installation of horizontal lifeline systems
154 Fixed ladders and climbable structures
155 Fall protection on vehicles and loads
156 Boom‑supported work platforms and aerial devices
157 Water danger
158 Leading edge fall protection system
159 Procedures in place of fall protection equipment
160 Work positioning
161 Control zones
Part 10
Fire and Explosion Hazards
161.1 Flammable or explosive atmospheres a hazard
General Protection and Prevention
162 Prohibitions
162.1 Classification of work sites
163 Procedures and precautions
164 Contaminated clothing and skin
165 Protective
procedures and precautions
in hazardous locations
166 Internal combustion engines
167 Flare stacks, flare pits and flares
168 Industrial furnaces and fired heaters
169 Hot work
170 Hot taps
170.1 Spray operations
171 Compressed and liquefied gas
171.1 Welding — general
171.2 Gas welding or allied process
Welding Services From Vehicles
172 Storage compartments
173 Horizontal cylinder storage
174 Handling cylinders
Isolating Pipes and Pipelines
175 Isolating methods
176 Pigging
Part 11
First Aid
177 Training standards
178 Providing services, supplies, equipment
179 Location of first aid
180 Emergency transportation
181 First aid providers
182 Duty to report injury or illness
183 Record of injury or illness
184 First aid records access
Part 12
General Safety Precautions
185 Housekeeping
186 Lighting
187 Pallets and storage racks
187.1 Placement of roofing materials
188 Restraining hoses and piping
189 Securing equipment and materials
190 Skeleton structures
191 Signallers
192 Stabilizing masonry walls
193 Tire servicing
194 Vehicle traffic control
195 Working on ice
Part 13
Joint Work Site Health and Safety
Committees and Health and
Safety Representatives
196 Application of this Part
197 Terms of reference
198 Additional
duties of a joint work site
health and safety committee
199 Disclosure of personal information
200 Duties of employers, contractors and prime contractors
201 Training standards
202 Inspection of work site with officer
203 ‑ 207 Repealed
Part 14
Lifting and Handling Loads
208 Equipment
209 Adapting heavy or awkward loads
209.1 Work site design — health care facilities
209.2 Patient/client/resident handling
210 Assessing manual handling hazards
211 Musculoskeletal injuries
211.1 Training to prevent musculoskeletal injury
Part 15
Managing the Control
of Hazardous Energy
212 Isolation
213 Verifying isolation
Securing Isolation
214 Securing by individual workers
215 Securing by a group
215.1 Securing by complex group control
215.2 Securing remotely controlled systems
215.3 Returning to operation
Piping and Pigging
215.4 Isolating piping
215.5 Pigging and testing of pipelines
Part 16
Noise Exposure
216 Duty to reduce
217 Noise control design
218 Worker exposure to noise
219 Noise exposure assessment
220 Results recorded
221 Noise management program
222 Hearing protection
223 Audiometric testing
224 Credit of time
Part 17
Overhead Power Lines
225 Safe limit of approach distances
226 Transported loads, equipment and buildings
227 Utility worker and tree trimmer exemption
Part 18
Personal Protective Equipment
228 Duty to use personal protective equipment
Eye Protection
229 Compliance with standards
230 Contact lenses
231 Electric arc welding
Flame Resistant Clothing
232 Use of flame resistant clothing
Foot Protection
233 Footwear
Head Protection
234 Industrial headwear
235 Bicycles and skates
236 All‑terrain vehicles, snow vehicles, motorcycles
237 Fire fighters
238 Bump hat
239 Exemption from wearing headwear
Life Jackets and
Personal
Flotation Devices
240 Compliance with standards
241 Use of jackets and flotation devices
Limb and Body Protection
242 Limb and body protection
243 Skin protection
Respiratory Protective Equipment
244 Respiratory dangers
245 Code of practice
246 Approval of equipment
246.1 Alternative equipment
247 Selection of equipment
248 Storage and use
249 Quality of breathing air
250 Effective facial seal
251 Equipment for immediate danger
252 Equipment — no immediate danger
253 Air purifying equipment
254 Emergency escape equipment
255 Abrasive blasting operations
Part 19
Powered Mobile Equipment
256 Operator responsibilities
257 Visual inspection
257.1 Visual inspection on a farm or ranch
258 Dangerous movement
259 Pedestrian traffic
260 Inspection and maintenance
261 Maintenance on elevated parts
262 Starting engines
263 Unattended equipment
264 Lights
265 Windows and windshields
266 Other safety equipment
267 Warning signal
268 Bulkheads
269 Guards and screens
270 Rollover protective structures
270.1 Rollover protective structures on farm or ranch
271 Equipment with rollover protection
272 Falling objects protective structures
273 Recertification after modification
274 Fuel tank in cab
275 Worker transportation
276 Riding on loads
276.1 Transportation on mobile equipment on a farm or ranch
277 Hazardous loads
278 Tank trucks
279 Refuelling
All‑Terrain Vehicles and Snow Vehicles
280 Three‑wheeled all‑terrain cycles
281 Operator’s manual
282 Load and slope limitations
Forklift Trucks
283 Load chart
284 Seat belt
Pile Driving Equipment and Practices
285 Chocking
286 Pile hoisting
287 Restraining hoses and connections
288 Brake bands and clutches
289 Timber piles
290 Crane boom inspection
Personal Vehicle for Work Purposes
290.1 Licensing and mechanical inspection
Concrete Pump Trucks
290.2 Safety requirements
Part 20
Radiation Exposure
291 Prevention and protection
Part 21
Rigging
292 Breaking strength
292.1 Safety factors
293 Load ratings
294 Inspection
295 Prohibition
296 Rigging protection
297 Standards
298 Slings
299 Rope wound on drum
300 Cable clips
301 Ferrules
302 Matching components
303 Safety latches
304 Makeshift rigging and welding
Rejection Criteria
305 Synthetic fibre slings
306 Wire rope
307 Metal mesh slings
308 Electric arc damage
309 Damaged hooks
Part 22
Safeguards
310 Safeguards
311 Tampering with safeguards
312 No safeguards
313 Building shafts
314 Covering openings
315 Guardrails
316 Hoppers, bins and chutes
317 Machine failure
318 Protection from falling objects
319 Push stick or block
320 Safety nets
321 Toe boards
322 Wire mesh
Part 23
Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms
Scaffolds
323 CSA Standard applies
324 Design
325 Load
326 Tagging requirements
327 Vertical ladder on scaffold
328 Working from a ladder
329 Scaffold planks
330 Scaffold platform
331 Metal scaffolding
332 Bracket scaffolds
333 Double‑pole scaffolds
334 Free‑standing or rolling scaffolds
335 Half‑horse scaffolds
336 Ladderjack scaffolds
337 Needle‑beam scaffolds
338 Outrigger scaffolds
339 Roofing brackets
340 Single‑pole scaffolds
341 Suspended scaffolds
342 Swingstage scaffolds
343 Requirements for swingstage scaffold
344 Safety on swingstage scaffolds
345 Workers on swingstage scaffolds
Elevating Platforms
and
Aerial Devices
346 Worker safety
347 Standards
348 Permanent suspension powered work platforms
349 Fork‑mounted work platforms
350 Suspended man baskets
351 Boatswain’s chairs
352 Temporary supporting structures
353 Fly form deck panels
Part 24
Toilets and Washing Facilities
354 Restrictions by employer
355 Drinking fluids
356 Exception
357 Toilet facilities
358 Water and drainage
359 Hand cleaning facilities
360 Supplies and waste receptacle
361 Condition of facilities
Part 25
Tools, Equipment and Machinery
362 Contact by clothing, etc.
363 Machines close together
364 Moving workers
364.1 Moving workers on a farm or ranch
365 Starting machinery
366 Preventing machine activation
367 Operator responsibilities
368 Controls
369 Immobilizing machinery
370 Drive belts
371 Continuous‑feed machinery
372 Elevated conveyor belts
373 Crossing conveyor belts
374 Actuated fastening tools
375 Grinders
376 Chainsaws
377 Circular saw blades
378 Band saw blades
379 Band saw wheels
380 Power‑fed circular saws
381 Cut‑off saws
382 Sawmill head rig
383 Sawmill log carriage
384 Robots
385 Teaching a robot
Part 26
Ventilation Systems
386 Application
387 Design
388 Safety
Part 27
Violence and Harassment
389 Hazard assessment
390 Violence prevention plan
390.1 Violence prevention policy
390.2 Violence prevention procedures
390.3 Domestic violence
390.4 Harassment prevention plan
390.5 Harassment prevention policy
390.6 Harassment prevention procedures
390.7 Review of plans
391 Training of workers
391.1 Investigation and reporting of incidents
391.2 Treatment or referral
392 Entitlement to pay
392.1 Retail fuel and convenience store worker safety application
392.2 Additional requirements for violence prevention plan
392.3 Additional training required
392.4 Review of violence prevention plan and worker training
392.5 Personal emergency transmitter
392.6 Mandatory fuel prepayment
Part 28
Working Alone
393 Application
394 Precautions required
Part 29
Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS)
394.1 Definitions
395 Application
396 Hazardous waste
397 Training
398 Label required
399 Production or manufacture
400 Decanted products
401 Placards
402 Transfer of hazardous products
403 Laboratory samples
404 Safety data sheet — supplier
405 Safety data sheet — employer
406 Information current
407 Availability of safety data sheet
408 Claim for disclosure exemption
409 Interim non‑disclosure
410 Exemption from disclosure
411 Duty to disclose information
412 Information — confidential
413 Information to medical professional
414 Limits on disclosure
Requirements Applicable to Specific
Industries and Activities
Part 30
Demolition
415 Worker in charge
416 Location of equipment
417 Hazardous substances
418 Use of explosives
419 Disconnecting services
420 Materials chute
421 Dismantling buildings
422 Building shaft demolitions
Part 31
Diving Operations
423 Application
424 Employer responsibilities
425 ‑ 436 Repealed
437 Intakes, pipes and tunnels
438 ‑ 440 Repealed
Part 32
Excavating and Tunnelling
441 Disturbing the ground
442 Classification of soil type
443 Soil stabilization
444 Marking an excavation
445 Water hazard
446 Worker access
447 Locating buried or concrete‑embedded facilities
448 Exposing buried facilities
449 Exemption
450 Methods of protection
451 Cutting back walls
452 Loose materials
453 Spoil piles
454 Power pole support
455 Safe entry and exit
456 Temporary protective structures
457 Alternatives to temporary protective structures
458 Installation of shoring, stringers or bracing
459 Access for powered mobile equipment
460 Dumping block
461 Underground shafts
462 Drilled or bored underground shaft
463 Prohibition
464 Tunnel
Part 33
Explosives
465 Application
466 Burning material
467 Safe work procedures
468 Blasters
469 Reporting incidents involving explosives
Handling Explosives
470 Canadian guidelines
471 Intermittent storage
472 Light sources in magazines
473 Transporting explosives
474 Oldest used first
475 Deteriorated or damaged explosive
476 Unused explosives
477 Appropriate quantities
478 Cutting or piercing
479 Cartridge explosives
480 Tools
481 Priming
482 Length of safety fuse assemblies
483 Detonators
484 Storms
Drilling
485 Drilling location
486 Bootleg
487 Size of drill hole
488 Prohibition
Loading
489 Unwinding detonator leg wires
490 Static electricity
491 Tamping explosives
492 Sequential firing
493 Detonation within 30 days
494 Detonator leg wires
495 Testing detonators and circuits
496 Damaged leads and wires
497 Connecting down lines to trunk cords
Firing
498 Community protection
499 Safe distance
500 Stray electric currents
501 Overhead power line
502 Above‑ground charge
503 Radiofrequency transmitters
504 Length of fuse assembly
505 Blasting machine
506 Shunting the firing line
507 Loaded hole
Destroying Explosives
508 Standards
509 Misfire waiting period
510 Withdrawing a misfire
511 Destroying a misfire
512 Abandoned charge
513 Removal of waste
514 Loss or theft
Specific Blasting Activities
515 Avalanche control
516 Oil well blasting
517 Seismic blasting and drilling
Part 34
Forestry
518 Felling and bucking
519 Hand felling
520 Mechanized feller or limber
521 Operator protective structures
522 Road warnings
523 Partially cut trees
524 Logging trucks
525 Traffic safety
Part 35
Health Care and Industries with
Biological Hazards
525.1 Exposure control
525.2 Medical sharps
526 Sharps containers
527 Recapping needles
527.1 Recapping needles at a farm or ranch
528 Policies and procedures
529 Limited exposure
530 Post‑exposure management
Part 36
Mining
Division 1
General
531 Application
532 Building safety
533 Mine plans
534 Record retention
535 Excavation
536 Open stockpiles
537 Dust from drills
538 Light metal alloys
539 Surface haul roads
540 Discard from mines
541 Mine walls
542 Dumping block
543 Environmental monitoring of hazardous gases
544 Reporting dangerous occurrences
Fire Prevention and Emergency Response
545 Emergency response station
546 Emergency response team
547 Fire fighting training
548 Fire precautions
549 Fireproofing of roadways
550 Conveyor clearance
551 Fire detection systems
552 Emergency warning system
553 Evacuation
554 Fire fighting equipment
555 Fire extinguishers
556 Location of equipment
557 Water supply
558 Water control valves
559 Refuge stations
Electrical Systems
560 Electrical standards
561 Notice to Director
562 Electrical installations
563 Surface facilities
564 Underground coal mine
565 Equipment supply systems
566 Batteries
567 Overhead power lines
568 Ground fault protection
569 Switchgear
570 Grounding
571 Electric welding
572 Hand held electrical drills
Rubber‑Tired, Self‑Propelled Machines
573 Approval
574 Standards
575 Prototype machine
576 Representative machines
577 Emergency energy
578 Hydraulic brakes
579 Dual brake systems
580 Emergency brakes
581 Air brakes
582 Auxiliary air reservoirs
583 Front wheel brake control
584 Parking brakes
585 Periodic service brake testing
586 Tests
587 Maintenance records
588 Auxiliary steering
589 Auxiliary pump
590 Auxiliary steering standards
591 Design safety factors
592 Clearance lights
593 Clear view
594 Lights
595 Clearances
596 Unattended machines
Diesel Power
597 Diesel powered machine
Conveyors
598 Fire resistance
599 Stopping
600 Travelling room
601 Combustible dust
602 Clearances
603 Riding conveyor belts
604 Examination
605 Carbon monoxide monitors
606 Conveyor roadways
Division 2
Explosives
607 Theft of explosives
608 Non‑sparking tools
609 Underground mine blaster
610 Surface mine blaster
611 Magazines
612 Illumination of magazines
613 Stored explosives
614 Electric detonators
615 Access to explosives
616 Removal from magazine
617 Priority of use
618 Magazine record
619 Explosive location
Transportation
620 Removal and transfer
621 Restriction on open flames
622 Vehicle requirements
623 Protection from weather
624 Original packaging
625 Detonators
626 Vehicle breakdown
Operational Procedures
627 Manufacturer’s specifications
628 Unsafe explosives
629 Blast area control
630 Access to blast area
631 General duties
632 Secondary blasting
633 Mine blaster’s record
634 Damaged blasting wires
635 Blasting machine control
Undetonated or Abandoned Explosives
636 Unused explosives
637 Misfire procedures
638 Abandoned explosive
Blasting Machines and Circuits
639 Testing and initiation
640 Blasting apparatus
641 Circuit testing
642 Circuit requirement
Surface Mines
643 Application
644 Signs
645 Blast holes
646 Electrical storm
647 Detonating cord
648 Ignition precautions
649 Safety fuses
650 Electrical cables and wires
651 Electric blasting
652 Burning explosives
653 Misfires
654 Drilling near explosives
655 Storage
656 Blasting warnings
657 Charged holes
Underground Mines and Tunnels
658 Application
659 Permitted explosives
660 Electric conveyance
661 Mine shaft conveyance
662 Transport underground
663 Drilling distances
664 Underground mine blaster
665 Blasting cable
666 Use of detonators
667 Same manufacturer
668 Series connection
669 Water
670 Stemming
671 Firing in the same round
672 Misfires
673 Misfire detonation
674 Leaving a misfire
675 Compressed air
676 Shock blasting
677 Surface shots
678 Permanent firing station
679 Secondary blasting
Division 3
Underground Coal Mines
680 Application
681 Annual plan
682 Underground coal mine surveyor
Mine Workers
683 Supervision
684 Required qualifications
685 Mine manager
686 Combined operations
687 Working alone
688 Unsafe conditions
689 Shift change
690 Shift report
691 Record of workers
692 Self rescuers
693 Means of ignition
694 No smoking warnings
Mine Equipment
694.1 Recognizing international standards
695 Propane installations
696 Bulk fuel storage
697 Voice communication
698 Location
699 Permanently attended stations
700 Portal
701 Mine outlets
702 Escape ways
703 Manholes
Vehicles
704 Underground fuel stations
705 Diesel fuel
706 Control of equipment
Roof and Side Support
707 Support system
708 Extractions
709 Operating procedures
710 Removal of ground supports
Ventilation System
711 Ventilation system
712 Air velocity
713 Return airway
714 Doors
715 Stoppings
716 Seals
717 Chutes
718 Splits
719 Fans
720 Reverse flows
721 Surface fans
722 Booster fans
723 Auxiliary fans
724 Brattice, vent tubes
725 Operating procedures for booster and auxiliary fans
726 Stopping fan
727 Ventilation monitoring
728 Cross cuts
729 Operating in split
Gas and Dust Control
730 Gas inspections
731 Flammable gas levels
732 Diesel vehicle roads
733 Degassing procedures
734 Gas removal
735 Unused areas
736 Sealed off areas
737 Approval of devices for testing and measuring
738 Combustible gas detector
739 Portable detector
740 Breakdown of detector
741 Roof bolting
742 Airborne dust
743 Incombustible dust
744 Sampling of settled dust
Explosion Control
745 Explosion barriers
746 Welding, cutting and soldering
747 Pillars
748 Drill holes
749 Water or gas
749.1 Shaft access and hoisting equipment
Part 37
Oil and Gas Wells
750 Application
751 Competent supervisor
752 Breathing equipment
753 Operating load of derrick or mast
754 Derricks and masts
755 Log book
756 Drillers
757 Geophysical operations
758 Drilling rig, service rig, and snubbing unit inspections
759 Overloaded service rig trucks
760 Safety check
761 Exits from enclosures
762 Emergency escape route
763 Guy lines
764 Ground anchors
765 Trailer pipe rack
766 Drawworks
767 Brakes
768 Weight indicators
769 Travelling blocks
770 Tugger or travelling block
771 Catheads
772 Racking pipes
773 Rotary table danger zone
774 Tong safety
775 Counterweights
776 Drilling fluid
777 Rig tank or pit enclosures
778 Prohibition on fuel storage
779 Drill stem testing
780 Well swabbing
781 Well servicing
782 Well stimulation
783 Well site piping system
784 Gas sample containers
Part 38 — Expired
Part 39
Tree Care Operations
792 Application
793 Safe work practices
794 Fall protection and work positioning
795 Harness standards
796 Knot exemption
Part 40
Utility Workers — Electrical
797 ‑ 798 Application
799 Protective devices or equipment
800 Safe work practices for electric utilities and rural electrification associations
801 Safe work practices for industrial power producers
802 Coordinated work
803 Communication lines, cables
804 Work
on energized electrical equipment or
lines (above 750 volts)
Part 41
Work Requiring Rope Access
General Requirements
805 ‑ 807 Exemptions
808 ‑ 810 Rope access safe work plan
811 Safe work practices
812 Instruction of workers
813 Tools and equipment
814 Equipment compatibility
815 Inspection and maintenance
816 ‑ 818 Low stretch (static) and high stretch (dynamic) rope
819 Cow’s tail
820 Removal from service
821 ‑ 822 Worker rescue
Industrial Rope Access Work
823 ‑ 825 Safe work practices
826 Worker competency
827 Worker’s personal logbook
828 ‑ 829 Maximum arrest force, clearance, anchor strength
830 Safety line
831 ‑ 833 Head protection
834 Full body harness
835 ‑ 836 Connecting components
837 Ascenders
838 Back‑up devices
839 Descenders
Non‑industrial Rope Access Work
840 Safe work practices
841 Worker competency
842 ‑ 843 Fall factor, clearance, anchorage strength
844 ‑ 846 Head protection
847 Sit harness
848 Full body harness
849 Connecting components
Schedules
Core
Requirements Applicable
to All Industries
Part 1
Definitions and General Application
Definitions
1 In this Code,
“abate” means to encapsulate, enclose or remove asbestos‑containing material;
“abnormal audiogram” means an audiogram that indicates
(a) the threshold in either ear is more than 25 dB at 500, 1000 or 2000 Hz,
(b) the threshold in either ear is more than 60 dB at 3000, 4000 or 6000 Hz, or
(c) there is one‑sided hearing loss with the difference in hearing threshold level between the better and the poorer ear exceeding the average of 30 dB at 3000, 4000 and 6000 Hz;
“abnormal shift” means a threshold shift, in either ear, of 15 dB at two consecutive test frequencies from 1000 Hz up to and including 6000 Hz when compared to the baseline test;
“acceptance” means an acceptance issued under section 55 of the Act;
“Act” means the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
“actively transmitting” with respect to radiofrequency transmitters includes being set to “on” or “standby” mode;
“actuated fastening tool” means a tool that uses a pneumatic, hydraulic, explosive or electric source of energy to bring about its action;
“acute illness or injury” means a physical injury or sudden occurrence of an illness that results in the need for immediate care;
“advanced care paramedic” or “ACP” means an advanced care paramedic under the Paramedics Profession Regulation (AR 151/2016);
“advanced first aider” means an emergency medical responder, primary care paramedic, nurse or other person who holds a certificate in advanced first aid from an approved training agency;
“aerial device” means a telescoping or articulating unit used for positioning a personnel basket, bucket, platform or other device at an elevated work location;
“all‑terrain vehicle” means a wheeled or tracked motor vehicle designed primarily for travel on unprepared surfaces, such as open country and marshland, but does not include a snow vehicle or farming, ranching or construction machinery;
“anchor” means an engineered component for coupling a fall arrest or travel restraint system to an anchorage;
“anchorage” means a structure, or part of a structure, that is capable of safely withstanding any potential forces applied by a fall protection system;
“ANSI” means the American National Standards Institute;
“API” means the American Petroleum Institute;
“approved by a Director” or “approved by the Director” means an approval issued under section 56 of the Act;
“approved to” means that the product bears the approval or certification mark of a nationally accredited third‑party testing organization, certifying that the product complies with the referenced standard;
“approved training agency” means a person or organization that enters into an agreement with a Director of Medical Services under section 177;
“asbestos waste” means material that is discarded because there is a reasonable chance that asbestos might be released from it and become airborne, including protective clothing that is contaminated with asbestos;
“ASME” means the American Society of Mechanical Engineers;
“ASSE” means the American Society of Safety Engineers;
“ASTM” means the American Society for Testing and Materials;
“audiometer” means a device meeting the specifications of an audiometer described in ANSI Standard S3.6‑2004, Specification for Audiometers;
“audiometric technician” means a person who has passed an audiometric technician course approved by a Director of Medical Services, or has been approved by a Director of Medical Services as having the equivalent of an approved audiometric technician course and who, in either case, has passed a requalification examination when requested to do so by a Director of Medical Services;
“authorized worker” in sections 562 to 569 means a competent worker authorized by the employer to install, change or repair electrical equipment;
“AWG” means, with respect to electrical conductors, American Wire Gauge;
“biohazardous material” means a pathogenic organism, including a bloodborne pathogen, that, because of its known or reasonably believed ability to cause disease in humans, would be classified as Risk Group 2, 3 or 4 as defined in the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (Canada), or any material contaminated with such an organism;
“blaster” means a worker who holds a valid blaster’s permit issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
“blasting area” means the location at which explosives are being prepared, fired or destroyed or in which armed charges are known or believed to exist, and, except at a mine site, extends at least 50 metres in all directions from the location;
“blasting machine” means a portable device used to initiate detonation;
“blasting mat” means a heavy mat made of woven rope, steel wire or chain, or improvised from other material, placed over loaded holes to prevent earth, rock and debris from being thrown in the air by the detonated explosive;
“boatswain’s chair” means a seat that is suspended from ropes, from which one person works on the side of a building;
“body belt” means a body support consisting of a strap with a means for securing it about the waist and attaching it to other components;
“boom” means the part of a structure that is attached to a crane or lifting device superstructure and used to support the upper end of the hoisting tackle;
“boom truck” means a truck that is equipped with a hydraulically driven structure or device that
(a) is mounted on a turret that is secured to a truck,
(b) is supported to provide stability, and
(c) is equipped with a boom that
(i) is telescoping or articulating, and
(ii) can swing or hoist or raise and lower its load;
“bootleg” means that portion of a drill hole or borehole that
(a) is not destroyed after an explosive charge is detonated in it, and
(b) may or may not contain explosives;
“BSI” means the British Standards Institute;
“building shaft” means an enclosed vertical opening in a building or structure extending to two or more floors or levels, including an elevator, a ventilation shaft, a stairwell or a service shaft;
“buried facility” means anything buried or constructed below ground level respecting electricity, communications, water, sewage, oil, gas or other substances including, but not limited to, the pipes, conduits, ducts, cables, wires, valves, manholes, catch basins and attachments to them;
“Canadian Electrical Code” means CSA Standard C22.1‑06, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations;
“CANMET” means the Canadian Explosives Atmospheres Laboratory, Canadian Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology, Natural Resources Canada;
“cantilever hoist” means a hoist in which the car travels on rails that may be an integral part of a vertical mast and on a vertical plane out‑board from the mast;
“carabiner” means a connecting component that
(a) generally consists of a trapezoidal or oval body with a self‑locking gate that requires at least two consecutive, deliberate actions to open to permit the body to receive an object and that, when released, automatically closes and locks to prevent unintentional opening, and
(b) has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 22.2 kilonewtons;
“CEN” means the European Committee for Standardization;
“certified by a professional engineer” means stamped and signed by a professional engineer as described in section 14;
“CGSB” means the Canadian General Standards Board;
“chimney hoist” means a hoist used to lift workers, materials or equipment during the construction of a chimney;
“climbable structure” means an engineered or architectural work where the primary method of accessing the structure is by climbing the structure with the principle means of support being the climber’s hands and feet;
“close work site” means a work site that is not more than 20 minutes travel time from a health care facility, under normal travel conditions using available means of transportation;
“combustible dust” means a dust that can create an explosive atmosphere when it is suspended in air in ignitable concentrations;
“combustible liquid” means a liquid that has a flash point at or above 37.8ºC, as determined by using the methods described in the Alberta Fire Code (1997);
“combined operation” in Part 36 means surface and underground mining activity at the same mine site, whether or not the mine material is being extracted from one or more connected or unconnected seams;
“concrete pump truck” in Part 19 means powered mobile equipment that is comprised of a concrete pump, a distribution boom or mast, delivery pipes and the equipment on which they are mounted;
“confined space” means a restricted space which may become hazardous to a worker entering it because of
(a) an atmosphere that is or may be injurious by reason of oxygen deficiency or enrichment, flammability, explosivity or toxicity,
(b) a condition or changing set of circumstances within the space that presents a potential for injury or illness, or
(c) the potential or inherent characteristics of an activity which can produce adverse or harmful consequences within the space;
“contaminant” means a chemical, biological or radiological material in a concentration that will likely endanger the health and safety of a worker if it is inhaled, ingested or absorbed;
“contaminated” means affected by the presence of a harmful substance on workers or at the work site in a quantity sufficient to pose a risk to health;
“contaminated environment” means a work site that contains or may contain a contaminant;
“control system isolating device” means a device that physically prevents activation of a system used for remotely controlling the operation of equipment;
“control zone” means the area within 2 metres of an unguarded edge of a level, elevated work surface that has a slope of no more than 4 degrees;
“cow’s tail” in Part 41 means a short strap, lanyard or sling connected to the main attachment point of a harness;
“CPSC” means the Consumer Product Safety Commission;
“crane” means equipment that is designed to lift loads, lower loads and move loads horizontally when they are lifted;
“CSA” means the Canadian Standards Association;
“3 decibel exchange rate” means that when the sound energy doubles, the decibel level increases by three;
“dBA” means a measure of sound level in decibels using a reference sound pressure of 20 micropascals when measured on the A‑weighting network of a sound level meter;
“demolition” means the tearing down, destruction, breaking up or razing of the whole or part of a building or structure;
“designated signaller” means a person designated to give signals in accordance with section 191;
“detonating cord” means a cord containing explosives of sufficient strength to detonate other explosives;
“detonator” means a blasting detonator, an electric blasting detonator or a similar device used to detonate explosives;
“detonator leg wire” means an electric wire attached to a detonator;
“direct supervision” means that a competent worker
(a) is personally and visually supervising the worker who is not competent, and
(b) is able to communicate readily and clearly with the worker who is not competent;
“Director” in Part 36 means the Director of Inspection whose duties include mines;
“discard” means solid or liquid material that is removed or rejected during mining or processing operations because it has no current use, but that may be of future use;
“distant work site” means a work site that is more than 20 minutes but less than 40 minutes travel time from a health care facility, under normal travel conditions using available means of transportation;
“electric blasting detonator” means a shell containing a charge of detonating compound designed to be fired by an electric current;
“electric utility” has the meaning assigned to it by the Electric Utilities Act;
“electromagnetic radiation” includes radiation used or found in association with
(a) broadcasting,
(b) mobile communications systems,
(c) remote control signal stations,
(d) television and radio transmitters,
(e) industrial radiofrequency heaters,
(f) equipment used for geophysical surveys,
(g) radar,
(h) atmospheric electrical storms, and
(i) cellular telephone systems;
“emergency first aider” means a person who holds a certificate in emergency first aid from an approved training agency;
“emergency medical responder” means an emergency medical responder under the Paramedics Profession Regulation (AR 151/2016);
“emergency response plan” means the emergency response plan required under Part 7;
“excavation” in Part 32 means a dug out area of ground but does not include a tunnel, underground shaft or open pit mine;
“excess noise” means noise that exceeds the limits specified in section 218;
“explosive” means a chemical compound or mixture that by fire, friction, impact, percussion or detonation may cause a sudden release of gases at a pressure capable of producing destructive effects to adjacent objects or of killing or injuring a person;
“explosive atmosphere” means an atmosphere that
(a) contains a substance in a mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions and at a concentration between the substance’s lower explosive limit and upper explosive limit, and
(b) is capable of producing destructive effects to adjacent objects or of killing or injuring a person;
“exposed worker” means a worker who may reasonably be expected to work in a restricted area at least 30 work days in a 12‑month period;
“fall arresting device” means a part of a worker’s personal protective equipment that stops the worker’s fall and does not allow the worker to fall farther;
“fall protection system” means
(a) a personal fall arrest system,
(b) a travel restraint system,
(c) fabric or netting panels intended for leading edge protection,
(d) a safety net,
(e) a control zone, or
(f) use of procedures in place of fall protection equipment;
“fall restrict equipment” means a component of a fall restrict system that, when combined with other subcomponents and elements, allows the climber of a wood pole to remain at his or her work position with both hands free, and that performs a limited fall arrest function when the climber loses contact between his or her spurs and the pole;
“fall restrict system” means a combination of a work positioning system and fall restrict equipment;
“fibre” means a particulate material with
(a) a diameter equal to or less than 3 micrometres,
(b) a length equal to or greater than 5 micrometres, and
(c) a length to diameter ratio equal to or greater than 3 to 1;
“first aid” means the immediate and temporary care given to an injured or ill person at a work site using available equipment, supplies, facilities or services, including treatment to sustain life, to prevent a condition from becoming worse or to promote recovery;
“first aider” means an emergency first aider, standard first aider or advanced first aider designated by an employer to provide first aid to workers at a work site;
“fixed ladder” means a ladder that is permanently fixed to a supporting structure in a vertical position or at an angle of not more than 15 degrees from vertical and that does not lean back;
“flammable liquid” means a liquid with
(a) a flash point below 37.8°C, and
(b) a vapour pressure of not more than 275.8 kilopascals (absolute), as determined by ASTM Standard D323‑06, Standard Test Method for Vapour Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method);
“flammable substance” means
(a) a flammable gas or liquid,
(b) the vapour of a flammable or combustible liquid,
(c) dust that can create an explosive atmosphere when suspended in air in ignitable concentrations, or
(d) ignitable fibres;
“flash point” means the minimum temperature at which a liquid in a container gives off vapour in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid, as determined by using the methods described in the Alberta Fire Code (1997);
“fly form deck panel” means a temporary supporting structure used as a modular falsework that is intended to be, and capable of being, moved from floor to floor and re‑used during a construction project;
“free fall distance” means the vertical distance between the point from which a worker falls to the point at which deceleration begins because of the action of a personal fall arrest system;
“full body harness” means a body support consisting of connected straps designed to distribute force over at least the thighs, shoulders and pelvis, to which a lanyard or lifeline or connecting component can be attached;
“gob” means an area of a mine from which coal has been extracted and the roof allowed to cave in;
“grinder accessory” means an abrasive wheel, cutting disc, wire wheel, buffing or polishing disc, or other similar product;
“GVW” means the manufacturer’s rated gross vehicle weight;
“hand expose zone” means the strip of land
(a) 1 metre wide on each side of the locate marks for a buried facility other than a high pressure pipeline, or
(b) 5 metres wide on each side of the locate marks for a high pressure pipeline;
“hand tool” means hand‑held equipment that depends on the energy of the worker for its direct effect and does not have a pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or chemical energy source for its operation;
“handling” with respect to explosives includes preparing, loading, firing, burning or destroying explosives or detonators;
“hazard assessment” means an assessment made in accordance with section 7 or 21;
“hazardous energy” in Part 15 means electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, nuclear, thermal, gravitational or any other form of energy that could cause injury due to the unintended motion, energizing, start‑up or release of such stored or residual energy in machinery, equipment, piping, pipelines or process systems;
“hazardous location” in Part 10 means a place where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapours, flammable or combustible liquids, combustible dust or ignitable fibres or flyings, as described in the Canadian Electrical Code;
“health care facility” means a hospital, medical clinic or physician’s office that can dispense emergency medical treatment during the time the workers are at the work site;
“heavy duty scaffold” means a scaffold that
(a) is designed to support the equivalent of an evenly distributed load of more than 122 kilograms per square metre but not more than 367 kilograms per square metre, and
(b) has planks with a span of not more than 2.3 metres;
“high hazard work” means work described in Schedule 2, Table 2;
“high pressure pipeline” means a pipeline operating at a pressure of 700 kilopascals or greater;
“hoist” means equipment that is designed to lift and lower loads;
“horizontal lifeline system” means a system composed of a synthetic or wire rope, secured horizontally between 2 or more anchor points, to which a worker attaches a personal fall arrest system or travel restraint system;
“hot tap” means a process of penetrating through the pressure‑containing barrier of a pipeline, line, piping system, tank, vessel, pump casing, compressor casing or similar facility that has not been totally isolated, depressurized, purged and cleaned;
“hot work” means work in which a flame is used or sparks or other sources of ignition may be produced, including
(a) cutting, welding, burning, air gouging, riveting, drilling, grinding and chipping,
(b) using electrical equipment not classified for use in a hazardous location, and
(c) introducing a combustion engine to a work process;
“hours of darkness” means the period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or any time when, because of insufficient light or unfavourable atmospheric conditions, persons or vehicles cannot be seen at a distance of 150 metres;
“IEC” means the International Electrotechnical Commission;
“immediately dangerous to life or health” means circumstances in which the atmosphere is deficient in oxygen or the concentration of a harmful substance in the atmosphere
(a) is an immediate threat to life,
(b) may affect health irreversibly,
(c) may have future adverse effects on health, or
(d) may interfere with a worker’s ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere;
“incombustible dust” means a pulverized inert mine material of light colour,
(a) 100% of which passes through a 20 mesh sieve,
(b) not less than 70% by weight of which passes, when dry, through a 200 mesh sieve, and
(c) that does not contain more than 5% combustible matter or 4% free and combined silica;
“industrial power producer” in Part 40 means an employer authorized in Alberta to generate electrical energy as an independent power producer or solely for its own use in manufacturing or in the handling of material;
“industrial rope access work” in Part 41 means work activities at height which incorporate a working line, safety line and full body harness in combination with other devices that allow a worker to ascend, descend and traverse to and from a work area under his or her own control;
“inerting” means to intentionally flood the atmosphere inside a confined space with an inert gas to eliminate the hazard of igniting flammable vapours;
“ionizing radiation” in section 291 means high‑energy electromagnetic radiation that is capable of disrupting the structure of atoms or molecules;
“ISO” means the International Organization for Standardization;
“isolated” means to have separated, disconnected, de‑energized or depressurized;
“isolated work site” means a work site that is 40 minutes or more travel time from the work site to a health care facility under normal travel conditions using available means of transportation;
“jib” means an extension to a boom that is attached to the boom tip to provide additional boom length;
“Joint First Aid Training Standards Board” means the Joint First Aid Training Standards Board established under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
“Lex” means the level of a worker’s total exposure to noise in dBA, averaged over the entire workday and adjusted to an equivalent 8‑hour exposure measured in accordance with section 219 and based on a 3 decibel exchange rate;
“ladderjack scaffold” means a scaffold erected by attaching a bracket to a ladder to support the scaffold planks;
“lanyard” means a flexible line of webbing or synthetic or wire rope that is used to secure a full body harness or safety belt to a lifeline or anchor point;
“leading edge” means the edge of a floor, roof or formwork for a floor or other walking/working surface which changes location as additional floor, roof, decking or formwork sections are placed, formed or constructed;
“life jacket” means personal protective equipment capable of supporting a person with the head above water in a face‑up position without the direct effort of the person wearing the equipment;
“lifeline” means a synthetic or wire rope, rigged from one or more anchor points, to which a worker’s lanyard or other part of a personal fall arrest system is attached;
“light duty scaffold” means a scaffold that
(a) is designed to support the equivalent of an evenly distributed load of not more than 122 kilograms per square metre, and
(b) has planks with a span of not more than 3 metres;
“low hazard work” means work described in Schedule 2, Table 1;
“lower explosive limit” means the lower value of the range of concentrations of a substance, in a mixture with air, at which the substance may ignite;
“lumber” means wood that is spruce‑pine‑fir (S‑P‑F) or better, of Number 2 grade or better and, if referred to by dimensions, meets the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑O141‑05, Softwood Lumber, or the requirements of the NLGA Standard, Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber (2003);
“machinery” means a combination of mechanical parts that transmits from one part to another, or otherwise modifies, force, motion or energy that comes from hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical or electrical reactions or from other sources, and includes vehicles;
“magazine” with respect to explosives means a building, storehouse, structure or place in which an explosive is kept or stored, but does not include
(a) a vehicle in which an explosive is kept for the purpose of moving the explosive from place to place, or,
(b) a place at which the blending or assembling of the non‑explosive component parts of an explosive is allowed;
“manufacturer’s rated capacity” means the maximum capacity, speed, load, depth of operation or working pressure, as the case may be, recommended by the specifications of the manufacturer of the equipment for the operation of the equipment under the circumstances prevailing at the time it is operated;
“material hoist” means a hoist that is not designed to lift people;
“medical sharp” in Part 35 means a needle device, scalpel, lancet or any other medical device that can reasonably be expected to penetrate the skin or other part of the body;
“medium hazard work” means work that is neither low hazard work nor high hazard work;
“meets the requirements of” means a manufacturer’s self‑declaration that the product complies with the referenced standard is acceptable;
“mine blaster” means a surface mine blaster or an underground mine blaster;
“mine entrance” means a surface entrance to a mine at the point above where excavation began or will begin but does not include a mined out area that has been reclaimed;
“mine level” in Part 36 means a horizontal excavation in the ground or in strata of an underground mine that is usable
(a) for drainage or ventilation, or
(b) as an entrance or exit for workers or mine materials to or from a mine or part of a mine;
“mine material” means material that may be taken into or out of a mine including naturally occurring materials, equipment and supplies;
“mine official” means an underground coal mine manager or underground coal mine foreman;
“mine plan” means a map, including a profile or section, of a mine or part of a mine, certified as correct by the mine surveyor;
“mine shaft” in Part 36 means an excavation at an angle of 45 degrees or greater from the horizontal that is usable
(a) for drainage or ventilation, or
(b) as an entrance or exit for workers or mine materials to or from a mine or part of a mine;
“mine tunnel” in Part 36 means an excavation at an angle of less than 45 degrees from the horizontal, including inclines and declines, that is usable
(a) for drainage or ventilation, or
(b) as an entrance or exit for workers or mine materials to or from a mine or part of a mine;
“mine wall” means the exposed face of an excavation in a surface mine from ground level to the working level;
“misfire” means a drill hole, borehole or device containing an explosive charge that did not explode when detonation was attempted;
“mobile crane” means a crane, other than a boom truck, that
(a) incorporates a power driven drum and cable or rope to lift, lower or move loads,
(b) is equipped with a lattice or telescoping boom capable of moving in the vertical plane, and
(c) is mounted on a base or chassis, either crawler‑ or wheel‑mounted, to provide mobility;
“mobile equipment” means equipment that is
(a) capable of moving under its own power or of being pulled or carried, and
(b) not intended to be secured to land or a structure;
“musculoskeletal injury” means an injury to a worker of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissues that are caused or aggravated by work, including overexertion injuries and overuse injuries;
“NFPA” means the National Fire Protection Association;
“NIOSH” means the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health;
“NLGA” means the National Lumber Grades Authority;
“noise” means sound energy at a work site;
“non‑industrial rope access work” in Part 41 means work activities performed within a recreational or sport context that incorporate a working line and a sit harness or full body harness in combination with other devices during
(a) mountaineering, caving and canyoning activities requiring the use of rope access techniques, or
(b) climbing on artificial structures designed and built for the purpose of sport climbing;
“nurse” means a registered nurse who is a member of the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta established under the Health Professions Act and who is an advanced first aider;
“occupational exposure limit (OEL)” with respect to a substance, means the occupational exposure limit established in Schedule 1, Table 2 for that substance;
“occupational rope access” in Part 41 includes both industrial and non‑industrial rope access work;
“operate” with respect to machinery or equipment includes using or handling the machinery or equipment;
“OSHA” means the Occupational Safety and Health Administration;
“outlet” in Part 36 means a shaft, slope, incline, decline, adit, tunnel, level or other means of entry to or exit from an underground mine;
“outrigger scaffold” means a supported scaffold that consists of a platform resting on outrigger beams (thrustouts) projecting beyond the wall or face of the building or structure, with inboard ends secured inside the building or structure;
“parenteral contact” means piercing mucous membranes or the skin;
“particulate not otherwise regulated” means insoluble particulate composed of substances that do not have an occupational exposure limit;
“permanent” when referring to a structure, process or action, means that it is intended to last indefinitely;
“permanent suspension powered work platform” means a suspension powered work platform that is a permanent part of a building or structure;
“permitted explosive” means an explosive that is listed as such by the Chief Inspector of Explosives, Natural Resources Canada;
“personal fall arrest system” means personal protective equipment that will stop a worker’s fall before the worker hits a surface below the worker;
“personal flotation device” means personal protective equipment capable of supporting a person with the head above water, without the direct effort of the person wearing the equipment;
“personal protective equipment” means equipment or clothing worn by a person for protection from health or safety hazards associated with conditions at a work site;
“PIP” means Process Industry Practices;
“pipeline” has the meaning assigned to it by the Pipeline Act;
“portable ladder” means any ladder that is not a fixed ladder;
“portable power cables” in Part 36 means portable trailing cables as specified in the applicable sections of CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑M421‑00 (R2007), Use of Electricity in Mines;
“portal” means a structure at the entrance to an underground mine, including any at the surface and any for a distance underground of 30 metres,
(a) that is used to support the ground and protect workers, or
(b) where outlets, other than vertical shafts, reach the surface;
“powered mobile equipment” means a self‑propelled machine or combination of machines, including a prime mover or a motor vehicle, designed to manipulate or move material or to provide a powered aerial device for workers;
“primary care paramedic” means a primary care paramedic under the Paramedics Profession Regulation (AR 151/2016);
“prime” with respect to explosives means to attach a safety fuse assembly or detonator;
“processing plant” in section 532 means a facility where coal, minerals or other products of a mine are cleaned, sized or prepared for sale or use;
“professional engineer” means a professional engineer under the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act;
“pulmonary function technician” means a person who
(a) has passed, or has been approved by a Director of Medical Services as having done the equivalent of passing, a pulmonary function technician course approved by a Director of Medical Services, and
(b) if so required by a Director of Medical Services, has passed a re‑qualification examination approved by such a Director;
“purge” means to remove a substance by displacing it with another substance;
“quarry” means an operation involved in the mining of limestone, sandstone or another industrial mineral;
“radiofrequency transmitters” means transmitters that include radio towers, television towers, portable two‑way radio base stations and repeaters, portable two‑way radios and cellular telephones;
“respirable particulate” means airborne particulate collected and analyzed using NIOSH Method 0600 (Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated, Respirable);
“restricted area” means an area of a work site where there is a reasonable chance that the airborne concentration of asbestos, silica, coal dust or lead exceeds or may exceed the occupational exposure limit for one or more of the substances;
“restricted space” means an enclosed or partially enclosed space, not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy, that has a restricted, limited or impeded means of entry or exit because of its construction;
“rural electrification association” in Part 40 means an association under the Rural Utilities Act whose purpose is to supply electricity to its members;
“SAE” means the Society of Automotive Engineers;
“safe patient/client/resident handling” in Part 14 means lifting, transferring or repositioning by the use of engineering controls, lifting and transfer aids or assistive devices, by lift teams or other trained staff rather than by sole use of worker body strength;
“safeguard” means a guard, shield, guardrail, fence, gate, barrier, toe board, protective enclosure, safety net, handrail or other device designed to protect workers operating equipment or machinery, but does not include personal protective equipment;
“safety‑engineered medical sharp” in Part 35 means a medical sharp that is designed to, or has a built‑in safety feature or mechanism that will, eliminate or minimize the risk of accidental parenteral contact while or after the sharp is used;
“safety fuse” means a train of black powder that
(a) is tightly wrapped and enclosed in a series of textiles and waterproof materials,
(b) can be connected to a detonator, and
(c) burns internally at a continuous and uniform rate when ignited;
“safety fuse assembly” means a safety fuse to which a detonator is attached;
“scaffold” means a temporary work platform and its supporting structure used for supporting workers or materials or both, but does not include suspended cages, permanent suspension powered work platforms, boatswain’s chairs, elevating platforms, aerial devices, fork‑mounted work platforms, temporary supporting structures and fly form deck panels;
“secure” in Part 15 means ensuring that an energy‑isolating device cannot be released or activated;
“sharps” means needles, knives, scalpels, blades, scissors and other items that can cut or puncture a person, that may also be contaminated with a biohazardous material;
“shock absorber” means a device intended to reduce the force on a worker when a personal fall arrest system is operating;
“small utility vehicle” in Part 18 means a small vehicle designated for off‑road use, equipped with a bench‑type seat and a steering wheel, and designed to transport more than one person;
“snow vehicle” means a motor vehicle designated or intended to be driven exclusively or chiefly on snow or ice;
“snubbing” in Part 37 means the act of moving tubulars into or out of a well bore when pressure is contained in the well through the use of stripping components or closed blowout preventers (BOPs), and mechanical force is required to move the tubing in order to overcome the hydraulic force exerted on the tubular in the well bore;
“split” in Part 36 means a separate fresh air ventilation circuit in which the intake air comes directly from the main intake airway and the return air goes directly to the main return airway;
“spoil pile” means waste material excavated from an excavation, tunnel or underground shaft;
“standard first aider” means a first aider who holds a certificate in standard first aid from an approved training agency;
“surface mine” means a mine worked by strip mining, open pit mining or other surface method, including auger mining;
“surface mine blaster” means a worker who holds a valid surface mine blaster’s certificate issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
“suspended scaffold” means a work platform suspended from above by wires or ropes;
“swing drop distance” means, in a fall‑arresting action, the vertical drop from the onset of the swinging motion to the point of initial contact with a structure;
“temporary” with respect to a structure, process or action, means that it is not intended to last indefinitely;
“temporary protective structure” means a structure or device designed to provide protection to workers, in an excavation, tunnel or underground shaft, from cave‑ins, collapses or sliding or rolling materials and includes shoring, bracing, piles, planking or cages;
“temporary supporting structures” means falsework, forms, fly form deck panels, shoring, braces or cables that are used to support a structure temporarily or to stabilize materials or earthworks until they are self‑supporting or their instability is otherwise overcome, and includes a thrustout materials landing platform;
“total fall distance” means the vertical distance from the point at which a worker falls to the point where the fall stops after all personal fall arrest system components have extended;
“total particulate” means airborne particulate collected and analyzed using NIOSH Method 0500 (Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated, Total);
“tower crane” means a crane that
(a) is designed to incorporate a power driven drum and cable, a rope and a vertical mast or a tower and jib,
(b) is of the travelling, fixed or climbing type, and
(c) is not used to lift people;
“tower hoist” means a hoist
(a) with a tower that is an integral part of it or supports it,
(b) that travels between fixed guides, and
(c) that is not used to lift people;
“travel restraint system” means a type of fall protection system, including guardrails or similar barriers, that prevents a worker from travelling to the edge of a structure or to a work position from which the worker could fall;
“trench” means a long narrow dug out area of ground that is deeper than its width at the bottom;
“tunnel” in Part 36 means an underground passage with an incline of less than 45 degrees from the horizontal;
“UIAA” means the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme;
“ULC” means the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada;
“underground coal mine electrical superintendent” means a worker who holds a valid underground coal mine electrical superintendent’s certificate issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
“underground coal mine foreman” means a worker who holds a valid underground coal mine foreman’s certificate issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
“underground coal mine manager” means a worker who holds a valid underground coal mine manager’s certificate issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
“underground mine” means a mine other than a surface mine;
“underground mine blaster” means a worker who holds a valid underground mine blaster’s certificate issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
“underground shaft” means an underground passage with an incline of 45 degrees or more from the horizontal, including a drilled or bored pile or caisson, that is used primarily for the transportation of workers or materials;
“underground shaft hoist” means a hoist used in an underground shaft to gain entry to and exit from a tunnel or underground space, and includes a device for conveying mine material;
“utility employee” in Part 40 means a worker engaged in the work of an electric utility, industrial power producer or rural electrification association;
“vehicle” means a device in, on or by which a person or thing may be transported or drawn, and includes a combination of vehicles;
“ventilation stopping” in Part 36 means a structure that directs air flow or separates intake and return air systems;
“welding or allied process” in Part 10 means any specific type of electric or oxy‑fuel gas welding or cutting process, including those processes referred to in Appendix A of CSA Standard W117.2‑06, Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes;
“work area” means a place at a work site where a worker is, or may be, during work or during a work break;
“work positioning system” means a system of components attached to a vertical safety line and including a full body harness, descent controllers and positioning lanyards used to support or suspend a worker in tension at a work position;
“working face” means the surface from which mineable material, overburden or waste material is being removed;
“workings” means the area where excavation is occurring in a mine.
AR 87/2009 s1;56/2018
Farming and ranching operations
1.1(1) Subject to subsection (2) and except as expressly provided in this Code, this Code does not apply to the following farming and ranching operations:
(a) the production of crops, including fruits and vegetables, through the cultivation of land;
(b) the raising and maintenance of animals or birds;
(c) the keeping of bees.
(2) For greater certainty, the following are not farming and ranching operations:
(a) the processing of food or other products from the operations referred to in subsection (1);
(b) the operation of greenhouses, mushroom farms, nurseries or sod farms;
(c) landscaping;
(d) the raising or boarding of pets.
2015 c19 s7;152/2018;182/2019
Domestic workers
1.2(1) In this section,
(a) “domestic work” means the normal household work, tasks or chores that are the type routinely performed by members of a household;
(b) “domestic worker” means a person employed to perform domestic work within a private dwelling by or on behalf of an occupant or owner who lives in the private dwelling.
1.2(2) Except as expressly provided in this Code, this Code does not apply to domestic workers.
2017 cO‑2.1 s95
2 Repealed AR 56/2018 s4.
2.1 Repealed AR 56/2018 s5.
Designated person to prepare plan
2.2 If a requirement of this Code imposes a duty on an employer with respect to the development or preparation of a plan, the employer must ensure that the plan is developed or prepared by a designated person who is competent in the principles and practices of the work described in the plan.
Adoption of standards
3 The following are adopted for the purposes of this Code:
Alberta Energy
Electric Utilities Act (2003)
Alberta Health and Wellness
Ambulance Services Act (2000)
Alberta Municipal Affairs
Code for Electrical Installations at Oil and Gas Facilities (2006)
Alberta Electrical and Communication Utility Code (2002)
Alberta Fire Code (1997)
ANSI Standards
A10.11‑1989 (R1998), Construction and Demolition Operations – Personnel and Debris Nets
A10.32‑2004, Fall Protection Systems – American National Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations
A14.1‑2007, American National Standard for Ladders — Wood — Safety Requirements
A14.2‑2007, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Metal — Safety Requirements
A14.5‑2007, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Reinforced Plastic — Safety Requirements
A92.3‑2006, Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms
A92.5‑2006, Boom‑Supported Elevating Work Platforms
A92.6‑2006, Self‑Propelled Elevating Work Platforms
A92.8‑1993 (R1998), Vehicle‑Mounted Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Devices
A92.9‑1993, Mast‑Climbing Work Platforms
ALCTV‑2006, American National Standard for Automotive Lifts — Safety Requirements for Construction, Testing and Validation
ALOIM‑2000, Automotive Lifts — Safety Requirements for Operation, Inspection and Maintenance
B1.20.1‑1983 (R2006), Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch)
S1.25‑1991 (R2002), Specification for Personal Noise Dosimeters
S1.4‑1983 (R2006), Specification for Sound Level Meters
S1.43‑1997 (R2002), Specifications for Integrating‑Averaging Sound Level Meters
S3.6‑2004, Specification for Audiometers
Z26.1 (1996), Safety Glazing Material for Glazing Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment Operating on Land Highways — Safety Standard
Z87.1‑2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices
Z87.1‑1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection
Z89.1‑2003, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection
Z359.1‑2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components
API Recommended Practice
RP 4G, Recommended Practice for Maintenance and Use of Drilling and Well Servicing Structures (2004)
ASME Standard
B30.9‑2006, Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks and Slings
B30.20‑2006,
Below the Hook Lifting Devices
B56.1‑2000, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks
Association of Canadian Mountain Guides
Climbing Gym Instructor Technical Manual (2003)
Technical Handbook for Professional Mountain Guides (1999)
ASTM Standards
C478‑07, Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections
D323‑06, Standard Test Method for Vapour Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)
D2865‑06, Standard Practice for Calibration of Standards and Equipment for Electrical Insulating Materials Testing
F1447‑06 Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
F2413‑05, Specifications for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear
Australian Rope Access Association
Industrial Rope Access Technique (2000)
British Columbia Cave Rescue
British Columbia Cave Rescue Companion Rescue Workshop (2005)
BSI Standards
BS 6658: 05, Specification for Protective Helmets for Vehicle Users
Canadian Cave Conservancy
Cave Guiding Standards for British Columbia and Alberta (2003)
CEN Standards
EN 341: 1997, Personal protective equipment against falls from height – Descender devices
EN 353‑2: 2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Part 2: Guided type fall arresters including a flexible anchor line
EN 354: 2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Lanyards
EN 355: 2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Energy absorbers
EN 358: 2000, Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height — Belts for work positioning and restraint and work positioning lanyards
EN 361: 2007, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Full body harnesses
EN 362: 2004, Personal protective equipment against falls from height‑ Connectors
EN 397: 2006, Specification for industrial safety helmets
EN 567: 1997, Mountaineering equipment — Rope clamps — Safety requirements and test methods
EN 813: 1997, Personal protective equipment for prevention of falls from a height — Sit harnesses
EN 892: 2004, Mountaineering equipment — Dynamic mountaineering ropes — Safety requirements and test methods
EN 1891: 1998, Personal protective equipment for the prevention of falls from a height — Low stretch kernmantel ropes
EN 12275: 1998, Mountaineering equipment — Connectors — Safety requirements and test methods
EN 12277: 1998, Mountaineering equipment – Harnesses – Safety requirements and test methods
EN 12492: 2000, Mountaineering equipment – Helmets for mountaineers – Safety requirements and test methods
EN 1677‑1: 2000, Components for slings – Part 1: Forged steel components grade 8
CGSB Standards
CAN/CGSB 3.16‑99 AMEND, Mining Diesel Fuel
CAN/CGSB 65.7‑M88 AMEND, Lifejackets, Inherently Buoyant Type
CAN/CGSB 65.11‑M88 AMEND, Personal Flotation Devices
CSA Standards
CAN/CSA‑B167‑96 (R2007), Safety Standard for Maintenance and Inspection of Overhead Cranes, Gantry Cranes, Monorails, Hoists and Trolleys
B352.0‑95 (R2006), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines — Part 1: General Requirements
B352.1‑95 (R2006), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines — Part 2: Testing Requirements for ROPS on Agricultural Tractors
B352.2‑95 (R2006), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines — Part 3: Testing Requirements for ROPS on Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines
CAN/CSA‑B354.1‑04, Portable elevating work platforms
CAN/CSA‑B354.2‑01 (R2006), Self‑Propelled Elevating Work Platforms
CAN/CSA‑B354.4‑02, Self‑Propelled Boom‑Supported Elevating Work Platforms
B376‑M1980 (R2008), Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels
C22.1‑06, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations
C22.2 No. 33‑M1984 (R2004), Construction and Test of Electric Cranes and Hoists
CAN/CSA‑C225‑00 (R2005), Vehicle‑Mounted Aerial Devices
CAN/CSA‑D113.2‑M89 (R2004), Cycling Helmets
CAN/CSA‑M421‑00 (R2007), Use of Electricity in Mines
CAN/CSA‑M422‑M87 (R2007), Fire‑Performance and Antistatic Requirements for Ventilation Materials
CAN/CSA‑M423‑M87 (R2007), Fire‑Resistant Hydraulic Fluids
CAN/CSA‑M424.1‑88 (R2007), Flameproof Non‑Rail‑Bound, Diesel‑Powered Machines for Use in Gassy Underground Coal Mines
CAN/CSA‑M424.2‑M90 (R2007), Non‑Rail‑Bound Diesel‑Powered Machines for Use in Non‑Gassy Underground Mines
CAN/CSA‑M424.3‑M90 (R2007), Braking Performance — Rubber‑Tired, Self‑Propelled Underground Mining Machines
O121‑08, Douglas Fir Plywood
CAN/CSA‑O141‑05, Softwood Lumber
O151‑04, Canadian Softwood Plywood
S269.1‑1975 (R2003), Falsework for Construction Purposes
CAN/CSA‑S269.2‑M87 (R2003), Access Scaffolding for Construction Purposes
W117.2‑06, Safety in welding, cutting and allied processes
CAN3‑Z11‑M81 (R2005), Portable Ladders
CAN/CSA Z94.1‑05, Industrial Protective Headwear
Z94.2‑02, Hearing Protection Devices — Performance, Selection, Care, and Use
Z94.3‑07, Eye and Face Protectors
Z94.3‑02, Eye and Face Protectors
Z94.3‑99, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors
Z94.4‑02, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators
Z107.56‑06, Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure
CAN/CSA‑Z150‑98 (R2004), Safety Code on Mobile Cranes
Z180.1‑00 (R2005), Compressed Breathing Air and Systems
CAN/CSA‑Z185‑M87 (R2006), Safety Code for Personnel Hoists
Z195‑02, Protective Footwear
Z248‑04, Code for Tower Cranes
CAN/CSA‑Z256‑M87 (R2006), Safety Code for Material Hoists
CAN/CSA Z259.1‑05, Body belts and saddles for work positioning and travel restraint
CAN/CSA‑Z259.2.1‑98 (R2004), Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines, and Rails
CAN/CSA‑Z259.2.2‑98 (R2004), Self‑Retracting Devices for Personal Fall‑Arrest Systems
CAN/CSA‑Z259.2.3‑99 (R2004), Descent Control Devices
Z259.3‑M1978 (R2004), Lineman’s Body Belt and Lineman’s Safety Strap
CAN/CSA Z259.10‑06, Full Body Harnesses
Z259.11‑05, Energy absorbers and lanyards
Z259.12‑01 (R2006), Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
Z259.13‑04, Flexible Horizontal Lifeline Systems
Z259.14‑01, Fall Restrict Equipment for Wood Pole Climbing
Z259.16‑04, Design of Active Fall‑Protection Systems
CAN/CSA‑Z271‑98 (R2004), Safety Code for Suspended Elevating Platforms
CAN/CSA‑Z275.1‑05, Hyperbaric Facilities
CAN/CSA‑Z275.2‑04, Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations
CAN/CSA‑Z275.4‑02, Competency Standard for Diving Operations
CAN/CSA‑Z321‑96 (R2006), Signs and Symbols for the Workplace
Z434‑03 (R2008), Industrial Robots and Robot Systems – General Safety Requirements
CPSC Standard
Title 16 Code of U.S. Federal Regulations Part 1203, Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets
IEC Standards
61672‑1 (2002), Electroacoustics – Sound Level Meters – Part 1: Specifications 61672‑2 (2003), Electroacoustics – Sound Level Meters – Part 2: Pattern evaluation tests
International Rope Access Trade Association
General requirements for certification of personnel engaged in industrial rope access methods (2005)
International guidelines on the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes (2001)
ISO Standards
3450: 1996, Earth‑moving machinery — Braking systems of rubber‑tyred machines —Systems and performance requirements and test procedures
3471: 2000, Earth‑moving machinery – Roll‑over, protective structures – Laboratory tests and performance requirements
6165: 2006, Earth‑moving machinery — Basic types — Vocabulary
NLGA Standard
Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber (2003)
Natural Resources Canada
Blasting Explosives and Detonators — Storage, Possession, Transportation, Destruction and Sale (M82‑8/1983), Revised 1993
Storage Standards for Industrial Explosives (M81‑7/2001E)
NFPA Standards
30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2008 Edition
1123, Code for Fireworks Display, 2006 Edition
1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience, 2006 Edition
1971, Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting, 2007 Edition
1977, Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting, 2005 Edition
1983, Standard on Fire Service Life Safety Rope and System Components, 2006 Edition
OSHA Standard
1928.52, Protective Frames for Wheel‑type Agricultural Tractors – Tests, Procedures and Performance Requirements
PIP Standard
STF05501 (February 2002), Fixed Ladders and Cages, published by the Construction Industry Institute
SAE Standards, Recommended Practices and Reports
J167 (2002), Overhead Protection for Agricultural Tractors – Test Procedures and Performance Requirements
J209 (2003), Instrument Face Design and Location for Construction and Industrial Equipment
J209 JAN87, Instrument Face Design and Location for Construction and Industrial Equipment
J386 (2006), Operator Restraint System for Off‑Road Work Machines,
J1029 (2007), Lighting and Marking of Construction, Earthmoving Machinery
J1042 (2003), Operator Protection for General‑Purpose Industrial Machines
J1084‑APR80 (R2002), Operator Protective Structure Performance Criteria for Certain Forestry Equipment
J1194 (1999), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Wheeled Agricultural Tractors
J1511 FEB94/ISO 5010, Steering for Off‑Road, Rubber‑Tired Machines
J2042 (2003), Clearance, Sidemarker, and Identification Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width
J2042 July 1996, Clearance, Sidemarker, and Identification Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width
J2292 (2006), Combination Pelvic/Upper Torso (Type 2) Operator Restraint Systems for Off‑Road Work Machines
J/ISO 3449 (2005), Earthmoving Machinery — Falling‑Object Protective Structures — Laboratory Tests and Performance Requirements
Snell Memorial Foundation
B‑90A, 1998 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Bicycles
B‑95A, 1998 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Bicycles
M2005, 2005 Helmet Standard for Use in Motorcycling
N‑94, 1994 Standard for Protective Headgear For Use in Non‑Motorized Sports
Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians
Certification Requirements for Rope Access Work (2005)
Safe Practices for Rope Access Work (2003)
Transportation Association of Canada
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (1998)
UIAA Standards
101: 2004, Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment – Dynamic Ropes
105: 2004, Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment – Harnesses
106: 2004, Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment – Helmets
107: 2004, Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment – Low Stretch Ropes
121: 2004, Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment – Connectors
126: 2004, Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment – Rope Clamps
ULC Standards
C30‑1995, Containers, Safety
CAN/ULC‑60832‑99, Installing Poles (Insulating Sticks) and Universal Tool Attachment (Fittings) for Live Working
CAN/ULC‑D60855‑00, Live Working – Insulating Foam‑Filled Tubes and Solid Rods for Live Working
CAN/ULC‑60895‑04, Live Working – Conductive Clothing for Use at Nominal Voltage Up to 800 kV A.C. and +/‑ 600 kV D.C.
CAN/ULC‑60900‑99, Hand Tools for Live Working up to 1000 V a.c. and 1500 V d.c.
CAN/ULC‑60903‑04, Live Working – Gloves of Insulating Materials
CAN/ULC‑D60984‑00, Sleeves of Insulating Material for Live Working
CAN/ULC‑D61112‑01, Blankets of Insulating Material for Electrical Purposes
CAN/ULC‑D61229‑00, Rigid Protective Covers for Live Working on a.c. Installations
CAN/ULC‑61236‑99, Saddles, Pole Clamps (Stick Clamps) and Accessories for Live Working
U.S.A. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
FMVSS 218 Motorcycle Helmets 1993 OCT
Previous editions of referenced standards
3.1 If a standard referenced in this Code applies to equipment manufactured or installed on or after a specified effective date, an employer must ensure that equipment manufactured or installed prior to that date was approved to or, as applicable, met the requirements of, the edition of the referenced standard that was in effect at the time the equipment was manufactured or installed.
Transitional
4 Repealed
Repeal
5 Repealed
Coming into force
6 This Code comes into force on July 1, 2009.
Part 2
Hazard Assessment,
Elimination and Control
Hazard assessment
7(1) An employer must assess a work site and identify existing and potential hazards before work begins at the work site or prior to the construction of a new work site.
7(2) An employer must prepare a report of the results of a hazard assessment and the methods used to control or eliminate the hazards identified.
7(3) An employer must ensure that the date on which the hazard assessment is prepared or revised is recorded on it.
7(4) An employer must ensure that the hazard assessment is repeated
(a) at reasonably practicable intervals to prevent the development of unsafe and unhealthy working conditions,
(b) when a new work process is introduced,
(c) when a work process or operation changes, or
(d) before the construction of significant additions or alterations to a work site.
7(5) Repealed AR 56/2018 s6.
AR 87/2009 s7;56/2018
Worker participation
8(1) An employer must involve affected workers in the hazard assessment and in the control or elimination of the hazards identified.
8(2) Repealed AR 56/2018 s7.
AR 87/2009 s8;56/2018
Hazard elimination and control
9(1) If an existing or potential hazard to workers is identified during a hazard assessment, an employer must take measures in accordance with this section to
(a) eliminate the hazards, or
(b) if elimination is not reasonably practicable, control the hazard.
9(2) If reasonably practicable, an employer must eliminate or control a hazard through the use of engineering controls.
9(3) If a hazard cannot be eliminated or controlled under subsection (2), the employer must use administrative controls that control the hazard to a level as low as reasonably achievable.
9(4) If the hazard cannot be eliminated or controlled under subsections (2) or (3), the employer must ensure that the appropriate personal protective equipment is used by workers affected by the hazard.
9(5) If the hazard cannot be eliminated or controlled under subsections (2), (3) or (4), the employer may use a combination of engineering controls, administrative controls or personal protective equipment if there is a greater level of worker safety because a combination is used.
Emergency control of hazard
10(1) If emergency action is required to control or eliminate a hazard that is dangerous to the safety or health of workers,
(a) only those workers competent in correcting the condition, and the minimum number necessary to correct the condition, may be exposed to the hazard, and
(b) every reasonable effort must be made to control the hazard while the condition is being corrected.
10(2) Sections 7(2) and 7(3) do not apply to an emergency response during the period that emergency action is required.
11 Repealed AR 56/2018 s8.
Part 3
Specifications and Certifications
Following specifications
12 An employer must ensure that
(a) equipment is of sufficient size, strength and design and made of suitable materials to withstand the stresses imposed on it during its operation and to perform the function for which it is intended or was designed,
(b) the rated capacity or other limitations on the operation of the equipment, or any part of it, or on the supplies as described in the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, are not exceeded,
(c) modifications to equipment that may affect its structural integrity or stability are performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, and
(d) equipment and supplies are erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired and dismantled in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or the specifications certified by a professional engineer.
12.1 Repealed AR 182/2019 s2.
AR 152/2018 s3;182/2019
Manufacturer’s and professional engineer’s specifications
13(1) If this Code requires anything to be done in accordance with a manufacturer’s specifications, an employer may, instead of complying strictly with the manufacturer’s specifications, comply with modified specifications certified by a professional engineer.
13(2) If this Code requires anything to be done in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and they are not available or do not exist, an employer must
(a) develop and comply with procedures that are certified by a professional engineer as designed to ensure the thing is done in a safe manner, or
(b) have the equipment certified as safe to operate by a professional engineer at least every 12 calendar months.
13(3) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s13;152/2018;182/2019
Certification by a professional engineer
14(1) If this Code requires that procedures or specifications be certified by a professional engineer, the certification must
(a) be in writing, and
(b) be stamped and signed by the professional engineer.
14(2) Unless the document states otherwise, certification by a professional engineer implies that the procedures or specifications certified are fit and safe for the workers affected by them.
Approved equipment
15 If this Code requires equipment to be approved by a named organization, an employer must use best efforts to ensure that the seal, stamp, logo or similar identifying mark of that organization is on the equipment and legible.
Requirements Applicable to All Industries
Part 4
Chemical Hazards, Biological
Hazards and Harmful Substances
Worker exposure to harmful substances
16(1) An employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to any substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 is kept as low as reasonably achievable.
16(2) An employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to any substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 does not exceed its occupational exposure limits listed in Schedule 1, Table 2.
16(2.1) The amended occupational exposure limit for coal dust as shown in Schedule 1, Table 2 comes into effect on July 1, 2010.
16(3) If no occupational exposure limit is established for a harmful substance present at a work site, an employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to that substance is kept as low as reasonably achievable.
16(3.1) A worker may not be exposed to a substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 at a concentration exceeding its ceiling limit at any time.
16(4) If no 15‑minute occupational exposure limit or ceiling occupational exposure limit is listed for a substance in Schedule 1, Table 2, the employer must
(a) comply with the eight‑hour occupational exposure limit, and
(b) ensure that a worker’s exposure to that substance does not exceed
(i) three times the eight‑hour occupational exposure limit for more than a total of 30 minutes during a continuous 24‑hour period, and five times the eight‑hour occupational exposure limit, or
(ii) the concentration that is immediately dangerous to life and health,
whichever is lower.
Exposure to multiple substances
17 An employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that, if a worker is exposed to more than one substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 during a single work shift, and the toxicological effects have similar modes of toxic action, the value of D in the formula
does not exceed 1, where CB1B, CB2B,…CBnB refer to the airborne concentrations during exposure to contaminants 1, 2,…n, and TB1B, TB2B,…TBnB are their respective occupational exposure limit values expressed in the same units as CBnB.
Exposure during shifts longer than 8 hours
18(1) Subject to subsection (3), if a worker is exposed to a substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 during a single work shift that is longer than eight hours, the employer must ensure that equivalent protection from adverse health effects is achieved by adjusting the eight‑hour exposure limit using the following formulas:
adjusted exposure limit = eight‑hour occupational exposure limit x daily reduction factor
where the daily reduction factor ,
and
h = hours worked per day.
18(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a substance for which the number “3” appears in the “Substance Interaction” column of Schedule 1, Table 2.
18(3) An employer may adjust the eight‑hour exposure limit by another method that uses recognized scientific principles and that is approved by a Director of Occupational Hygiene.
Review of exposure limits
19(1) A person may apply to a Director of Occupational Hygiene to request a review of the occupational exposure limit of a substance.
19(2) An application must be in writing and must include reasons for the review, proposed changes and information that supports the request.
19(3) On receipt of a request for a review of an occupational exposure limit, a Director of Occupational Hygiene may review the occupational exposure limit.
Airborne concentration measurements
20(1) If a person measures the airborne concentration of a harmful substance for the purposes of complying with the occupational exposure limits as required by this Code, the person must make the measurement in accordance with any one of
(a) the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 4PthP Edition (August 1994), published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, as amended up to and including the 2PndP supplement (January 15, 1998),
(b) Sampling and Analytical Methods published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
(c) Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive of Great Britain,
(d) EPA Test Methods published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
(e) Workplace Air Contamination Sampling Guide published by the Institut de recherché Robert‑Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRRSST),
(f) ISO Standards and Guides of Air Quality published by ISO Technical Committee TC146, or
(g) Analyses of hazardous substances in air/DFG Deutsche Forschngsgemeinschaft – Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.
(h) repealed AR 56/2018 s9.
20(2) If there is no analytical method or procedure that complies with subsection (1), an employer may use a continuous reading direct‑reading instrument to measure airborne concentrations of a harmful substance for the purposes of complying with the occupational exposure limits as required by this Code provided that the instrument is used, calibrated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
20(2.1) An employer must ensure that the person undertaking airborne measurements is competent to do so.
20(3) If the person is counting fibres, the person must apply NIOSH Method 7400, and only to particles that meet the size criteria for fibres.
20(4) An employer must record the results of the measurements and keep them for 3 years from the date on which the measurements were taken.
AR 87/2009 s20;56/2018
Potential worker exposure
21(1) If a worker may be exposed to a harmful substance at a work site, an employer must identify the health hazards associated with the exposure and assess the worker’s exposure.
21(2) The employer must ensure that a worker who may be exposed to a harmful substance at a work site
(a) is informed of the health hazards associated with exposure to that substance,
(b) is informed of measurements made of airborne concentrations of harmful substances at the work site, and
(c) is trained in procedures developed by the employer to minimize the worker’s exposure to harmful substances, and understands the procedures.
21(3) A worker who is provided with training under subsection (2) must use the procedures appropriately and apply the training.
Worker overexposure
22(1) If a worker may be exposed to an airborne concentration that is more than the occupational exposure limit of a substance, the employer must conduct measurements of the concentrations of that substance at the work site.
22(2) If a worker is exposed to more than the occupational exposure limit of a substance, the employer must immediately
(a) identify the cause of the overexposure,
(b) protect the worker from any further exposure,
(c) control the situation so that no other workers are exposed to the substance at airborne concentrations that are more than the occupational exposure limit, and
(d) explain to the worker the nature and extent of the overexposure.
22(3) As soon as reasonably practicable, an employer must inform the joint work site health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if there is one, in writing, that a worker has been exposed to more than the occupational exposure limit of a substance, and of the steps taken to control the overexposure.
AR 87/2009 s22;56/2018
Worker decontamination
23 If a worker may be contaminated by a harmful substance at a work site, the employer must
(a) provide the facilities, including showers, the worker needs to remove the contamination before the worker leaves the work site, and
(b) ensure that only those articles and clothing that have been properly decontaminated or cleaned are taken from the work site by the worker.
Emergency baths, showers, eye wash equipment
24 If a worker is present at a work site where chemicals harmful to the eyes or skin are used, the employer must ensure that the worker has immediate access at the work site to emergency baths, showers, eye wash equipment or other equipment appropriate for the potential level of exposure.
Prohibited activities
25(1) An employer must ensure that workers do not eat, drink or smoke tobacco in a part of a work site contaminated by a harmful substance.
25(2) A worker must not eat, drink or smoke tobacco in a part of a work site contaminated by a harmful substance.
Codes of practice
26(1) An employer must have a code of practice governing the storage, handling, use and disposal of a substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 1 that is present at a work site
(a) as pure substance in an amount exceeding 10 kilograms, or
(b) in a mixture in which the amount of the substance is more than 10 kilograms and at a concentration of 0.1 percent by weight or more.
26(2) The code of practice must include measures to be used to prevent the uncontrolled release of the substance and the procedures to be followed if there is an uncontrolled release.
Storage of harmful substances
27 An employer must ensure that a harmful substance used or stored at a work site
(a) is clearly identified, or its container is clearly identified, and
(b) is used and stored in such a way that the use or storage is not a hazard to workers.
General provisions for asbestos, silica, coal dust and lead
28 An employer must
(a) minimize the release of asbestos, silica, coal dust and lead into the air as far as is reasonably practicable,
(b) keep the work site clear of unnecessary accumulations of asbestos, silica, coal dust and lead and waste materials containing any of these substances, and
(c) ensure that the methods used to decontaminate the work area, workers, equipment and protective clothing prevent, as much as is reasonably practicable, the generation of airborne asbestos, silica, coal dust or lead.
Restricted area
29(1) An employer must ensure that only a person authorized by the employer or by law to do so enters a restricted area.
29(2) An employer must post signs that clearly indicate that
(a) asbestos, silica, coal dust or lead are present in the area,
(b) only authorized persons may enter the area, and
(c) eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in the area.
29(3) Signs posted under subsection (2) must
(a) be in a conspicuous location at the entrances to and on the periphery of each restricted area, as appropriate, and
(b) remain posted until the area is no longer a restricted area.
29(4) An employer must
(a) provide workers in a restricted area with protective clothing that protects other clothing worn by the worker from contamination by asbestos, silica, coal dust or lead,
(b) ensure that workers’ street clothing is not contaminated by asbestos, silica, coal dust or lead, and
(c) ensure that a worker does not leave a restricted area until the worker has been decontaminated.
29(5) Subsection (4) does not apply in an emergency if the health or safety of a worker requires the worker to leave a restricted area without being decontaminated.
Protective clothing used in restricted areas containing asbestos or lead
30(1) If clothing used in a restricted area containing asbestos or lead is reused and not discarded, the employer must have the clothing laundered in the appropriate manner and at appropriate intervals to ensure
(a) the clothing is decontaminated, and
(b) there is no cross‑contamination of other clothing by asbestos or lead.
30(2) The employer must ensure that clothing contaminated with asbestos or lead that is to be laundered before being reused is stored and transported in sealed containers.
30(3) Containers used in subsection (2) must be clearly labelled
(a) to identify the contents,
(b) to indicate that the contents are a hazard, and
(c) to warn workers that dust from the contents should not be inhaled.
Release of asbestos
31(1) If it is determined that asbestos fibres may be released in a building, the building is in an unsafe condition.
31(2) The employer must take all necessary steps to correct the unsafe condition.
Prohibitions related to asbestos
32(1) A person must not use materials containing crocidolite asbestos in an existing or a new building.
32(2) A person must not apply materials containing asbestos by spraying them.
Asbestos in air distribution systems
33 A person must not use asbestos in an air distribution system or equipment in a form in which, or in a location where, asbestos fibres could enter the air supply or return air systems.
Asbestos in a building to be demolished
34 If a building is to be demolished, the employer must ensure that materials with the potential to release asbestos fibres are removed first.
Encapsulation, enclosure or removal of asbestos
35 If a building is being altered or renovated, the employer must ensure that materials in the area of the alterations or renovations that could release asbestos fibres are encapsulated, enclosed or removed.
Notification of a project
36(1) An employer who is responsible for removing or abating asbestos or for demolishing or renovating a building or equipment containing asbestos must notify a Director of Inspection of the activity at least 72 hours before beginning the activities that may release asbestos fibres.
36(2) A person must not remove or abate asbestos or demolish or renovate a building or equipment containing asbestos if a Director of Inspection has not been notified in accordance with subsection (1).
Asbestos worker course
37(1) An employer must ensure that a worker who works with asbestos receives the training necessary for the worker to perform the work safely.
37(2) An employer must ensure that a worker who enters a restricted area that is designated as a restricted area due to the presence of asbestos
(a) has successfully completed a course of instruction approved by a Director of Occupational Hygiene, and
(b) has in the worker’s possession the original valid certificate of completion of the course issued to the worker.
Containment and labelling of asbestos waste
38(1) An employer must ensure that asbestos waste is stored, transported and disposed of in sealed containers that are impervious to asbestos and asbestos waste.
38(2) An employer must ensure that a container of an asbestos product and asbestos waste is clearly labelled
(a) to identify the contents as an asbestos product and carcinogenic, and
(b) to warn handlers that dust from the contents should not be inhaled.
Use of crystalline silica in abrasive blasting
39(1) If conducting abrasive blasting, an employer must, where reasonably practicable, ensure that crystalline silica is replaced with a less harmful substance.
39(2) Repealed
Health assessments for workers exposed to asbestos, silica or coal dust
40(1) This section applies to an exposed worker who may be exposed to asbestos, silica or coal dust.
40(2) A health assessment of the worker must include the following:
(a) the identity of the worker and the employer;
(b) the date of the medical examination, chest x‑ray and spirogram;
(c) a 35 centimetres by 43 centimetres postero‑anterior view chest x‑ray, including a radiologist’s report;
(d) a spirogram, conducted by a pulmonary function technician, including determinations of forced expiratory volume in the first, second and forced vital capacity;
(e) a history covering
(i) occupational exposures to asbestos, silica, coal dust or other industrial dusts and carcinogens,
(ii) significant exposures to asbestos, silica, coal dust, other dust and carcinogens during non work‑related activities,
(iii) significant symptoms that may indicate silicosis, pneumoconiosis, asbestosis or cancer,
(iv) past and current medical diagnoses of respiratory disease, and
(v) the worker’s smoking history,
(f) a written interpretation and explanation of the results of the assessment by a physician, with particular reference to the worker’s exposure to airborne substances.
40(3) The physician must give the written interpretation and explanation of the results of the health assessment to the worker not more than 60 days after the tests are completed.
40(4) The physician must ensure that the records of the health assessment are kept for not less than 30 years.
40(5) The person with custody of the health assessment record must ensure that no person, other than the worker or health professional who conducts the health assessment, the staff supervised by the health professional or another person authorized by law to have access, has access to the exposed worker’s health assessment unless
(a) the record is in a form that does not identify the worker, or
(b) the worker gives written permission for access by another person.
40(6) An employer must ensure that a worker undergoes a health assessment
(a) not more than 30 calendar days after the worker becomes an exposed worker, and
(b) every two years after the first health assessment.
40(7) If an exposed worker received a health assessment from a previous employer within the immediately preceding two years, the worker must inform the present employer of the date or approximate date of that health assessment at the earliest possible time.
40(8) An employer must ensure that an exposed worker has received a health assessment within the immediately preceding two years.
40(9) Despite subsections (7) and (8), exposed workers may refuse to undergo part or all of a health assessment by giving the employer a written statement refusing it.
40(10) An employer must not coerce, threaten or force a worker into refusing part or all of a health assessment.
40(11) An employer must pay the cost of the health assessment, medical interpretation and explanation required by this section.
40(12) An employer must ensure that, if it is reasonably practicable, a health assessment is performed during normal hours of work.
40(13) An employer must not make a deduction from the worker’s wages, salary or other remuneration or benefits for the time during which an exposed worker
(a) undergoes a health assessment, or
(b) travels to or from a health assessment.
Lead exposure control plan
41(1) An employer must develop an exposure control plan for lead if
(a) a worker at the 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 the work site could result in an elevated body burden of lead through any route of entry.
41(2) The exposure control plan must include at least the following:
(a) a statement of purpose and of the responsibilities of individuals;
(b) methods of hazard identification, assessment and control;
(c) worker education and training;
(d) safe work practices if these are required by the hazard assessment under this Code;
(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;
(h) procedures for maintenance of the plan, including annual reviews and updating.
41(3) A worker must follow the exposure control plan and practice the personal and work site hygiene practices established by the employer to minimize lead exposure at the work site.
Lead — air monitoring
42 If a worker may be exposed to lead in harmful amounts at a work site, an employer must ensure that air monitoring and surface testing for lead is regularly conducted to confirm that the controls in place are effective.
Medical monitoring for lead
43(1) An employer must ensure blood lead level testing is available to a worker if the worker at a work site could reasonably be expected to have an elevated body burden of lead.
43(2) An employer must ensure that a worker exposed to lead is informed of the availability of the blood lead test.
43(3) The employer must pay the cost of a blood level test.
43(4) An exposed worker may refuse to undergo a blood level test by giving the employer a written statement refusing it.
43(5) An employer must not coerce, threaten or force a worker into refusing part or all of the test.
43(6) Where the worker has a blood level that indicates lead poisoning, an occupational health and safety officer, under the direction of a Director of Medical Services, may require the employer to remove the worker from further lead exposure.
Controlling mould exposure
43.1 Where mould exists or may exist, an employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to the mould is controlled in accordance with section 9.
Code of practice
44(1) An employer must have a written code of practice governing the practices and procedures to be followed when workers enter and work in a confined space.
44(2) The code of practice must
(a) take into account and apply the requirements of this Part and of section 169,
(b) be maintained and periodically reviewed, and
(c) identify all existing and potential confined space work locations at a work site.
44(3) A worker involved in any aspect of a confined space entry must comply with the requirements and procedures in the code of practice.
Hazard assessment
45 If a worker will enter a confined space or a restricted space to work, an employer must appoint a competent person to
(a) identify and assess the hazards the worker is likely to be exposed to while in the confined space or restricted space,
(b) specify the type and frequency of inspections and tests necessary to determine the likelihood of worker exposure to any of the identified hazards,
(c) perform the inspections and tests specified,
(d) specify the safety and personal protective equipment required to perform the work, and
(e) identify the personal protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by a worker who undertakes rescue operations in the event of an accident or other emergency.
Training
46(1) An employer must ensure that a worker assigned duties related to confined space or restricted space entry is trained by a competent person in
(a) recognizing hazards associated with working in confined spaces or restricted spaces, and
(b) performing the worker’s duties in a safe and healthy manner.
46(2) An employer must keep records of the training given under subsection (1).
46(3) An employer must ensure that competence in the following is represented in the workers responding to a confined space or restricted space emergency:
(a) first aid;
(b) the use of appropriate emergency response equipment;
(c) procedures appropriate to the confined space or restricted space.
Entry permit system
47(1) A person must not enter a confined space at a work site without a valid entry permit.
47(2) An employer must establish an entry permit system for a confined space that
(a) lists the name of each worker who enters the confined space and the reason for their entry,
(b) gives the location of the confined space,
(c) specifies the time during which an entry permit is valid,
(d) takes into account the work being done in the confined space, and
(e) takes into account the code of practice requirements for entering, being in and leaving a confined space.
47(3) An employer must ensure that, before a worker enters a confined space, an entry permit is properly completed, signed by a competent person and a copy kept readily available.
47(4) Based on a review of similar confined spaces, an employer may issue an entry permit that can be used for a number of similar confined spaces.
Safety and protection — generally
48(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) if a lifeline is required in a confined space or a restricted space, it is used in a manner that does not create an additional hazard,
(b) the safety and personal protective equipment required under this Code is available to workers entering a confined space or a restricted space,
(c) a worker who enters, occupies or leaves a confined space or restricted space uses the safety and personal protective equipment,
(d) the personal protective equipment and emergency equipment required under this Code is available to workers undertaking rescue operations in a confined space or restricted space,
(e) equipment appropriate to the confined space or restricted space, including personal protective equipment, is available to perform a timely rescue, and
(f) a communication system is established that is readily available to workers in a confined space or a restricted space and is appropriate to the hazards.
48(2) An employer must ensure that all personal protective equipment and emergency equipment required for use in a confined space or a restricted space is inspected by a competent person to ensure the equipment is in good working order before workers enter the confined space or the restricted space.
48(3) An employer must ensure that written records of the inspections required by subsection (2) are retained as required by section 58.
Protection — hazardous substances and energy
49(1) An employer must ensure that workers within a confined space are protected against the release of hazardous substances or energy that could harm them.
49(2) An employer must ensure that a worker does not enter a confined space unless adequate precautions are in place to protect a worker from drowning, engulfment or entrapment.
49(3) An employer must ensure that any hazardous energy in a restricted space is controlled in accordance with Part 15.
Unauthorized entry
50 An employer must ensure that persons who are not authorized by the employer to enter a confined space or a restricted space are prevented from entering.
Traffic hazards
51 An employer must ensure that workers in a confined space or a restricted space are protected from hazards created by traffic in the vicinity of the confined space or restricted space.
Testing the atmosphere
52(1) If the hazard assessment identifies a potential atmospheric hazard and a worker is required or authorized by an employer to enter the confined space, the employer must ensure that a competent worker performs a pre‑entry atmospheric test of the confined space to
(a) verify that the oxygen content is between 19.5 percent and 23.0 percent by volume, and
(b) identify the amount of toxic, flammable or explosive substance that may be present.
52(2) The employer must ensure that the testing required by subsection (1) is performed using calibrated test instruments appropriate for the atmosphere being tested and the instruments are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
52(3) The employer must ensure that as often as necessary after the first time a worker enters the confined space, a competent worker
(a) performs the tests specified in subsection (1), and
(b) identifies and records any additional hazards.
52(3.1) The employer must ensure that if there is a potential for the atmosphere to change unpredictably after a worker enters the confined space, the atmosphere is continuously monitored in accordance with subsection (2).
52(4) If tests identify additional hazards, the employer must deal with the identified hazards in accordance with this Code.
52(5) The employer must ensure that the procedures and practices put in place under subsection (4) are included in the code of practice.
52(6) The employer must ensure that the results of tests required by this section are recorded.
Ventilation and purging
53(1) If the atmospheric testing under section 52 identifies that a hazardous atmosphere exists or is likely to exist in a confined space, an employer must ensure that the confined space is ventilated, purged or both before a worker enters the confined space.
53(2) If ventilating or purging a confined space is impractical or ineffective in eliminating a hazardous atmosphere, the employer must ensure that a worker who enters the confined space uses personal protective equipment appropriate for the conditions within the confined space.
53(3) If mechanical ventilation is needed to maintain a safe atmosphere in a confined space during the work process, an employer must ensure it is provided and operated as needed.
53(4) If mechanical ventilation is required to maintain a safe atmosphere in the confined space, the employer must ensure that
(a) the ventilation system incorporates a method of alerting workers to a failure of the system so that workers have sufficient time to safely leave the confined space, and
(b) all workers within the confined space have received training in the evacuation procedures to be used in the event of a ventilation system failure.
53(5) All workers must evacuate a confined space or use an alternative means of protection if a ventilation system fails.
Inerting
54(1) An employer must ensure that a confined space is inerted if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate an explosive or flammable atmosphere within the confined space through another means.
54(2) If a confined space is inerted, an employer must ensure that
(a) every worker entering the confined space is equipped with supplied‑air respiratory protection equipment that complies with Part 18,
(b) all ignition sources are controlled, and
(c) the atmosphere within the confined space stays inerted while workers are inside.
Emergency response
55(1) An employer must ensure that a worker does not enter or remain in a confined space or a restricted space unless an effective rescue can be carried out.
55(2) A worker must not enter or stay in a confined space or restricted space unless an effective rescue can be carried out.
55(3) An employer must ensure that the emergency response plan includes the emergency procedures to be followed if there is an accident or other emergency, including procedures in place to evacuate the confined space or restricted space immediately
(a) when an alarm is activated,
(b) if the concentration of oxygen inside the confined space drops below 19.5 percent by volume or exceeds 23.0 percent by volume, or
(c) if there is a significant change in the amount of hazardous substances inside the confined space.
Tending worker
56(1) For every confined space or restricted space entry, an employer must designate a competent worker to be in communication with a worker in the confined space or restricted space.
56(2) An employer must ensure that the designated worker under subsection (1) has a suitable system for summoning assistance.
56(3) An employer must ensure that a competent worker trained in the evacuation procedures in the emergency response plan is present outside a confined space, at or near the entrance, if
(a) the oxygen content of the atmosphere inside the confined space is less than 19.5 percent by volume,
(b) the oxygen content of the atmosphere inside the confined space is greater than 23.0 percent by volume,
(c) the concentration of a substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 inside the confined space is greater than 50 percent of its occupational exposure limit, or
(d) a hazard other than one listed in clauses (a), (b) or (c) is identified by the hazard assessment and the hazard cannot be eliminated or effectively controlled.
56(4) An employer must ensure that the tending worker under subsection (3)
(a) keeps track at all times of the number of workers inside the confined space,
(b) is in constant communication with the workers inside the confined space, and
(c) has a suitable system for summoning assistance.
56(5) A tending worker must not leave the area until all workers have left the confined space or another tending worker is in place.
Entry and exit
57 An employer must ensure that a safe means of entry and exit is available to all workers required to work in a confined space or a restricted space and to all rescue personnel attending to the workers.
Retaining records
58 An employer must ensure that all records respecting entry and work in a confined space, including entry permits and testing under this Part, are retained for not less than
(a) one year if no incident or unplanned event occurred during the entry, or
(b) two years if an incident or unplanned event occurred during the entry.
Part 6
Cranes, Hoists and Lifting Devices
Application
59(1) This Part applies to lifting devices, including cranes and hoists, with a rated load capacity of 2000 kilograms or more.
59(1.1) This Part does not apply to drawworks on equipment that is subject to Part 37.
59(2) Sections 60 to 74 apply to roofer’s hoists regardless of their rated load capacity.
59(2.1) A hoist may only be used for vertical lifting or lowering if it complies with this Part and is designed and manufactured for vertical lifting or lowering.
59(3) Despite subsection (2), sections 63, 64(4) and 65 do not apply to roofer’s hoists.
59(4) Despite subsection (1), an employer must ensure that a lifting device with a rated load capacity of less than 2000 kilograms has the rated load capacity of the equipment shown on the equipment.
Not commercially manufactured
60 If a lifting device is not commercially manufactured, an employer must ensure that it is fit and safe for use as a lifting device and that it is certified by a professional engineer.
Identification of components
61 An employer must ensure that all major structural, mechanical and electrical components of a lifting device are permanently and legibly identified as being component parts of a specific make and model of lifting device.
Rated load capacity
62(1) An employer must ensure that a lifting device has a plate or weatherproof label permanently secured to it that legibly shows
(a) the manufacturer’s rated load capacity,
(b) the manufacturer’s name, and
(c) the model, serial number and year of manufacture or shipment date.
62(1.1) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
62(2) If a lifting device is not commercially manufactured, an employer must ensure that it has a plate or weatherproof label permanently secured to it that legibly shows the rated load capacity according to the professional engineer’s certification.
62(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to A‑frames and gin poles.
AR 87/2009 s62;152/2018;182/2019
Load charts
63(1) An employer must ensure that a mobile crane or boom truck is equipped at all times with load charts showing the rated load capacity of the mobile crane or boom truck at all permitted boom angles and boom radii.
63(2) An employer must ensure that a tower crane has a load chart
(a) conspicuously and permanently secured to the cab, and
(b) showing the manufacturer’s rated capacity loads at various radii of a two‑part line and a four‑part line separately.
Operator requirements
64(1) An employer must ensure that a lifting device is only operated by a competent worker authorized by the employer to operate the equipment.
64(2) At the employer’s request, an operator, before operating a lifting device, must be able to demonstrate that the worker is competent in the equipment’s operation and knowledgeable about load charts and the code of signals for hoisting operations.
64(3) No worker other than the competent worker authorized by the employer may operate a lifting device.
64(4) Before operating a particular lifting device, the operator must be familiar with all recent entries in its log book.
Log books
65(1) An employer must set up a paper or electronic log book for each lifting device at a work site.
65(1.1) Despite subsection (1), the log book requirement does not apply to manually operated hoists.
65(2) The employer must ensure that
(a) the log book is readily available for inspection by an officer at any time,
(b) the most current log book of a mobile crane accompanies it or is available to the operator at all times, and
(c) if ownership of a lifting device is transferred, the log book is transferred with the equipment.
65(3) The employer must ensure that the following details are entered into the log book:
(a) the date and time when any work was performed on the lifting device;
(b) length of time in lifting service
(i) recorded as hours of service if the lifting device is equipped by the manufacturer with an hour‑meter, or
(ii) if required by the manufacturer’s specifications;
(c) all defects or deficiencies and when they were detected;
(d) inspections, including examinations, checks and tests, that are performed, including those specified in the manufacturer’s specifications;
(e) repairs or modifications performed;
(f) a record of a certification under section 73;
(g) any matter or incident that may affect the safe operation of the lifting device;
(h) any other operational information specifically identified by the employer;
(i) in the case of a tower crane, whether or not the weight testing device was lifted for that working day, before the work of lifting loads began.
65(4) The employer must ensure that each entry in a paper log book is signed by the person doing the work.
65(5) The employer must ensure that each entry in an electronic log book identifies the person doing the work.
65(6) In the case of a tower crane, the employer must ensure that a senior representative of the employer at the work site confirms that the entries in the log book are correct every day that the tower crane is in operation.
AR 87/2009 s65;56/2018
Preventing an unsafe lift
66 If the operator of a lifting device has any doubts as to the safety of workers in the vicinity of the lift, the operator must not move any equipment or load until the operator is assured that the working conditions are safe.
Preventing collisions
67 An employer must ensure that procedures are developed to prevent collisions if two or more lifting devices are in use and there is the potential for a collision between them, their loads or component parts.
Load weight
68 An employer must ensure that the operator of the lifting device, the rigger supervised by the operator and the person in charge of a lift are provided with all the information necessary to enable them to readily and accurately determine the weight of the load to be lifted.
Lift calculation
68.1 An employer must ensure that a lift calculation is completed for any lift exceeding 75 percent of a crane’s rated capacity.
Loads over work areas
69(1) An employer must ensure that work is arranged, if it is reasonably practicable, so that a load does not pass over workers.
69(2) An operator of a lifting device must not pass the load on the device over workers unless
(a) no other practical alternative exists in the circumstances, and
(b) the workers are effectively warned of the danger.
69(3) A worker must not stand or pass under a suspended load unless the worker has been effectively warned of the danger and the operator of the lifting device knows the worker is under the suspended load.
69(4) The operator of a lifting device that is travelling with a load must ensure that the load is positioned as close to the ground or grade as possible.
Tag and hoisting lines
70(1) If workers are in danger because of the movement of a load being lifted, lowered or moved by a lifting device, an employer must ensure that
(a) a worker uses a tag line of sufficient length to control the load,
(b) the tag line is used in a way that prevents the load from striking the worker controlling the tag line, and
(c) a tag line is used when it allows worker separation from the load.
70(2) An employer must ensure that tag lines of non‑conductive synthetic rope are used when there is a danger of contact with energized electrical equipment.
70(3) An employer must ensure that tag lines are not used in situations where their use could increase the danger to workers.
Hand signals
71 An employer must ensure that hand signals necessary to ensure a safe hoisting operation are given in accordance with section 191 by a competent signaller designated by the employer.
Controls
72(1) Moved to section 95.1
72(2) Repealed
72(3) The employer must ensure that an operator who uses a remote control to operate a lifting device is visually distinguishable from other workers at the work site.
Repairs and modifications
73(1) An employer must ensure that structural repairs or modifications to components of a lifting device are
(a) made only under the direction and control of a professional engineer, and
(b) certified by the professional engineer to confirm that the workmanship and quality of materials used has restored the components to not less than their original capacity.
73(2) If structural repairs or modifications are made, the employer must ensure that
(a) the repaired or modified components are individually and uniquely identified in the log book and on the component, and
(b) the professional engineer’s certification makes reference to those components and their identification.
Containers for hoisting
74(1) An employer must ensure that a container used for a load being lifted by a hoist is designed for that particular purpose and bears a marking to indicate its maximum load rating.
74(2) A person must not use an oil drum or similar container as a container for a load being lifted by a hoist unless the drum or container is hoisted in a cage designed for that purpose.
A‑Frames and gin poles
75 An employer must ensure that an A‑frame or gin pole
(a) is not inclined more than 45 degrees from the vertical,
(b) is equipped with a boom stop, and
(c) has the sheave and cap of its rigging attached securely enough to the gin pole to withstand any loads to which the assembly may be subjected.
Suspended personnel baskets
75.1(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) a commercially manufactured suspended personnel basket is erected, used, operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, or
(b) a suspended personnel basket that is not commercially manufactured is designed and certified by a professional engineer.
75.1(2) Despite section 147, if it is not practicable to provide a separate personal fall arrest system using a vertical lifeline for each worker in the man basket, an employer must ensure that
(a) a separate support is attached between the suspended personnel basket and the hoist line above the hook assembly that is capable of withstanding the weight of the personel basket, materials, equipment and workers should the hook assembly fail, and
(b) each worker within the personnel basket is wearing a separate personal fall arrest system attached to the personnel basket.
Installation and use
76 An employer must ensure that a cantilever hoist
(a) is anchored to a building or structure at distance intervals that meet the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer,
(b) has a foundation that is solid, level and of a size and strength capable of supporting the weight of the hoist and its loads under all working conditions, and
(c) carries loads that do not project beyond the edges of the material landing platform or the skip of the hoist.
Equipment requirements
77 An employer must ensure that a chimney hoist
(a) is equipped with positive drives,
(b) does not have a clutch between the transmission and the hoist drums,
(c) is equipped with a speed‑indicating device if the hoist is capable of operating at speeds of more than 0.6 metres per second,
(d) is equipped with at least two independent braking systems, each capable of stopping 150 percent of the manufacturer’s rated capacity load, at the manufacture’s rated capacity maximum speed,
(e) has a roller or ball bearing swivel installed between the bucket and the rope on the hoist,
(f) is equipped with a communication system that informs the operator when the hoist is to be used to lift or lower workers, and
(g) has a separate safety line attached between the bucket or man basket yoke and the hoist rope above the ball or hook.
Operator responsibilities
78(1) An operator of a chimney hoist must not
(a) lift or lower a worker at a speed of more than 0.6 metres per second,
(b) use the brake alone to control the speed of the chimney hoist when a worker is being lowered,
(c) lift or lower more than two workers at the same time, or
(d) lift or lower materials or equipment at the same time as a worker.
78(2) An operator of a chimney hoist must use safety latch hooks or shackles equipped with safety pins.
Worker in lifting device
79 An employer must ensure that a worker who is lifted or lowered by a chimney hoist uses a personnel basket.
Holding suspended load
80 An employer must ensure that a hand‑operated hoist is provided with a device capable of holding the total load suspended safely under all operating conditions.
Safety code for material hoists
81 A material hoist must meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑Z256‑M87 (R2006), Safety Code for Material Hoists.
Rider restriction
82(1) A person must not ride on a material hoist.
82(2) An employer must ensure that a worker does not ride on a material hoist.
Gate interlocks
83 An employer must ensure that a material hoist is equipped at each floor or level with devices that prevent
(a) a landing gate from being opened unless the hoist platform is positioned at that landing, or
(b) movement of the hoist platform when a landing gate is open.
Operator responsibilities
84 A material hoist operator must not
(a) leave the hoist controls unattended while the skip, platform or load is in the lifted position, or
(b) move the skip, platform or cage until the operator is informed by a designated signaller that it is safe to do so.
Signal systems
85(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) if a signal system is used to control the movement of a material hoist the signal descriptions are posted at each floor or level and at the operator’s station,
(b) the operator of a material hoist, and a designated signaller at the floor or level where loading and unloading is being performed, maintain visual or auditory communication with each other at all times during loading and unloading, and
(c) if an electrical or mechanical signal system has been installed to coordinate the movement of the hoist’s skip, platform or cage, the system is arranged so that the hoist operator knows from which floor or level a signal originates.
85(2) An employer must ensure that a material hoist erected at a building that is more than 20 metres high has a signal system that
(a) is installed at each floor or level and at the operator’s station,
(b) is designed to allow voice communication between a worker at any floor or level and the operator, and
(b) informs the operator from which floor or level the signal originates.
Hoist brakes
86 An employer must ensure that a material hoist’s braking system is capable of stopping and holding the total load suspended safely, under all operating conditions.
Location protected
87 An employer must ensure that
(a) the area around the base of the material hoist is fenced or otherwise barricaded to prevent anyone from entering it if the hoist platform is not at the base level,
(b) a removable guardrail or gate is installed between 600 millimeters and 900 millimetres away from the edge of a floor or level served by the material hoist, and
(c) if the operator controls are not remote from the material hoist, overhead protection is provided for the operator.
Safety code for mobile cranes
88 A mobile crane must meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑Z150‑98 (R2004), Safety Code on Mobile Cranes with the exception of clauses 1.6 and 1.7.
Personnel baskets
88.1 Despite section 88, an employer must ensure that
(a) a personnel basket used with a mobile crane is designed, constructed, maintained and used in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z150‑98 (R2004), Safety Code on Mobile Cranes, clause 5.4.7, or
(b) a personnel basket that is not commercially manufactured is designed and certified by a professional engineer.
Non‑destructive testing
89 An employer must ensure that all load‑bearing components of a mobile crane undergo non‑destructive testing under the direction and control of a professional engineer in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications at 12‑month intervals from the date of the mobile crane’s most recent certification.
Counterweights and outriggers
90 If outriggers are installed on a mobile crane or boom truck, the employer must ensure the outriggers are extended and supported by solid footings before being used.
Warning device
91 An employer must ensure that a mobile crane is equipped with an effective warning device in addition to the one required by section 267, that
(a) is readily accessible to the operator,
(b) is sufficient to warn workers of the impending movement of the crane, and
(c) if it is an auditory warning device, has a distinct sound that is distinguishable from all other sounds at the work site.
Preventing damage
92(1) If a boom is fitted on a mobile crane or boom truck and the crane or truck may overturn or flip backwards because of the return movement of the boom, an employer must ensure that
(a) positive boom stops are installed in the crane or truck in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and
(b) a boom stop limit device is installed to prevent the boom from being drawn back beyond a pre‑determined safe boom angle.
92(2) If a jib is attached to the boom of a mobile crane or boom truck, an employer must ensure that a jib stop device is installed in the crane or truck to prevent the jib from being drawn back over the boom.
92(3) An employer must ensure that blocking procedures are developed to prevent the collapse or upset of any part of a derrick, mast or boom during the installation, removal or replacement of a derrick or the mast or boom section of a mobile crane or boom truck.
Load blocks
92.1 Despite section 88, an employer must ensure that the load blocks of a mobile crane are maintained and repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or, if there are no manufacturer’s specifications, in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z150‑98 (R2004), Safety Code on Mobile Cranes, clause 4.3.5.2.
Outriggers
92.2 Despite section 88, an employer must ensure that a mobile crane equipped with outriggers is set up with the outriggers on load‑bearing floats or pads that are of adequate size, strength and rigidity.
Electrical components and functions
93 A bridge, jib, monorail, gantry or overhead travelling crane must meet the design requirements for electrical components and functions of
(a) CSA Standard C22.1‑06, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, Section 40, and
(b) CSA Standard C22.2 No. 33‑M1984 (R2004), Construction and Test of Electric Cranes and Hoists.
Maintenance and inspection
94 A bridge, jib, monorail, gantry or overhead travelling crane must meet the safety requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑B167‑96 (R2007), Safety Standard for Maintenance and Inspection of Overhead Cranes, Gantry Cranes, Monorails, Hoists and Trolleys.
Safe movement
95 An employer must ensure that a crane operating on rails, tracks or trolleys
(a) has a positive stop or limiting device on the crane or on the rails, tracks or trolleys to prevent it from overrunning safe limits or contacting other equipment that is on the same rail, track or trolley,
(b) is equipped with an overspeed limiting device,
(c) has positive means of ensuring that the rails, tracks or trolleys cannot be spread or misalign,
(d) has sweep guards installed to prevent material on the rail, track or trolley from dislodging the crane, and
(e) has a bed designed to carry all anticipated loads.
Controls
95.1 An employer must ensure that the controls of an overhead crane are of a constant manual pressure type.
Safety code for personnel hoists
96 Except for a personnel hoist used in a mine, a personnel hoist must meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑Z185 (R2006), Safety Code for Personnel Hoists.
Safe use and design
97(1) An employer must ensure that a roofer’s hoist has counterweights
(a) designed as a component part of the hoist to remain securely attached to the hoist until all lifting is completed, and
(b) heavy enough to counterbalance four times the maximum weight of the load being lifted.
97(2) A person must not use roofing materials as a counterweight.
97(3) An employer must ensure that a roofer’s hoist is inspected daily by a competent worker designated by the employer.
97(4) An employer must ensure that bolts and pins used to interconnect component parts of a roofer’s hoist are equipped with safety pins that prevent them from being dislodged.
97(5) A worker must
(a) use a roofer’s hoist only for vertical lifting, and
(b) not exceed the design load limits of the roofer’s hoist.
97(6) An employer must ensure that a gallows frame roofer’s hoist is constructed of lumber sized as follows, or of material that has the same or greater properties as the lumber used for the same function:
(a) thrustout — 38 millimetres by 184 millimeters lumber;
(b) uprights — 90 millimetres by 90 millimetres lumber;
(c) braces and base plates — 38 millimetres by 140 millimetres.
97(7) An employer must ensure that a gallows frame roofer’s hoist
(a) has a hoisting line with a breaking strength of not less than 25 kilonewtons,
(b) has thrustouts placed on their edge that do not overhang more than one‑quarter of their length, and
(c) has sheaves securely attached to the thrustouts without using single strand wire or nails.
Tower and Building Shaft Hoists
Protective enclosure
98 An employer must ensure that
(a) a tower hoist is enclosed at ground level with solid walls or equally effective fencing to a height of at least 2 metres on all sides except the loading side,
(b) a hoist shaft inside a building is enclosed on all sides but the landing side at all floors or levels to a height of at least 2 metres with solid walls or equally effective fencing,
(c) a landing gate inside a building does not open unless the hoist platform is positioned at that landing,
(d) the landing side of the hoist shaft inside a building has an access door complete with a lock and an “OPEN SHAFT” sign attached to the enclosure,
(e) a tower or building shaft hoist is braced, guyed or supported at vertical intervals of not more than 6 metres or at the intervals in the manufacturer’s specifications and
(f) the bottom pulley block or sheave is securely anchored and the pulley and hoisting ropes to the hoisting engine are enclosed.
Design
99 An employer must ensure that a boom is not installed on a tower hoist unless its design is certified by a professional engineer to the effect that the tower structure can withstand the additional load.
Safety code for tower cranes
100 A tower crane manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 must meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z248‑04, Code for Tower Cranes.
Limit devices
101(1) An employer must ensure that a tower crane is equipped with
(a) an overload device consisting of a hoist overload switch that automatically restricts the weight of the load,
(b) a travel limit device consisting of a moment overload switch that automatically restricts the radius within which the load can travel,
(c) a height limit switch that prevents the load from being overwound, and
(d) trolley travel limit devices consisting of a “trolley in” limit switch and a “trolley out” limit switch that prevent the trolley from running to the end of its track and falling off.
101(2) An employer must ensure that the devices described in subsection (1) are adjusted and set in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and have their limit switches sealed.
Operation
102 An operator of a tower crane must
(a) ensure the safe movement of the crane and its load at all times,
(b) verify at the beginning of each work shift that the mast is plumb, and
(c) verify at least once in each 24 hour period that the limit devices described in section 101 are operational.
Changing components
103(1) An employer must ensure that the major structural, mechanical and electrical components of a tower crane are not interchanged with those of other tower cranes unless
(a) the components are from the same make or model of tower crane,
(b) the components are approved by the manufacturer as suitable for their intended application, or
(c) the components are certified by a professional engineer as suitable for their intended application.
103(2) An employer must ensure that if an operator’s cab is attached to the boom of a tower crane, the design of the cab, its position, method of attachment and any structural changes, including changes to the counterweight, capacity and operation of the crane, are in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or are certified by a professional engineer.
Test weights
104(1) An employer must ensure that if weights are used as a weight testing device on a tower crane,
(a) the true weight of the test weight is determined and legibly recorded on the weight, and
(b) when not in use, the test weights rest on supports to prevent the weights from freezing to the ground or creating a vacuum when lifted.
104(2) The employer must ensure that the lifting attachment on a test weight is made of mild steel and of sufficient size and strength to support the weight.
Structural testing and examination
105(1) An employer must ensure that all structural and rigging components of a tower crane undergo non‑destructive testing under the direction and control of a professional engineer in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications
(a) as close as reasonably practicable to the project site,
(b) before the crane is used for the first time in a project in Alberta, and
(c) if the crane is moved from project to project, before it is used after the move.
105(2) If a tower crane is in operation on a project for more than one year from the date on which the crane starts operating, the employer must ensure its structural components are examined under the direction and control of a professional engineer after each period of 2000 operating hours or 12 months after the date on which it starts operating, whichever occurs first.
105(3) The employer must ensure that the results of the testing or examination required by subsections (1) and (2) are certified by a professional engineer in a report that clearly identifies the crane and the components to which the information relates.
Wind and temperature limitations
106(1) An employer must ensure that operation of a tower crane is stopped when the wind velocity at the elevation of the crane exceeds the limit recommended in the manufacturer’s specifications or, if there are none, in specifications certified by a professional engineer.
106(2) An employer must ensure that operation of a tower crane is stopped when the temperature in the vicinity of the crane is below the limit recommended in the manufacturer’s specifications or, if there are none, in specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Multiple cranes
107 If two or more tower cranes are erected in such a manner that the radii of operations overlap,
(a) the employer must ensure that operators are provided with a visual or auditory means of communicating with each other,
(b) the operators must be able to communicate with each other when both crane are in operation, and
(c) the operators must operate the cranes in such a manner that there are no collisions between the cranes or their loads.
Safety requirements
108(1) An employer must ensure that an underground shaft hoist complies with the following:
(a) all supporting parts of the hoist machinery are set on and secured to a substantial foundation;
(b) it is equipped with positive drives for lifting and lowering the hoist cage;
(c) it does not have a clutch between the transmission and the hoist drums;
(d) it has a hoist drum with a spring‑activated drum friction brake capable of stopping and holding the total suspended load in a safe manner under all operating conditions;
(e) it has a hoist drum equipped with a positive spring‑activated pawl or similar device to lock the drum.
108(2) An employer must ensure that an underground shaft hoist
(a) has a communication system available and working at all times between the hoist operator and workers at landings in the shaft leading to a tunnel or an underground space, and
(b) the controls of the communication system can be operated at all times at every landing in the shaft, on the hoist platform and at the operator’s position.
108(3) An employer must ensure that in an emergency an additional means of communication is available and working at all times between the operator of a shaft hoist and workers at the face of the tunnelling operations.
108(4) An employer must ensure that, if a code is used in a communication system in an underground shaft hoist, the code is prominently posted at all times at every landing in the shaft and at the operator’s controls.
Operator responsibilities
109(1) The operator of an underground hoist must
(a) ensure that the brake remains on at all times until it is released manually,
(b) hold the hoist drum brake in the “OFF” position when lifting or lowering the hoist cage, and
(c) not lock out or otherwise disable the hoist drum brake when lifting or lowering the hoist cage.
109(2) The operator of an underground hoist must not allow the hoist to travel at more than 1.2 metres per second when a worker is lifted or lowered in the hoist cage.
Hoist cage
110(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) a hoist cage platform is equipped with a car locking device, and
(b) the shaft on which an underground shaft hoist is installed is equipped with guide rails.
110(2) An employer must ensure that a hoist cage has a plate that
(a) states the maximum number of workers and the maximum load for which the hoist cage is designed,
(b) is secured to the hoist cage, and
(c) is clearly visible to the workers in the cage and the operator.
110(3) A person must not use an open hook to attach a hoist cage to the hoisting line.
Unguided suspended cage
111(1) Despite sections 108 to 110, an employer may use a suspended cage that does not have guide rails in an underground shaft if
(a) the movement of the cage is controlled by a crane,
(b) all sides and the top of the cage are enclosed by a screen of sufficient strength to protect any workers being transported in it, and
(c) a designated signaller at the surface has constant effective communication between the cage occupants and the crane operator.
111(2) If a cage referred to in subsection (1) is used in an underground shaft that is more than 30 metres deep, the employer must ensure that the cage is designed and certified by a professional engineer.
111(3) Section 347 does not apply to a cage referred to in subsection (1) or (2) when the cage is transporting workers.
Safety standards
112 An employer must ensure that a vehicle hoist installed on or after July 1, 2009 meets the requirements of the following:
(a) ANSI Standard ANSI/ALI ALCTV‑2006, American National Standard for Automotive Lifts — Safety Requirements for Construction, Testing and Validation, or
(b) ANSI Standard ANSI/ALI ALOIM‑2000, Automotive Lifts — Safety Requirements for Operation, Inspection and Maintenance.
Safe use
113(1) An employer must ensure that a pneumatic or hydraulic vehicle hoist has controls operated by constant manual pressure.
113(2) An employer must ensure that the operator of a vehicle hoist
(a) remains at the controls while the vehicle hoist is in motion, and
(b) does not block the controls during raising and lowering.
113(3) A worker must not be under a suspended load unless the load is supported by
(a) a vehicle hoist designed for that purpose, or
(b) stands or blocks, other than jacks, that are designed, constructed and maintained to support the load and placed on firm foundations.
Safe practices
114 An operator of a winch must ensure that, before vehicle‑mounted winch lines are hooked or unhooked from an object, the vehicle is prevented from moving.
Part 7
Emergency Preparedness
and Response
Emergency response plan
115(1) An employer must establish an emergency response plan for responding to an emergency that may require rescue or evacuation.
115(2) An employer must involve affected workers in establishing the emergency response plan.
115(3) An employer must ensure that an emergency response plan is current.
Contents of plan
116 An emergency response plan must include the following:
(a) the identification of potential emergencies;
(b) procedures for dealing with the identified emergencies;
(c) the identification of, location of and operational procedures for emergency equipment;
(d) the emergency response training requirements;
(e) the location and use of emergency facilities;
(f) the fire protection requirements;
(g) the alarm and emergency communication requirements;
(h) the first aid services required;
(i) procedures for rescue and evacuation;
(j) the designated rescue and evacuation workers.
Rescue and evacuation workers
117(1) An employer must designate the workers who will provide rescue services and supervise evacuation procedures in an emergency.
117(2) An employer must ensure that designated rescue and emergency workers are trained in emergency response appropriate to the work site and the potential emergencies identified in the emergency response plan.
117(3) The training under subsection (2) must include exercises appropriate to the work site that simulate the potential emergencies identified in the emergency response plan.
117(4) The training exercises referred to in subsection (3) must be repeated at the intervals required to ensure that the designated rescue and evacuation workers are competent to carry out their duties.
Equipment
118(1) An employer must provide workers designated under section 117 with personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the work site and the potential emergencies identified in the emergency response plan.
118(2) Workers who respond to an emergency must wear and use personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the work site and the emergency.
Part 8
Entrances, Walkways,
Stairways and Ladders
Entrances, Walkways, Stairways
Safe entry and exit
119(1) An employer must ensure that every worker can enter a work area safely and leave a work area safely at all times.
119(2) An employer must ensure that a work area’s entrances and exits are in good working order.
119(3) An employer must ensure that a work area’s entrances and exits are free from materials, equipment, accumulations of waste or other obstructions that might endanger workers or restrict their movement.
119(4) An employer must ensure that, if a worker could be isolated from a primary escape route,
(a) there is a ready, convenient and safe secondary means of escape from the work area, and
(b) the secondary escape route is readily useable at all times.
119(5) An employer must ensure that all workers are familiar with escape routes from the work area.
Doors
120(1) An employer must ensure that doors to and from a work area can be opened without substantial effort and are not obstructed.
120(2) An employer must ensure that a door used to enter or leave an enclosed area that poses a hazard to workers entering the area
(a) is kept in good working order, and
(b) has a means of opening it from the inside at all times.
Walkways, runways and ramps
121(1) An employer must ensure that a walkway, runway or ramp
(a) is strong enough to support the equipment and workers who may use it,
(b) is at least 600 millimetres wide,
(c) is wide enough to ensure the safe movement of equipment and workers, and
(d) has the appropriate toe boards and guardrails required by Part 22.
121(2) An employer must ensure that the surface of a walkway, runway or ramp has sufficient traction to allow workers to move on it safely.
121(3) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s121;152/2018;182/2019
Stairways
122(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) the width of the treads and the height of the rise of a stairway are uniform throughout its length, and
(b) the treads of a stairway are level.
122(2) An employer must ensure that
(a) a stairway with 5 or more risers has the appropriate handrail required by this Code, and
(b) a stairway with open sides has a handrail and an intermediate rail or equivalent safeguard on each open side.
122(3) An employer must ensure that temporary stairs are at least 600 millimetres wide.
122(4) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s122;152/2018;182/2019
Handrails on stairways
123(1) This section applies to stairways with 5 or more risers.
123(2) An employer must ensure that a stairway is equipped with a handrail that
(a) extends the entire length of the stairway,
(b) is secured and cannot be dislodged,
(c) is between 800 millimetres and 920 millimetres above the front edge of the treads, and
(d) is substantial and constructed of lumber that is not less than 38 millimetres by 89 millimetres or material with properties the same as or better than those of lumber.
123(3) An employer must ensure that posts supporting a handrail
(a) are spaced not more than 3 metres apart at their vertical centres, and
(b) are constructed of lumber that is not less than 38 millimetres by 89 millimetres or materials with properties the same as or better than those of lumber.
123(4) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s123;152/2018;182/2019
Ladders — General
Restriction on use
124 An employer must ensure that workers do not use a ladder to enter or leave an elevated or sub‑level work area if the area has another safe and recognizable way to enter or leave it.
Prohibition on single rail
125 A person must not make a ladder by fastening cleats across a single rail or post.
Prohibition on painting
126(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person must not paint a wooden ladder.
126(2) A wooden ladder may be preserved with a transparent protective coating.
Use near energized electrical equipment
127 An employer must ensure that a ladder used during the servicing of energized or potentially energized electrical equipment is made of non‑conductive material.
Ladders on extending booms
128(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) if a ladder is a permanent part of an extending boom on powered mobile equipment, no worker is on the ladder during the articulation, extension or retraction of the boom, and
(b) if outriggers are incorporated in the equipment to provide stability, no worker climbs the ladder until the outriggers are deployed.
128(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to professional fire fighters working on fire fighting equipment.
Safe use
129 An employer must ensure that a crawl board or roof ladder used for roof work
(a) is securely fastened by hooking the board or ladder over the ridge of the roof or by another equally effective means, and
(b) is not supported by an eaves trough.
Design criteria
130(1) An employer must ensure that a fixed ladder installed on or after April 30, 2004 meets the requirements of PIP Standard STF05501 (February 2002), Fixed Ladders and Cages, published by the Construction Industry Institute.
130(2) Despite the standards referenced in PIP Standard STF05501, an employer may
(a) use applicable Canadian material and process standards if the employer ensures that the fixed ladder is designed and installed in accordance with established engineering principles, and
(b) allow the inside diameter of a cage hoop to be as great as 760 millimetres.
130(3) If a fixed ladder is made of a material other than steel, the employer must ensure that the design is certified by a professional engineer as being as strong as or stronger than that required by PIP Standard STF05501.
130(4) The employer must ensure that a self‑closing double bar safety gate, or equally effective barrier, is provided at ladderway floor openings and platforms of fixed ladders installed on or after April 30, 2004.
130(5) Subsection (4) does not apply at landings.
130(6) Section 327 applies to an access ladder attached to a scaffold.
130(7) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s130;152/2018;182/2019
Fixed ladders in manholes
131 Despite section 130, fixed ladders used in pre‑cast reinforced concrete manhole sections installed on or after July 1, 2009 must meet the requirements of ASTM Standard C478‑07, Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections.
Rest platform exemption
132 If each worker working on a drilling rig or service rig on a fixed ladder is equipped with and wears a climb assist device that complies with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, an employer is not required to
(a) provide the ladder with rest platforms, or
(b) have the side rails extend not less than 1050 millimetres above the point at which the workers get on or off.
Portable Ladders
Prohibition
133(1) A worker must not perform work from either of the top two rungs, steps or cleats of a portable ladder unless the manufacturer’s specifications allow the worker to do so.
133(2) Despite subsection (1), a worker may work from either of the top two rungs, steps or treads of a stepladder,
(a) if the stepladder has a railed platform at the top, or
(b) if the manufacturer’s specifications for the stepladder permit it.
Constructed portable ladder
134(1) An employer must ensure that a constructed portable ladder
(a) is constructed of lumber that is free of loose knots or knot holes,
(b) with a length of 5 metres or less has side rails constructed of lumber measuring not less than 38 millimetres by 89 millimetres,
(c) more than 5 metres long has side rails constructed of lumber measuring not less than 38 millimetres by 140 millimetres,
(d) has side rails that are not notched, dapped, tapered or spliced,
(e) has side rails at least 500 millimetres apart at the bottom, and
(f) has rungs that are
(i) constructed of lumber measuring not less than 21 millimetres by 89 millimetres,
(ii) held by filler blocks or secured by a single continuous wire, and
(iii) uniformly spaced at a centre to centre distance of 250 millimetres to 300 millimetres.
134(2) An employer must ensure that a two‑way constructed portable ladder that is wide enough to permit traffic in both directions at the same time,
(a) has a centre structural rail along the length of the ladder,
(b) is at least one metre wide, and
(c) is constructed of materials that are substantial enough in size to accommodate the maximum intended load.
Manufactured portable ladder
135 An employer must ensure that a portable ladder manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 meets the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard CAN3‑Z11‑M81 (R2005), Portable Ladders,
(b) ANSI Standard A14.1‑2007, American National Standard for Ladders — Wood — Safety Requirements,
(c) ANSI Standard A14.2‑2007, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Metal — Safety Requirements, or
(d) ANSI Standard A14.5‑2007, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Reinforced Plastic — Safety Requirements.
Securing and positioning
136 A worker must ensure that
(a) a portable ladder is secured against movement and placed on a base that is stable,
(b) the base of an inclined portable ladder is no further from the base of the wall or structure than one‑quarter of the distance between the base of the ladder and the place where the ladder contacts the wall, and
(c) the side rails of a portable ladder extend at least 1 metre above a platform, landing or parapet if the ladder is used as a means of access to the platform, landing or parapet.
Fall protection
137(1) An employer must ensure that a worker working from a portable ladder from which the worker may fall 3 metres or more uses a personal fall arrest system.
137(2) Subsection (1) does not apply while the worker is moving up or down the portable ladder.
137(3) Despite subsection (1), if it is not reasonably practical to use a personal fall arrest system, a worker may work from a portable ladder without fall protection if
(a) the work is a light duty task of short duration at each location,
(b) the worker’s centre of balance is at the centre of the ladder at all times even with an arm extended beyond the side rails of the ladder, and
(c) the worker maintains three‑point contact whenever the worker extends an arm beyond a side rail.
Rescue personnel exemption
138 Rescue personnel involved in training or in providing emergency rescue services may use equipment and practices other than those specified in this Part.
General protection
139(1) An employer and a supervisor, or a self-employed person, must ensure that a worker is protected from falling if a worker may fall,
(a) at a temporary or permanent work area, a vertical distance of 3 metres or more,
(b) at a temporary or permanent work area, a vertical distance of less than 3 metres if there is an unusual possibility of injury,
(c) at a temporary or permanent work area, into or onto a hazardous substance or object, or through an opening in a work surface, or
(d) at a permanent work area, a vertical distance of more than 1.2 metres and less than 3 metres.
139(2) For the purposes of this section, there is an unusual possibility of injury if the injury may be worse than an injury from landing on a solid, flat surface.
139(3) Subject to subsection (5), an employer or a self-employed person must install a guardrail.
139(4) Repealed AR 56/2018 s12.
139(5) Subject to subsection (6), if the use of a guardrail is not reasonably practicable, an employer and a supervisor, or a self-employed person, must ensure that a worker uses a travel restraint system that meets the requirements of this Part.
139(6) Subject to subsection (7), if the use of a travel restraint system is not reasonably practicable, an employer and a supervisor, or a self-employed person, must ensure that a worker uses a personal fall arrest system that meets the requirements of this Part.
139(7) If the use of a personal fall arrest system is not reasonably practicable, an employer and a supervisor, or a self-employed person, must ensure that a worker uses an equally effective fall protection system.
139(8) A worker must use a fall protection system as required by this section.
AR 87/2009 s139;56/2018
Fall protection plan
140(1) An employer must develop procedures that comply with this Part in a fall protection plan for a work site if a worker at the work site may fall 3 metres or more and the worker is not protected by guardrails.
140(2) A fall protection plan must specify
(a) the fall hazards at the work site,
(b) the fall protection system to be used at the work site,
(c) the anchors to be used during the work,
(d) that clearance distances below the work area, if applicable, have been confirmed as sufficient to prevent a worker from striking the ground or an object or level below the work area,
(e) the procedures used to assemble, maintain, inspect, use and disassemble the fall protection system, where applicable, and
(f) the rescue procedures to be used if a worker falls and is suspended by a personal fall arrest system or safety net and needs to be rescued.
140(3) The employer must ensure that the fall protection plan is available at the work site and is reviewed with workers before work with a risk of falling begins.
140(4) The employer must ensure that the plan is updated when conditions affecting fall protection change.
Instruction of workers
141(1) An employer must ensure that a worker is trained in the safe use of the fall protection system before allowing the worker to work in an area where a fall protection system must be used.
141(2) The training referred to in subsection (1) must include the following:
(a) a review of current Alberta legislation pertaining to fall protection;
(b) an understanding of what a fall protection plan is;
(c) fall protection methods a worker is required to use at a work site;
(d) identification of fall hazards;
(e) assessment and selection of specific anchors that the worker may use;
(f) instructions for the correct use of connecting hardware;
(g) information about the effect of a fall on the human body, including
(i) maximum arresting force,
(ii) the purpose of shock and energy absorbers,
(iii) swing fall,
(iv) free fall;
(h) pre‑use inspection;
(i) emergency response procedures to be used at the work site, if necessary; and
(j) practice in
(i) inspecting, fitting, adjusting and connecting fall protection systems and components, and
(ii) emergency response procedures.
141(3) In addition to the training described in subsection (2), an employer must ensure that a worker is made aware of the fall hazards particular to that work site and the steps being taken to eliminate or control those hazards.
Full body harness
142(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) a full body harness manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 is approved to
(i) CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z259.10‑06, Full Body Harnesses,
(ii) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1‑2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components, or
(iii) CEN Standard EN 361: 2007, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Full body harnesses, and
(b) a worker using a personal fall arrest system wears and uses a full body harness.
142(2) A worker using a personal fall arrest system must wear and use a full body harness.
Body belt
142.1 An employer must ensure that
(a) a body belt manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 is approved to
(i) CSA Standard Z259.1‑05, Body belts and saddles for work positioning and travel restraint,
(ii) ANSI/ASSE Standard A10.32‑2004, Fall Protection Systems – American National Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations, or
(iii) CEN Standard EN 358: 2000, Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height — Belts for work positioning and restraint and work positioning lanyards, and
(b) a worker uses a body belt only as part of a travel restraint system or as part of a fall restrict system.
Lanyard
142.2(1) An employer must ensure that a lanyard manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 is approved to
(a) CSA Standard Z259.11‑05, Energy absorbers and lanyards,
(b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1‑2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components, or
(c) CEN Standard EN 354: 2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Lanyards.
142.2(2) An employer must ensure that a lanyard used by a worker is made of wire rope or other material appropriate to the hazard if a tool or corrosive agent that could sever, abrade or burn a lanyard is used in the work area.
142.2(3) Despite subsection (2), if a worker works near an energized conductor or in a work area where a lanyard made of conductive material cannot be used safely, the employer must ensure that the worker uses another effective means of fall protection.
Shock absorber
142.3(1) An employer must ensure that if a shock absorber or shock absorbing lanyard is used as part of a personal fall arrest system, it is approved to one of the following standards if manufactured on or after July 1, 2009:
(a) CSA Standard Z259.11‑05, Energy absorbers and lanyards;
(b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1‑2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components; or
(c) CEN Standard EN 355: 2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Energy absorbers.
142.3(2) An employer must ensure that a personal fall arrest system consists of a full body harness and a lanyard equipped with a shock absorber or similar device.
142.3(3) Despite subsection (2), a shock absorber or similar device is not required if the personal fall arrest system is used in accordance with section 151.
142.3(4) Despite subsection (2), a shock absorber is required with a fixed ladder fall arrest system only if it is required by the manufacturer of the system.
Connectors, carabiners and snap hooks
143(1) An employer must ensure that connecting components of a fall arrest system consisting of carabiners, D‑rings, O‑rings, oval rings, self‑locking connectors and snap hooks manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 are approved, as applicable, to
(a) CSA Standard Z259.12‑01 (R2006), Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS),
(b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1‑2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components,
(c) CEN Standard EN 362: 2004, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Connectors, or
(d) CEN Standard 12275: 1998, Mountaineering equipment – Connectors – Safety requirements and test methods.
143(2) An employer must ensure that a carabiner or snap hook
(a) is self‑closing and self‑locking,
(b) may only be opened by at least two consecutive deliberate manual actions, and
(c) is marked with
(i) its breaking strength in the major axis, and
(ii) the name or trademark of the manufacturer.
Fall arresters
144 An employer must ensure that a fall arrestor manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 is approved to
(a) CSA Standard Z259.2.1‑98 (R2004), Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines, and Rails,
(b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1‑2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components, or
(c) CEN Standard EN 353‑2: 2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Part 2: Guided type fall arrestors including a flexible anchor line.
Self‑retracting device
145 An employer must ensure that a self‑retracting device manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 and used with a personal fall arrest system is
(a) approved to CSA Standard Z259.2.2‑98 (R2004), Self‑Retracting Devices for Personal Fall‑Arrest Systems,
(b) anchored above the worker’s head unless the manufacturer’s specifications allow the use of a different anchor location, and
(c) used in a manner that minimizes the hazards of swinging and limits the swing drop distance to 1.2 metres if a worker falls.
Descent control device
146 An employer must ensure that an automatic or manual descent control device manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 and used with a personal fall arrest system is approved to
(a) CSA Standard Z259.2.3‑99 (R2004), Descent Control Devices,
(b) CEN Standard EN 341: 1997, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Descender devices, or
(c) NFPA Standard 1983, Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services, 2006 edition, classified as general or light duty.
Life safety rope
147(1) An employer must ensure that a life safety rope manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 and used in a fall protection system
(a) is approved to
(i) NFPA Standard 1983, Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services, 2006 Edition, as light‑use or general‑use life safety rope,
(ii) CEN Standard EN 1891: 1998, Personal protective equipment for the prevention of falls from a height — Low stretch kernmantle ropes, as Type A rope, or
(b) meets the requirements of
(i) CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑Z259.2.1‑98 (R2004), Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines, and Rails, or
(ii) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1‑2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components.
147(2) An employer must ensure that a life safety rope used in a fall protection system
(a) extends downward to within 1.2 metres of ground level or another safe lower surface,
(b) is free of knots or splices throughout the travel portion except for a stopper knot at its lower end,
(c) is effectively protected to prevent abrasion by sharp or rough edges,
(d) is made of material appropriate to the hazard and able to withstand adverse effects, and
(e) is installed and used in a manner that minimizes the hazards of swinging and limits the swing drop distance to 1.2 metres if a worker falls.
147(3) A worker must use a vertical life safety rope in a manner that minimizes the hazards of swinging and limits the swing drop distance to 1.2 metres if a worker falls.
147(4) An employer must ensure that only one worker is attached to a life safety rope at any one time unless the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer allow for the attachment of more than one worker.
Adjustable lanyard for work positioning
148 An employer must ensure that an adjustable lanyard manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 and used by a worker as part of a work positioning system is approved to
(a) CSA Standard Z259.11‑05, Energy absorbers and lanyards, as a Class F adjustable positioning lanyard, or
(b) CEN Standard EN 358: 2000, Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height — Belts for work positioning and restraint and work positioning lanyards.
Rope adjustment device for work positioning
148.1 An employer must ensure that a rope adjustment device manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 and used by a worker as part of a work positioning system is approved to
(a) CSA Standard Z259.2.3‑99 (R2004), Descent Control Devices,
(b) CEN Standard EN 341: 1997, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Descender devices, or
(c) NFPA Standard 1983, Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services, 2006 Edition, classified as general or light duty.
Wood pole climbing
149(1) An employer must ensure that a worker working on or from a wood pole uses fall restrict equipment that is approved to CSA Standard Z259.14‑01, Fall Restrict Equipment for Wood Pole Climbing, in combination with
(a) a lineman’s body belt that
(i) is approved to CSA Standard Z259.3‑M1978 (R2003), Lineman’s Body Belt and Lineman’s Safety Strap, or
(ii) complies with section 142.1, or
(b) a full body harness that complies with subsection 142(1).
149(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to fall restrict equipment or a lineman’s body belt in use before April 30, 2004.
Equipment compatibility
150 An employer must ensure that all components of a fall protection system are compatible with one another and with the environment in which they are used.
Inspection and maintenance
150.1 An employer must ensure that the equipment used as part of a fall protection system is
(a) inspected by the worker as required by the manufacturer before it is used on each work shift,
(b) kept free from substances and conditions that could contribute to deterioration of the equipment, and
(c) re‑certified as specified by the manufacturer.
Removal from service
150.2(1) An employer must ensure that equipment used as part of a fall protection system is removed from service and either returned to the manufacturer or destroyed if
(a) it is defective, or
(b) it has come into contact with excessive heat, a chemical, or any other substance that may corrode or otherwise damage the fall protection system.
150.2(2) An employer must ensure that after a personal fall arrest system has stopped a fall, the system is removed from service.
150.2(3) An employer must ensure that a personal fall arrest system that is removed from service is not returned to service unless a professional engineer or the manufacturer certifies that the system is safe to use.
Prusik and similar knots
150.3 An employer must ensure that a Prusik or similar sliding hitch knot is used in place of a fall arrester only during emergency situations or during training for emergency situations and only by a competent worker.
Clearance, maximum arresting force and swing
151(1) An employer must ensure that a personal fall arrest system is arranged so that a worker cannot hit the ground, an object which poses an unusual possibility of injury, or a level below the work area.
151(2) An employer must ensure that a personal fall arrest system without a shock absorber limits a worker’s free fall distance to 1.2 metres.
151(3) An employer must ensure that a personal fall arrest system limits the maximum arresting force on a worker to 6 kilonewtons, unless the worker is using an E6 type shock absorber in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, in which case the maximum arresting force must not exceed 8 kilonewtons.
151(4) A worker must limit the vertical distance of a fall by
(a) selecting the shortest length lanyard that will still permit unimpeded performance of the worker’s duties, and
(b) securing the lanyard to an anchor no lower than the worker’s shoulder height.
151(5) If the shoulder height anchor required by subsection 4(b) is not available, a worker must secure the lanyard to an anchor that is located as high as is reasonably practicable.
151(6) If it is not reasonably practicable to attach to an anchor above the level of a worker’s feet, the worker must ensure that the clearance and maximum arresting force requirements of subsections (1) and (3) are met.
Anchors
Anchor strength — permanent
152(1) An employer must ensure that a permanent anchor is capable of safely withstanding the impact forces applied to it and has a minimum breaking strength per attached worker of 16 kilonewtons or two times the maximum arresting force in any direction in which the load may be applied.
152(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to anchors installed before July 1, 2009.
152(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to the anchors of flexible horizontal lifeline systems that must meet the requirements of subsection 153(1).
152(4) The employer must ensure that an anchor rated at two times the maximum arresting force is designed, installed and used in accordance with
(a) the manufacturer’s specifications, or
(b) specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Anchor strength — temporary
152.1(1) An employer must ensure that a temporary anchor used in a travel restraint system
(a) has a minimum breaking strength in any direction in which the load may be applied of at least 3.5 kilonewtons per worker attached,
(b) is installed, used and removed according to the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer,
(c) is permanently marked as being for travel restraint only, and
(d) is removed from use on the earliest of
(i) the date on which the work project for which it is intended is completed, or
(ii) the time specified by the manufacturer or professional engineer.
152.1(2) An employer must ensure that a temporary anchor used in a personal fall arrest system
(a) has a minimum breaking strength in any direction in which the load may be applied of at least 16 kilonewtons or two times the maximum arresting force per worker attached,
(b) is installed, used and removed according to the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, and,
(c) is removed from use on the earliest of
(i) the date on which the work project for which it is intended is completed, or
(ii) the time specified by the manufacturer or professional engineer.
Duty to use anchors
152.2(1) If a worker uses a personal fall arrest system or a travel restraint system, the worker must ensure that it is safely secured to an anchor that meets the requirements of this Part.
152.2(2) An employer must ensure that a worker visually inspects the anchor prior to attaching a fall protection system.
152.2(3) An employer must ensure that a worker does not use a damaged anchor until the anchor is repaired, replaced or re‑certified by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
152.2(4) An employer must ensure that a worker uses an anchor connector appropriate to the work.
152.2(5) A worker must use an anchor connector appropriate to the work,
Independence of anchors
152.3 An employer must ensure that an anchor to which a personal fall arrest system is attached is not part of an anchor used to support or suspend a platform.
Wire rope sling as anchor
152.4 An employer must ensure that a wire rope sling used as an anchor is terminated at both ends with a Flemish eye splice rated to at least 90 percent of the wire rope’s minimum breaking strength.
Flexible and rigid horizontal lifeline systems
153(1) An employer must ensure that a flexible horizontal lifeline system manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 meets the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard Z259.13‑04, Flexible Horizontal Lifeline Systems, or
(b) the applicable requirements of CSA Standard Z259.16‑04, Design of Active Fall‑Protection Systems.
153(2) An employer must ensure that a rigid horizontal fall protection system is designed, installed and used in accordance with
(a) the manufacturer’s specifications, or
(b) specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Installation of horizontal lifeline systems
153.1 An employer must ensure that before a horizontal lifeline system is used, a professional engineer, a competent person authorized by the professional engineer, the manufacturer, or a competent person authorized by the manufacturer certifies that the system has been properly installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications or to specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Fixed ladders and climbable structures
154(1) An employer must ensure that if a worker is working from or on a fixed ladder or climbable structure at a height of 3 metres or more and is not protected by a guardrail, continuous protection from falling is provided by
(a) equipping the fixed ladder or climbable structure with an integral fall protection system that meets the requirements of
(i) CSA Standard Z259.2.1‑98 (R2004), Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines, and Rails, or
(ii) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1‑2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components, or
(b) an alternate fall protection system.
154(2) Subsection (1) applies to fixed ladders and climbable structures constructed and installed after July 1, 2009.
Fall protection on vehicles and loads
155(1) If a worker may have to climb onto a vehicle or its load at any location where it is not reasonably practicable to provide a fall protection system for the worker, an employer must
(a) take steps to eliminate or reduce the need for the worker to climb onto the vehicle or its load, and
(b) ensure that the requirements of subsection 159(2) are met.
155(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), an employer must ensure that if a load is not secured against movement, a worker does not climb onto the load.
155(3) A worker must not climb onto a load if the load is not secured against movement.
Boom‑supported work platforms and aerial devices
156(1) An employer must ensure that a worker on a boom‑supported elevating work platform, boom‑supported aerial device, or forklift truck work platform uses a personal fall arrest system
(a) connected to
(i) an anchor specified by the manufacturer of the work platform, aerial device or forklift truck, or
(ii) if no anchor is specified by the manufacturer, an anchor point certified by a professional engineer that meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z259.16‑04, Design of Active Fall‑Protection Systems, and
(b) when connected to the anchor, the lanyard, if reasonably practicable, is short enough to prevent the worker from being ejected from the work platform or aerial device but is long enough to allow the worker to perform his or her work.
156(2) An employer must ensure that a worker on a scissor lift or on an elevating work platform with similar characteristics uses a travel restraint system consisting of a full body harness and lanyard
(a) connected to an anchor specified by the manufacturer of the scissor lift or elevating work platform, and
(b) when connected to the anchor, the lanyard, if reasonably practicable, is short enough to prevent the worker from falling out of the scissor lift or elevating work platform but is long enough to allow the worker to perform his or her work.
156(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if
(a) the manufacturer’s specifications allow a worker to work from the scissor lift or elevating work platform with similar characteristics using only its guardrails for fall protection, and
(b) the scissor lift or elevating work platform is operating on a firm, substantially level surface.
156(4) Despite subsection (2), if a worker’s movement cannot be adequately restricted in all directions by the travel restraint system, the employer must ensure that the worker uses a personal fall arrest system.
Water danger
157 An employer must ensure that a worker uses an appropriate fall protection system in combination with a life jacket or personal flotation device if the worker
(a) may fall into water that exposes the worker to the hazard of drowning, or
(b) could drown from falling into the water, from other than a boat.
Leading edge fall protection system
158 An employer using a leading edge fall protection system consisting of fabric or netting panels must ensure that
(a) the system is used only to provide leading edge fall protection,
(b) the system is used and installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications,
(c) a copy of the manufacturer’s specifications for the system is available to workers at the work site at which the system is being used,
(d) the fabric or netting is
(i) drop‑tested at the work site in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR Section 1926.502(C)4(i) published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or
(ii) certified as safe for use by a professional engineer, and
(e) all workers using the system are trained in its use and limitations.
Procedures in place of fall protection equipment
159(1) An employer may develop and use procedures in place of fall protection equipment in accordance with subsection (2), if
(a) it is not reasonably practicable to use one of the fall protection systems described in this Part, and
(b) use of procedures in place of fall protection equipment is restricted to the following situations:
(i) the installation or removal of fall protection equipment;
(ii) roof inspection;
(iii) emergency repairs;
(iv) at‑height transfers between equipment and structures if allowed by the manufacturer’s specifications; and
(v) situations in which a worker must work on top of a vehicle or load and the requirements of section 155 have been met.
159(1.1) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
159(2) An employer using procedures in place of fall protection equipment must ensure that
(a) a hazard assessment in accordance with the requirements of Part 2 is completed before work at height begins,
(b) the procedures to be followed while performing the work must be in writing and available to workers before the work begins,
(c) the work is carried out in such a way that minimizes the number of workers exposed to a fall hazard while work is performed,
(d) the work is limited to light duty tasks of limited duration,
(e) the worker performing the work is competent to do it,
(f) when used for inspection, investigation or assessment activities, these activities take place prior to the actual start of work or after work has been completed, and
(g) the procedures do not expose a worker to additional hazards.
AR 87/2009 s159;152/2018;182/2019
Work positioning
160(1) An employer must ensure that if a worker uses a work positioning system, the worker’s vertical free fall distance in the event of a fall is restricted by the work positioning system to 600 millimetres or less.
160(2) If the centre of gravity of a worker using a work positioning system extends beyond an edge from which the worker could fall or if the work surface presents a slipping or tripping hazard because of its state or condition, an employer must ensure that the worker uses a back‑up personal fall arrest system in combination with the work positioning system.
160(3) A worker must use a back‑up personal fall arrest system in combination with the work positioning system if the worker’s centre of gravity extends beyond an edge from which the worker could fall or if the work surface presents a slipping or tripping hazard because of its state or condition.
Control zones
161(1) If a control zone is used, an employer must ensure that it
(a) is only used if a worker can fall from a surface that has a slope of no more than 4 degrees toward an unguarded edge or that slopes inwardly away from an unguarded edge, and
(b) is not less than 2 metres wide when measured from the unguarded edge.
161(2) An employer must not use a control zone to protect workers from falling from a skeletal structure that is a work area.
161(3) If a worker will at all times remain further from the unguarded edge than the width of the control zone, no other fall protection system need be used.
161(4) Despite section 139, a worker is not required to use a fall protection system when crossing the control zone to enter or leave the work area.
161(5) When crossing a control zone referred to in subsections (3) and (4), to get to or from the unguarded edge, a worker must follow the most direct route.
161(6) An employer must ensure that a control zone is clearly marked with an effective raised warning line or another equally effective method if a worker is working within 2 metres of the control zone.
161(7) An employer must ensure that a worker who must work within a control zone uses
(a) a travel restraint system, or
(b) an equally effective means of preventing the worker from getting to the unguarded edge.
161(8) A person who is not directly required for the work at hand must not be inside a control zone.
Part 10
Fire and Explosion Hazards
Flammable or explosive atmospheres a hazard
161.1 Flammable or explosive atmospheres are considered a hazard for the purposes of Part 2.
General Protection and Prevention
Prohibitions
162(1) A person must not enter or work at a work area if more than 20 percent of the lower explosive limit of a flammable or explosive substance is present in the atmosphere.
162(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a competent, properly equipped worker who is responding in an emergency.
162(3) A person must not smoke in a work area where a flammable substance is stored, handled, processed or used.
162(3.1) A person must not use an open flame, except in accordance with section 169, in a work area where a flammable substance is stored, handled, processed or used.
162(4) A person must not mix, clean or use a flammable or combustible liquid at a temperature at or above its flash point in an open vessel if a potential source of ignition is in the immediate vicinity of the activity.
162(5) A person must not use a flammable or combustible liquid at a temperature above its flash point in a washing or cleaning operation, unless the washing or cleaning equipment is specifically designed and manufactured for the use of the liquid.
162(6) A person must not store contaminated rags used to clean or wipe up flammable substances other than in a covered container that has a label that clearly indicates it is to be used for the storage of contaminated rags.
Classification of work sites
162.1(1) If the hazard assessment required by Part 2 determines that a work area is a hazardous location, an employer must ensure that
(a) a professional engineer, or a competent person authorized by a professional engineer, divides and classifies the work area in accordance with section 18 of the Canadian Electrical Code,
(b) for any work area falling under the Code for Electrical Installations at Oil and Gas Facilities, the area is divided and classified in accordance with rules 19‑102 to 19‑108 of that Code,
(c) for any work area consisting of facilities described in section 20 of the Canadian Electrical Code, the area is divided and classified in accordance with section 20 of the Canadian Electrical Code, and
(d) adequate documentation is prepared and maintained by a competent person, outlining the boundaries of the classified area and any specific measures to be taken to prevent the unintentional ignition of an explosive atmosphere.
162.1(2) If the hazard assessment required by Part 2 indicates that the basis of an area classification under subsection (1) has changed, an employer must review and update that classification.
Procedures and precautions
163(1) Repealed.
163(2) If the hazard assessment required by Part 2 determines that a work area is not a hazardous location, an employer must ensure that flammable substances stored or used at the work area,
(a) will not be in sufficient quantity to produce an explosive atmosphere if inadvertently released,
(b) are not stored within 30 metres of an underground shaft,
(c) are not stored in the immediate vicinity of the air intake of
(i) a ventilation supply system,
(ii) an internal combustion engine, or
(iii) the fire box of a fired heater or furnace,
and
(d) are stored only in containers approved to
(i) CSA Standard B376‑M1980 (R2008), Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels,
(ii) NFPA Standard 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2008 Edition, or
(iii) ULC Standard C30‑1995, Containers, Safety,
if manufactured on or after July 1, 2009.
163(2.1) If the work requires that the contents of metallic or conductive containers be transferred from one container to another, an employer must ensure that static electricity is controlled while the contents are being transferred.
163(3) Moved to section 165(3).
Contaminated clothing and skin
164(1) If a worker’s clothing is contaminated with a flammable or combustible liquid, the worker must
(a) avoid any activity where a spark or open flame may be created or exists,
(b) remove the clothing at the earliest possible time in a manner consistent with clause (a), and
(c) ensure that the clothing is decontaminated before it is used again.
164(2) If a worker’s skin is contaminated with a flammable or combustible liquid, the worker must wash the skin at the earliest possible time.
Protective procedures and precautions in hazardous locations
165(1) Repealed
165(2) Repealed
165(3) An employer must ensure that in a hazardous location,
(a) equipment used will not ignite a flammable substance, and
(b) static electricity is controlled,
(i) in the case of conductive containers for flammable or combustible liquids while the contents are being transferred, by electrically bonding the containers to one another and electrically grounding them, and
(ii) in other cases, by some other effective means.
165(4) An employer must ensure that, if a work area is determined to be a hazardous location, the boundaries of the hazardous location are
(a) clearly identified to warn workers of the nature of the hazards associated with the presence of the flammable substance in that work area, or
(b) fenced off to prevent workers or equipment from entering the area without authorization.
165(5) If reasonably practicable, an employer must ensure that procedures and precautionary measures are developed for a hazardous location that will prevent the inadvertent release of
(a) a flammable substance, or
(b) oxygen gas if it can contact a flammable substance.
165(6) Despite subsection (5), if it is not reasonably practicable to develop procedures and precautionary measures that will prevent release, an employer must develop procedures and precautionary measures that will prevent an explosive atmosphere from igniting in a hazardous location.
Internal combustion engines
166(1) An employer must ensure that an internal combustion engine in a hazardous location has a combustion air intake and exhaust discharge that are
(a) equipped with a flame arresting device, or
(b) located outside the hazardous location.
166(2) An employer must ensure that all the surfaces of an internal combustion engine that are exposed to the atmosphere in a hazardous location are
(a) at a temperature lower than the temperature that would ignite a flammable substance present in the hazardous location, or
(b) shielded or blanketed in such a way as to prevent any flammable substance present in the hazardous location from contacting the surface.
166(2.1) If it is not reasonably practicable to comply with subsection (2), an employer must ensure that another effective safeguard is established.
166(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine.
166(4) An employer must ensure that a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine is not located or operated in a hazardous location except in accordance with section 169.
166(5) An employer must ensure that an internal combustion engine is not located in a Zone 0 hazardous location as defined in the Canadian Electrical Code or in a part of a Division 1 hazardous location that meets the description of a Zone 0 location as defined in the Canadian Electrical Code.
166(6) An employer must ensure that an internal combustion engine is not located in a Zone 1 or Division 1 hazardous location as defined in the Canadian Electrical Code unless it is equipped with combustible gas monitoring equipment in accordance with section 18 of the Canadian Electrical Code.
166(7) An employer must ensure that an internal combustion engine is not located in a Class II, Division 1 or a Class III, Division 1 hazardous location as defined in the Canadian Electrical Code.
Flare stacks, flare pits and flares
167 An employer must ensure that open flames from flare pits, flare stacks or flares are not less than 25 metres beyond the boundary of a hazardous location.
Industrial furnaces and fired heaters
168(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) a gas or oil fired furnace is designed, operated, monitored, controlled and maintained in a manner that minimizes the possibility of internal explosion of the fire box, and
(b) if the furnace is heating flammable substances, there are no connections between the process medium supply system and the fuel supply system or another system connected to the inside of the fire box of the furnace.
168(2) An employer must ensure that the heated substance systems referred to in subsection (1)(b) are not isolated using inserted blinds or a double block and bleed system.
168(3) A worker must not attempt to ignite a furnace manually, or to re‑ignite a furnace after shutdown, until
(a) explosive concentrations of flammable substances are eliminated from the fire box by purging or removed by another effective means, and
(b) tests or procedures are completed that ensure an explosive atmosphere is not present within the furnace.
168(4) An employer must ensure that intakes, exhausts and the fire box of a furnace or fired heater are not located or operated in a Division 1, Zone 0 or Zone 1 hazardous location of any Class as defined in the Canadian Electrical Code.
168(5) An employer must ensure that a furnace or fired heater is not located or operated in a Division 2 or Zone 2 hazardous location of any Class as defined in the Canadian Electrical Code, unless
(a) the combustion process is totally enclosed except for the combustion air intake and the exhaust discharge,
(b) all surfaces exposed to the atmosphere
(i) operate below the temperature that would ignite a flammable substance present in the hazardous location, or
(ii) are shielded or blanketed in such a way as to prevent a flammable substance in the hazardous location from contacting the surface, and
(c) the combustion air intake and exhaust discharge are equipped with a flame arresting device or are located outside the hazardous location.
168(6) If it is not reasonably practicable to comply with subsection 5(b), an employer must ensure that another effective safeguard is established.
Hot work
169(1) Despite any other section in this Part, an employer must ensure that hot work is done in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) if
(a) the work area is a hazardous location, or
(b) the work area is not normally a hazardous location but an explosive atmosphere may exist for a limited time because
(i) a flammable substance is or may be in the atmosphere of the work area,
(ii) a flammable substance is or may be stored, handled, processed or used in the location,
(iii) the hot work is on or in an installation or item of equipment that contains a flammable substance or its residue, or
(iv) the hot work is on a vessel that contains residue that may release a flammable gas or vapour when exposed to heat.
169(2) An employer must ensure that hot work is not begun until
(a) a hot work permit is issued that indicates
(i) the nature of the hazard,
(ii) the type and frequency of atmospheric testing required,
(iii) the safe work procedures and precautionary measures to be taken, and
(iv) the protective equipment required,
(b) the hot work location is
(i) cleared of combustible materials, or
(ii) suitably isolated from combustible materials,
(c) procedures are implemented to ensure continuous safe performance of the hot work, and
(d) testing shows that the atmosphere does not contain
(i) a flammable substance, in a mixture with air, in an amount exceeding 20 percent of that substance’s lower explosive limit for gas or vapours, or
(ii) the minimum ignitable concentration for dust.
169(3) An employer must ensure that the tests referred to in subsection (2)(d) are repeated at regular intervals appropriate to the hazard associated with the work being performed.
Hot taps
170(1) An employer must develop procedures in a hot tap plan specific to the type or class of hot tap work being performed before hot tap work begins.
170(2) The employer must ensure that the plan includes
(a) a site hazard analysis,
(b) a description of the sequence of events,
(c) safety precautions to address the hazards, and
(d) an emergency response plan.
170(3) The employer must ensure that
(a) only competent workers are permitted to carry out a hot tap operation,
(b) the point in the pressure‑containing barrier to be hot tapped is checked and strong enough for the hot tap to be done safely,
(c) adequate working space is available at the location of the hot tap,
(d) exit routes are available and their locations known by workers involved in the work,
(e) workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment when a hot tap is performed on equipment containing hydrocarbons, combustible fluids, superheated steam or any other hazardous material,
(f) material being supplied to the equipment being hot tapped can be shut off immediately in an emergency,
(g) the hot tap machine and fittings are of adequate design and capability for the process, conditions, pressure and temperature, and
(h) the pressure in the equipment being hot tapped is as low as practical during the hot tap operation.
170(4) An employer must ensure, where reasonably practicable, that a hot tap is not undertaken if at the proposed hot tap location
(a) the equipment contains a harmful substance,
(b) the equipment is in hydrogen service, or
(c) the equipment contains an explosive mixture.
Spray operations
170.1(1) An employer must ensure that a spray booth used to apply flammable substances is provided with ventilation in accordance with Part 26 and that the ventilation is
(a) adequate to remove flammable vapours, mists, or powders to a safe location, and
(b) interlocked with the spraying equipment so that the spraying equipment is made inoperable when the ventilation system is not in operation.
170.1(2) An employer must ensure that a spray booth will not ignite a flammable substance.
170.1(3) When spray application of a flammable substance is carried out other than in a spray booth, an employer must ensure that the application is carried out in accordance with the Alberta Fire Code (1997), and is
(a) carried out at least 6 metres away from anything that might obstruct ventilation, and
(b) effectively isolated from all machinery and equipment that is, or may become, a source of ignition and that is within 2 metres measured vertically above and 6 metres measured in other directions from the place at which the spray painting substance is being applied.
170.1(4) If it is not reasonably practicable to ensure that the application is carried out as required by subsection (3)(a), an employer must ensure that the work area where the application is carried out is adequately ventilated to remove flammable vapours, mists or powders to a safe location.
170.1(5) An employer must provide a nozzle guard for use with airless spray machinery.
170.1(6) The worker operating airless spray machinery must ensure that the nozzle guard of airless spray machinery is in place at all times when the machinery is being operated.
Compressed and liquefied gas
171(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) compressed or liquefied gas containers are used, handled, stored and transported in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications,
(b) a cylinder of compressed flammable gas is not stored in the same room as a cylinder of compressed oxygen, unless the storage arrangements are in accordance with Part 3 of the Alberta Fire Code (1997),
(c) compressed or liquefied gas cylinders, piping and fittings are protected from damage during handling, filling, transportation and storage,
(d) compressed or liquefied gas cylinders are equipped with a valve protection cap if manufactured with a means of attachment, and
(e) oxygen cylinders or valves, regulators or other fittings of the oxygen‑using apparatus or oxygen distributing system are kept free of oil and grease.
171(2) An employer must ensure that a compressed or liquefied gas system is not exposed to heat sources that generate temperatures that may
(a) result in the failure or explosion of the contents or the system, or
(b) exceed the maximum exposure temperatures specified by the manufacturer.
171(3) An employer must ensure that a compressed or liquefied gas system is kept clean and free from oil, grease and other contaminants that may
(a) cause the system to fail, or
(b) burn or explode if they come in contact with the contents of the system.
171(4) An employer must ensure that on each hose of an oxygen‑fuel system,
(a) a flashback device is installed at either the torch end or the regulator end, and
(b) a back‑flow prevention device is installed at the torch end.
171(5) An employer must ensure that compressed or liquefied gas cylinders are secured, preferably upright, and cannot fall or roll, unless a professional engineer certifies another method that protects against the hazards caused by dislodgment.
171(6) Despite subsection (5), an employer must ensure that a cylinder containing acetylene is secured and stored upright.
171(7) Moved to section 170.1(5).
171(8) A worker must ensure that
(a) compressed gas equipment designed to be used with a specific gas is only used with that gas,
(b) the cylinder valve is shut off and pressure in the hose is released when cutting or welding is not in progress,
(c) sparks, flames or other sources of ignition are not allowed to come in contact with the cylinders, regulators or hoses of a compressed or liquefied gas system, and
(d) compressed air is not used to blow dust or other substances from clothing.
Welding — general
171.1(1) An employer must comply with the requirements of CSA Standard W117.2‑06, Safety in welding, cutting and allied processes.
171.1(2) An employer must ensure that welding or allied process equipment is erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, used, handled, stored, stopped, inspected, serviced, tested, cleaned, adjusted, carried, maintained, repaired and dismantled in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
171.1(3) An employer must ensure that, before a welding or allied process is commenced, the area surrounding the operation is inspected and
(a) all combustible, flammable or explosive material, dust, gas or vapour is removed, or
(b) alternate methods of rendering the area safe are implemented.
171.1(4) If a welding or allied process is performed above an area where a worker may be present, an employer must ensure that adequate means are taken to protect a worker below the operation from sparks, debris and other falling hazards.
171.1(5) An operator of an electric welding machine must not leave the machine unattended without removing the electrode.
171.1(6) An employer must ensure that appropriate welding and ground leads are used to fasten the electric supply cable securely.
Gas welding or allied process
171.2(1) An employer must ensure that a regulator and its flexible connecting hose are tested immediately after connection to a gas cylinder to ensure that there is no leak of the gas supply.
171.2(2) An employer must ensure that if a leak of the gas supply develops during gas welding or an allied process,
(a) the supply of gas is immediately shut off by the worker performing the welding or allied process, and
(b) the work is not resumed until the leak is repaired.
Welding Services From Vehicles
Storage compartments
172(1) An employer must ensure that welding services provided from vehicles comply with CSA Standard W117.2‑01, Safety in welding, cutting and allied processes with the exception of Clause G.2 (Cabinets) of Annex G.
172(2) An employer must ensure that gases do not accumulate and reach their lower explosive limit by providing solid‑walled storage compartments in which compressed gas cylinders are stored with vents
(a) that have a minimum of 0.18 square metresP P of free area for every 0.42 cubic metres of compartment volume,
(b) that have the free area split evenly between the top surface and the bottom surface of the storage compartment, and
(c) that are unobstructed under all conditions.
172(3) An employer must ensure that solid‑walled storage compartments in which compressed gas cylinders are stored are built so that gases or vapours cannot flow into adjoining compartments.
172(4) An employer must ensure that solid‑walled compartments in which compressed gas cylinders are stored use
(a) latching and locking hardware made of non‑sparking materials, and
(b) electrical components appropriate for use in an explosive atmosphere, if electrical components are located within the compartment.
172(5) Subsections (1) to (4) apply whether the compressed gas cylinder is stored vertically, horizontally or at an angle.
Horizontal cylinder storage
173(1) An employer must ensure that a compressed gas cylinder that is horizontal when it is transported or used in a vehicle
(a) is in a storage compartment that incorporates a structure of sufficient strength to prevent the cylinder from passing through it should the valve end of the cylinder be damaged and vent its contents in an uncontrolled manner,
(b) is in a storage compartment that incorporates a means of securing the cylinder that stops the cylinder from moving within the compartment and that puts the bottom of the cylinder in direct contact with the structure in clause (a), and
(c) is protected against scoring during insertion into, and removal from, the storage compartment.
173(2) An employer must ensure that the regulator on a compressed gas cylinder that is horizontal when it is transported or used in a vehicle is protected from damage by other equipment in the storage compartment.
173(3) An employer must ensure that a storage compartment on a vehicle from which welding services are provided is certified by a professional engineer as meeting the requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
Handling cylinders
174(1) A worker must not insert or remove a compressed gas cylinder from a storage compartment by holding the valve or valve protection cap.
174(2) A worker must put on and secure to the valve outlet the valve protection cap or plug provided by the manufacturer of a compressed gas cylinder if the cylinder is not secured and not connected to dispensing equipment.
174(3) If a welding service vehicle is not in service for any reason, a worker must
(a) close the compressed gas cylinder valves,
(b) remove the regulators if they are not integral to the cylinders, and
(c) put on and secure the valve protection caps or plugs.
174(4) A worker must shut off the cylinder valve and release the pressure in the hose if a compressed gas cylinder on a welding service vehicle is not in use or if the vehicle is left unattended.
Isolating methods
175 Moved to section 215.4.
Pigging
176 Moved to section 215.5.
Training standards
177(1) A person or agency that provides training in first aid must enter into an agreement with a Director of Medical Services if the person or agency is to provide training in first aid to workers under this Code.
177(2) An approved training agency that provides the first aid training to candidates for a certificate in emergency first aid, standard first aid or advanced first aid must comply with the terms of the agreement with a Director of Medical Services.
177(3) A worker who successfully completes the training of an approved training agency must meet the standards for a certificate in emergency first aid, standard first aid or advanced first aid that are adopted by a Director of Medical Services in consultation with the Joint First Aid Training Standards Board.
AR 87/2009 s177;56/2018
Providing services, supplies, equipment
178(1) An employer must provide first aid services, supplies and equipment and provide a first aid room in accordance with the applicable requirements of Schedule 2, Tables 3 to 7 or an acceptance from a Director of Medical Services.
178(2) A prime contractor must ensure that in accordance with the applicable requirements of Schedule 2, Tables 3 to 7, first aid services, supplies and equipment and a first aid room, are available at the work site suitable for the type of work site and the total number of workers at the work site.
178(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), the employers and prime contractor at a project may enter into a written agreement to collectively provide first aid services, supplies and equipment and provide a first aid room for workers in accordance with the applicable requirements of Schedule 2, Tables 3 to 7 or an acceptance as allowed by section 55 of the Act.
178(4) If a first aid room is a temporary or mobile facility, an employer must ensure that it meets the requirements of Schedule 2, Table 4 except that
(a) the room may be used for other services if it is maintained appropriately to provide first aid, and
(b) where it is not possible or practicable to provide a supply of hot and cold potable water, a supply of cold potable water is acceptable.
AR 87/2009 s178;56/2018
Location of first aid
179 An employer and prime contractor must
(a) ensure that first aid services, first aid equipment, supplies and the first aid room required by this Code are
(i) located at or near the work site they are intended to serve, and
(ii) available and accessible during all working hours;
(b) ensure that first aid equipment and supplies are
(i) maintained in a clean, dry and serviceable condition,
(ii) contained in a material that protects the contents from the environment, and
(iii) clearly identified as first aid equipment and supplies;
(c) post, at conspicuous places at the work site, signs indicating the location of first aid services, equipment and supplies or, if posting of signs is not practicable, ensure that each worker knows the location of first aid services, equipment and supplies, and
(d) ensure that an emergency communication system is in place for workers to summon first aid services.
Emergency transportation
180(1) Before workers are sent to a work site, the employer must ensure that arrangements are in place to transport injured or ill workers from the work site to the nearest health care facility.
180(2) An employer must ensure that an ambulance service licensed in accordance with the Ambulance Services Act is readily available to the work site when travel conditions are normal.
180(3) If an ambulance service licensed in accordance with the Ambulance Services Act is not readily available to the work site, or if travel conditions are not normal, an employer must ensure that other transportation is available that
(a) is suitable, considering the distance to be travelled and the types of acute illnesses or injuries that may occur at the work site,
(b) protects occupants from the weather,
(c) has systems that allow the occupants to communicate with the health care facility to which the injured or ill worker is being taken, and
(d) can accommodate a stretcher and an accompanying person if required to.
180(4) An employer must provide a means of communication at the work site to summon an ambulance service licensed in accordance with the Ambulance Services Act or transportation described in subsection (3).
180(5) If a worker is acutely ill or injured or needs to be accompanied during transport to a health care facility, an employer must ensure that the worker is accompanied by at least one first aider, in addition to the operator of the transportation.
180(6) Subsection (5) does not apply if there are three or fewer workers at the work site at the time.
First aid providers
181(1) An employer must ensure that the number of first aiders at a work site and their qualifications and training comply with Schedule 2, Tables 5, 6 or 7.
181(2) An employer must ensure that the first aiders at a work site have successfully completed a first aid training course approved by a Director of Medical Services and hold a valid certificate in first aid.
181(3) If a nurse, advanced first aider, or ACP is required at a work site, that person must
(a) be based at or near the first aid room, and
(b) when not in the first aid room, be easy to contact or notify if first aid services are required.
181(4) If a nurse, advanced first aider or ACP while on duty at the work site, is required to perform non‑first aid duties, such duties must be of a type that let the person remain in a fit and clean condition.
181(5) Subsection (4) does not apply if the duties are those of a first aid provider.
181(6) An employer must keep a record of workers at a work site who are first aiders.
AR 87/2009 s181;56/2018
Duty to report injury or illness
182 If a worker has an acute illness or injury at the work site, the worker must report the illness or injury to the employer as soon as is practicable.
Record of injury or illness
183(1) An employer must record every acute illness or injury that occurs at the work site in a record kept for the purpose as soon as is practicable after the illness or injury is reported to the employer.
183(2) A record under subsection (1) must include the following:
(a) the name of the worker;
(b) the name and qualifications of the person giving first aid;
(c) a description of the illness or injury;
(d) the first aid given to the worker;
(e) the date and time of the illness or injury;
(f) the date and time the illness or injury was reported;
(g) where at the work site the incident occurred;
(h) the work‑related cause of the incident, if any.
183(3) The employer must retain the records kept under this section for three years from the date the incident is recorded.
First aid records access
184(1) This section applies to records of first aid given to a worker.
184(2) Subject to section 51 of the Act, a person who has custody of records must ensure that no person other than the worker has access to a worker’s records unless
(a) the record is in a form that does not identify the worker,
(b) the worker has given written permission to the person, or
(c) access, use and disclosure of the information is in accordance with an enactment of Alberta or Canada that authorizes or requires the disclosure.
184(3) An employer must give a worker a copy of the records pertaining to the worker if the worker asks for a copy.
Part 12
General Safety Precautions
Housekeeping
185 An employer must ensure that a work site is kept clean and free from materials or equipment that could cause workers to slip or trip.
Lighting
186(1) An employer must ensure that lighting at a work site is sufficient to enable work to be done safely.
186(2) An employer must ensure that a light source above a working or walking surface is protected against damage.
186(3) An employer must ensure that there is emergency lighting at a work site if workers are in danger if the normal lighting system fails.
186(4) Emergency lighting must generate enough light so that workers can
(a) leave the work site safely,
(b) start the necessary emergency shut‑down procedures, and
(c) restore normal lighting.
Pallets and storage racks
187(1) An employer must ensure that pallets used to transport or store materials or containers are loaded, moved, stacked, arranged and stored in a manner that does not create a danger to workers.
187(2) An employer must ensure that racks used to store materials or equipment
(a) are designed, constructed and maintained to support the load placed on them, and
(b) are placed on firm foundations that can support the load.
187(3) A worker must report any damage to a storage rack to an employer as quickly as is practicable.
187(4) The employer and the workers at a work site must take all reasonable steps to prevent storage racks from being damaged to the extent that their integrity as structures is compromised.
Placement of roofing materials
187.1(1) An employer must ensure that supplies and roofing materials stored on the roof of a residential building under construction are located not less than 2 metres from a roof edge.
187.1(2) An employer must ensure that the weight of supplies and roofing materials referred to in subsection (1) is uniformly distributed.
Restraining hoses and piping
188(1) An employer must ensure that a hose or piping and its connections operating under pressure are restrained if workers could be injured by its movement if it fails or if it is disconnected.
188(2) Despite subsection (1), if a hose or piping and its connections operating at a working pressure of 2000 kilopascals or more cannot be restrained, in order to prevent a failure that could injure workers, an employer must ensure that the hose or piping and its connections are designed, installed, used, inspected and maintained
(a) in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, or
(b) in accordance with specifications certified by a professional engineer.
188(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to properly maintained fire hoses used by competent workers.
Securing equipment and materials
189 If a worker may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
Skeleton structures
190(1) An employer must ensure that the erection drawings and procedures for a project that includes connecting the structural parts of a skeleton structure are prepared and certified by a professional engineer.
190(2) The erection drawings and procedures referred to in subsection (1) must
(a) show the sequence in which the structure is to be erected,
(b) show the horizontal and vertical placement of base structures and footings, and
(c) ensure that the structure is stable during assembly.
190(3) If the erection procedures referred to in subsection (1) must be changed because of site conditions or unanticipated loads on the skeleton structure, the employer must ensure that the changed, additional or alternative procedures are prepared and certified by a professional engineer before they are implemented.
190(4) An employer must ensure that a competent worker at a work site where a skeleton structure is being erected
(a) coordinates the operation until the structure is permanently stabilized, and
(b) directs the removal of the temporary supporting structures.
Signallers
191(1) If this Code requires signals to be given by a designated signaller, an employer must designate a competent worker to give the signals.
191(2) An employer must ensure that, if the designated signaller uses hand signals, the signaller wears a highly visible vest, armlet or other piece of clothing that clearly identifies the worker as a designated signaller.
191(3) A designated signaller using hand signals must wear the vest, armlet or other piece of clothing required by the employer under subsection (2).
191(4) Before giving a signal to proceed, a designated signaller must ensure that there are no hazards in the vicinity.
191(5) If a signaller is designated, an equipment operator must take signals only from the designated signaller.
191(6) An employer must ensure that only one designated signaller at a time gives signals to an equipment operator.
191(7) Despite subsections (5) and (6), an equipment operator must take a “STOP” signal from a worker who is not a designated signaller.
191(8) Despite subsections (5) and (6), if signals cannot be transmitted properly between a designated signaller and an equipment operator, an employer must ensure that
(a) additional designated signallers are available to transmit signals, or
(b) a means of ensuring clear and complete communication other than using designated signallers is provided.
Stabilizing masonry walls
192 An employer must ensure that temporary supporting structures
(a) are used to stabilize a masonry wall that is more than 2 metres high during its erection, and
(b) are not removed until the wall is permanently stabilized.
Tire servicing
193(1) An employer must ensure that a competent worker services, inspects, disassembles and reassembles a tire or tire and wheel assembly in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
193(2) An employer must ensure that the manufacturer’s service manuals for tires and wheels serviced by the employer are readily available to workers.
193(3) An employer must ensure that a competent worker inflates a tire mounted on a split‑rim or locking ring wheel only if
(a) the wheel assembly is in a tire cage or is similarly restrained, and
(b) flying parts from split‑rim or locking ring failure or tire rupture can be contained.
193(4) An employer must ensure that a worker uses a clamp‑on type of connector to inflate split rim and locking ring wheels.
193(5) If a clamp‑on type of connector is used to inflate a tire, the employer must ensure that the worker
(a) uses an in‑line pressure gauge and positive pressure control, and
(b) inflates the tire from a safe position out of the immediate danger area.
193(6) A person must not inflate a tire with a clamp‑on type of connector unless the person is in a safe position and out of the immediate danger area.
Vehicle traffic control
194(1) If vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot, in vehicles or on equipment, an employer must ensure that the traffic is controlled to protect the workers.
194(2) An employer must ensure that a worker on foot and exposed to traffic wears a highly visible piece of clothing.
194(3) A worker on foot and exposed to traffic must wear a highly visible piece of clothing.
194(4) If a worker is designated by an employer to control traffic, the employer must ensure that the designated traffic controller wears a highly visible piece of clothing that
(a) clearly identifies the worker as a designated traffic controller, and
(b) is retroreflective if the worker is controlling traffic in the dark or visibility is poor.
194(5) A worker designated to control traffic must wear a highly visible piece of clothing that complies with subsection (4).
194(6) If a worker is designated by an employer to control traffic, the employer must ensure that the designated traffic controller uses a handheld signal light if it is dark or visibility is poor.
194(7) If traffic on a public highway is dangerous to workers, an employer must protect the workers from the traffic using
(a) warning signs,
(b) barriers,
(c) lane control devices,
(d) flashing lights,
(e) flares,
(f) conspicuously identified pilot vehicles,
(g) automatic or remote‑controlled traffic control systems,
(h) designated persons directing traffic, or
(i) methods described in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (1998), and its updates, published up to and including June 30, 2009 by the Transportation Association of Canada.
Working on ice
195(1) If a worker is to work on ice and the water beneath the ice is more than 1 metre deep at any point, an employer must ensure the ice will support the load to be placed on it.
195(2) The employer must test the ice for the purposes of subsection (1)
(a) before work begins, and
(b) as often during the work as necessary to ensure the safety of the workers.
Part 13
Joint Work Site Health and Safety
Committees and Health and
Safety Representatives
Application of this Part
196 This Part applies to a work site that is required to have a joint work site health and safety committee under section 16 of the Act or a health and safety representative under section 17 of the Act.
AR 56/2018 s17
Terms of reference
197 Each joint work site health and safety committee must establish terms of reference
(a) that ensure, to the extent practicable and subject to section 22(1) of the Act, that the committee’s membership provides appropriate representation of all relevant occupational health and safety concerns at the work sites that the committee relates to,
(b) that establish a process for replacing a member of the committee during the member’s term of office,
(c) that establish a dispute resolution process to be used in cases where the committee has failed to reach consensus about making a recommendation under section 19(f) of the Act, and
(d) that establish a process for coordinating with other joint work site health and safety committees established by the same employer or prime contractor, if there is one.
AR 56/2018 s17
Additional duties of a
joint work site
health and safety committee
198 A joint work site health and safety committee must inspect each work site at least once before each quarterly meeting required by section 27(1) of the Act, to identify health and safety hazards that have not been controlled.
AR 56/2018 s17
Disclosure of personal information
199 A joint work site health and safety committee, its individual members, or a health and safety representative, must not disclose a worker’s personal health information or the personal information of an identifiable individual unless the disclosure is required by law.
AR 56/2018 s17
Duties of employers, contractors and prime contractors
200(1) The employer, contractor and prime contractor, if there is one, must
(a) consult and cooperate with all joint work site health and safety committees and all health and safety representatives for their work sites to develop policies, procedures and codes of practice required by the Act, regulations and this Code,
(b) provide members of all joint work site health and safety committees and all health and safety representatives for their work sites with reasonable opportunity to inform workers on matters affecting occupational health and safety,
(c) ensure that members of all joint work site health and safety committees and all health and safety representatives for their work sites are allowed to examine records, policies, plans, procedures, codes of practice, reports or manufacturer specifications that must be maintained under the Act, regulations and this Code, and
(d) distribute to all joint work site health and safety committees and all health and safety representatives for their work sites any information or documents addressed to the committee or representative as soon as reasonably practicable after the information or document is received by the employer, contractor or prime contractor, if there is one.
200(2) Subsection (1)(d) does not apply to a report referred to in section 36 of the Act.
AR 56/2018 s17
Training standards
201 For the purposes of providing training to co-chairs and members of a joint work site health and safety committee and to health and safety representatives under section 29(1) and (2) of the Act, the employer or prime contractor, if there is one, must use an organization designated by the Minister under section 83 of the Act to provide the required training.
AR 56/2018 s17
Inspection of work site with officer
202(1) An officer conducting an inspection at a work site shall, where feasible, request the co-chair who represents the workers on the joint work site health and safety committee, or the co‑chair’s designate, or a health and safety representative, as applicable, to be present at the inspection.
202(2) Where, under subsection (1), an officer requests the co-chair who represents the workers on the joint work site health and safety committee, or the co‑chair’s designate, or a health and safety representative to be present at an inspection, the employer must provide that person with time away to attend the inspection.
AR 56/2018 s17
203 ‑ 207 Repealed AR 56/2018 s17.
Part 14
Lifting and Handling Loads
Equipment
208(1) An employer must provide, where reasonably practicable, appropriate equipment for lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, handling or transporting heavy or awkward loads.
208(2) An employer must ensure that workers use the equipment provided under subsection (1).
208(3) Workers must use the equipment provided for lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, handling or transporting heavy or awkward loads.
208(4) For the purposes of this section, a heavy or awkward load includes equipment, goods, supplies, persons and animals.
Adapting heavy or awkward loads
209 If the equipment provided under section 208 is not reasonably practicable in a particular circumstance or for a particular heavy or awkward load, the employer must take all practicable means to
(a) adapt the load to facilitate lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, handling or transporting the load without injuring workers, or
(b) otherwise minimize the manual handling required to move the load.
Work site design — health care facilities
209.1(1) An employer must ensure that appropriate patient/client/resident handling equipment is adequately incorporated into the design and construction of
(a) a new health care facility, and
(b) a health care facility undergoing significant physical alterations, renovations or repairs.
209.1(2) An employer must ensure that any new patient/client/resident handling equipment installed at an existing work site, including vehicles in which patient/client/resident handling occurs, fits adequately in the space intended for it.
209.1(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to health care facility construction, alterations, renovations or repairs started before July 1, 2009.
Patient/client/resident handling
209.2(1) An employer must develop and implement a safe patient/client/resident handling program if workers are required to lift, transfer or reposition patients/clients/residents.
209.2(2) The program required by subsection (1) must include an annual evaluation of its effectiveness at preventing worker injuries.
209.2(3) An employer must ensure that workers follow the safe handling program required by subsection (1).
209.2(4) Workers must follow the safe handling program required by subsection (1).
Assessing manual handling hazards
210(1) Before a worker manually lifts, lowers, pushes, pulls, carries, handles or transports a load that could injure the worker, an employer must perform a hazard assessment that considers
(a) the weight of the load,
(b) the size of the load,
(c) the shape of the load,
(d) the number of times the load will be moved, and
(e) the manner in which the load will be moved.
210(2) Before a worker performs any manual patient/client/resident handling activities, an employer must perform a hazard assessment that considers the worker’s physical and mental capabilities to perform the work.
210(3) If the hazard assessment required by section 7 and subsections (1) and (2) determines that there is a potential for musculoskeletal injury, an employer must ensure that all reasonably practicable measures are used to eliminate or reduce that potential in accordance with section 9.
Musculoskeletal injuries
211 If a worker reports to the employer what the worker believes to be work related symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, the employer must promptly
(a) review the activities of that worker, and of other workers doing similar tasks, to identify work‑related causes of the symptoms, if any, and
(b) take corrective measures to avoid further injuries if the causes of the symptoms are work related.
Training to prevent musculoskeletal injury
211.1(1) An employer must ensure that a worker who may be exposed to the possibility of musculoskeletal injury is trained in specific measures to eliminate or reduce that possibility.
211.1(2) An employer must ensure that the training referred to in subsection (1) includes
(a) identification of factors that could lead to a musculoskeletal injury,
(b) the early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injury and their potential health effects, and
(c) preventive measures including, where applicable, the use of altered work procedures, mechanical aids and personal protective equipment.
Part 15
Managing the Control
of Hazardous Energy
Isolation
212(1) If machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment is to be serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted or inspected, an employer must ensure that no worker performs such work on the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment until it has come to a complete stop and
(a) all hazardous energy at the location at which the work is to be carried out is isolated by activation of an energy‑isolating device and the energy–isolating device is secured in accordance with section 214, 215, or 215.1 as designated by the employer, or
(b) the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment is otherwise rendered inoperative in a manner that prevents its accidental activation and provides equal or greater protection than the protection afforded under (a).
212(2) An employer must develop and implement procedures and controls that ensure the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment is serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted or inspected safely if
(a) the manufacturer’s specifications require the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment to remain operative while it is being serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted, or inspected, or
(b) there are no manufacturer’s specifications and it is not reasonably practicable to stop or render the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment inoperative.
212(3) If piping, a pipeline or a process system containing a harmful substance under pressure is to be serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted or inspected, an employer must ensure that no worker performs such work on the piping, pipeline or process system until flow in the piping, pipeline or process system has been stopped or regulated to a safe level, and the location at which the work is to be carried out is isolated and secured in accordance with section 215.4.
Verifying isolation
213 A worker must not perform work on machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment to be serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted or inspected until
(a) the actions required by subsection 212(1) are completed,
(b) the machinery, equipment, or powered mobile equipment is tested to verify that it is inoperative, and
(c) the worker is satisfied that it is inoperative.
Securing Isolation
Securing by individual workers
214(1) Once all energy‑isolating devices have been activated to control hazardous energy in accordance with section 212(1), an employer must ensure that a worker involved in work at each location requiring control of hazardous energy secures each energy‑isolating device with a personal lock.
214(2) Once each energy‑isolating device is secured as required by subsection (1), the worker must verify that the hazardous energy source has been effectively isolated.
214(3) If more than one worker is working at each location requiring hazardous energy to be controlled,
(a) each worker must attach a personal lock to each energy‑isolating device, and
(b) the first worker applying a lock must verify that the hazardous energy source has been effectively isolated.
214(4) If a worker who has placed a personal lock is reassigned before the work is completed, or the work is extended from one shift to another, an employer must ensure that
(a) another worker, authorized by the employer to do so, attaches a personal lock to the energy‑isolating device prior to removal of the reassigned or departing worker’s lock, or
(b) there is an effective and orderly transfer of control of the reassigned or departing worker’s lock.
214(5) An employer must ensure that each personal lock used has a unique mark or identification tag on it to identify it as belonging to the worker to whom it is assigned.
214(6) An employer must ensure that the name of the worker to whom a personal lock or identification tag is assigned is readily available during the time a hazardous energy source is isolated.
214(7) Upon completing the work requiring isolation of hazardous energy, an employer must ensure that the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment is returned to operation in accordance with section 215.3.
Securing by a group
215(1) If a large number of workers is working on machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment, or a number of energy‑isolating devices must be secured, an employer may use a group procedure in accordance with subsections (2) through (6).
215(2) An employer must ensure that the group procedure referred to in subsection (1) is readily available to workers at the work site where the group procedure is used.
215(3) Once all required energy‑isolating devices have been activated in accordance with section 212(1) by a worker designated by the employer, an employer must ensure that a designated worker has
(a) secured all energy‑isolating devices,
(b) secured any keys for the devices used under clause (a) to a key securing system such as a lock box,
(c) completed, signed and posted a checklist that identifies the machinery or equipment covered by the hazardous energy control procedure, and
(d) verified and documented that all sources of hazardous energy are effectively isolated.
215(4) Each worker working at each location requiring control of hazardous energy must apply a personal lock to the key securing system referred to in subsection (3)(b) before working on the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment.
215(5) If a worker who has placed a personal lock is reassigned before the work is completed, or the work is extended from one shift to another, an employer must ensure that there is an effective and orderly transfer of control of the reassigned or departing worker’s personal lock.
215(6) Upon completing the work requiring isolation of hazardous energy, a worker referred to in subsection (4) must remove his or her personal lock from the key securing system.
215(7) Upon completing the work requiring isolation of hazardous energy, an employer must ensure that the machinery, equipment, or powered mobile equipment is returned to operation in accordance with section 215.3.
Securing by complex group control
215.1(1) Repealed AR 56/2018 s18.
215.1(2) Prior to initiating a complex group control process, an employer must complete a hazard assessment to identify the type and location of hazardous energy sources.
215.1(3) If using a complex group control process, an employer must ensure that
(a) procedures are implemented to ensure continuous safe performance of the work requiring isolation of hazardous energy,
(b) a work permit or master tag procedure is implemented so that
(i) each involved worker personally signs on the job before commencing the work and signs off the job upon completing the work, or
(ii) a crew leader signs on and off the job for a crew or team of workers,
(c) a worker designated by the employer
(i) has activated all required energy‑isolating devices to control hazardous energy in accordance with section 212(1), and
(ii) has secured the energy‑isolating devices, and
(d) another worker designated by the employer has verified that all sources of hazardous energy are effectively isolated.
215.1(4) If a complex group control process is being used and provided that the isolation point is reasonably accessible and isolation is required for the work being undertaken by the worker, each involved worker may place personal locks on the energy‑isolating devices and verify effective isolation.
215.1(5) Upon completing the work requiring isolation of hazardous energy, an employer must ensure that the machinery, equipment, piping, pipeline or process system is returned to operation in accordance with section 215.3.
AR 87/2009;56/2018
Securing remotely controlled systems
215.2(1) If securing an energy‑isolating device as required by section 212(1) is not reasonably practicable on a system that remotely controls the operation of machinery, equipment, piping, a pipeline or a process system, an employer must ensure that control system isolating devices and the procedures for applying and securing them provide equal or greater protection than the protection afforded under section 212(1)(a).
215.2(2) Upon completing the work requiring isolation of hazardous energy, an employer must ensure that the system is returned to operation in accordance with section 215.3.
Returning to operation
215.3(1) A person must not remove a personal lock or other securing device unless
(a) the person is the worker who installed it,
(b) the person is the designated worker under section 215(3) or section 215.1(3)(c), or
(c) the person is acting in accordance with the procedures required under section 215.2
215.3(2) Despite subsection (1), in an emergency or if the worker who installed a lock or other securing device is not available, a worker designated by the employer may remove the lock or other securing device in accordance with a procedure that includes verifying that no worker will be in danger due to the removal.
215.3(3) An employer must ensure that securing devices are not removed until
(a) each involved worker is accounted for,
(b) any personal locks placed by workers under sections 214, 215(4) or 215.1(4) are removed,
(c) procedures are implemented to verify that no worker is in danger before a worker under section 214(1), designated under section 215(3), designated under section 215.1(3)(c), or in accordance with procedures under section 215.2 removes the securing devices and the machinery, equipment, powered mobile equipment, piping, pipeline or process system is returned to operation.
215.3(4) An employer must ensure that each involved worker follows the procedures under subsection (3)(c).
Piping and Pigging
Isolating piping
215.4(1) To isolate piping or a pipeline containing harmful substances under pressure, an employer may use
(a) a system of blanking or blinding, or
(b) a double block and bleed isolation system providing
(i) two blocking seals on either side of the isolation point, and
(ii) an operable bleed‑off between the two seals.
215.4(2) An employer must ensure that piping that is blanked or blinded is clearly marked to indicate that a blank or blind is installed.
215.4(3) An employer must ensure that, if valves or similar blocking seals with a bleed‑off valve between them are used to isolate piping, the bleed‑off valve is secured in the “OPEN” position and the valves or similar blocking seals in the flow lines are functional and secured in the “CLOSED” position.
215.4(4) An employer must ensure that the device used to secure the valves or seals described in subsection (3) is
(a) a positive mechanical means of keeping the valves or seals in the required position, and
(b) strong enough and designed to withstand inadvertent opening without the use of excessive force, unusual measures or destructive techniques.
215.4(5) If it is not reasonably practicable to provide blanking, blinding or double block and bleed isolation, an employer must ensure that an alternate means of isolation that provides adequate protection to workers, certified as appropriate and safe by a professional engineer, is implemented.
Pigging and testing of pipelines
215.5(1) A person who is not directly involved in a pigging and testing operation must not be in the immediate area of piping exposed during the operation.
215.5(2) An employer must ensure that
(a) a pigcatcher on a pipeline is isolated from the pipeline and depressurized before the pig is removed, and
(b) there are no workers at the end of the pipe or in the immediate vicinity of the pigcatcher if the pipe or pigcatcher is under pressure during the operation.
Duty to reduce
216 An employer must ensure that all reasonably practicable measures are used to reduce the noise to which workers are exposed in areas of the work site where workers may be present.
Noise control design
217(1) An employer must ensure that the following are designed and constructed in such a way that the continuous noise levels generated are not more than 85 dBA or are as low as reasonably practicable:
(a) a new work site;
(b) significant physical alterations, renovations or repairs to an existing work site or work area;
(c) a work process introduced to the work site or work area;
(d) significant equipment introduced to the work site or work area.
217(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to alterations, renovations or repairs begun or work processes or equipment introduced before April 30, 2004.
217(3) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s217;152/2018;182/2019
Worker exposure to noise
218 An employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to noise does not exceed
(a) the noise exposure limits in Schedule 3, Table 1, and
(b) 85 dBA LBexB.
Noise exposure assessment
219(1) If workers are, or may be, exposed to noise at a work site in excess of 85 dBA LBexB and the noise exposure limits in Schedule 3, Table 1, an employer must do a noise exposure assessment under section 7.
219(2) A person who assesses noise exposure at a work site must measure the noise in accordance with CSA Standard Z107.56‑06, Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure.
219(3) A person who measures noise exposure at a work site must use
(a) a sound level meter meeting the requirements for a Type 2 instrument as specified by ANSI Standard S1.4‑1983 (R2006), Specification for Sound Level Meters,
(b) a noise dosimeter meeting the requirements for a Type 2 instrument as specified by ANSI Standard S1.25‑1991 (R1997), Specification for Personal Noise Dosimeters, and set at
(i) a criterion level of 85 dBA with a 3 dB exchange rate,
(ii) a threshold level at or below 80 dBA or “off”, and
(iii) slow response, or
(c) an integrating sound level meter meeting the requirements as specified by ANSI Standard S1.43‑1997, Specifications for Integrating‑Averaging Sound Level Meters, or IEC Standard 61672‑1 (2002), Electroacoustics – Sound Level Meters – Part 1: Specifications and IEC Standard 61672‑2 (2003), Electroacoustics – Sound Level Meters – Part 2: Pattern evaluation tests.
(d) repealed AR 56/2018 s19.
219(4) An employer must ensure that a noise exposure assessment is
(a) conducted and interpreted by a competent person, and
(b) updated if a change in equipment or process affects the noise level or the length of time a worker is exposed to noise.
AR 87/2009 s219;56/2018
Results recorded
220(1) An employer must ensure that results of noise exposure measurements are recorded and include
(a) the dates of measurements,
(b) the workers or occupations evaluated,
(c) the type of measuring equipment used,
(d) the sound level readings measured, and
(e) the work location evaluated.
220(2) An employer must ensure that
(a) a copy of the results of the noise exposure assessment is available on request to an affected worker or an officer, and
(b) the record of the noise exposure assessment is retained for as long as the employer operates in Alberta.
Noise management program
221(1) If a noise exposure assessment confirms that workers are exposed to excess noise at a work site, the employer must develop and implement a noise management program that includes policies and procedures.
221(2) The employer must ensure that the noise management program includes the following:
(a) a plan to educate workers in the hazards of exposure to excess noise and to train workers in the correct use of control measures and hearing protection;
(b) the methods and procedures to be used when measuring or monitoring worker exposure to noise;
(c) the posting of suitable warning signs in any work area where the noise level exceeds 85 dBA;
(d) the methods of noise control to be used;
(e) the selection, use and maintenance of hearing protection devices to be worn by workers;
(f) the requirements for audiometric testing and the maintenance of test records;
(g) an annual review of the policies and procedures to address
(i) the effectiveness of the education and training plan,
(ii) the need for further noise measurement, and
(iii) the adequacy of noise control measures.
221(3) A worker who is subject to noise management must cooperate with the employer in implementing the policies and procedures.
Hearing protection
222(1) An employer must ensure that hearing protection equipment provided to workers exposed to excess noise
(a) meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.2‑02, Hearing Protection Devices — Performance, Selection, Care, and Use, and
(b) is of the appropriate class and grade as described in Schedule 3, Table 2.
222(2) An employer must
(a) provide workers with training in the selection, use and maintenance of hearing protection equipment required to be used at a work site in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and
(b) ensure that affected workers wear the required hearing protection equipment.
222(3) Workers who are provided with hearing protection equipment must wear and use the equipment in accordance with the training provided by the employer.
Audiometric testing
223(1) An employer must provide, at the employer’s expense, the following audiometric tests for a worker exposed to excess noise:
(a) an initial baseline test as soon as is practicable, but not later than six months after the worker is employed or within six months after a worker is exposed to excess noise because of a change in the worker’s duties or process conditions,
(b) not more than 12 months after the initial baseline test, and
(c) at least every second year after the test under clause (b).
223(2) An employer must ensure that audiometric tests are administered by an audiometric technician who must
(a) work in consultation with a physician, audiologist or occupational health nurse designated by the employer,
(b) maintain a log book for each audiometer being used that
(i) contains the audiometer’s written calibration records, and
(ii) remains with the audiometer throughout its useful lifetime,
(c) conduct the tests in a location where background noise levels do not exceed those specified in Schedule 3, Table 3,
(d) record the results of the audiometric tests,
(e) provide a copy of the test results to the worker,
(f) retain the records of the audiometric tests for a period of not less than 10 years, and
(g) ensure that the medical history information is under the sole control of the person designated under subsection (2)(a).
223(3) If the results of an audiometric test indicate an abnormal audiogram or show an abnormal shift, the audiometric technician must
(a) advise the worker of the test results,
(b) request the worker to provide, and the worker must provide, relevant medical history, and
(c) forward the results that indicate an abnormal audiogram or an abnormal shift, the medical history and the baseline audiogram to a physician or audiologist designated by the employer to receive this information.
223(4) If the physician or audiologist designated by the employer confirms the audiogram as abnormal or the occurrence of the abnormal shift, the physician or audiologist must
(a) advise the worker to that effect within 30 days,
(b) with the written consent of the worker, provide results of the audiometric tests to the worker’s physician,
(c) advise the employer as to the effectiveness of the noise management program in place at the work site, and
(d) retain the records of the audiometric test for a period of not less than 10 years.
223(5) A person must not release records of audiometric tests conducted on a worker or medical history received from a worker as required by this section to any person without the worker’s written permission except in accordance with this section.
Credit of time
224 If it is not reasonably practicable for a worker to undergo audiometric testing during the worker’s normal working hours, the employer must
(a) credit the time the worker spends to get the test done as time at work, and
(b) ensure that the worker does not lose any pay or other benefits because the worker was tested.
Safe limit of approach distances
225(1) An employer must contact the power line operator before work is done or equipment is operated within 7.0 metres of an energized overhead power line
(a) to determine the voltage of the power line, and
(b) to establish the appropriate safe limit of approach distance listed in Schedule 4.
225(1.1) Except as provided for in subsection (2), an employer must ensure that the safe limit of approach distance, as established in subsection (1), is maintained and that no work is done and no equipment is operated at distances less than the established safe limit of approach distance.
225(2) An employer must notify the operator of an energized overhead power line before work is done or equipment is operated in the vicinity of the power line at distances less than the safe limit of approach distances listed in Schedule 4, and obtain the operator’s assistance in protecting workers involved.
225(3) An employer must ensure that earth or other materials are not placed under or beside an overhead power line if doing so reduces the safe clearance to less than the safe limit of approach distances listed in Schedule 4.
225(4) A worker must follow the direction of the employer in maintaining the appropriate safe clearance when working in the vicinity of an overhead power line.
Transported loads, equipment and buildings
226 The safe limit of approach distances listed in Schedule 4 do not apply to a load, equipment or building that is transported under energized overhead power lines if the total height, including equipment transporting it, is less than 4.15 metres.
Utility worker and tree trimmer exemption
227 Section 225 does not apply to utility workers, qualified utility workers or utility tree trimmers working in accordance with the requirements of the Alberta Electrical and Communication Utility Code (2002).
Part 18
Personal Protective Equipment
Duty to use personal protective equipment
228(1) If the hazard assessment indicates the need for personal protective equipment, an employer must ensure that
(a) workers wear personal protective equipment that is correct for the hazard and protects workers,
(b) workers properly use and wear the personal protective equipment,
(c) the personal protective equipment is in a condition to perform the function for which it was designed, and
(d) workers are trained in the correct use, care, limitations and assigned maintenance of the personal protective equipment.
228(2) A worker must
(a) use and wear properly the appropriate personal protective equipment specified in this Code in accordance with the training and instruction received,
(b) inspect the personal protective equipment before using it, and
(c) not use personal protective equipment that is unable to perform the function for which it is designed.
228(3) An employer must ensure that the use of personal protective equipment does not itself endanger the worker.
Compliance with standards
229(1) If a worker’s eyes may be injured or irritated at a work site, an employer must ensure that the worker wears properly fitting eye protection equipment that
(a) is approved to
(i) CSA Standard Z94.3‑07, Eye and Face Protectors,
(ii) CSA Standard Z94.3‑02, Eye and Face Protectors, or
(iii) CSA Standard Z94.3‑99, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors, and
(b) is appropriate to the work being done and the hazard involved.
229(2) Prescription eyewear may be worn if it
(a) is safety eyewear,
(b) meets the requirements of
(i) CSA Standard Z94.3‑07, Eye and Face Protectors,
(ii) CSA Standard Z94.3‑02, Eye and Face Protectors, or
(iii) CSA Standard Z94.3‑99, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors, and
(c) is appropriate to the work and the hazard involved.
229(2.1) Prescription safety eyewear having glass lenses must not be used if there is danger of impact unless it is worn behind equipment meeting the requirements of subsection (1).
229(2.2) If the use of plastic prescription lenses is impracticable, and there is no danger of impact, a worker may use lenses made of treated safety glass meeting the requirements of
(a) ANSI Standard Z87.1‑2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, or
(b) ANSI Standard Z87.1‑1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection.
229(2.3) Despite subsection (2), prescription safety eyewear may consist of frames that meet the requirements of ANSI Standard Z87.1‑2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices provided the lenses meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3‑07, Eye and Face Protectors.
229(3) If a worker must wear a full face piece respirator and the face piece is intended to prevent materials striking the eyes, an employer must ensure that the face piece
(a) meets the requirements of
(i) CSA Standard Z94.3‑07, Eye and Face Protectors, or
(ii) CSA Standard Z94.3‑02, Eye and Face Protectors, or
(b) meets the impact and penetration test requirements of section 9 of
(i) ANSI Standard Z87.1‑2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, or
(ii) ANSI Standard Z87.1‑1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection.
Contact lenses
230 An employer must ensure that, if wearing contact lenses poses a hazard to the worker’s eyes during work, the worker is advised of the hazards and the alternatives to wearing contact lenses.
Electric arc welding
231 A worker must not perform electric arc welding if it is reasonably possible for another worker to be exposed to radiation from the arc unless the other worker is wearing suitable eye protection or is protected by a screen.
Use of flame resistant clothing
232(1) If a worker may be exposed to a flash fire or electrical equipment flashover, an employer must ensure that the worker wears flame resistant outerwear and uses other protective equipment appropriate to the hazard.
232(2) A worker must ensure that clothing worn beneath flame resistant outerwear and against the skin is made of flame resistant fabrics or natural fibres that will not melt when exposed to heat.
Footwear
233(1) An employer must ensure that a worker uses footwear that is appropriate to the hazards associated with the work being performed and the work site.
233(1.1) An employer must not require a worker to wear footwear that may pose a health or safety risk to the worker.
233(2) If the hazard assessment identifies that protective footwear needs to have toe protection, a puncture resistant sole, metatarsal protection, electrical protection, chainsaw protection or any combination of these, the employer must ensure that the worker wears protective footwear that is approved to
(a) CSA Standard Z195‑02, Protective Footwear, or
(b) ASTM Standard F2413‑05, Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear,
if the protective footwear was manufactured on or after July 1, 2009.
233(3) Despite subsection (2), if a worker is likely to be exposed to a hazard other than those referred to in subsection (2), the employer must ensure that the worker uses footwear appropriate to the hazard.
233(4) If a worker is unable, for medical reasons, to wear protective footwear that complies with subsection (2), the worker may substitute external safety toecaps if the employer ensures that
(a) the safety toecaps meet the impact force requirements of
(i) CSA Standard Z195‑02, Protective Footwear, or
(ii) ASTM Standard F2413‑05, Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear,
(b) metatarsal protection is not needed to protect the feet from injury,
(c) the hazard assessment confirms that the worker will not be exposed to any sole penetration hazards, and
(d) wearing the safety toecaps does not itself create a hazard for the worker.
233(5) An employer must ensure that a fire fighter wears safety footwear that is approved to
(a) CSA Standard Z195‑02, Protective Footwear,
(b) NFPA Standard 1971, Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting, 2007 Edition, or
(c) NFPA Standard 1977, Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting, 2005 Edition,
if the safety footwear was manufactured on or after July 1, 2009.
AR 87/2009 s233;213/2018
Industrial headwear
234(1) Subject to sections 235, 236 and 237, if there is a foreseeable danger of injury to a worker’s head at a work site and there is a significant possibility of lateral impact to the head, an employer must ensure that the worker wears industrial protective headwear that is appropriate to the hazards and meets the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑Z94.1‑05, Industrial Protective Headwear, or
(b) ANSI Standard Z89.1‑2003, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection, for Type II head protection,
if the protective headwear was manufactured on or after July 1, 2009.
234(2) Subject to sections 235, 236 and 237, if there is a foreseeable danger of injury to a worker’s head at a work site and the possibility of lateral impact to the head is unlikely, an employer must ensure that the worker wears industrial protective headwear that is appropriate to the hazard and meets the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑Z94.1‑05, Industrial Protective Headwear, or
(b) ANSI Standard Z89.1‑2003, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection,
if the protective headwear was manufactured on or after July 1, 2009
Bicycles and skates
235(1) An employer must ensure that a worker who is riding a bicycle or using in‑line skates or a similar means of transport wears a safety helmet
(a) that is approved to one of the following standards for bicycle safety helmets if the helmet was manufactured on or after July 1, 2009:
(i) CSA CAN/CSA‑D113.2‑M89 (R2004), Cycling Helmets;
(ii) CPSC, Title 16 Code of U.S. Federal Regulations Part 1203, Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets;
(iii) Snell Memorial Foundation B‑90A, 1998 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Bicycles;
(iv) Snell Memorial Foundation B‑95A, 1998 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Bicycles;
(v) Snell Memorial Foundation N‑94, 1994 Standard for Protective Headgear in Non‑Motorized Sports;
(vi) ASTM F1447‑06, Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating;
(vii) ‑ (x) Repealed; and
(b) that is free of damage or modification that would reduce its effectiveness.
235(2) Despite subsection (1), if workers at a work site normally wear industrial protective headwear in accordance with section 234, that protective headwear may be worn by workers using a bicycle or similar means of transport at the work site if
(a) the worker travels at a speed of not more than 20 kilometres per hour, and
(b) the protective headwear is worn with a fastened chin strap.
All‑terrain vehicles, snow vehicles, motorcycles
236(1) An employer must ensure that a worker riding an all‑terrain vehicle, snow vehicle, motorized trail bike or motorcycle or, subject to subsection (2), a small utility vehicle at a work site wears a safety helmet approved to one of the following standards:
(a) U.S.A. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 218, Motorcycle Helmets 1993 OCT;
(b) BSI Standard BS 6658: 05, Specification for Protective Helmets for Vehicle Users;
(c) Snell Memorial Foundation Standard M2005, 2005 Helmet Standard for Use in Motorcycling,
if the safety helmet was manufactured on or after July 1, 2009.
236(1.1) Subsection (1) does not apply to small utility vehicles equipped with seat belts and rollover protection.
236(2) Protective headwear in good condition that meets the requirements of an earlier version of a standard listed in subsection (1) may be used unless it is damaged.
236(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the vehicle is equipped with rollover protective structures that comply with section 270 and seat belts or restraining devices that comply with section 271.
236(4) A worker who wears protective headwear under subsection (1) and who uses an all‑terrain vehicle, snow vehicle, motorized trail bike or motorcycle to travel to a remote work site may continue to wear that protective headwear while working at the work site if
(a) the work does not subject the worker to potential contact with exposed energized electrical sources, and
(b) the work is done for a short period of time.
Fire fighters
237 Despite section 234, an employer may permit a fire fighter to wear protective headwear that meets the requirements of the following standards considering the nature of the hazard:
(a) NFPA Standard 1971, Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting, 2007 Edition, or
(b) NFPA Standard 1977, Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting, 2005 Edition,
if the protective headwear was manufactured on or after July 1, 2009.
Bump hat
238 Despite section 234, an employer may permit a worker to wear a bump hat at the work site if the danger of injury is limited to the worker’s head striking a stationary object.
Exemption from wearing headwear
239(1) Despite section 234, if it is impractical for a worker to wear industrial protective headwear during a particular work process,
(a) the employer must ensure that the worker’s head is protected using an adequate alternative means of protection during the work process, and
(b) the worker may conduct the work while the alternative means of protection is in place.
239(2) A worker must wear industrial protective headwear if the foreseeable danger of injury to the worker’s head persists immediately after completing the work process referred to in subsection (1).
Life
Jackets and Personal
Flotation Devices
Compliance with standards
240(1) An employer must ensure that a life jacket is approved to CGSB Standard CAN/CGSB 65.7‑M88 AMEND, Lifejackets, Inherently Buoyant Type, and any amendments for approved small vessel life jackets.
240(2) An employer must ensure that a personal flotation device is approved to CGSB Standard CAN/CGSB 65.11‑M88 AMEND, Personal Flotation Device, and any amendments for personal flotation devices, type 1 (inherently buoyant).
Use of jackets and flotation devices
241(1) If there is a foreseeable danger that a worker could be exposed to the hazard of drowning, an employer must ensure that the worker wears a life jacket.
241(2) A worker who could be exposed to the hazard of drowning must wear a life jacket.
241(2.1) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if other safety measures are in place that will protect a worker from the hazard of drowning.
241(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), if a worker performs work from a boat for an extended period of time, the worker may wear a personal flotation device if the employer ensures that there is also a life jacket readily accessible to each worker on the boat.
Limb and body protection
242 If there is a danger that a worker’s hand, arm, leg or torso may be injured, an employer must ensure that the worker wears properly fitting hand, arm, leg or body protective equipment that is appropriate to the work, the work site and the hazards identified.
Skin protection
243 An employer must ensure that a worker’s skin is protected from a harmful substance that may injure the skin on contact or may adversely affect a worker’s health if it is absorbed through the skin.
Respiratory Protective Equipment
Respiratory dangers
244(1) An employer must determine the degree of danger to a worker at a work site and whether the worker needs to wear respiratory protective equipment if
(a) a worker is or may be exposed to an airborne contaminant or a mixture of airborne contaminants in a concentration exceeding their occupational exposure limits,
(b) the atmosphere has or may have an oxygen concentration of less than 19.5 percent by volume, or
(c) a worker is or may be exposed to an airborne biohazardous material.
244(2) In making a determination under subsection (1), the employer must consider
(a) the nature and exposure circumstances of any contaminants or biohazardous material,
(b) the concentration or likely concentration of any airborne contaminants,
(c) the duration or likely duration of the worker’s exposure,
(d) the toxicity of the contaminants,
(e) the concentration of oxygen,
(f) the warning properties of the contaminants, and
(g) the need for emergency escape.
244(3) Based on a determination under subsection (1), the employer must
(a) subject to subsection 3(b), provide and ensure the availability of the appropriate respiratory protective equipment to the worker at the work site, and
(b) despite section 247, when the effects of airborne biohazardous materials are unknown, provide and ensure the availability of respiratory protective equipment appropriate to the worker’s known exposure circumstances.
244(3.1) Subsection (3) does not apply when an employer has developed and implemented procedures that effectively limit exposure to airborne biohazardous material.
244(4) A worker must use the appropriate respiratory equipment provided by the employer under subsection (3).
Code of practice
245(1) If respiratory protective equipment is used at a work site, an employer must prepare a code of practice governing the selection, maintenance and use of respiratory protective equipment.
245(2) In the case of a health care worker who may be exposed to airborne biohazardous material, an employer must ensure that the code of practice required under subsection (1) includes training on at least an annual basis.
Approval of equipment
246 An employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment required at a work site is approved
(a) by NIOSH, or
(b) by another standards setting and equipment testing organization, or combination of organizations, approved by a Director of Occupational Hygiene.
Alternative equipment
246.1(1) Notwithstanding section 246, the following respiratory protective equipment is approved for required use at a work site:
(a) FFP2 respirators meeting the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Standard (EN 149:2001+A1:2009);
(b) KN95 respirators meeting the National Standard of the People's Republic of China (GB 2626‑2006);
(c) P2 respirators meeting the standards of the Council of Standards Australia/Council of Standards New Zealand (AS/NZA 1716:2012);
(d) Korea 1st class respirators meeting the standards of Korean Food and Drug Administration (KMOEL — 2017‑64);
(e) DS respirators meeting the standards of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan JMHLW‑Notification 214, 2018).
(2) This section is repealed on August 14, 2021.
AR 150/2020 s2
Selection of equipment
247 An employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment used at a work site is selected in accordance with CSA Standard Z94.4‑02, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators.
Storage and use
248(1) An employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment kept ready to protect a worker is
(a) stored in a readily accessible location,
(b) stored in a manner that prevents its contamination,
(c) maintained in a clean and sanitary condition,
(d) inspected before and after each use to ensure it is in satisfactory working condition, and
(e) serviced and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
248(2) An employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment that is not used routinely but is kept for emergency use is inspected at least once every calendar month by a competent worker to ensure it is in satisfactory working condition.
Quality of breathing air
249(1) An employer must ensure that air used in a self‑contained breathing apparatus or an air line respirator
(a) is of a quality that meets the requirements of Table 1 of CSA Standard Z180.1‑00 (R2005), Compressed Breathing Air and Systems, and
(b) does not contain a substance in a concentration that exceeds 10 percent of its occupational exposure limit.
249(2) Subsection (1)(b) does not apply to substances listed in Table 1 of CSA Standard Z180.1‑00 (R2005), Compressed Breathing Air and Systems.
Effective facial seal
250(1) An employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment that depends on an effective facial seal for its safe use is correctly fit tested and tested in accordance with CSA Standard Z94.4‑02, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators.
250(2) An employer must ensure that, if a worker is or may be required to wear respiratory protective equipment and the effectiveness of the equipment depends on an effective facial seal, the worker is clean shaven where the face piece of the equipment seals to the skin of the face.
AR 87/2009 s250;56/2018
Equipment for immediate danger
251 If an employer determines under section 244 that breathing conditions at a work site are or may become immediately dangerous to life or health, the employer must ensure that a worker wears self‑contained breathing apparatus or an air line respirator that
(a) is of a type that will maintain positive pressure in the face piece,
(b) has a capacity of at least 30 minutes unless the employer’s hazard assessment indicates the need for a greater capacity,
(c) provides full face protection in situations where contaminants may irritate or damage the eyes,
(d) in the case of an air line respirator, is fitted with an auxiliary supply of respirable air of sufficient quantity to enable the worker to escape from the area in an emergency, and
(e) in the case of a self‑contained breathing apparatus, has an alarm warning of low pressure.
Equipment — no immediate danger
252 An employer must ensure that a worker wears self‑contained breathing apparatus or an air line respirator having a capacity of at least 30 minutes if
(a) the employer determines under section 244 that conditions at the work site are not or cannot become immediately dangerous to life or health but
(i) the oxygen content of the atmosphere is or may be less than 19.5 percent by volume, or
(ii) the concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds or may exceed that specified by the manufacturer for air purifying respiratory equipment, and
(b) the complete equipment required by section 251 is not provided.
Air purifying equipment
253 An employer may permit workers to wear air purifying respiratory protective equipment if
(a) the oxygen content of the air is, and will continue to be, 19.5 percent or greater by volume,
(b) the air purifying equipment used is designed to provide protection against the specific airborne contaminant, or combination of airborne contaminants, present, and
(c) the concentration of airborne contaminants does not exceed the maximum concentration specified by the manufacturer for the specific type of air purifying equipment, taking into consideration the duration of its use.
Emergency escape equipment
254(1) Despite sections 251 and 252, if normal operating conditions do not require the wearing of respiratory protective equipment but emergency conditions may occur requiring a worker to escape from the work area, the employer may permit the escaping worker to wear
(a) a mouth bit and nose‑clamp respirator if
(i) the respirator is designed to protect the worker from the specific airborne contaminants present, and
(ii) the oxygen content of the atmosphere during the escape is 19.5 percent or greater by volume, or
(b) alternative respiratory protective equipment that can be proven to give the worker the same or greater protection as the equipment referred to in clause (a).
254(2) Before permitting a worker to use the equipment referred to in subsection (1), the employer must consider the length of time it will take the worker to escape from the work area.
Abrasive blasting operations
255 If a worker is performing abrasive blasting, the employer must ensure that the worker wears a hood specifically designed for abrasive blasting, supplied with air that is at a positive pressure of not more than 140 kilopascals.
Part 19
Powered Mobile Equipment
Operator responsibilities
256(1) A worker must not operate powered mobile equipment unless the worker
(a) is trained to safely operate the equipment,
(b) has demonstrated competency in operating the equipment to a competent worker designated by the employer,
(c) is familiar with the equipment’s operating instructions, and
(d) is authorized by the employer to operate the equipment.
256(2) Subsections (1)(a), (b) and (c) do not apply if a worker in training operates the equipment under the direct supervision of a competent worker designated by the employer.
256(3) The operator of powered mobile equipment must
(a) report to the employer any conditions affecting the safe operation of the equipment,
(b) operate the equipment safely,
(c) maintain full control of the equipment at all times,
(d) use the seat belts and other safety equipment in the powered mobile equipment,
(e) ensure that passengers in the powered mobile equipment use the seat belts and other safety equipment in the powered mobile equipment, and
(f) keep the cab, floor and deck of the powered mobile equipment free of materials, tools or other objects that could interfere with the operation of the controls or create a tripping or other hazard to the operator or other occupants of the equipment.
256(4) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s256;152/2018;182/2019
Visual inspection
257(1) Before operating powered mobile equipment, the operator must complete a visual inspection of the equipment and the surrounding area to ensure that the powered mobile equipment is in safe operating condition and that no worker, including the operator, is endangered when the equipment is started up.
257(2) While powered mobile equipment is in operation, the operator must complete a visual inspection of the equipment and surrounding area at the intervals required by the manufacturer’s specifications or, in the absence of manufacturer’s specifications, the employer’s operating procedures.
257(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), if the powered mobile equipment is continuously operated as part of an ongoing work operation, the operator may visually inspect the equipment during the work shift or work period as required by the employer’s operating procedures.
257(4) A person must not start powered mobile equipment if the visual inspection under subsection (1) is not completed.
257.1 Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 152/2018 s13;182/2019
Dangerous movement
258(1) If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers,
(a) an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part, and
(b) the operator must not move the load or the equipment if a worker is exposed to the danger.
258(2) If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers, a worker must not remain within range of the moving load or part.
258(3) If a worker could be caught between a moving part of a unit of powered mobile equipment and another object, an employer must
(a) restrict entry to the area by workers, or
(b) require workers to maintain a clearance distance of at least 600 millimetres between the powered mobile equipment and the object.
Pedestrian traffic
259(1) An employer must ensure that, if reasonably practicable,
(a) walkways are designated that separate pedestrian traffic from areas where powered mobile equipment is operating,
(b) workers use the designated walkways.
259(2) If it is not reasonably practicable to use designated walkways, an employer must ensure that safe work procedures are used to protect workers who enter areas where powered mobile equipment is operating.
Inspection and maintenance
260(1) An employer must ensure that powered mobile equipment is inspected by a competent worker for defects and conditions that are hazardous or may create a hazard.
260(2) An inspection under subsection (1) must be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
260(3) If an inspection under subsection (1) indicates that powered mobile equipment is hazardous or potentially hazardous, an employer must ensure that
(a) the health and safety of a worker who may be exposed to the hazard is protected immediately,
(b) the powered mobile equipment is not operated until the defect is repaired or the condition is corrected, and
(c) the defect is repaired or the unsafe condition corrected as soon as reasonably practicable.
260(4) Despite subsection (3), if an inspection under subsection (1) indicates that the powered mobile equipment is potentially hazardous but the equipment can be operated safely, an employer must ensure that
(a) the operator is made aware of the potential hazard, and
(b) the defect or condition is repaired as soon as reasonably practicable.
260(5) An employer must ensure that a record of the inspections and maintenance carried out as required by subsections (1) and (2) is kept at the work site and readily available to a worker who operates the powered mobile equipment.
260(6) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s260;152/2018;182/2019
Maintenance on elevated parts
261 An employer must ensure that if elevated parts of powered mobile equipment are being maintained or repaired by workers, the parts and the powered mobile equipment are securely blocked in place and cannot move accidentally.
Starting engines
262(1) Subject to subsection (3), an employer must ensure that a worker does not start the power unit of powered mobile equipment if the drive mechanisms and clutches of the equipment are engaged.
262(2) A worker must not start the power unit of powered mobile equipment if the drive mechanisms and clutches of the equipment are engaged.
262(3) An employer must ensure that no worker, including the operator, can be injured due to the movement of powered mobile equipment or any part of it, if
(a) its power unit can be started from a location other than the equipment’s control platform or cab seat, or
(b) it is not reasonably practicable to disengage its drive mechanism or clutches.
Unattended equipment
263(1) A person must not leave the controls of powered mobile equipment unattended unless the equipment is secured against unintentional movement by an effective method of immobilizing the equipment.
263(2) A person must not leave the controls of powered mobile equipment unattended unless a suspended or elevated part of the powered mobile equipment is either landed, secured in a safe position, or both.
Lights
264(1) An employer must ensure that powered mobile equipment operated during hours of darkness or when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable atmospheric conditions, workers and vehicles are not clearly discernible at a distance of at least 150 metres, is equipped with lights that illuminate
(a) a direction in which the equipment travels,
(b) the working area around the equipment, and
(c) the control panel of the equipment.
264(2) An employer must ensure that the lights on earthmoving construction machinery installed on or after July 1, 2009 complies with SAE Standard J1029 (2007), Lighting and Marking of Construction, Earthmoving Machinery.
Windows and windshields
265(1) An employer must ensure that glazing used as part of the enclosure for a cab, canopy or rollover protective structure on powered mobile equipment is safety glass or another non‑shattering material providing at least equivalent protection.
265(2) An employer must ensure that the glazing installed on or after July 1, 2009 on an enclosure of powered mobile equipment is approved to ANSI Standard ANSI/SAE Z26.1 (1996), Safety Glazing Material for Glazing Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment Operating on Land Highways — Safety Standard.
265(3) An employer must ensure that broken or cracked glazing that obstructs an operator’s view from powered mobile equipment is replaced as soon as is reasonably practicable.
265(4) An employer must ensure that a windshield on powered mobile equipment has windshield wipers of sufficient size and capacity to clean matter that obstructs the operator’s view from the windshield.
Other safety equipment
266 An employer must ensure that powered mobile equipment has
(a) a device within easy reach of the operator that permits the operator to stop, as quickly as possible, the power unit, drawworks, transmission or any ancillary equipment driven from the powered mobile equipment, including a power take‑off auger or digging, lifting, or cutting equipment,
(b) an effective means of warning workers of the presence, general dimensions and movement of the equipment if the presence, dimensions or movement may be a danger to a worker,
(c) seats or other installations sufficient to ensure the safety of the operator and other workers who may be in or on the equipment while it is in motion, and
(d) safety clips on the connecting pins if the powered mobile equipment is equipped with a trailer hitch.
Warning signal
267(1) An employer must ensure that, if a powered mobile equipment operator’s view of the equipment’s path of travel is obstructed or cannot be seen directly or indirectly in a direction, the powered mobile equipment has
(a) an automatic audible warning device that
(i) activates if the equipment controls are positioned to move the equipment in that direction, and
(ii) is audible above the ambient noise level,
(b) a warning device or method appropriate to the hazards of the work site, or
(c) an automatic system that stops the equipment if a worker is in its path.
267(2) If it is impractical to equip powered mobile equipment in accordance with subsection (1), the operator must ensure that the operator and other workers are protected from injury before moving the equipment by
(a) doing a visual inspection on foot of the area into which the equipment will move,
(b) following the directions of a traffic control or warning system,
(c) getting directions from a designated signaller or other worker who
(i) has an unobstructed view of the area into which the equipment will move, or
(ii) is stationed in a safe position in continuous view of the operator, or
(d) ensuring all other workers are removed from the area into which the equipment will move.
Bulkheads
268 An employer must install a bulkhead or provide other effective means to protect the operator of a vehicle transporting equipment or materials that may shift during an emergency stop.
Guards and screens
269 An employer must ensure that powered mobile equipment has a cab, screen, shield, grill, deflector, guard or other adequate protection for the operator if the hazard assessment indicates there is a significant possibility that the operator may be injured by flying or projecting objects.
Rollover protective structures
270(1) An employer must ensure that the following types of powered mobile equipment weighing 700 kilograms or more have rollover protective structures:
(a) tracked (crawler) or wheeled bulldozers, loaders, tractors or skidders, other than those operating with side booms;
(b) back hoes with a limited horizontal swing of 180 degrees;
(c) motor graders;
(d) self‑propelled wheeled scrapers;
(e) industrial, agricultural and horticultural tractors, including ride‑on lawnmowers;
(f) wheeled trenchers.
270(2) An employer must ensure that a rollover protective structure installed on or after July 1, 2009 complies with the applicable requirements of
(a) CSA Standard B352.0‑95 (R2006), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines — Part 1: General Requirements, and
(i) CSA Standard B352.1‑95 (R2006), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines — Part 2: Testing Requirements for ROPS on Agricultural Tractors, or
(ii) CSA Standard B352.2‑95 (R2006), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines — Part 3: Testing Requirements for ROPS on Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines,
(b) SAE Standard J1042 (2003), Operator Protection for General‑Purpose Industrial Machines,
(c) SAE Standard J1194 (1999), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Wheeled Agricultural Tractors,
(d) ISO Standard 3471: 2000, Earth‑moving machinery – Roll‑over protective structures – Laboratory tests and performance requirements, or
(e) OSHA Standard 1928.52, Protective Frames for Wheel‑type Agricultural Tractors – Tests, Procedures and Performance Requirements.
270(3) If powered mobile equipment is not referred to in subsection (1) and a hazard assessment identifies rollover as a potential hazard, the employer must
(a) equip the powered mobile equipment with a rollover protective structure that is either supplied by the manufacturer or certified by a professional engineer as being suited to that equipment, or
(b) institute safe work procedures that eliminate the possibility of rollover.
270(4) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s270;152/2018;182/2019
270.1 Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 152/2018 s15;182/2019
Equipment with rollover protection
271(1) An employer must ensure that the powered mobile equipment fitted with a rollover protective structure manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 has seat belts for the operator and passengers that comply with
(a) SAE Standard J386 (2006), Operator Restraint System for Off‑Road Work Machines, or
(b) SAE Information Report J2292 (2006), Combination Pelvic/Upper Torso (Type 2) Operator Restraint Systems for Off‑Road Work Machines.
271(2) Despite subsection (1), if the work process makes wearing the seat belts in the powered mobile equipment impracticable, the employer may permit workers to wear shoulder belts or use bars, screens or other restraining devices designed to prevent the operator or a passenger from being thrown out of the rollover protective structure.
Falling objects protective structures
272(1) If the hazard assessment identifies that an operator of powered mobile equipment is exposed to falling objects, the employer must ensure that the powered mobile equipment is equipped with a falling objects protective structure.
272(2) A falling objects protective structure installed on or after July 1, 2009 must comply with the appropriate requirements of
(a) SAE Standard J167 (2002), Overhead Protection for Agricultural Tractors – Test Procedures and Performance Requirements,
(b) SAE Standard J/ISO 3449 (2005), Earthmoving Machinery — Falling‑Object Protective Structures—Laboratory Tests and Performance Requirements, or
(c) SAE Standard J1042 (2003), Operator Protection for General‑Purpose Industrial Machines.
272(3) An employer, instead of using a falling objects protective structure that complies with subsection (2), may use equipment that is certified by a professional engineer as providing the equivalent or better protection.
Recertification after modification
273 An employer must ensure that any addition, modification, welding or cutting of a rollover protective structure or a falling objects protective structure is done in accordance with the instructions of, and is re‑certified as restored to its original performance requirements by, the equipment manufacturer or a professional engineer.
Fuel tank in cab
274 An employer must ensure that a fuel tank located in the enclosed cab of a unit of powered mobile equipment has a filler spout and vents
(a) extending outside the cab, and
(b) that are sealed to prevent vapours from entering the enclosed cab.
Worker transportation
275(1) An employer must ensure that no part of an operator’s or passenger’s body extends beyond the side of a vehicle or powered mobile equipment while it is in operation.
275(2) An employer must ensure that equipment or material in a vehicle or unit of powered mobile equipment is positioned or secured to prevent injury to the operator and passengers, if any.
275(3) An employer must ensure that sufficient protection against inclement weather is provided for workers travelling in a vehicle or unit of powered mobile equipment.
275(4) If a vehicle or unit of powered mobile equipment with an enclosed body is used to transport workers, an employer must ensure that the equipment’s exhaust gases do not enter the enclosed body.
Riding on loads
276 A person must not ride on top of a load that is being moved.
276.1 Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 152/2018 s16;182/2019
Hazardous loads
277(1) An employer must ensure that workers are not servicing or maintaining a vehicle while flammable, combustible or explosive materials are
(a) being loaded into or unloaded from the vehicle, or
(b) in the vehicle, other than in the vehicle’s fuel tank or a portable fuel tank that is approved to the appropriate ULC standard for that tank.
277(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), servicing and maintaining a vehicle does not include checking or topping up fluid levels or air pressure.
277(3) A worker must not service or maintain a vehicle in contravention of subsection (1).
Tank trucks
278(1) The operator must ensure that a tank truck containing flammable, combustible or explosive materials is bonded and grounded while
(a) its loading lines are connected or disconnected, and
(b) the contents of the tank truck are being transferred.
278(1.1) and (1.2) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
278(2) Section 277 does not apply to a commercial tank truck designed to transport flammable, combustible or explosive materials.
AR 87/2009 s278;152/2018;182/2019
Refuelling
279(1) An employer must ensure that a worker does not
(a) smoke within 7.5 metres of a vehicle while it is being refuelled,
(b) refuel a vehicle when there is a source of ignition within 7.5 metres of that vehicle, or
(c) dispense flammable fuels into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or watercraft while its engine is running.
279(2) A person must not
(a) smoke within 7.5 metres of a vehicle while it is being refuelled,
(b) refuel a vehicle when there is a source of ignition within 7.5 metres of that vehicle, or
(c) dispense flammable fuels into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or watercraft while its engine is running.
279(3) An employer must ensure that a worker dispensing flammable fuel
(a) takes precautions to prevent the fuel from overflowing or spilling,
(b) does not knowingly overfill the fuel system, and
(c) does not use an object or device that is not an integral part of the hose nozzle valve assembly to maintain the flow of fuel.
279(4) Subsections (1)(c) and (2)(c) do not apply to the fuelling system of the motor vehicle or watercraft if its manufacturer or a professional engineer certifies
(a) it is safe to refuel while the engine is running, and
(b) the safe work practices to be used during the refuelling.
All‑Terrain Vehicles and Snow Vehicles
Three‑wheeled all‑terrain cycles
280 A person must not use a three‑wheeled all‑terrain vehicle at a work site.
Operator’s manual
281 An employer must ensure that the operator’s manual for an all‑terrain vehicle or snow vehicle is kept in a secure place with the vehicle or at another location readily accessible to the operator.
Load and slope limitations
282(1) The operator of an all‑terrain vehicle or snow vehicle must ensure that, if it is used to move a load, the load conforms to the weight, height and other limits specified by the manufacturer of the all‑terrain vehicle or snow vehicle.
282(2) If the manufacturer has not set limits for operation of the all‑terrain vehicle or snow vehicle on sloping ground, the employer must implement safe work procedures appropriate for the slopes on which the equipment is used.
Load chart
283 An employer must ensure that a forklift truck has a durable and legible load rating chart that is readily available to the operator.
Seat belt
284 If a forklift truck is equipped with a seat belt by the original equipment manufacturer or a seat belt is added to the equipment at some later date, an employer must ensure that the seat belt is present and in useable condition.
Pile Driving Equipment and Practices
Chocking
285 The operator of pile driving equipment must ensure that a pile hammer is securely chocked while suspended by the hammer line if the equipment is not operating.
Pile hoisting
286(1) The operator of pile driving equipment must ensure that pilings are not hoisted in the leads if workers who are not directly involved in the pile hoisting are on the superstructure or within range of a falling pile.
286(2) A worker must not
(a) remain or ride on a load or part of a load being moved, raised or lowered by pile driving equipment, or
(b) be on the superstructure of pile driving equipment or within range of a falling pile if the worker is not directly involved in the pile hoisting.
Restraining hoses and connections
287 An employer must ensure that the pressure hoses of pile driving equipment with pressure hammers have, on the pressure side of all hose connections, safety chains or ropes designed to protect workers should the hoses or connections fail.
Brake bands and clutches
288 An employer must ensure that
(a) at the beginning of a work shift, the brake bands and clutches of pile driving equipment are inspected by a competent worker designated by the employer, and
(b) if the worker finds contamination by oil or grease, the contaminated units are dismantled and cleaned or replaced before they are used.
Timber piles
289 The employer must ensure that
(a) workers in the area of a timber pile being struck by a pile driver are protected from any danger that may result from the pile shattering, and
(b) before piles are placed in position for driving, pile heads are cut square and timber piles are free of debris, bark and splintered wood.
Crane boom inspection
290(1) An employer must ensure that a crane boom used for driving piles with a vibratory hammer is
(a) inspected
(i) at the intervals specified in the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, or
(ii) annually or every 600 operating hours, whichever comes first, and
(b) certified by a professional engineer as safe for continued use.
290(2) An employer must ensure that a crane boom with a vibratory pile extractor is
(a) inspected
(i) at the intervals specified in the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, or
(ii) annually or every 200 operating hours, whichever comes first, and
(b) certified by a professional engineer as safe for continued use.
290(3) An employer must ensure that a crane boom used for dynamic compaction is
(a) inspected
(i) at the intervals specified in the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, or
(ii) annually or every 200 operating hours, whichever comes first, and
(b) certified by a professional engineer as safe for continued use.
Personal Vehicle for Work Purposes
Licensing and mechanical inspection
290.1 If a worker uses a personal vehicle for work purposes,
(a) an employer must ensure that the worker complies with section 256(1) by complying with the appropriate licensed driver requirements of provincial legislation, and
(b) the worker must ensure that the vehicle is maintained in sound mechanical condition.
Concrete Pump Trucks
Safety requirements
290.2(1) An employer must ensure that all load bearing components of a concrete pump truck undergo non‑destructive testing under the direction and control of a professional engineer in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications at 12‑month intervals from the date of the concrete pump truck’s most recent certification.
290.2(2) An employer must ensure that the operator of a concrete pump truck visually inspects all load bearing components and safety and control devices of the concrete pump truck before each use.
290.2(3) Before using a concrete pump truck at a work site, an employer must ensure that the outriggers of the equipment are extended in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
290.2(4) While a concrete pump truck is in use at a work site, an employer must ensure that no worker or other person is positioned under a distribution boom or mast connected to the concrete pump truck.
290.2(5) An employer must ensure that a concrete pump truck is not moved when its distribution boom or mast is partially or full extended, unless the truck is designed to be moved with its distribution boom or mast partially or fully extended.
Prevention and protection
291 If workers may be exposed to ionizing radiation at a work site, an employer must
(a) develop and implement safe work practices and procedures to be used when the workers deal with or approach the radiation source,
(b) if practicable, involve the workers in the development and implementation of the safe work practices and procedures, and
(c) inform the workers of the potential hazards of ionizing radiation and the radiation source.
Breaking strength
292(1) An employer must ensure that rigging is not subjected to a load of more than
(a) 10 percent of the breaking strength of the weakest part of the rigging, if a worker is being raised or lowered,
(b) subject to section 292.1, 20 percent of the ultimate breaking strength of the weakest part of the rigging in all other situations unless the manufacturer has fatigue rated the rigging in accordance with CEN Standard EN 1677‑1: 2000, Components for slings – Part 1: Forged steel components grade 8, and
(c) subject to section 292.1, if the rigging is fatigue rated in accordance with CEN Standard EN 1677‑1: 2000 and a worker is not being raised or lowered, the maximum load must not exceed 25 percent of the ultimate breaking strength.
292(2) Despite subsection (1), an employer may use a dedicated rigging assembly designed and certified for a particular lift or project by a professional engineer, but the dedicated rigging assembly must be re‑rated to comply with subsection (1) before it is used for another lift or project.
Safety factors
292.1(1) Subject to section 292, an employer must ensure that rigging components are rated relative to their ultimate breaking strength in accordance with the following safety factors:
(a) running lines 3.5 to 1;
(b) non‑rotating hoist lines 5 to 1;
(c) tugger lines/blocks for pulling 3 to 1;
(d) pendant lines/guy lines 3 to 1; and
(e) winch lines 2 to 1.
292.1(2) An employer must ensure that rigging components or hoisting lines that are used in any towing operation are not used for any hoisting operation.
Load ratings
293(1) An employer must ensure that the maximum load rating of the rigging, as determined by the rigging manufacturer or a professional engineer, is legibly and conspicuously marked on the rigging.
293(2) Despite subsection (1), if it is not practicable to mark the rigging, the employer must ensure the maximum load rating of the rigging is available to the workers at the work site.
Inspection
294 An employer must ensure that rigging to be used during a work shift is inspected thoroughly prior to each period of continuous use during the shift to ensure that the rigging is functional and safe.
Prohibition
295 A worker must not use rigging that does not comply with this Part.
Rigging protection
296 An employer must ensure that sharp edges on loads to be hoisted are guarded to prevent damage to the slings or straps of the rigging.
Standards
297(1) An employer must ensure that wire rope, alloy steel chain, synthetic fibre rope, metal mesh slings and synthetic fibre slings manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 meet the requirements of ASME Standard B30.9‑2006, Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks and Slings.
297(2) An employer must ensure that below‑the‑hook lifting devices, other than slings, meet the requirements of ASME Standard B30.20‑2006, Below the Hook Lifting Devices.
297(3) Despite subsection (2), an employer may use a capacity data sheet to label a spreader bar with its rated capacity.
297(4) Where a capacity data sheet is used in accordance with subsection (3), an employer must ensure that the data sheet and corresponding spreader bar are identified by a unique numbering system.
Slings
298(1) An employer must ensure that synthetic fibre slings are permanently and legibly marked or appropriately tagged with the following:
(a) the manufacturer’s name or trade mark;
(b) the manufacturer’s code or stock number;
(c) the safe working load for the types of hitches permitted; and
(d) where appropriate, the type and material of construction.
298(2) An employer must ensure that slings at a worksite are not subjected to pull tests beyond 100 percent of their rated load capacity.
Rope wound on drum
299(1) An employer must ensure that rope on a winding drum is securely fastened to the drum.
299(2) An employer must ensure that the number of wraps of rope remaining at all times on a drum
(a) complies with the manufacturer’s specifications for the rope and the drum, or
(b) if there are no manufacturer’s specifications, is not less than 5 full wraps.
Cable clips
300(1) An employer must ensure that U‑bolt type clips used for fastening wire rope are installed
(a) so that the U‑bolt section of the clip bears on the short or “dead” side of the rope,
(b) so that the saddle of a clip bears on the long or “live” side of the rope, and
(c) using the number and with the spacing that complies with the specifications in Schedule 5.
300(2) An employer must ensure that cable clips used for fastening wire rope are installed, and torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications or, in the absence of manufacturer’s specifications, to the values specified in Schedule 5.
300(3) An employer must ensure that double‑saddle clips (fist clips) used for fastening wire rope are installed using the number and the spacing and torque that complies with the specifications in Schedule 5.
300(4) An employer must ensure that double base clips used for fastening wire rope are installed with a spacing that is not less than 6 times the diameter of the rope.
Ferrules
301(1) If a ferrule is used to form an eye loop in a wire rope and
(a) the ends of the splice are visible beneath the ferrule, or
(b) the ferrule is identified as covering a “Flemish eye” splice,
the employer must ensure that the ferrule is commercially manufactured of steel and properly swaged onto the splice.
301(2) Despite subsection (1), if an aluminum alloy ferrule must be used, an employer must ensure that the ferrule is
(a) commercially manufactured,
(b) identified as being made of aluminum alloy, and
(c) properly swaged onto the splice.
Matching components
302(1) An employer must ensure that the wire ropes, sheaves, spools and drums used in rigging have a diameter of not less than the diameter specified by the manufacturer for use in that circumstance.
302(2) An employer must ensure that the rope used in rigging is of the correct size for the sheave, spool or drum over which the rope passes.
302(3) An employer must ensure that the grooving of wire rope sheaves is of the correct size for the wire rope used.
302(4) An employer must ensure that end fittings and connectors used on a wire rope conform to the manufacturer’s specifications as to number, size and method of installation.
302(5) An employer must ensure that rigging blocks are constructed and installed so that the ropes cannot jump off the sheaves.
Safety latches
303(1) An employer must ensure that a hook has a safety latch, mousing or shackle if the hook could cause injury if it is dislodged while in use.
303(2) Despite subsection (1), if 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.
303(3) Despite subsection (1), an employer may use a sorting hook for hoisting a skeleton steel structure or for performing similar operations if a sorting hook is safer to use than a hook with a safety latch, mousing or shackle.
303(4) During a hoisting operation in a caisson, an employer
(a) must not use a spring‑loaded safety latch hook, and
(b) must 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.
Makeshift rigging and welding
304 An employer must ensure that rigging does not have
(a) makeshift fittings or attachments, including those constructed from reinforcing steel rod, that are load bearing components,
(b) rigging and fittings that are repaired by welding unless they are certified safe for use by a professional engineer after the repair is completed, or
(c) alloy steel chain that is welded or annealed.
Synthetic fibre slings
305(1) An employer must ensure that a synthetic fibre web sling is permanently removed from service if it is damaged or worn as follows:
(a) the length of the edge cut exceeds the web thickness;
(b) the depth of an abrasion is more than 15 percent of the webbing thickness, taken as a proportion of all plies;
(c) the total depth of the abrasion on both sides of the webbing is more than 15 percent of the webbing thickness, taken as a proportion of all plies;
(d) the depth of the warp thread damage is up to 50 percent of the webbing thickness and the damage
(i) is within 25 percent of the sling width of the edge, or
(ii) covers 25 percent of the sling width,
(e) the warp thread damage is as deep as the sling is thick
(i) in an area that is within 25 percent of the sling width of the edge, or
(ii) over an area that is more than 12.5 percent of the width of the sling;
(f) weft thread damage allows warp threads to separate over an area that is wider than 25 percent of the sling width and longer than twice the sling width.
305(2) An employer must ensure that a synthetic fibre web sling is permanently removed from service if
(a) part of the sling is melted, charred or damaged by chemicals,
(b) stitches in load bearing splices are broken or worn, or
(c) end fittings are excessively pitted or corroded, cracked, distorted or broken.
305(3) An employer must ensure that a synthetic fibre web sling is permanently removed from service if it is damaged in such a way that the total effect of the damage on the sling is approximately the same as the effect of any one of the types of damage referred to in subsections (1) or (2).
305(4) An employer must ensure that a synthetic fibre web sling that is permanently removed from service under this section is physically altered to prevent its further use as a sling.
Wire rope
306(1) An employer must ensure that wire rope is permanently removed from service if
(a) wear or corrosion affects individual wires over more than one third of the original diameter of the rope,
(b) there is evidence that the rope structure is distorted because of bulging, kinking, bird‑caging or any other form of damage,
(c) there is evidence of heat or arc damage, or
(d) the normal rope diameter is reduced, from any cause, by more than
(i) 0.4 millimetres if the normal rope diameter is 8 millimetres or less,
(ii) 1 millimetre if the normal rope diameter is more than 8 millimetres and less than 20 millimetres,
(iii) 2 millimetres if the normal rope diameter is 20 millimetres or more and less than 30 millimetres, and
(iv) 3 millimetres if the normal rope diameter is 30 millimetres or more.
306(2) An employer must ensure that a running wire rope is permanently removed from service
(a) if six or more randomly distributed wires are broken in one rope lay, or
(b) if three or more wires are broken in one strand in one rope lay.
306(3) An employer must ensure that a stationary wire rope such as a guy line is permanently removed from service
(a) if three or more wires are broken in one rope lay in sections between end connections, or
(b) if more than one wire is broken within one rope lay of an end connection.
306(4) An employer must ensure that wire rope that does not rotate because of its construction is permanently removed from service
(a) if there is evidence of the damage referred to in subsection (1),
(b) if two randomly distributed wires are broken in six rope diameters, or
(c) if four randomly distributed wires are broken in 30 rope diameters.
Metal mesh slings
307 An employer must ensure that a metal mesh sling is removed from service if
(a) there is a broken weld or a broken brazed joint along the sling edge,
(b) a wire in any part of the mesh is broken,
(c) corrosion has reduced a wire diameter by 15 percent,
(d) abrasion has reduced a wire diameter by 25 percent,
(e) there is a loss of flexibility because the mesh is distorted,
(f) the depth of the slot is increased by more than 10 percent because the choker fitting is distorted,
(g) the width of the eye opening is decreased by more than 10 percent because either end fitting is distorted,
(h) the original cross‑sectional area of metal is reduced by 15 percent or more at any point around the hook opening or end fitting,
(i) either end fitting is distorted, or
(j) an end fitting is cracked.
Electric arc damage
308 An employer must ensure that a component of rigging that has been contacted by an electric arc is removed from service unless a professional engineer certifies that it is safe to use.
Damaged hooks
309 An employer must ensure that a worn, damaged or deformed hook is permanently removed from service if the wear or damage exceeds the specifications allowed by the manufacturer.
Safeguards
310(1) Repealed
310(2) An employer must provide safeguards if a worker may accidentally, or through the work process, come into contact with
(a) moving parts of machinery or equipment,
(b) points of machinery or equipment at which material is cut, shaped or bored,
(c) surfaces with temperatures that may cause skin to freeze, burn or blister,
(d) energized electrical cables,
(e) debris, material or objects thrown from machinery or equipment,
(f) material being fed into or removed from process machinery or equipment,
(g) machinery or equipment that may be hazardous due to its operation, or
(h) any other hazard.
310(2.1) Repealed
310(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to machinery that already has a safeguard that
(a) automatically stops the machinery if a worker comes into contact with a moving part or a point at which material is cut, shaped or bored,
(b) prevents a worker from coming into contact with a hazard referred to in subsection (2), or
(c) eliminates the hazards referred to in subsection (2) before a worker can be injured.
310(4) If an employer determines that an effective safeguard cannot be provided in the circumstances, the employer must ensure that an alternative mechanism or system or a change in work procedure is put into place to protect workers from being exposed to hazards that exist if there is no safeguard.
310(5) An alternative mechanism or system or a change in work procedure put into place under subsection (4) must offer protection to workers that is equal to or greater than the protection from a safeguard referred to in subsection (3).
310(6) An employer must place warning signs on machinery that starts automatically
(a) on a clearly visible location at a point of access to the machinery, and
(b) that give clear instructions to workers on the nature of the hazard.
Tampering with safeguards
311(1) A person must not remove a safeguard from a machine that is operating if the safeguard is not designed to be removed when the machine is operating.
311(2) A person must not remove a safeguard or make it ineffective unless removing it or making it ineffective is necessary to perform maintenance, tests, repairs, adjustments or other tasks on equipment.
311(3) If a worker removes a safeguard or makes it ineffective, the worker must ensure that
(a) alternative protective measures are in place until the safeguard is replaced,
(b) the safeguard is replaced immediately after the task is completed, and
(c) the safeguard functions properly once replaced.
311(4) If a safeguard for machinery is removed or made ineffective and the machinery cannot be directly controlled by a worker, the worker who removes the safeguard or makes it ineffective must lock out or lock out and tag the machinery or render it inoperative.
No safeguards
312(1) Despite other sections in this Part, an employer may allow the machinery to be operated without the safeguards if
(a) safeguards are normally required by this Code for machinery, and
(b) the machinery cannot accommodate or operate with these safeguards.
312(2) If machinery in subsection (1) is operated without safeguards, the employer must ensure workers operating or in the vicinity of the machine wear personal protective equipment that
(a) is appropriate to the hazard, and
(b) offers protection equal to or greater than that offered by the safeguards.
Building shafts
313(1) An employer must ensure that if a work platform is necessary to ensure the safety of workers in a building shaft, there is
(a) a main work platform that is completely decked and designed to support any anticipated load, and
(b) a second platform not more than 4 metres below the main work platform.
313(2) An employer must ensure that if there is no work platform at a doorway or opening to a building shaft
(a) the doorway or opening is enclosed,
(b) the enclosure is not less than 2 metres high, and
(c) there is an access door opening out from the enclosed area.
313(3) An employer must ensure that, while a building shaft is being constructed, at least one warning sign indicating the presence of an open building shaft is placed at each point of entry to the shaft.
Covering openings
314(1) An employer must ensure that an opening or hole through which a worker can fall is protected by
(a) a securely attached cover designed to support an anticipated load, or
(b) guardrails and toe boards.
314(2) If a person removes a cover, guardrail or toe board, or any part thereof, protecting an opening or hole for any reason, an employer must ensure a temporary cover or other means of protection replaces it immediately.
314(3) If a temporary cover is used to protect an opening or hole, an employer must ensure a warning sign or marking clearly indicating the nature of the hazard
(a) is posted near or fixed on the cover, and
(b) is not removed unless another effective means of protection is immediately provided.
Guardrails
315(1) An employer must ensure that a guardrail required by this Code
(a) has a horizontal top member installed between 920 millimetres and 1070 millimetres above the base of the guardrail,
(b) has a horizontal, intermediate member spaced mid‑way between the top member and the base,
(c) has vertical members at both ends of the horizontal members with intermediate vertical supports that are not more than 3 metres apart at their centres, and
(d) is constructed of lumber that is 38 millimetres by 89 millimetres or of material with properties the same as or better than those of lumber.
315(2) Despite subsection (1), a temporary guardrail does not require a horizontal intermediate member if it has a substantial barrier positioned within the space bounded by the horizontal top member, toe board and vertical members, that prevents a worker from falling through the space.
315(3) An employer must ensure that a guardrail is secured so that it cannot move in any direction if it is struck or if any point on it comes into contact with a worker, materials or equipment.
Hoppers, bins and chutes
316 If a worker can access materials in hoppers, bins or chutes, an employer must ensure the hoppers, bins or chutes have horizontal bars, screens or equally effective safeguards that prevent a worker from falling into the hoppers, bins or chutes.
Machine failure
317 If a worker may be injured if a machine fails, an employer must install safeguards on the machine strong enough to contain or deflect flying particles of material, broken parts of machinery and a shock wave.
Protection from falling objects
318(1) An employer must ensure that workers in a work area where there may be falling objects are protected from the falling objects by an overhead safeguard.
318(2) An employer must ensure that a safeguard used under subsection (1) is designed to withstand the shock loads from objects that may fall onto it.
318(3) Despite subsection (1), if the danger from falling objects is in a location in a work site where workers go intermittently or incidentally to their regular duties, an employer may place appropriate and adequate warning signs, horns, flashing lights or similar devices at the location to warn workers of the hazard.
318(4) An employer must ensure that a safeguard used on a hoist or scaffold under subsection (1)
(a) is made of wire mesh or an enclosure material that is equally or more efficient at containing equipment and materials,
(b) is not less than 1 metre high from the floor, platform or working level of the safeguard, and
(c) encloses all sides of a cantilever hoist platform or skip, except the side adjacent to the building.
318(5) If the material being hoisted or lowered is of a kind that prevents the sides of a cantilever hoist platform or skip from being enclosed as required by subsection (4), an employer must provide another effective alternative safeguard against falling materials for the workers.
318(6) An employer must ensure that a safeguard around the surface opening of an underground shaft serving a tunnel
(a) is made of wire mesh or an enclosure material that is equally or more effective at containing equipment and materials, and
(b) is not less than 1 metre high from the surface.
318(7) An employer must ensure that a safeguard is installed on all sides of
(a) the cage of a building shaft hoist or a tower hoist, or
(b) a hoist cage in an underground shaft serving a tunnel.
318(8) An employer must ensure that a safeguard used on a cage under subsection (7) is made of
(a) wire mesh, or
(b) an enclosure material that is equally or more effective at containing equipment and materials and at protecting workers from hazards associated with the movement of a cage in a shaft.
Push stick or block
319 If a worker may be injured while feeding materials into cutting or shaping machinery, an employer must ensure the machine worker uses a push stick, push block or other similar means of feeding the material.
Safety nets
320(1) An employer must ensure that a safety net
(a) meets the requirements of ANSI Standard A10.11‑1989 (R1998), Construction and Demolition Operations – Personnel and Debris Nets,
(b) has safety hooks or shackles of drawn, rolled or forged steel with an ultimate tensile strength of not less than 22.2 kilonewtons,
(c) has joints between net panels capable of developing the full strength of the web,
(d) extends not less than 2.4 metres beyond the work area,
(e) extends not more than 6 metres below the work area, and
(f) is installed and maintained so that the maximum deflection under impact load does not allow any part of the net to touch another surface.
320(2) An employer must ensure that the supporting structure to which a personnel safety net is attached is certified by a professional engineer as being capable of withstanding any load the net is likely to impose on the structure.
320(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to properly maintained rescue nets used by fire fighters and other emergency services personnel.
Toe boards
321(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) a toe board required by this Code is not less than 140 millimetres in height above the surface of the work area, and
(b) the space between the bottom of the toe board and the surface of the work area is not more than 6 millimetres high.
321(2) An employer must ensure that toe boards are installed at the outer edge above the work area if a worker may be under a permanent floor, platform, mezzanine, walkway, ramp, runway or other permanent surface where
(a) guardrails are installed, or
(b) materials can fall more than 1.8 metres.
321(3) An employer must ensure that toe boards are installed at the outer edge above the work area of temporary scaffolding or a temporary work platform if materials can fall more than 3.5 metres.
321(4) An employer must ensure that toe boards are installed around the top of a pit containing a machine with exposed rotating parts if workers may be working in the pit.
321(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to
(a) the entrance of a loading or unloading area if the employer takes other precautions to ensure that materials do not fall from the permanent surface, or
(b) the entrance to a ladder.
Wire mesh
322 An employer must ensure that wire mesh used in a safeguard required by this Code is
(a) fabricated of wire at least 1.6 millimetres in diameter, and
(b) spaced to reject a ball 40 millimetres in diameter.
Part 23
Scaffolds and Temporary
Work Platforms
Scaffolds
CSA Standard applies
323 Subject to sections 324 and 325, an employer must ensure that scaffolds erected to provide working platforms during the construction, alteration, repair or demolition of buildings and other structures comply with CSA Standard CAN/CSA‑S269.2‑M87 (R2003), Access Scaffolding for Construction Purposes.
Design
324(1) An employer must ensure that a single pole or double pole scaffold is
(a) supported against lateral movement by adequate bracing,
(b) anchored by one tie‑in for each 4.6 metre vertical interval and one tie‑in for each 6.4 metre horizontal interval,
(c) anchored by one tie‑in for each 3 metre vertical interval and one tie‑in for each 3 metre horizontal interval if the scaffold is hoarded, and
(d) set plumb on a base plate, jackscrew or other load dispersing device on a stable surface.
324(2) An employer must ensure that ropes or wire ropes used in scaffolding are
(a) protected against fraying or other damage, and
(b) made of heat or chemical resistant material if there is a possibility of exposure to heat or chemicals.
324(3) An employer must ensure that wooden scaffolds are constructed of unpainted dressed lumber.
324(4) Despite subsection (1)(c), an employer must ensure that hoarded masonry walk‑through scaffold frames are
(a) anchored by not less than one tie‑in for each 9 square metres of hoarding surface area, and
(b) have vertical tie‑ins spaced at least 2 metres apart but not more than 3 metres apart.
324(5) If scaffolding or a temporary work platform can be damaged by powered mobile equipment or a vehicle contacting it, an employer must take reasonable measures to protect the scaffolding or temporary work platform from being contacted.
AR 87/2009 s324;56/2018
Load
325(1) An employer must ensure that a scaffold is designed and constructed to support at least 4 times the load that may be imposed on it.
325(2) An employer must ensure that the load to which a scaffold is subjected never exceeds the equivalent of one‑quarter of the load for which it is designed.
325(3) An employer must ensure that a scaffold used to carry the equivalent of an evenly distributed load of more than 367 kilograms per square metre is
(a) designed and certified by a professional engineer, and
(b) constructed, maintained and used in accordance with the certified specifications.
325(4) Subsection (3) applies to a type of scaffold that is not otherwise specifically referred to in this Code.
325(5) An employer must ensure that all workers on a scaffold are informed of the maximum load that the scaffold is permitted to carry.
Tagging requirements
326(1) An employer must ensure that a scaffold is colour coded using tags at each point of entry indicating its status and condition as follows:
(a) a green tag with “Safe for Use”, or similar wording, to indicate it is safe for use;
(b) a yellow tag with “Caution: Potential or Unusual Hazard”, or similar wording, to indicate the presence of a potential or unusual hazard;
(c) a red tag with “Unsafe for Use”, or similar wording, to indicate it is not safe to use.
326(2) An employer must ensure that a bracket scaffold, double‑pole scaffold, needle‑beam scaffold, outrigger scaffold, single‑pole scaffold, suspended scaffold or swingstage scaffold erected but not immediately put into service, or not used for more than 21 consecutive calendar days, has a red tag at each point of entry until it is inspected and tagged by a competent worker for use.
326(3) An employer must ensure that a bracket scaffold, double‑pole scaffold, needle‑beam scaffold, outrigger scaffold, single‑pole scaffold, suspended scaffold or swingstage scaffold is inspected and tagged by a competent worker before it is used for the first time and at intervals of not more than 21 calendar days while workers work from the scaffold or materials are stored on it.
326(4) A tag attached to a scaffold under this section expires 21 calendar days after the date of the inspection it records.
326(5) A tag required by this section must include
(a) the duty rating of the scaffold,
(b) the date on which the scaffold was last inspected,
(c) the name of the competent worker who last inspected the scaffold,
(d) any precautions to be taken while working on the scaffold, and
(e) the expiry date of the tag.
326(6) A worker must not use a scaffold if it has
(a) a red tag,
(b) a green or yellow tag that has expired, or
(c) no tag at all.
326(7) Subsection (6) does not apply to a competent worker who is involved in the erection, inspection or dismantling of a scaffold.
326(8) Repealed AR 182/2019 s3.
AR 87/2009 s326;152/2018;182/2019
Vertical ladder on scaffold
327(1) An employer must ensure that a vertical ladder that gives access to a working level of a scaffold is used by a worker only to move up or down between levels of the scaffold.
327(2) Workers moving between levels of a scaffold on a vertical ladder
(a) must not extend a part of their body, other than an arm, beyond the side rails of the ladder, and
(b) must maintain a three‑point stance on the ladder at all times.
327(3) The employer must ensure that a ladder attached to a scaffold and providing access to a working level of a scaffold
(a) is securely fastened to the scaffold,
(b) does not lean away from the scaffold,
(c) extends at least 1 metre above the uppermost working level of the scaffold,
(d) has rungs that are uniformly spaced at a centre‑to‑centre distance of 250 millimetres to 305 millimetres,
(e) has a maximum unbroken length of 9.1 metres measured from the ground or between working levels, and
(f) is equipped with a ladder cage that begins within 2.4 metres of the ground or working level if the ladder is more than 6.1 metres in height.
327(4) The employer must ensure that the ladder cage required by subsection (3)(f) is
(a) circular with an inside diameter that measures no more than 760 millimetres, or
(b) square with inside dimensions that measure no more than 760 millimetres by 760 millimetres.
327(5) Despite subsections (3)(e) and (3)(f), the ladder may have a maximum unbroken length of more than 9.1 metres and does not require a ladder cage if a fall protection system complying with Part 9 is used.
Working from a ladder
328(1) An employer must ensure that no worker performs work from a ladder that is used to give access to the working levels of a scaffold.
328(2) A worker must not perform work from a ladder that is used to give access to the working levels of a scaffold.
Scaffold planks
329(1) An employer must ensure that a commercially manufactured scaffold plank is used, stored, inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
329(2) An employer must ensure that a solid sawn lumber scaffold plank is
(a) graded as scaffold grade or better, and
(b) sized 51 millimetres by 254 millimetres.
329(3) An employer must ensure that a solid sawn lumber scaffold plank
(a) is used, stored, inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications, or
(b) if there are no manufacturer’s specifications, is made of at least number one grade lumber that is 51 millimetres by 254 millimetres with a wane limited to 20 percent of the width of the wide face of the plank and the warp limited to ensure a flat surface.
329(4) An employer must ensure that a scaffold plank
(a) is visually inspected by a competent worker before it is installed in a scaffold,
(b) is subjected to and passes a load test before it is installed in a scaffold if a visual inspection reveals damage that could affect its strength or function,
(c) extends not less than 150 millimetres and not more than 300 millimetres beyond a ledger, and
(d) is secured to prevent movement in any direction that may create a danger to a worker.
329(5) Despite subsection (4)(c), an employer must ensure that an overlapping scaffold plank extends not less than 300 millimetres beyond a ledger.
Scaffold platform
330(1) An employer must ensure that the platform of a scaffold
(a) is a minimum width of 500 millimetres, except that a nominal 300 millimetre wide platform may be used with ladderjacks, pump jacks or similar systems,
(b) does not have an open space between the platform and a structure that is greater than 250 millimetres in width,
(c) if not level, is designed to ensure adequate footing for workers using the platform, and
(d) is continuous around obstructions that would create openings into or through which a worker might step or fall through.
330(2) Repealed
Metal scaffolding
331 An employer must ensure that
(a) metal scaffolding is erected, used, inspected, maintained and dismantled in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer, and
(b) the structural parts of metal scaffolding are securely fastened together as required by the manufacturer.
Bracket scaffolds
332(1) An employer must ensure that a bracket scaffold
(a) is constructed, installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer,
(b) is securely attached to the support wall in a manner that prevents the bracket from dislodging, and
(c) is used only as a light duty scaffold.
332(2) An employer must ensure that the brackets on a bracket scaffold are spaced at intervals of not more than 3 metres.
Double‑pole scaffolds
333(1) An employer must ensure that uprights and ledgers
(a) of light duty double‑pole scaffolds are spaced not more than 3 metres apart, and
(b) of heavy duty double‑pole scaffolds are spaced not more than 2.3 metres apart.
333(2) An employer must ensure that the dimensions of parts of wooden double‑pole scaffolds are not less than those specified in Schedule 6, Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Free‑standing or rolling scaffolds
334(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) the height of a free‑standing or rolling scaffold is not more than 3 times its smallest base dimension,
(b) if outriggers are used to attain the 3 to 1 ratio, the outriggers are firmly attached and ensure the stability of the scaffold,
(c) if a vehicle is used instead of scaffold wheels to form a rolling scaffold, all parts of the scaffold are securely fastened together and the scaffold is securely attached to the vehicle,
(d) if outriggers are required to maintain the stability of a vehicle‑mounted scaffold, the outriggers are securely attached to the frame of the vehicle, and
(e) a rolling scaffold is equipped with locking wheels or there are blocks for the wheels.
334(2) A worker must not remain on a rolling scaffold while it is being moved unless
(a) the height of its work platform is not more than twice its smallest base dimension, and
(b) the surface over which it travels is firm, level and free of hazards that may cause the scaffold to topple.
334(3) A worker using a rolling scaffold must engage the wheel locking devices or block the scaffold against movement while the scaffold is stationary and a worker is working from the scaffold.
Half‑horse scaffolds
335(1) An employer must ensure that
(a) a half‑horse scaffold is used only as a light duty scaffold,
(b) half‑horse scaffold ledgers are not more than 3 metres apart, and
(c) half‑horse scaffold legs are not spliced or more than 5 metres high.
335(2) An employer must ensure that the parts of a half‑horse scaffold are not less than the lumber sizes specified in Schedule 6, Tables 5 or 6.
335(3) If a part of a half‑horse scaffold is not made of lumber, an employer must ensure that the part is made of a material that has properties equal to or greater than those of lumber.
Ladderjack scaffolds
336(1) An employer must ensure that ladders used for ladderjack scaffolds are
(a) erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, or
(b) if there are no manufacturer’s specifications, are not more than 3 metres apart.
336(2) An employer must ensure that brackets in a ladderjack scaffold are designed to
(a) be supported by the side rails of the ladder, or
(b) have at least 90 millimetres of width resting on the ladder rung.
336(3) An employer must ensure that a ladderjack scaffold is not more than 5 metres high.
336(4) An employer must ensure that there are not more than two workers at a time on a ladderjack scaffold.
336(5) Despite sections 329 and 330, an employer may use a single commercially manufactured extendable painter’s plank or a commercially manufactured aluminum or laminated plank on a ladderjack scaffold.
Needle‑beam scaffolds
337(1) An employer must ensure that beams supporting a needle‑beam scaffold
(a) are constructed of lumber, or a material that has properties equal to or greater than those of lumber,
(b) are not less than 89 millimetres by 140 millimetres, and
(c) are placed on their edge.
337(2) An employer must ensure that planks forming the working platform of a needle‑beam scaffold are pinned to prevent shifting.
337(3) An employer must ensure that ropes supporting a needle‑beam scaffold have
(a) a breaking strength of at least 39 kilonewtons, and
(b) a diameter of not less than 16 millimetres.
337(4) An employer must ensure that beam ends of a needle‑beam scaffold are provided with stops to prevent the ropes from slipping off the beam.
Outrigger scaffolds
338(1) This section applies to outrigger scaffolds, including suspended outrigger scaffolds.
338(2) &nbs