WorkSafeBC

Quick Links

Customer Centres

Home › Publications › OHS Regulation › Changes to the OHS Regulation

Changes to OHS Regulation

2012 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2012 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated once the amendments come into effect.

April 15, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 4 - General Conditions

Working Alone or in Isolation

Section 4.22.1 Late night retail safety procedures and requirements
Section 4.23 Annual review of procedures [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 230/2011, effective April 15, 2012.]

February 1, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 5 - Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

Controlling Exposure

Section 5.50 Extended work periods
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

Asbestos

Section 6.1 Definitions
Section 6.2 Application [Enacted]
Section 6.4 Inventory [Enacted]
Section 6.6 Assessment and classification
Section 6.7 Control of asbestos fibre
Section 6.9 Prohibitions
Section 6.10 Substitution
Section 6.12 Monitoring
Section 6.16 High risk work
Section 6.18 Local exhaust ventilation
Section 6.20 Protecting work surfaces
Section 6.24 Friction materials
Section 6.27 Waste removal [Enacted]
Section 6.32 Types of records
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Pesticides

Section 6.77 Mixing, Loading and Applying Pesticides - Qualifications
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Toxic Process Gases

Section 6.128 Monitors and alarms
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 9 - Confined Spaces

Verification and Testing

Section 9.25 Testing the atmosphere
Section 9.26 Procedures and equipment
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 12 - Tools, Machinery and Equipment

Mobile Chippers

Section 12.70 Driven-feed chippers
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 14 - Cranes and Hoists

Definitions

Section 14.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

General Requirements

Section 14.2 Standards
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Chimney Hoists

Section 14.116 Standard to use
Section 14.117 Certification
Section 14.119 Load rating [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Schedule 14 - A

[sections 14.2 (9), 14.116 and 14.117]
WORKSAFEBC STANDARD 14.116 - CHIMNEY HOISTS New Item

[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 15 - Rigging

General Requirements

Section 15.23 Wire rope splices
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 16 - Mobile Equipment

Seat Requirements and Rider Restrictions

Section 16.31 Rider restriction
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 19 - Electrical Safety

Minimum Separation Distance to be Maintained From Energized High Voltage Electrical Equipment and Conductors

Section 19.26 Assurance not practicable
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition

Definitions

Section 20.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

General Requirements

Section 20.2 Notice of project
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Concrete Pumping

Section 20.26.1 Definition [Enacted] New Item
Section 20.26.2 Application of regulation [Enacted]
Section 20.26.3 Standards [Enacted]
Section 20.27 Equipment identification
Section 20.28 Manufacturer's, supplier's or integrator's manual [Enacted]
Section 20.29 Inspection and maintenance records
Section 20.30 Pre-use inspection
Section 20.30.1 Design and construction [Enacted] New Item
Section 20.31 Controls [Enacted]
Section 20.32 Hydraulic cylinders
Section 20.36 Emergency shutoff
Section 20.40 Outriggers
Section 20.41 Use of placing boom [Repealed]
Section 20.42 Pipe diameter and thickness
Section 20.47 Equipment inspection
Section 20.48 Repair and modification [Enacted]
Section 20.48.1 Installation of mast [Enacted] New Item
Sections 20.50-20.52 [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Demolition

Section 20.112 Hazardous materials
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 21 - Blasting Operations

Transportation

Section 21.25 Mobile drill rigs
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 23 - Oil and Gas

General Requirements

Section 23.15 Pressure relief device-when required
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Part 28 - Agriculture

Division 4 - Equipment

Section 28.41 Rollover protective structures for agricultural tractors
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 188/2011, effective February 1, 2012.]

Amendments for Previous Years

2011 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2011 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated once the amendments come into effect.

February 1, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 1 - Definitions

Section 1.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 4 - General Conditions

Buildings, Structures, Equipment and Site Conditions

Section 4.1.1 Snow avalanche assessment
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Section 4.18 Notification of utility service providers
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Working Alone or In Isolation

Section 4.22.1 Late night retail safety procedures and requirements
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Work Area Requirements

Section 4.42 Cleaning with compressed air
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Work Area Guards and Handrails

Section 4.54 Definitions
Section 4.58 Specifications for guards and guardrails
Schedule 4-A WORKSAFEBC STANDARD - GUARDRAILS USING ROPE OR OTHER NON-RIGID MATERIAL [Enacted] New Item
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 5 - Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

Section 5.1.1 Designation as hazardous substances
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

Asbestos

Section 6.29 Respiratory protection
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Biological Agents

Section 6.34 Exposure control plan
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Lead

Section 6.61 Air monitoring in construction projects
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Toxic Process Gases

Section 6.127 Personal protective equipment
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 8 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

Definitions

Section 8.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

General Requirements

Section 8.5 Program
Section 8.6 Annual review
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Limb and Body Protection

Section 8.21 Leg Protection
Schedule 8 - A WORKSAFEBC STANDARD - LEG PROTECTIVE DEVICES [Enacted] New Item
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Respirators

Section 8.32 When respirator required [Enacted]
Section 8.33 Selection
Section 8.34 Maximum use concentration [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 9 - Confined Spaces

Lockout and Control of Harmful Substances

Section 9.18 Control of harmful substance in adjacent piping [Enacted]
Section 9.22 Alternative measures of control or isolation of adjacent piping
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Cleaning, Purging, Venting and Inerting

Section 9.29 Inerting
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 12 - Tools, Machinery and Equipment

Automotive Lifts and Other Vehicle Supports

Section 12.80.2 Swing-arm restraint
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Abrasive Blasting and High Pressure Washing

Section 12.111 Personal protective equipment
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes

Section 12.124 Respiratory protection
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Painting, Coating and Work with Plastics and Resins

Section 12.135 Respiratory protection
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 13 - Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

Division 5 - Movable Work Platforms

Section 13.32 Work in high risk situations
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 15 - Rigging

General Requirements

Section 15.6 Design factors

Section 15.9 Wedge socket connections
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Slings

Section 15.30 Standards
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 16 - Mobile Equipment

General Requirements

Section 16.8 Warning signal device - backup alarm
Section 16.8.1 Warning signal device - extended component New Item
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 19 - Electrical Safety

Definitions

Section 19.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Working on Low Voltage Electrical Equipment

Section 19.15 Ground fault circuit interrupters
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Minimum Separation Distance to be Maintained From Energized High Voltage Electrical Equipment and Conductors

Section 19.24 Informing workers about high voltage electrical equipment and conductors [Enacted]
Section 19.24.1 Minimum approach distance when working close to exposed electrical equipment and conductors [Enacted] New Item
Section 19.24.2 Minimum clearance distance when passing under exposed electrical equipment and conductors [Enacted]
Section 19.25 Assurance in writing
Section 19.26 Assurance not practicable
Section 19.29 Authorization by owner
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Tree Pruning and Falling Near Energized Conductors

Section 19.30 Preliminary inspection
Section 19.32 Qualifications
Section 19.33 Site crew requirements
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition

Excavations

Section 20.79 Underground utility services

Section 20.113 Disconnecting utility services [Enacted] [Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 23 - Oil and Gas

Cleaning and Repairing Tanks or Vessels

Section 23.83 Safety harnesses
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 26 - Forestry Operations and Similar Activities

Equipment Operation

Section 26.18 Landslides
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Part 30 - Laboratories

Definition and Application

Section 30.1 Definition [Enacted] New Item
Section 30.1.1 Application
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

General Requirements

Section 30.12 Biological safety cabinets
Section 30.13 Centrifuges
Section 30.14 Procedures
Section 30.15 Permitted quantities [Enacted]
Section 30.16 Transport of containers
Section 30.17 Personal protection
Section 30.19 Waste disposal
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Specific Substances and Procedures

Section 30.26 Biological agents and human pathogens
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2010, effective February 1, 2011.]

Amendments for Previous Years

2009 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2009 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated once the amendments come into effect.

September 1, 2009

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 4 - General Conditions

Buildings, Structures Equipment and Site Conditions

Section 4.1.1 Snow avalanche assessment New Item
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective September 1, 2009.]

January 1, 2009

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 1 - Definitions

Section 1.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Part 4 - General Conditions

Buildings, Structures Equipment and Site Conditions

Section 4.1 Safe workplace
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Section 4.81 Controlling exposure
Section 4.82 Exceptions [Enacted]
Section 4.83 Public entertainment facilities [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Part 5 - Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

Section 5.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Controlling Exposure

Section 5.57 Designated substances
Section 5.58 Protective policy
[Amended by by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Part 14 - Cranes and Hoists

Equipment Operation

Section 14.37.1 Operator's duties new item
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Part 17 - Transportation of Workers

General Requirements

Section 17.01 Definitions New Item
Section 17.1.1 General responsibilities
Section 17.1.2 Provision for seating and seat belt assemblies
Section 17.2 Employer's responsibility
Section 17.2.1 Operator responsibility
Section 17.2.2 General operation requirements
Section 17.2.3 Provision for seat belts
Section 17.3 Seat belts [Repealed]
Section 17.5.1 Gross vehicle weight rating New Item
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Worker Transportation Vehicles Not Designed for Use on Highways

Section 17.11 Operation and maintenance [Repealed]
Section 17.13 Seating capacity
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition

Section 20.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Safe Work Areas and Safe Access

Section 20.14.1 Fills New Item

Section 20.14.2 Stockpiles New Item

Section 20.14.3 Unstable face of a stockpile New Item

[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Excavations

Section 20.78 Work standards [Enacted]
Section 20.81 Sloping and shoring requirements
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Part 22 - Underground Workings

General Requirements

Section 22.6 Notice of project
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Part 23 - Oil and Gas

Oil and Gas Definitions

Section 23.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

General Requirements

Section 23.18(10) Handling pipe [Repealed]
Section 23.22 Driver training [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Geophysical Operations

Section 23.30 Breakout tongs
[Repealed by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Drilling and Servicing Rigs

Section 23.39.1 Emergency escape systems [Enacted] New Item
Section 23.39.2 Emergency escape system 1
Section 23.39.3 Emergency escape system 2 [Enacted]
Section 23.51 Riding hoisting equipment
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Drill Stem Testing, Swabbing, Cementing, Well Servicing and Stimulation

Section 23.64.1 Snubbing operations New Item
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 258/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Part 26 - Forestry Operations and Similar Activities

Hauling

Section 26.69 Binder removal
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2008, effective January 1, 2009.]

Amendments for Previous Years

2008 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2008 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated once the amendments come into effect.

May 1, 2008

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 1 - Definitions

Section 1.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Part 4 - General Conditions

Illumination

Section 4.65 Illumination levels
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Part 26 - Forestry Operations and Similar Activities

Definitions

Section 26.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

General Requirements

Section 26.1.1 Prime contractor requirements for forestry operations [Enacted] New Item
Section 26.1.2 Multiple-employer workplace [Enacted]
Section 26.2 Planning and conducting a forestry operation [Enacted]
Section 26.3 Training
Section 26.3.1 Forestry operation fire fighting [Enacted]
Section 26.4 Notice of project [Enacted]
Section 26.5 Initial safety meeting [Enacted]
Section 26.6 Working alone [Repealed]
Section 26.7 Highly visible clothing [Enacted]
Section 26.7.1 Climbing equipment [Enacted] New Item
Section 26.7.2 Weather conditions [Enacted]
Section 26.11 Dangerous trees [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Equipment Operation

Section 26.12.1 Equipment capabilities [Enacted] New Item

Section 26.12.2 Radio controlled equipment [Enacted] New Item

Section 26.13 Non-slip floors and controls [Enacted]
Section 26.13.1 Equipment operator protections [Enacted] New Item

Section 26.13.2 Maintaining operator vision [Enacted] New Item

Section 26.13.3 Mobile yarders [Enacted] New Item

Section 26.14 Equipment clearance [Repealed]
Section 26.14.1 Hazard area of logging equipment [Enacted] New Item

Section 26.14.2 Designated safe work area [Enacted] New Item

Section 26.14.3 Traffic control [Enacted] New Item

Section 26.15 Log pile heights [Repealed]
Section 26.16 Slope limitations
Section 26.17 Weather conditions [Repealed]
Sections 26.19 -26.20 [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Manual Falling and Bucking

Section 26.20.1 Application [Enacted] New Item
Section 26.21 Faller qualifications [Enacted]
Section 26.22 Forestry operation faller training
Section 26.22.1 Falling supervisors for forestry operations [Enacted]
Section 26.23 Procedures for falling and bucking [Enacted]
Section 26.24 Responsibilities for falling and bucking
Section 26.25 Dangerous trees and logs [Enacted]
Section 26.26 Falling dangerous trees
Section 26.27 Location of fallers [Enacted]
Section 26.29 Entry to falling area
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Mechanical Falling

Section 26.29.1 Application [Enacted] New Item
Section 26.29.2 Limits on use of mechanical harvester [Enacted]
Section 26.29.3 Incomplete falling cuts [Enacted]
Section 26.29.4 Hazard area [Enacted]
Section 26.29.5 No additional hazards [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Traffic Control for Falling Operations

Section 26.30 Traffic control [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Yarding

Sections 26.31 - 26.33 [Repealed]
Section 26.33.1 Application [Enacted] New Item
Section 26.34 Signalling
Sections 26.35-26.37 [Repealed]
Section 26.38 Riding on rigging [Enacted]
Section 26.39 Safe location
Section 26.39.1 Removal of potential hazards to rigging [Enacted]
Section 26.40 Anchors
Section 26.41 Guylines
Section 26.43 Supporting blocks [Enacted]
Section 26.46 Skyline anchors
Section 26.48 Skyline spars
Section 26.51 Lift trees [Enacted]
Section 26.52 Corridor logging [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Skidding

Section 26.53 Ground skidding operations [Enacted]
Section 26.54 Equipment stability [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Forestry Work Areas

Section 26.56 Work area arrangement [Enacted]
Sections 26.57 -26.58 [Repealed]
Section 26.59 Suspended logs[Enacted]
Section 26.60 [Repealed]
Section 26.61 Vehicle movements [Enacted]
Section 26.62 [Repealed]
Section 26.63 Unauthorized persons
Section 26.64 Bunk and stake assemblies
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Hauling

Section 26.66 Bunks and stakes
Section 26.67 Loading specifications
Section 26.68 Binders
Section 26.69 Binder removal [Enacted]
Sections 26.70 -26.71 [Repealed]
Section 26.71.1 Operating procedures [Enacted] New Item
Section 26.71.2 Daily log [Enacted]
Section 26.72 Warning devices
Sections 26.73 - 26.75 [Repealed]
Section 26.76 Securing trailers
Section 26.78 Transporting workers [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

Roads and Road Maintenance

Section 26.84 Weigh scales

Water Operations

Section 26.85 Condition of boats
Section 26.87 Boat size
Section 26.89 Presence of operator
Section 26.92 [Repealed]
Section 26.93 General requirements for booming
Section 26.95 Winches [Enacted]
Section 26.96 Manual boom stripping [Enacted]
Section 26.98 Dumping log bundles [Enacted]
Section 26.99 [Repealed]
TableNumber:26-8 Voice commands for grapple yarders [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/08, effective May 1, 2008.]

February 1, 2008

Part 3 - Rights and Responsibilities

Occupational Health and Safety Programs

Section 3.1 When program required
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Occupational First Aid

Section 3.16 Basic requirements
Section 3.17.1 Air transportation [Enacted] New Item
Section 3.20 Multiple employer workplaces
Section Schedule 3-A MINIMUM LEVELS OF FIRST AID [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 4 - General Conditions

Working Alone or in Isolation

Section 4.20.1 Definition [Enacted] New Item
Section 4.20.2 Hazard identification, elimination and control [Enacted]
Section 4.21 Procedures for checking wellbeing of worker
Section 4.22.1 Late night retail safety procedures and requirements
Section 4.22.2 Mandatory prepayment for fuel [Enacted]
Section 4.23 Annual reviews of procedures
[Amended by B.C. 318/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 5 - Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

Section 5.1 Definitions
Section 5.1.1 Designation as hazardous substances [Enacted] New Item
Section 5.2 General information requirement
[Amended by B.C. 319/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

Biological Agents

Section 6.33 Definitions
Section 6.34 Exposure control plan
Section 6.35 Risk identification [Repealed]
Section 6.36 Controls
Section 6.37 Labels and identification
Section 6.38 Education and training [Repealed]
Section 6.39 Vaccination
Section 6.40 Medical evaluation
Section 6.41 Records [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 319/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 9 - Confined Spaces

Lockout and Isolation

Section 9.18.1 Exemptions New Item
[Enacted by B.C. 319/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 11 - Fall Protection

Section 11.10 Removal from service
[Amended by B.C. 319/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 13 - Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

Division 5 - Movable Work Platforms

Section 13.24 Work platforms on wheels
Section 13.30 Lift truck (forklift) mounted work platforms
Section 13.33 Fall protection
[Amended by B.C. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 14 - Cranes and Hoists

Section 14.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

General Requirements

Section 14.1.1 Application [Enacted] new item
Sections 14.2 - 14.3
Section 14.4 Rated capacity [Repealed]
Section 14.5 Rated capacity indication
Section 14.6 Load charts [Repealed]
Sections 14.11 to 14.16
Section 14.16.1 Certification following misadventure [Enacted]
Sections 14.17 to 14.19
Section 14.22 Securing pins
Section 14.28 Controls
Section 14.30 Cab windows
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Equipment Operation

Sections 14.35 - 14.40
Section 14.42 Tandem lift
Section 14.42.1 Critical lift [Enacted] new item
Sections 14.43 - 14.47
Section 14.49 Dedicated radio system
Section 14.49.1 Communication between equipment operators [Enacted]
Section 14.52.1 Work near high voltage [Enacted]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Bridge, Gantry and Overhead Travelling Cranes

Section 14.54 Operational and running tests
Section 14.54.1 Detailed inspection [Enacted] new item
Section 14.55 Up travel limit
Section 14.57 Power shutoff
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Pneumatically Powered Hoists and Winches

Section 14.59 Pneumatically powered hoists
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Mobile Cranes, Boom Trucks and Sign Trucks

Section 14.64 Load weight indicators
Section 14.65 Cranes on floating supports [Repealed]
Sections 14.66 - 14.67
Sections 14.69 - 14.73
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Tower Cranes

Section 14.73.1 Definition [Enacted] new item
Section 14.73.2 Tower crane erection [Enacted]
Sections 14.74 - 14.77
Sections 14.79 - 14.82
Section 14.84 Monitoring jib swing
Section 14.84.1 Overlapping operating zones [Enacted]
Section 14.85 Clearance and freedom to slew
Section 14.87 Communication [Repealed]
Section 14.88 Access
Sections 14.89 - 14.90 [Repealed]
Section 14.91 Hoisting ropes
Section 14.92 Wind limitations
Section 14.94 Counterjib [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Miscellaneous Material Hoists

Section 14.95 Standards
[Repealed by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Construction Material Hoists

Sections 14.96 - 14.97
Sections 14.99 to 14.115 [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Chimney Hoists

Sections 14.116 - 14.117
Section 14.119 Load rating
Sections 14.120 to 14.132 [Repealed]
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 16 - Mobile Equipment

General Requirements

Section 16.3 Operation and maintenance
Section 16.19 Load handling attachments
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Part 30 - Laboratories

General Requirements

Section 30.7.1 Definitions [Enacted] New Item
Section 30.8 Laboratory fume hoods
Section 30.9 Airflow and containment monitoring
Section 30.10 Ducting
Section 30.11 Exhaust discharge
Section 30.12 Biological safety cabinets
[Amended by B.C. 319/2007, effective February 1, 2008.]

Amendments for Previous Years

2007 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2007 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated once the amendments come into effect.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 3 - Rights and Responsibilities

Young and New Workers

Section 3.22 Definitions New Item
Section 3.23 Young or new worker orientation and training
Section 3.24 Additional orientation and training
Section 3.25 Documentation
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 105/2007, effective July 26, 2007.]

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

Biohazardous Materials

Section 6.33 Definitions
Section 6.36 Controls
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 106/2007, effective July 26, 2007.]

Part 4 - General Conditions

Buildings Structures and Equipment

Section 4.3 Safe machinery and equipment
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 5 - Chemical and Biological Substances

Controlling Exposure

Section 5.49 Excursion limits
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

Biohazardous Materials

Section 6.33 Definitions
Section 6.36 Controls
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 241/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 8 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

High Visibility and Distinguishing Apparel

Section 8.24 High visibility apparel
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 242/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 9 - Confined Spaces

Hazard Assessment and Work Procedures

Section 9.11 Qualifications
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Lockout and Isolation

Section 9.18 Isolation
Section 9.22 Alternate procedures
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 13 - Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

Division 5 - Movable Work Platforms

Section 13.23 Testing
Section 13.33 Fall protection
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 14 - Cranes and Hoists

Equipment Operation

Section 14.34 Operator qualifications
Section 14.34.1 Operator certification
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Tower Cranes

Section 14.91 Hoisting ropes
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 18 - Traffic Control

Complete rewrite of Part 18 Traffic Control
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 242/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition

Safe Work Areas and Safe Access

Section 20.4 Safe access
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 23 - Oil and Gas

Safe Work Areas and Safe Access

Section 23.14 Pumps
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Part 24 - Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations

Fishing Operations: General Requirements

Section 24.93 Requirements for sensors and alarms
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Requirements for Specific Fishing Operations: Gillnetting

Section 24.104 Salmon: Drums

Section 24.106 Herring: Work areas and safeguarding
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 243/2006, effective January 1, 2007.]

Amendments for Previous Years

2006 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2006 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated on the effective date of the amendment.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 12 - Tools, Machinery & Equipment

Automotive Lifts and Other Vehicle Supports

Section 12.74 Standards
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 17/2006, effective August 15, 2006.]

Section 12.75 Assembly and installation
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 17/2006, effective August 15, 2006.]

Section 12.76 Operation
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 17/2006, effective August 15, 2006.]

Section 12.77 Inspection and maintenance records
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 17/2006, effective August 15, 2006.]

Section 12.78 Inspection and testing
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 17/2006, effective August 15, 2006.]

Section 12.79 Rated capacity
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 17/2006, effective August 15, 2006.]

Section 12.80.1 Vehicle restraint
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 17/2006, effective August 15, 2006.]

Section 12.80.2 Swing-arm restraint
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 17/2006, effective August 15, 2006.]

Part 3 - Rights and Responsibilities

Occupational Health and Safety Programs

Section 3.1 When program required
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

Asbestos

Section 6.1 Definitions
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Cytotoxic Drugs

Section 6.44 Information
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 21/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 6.48 Procedures
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 21/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 6.53 Drug preparation and administration
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 21/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 6.54 Disconnects
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 21/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 6.55 Personal protective equipment
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 21/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 6.57 Waste disposal
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 21/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 6.58 Spills
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 21/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Part 8 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

Section 8.1 Definitions
"fit check" [Repealed by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]
"fit test" [Repealed by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 8.34 Protection factors
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 8.37 Respirable air quality
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 8.40 Fit tests
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 8.41 User seal check
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 8.44 Records
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 8.45 Maintenance and inspections
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Part 11 - Fall Protection

Section 11.6 Anchors
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 11.7 Temporary horizontal lifelines
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Part 13 - Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

Section 13.29 Hoisting and lowering work platforms
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 13.33 Fall protection
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Part 14 - Cranes and Hoists

Section 14.25 Two-block prevention
[Repealed B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition

Section 20.13 Thrust-out crane landing platforms
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 20.102 Suspended work platforms
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 19/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Part 26 - Forestry Operations

Section 26.65 Bullboards
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 18/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Part 31 - Firefighting

Section 31.21 Operation of SCBA
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 31.22 Sealing and fit testing
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 31.24 Air quality and sampling
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Section 31.26 Maintenance and records
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 20/2006, effective May 17, 2006.]

Amendments for Previous Years

2005

2005 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2005 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated on the effective date of the amendment.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Section 26.65 Bullboards
[Amended by B.C. Reg 73/2005, effective February 25, 2005.]

New Part 28: Agriculture
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 312/2004; Effective: January 1, 2005]

Amended Part 7: Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 382/2004, effective January 1, 2005.]
* See also the Guidelines for Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature for additional information.

Amended Part 11: Fall Protection
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 420/2004, effective January 1, 2005.]
* See also the Guidelines for Fall Protection for additional information.

Amended Part 13: Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 422/2004, effective January 1, 2005.]
* See also

Amendments to Part 4: General Conditions

Added Section 4.58.1
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 420/2004, effective January 1, 2005.]
Amended Sections 4.84 to 4.87
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 421/2004, effective January 1, 2005.]

Miscellaneous amendments to Parts 5, 6, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, and 23
[Enacted by B.C. Reg. 381/2004, effective January 1, 2005.]

Summary of Miscellaneous Amendments

Section 5.75 is amended.
Section 6.126 is amended.
Section 8.11(5) is repealed.
Confined spaces definitions is amended.
Table 15-1 is amended.
Section 16.17(1)(f) is amended.
Section 16.18(3) is repealed.
Section 17.16 is repealed.
Sections 17.17 and 17.18 are amended.
Sections 17.19, 17.20 and 17.21 are repealed.
Sections 17.22, 17.23, 17.24, 17.25 and 17.26 are amended.
Section 19.42 is repealed.
Section 21.84(3) is amended.
Section 23.89(1) is repealed.

Amendments for Previous Years

2004 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2004 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated on the effective date of the amendment.

Part 33: Occupational First Aid has been repealed.

Occupational First Aid is now covered in the following documents:

Sections 3.14 to 3.21 of the OHS Regulation.
Prevention Policies D12-195-1 and R3.19-1
OHS Guidelines for Occupational First Aid.
Supplementary Materials for Occupational First Aid Guidelines

Go to the first aid site for more resources regarding the new first aid requirements.

Amendments for Previous Years

2003 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2003 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated on the effective date of the amendment.

Workers Compensation Act

New part, Part 4: Appeals
The following divisions have been repealed
- Part 3 Division 13 Reviews
- Part 3 Division 14 Appeals
The following divisions have been changed
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 320/2002; Effective: March 3, 2003]

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Amendments to Occupational Exposure Limits
TABLE 5-4: EXPOSURE LIMITS AND DESIGNATIONS has been repealed by B.C. Reg. 315/2003, effective October 29, 2003.

Exposure limits and designations are now covered in the following documents:
- Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
- Policy Item R5.48-1
- New Guidelines for exposure limits and designations.
Background Information on exposure limits
Amendments to Reduce Duplication and Redundancy in Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2003; Effective: October 29, 2003]

2002 Regulatory Amendments

Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in 2002 are listed here. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated on the effective date of the amendment.

Workers Compensation Act

B.C. Reg. 152/2002 capitalized the "b" in "board" where "board" refers to the Workers' Compensation Board.
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 152/2002; Effective: June 30, 2002]

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 33: Occupational First Aid
[Amended by B.C. Reg. 234/2002; Effective: October 28, 2002]
Part 4: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Sections
[Amended by B.C. Reg 3/2002; Effective: May 1, 2002]
Part 26: Forestry Operations
[Amended by B.C. Reg 313/2001; Effective: March 27, 2002]
Section 26.67(6) repealed.
Changes to Parts 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 22, 24, and 26
[Amended by B.C. Reg 253/2001; Effective: January 28, 2002]

2012 Guideline Updates

Many sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Workers Compensation Act "Act" have associated guidelines. Guidelines are intended to assist with providing ways of complying with the legislation, not to provide exclusive interpretations. Guidelines generally provide information on administrative matters and on technical matters not already addressed by policy.

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2012.

April 30, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 4 - General Conditions

G4.42(1) Cleaning with compressed air - Hazards of combustible dusts New Item
This guideline is intended to set out the circumstances under which cleaning equipment or work areas with compressed air is permitted, and the controls that need to be put in place in order to ensure that cleaning with compressed air does not create a hazard due to fire, explosion, or other cause.

April 25, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 5 - Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.81 Combustible dust - Sawmill facilities New Item
This guideline provides information about the mitigation of hazards associated with combustible dusts, including the conduct of risk assessments, development of a dust control program and training of workers at workplaces. The focus of the guideline is on combustible dusts at sawmills and related facilities.

Workers Compensation Act

G-D12-187-2 Order(s) when there is no violation
This guideline has been revised to address situations where an order is necessary to ensure an employer or other person takes specific steps to address a hazard, even though there is no express or implied intent not to comply with the Act or regulations.

April 20, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

G6.4 Inventory of asbestos-containing materials New Item
This new guideline describes the effect of the amended definition of asbestos-containing material on an employer's workplace inventory.

Part 5 - Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

Table of exposure limits for chemical and biological substances
The Table of Exposure Limits has been updated to clarify and correct some carcinogenicity designations from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

April 15, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

The following guidelines accompany regulatory amendments to the OHS Regulation that are effective April 15, 2012. These are both new and revised guidelines which align with the new regulatory provisions. For information on the regulatory amendments, see http://www.worksafebc.com/regulation_and_policy/public_hearings/ 2011PublicHearing/law_40_50.asp.

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.22.1-1 Late night retail - Definitions and money handling procedures (editorial revision)
G4.22.1-2 Late night retail - Second worker or barrier (editorial revision)
G4.22.1-3 Late night retail - Violence Prevention Program New Item
This new guideline provides information about elements of the "third option" available for late night retail employers - an audited Violence Prevention Program - which became effective on April 15, 2012.

March 9, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 7 - Noise, Vibration, Radiation & Temperature - Division 3 - Radiation Exposure

G7.23 Acceptable standards
This revised guideline has been updated to describe the retention by WorkSafeBC of the requirements of Safety Code 6-1999 and explain how a copy can be obtained.

Part 26 - Forestry Operations and Similar Activities

G26.21-1 Arborist Qualifications New Item
This new guideline states that workers who fall trees must be qualified to a standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC. This requirement applies both to workers in forestry operations as well as non-forestry workers like arborists. Until recently, the only standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC was the B.C. Faller Training Standard, administered by the B.C. Forest Safety Council, which was appropriate for production fallers but which was not the best fit for arborists. Qualifications for arborists have recently been developed, and are explained in this guideline.

February 27, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 18 - Traffic Control

G18.9(a) Illuminated Traffic Control Paddles New Item
This new guideline provides information on the allowance of LED or other visible lights on traffic paddles, as long as their use does not compromise the visibility or effectiveness of the paddle. These lighted paddles have been shown to improve visibility and safety and have been approved for use by the Engineering Department in the past

February 1, 2012

The following guidelines accompany regulatory amendments to the OHS Regulation that are effective February 1, 2012. These are both new and revised guidelines which align with the new regulatory provisions. For information on the regulatory amendments, see http://worksafebc.com/regulation_and_policy
/public_hearings/2011PublicHearing/law_40_40.asp

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements

G6.1-1 Definition of qualified person
G6.6-1 Risk assessment (revised)
G6.6-2 Classification of risk (revised)
G6.7 Control of friable asbestos (revised)
G6.8 Procedures for abatement of asbestos materials during house and building demolition/renovation (revised)
G6.10 Substitution (revised)
G6.24-1 Friction materials (revised)
G6.24-2 Dry removal of friction material dust (revised)
G6.24-3 Suitable work procedures (revised)
G6.27 Asbestos waste removal (editorial revision)
G6.77 Mixing, loading, and applying pesticides - Qualifications (revised)

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.26(2) Qualified person for calibration of confined space atmospheric testing equipment

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.26 Assurance not practicable - role of the safety watcher (editorial revision)

Part 20 Construction, Excavation & Demolition

G20.2(1)(c) Notice of project for asbestos - ongoing work (revised)
G20.40 Use of outriggers on concrete pumping equipment (revised)
G20.47(1) Inspection and certification of masts (revised)
G20.112 Hazardous materials - Asbestos (revised)

Part 21 Blasting Operations

G21.25(b)(v) Mobile drilling rigs (revised)

Guidelines Removed

G6.1 Analysis of asbestos-containing material (retired)
G6.6-3 Qualifications (retired)
G6.32 Documentation - types of records (retired)
G14.1 Elevating Devices Safety Act repealed (retired)
G16.22(2) Use of ROPS on agricultural tractors when operated on steep slopes or narrow roadways (retired)
G23.15(1)(a) Power Engineers and Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act repealed (retired)

January 20, 2012

Workers Compensation Act

G-D4-126-1 Variations in joint committee requirements New Item
This new guideline clarifies the employer's obligation to establish and maintain a joint health and safety committee. In addition, the guideline discusses factors that will inform an officer's decision to vary joint committee requirements.

G-D12-188(4)-2 Approvals, acceptances, authorizations, or permissions under the OHS Regulation
This revised guideline describes the assignment of certain duties and authorities under the OHS Regulation by the Senior Vice President, [Worker and Employer Services Division ("WES Division")] to designated positions within the WES Division, in particular relating to approvals, acceptances, authorizations, or permissions.

Guidelines Updates for Previous Years

2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002

2011 Guideline Updates

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2011.

December 2, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.55 Guardrails on work platforms New Item
This guideline is to advise about the permissible heights for top rails on guardrails for pre-manufactured metal work platforms in view of a Senior Vice President Directive relating to sections 4.55 and 13.2 of the Regulation.

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2(5)-1 Control zones and safety monitors as a work procedure acceptable to WorkSafeBC
This existing guideline deals with the use of control zones and safety monitors as a work procedure acceptable to WorkSafeBC. The guideline is being amended in order to provide clarification on the use of a raised warning line where a worker will be working within two meters (6.5 feet) of the control zone, as well as providing a graphic example of the control zone and warning line in use. This revision also updates the format to the one now in use.

G11.2(5)-3 Other acceptable work procedures
This existing guideline is being amended to clarify the circumstances under which short-duration work may be completed from a ladder. It assists in clarifying the duration of use, and circumstances in which use of a ladder is not appropriate.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.15(1) Ground fault circuit interrupters and other acceptable means
This guideline has been updated to reflect changes in a British Columbia Safety Authority Directive and to clarify the application of OHS Regulation section 19.15 to different electrical receptacle types.

G19.16-1 Isolation and lockout
This guideline has been revised to clarify the acceptable safe work procedures under section 19.16(2)(a) and to provide guidance for multiple workers in an aerial lift bucket.

October 26, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 16 Mobile Equipment

G16.21(2)-2 Protective structures - Acceptable alternate standards New Item
This new guideline was developed to address industry requests for WorkSafeBC to accept alternate standards to the G600 series of standards for protective structures on mobile equipment. The alternate standards accepted in this guideline are more performance-based than are the G600 series.

September 21, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

G3.12 Refusal of unsafe work
This amended guideline defines what constitutes an "undue hazard" and explains the test for making the determination whether a worker has a reasonable cause to believe that an undue hazard exists. It clarifies the requirement to further investigate a work refusal in the presence of other parties, where the worker who made the report of unsafe work and the employer representative receiving the report have been unable to resolve the matter.

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.22-2 Alternate measures for confined spaces - Municipal sewage systems
This guideline has been revised to provide further guidance to WorkSafeBC prevention officers regarding the issuance of acceptances.

Part 12 Tools, Machinery & Equipment

G12.59 Removing guards New Item
This guideline provides information on the removal of point of operation blade guards on table saws, sliding table saws, panel saws, and similar woodworking machinery.

Part 21 Blasting Operations

G21.5 Authority to blast
This guideline has been updated to reflect the new Memorandum of Understanding with Enform.

G21.15 Suspension/seizure of certificates
This guideline has been updated to reflect the new Memorandum of Understanding with Enform.

September 15, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
The Table of Exposure Limits has been updated to reflect recent Board of Directors decisions concerning adoption of occupational exposure limits, update substance designations and correct the exposure limit for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloro-1,2-difluoroethane. Recent revisions to the Table are highlighted in green and recent deletions are shown as strike through.

September 1, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 4 General conditions

G4.1.1 Snow avalanche assessment
This guideline has been revised to provide an update on the enforcement of section 4.1.1 pending the outcome of the regulatory review process.

August 23, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.1-2 Definitions
This guideline has been modified to include a section explaining the term "not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy." This term occurs in the definition of confined space in the OHS Regulation, but is often poorly understood.

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2(5)-4 Work procedures to minimize risk of injury due to a fall in fixed-seating areas such as stadiums, arenas, or theatres New Item
This new guideline describes responsibilities for employers to ensure that work procedures are followed that minimize the risk of injury to a worker from a fall. This guideline deals specifically with safe work procedures in fixed-seating buildings such as theatres, arenas, and stadiums.

June 8, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 7 Radiation Exposure

G7.22 Monitoring exposure
This guideline has been revised to more clearly describe an acceptable personal dosimeter.

G7.23(a)(i) and (iv) Radiation protection in radiology - Large facilities
This guideline has been updated to refer in Note 5 to a newly introduced registration program for new and replaced medical x-ray equipment. The program is administered in B.C. by the Diagnostic Accreditation Program.

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.1-1 Excluded confined spaces
This guideline has been modified to add excavations to the list of spaces that are not treated as confined spaces under OHS Regulation Part 9 in certain prescribed circumstances. Trenches have been removed from the list since a trench is an excavation.

Many hazards that can arise in an excavation are already adequately addressed by the requirements of Part 20 of the Regulation. Two potential hazards need further attention. First is the potential for an atmospheric hazard. If an atmospheric hazard cannot pre-exist or unexpectedly develop in the space, and any atmospheric hazard created by the work being done (e.g., welding) is controlled as required in Part 5, then the atmospheric hazards are controlled adequately. Second is the possible need for emergency response such as rescue and first aid response. This hazard is adequately addressed by the requirements of Regulation section 4.13.

Excavations have been added to the list of confined spaces in OHS Guideline G9.1-1 that are excluded from the requirements of Part 9 under prescribed conditions that are outlined in the guideline, i.e., if an atmospheric hazard cannot pre-exist or unexpectedly develop, and there is no factor that may give rise to a risk of entrapment or engulfment, then the requirements in Part 9 of the Regulation do not apply to that space. All other requirements of the Regulation do apply.

June 1, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

May 6, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

April 13, 2011

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-2 BC Safety Authority
This guideline has been amended to clarify the delegated authority over electrical permitting provided to certain municipalities.

G-D1-108-9 Jurisdiction over oil and gas operations New Item
This guideline is to explain the authority WorkSafeBC has over the occupational health and safety of organizations that conduct oil and gas operations.

G-D3-115(1)-2 Labour supply firms and client employers - Responsibilities New Item
This guideline describes the obligations of both labour supply firms and their client employers towards workers of those labour supply firms. This guideline has been adapted from a guideline on this topic that was in place for the construction industry.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.13(3)(a) Industrial high angle rope rescue program
This guideline has been revised to update the Notice of Rescue Service for Short Term Work to more clearly outline the circumstances when and how the Notice is to be used and to more accurately describe the information needed on the Notice. The updated Notice has been vetted through the Technical High Angle Rope Rescue Committee, which consists of representatives from the Firefighters association, Fire Chief's association, Industrial Labour representation, COCA and WorkSafeBC. The guideline has also been updated to reflect its application to high angle rope rescue, as differentiated from rescue from underground spaces, confined spaces, etc.

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2-4 Tilt-up construction
This existing guideline is being amended in accordance with the February 1, 2011 amendments to the OHS Regulation. The changes reflect the removal of the requirement to seek prior approval for the use of wire rope guardrails.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.10(2)(a) Appropriate electrical protective equipment for working on low voltage electrical equipment New Item
This new guideline clarifies that "appropriate electrical protective equipment" includes PPE, which is not explicitly stated in the OHS Regulation. It also mentions CSA Standard Z462 -- Workplace electrical safety and that the employer can use this CSA Standard Z462 in developing its program to achieve compliance with section 19.10.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation & Demolition

G20.3-1 Labour supply firms and construction employers - Responsibilities
This guideline, dealing with the responsibilities of labour supply firms and their client construction firms toward temporary labour workers, has been expanded to apply generally to all industries.
Related to:G-D3-115(1)-2 Labour supply firms and client employers - Responsibilities

Part 26 Forestry Operations and Similar Activities

G26.16 Slope limitations - Safe work procedures
This guideline has been revised following industry consultation to clarify the scope of operations to which the ability to operate on steep slopes using the risk assessment and safe work procedures may occur. Additional revisions were made to clarify the need for documentation and the nature of the training in the procedures that the employer must provide to its workers.

March 7, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.59 Floor and roof openings New Item
This guideline has been issued to clarify the application of section 4.59 to work around skylights installed in new and existing buildings.

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements

G6.36(1.3) Not clinically appropriate
This guideline has been revised to clarify the meaning of the term "not clinically appropriate" and the applicability of the requirements for engineering and administrative controls.

Part 10 De-energization & Lockout

G10.11 Locks not required
This guideline has been revised to clarify the conditions under which work on equipment and machinery may be performed without the application of a lock.

Part 12 Tools, Machinery & Equipment

G12.31 Exception for custom work
This guideline has been revised to clarify the acceptability of temporarily removing safeguarding devices on brake presses, when performing work that interferes with the normal use of those safeguards.

Part 14 Cranes & Hoists

G14.34.1 Operator certification
This guideline describes the certification requirements for operators of tower cranes, mobile cranes, and boom trucks, and the process by which operators can become certified. It has been revised to reflect the transition from an interim program that was in place until February 28, 2011 which allowed incumbent operators to operate this equipment while obtaining certification to the final phase of the program that requires all operators to be certified

G14.72(4) Crane certification during pile driving and dynamic compaction operations versus lifting service New Item
This guideline has been developed to explain the circumstances where engineering inspection and certification is and is not required when performing lifting duties during pile driving and dynamic compaction operations.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.16-1Isolation and lockout
The changes to this existing guideline are to revise the guideline to meet current editorial standards and to change "the Engineering Section" to "Regulatory Practices" in two places.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation & Demolition

G20.5(5) Responsibilities for employers to provide stairways to work levels during construction New Item
This new guideline provides detail about the requirement to have stairways to work levels during construction.

February 1, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

The following guidelines accompany regulatory amendments to the OHS Regulation that are effective February 1, 2011. These are both new and revised guidelines which align with the new regulatory provisions.

Summary of regulatory amendments

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.1.1 Snow avalanche assessment
G4.22.1-1 Late night retail - Definitions and money handling procedures

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.1.1 Designation of biological agents as hazardous substances

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements

G6.34-1 Exposure control plan
G6.34-6 Exposure control plan - Pandemic influenza

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

G8.5 Program
G8.21(2)-1 Leg protection - WorkSafeBC standards New Item
G8.33-1 Respiratory protection - Selection
G8.33-2 Scott II and IIA SCBA regulator donning switch hazard
G8.33(1) Selection of respiratory protection - Alternate standard
G8.33(2)-1 Approved respirators
G8.34-1 Protection factors
G8.34-4 Protection factors - standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.18 Control of harmful substance in adjacent piping
G9.18(3)(b) Certification of isolation by a professional engineer New Item
G9.22-1 Alternate measures - Making submissions
G9.22-2 Alternate measures for confined spaces - Municipal sewage systems
G9.29 Notifying WorkSafeBC about inerting a confined space

Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment

G12.124 Respiratory protection and provision of ventilation for welding, cutting, and allied processes

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.1-2 Electrical qualifications
G19.24.1 Minimum approach distance
G19.24.2 Minimum clearance distance when passing under electrical equipment and conductors New Item
G19.25 Assurance in writing
G19.26 Assurance not practicable
G19.29 Authorization by owner
G19.30 Preliminary inspection

Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition

G20.79 Underground utilities

Guidelines Removed

G4.58(4)(b) Prior approval for fibre and wire rope guardrails (retired)
G8.21(2) Leg protection - Alternate standards (retired)
G8.34-5 Assigned protection factor for helmet/hood style powered air purifying respirators (retired)
G9.18.1 Exemption to restriction on use of valves for isolation (retired)
G13.32 Prior permission - Platform use in high risk situations (retired)
G19.1-1 Electrical Safety Act repealed (retired)

Guidelines Updates for Previous Years

2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002

2010 Guideline Updates

Many sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Workers Compensation Act (WCA) have associated guidelines. Guidelines are intended to assist with providing ways of complying with the legislation, not to provide exclusive interpretations. Guidelines generally provide information on administrative matters and on technical matters not already addressed by policy.

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2010.

November 23, 2010

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-8 Jurisdiction over marine operations
[Issued September 24, 2008; Revised February 4, 2010; Preliminary Revision November 23, 2010]

This guideline has been revised to add information on WorkSafeBC's jurisdiction over vessels and aquaculture.

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

G3.17(1)-1 Implementing an early defibrillation program in the workplace
[Withdrawn November 1, 2010]

This guideline has been removed. Some concern was expressed by stakeholders that the guideline could be perceived as implying that occupational health and safety requirements for AEDs applied to the devices that are made available for public use only. This could be an impediment for employers to make AEDs available to the general public. That was not the intent of the guideline.

If AEDs are provided for use in a workplace, then they will constitute pieces of first aid equipment to which OHS requirements apply. Some of the applicable provisions of the OHS Regulation include sections 3.16, 3.17, 4.3, 4.5 and 4.10. Section 115 of the Workers Compensation Act also applies. For more information, please contact the Certification Services Department at 604-276-3090.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment

G8.33(2)-2 Interchange of equipment components
[Retired November 23, 2010]

This guideline is being retired since the reference to air cylinders conflicts with Prevention Manual Policy Item R8.33-1 and the reference to air lines is a duplication of the information in Policy Item R8.33-2.

October 22, 2010

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 21 Blasting Operations

G21.15 Suspension/seizure of certificates
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 2005; Preliminary Revision October 22, 2010]

This guideline has been revised to add updated references to the Certification Services Department and related OHS guidelines.

Part 31 Firefighting

G31.17(3) Fall protection - Alternate standard New Item
[Preliminary Issue October 22, 2010]

This guideline accepts an alternate standard to NFPA 1983 (1990).

September 30, 2010

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-3 Labour program - Human Resources and Services Development Canada (HRSDC) jurisdiction
[Issued February 22, 2006; Editorial Revision September 30, 2009; Preliminary Revision September 30, 2010]

This guideline has been revised to include additional examples of areas within federal jurisdiction.

G-D9-164 Variance process
[Issued April 1, 2006; Editorial Revision November 24, 2006; Preliminary Revision September 30, 2010]

The guideline is being amended to add a section clarifying the status of any pre-1999 advice relating to variances from the Regulation that may have been issued by the Board.

September 1, 2010

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.48-1 Table of exposure limits - Background information
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised February 4, 2005;Revised September 1, 2010 ]

This guideline has been updated to add links and a reference to the relevant WorkSafeBC policy, and to remove an outdated statement.

G5.48-2 Annual revisions to exposure limits
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised February 4, 2005; Revised April 29, 2005; Revised November 28, 2008; Revised July 1, 2009; Revised September 1, 2010]

This guideline has been updated to reflect changes to the process and procedures for annual revisions to exposure limits for hazardous substances.

G5.48-13 Monitoring worker exposure to sulfur dioxide
[Retired on September 1, 2010]

The Vice President Directive "Sampling of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) - Section 5.48" and Guideline G5.48-13 are retired pursuant to the Resolution of the Board of Directors "Re: The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2008-2009 Occupational Exposure Limits", dated July 20, 2010.

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances

The Table of Exposure Limits has been updated to reflect recent Board of Directors decisions concerning adoption of occupational exposure limits. Recent revisions to the Table are highlighted and recent deletions are shown as strike-through.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.15(1) Ground fault circuit interrupters and other acceptable means
[Issued December 4, 2007; Revised September 19, 2008; Editorial Amendment February 4, 2010; Editorial Revision September 1, 2010]

The guideline has been updated to more clearly explain changes to the BC Electrical Code in 2009.

August 11, 2010

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.41(a) Electrofishing - Course acceptable to the Board New Item
[Preliminary Issue August 11, 2010]

This new guideline describes the course(s) acceptable to the Board for electrofishing training.

G19.41(b) Responsibilities and safe work procedures for electrofishers New Item
[Preliminary Issue August 11, 2010]

This new guideline describes responsibilities for employers, supervisors, and crew members for electrofishing operations and describes areas of safety that should be addressed in written safe work procedures.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition

G20.79 Underground utilities
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision August 2004; Revised February 13, 2006; Revised February 24, 2006; Preliminary Revision August 11, 2010]

This guideline has been updated to include reference to hydrovacing for exposing underground utilities.

Part 24 Diving, Fishing & Other Marine Operations

G24.26 Breathing mediums
[Issued September 1999; Revised October 23, 2009; Preliminary Revision August 11, 2010]

This guideline has been updated to refer applications for written authorization to use mixed gases other than nitrox to Certification Services.

June 10, 2010

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists

G14.71 Mobile crane and boom truck annual inspections
[Issued February 1, 2008; Preliminary Revision June 10, 2010]

This guideline has been updated to more clearly describe the certification, inspection, and repair processes, and the qualifications of persons performing annual inspections of mobile cranes and boom trucks.

Part 21 Blasting Operations

G21.85(1)-1 Board acceptance of procedures for avalanche control
[Issued August 1999; Revised November 18, 2009; Preliminary Revision June 10, 2010]

This guideline has been revised to direct employers to the Certification Services department of WorkSafeBC with questions about the acceptance of work procedures under section 21.85.

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities - First Aid

Assigned Hazard Rating List

The Assigned Hazard Rating List has been revised with four hazard ratings changed from "M" to "H" in the roofing industry. Recent revisions are highlighted in yellow for the 60-day consultation period.

April 27, 2010

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.71(3) Location and construction of dust collectors New Item
[Preliminary Issue April 27, 2010]

This guideline has been prepared in response to WorkSafeBC prevention officers' requests to provide guidance on the location and construction of dust collectors.

Part 10 De-energization and Lockout

G10.10(2) Approval of control system isolating devices
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision October 2004; Editorial Revision February 6, 2006; Preliminary Revision April 27, 2010]

This guideline has been updated to provide a clearer description of control system isolating devices, to clarify the approval process, and to remove a chart.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition

G20.3-2 Qualified coordinators New Item
[Preliminary Issue April 27, 2010]

This guideline is intended to clarify that qualified coordinators under section 20.3 must possess relevant experience training and knowledge to their workplaces, and to confirm that, though formal training or trade qualifications are beneficial, what constitutes "qualified" under section 20.3 is not limited to specific designations, training, or qualifications.

Part 22 Underground Workings

G22.12 Underground supervisor's certificate New Item
[Preliminary Issue April 27, 2010]

This new guideline has been developed to explain the underground supervisor's certification requirements, when a variance is required, and the information required in the variance application.

April 1, 2010

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

Assigned Hazard Rating List
The Assigned Hazard Rating List has been updated to add four new occupations/industries, as well as a change made to the roofing contractor's hazard rating from M to H.

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.13(3) Industrial high-angle rope rescue program
[Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision August 2004; Editorial Revision March 31, 2010]

The list of municipal fire/rescue departments with high angle rescue capability has been updated to expand the list of departments.

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements

G6.70 Pesticides - Definitions
[Issued August 1, 1999; Preliminary Revision March 31, 2010 ]

This guideline has been updated to include the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency as an authority acceptable to WorkSfeBC. A reference to pesticide toxicity ratings in the newly revised Pesticides Applicator Manual is also included.

Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds & Temporary Work Platforms

G13.28(2) Safe work procedure acceptable to the Board to prevent two-blocking in pile driving and similar applications New Item
[Preliminary Issue March 31, 2010]

This guideline has been developed to provide assistance for employers developing work procedures acceptable to the Board if it is not practicable to maintain a two-blocking prevention or warning device on a conventional lattice boom crane used for pile driving and similar applications.

March 31, 2010

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.22.1-2 G4.22.1-2 Late night retail - Second worker or barrier
[Issued February 1, 2008; Editorial Revision February 21, 2008; Formerly Issued in G4.22.1 - Reissued as G4.22.1-2 September 9, 2008; Editorial Revision November 20, 2008; Editorial Revision August 1, 2009; Editorial Revision March 30, 2010]

60-day extension on barriers or two-persons working.

Bulletin - Late Night Retail Provisions Update (PDF 28 KB)
Details on updated phases of barrier or two-persons working requirement.

February 4, 2010

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-8 Jurisdiction over marine operations
[Issued September 24, 2008; Preliminary Revision February 4, 2010]

This guideline has been revised to clarify jurisdiction over marine construction works and dredging operations.

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.48-12 Establishing exposure limits for certain refined hydrocarbon mixtures
[Issued July 1, 2009; Preliminary Revision February 4, 2010]

This guideline has been amended to correct a calculation error and to clarify the application of the procedure to hydrocarbon solvents.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.36 Control Systems - General requirements
[Issued August 1999; Preliminary Revision February 4, 2010]

This guideline has been updated to better describe control systems.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation & Demolition

G20.3-1 Labour supply firms and construction employers - Responsibilities New Item
[Preliminary Issue February 4, 2010]

This new guideline provides information regarding construction labour supply firms and their role as employers of construction labourers. The guideline also discusses the occupational health and safety responsibilities of employers who use labour supplied by construction labour supply firms at their workplace, as well as how the requirements for a health and safety program apply to workplaces where workers of labour supply firms are present.

Guidelines Updates for Previous Years

2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002

2009 Guideline Updates

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2009.

December 21, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.21 Procedures for checking the well-being of workers
[Issued Feb 1, 2008; Revised April 9, 2008; Revised November 20, 2008; Preliminary Revision December 21, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to clarify that non-workers, such as family members, may be used in certain limited circumstances, to check the well-being of workers.

Part 7 Noise, Vibration, Radiation & Temperature

G7.23(a)(i) and (vi) Radiation protection in radiology - Large facilities New Item
[Preliminary Issue December 21, 2009]

This guideline has been developed in response to industry enquiries about the application of Health Canada Safety Code 35 (Safety Procedures for Large Medical Radiological Facilities) to health care facilities in B.C.

Part 16 Mobile Equipment

G16.28 Guarding moving parts on mobile equipment
[Issued August 1999; Preliminary Revision December 21, 2009]

This guideline has been updated to provide information for guarding moving parts on mobile equipment in accordance with a standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC.

Workers Compensation Act

G-D3-119-1 Owner obligations - Public lands New Item
[Preliminary Issue December 21, 2009]

This guideline is intended to help clarify the obligations of owners of public lands, such as the provincial government, municipalities, and other public bodies, towards workers of other employers that have been provided access to these lands.

G-D12-187-3 Protection of privacy in inspection reports New Item
[Preliminary Issue December 21, 2009]

This new guideline provides information about disclosure of information in an inspection report which is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

November 18, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 16 Mobile Equipment

G16.18 Acceptable standards for operating controls New Item
[Issued August 1999; Preliminary Revision November 18, 2009]

This guideline has been updated to add acceptable standards for operating controls on mobile equipment.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.34(5) Acceptable standard for insulated tools used by certified utility arborists New Item
[Preliminary issue November 18, 2009]

This new guideline has been developed to clarify what are acceptable insulated tools under subsection 19.34(5).

Part 21 Blasting Operations

G21.85(1)-1 Board acceptance of procedures for avalanche control
[Issued August 1999; Preliminary Revision November 18, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to clarify the process for submitting proposed work procedures for avalanche control using explosives.

G21.85(3) Safety fuse ignition system
[Issued August 1999; Preliminary Revision November 18, 2009]

This guideline has been edited to clarify the sequence of events for deploying a charge utilizing a safety fuse for the purpose of avalanche control.

Part 26 Forestry Operations and Similar Activities

G26.16 Slope limitations New Item
[Preliminary Issue November 18, 2009]

In 2008, section 26.16 was amended to permit equipment to be operated beyond steep slope limits, provided a risk assessment was conducted by a qualified person and safe work procedures acceptable to WorkSafeBC were implemented. The following guideline provides information on how the risk assessment should be performed, who the "qualified person" is, who should be conducting the risk assessment, and the elements that must be in the safe work procedures in order for it to be considered "acceptable to WorkSafeBC."

Guideline Removed

Workers Compensation Act

G-D12-187-1 Worker orders
[Withdrawn September 30, 2009]

Refer to G-D3-116 Orders to workers

October 23, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.1.1 Snow avalanche assessment
[Issued September 1, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to clarify the avalanche assessment requirements.

G4.58(4)(b) Prior approval for fibre and wire rope guardrails New Item
[Preliminary Issue October 23, 2009]

This new guideline explains the process for obtaining prior approval to use temporary wire rope guardrails, from a WorkSafeBC prevention officer when certain criteria are met, and from the Regulatory Practices department in all other cases. The guideline also sets out the engineering specifications to be considered in the design, installation, and use of a wire rope guardrail.

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2-4 Tilt-up construction
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision October 23, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to include a reference to the new OHS Guideline G4.58(4)(b) and to specify the minimum setback from the edge required for posts.

Part 24 Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations

G24.26 Breathing mediums
[Issued September 1999; Preliminary Revision October 23, 2009]

This guideline has been updated to include information about acceptable training for nitrox diving.

September 30, 2009

Workers Compensation Act

Part 3 Division 1 Interpretation and Purposes

G-D1-107 About OHS Guidelines New Item
[Preliminary Issue September 30, 2009]

This new guideline replaces the former "About Prevention Policy and OHS Guidelines" introduction to the OHS Guidelines. It now more thoroughly addresses the reasons for guidelines, and their enforceability.

Part 3 Division 3 General Duties of Employers, Workers and Others

G-D3-116 Orders to workers New Item
[Preliminary Issue September 30, 2009]

This new guideline explains the factors that will be considered in determining whether or not to issue orders to workers.

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

G3.14 First aid attendant certification, qualifications and general responsibilities
[Issued November 1, 2004; Preliminary Revision September 30, 2009]

Part 18 Traffic Control

G18.4(1) Supervision - Traffic control person training in a manner acceptable to WorkSafeBC
[Issued January 1, 2007; Editorial Revision May 3, 2007; Preliminary Revision September 30, 2009]

Part 21 Blasting Operations

G21.8 Certification - Qualifications
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 2005; Preliminary Revision September 30, 2009]

These three guidelines have been updated to be consistent with the requirements of the Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement and the Agreement on Internal Trade regarding labour mobility. The guidelines specify how out-of-jurisdiction certificates will be accepted.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment

G8.40(2.1)(c) Single-use respirators and fit test equivalency New Item
[Preliminary Issue September 30, 2009]

This new guideline has been developed in response to requests from the health care industry, for situations where there may be a shortage of supply of respirators.

September 28, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.48-13 Monitoring worker exposure to sulfur dioxide New Item
[Preliminary Issue September 28, 2009]

Sampling and analytical methodology has not been validated at the atmospheric levels of the new 2009 exposure limit for sulfur dioxide. A Vice-President Directive has been issued to revert to the previous exposure limit until adequate validation is complete.

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
Sampling and analytical methodology has not been validated at the atmospheric levels of the new 2009 exposure limit for sulfur dioxide. A Vice-President Directive has been issued to revert to the previous exposure limit until adequate validation is complete.

September 1, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.1.1 Snow avalanche assessment New Item
[Issued September 1, 2009]

This new guideline provides clarification regarding the new snow avalanche assessment requirements that came into force on September 1, 2009.

Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds & Temporary Work Platforms

G13.2 Standards acceptable to WorkSafeBC
Issued January 1, 2005; Editorial Revision May 2005; Editorial Revision August 12, 2008; Editorial Revision September 1, 2009

This guideline has been consequentially amended to mention a new WorkSafeBC Standard for work platforms supported by lift trucks.

August 12, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment

G12.70 Panic bars on driven-feed chippers

This guideline has been removed as s. 12.70 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and the issue of engineering controls on driven-feed chippers is being studied by the Policy and Research Division.

August 6, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.58(4)(b) Prior approval for wire rope guardrails New Item
[Preliminary Issue August 6, 2009]

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2-4 Tilt-up construction
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision August 6, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to include a reference to the new OHS Guideline G4.58(4)(b) and to specify the minimum setback from the edge required for posts.

August 1, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.22.1-2 Late night retail - Second worker or barrier
[Issued February 1, 2008; Editorial Revision February 21, 2008; Formerly Issued in G4.22.1 - Reissued as G4.22.1-2 September 9, 2008; Editorial Revision November 20, 2008; Editorial Revision August 1, 2009]

This guideline has been updated to reflect the extended compliance timelines for the barrier or second worker requirements of section 4.22.1.

July 9, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

G3.23 Young or new worker orientation and training
[Issued July 26, 2007; Preliminary Revision July 9, 2009]

This guideline has been updated to provide information about provincial employment standards' requirements for hiring minors.

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.22.1-1 Late night retail - Definitions and money handling procedures
[Issued February 1, 2008; Editorial Revision February 21, 2008; Formerly issued in G4.22.1 - Reissued as G4.22.1-1 September 9, 2008; Revised November 20, 2008; Editorial Revision June 30, 2009]

This guideline has been updated to reflect the extended VP directive for the definition of late night hours. The VP directive has been extended to accommodate new timelines for the public hearings for the proposed changes to the definition of late night hours.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

G8.17(2) Face protection - Alternate standards New Item
[Preliminary Issue July 9, 2009]

This new guideline accepts alternate standards for face protectors and non-prescription safety eyewear.

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists

G14.34.1 Operator certification
[Issued January 1, 2007; Editorial Revision May 3, 2007; Revised December 1, 2008; Preliminary Revision July 9, 2009]

This guideline is an update to the existing guideline which identifies the association WorkSafeBC considers to be "a person acceptable to the Board" under section 14.34.1. It also specifies the types of equipment operators who are required to be certified and provides an overview of the certification program.

July 1, 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.48-2 Annual revisions to exposure limits
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised February 4, 2005; Revised April 29, 2005; Revised November 28, 2008; Preliminary Revision July 1, 2009]

This OHS guideline has been updated to explain recent changes to the formatting of the Table of Exposure Limits.

G5.48-12 Establishing exposure limits for certain refined hydrocarbon mixtures New Item
[Preliminary Issue July 1, 2009]

This new guideline has been developed to explain a change by ACGIH in the method for determining occupational exposure limits for certain refined hydrocarbon mixtures (Rubber Solvent, VM & P Naphtha).

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
The Table of Exposure Limits has been updated to reflect recent amendments to TLVs adopted by ACGIH. Of particular note are new or revised exposure limits for Beryllium and compounds, Ethanol, Sulphur Dioxide, Rubber Solvent and VM & P Naphtha. Recent revisions to the Table are highlighted and recent deletions are shown as strike-through.

June 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements

G6.6-1 Risk assessment
[Issued August 1999; Preliminary Revision June 4, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to clarify the two stages of an asbestos risk assessment and to highlight related regulatory requirements.

G6.6-2 Classification of risk
[Issued August 1999; Preliminary Revision June 4, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to provide information regarding low, moderate, and high risk activities.

Part 15 Rigging

G15.5 Component identification
[Effective August 1, 1999; Editorial Revision June 4, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to clarify necessary information to identify working load limits for rigging fittings.

May 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.8 Rated capacity of truck-mounted cranes New Item
[Preliminary Issue May 6, 2009]

This new guideline describes the requirements for verification of structural competence, stability testing, and provision of load charts for truck-mounted cranes.

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.53-4 Occupational hygiene methods acceptable to WorkSafeBC
[Preliminary Revision May 6, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to clarify which publications detail occupational hygiene methods acceptable to WorkSafeBC, and to explain how approval may be obtained to use methods that are not discussed in those publications.

April 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.3-5 Leaded surface coating materials
[Preliminary Revision April 9, 2009]

This guideline has been revised to reflect changes to Schedule I of the federal Hazardous Products Act and the regulations under it.

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements

G6.34-6 Exposure control plan - Pandemic influenza
[Revised April 27, 2009]

Table 1 has been updated to reflect recent changes to the WHO global Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response guidance document.

Part 23 Oil & Gas

G23.39.1 Emergency escape systems for snubbing units New Item
[Preliminary Issue April 9, 2009]

This new guideline has been developed in response to a number of inquiries from stakeholders as to whether the requirements in section 23.39 apply to snubbing units.

Part 24 Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations

G24.18 Diving supervisor qualifications New Item
[Preliminary Issue March 11, 2009]

This new guideline clarifies the minimum qualifications that diving supervisors will need to meet in order to be able to fulfill their responsibilities under Part 24 of the OHS Regulation.

G24.36, G24.40 and G24.66(3) Minimum dive crew New Item
[Preliminary Issue April 9, 2009]

This new guideline clarifies the minimum crew requirements that apply to different types of diving operations.

Part 30 Laboratories

G30.8(2.5) Certification of installation of a laboratory fume hood New Item
[Preliminary Issue April 9, 2009]

This new guideline has been prepared as a result of consultation with stakeholders and explains factors for consideration during certification of the installation of a laboratory fume hood.

March 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2-6 Fall protection during stunt work
[Issued May 9, 2006; Revised February 8, 2007; Revised February 1, 2008; Revised March 11, 2009]

This guideline has been amended to clarify that the scope of the alternate standard includes suspended movements as well as falls.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.36(1) Acceptable standard for control systems New Item
[Preliminary Issue March 11, 2009]

This guideline has been developed to specify an acceptable standard for control systems.

Part 24 Diving, Fishing & Other Marine Operations

G24.25 Acceptable standards for hyperbaric chambers New Item
[Preliminary Issue March 11, 2009]

This guideline has been developed to specify the standards acceptable to WorkSafeBC for hyperbaric chambers.

Editorial revisions

Part 7 Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature

The following three guidelines have been revised due to the publication of new Safety Codes by Health Canada:

G7.20(1)-3 Exposure control plan - Personal protective equipment
G7.23 Acceptable standards
G7.24 Radiation surveys

Guidelines removed

G2.1-1 Juvenile employees
G6.121 Instruction and authorization
G6.122-1 Enclosure

February 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

G3.1 Occupational health and safety program
[Issued March 30, 2004; Revised October 26, 2005; Revised May 17, 2006; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008; Editorial Revision February 12, 2009]

The guideline has been updated to include reference to CSA Z1000-06 Occupational Health and Safety Management, a framework standard that describes the elements of a health and safety management system.

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists

G14.48(2) Acceptable standard for audio and video communication New Item
[Preliminary Issue February 11, 2009]

This guideline has been developed to specify a standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC for audio and video communication systems used in hoisting operations.

Part 16 Mobile Equipment

G16.44(2) Acceptable standard for load restraint New Item
[Preliminary Issue February 11, 2009]

This guideline has been developed to specify an acceptable standard for load restraint.

Part 24 Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations

G24.97(1) Acceptable standard for immersion suits New Item
[Preliminary Issue February 11, 2009]

This guideline has been developed to specify standards that are acceptable to WorkSafeBC for immersion suits.

Part 26 Forestry Operations and Similar Activities

G26.3.1(1)(a) Acceptable standard for training New Item
[Preliminary Issue February 11, 2009]

This guideline has been developed to specify the standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC for forestry operations fire fighter training.

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances

The Table of Exposure Limits has been updated to reflect recent amendments to TLVs adopted by ACGIH as well as some format changes to the Table. Of particular note are new or revised exposure limits for Hydroquinone, Polyvinyl chloride, Benomyl, Butene isomers, Carbaryl, Natural rubber latex, Thiram and Trimellitic anhydride. Recent revisions to the Table are now highlighted and recent deletions are shown as strike-through.

Editorial Revisions

The following guideline has editorial revisions:

G-D10-172-1 WorkSafeBC notification of serious injuries

January 2009

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

The following guidelines accompany regulatory amendments to the OHS Regulation that are effective January 1, 2009. These are both new and revised guidelines which align with the new regulatory provisions.

Summary of regulatory amendments

Part 1 Definitions

G1.1 "Professional engineer"
[Issued August 1, 1999; Editorial Revision October 14, 2004; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.81/4.82 Controlling exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised May 1, 2002; Editorial Revision October 2004; Revised March 31, 2008; Revised June 18, 2008; Revised January 1, 2009]

G4.81(b) Safe outdoor location
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised May 1, 2002; Editorial Revision March 2005; Revised March 31, 2008; Editorial Revision June 18, 2008; Formerly Issued as part of G4.82(1) and (2) - Re-issued as G4.81(b) January 1, 2009]

G4.82(1) Entry into indoor areas where smoking is permitted
[Formerly Issued as part of G4.82(1) and (2), and G4.82(3) - Re-issued as G4.82(1) January 1, 2009]

Part 5 General Conditions

G5.57 Designated substances
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised February 4, 2005; Revised January 1, 2009 ]

G5.58 Protective policy
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003; Editorial Revision October 2004; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment

G12.102(1) Abrasive blasting cleanup
[Issued May 24, 2002; Revised February 11, 2004; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

G12.168 "Blue Flag Rule"
[Effective September 1999; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

Part 17 Transportation of Workers

G17.2-1 Employer's responsibility
[Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

G17.2-2 Operation and maintenance - Inspection before use on a shift
[Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

G17.4 Riding restrictions
[Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

G17.10 Vehicle design
[Issued June 6, 2007; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

Part 20 Construction, Excavation & Demolition

G20.2(1)(f) Bell holes
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

G20.78 Qualified registered professional and engineering documents
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision February 7, 2006; Formerly Issued in G20.78(2) - Re-issued as G20.78 January 1, 2009]

G20.78(1)(c) Vibration, hydrostatic pressure, or hazardous ground movement
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision June 6, 2007; Formerly Issued as G20.78(1) - Re-issued as G20.78(1)(c) January 1, 2009]

G20.78(1)(d) Ground slope adjacent to excavation work
[Issued February 22, 2005; Formerly Issued as G20.78(1)(e) - Re-Issued as G20.78(1)(d) January 1, 2009]

G20.81 Sloping and shoring requirements
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision August 31, 2007; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

G20.85 Trench support structures
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

Part 23 Oil & Gas

G23.22 Driver training
[Formerly Issued as G23.22, August 1999; Re-issued on January 1, 2009]

G23.39.2 Auxiliary escape
[Effective August 1999; Editorial Revision January 1, 2009]

G23.64.1 Snubbing operations New Item
[Issued January 1, 2009]

Guidelines Removed

G17.3 Seat belts
G17.11 Operation and maintenance - Inspection before use on a shift

Guidelines Updates for Previous Years

2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002

2008 Guideline Updates

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2008.

November 2008

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

G8.27-2 Alternative acceptable standard for buoyancy equipment New Item
[Preliminary Issue November 19, 2008]

This guideline accepts an alternative standard for automatically inflatable buoyancy equipment. This is necessary as one standard currently listed in the Regulation is no longer used in North America.

Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment

G12.70 Panic bars on driven feed chippers New Item
[Preliminary Issue November 19, 2008]

This guideline sets out minimum standards for panic bars on driven-feed chippers, as well as setting out safe work procedures on operating driven-feed chippers.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition

G20.2(1)(c) Notice of project for asbestos - Ongoing work New Item
[Preliminary Issue November 19, 2008]

This new guideline has been developed in order to provide guidance in situations where a notice of project for asbestos (NOP-Asbestos) may be appropriate for moderate risk intermittent and ongoing repair or maintenance work. The guideline also outlines the submission process for such an NOP-Asbestos.

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.20.1 Definition of working alone or in isolation
G4.20.2 Hazard identification, elimination, and control
G4.21 Procedures for checking the well-being of workers
G4.22.1-1 Late night retail - Definitions and money handling procedures
G4.22.1-2 Late night retail - Second worker or barrier

The existing working alone or in isolation guidelines have been updated to include a discussion of the term "assigned to work alone." G4.22.1-1 was also updated to note that a VP directive has been issued to adjust the enforcement of the late night hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. while a proposed amendment to the section is taken to public hearing.

September 24, 2008

Workers Compensation Act

Part 3 Division 1 Interpretation and Purposes

G-D1-108-8 Jurisdiction over marine operations new item
[Preliminary Issue September 24, 2008]

This new guideline clarifies the Occupational Health and Safety jurisdiction of WorkSafeBC and federal jurisdictions over organizations that conduct marine operations.

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 21 Blasting Operations

G21.85(1)-2 Assessment of Avalauncher device safety in proposed work procedures new item
[Preliminary Issue September 24, 2008]

This new guideline provides information on some of the criteria that are considered when assessing the adequacy of avalanche control work procedures under section 21.85(1), particularly as they relate to the safety of Avalaunchers and similar devices.

September 22, 2008

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.22.2-2 Alternative methods for fuel prepayment outside of urban centres
[Issued February 1, 2008; Revised March 27, 2008; Revised August 18, 2008; Formerly Issued in G4.22.2 - Reissued as G4.22.2-2 September 22, 2008]

WorkSafeBC has developed a new OHS Guideline outlining alternative methods for securing payment of fuel at gas stations in small, rural or remote locations.

Editorial Revision

The following guideline has editorial revisions:

G4.22.2-1 Mandatory prepayment for fuel

September 19, 2008

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.15(1) Ground fault circuit interrupters and other acceptable means
[Issued December 4, 2007; Preliminary Revision September 19, 2008]

This guideline has been updated to describe a change to the Notice of Project for Construction. An electrical declaration has been added to the form in order to facilitate a variance application to the electrical authority.

September 9, 2008

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.22.1-2 Late night retail - Second worker or barrier
[Issued February 1, 2008; Editorial Revision February 21, 2008; Formerly Issued in G4.22.1 - Reissued as G4.22.1-2 September 9, 2008]

This guideline has been updated to reflect revised compliance timelines for certain late night retail premises requirements.

Editorial Revision

The following guideline has editorial revisions:

G4.22.1-1 Late night retail - Definitions and money handling procedures

August 12, 2008

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.27(2) Electrical Safety Act repealed new item
[Issued August 13, 2008]

The Electrical Safety Act referenced in s.5.27(2) of the OHS Regulation is no longer in effect and has been replaced. This new guideline references the replacement Act and regulation.

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists

G14.1 Elevating Devices Safety Act repealed new item
[Issued August 13, 2008]

This new guideline explains that the legislation referenced under section 14.1 of the OHS Regulation has been repealed and is no longer in effect, and identifies the new applicable legislation.

Part 23 Oil and Gas

G23.15(1)(a) Power Engineers and Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act repealed new item
[Issued August 13, 2008]

This new guideline explains that the legislation referenced under section 23.15(1)(a) of the OHS Regulation has been repealed and is no longer in effect, and identifies the new applicable legislation.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition

G20.4(1) Suitable ladders, work platforms, and scaffolds new item
[Preliminary Issue August 13, 2008]

This new guideline provides WorkSafeBC prevention officers and stakeholders with clear direction that walking on top plates of interior or exterior walls, or other narrow elevated surfaces, is not acceptable. The guideline also specifies when a ladder is suitable.

Editorial Revision

The following guideline has editorial revisions:

G16.7(j)-1 Lift truck operator training

June 19, 2008

Workers Compensation Act

Part 3 Division 1 Interpretation and Purposes

G-D1-108-7 Jurisdiction over mines new item
[Preliminary Issue June 18, 2008]

This new guideline clarifies the Occupational Health and Safety jurisdiction of WorkSafeBC and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources over organizations that conduct work on or around mines and quarries

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.11 Putting equipment, machinery and work processes into operation new item
[Preliminary Issue June 18, 2008]

This new guideline has been developed to address concerns that arose from the investigation of an industrial accident, in which a worker was severely injured. The equipment had been returned to service after work on it by the supplier. Among other things, a service manual had not been provided for the equipment.

After the guidelines were initially posted on March 31, 2008, WorkSafeBC developed a detailed compliance strategy for use by its Prevention officers. As a result, the discussion of compliance strategy in Guideline G4.81/4.82 Controlling exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was revised to focus on information of primary use to workplaces. The guideline also incorporated some information from the Ministry of Health on the application of the term "fully or substantially enclosed", as defined in their requirements. Some minor editorial revisions were made to two other guidelines: G4.82(1) and (2) Designated areas; and G4.82(3) Protecting home service workers from ETS.

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements

G6.6-3 Qualifications
[Issued August 1, 1999; Editorial Revision October 2004; Preliminary Revision June 18, 2008]

This guideline has been modified to provide a clearer description of the qualifications necessary to perform asbestos risk assessments and work activity classification.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

G8.15(1) Prescription safety eyewear - Alternate standards new item
[Preliminary Issue June 18, 2008]

This new guideline specifies alternate standards acceptable to WorkSafeBC for prescription safety eyewear under section 8.15(1) of the Regulation.

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.1-1 Excluded confined spaces
[Issued July 21, 2005, Preliminary Revision June 18, 2008]

This guideline has been in place for almost three years. During that time some concerns have arisen about the possible misapplication of the list of excluded spaces if the circumstances in which they are excluded are not more fully understood. In addition, there had been some confusion about the wording related to intentionally introducing air contaminants. Some amendments have been made to clarify these matters, without changing intent. In addition, the updated guideline adds underwater confined spaces to the list of exclusions. Some minor editorial amendments are also made to reflect current terminology (e.g., "WorkSafeBC" in place of "the Board").

Part 16 Mobile Equipment

G16.33 Use of seatbelts on forklifts new item
[Preliminary Issue June 18, 2008]

This guideline has been developed to clarify when a seatbelt is required to be used on forklifts.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation & Demolition

G20.112 Hazardous materials - Asbestos new item
[Preliminary Issue June 18, 2008]

This new guideline has been developed in response to stakeholder's enquiries and WorkSafeBC prevention officer's observations, and provides information for building owners, contractors, and consultants on pre-demolition asbestos inspection and abatement.

Part 22 Underground Workings

G22.2(2) Application of Part 22 (Underground workings) new item
[Preliminary Issue June 18, 2008]

This new guideline discusses the circumstances of which an underground working can be considered to be a permanent facility in its final structural condition. It also provides information on the application of the Regulation to underground projects that have been completed.

Editorial Revision

The following guidelines have editorial revisions:

G4.82(1) and (2) Designated areas
G4.82(3) Protecting home-care service workers from ETS
G12.74-2 Automotive lifts and other vehicle support standards -- Applicable standards

Guidelines Removed

G4.81 Controlling ETS exposure -- Application to vehicles
G4.82(3)-1 Entry into an indoor area where smoking is permitted

May 1, 2008

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

The following guidelines accompany regulatory amendments to the OHS Regulation that are effective May 1, 2008. These are both new and revised guidelines which align with the new regulatory provisions. For information on the regulatory amendments, see www.worksafebc.com/regulation_and_policy/
public_hearings/june_07_ph_feedback/law_40_40_40.asp

Part 14 Cranes & Hoists

G14.29 Operator protection
Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008; Editorial Revision May 1, 2008]

Part 26 Forestry Operations and Similar Activities

G26.1-1 Forestry operations and similar activities New Item
[Issued May 1, 2008]

G26.1-2 Owners' obligations New Item
[Issued May 1, 2008]

G26.1.1-2 Prime contractor obligations New Item
[Issued May 1, 2008]

G26.2-1 Planning and conducting a forestry operation New Item
[Issued May 1, 2008]

G26.2-2 Planning log hauling operations for varying road grades
[Issued: September 28, 2005; Editorial Revision May 1, 2008]

G26.21/26.22 Faller training - Application
[Issued September 28, 2005; Revised May 1, 2008]

G26.41 Guylines New Item
[Issued May 1, 2008]

G26.65(3) Logging trucks pulling multiple trailers
[Issued May 17, 2006; Revised May 1, 2008]

G26.65(4)(b) Installing the barrier on the logging truck in a manner acceptable to WorkSafeBC
[Issued May 17, 2006; Revised May 1, 2008]

April 9, 2008

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions - Working alone or in isolation

G4.21 Procedures for checking the well-being of workers
[Issued February 1, 2008; Preliminary Revision April 9, 2008]

This guideline is revised in response to a request from the farm and ranch sector to provide more information on checking worker well-being in remote areas. New material is added at the end of the guideline on that topic and some revisions are made in the beginning of the guideline to clarify further the application of section 4.21 and the use of technology.

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.1-2 Definitions
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004; Preliminary Revision April 9, 2008]
The current guideline provides information on some terms that appear in the definitions section of Part 9 (Confined Spaces) of the OHS Regulation. It is being updated to include a discussion of what is meant by the third criterion of a confined space, which refers to limited or restricted means of entry or exit that may complicate the provision of emergency response. Questions have arisen about what is meant by this factor, particularly when considering the exclusion of spaces from the application of Part 9.

G9.18 Isolation of confined spaces
[Preliminary Issue April 9, 2008]
This new guideline has been developed to assist with the application of section 9.18 on isolation. It is based on a number of years of experience, particularly with the municipal sector, in applying the requirements of section 9.18, and acceptance of alternate measures to it. The guideline was developed in consultation with worker and employer representatives in the municipal sector.

G9.18.1 Exemption to restriction on use of valves for isolation
[Preliminary Issue April 9, 2008]
This new guideline has been developed to assist with the application of the new section 9.18.1, which provides exemptions to the restrictions on the use of valves as a means of isolation for specific types of water systems. The guideline was developed in consultation with employer and worker representatives of the municipal sector, and also in response to issues associated with the industrial use of water.

G9.22-1 Alternate measures - Making submissions
[Issued August 1, 1999; Editorial Revision October 2004; Editorial Revision February 7, 2006; Editorial Revision June 6, 2006; Editorial Revision June 22, 2007; Preliminary Revision April 9, 2008; Effective date June 9, 2008]
This guideline is being revised as part of a larger project to provide guidance on alternate measures for confined space isolation, and through which WorkSafeBC acceptance decisions on alternate measures could be made at Regional offices. It is one of a series of guidelines on section 9.22. Subsequent guidelines in the series will provide guidance in specific areas, for example, municipal sewage systems, and ship repair work. Revisions to this guideline were developed in consultation with worker and employer representatives of the municipal sector.

G9.22-2 Alternate measures for confined spaces - Municipal sewage systems
[Preliminary Issue April 9, 2008; Effective date June 9, 2008]
This new guideline provides some general information on issues involved with alternate measures for control of hazards arising from liquids and from contaminated air that may be present in municipal sewage systems. It is part of a guideline series on isolation and alternate measures. For the circumstances covered by this guideline, an employer may contact the Regional office of WorkSafeBC for a decision on acceptability of a proposed system of alternate measures. The guideline was developed in consultation with employer and worker representatives in the municipal sector.

G20.26 Inspections
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision April 9, 2008]

March 31, 2008

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions - Working alone or in isolation

G4.22.2 Mandatory prepayment for fuel
[Issued February 1, 2008, Revised March 27, 2008.]

This guideline was updated to clarify the various acceptable methods for fuel prepayment available to customers. This includes options for paying at the pump, paying in the store, leaving debit or credit cards with the attendant, and prepayment options for small communities.

Part 4 General Conditions - Environmental tobacco smoke

G4.81/4.82 Controlling exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised May 1, 2002; Editorial Revision October 2004; Preliminary Revision March 31, 2008.]
G4.81 Controlling ETS exposure - Application to vehicles
[Issued March 28, 2002; Preliminary Revision March 31, 2008.]
G4.82(1) and (2) Designated areas
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised May 1, 2002; Editorial Revision March 2005; Preliminary Revision March 31, 2008.]
G4.82(3)-1 Entry into an indoor area where smoking is permitted
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised May 1, 2002; Preliminary Revision March 31, 2008.]
G4.82(3)-2 Protecting home service workers from ETS
[Preliminary Issue March 31, 2008.]

The Health Ministry's amendments to the Tobacco Control Act and Regulation (TCR) came into effect March 31, 2008. A basic consequence is that smoking indoors by workers is prohibited in all workplaces, and indoor smoking by the public is prohibited in most workplaces, including those in the hospitality sector.

While WorkSafeBC does not enforce the TCR, if a Prevention officer encounters a violation of the TCR they should advise the employer of its provisions, and as necessary refer the matter to regional health authorities. The OHS Regulation has continued relevance in situations such as controlling smoking outdoors, and protecting workers who may need to enter an indoor area where smoking is permitted under the TCR.

The WorkSafeBC Board of Directors has approved for release to public hearings proposed amendments to the ETS requirements of the OHS Regulation, which are designed to complement the requirements under the TCR. However, changes to the OHS Regulation would not come into effect until later in 2008 at the earliest. As an interim measure, the OHS Guidelines on ETS have been substantially revised to reflect the current situation. Changes include:

Addition of a summary of the TCR and some recent municipal bylaws
Elimination of guidelines on public entertainment facilities
Addition of information on entry into areas where smoking has occurred, and a new guideline on protecting home service workers.

February 19, 2008

Workers Compensation Act

Part 3 Division 10 Accident Reporting and Investigation

G-D10-172-1 Board notification of serious injuries
[Preliminary Issue February 12, 2008]
This guideline sets out WorkSafeBC's expectations with respect to the reporting of serious injuries. It defines "serious injury" for the purposes of accident reporting.

Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Part 7 Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature - Thermal exposure

G7.28(1) Exposure limits - Using the ACGIH standard
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision February 12, 2008]
This guideline has been updated to account for changes to the 2007 ACGIH TLV^® for heat stress and strain.

G7.28(2) Clothing correction values
[Issued January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision February 12, 2008]
This guideline has been updated to account for changes to the 2007 ACGIH TLV^® for heat stress and strain.

G7.29-4 Heat stress assessment using a dry bulb thermometer or Humidex index
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision February 12, 2008]
This guideline has been updated to include a Humidex-based method as an acceptable method to determine heat stress in certain circumstances.

Part 8 Personal Protective Equipment - Limb and body protection

G8.21(2) Leg protection - Alternate standards
[Preliminary Issue February 12, 2008]
This guideline is to specify alternate leg protection standards acceptable to WorkSafeBC for protection against chainsaw cuts.

Editorial Revisions

The following guidelines have editorial revisions:

G3.14 to G3.20 First aid guidelines for employers
G3.16 First aid assessment
G4.22.1 Late night retail safety procedures and requirements
G13.30 Work platforms supported by a lift truck

Guideline Removed
The following guideline has been removed:

G13.33(4)(b) Fall protection on suspended work platforms (no longer necessary after regulatory amendment)

February 1, 2008

The following guidelines accompany regulatory amendments to the OHS Regulation that are effective February 1, 2008. These are both new and revised guidelines which align with the new regulatory provisions.

Summary of regulatory amendments

Part 4 General Conditions - Working alone or in isolation

G4.20.1 Definition of working alone or in isolation
[Issued February 1, 2008]
G4.20.2 Hazard identification, elimination, and control
[Issued February 1, 2008]
G4.21 Procedures for checking the well-being of workers
[Issued February 1, 2008]
G4.22.1 Late night retail safety procedures and requirements
[Issued February 1, 2008]
G4.22.2 Mandatory prepayment for fuel
[Issued February 1, 2008]

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

G5.1.1. Biological agents
[Issued February 1, 2008]

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements - Biological Agents

G6.34-1 Exposure control plan (list of industries updated)
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision July 2004; Editorial Revision February 2, 2006; Revised February 1, 2008]
G6.34-2 Risk assessment, engineering and administrative controls and personal protective equipment
[Issued February 1, 2008]
(Formerly issued as G6.35, G6.36(1), and G6.36(2). NOTE: Former G6.34-2 on pandemic influenza has been renumbered as G6.34-6.)
G6.34-3 Housekeeping and laundry practices
[Formerly Issued as G6.36(3) and G6.36(4); Issued as G6.34-3 February 1, 2008]
G6.34-4 Program to inform workers of the exposure control plan
[Formerly Issued as G6.38; Issued as G6.34-4 February 1, 2008]
G6.34-5 Record keeping requirements
[Formerly Issued as G6.41-2 and G6.41-3; Issued as G6.34-5 February 1, 2008]
G6.34-6 Exposure control plan - Pandemic influenza
[Issued February 8, 2007 as G6.34-2; Revised February 1, 2008 and renumbered as G6.34-6]
G6.40 Medical evaluation
[Issued August 1999; Revised February 1, 2008]
(Formerly titled Health Protection.)

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2-6 Fall protection during stunt work
[Issued May 9, 2006; Revised February 8, 2007; Revised February 1, 2008]

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists - Mobile cranes, boom trucks and sign trucks

G14.71 Good engineering practices
[Issued February 1, 2008]
(Replaces G14.71 Inspection and certification of mobile crane or boom truck.)

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists - Tower cranes

G14.88(5) Alternative means of jib access
[Issued February 1, 2008]

Part 30 Laboratories - General requirements

G30.9 Airflow monitoring
[Issued August 1999; Revised November 17, 2003; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008]
G30.12 Biological safety cabinets
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008]
(Content on risk groups has been removed.)

Guidelines Removed on February 1, 2008

G3.16-1 Employer's responsibilities
Part 3 Recommended Minimum Levels of First Aid (the recommended minimum levels of first aid have been replaced with required minimum levels of first aid)
G6.33-1 Definitions
G6.33-2 Occupational exposure
G6.35 Risk assessment (content has been moved to G6.34-2)
G6.36 Controls
G6.36(1) Engineering and work practice controls (content has been moved to G6.34-2)
G6.32(2) Personal protective equipment (PPE) (content has been moved to G6.34-2)
G6.36(3) Housekeeping practices (content has been moved to G6.34-3)
G6.34(4) Work procedures for contaminated laundry (content has been moved to G6.34-3)
G6.36(6) Universal precautions for bloodborne pathogens
G6.37 Labels and identification
G6.37(1) General labeling requirements
G6.37(2) Labeling requirements for diagnostic specimens
G6.37(3) Labeling of small samples
G6.37(4) Requirements for contaminated laundry or waste material
G6.38 Education and training
G.6.39 Vaccination
G6.41-1 Records
G6.41-2 Records of exposure (content has been moved to G6.34-5)
G6.41-3 Records of training (content has been moved to G6.34-5)
G14.2-2 Alternative acceptable CSA standard - Tower cranes
G14.16 Certification
G14.71 Inspection and certification of mobile crane or boom truck (guideline replaced by G14.71 Good engineering practices)
G14.72 Boom inspection
G14.81 Tower cranes - Limit devices
G14.84 Overlapping tower cranes - Jib swing
G14.101 Construction material hoists - Hoist platform
G30.10 Ducting

WCB Standards changes posted on February 1, 2008

The following standards accompany regulatory amendments to the OHS Regulation that are effective February 1, 2008.

WorkSafeBC Standard 13.30 Work Platforms Supported by Lift Trucks
WorkSafeBC Standard 14.116 Chimney Hoists

Guidelines Updates for Previous Years

2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002

2007 Guideline Updates

Guideline Updates 2007

Many sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Workers Compensation Act (WCA) have associated guidelines. Guidelines are intended to assist with providing ways of complying with the legislation, not to provide exclusive interpretations. Guidelines generally provide information on administrative matters and on technical matters not already addressed by policy.

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2007.

December 2007

Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

G13.2(1)-2 Application of CSA and ANSI standards for suspended stages New Item
[Preliminary Issue December 3, 2007]

The OHS Regulation requires that work platforms be used and designed in accordance with applicable CSA or ANSI standards. There are a number of standards that have requirements for use and design -- this new guideline clarifies which standards apply.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.15(1) Ground fault circuit interrupters and other acceptable means New Item
[Preliminary Issue December 4, 2007]

This new guideline has been developed to explain the use of a ground fault circuit interrupter and an assured grounding program, and to explain when an assured grounding program is another acceptable means of protection.

November 2007

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.5-2 Equipment standards - Vertical lifelines
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision November 21, 2007]

This guideline was revised to update the wording on length of lifelines, and to address the outdated line length limit of 300 feet. It includes some information on acceptable lengths under the applicable CSA standard and on criteria for maximum wind speed when lifelines are used with suspended staging.

October 2007

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-2 BC Safety Authority
[Issued October 26, 2005; Revised February 13, 2006; Preliminary Revision October 19, 2007 ]

This guideline was revised to ensure consistency with a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the BC Safety Authority on May 17, 2007. The guideline now provides additional information around cooperation and information sharing with Authority personnel.

G-D1-108-5 Jurisdiction over railways
[Issued April 1, 2006; Preliminary Revision October 19, 2007]

This guideline has been revised to update the list of railways operating within B.C. based on the MOU signed by WorkSafeBC and the BC Safety Authority on May 17, 2007.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment

G8.34-5 Assigned protection factor for helmet/hood style powered air purifying respirators new guideline
[Issued October 19, 2007]

Hood/helmet style powered air purifying respirators do not have a protection factor assigned in Table 8-1 of the OHS Regulation. This new guideline assigns a protection factor so that employers can calculate a maximum use concentration, as required by section 8.34.

Part 6 Biohazardous Materials

G6.36(1.3) Not clinically appropriate new guideline
[Issued October 2, 2007]

This new guideline is for regulatory amendments effective January 1, 2008 and October 1, 2008.

G6.36(1.4) and (1.5) Highest level of protection new guideline
[Issued October 2, 2007]

This new guideline is to describe the requirements and considerations for selecting safety-engineered medical sharps (SEMS), including safety-engineered hollow bore needles, that provide workers the highest level of protection. The guideline also highlights some of the obligations of suppliers of these devices.

September 2007

Workers Compensation Act

G-D6-153(1) Determining if a discrimination complaint has been settled new
[Preliminary Issue September 28, 2007]

This new guideline sets out the authority and practice that WorkSafeBC applies in determining whether a discrimination complaint has been "settled" as contemplated under section 153 of the Act.

Part 8 Personal Protective Equipment

G8.22(3)-1 Alternate standards new guideline
[Preliminary Issue September 28, 2007]

This new guideline recognizes additional safety footwear standards acceptable to WorkSafeBC. Safety footwear manufactured to some previous standards is no longer available in the marketplace. The guideline also includes a standard for chainsaw users.

Part 18 Traffic Control

G18.9 Safety headgear for traffic control persons
[Issued February 27, 2001; Editorial Revision January 1, 2007; Preliminary Revision September 28, 2007]

With the amendments to Part 18 of the OHS Regulation in 2007, a selection of colours for safety headgear is permitted under section 18.9. This revised guideline provides advice on criteria to consider in selecting a high visibility colour, and the guideline references the standard to be used in selecting reflective tape.

Editorial Revisions

The following guidelines have editorial revisions:

G6.36(1) Engineering and work practice controls
G6.36(1.1)-1 Safety engineered needles
G6.36(1.1)-2 "Workplace" - this guideline has been removed and some information moved to G6.36(1.1)-1

August 2007

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

G3.21 Suspension and cancellation of first aid certificates New Item
[Issued August 31, 2007]

WorkSafeBC has the authority to suspend or cancel certificates of first aid attendants. This guideline describes the circumstances under which WorkSafeBC may suspend or cancel these certificates, as well as the process that WorkSafeBC will undertake when it becomes aware of these circumstances.

Part 20 Concrete Pumping

G20.40 Use of outrigger on concrete pumping equipment
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revisions August 2004 and January 1, 2007; Preliminary Revision August 31, 2007]
This guideline has been revised to cover some technical issues related to deployment of outriggers, and to clarify the scope of the guideline. It now includes a set of topics to address for work procedures in circumstances where it is not practicable to fully deploy outriggers.

Editorial Revisions

The following guideline has editorial revisions:

G20.81 Sloping and shoring requirements

July 2007

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

G3.23 Young or new worker orientation and training New Item
[Issued July 26, 2007]

This new guideline provides information to help employers and workers implement the new OHS Regulation section 3.23 affecting new and young workers. Under the new provisions employers must provide training and orientation on specific topics to new and young workers before they begin work. Employers must provide the orientation and training to workers where workers may be affected by a change in the hazards at the workplace, where hazards have changed upon the worker returning to the workplace after an absence, and where the worker faces different hazards upon relocation to a new workplace.

G3.1-2 Farm labour contractors and growers - Responsibilities and OHS programs New Item
[Preliminary Issue July 5, 2007]

This new guideline discusses the OHS responsibilities of farm labour contractors, with a focus on the development and implementation of OHS programs. It also outlines how the responsibilities of the contractor relate to those of the grower and includes examples of how responsibilities apply in situations such as worker transport vehicles, personal protective equipment, first aid, protection from hazardous materials, and training.

Part 5 Chemical and Biological Substances

G5.48-11 Sampling of thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid mist

Guideline G5.48-11 advised of a VP Directive suspending the application of the occupational exposure limit for the thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid pending the development of an appropriate method. The guideline has been withdrawn because WorkSafeBC recently adopted the cyclone method for assessing the thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid mist.

Editorial Revisions

The following guideline has an editorial revision:

G28.38/28.40 Protective structures on mobile equipment in agriculture

June 2007

Part 5 Chemical & Biological Substances

G5.54-7 Drywall sanding requirements
[Issued June 14, 2002; Revised February 11, 2004; Editorial Revision June 6, 2007]

This guideline has been updated to reflect a change to the protection factor for facepiece filtering respirators and to reflect other editorial changes to terminology.

Part 17 Transportation of Workers

G17.3 Seat belts New Item
[Preliminary Issue June 6, 2007]

This guideline sets out the requirements for the use of seat belts in worker transportation vehicles.

G17.10 Vehicle design New Item
[Preliminary Issue June 6, 2007]

This guideline describes acceptable dimensions for emergency exits for worker transport vehicles, as well as discussing adequate access to those exits.

Workers Compensation Act Part 3 Division 3

G-D3-124 Responsibilities of the persons/parties in a workplace
[Issued March 28, 2002; Preliminary Revision June 6, 2007]

This guideline provides examples of the application of section 124 of the Act, which, if certain requirements are met, allows parties at a workplace to arrange among themselves who will comply with health and safety obligations.

Editorial Revisions

The following guidelines have editorial revisions:

G7.3-1 Noise measurement -- When required and performance
G20.78(1) Vibration, hydrostatic pressure or hazardous ground movement

May 2007

Part 5 Chemical and Biological Substances

Revisions to Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances

OHS Guideline G5.48-1 Table of Exposure Limits - Background Information

The Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances has been updated to reflect recent changes to the exposure limits. Each year the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) publishes a list of substances which have been assigned new or revised threshold limit values (TLVs). In accordance with section 5.48 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, these new or revised TLVs are automatically adopted unless the substance is listed as an excluded substance or as otherwise determined by WorkSafeBC. The Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances set out in Guideline G5.48-1 has been amended accordingly.

Noteworthy changes include addition of six new substances to the Table, such as dimethyl disulfide and methyl naphthalene, and significantly reduced exposure limits for toluene and trichloroethylene. The "Skin " designation has been removed from the toluene exposure limit to reflect a determination that skin absorption does not contribute significantly to the overall exposure.

A table of the new or revised 2007 OELs (PDF 38KB) for 19 substances, including two revisions to the list of excluded substances that are under consideration, is also available.

Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment

G12.70 Panic bars on driven-feed chippers
Guideline G12.70 has been temporarily removed pending further consultation with affected stakeholders. It is anticipated that a revised guideline will be issued once that consultation has been completed.

Editorial Revisions

The following guidelines have editorial revisions:

G14.34.1 Operator certification
G18.4(1) Supervision -- Traffic control person training in a manner acceptable to WorkSafeBC

April 2007

Part 7 Noise, Vibration, Radiation & Temperature

G7.3-1 Noise measurement - When required and performance
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision April 4, 2007 ]

This guideline has been revised to indicate that CSA Standard Z107.56-06 is now the currently applicable standard under section 7.3(2)(a) of the OHS Regulation. The guideline notes some of the differences between the 1994 and 2006 versions of the standard.

G7.8-1 Annual hearing tests
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005; Editorial Revision April 4, 2007 ]

This guideline has been revised to clarify that the employer's obligation in section 7.8(1) is to have a reasonably effective program for testing workers.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment

G8.40 Respiratory protection - Fit test
[Issued August 1, 1999; Editorial Revision April 4, 2007 ]

This guideline has been revised to account for an updated CSA Standard for respiratory protection. Some additional information from the standard has been added to the guideline to more fully explain the acceptable fit test methods, specifically the addition of two fit test methodologies to the standard.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation & Demolition

G20.47 Inspection and certification of concrete placing booms and masts New Item
[Preliminary issue April 4, 2007 ]

This guideline has been written to clarify "good engineering practice" in the context of section 20.47. It also provides information on who is authorized to certify that the inspection has been done and that a concrete placing boom and mast is safe for use.

Workers Compensation Act Part 3 Division 12

G-D12-187-1 Worker orders
[Issued October 31, 2002; Editorial Revision June 2005; Editorial Revision April 4, 2007 ]

This guideline has been revised to remove a statement that suggests that an order under the authority of section 187 of the Workers Compensation Act will not be issued if the workplace parties exercise due diligence with respect to their responsibilities.

Editorial Revisions

The following guidelines have editorial revisions:

G4.9 Inspection and maintenance records
G6.24-3 Suitable work procedures
G8.34-3 Maximum use concentration and IDLH

March 2007

Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

G13.1 Types of work platforms
[Issued January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision March 8, 2007]

This guideline has been revised to make clear the distinctions between different types of platforms, particularly elevating work platforms, and platforms that are elevated by equipment such as forklifts or cranes.

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists

G14.34(3) Implementation period for operator qualifications

This guideline has been deleted because it contained a VP directive and section 14.34(3) was repealed effective January 1, 2007.

February 2007

Part 4 General Conditions

G4.79 Moulds and indoor air quality
[Issued June 14, 2002; Preliminary Revision February 8, 2007 ]

This revised guideline includes an update to the known health effects, incorporation of the generally accepted EPA standard protocol for mould remediation instead of the New York protocol, correction of an error in metric conversion in the Table, and an update to the sampling options, including some explanation of more current air sampling protocols.

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements

G6.34-2 Exposure control plan - Pandemic influenza New Item
[Preliminary Issue February 8, 2007 ]

For some time, health authorities have advised of the possibility of an influenza pandemic arising from a mutated strain of a virus currently found primarily in birds (technically referred to as the H5N1 virus). WorkSafeBC has issued this new guideline to assist with workplace planning in the event of an influenza pandemic. The guideline addresses the expectations for exposure control plans to protect workers from possible exposure to such a virus in BC workplaces.

The guideline is intended to be consistent with the direction of the recent documents adopted by agencies such as the US Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. It is also intended to be consistent with primary themes of the SARS Commission Report by Justice A. Campbell, such as the precautionary principle when evaluating scientific evidence related to control measures, including respiratory protection.

This guideline has been developed by an interdepartmental committee at WorkSafeBC, in consultation with workplace stakeholders and following a period of consultation with other parties. As is the case with other guidelines, it may be revised from time to time based on evolving evidence on the nature of the virus and appropriate means of control.

Part 7 Noise, Vibration, Radiation & Temperature

G7.24(a) Radiation surveys New Item
[Preliminary Issue February 8, 2007 ]

This new guideline clarifies the time requirement for when an employer must conduct radiation surveys of x-ray equipment.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment

G8.33(1) Selection of respiratory protection - Alternate standard New Item
[Preliminary Issue February 8, 2007 ]

This new guideline indicates WorkSafeBC's acceptance of an updated CSA standard as an alternative standard for selecting appropriate respiratory protection.

G8.34-2 Assigned protection factors for non-powered filtering facepiece style air-purifying respirators
[Issued March 22, 2004; Editorial Revision February 8, 2007]

This guideline has been revised to show the updated protection factor for filtering facepiece respiratory protection.

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2-6 Fall protection during stunt work
[Issued May 9, 2006; Preliminary Revision February 8, 2007]

This guideline was initially developed in the spring of 2006, with a commitment from the stunt performance sector to assemble further information on matters including manufacturer data on harnesses, deceleration systems, and criteria for inspecting and possible removal from service of harnesses and other fall protection equipment. Meetings were held in late 2006, and agreements were achieved with employer and worker representatives in the stunt community on an update to this guideline. The guideline also includes reference to a VP Directive which is in place to provide the time to complete the regulatory review of section 11.10 (Removal from service) of the Regulation.

Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds & Temporary Work Platforms

G13.32 Prior permission - Platform use in high risk situations
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005; Preliminary Revision February 8, 2007]

This guideline has been substantially updated, based on experience with issuing acceptances for the types of circumstances covered by section 13.32. Suspension heights of more than 300 feet have been a particular issue, both because of the nature of risk factors involved, as well as the position established by applicable standards. As a result, much of the guideline addresses this aspect. The updated guideline also provides new information on the standards associated with platform use.

Editorial Revisions

The following guidelines have received editorial revisions to reflect the regulatory amendments effective January 1, 2007

G18.4(2) Traffic control supervisor
G18.9 Colour of safety headgear for a traffic control person

January 2007

Part 5 Controlling Exposure

G5.48-11 Sampling of thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid mist
[Editorial Revision January 1, 2007 ]

G5.49 Application of excursion limits New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline explains and provides examples of the application of excursion limits in section 5.49.

Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements - Biohazardous Materials

G6.36(1) Engineering and work practice controls
[Revised January 1, 2007 ]

This guideline has been revised, in part to reference the upcoming requirements for safety-engineered needles.

G6.36(1.1)-1 Safety engineered needles New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline comments on the implementation period for the requirements for safety-engineered needles under section 6.36(1.1) and discusses "clinically appropriate" and "highest level protection."

G6.36(1.1)-2 "Workplace" New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline highlights the definition of "workplace" in the Workers Compensation Act and provides some examples of workplaces under section 6.36(1.1) of the OHS Regulation.

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.11 Confined spaces - Qualified persons New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline provides direction to employers on how to meet their obligations to select qualified persons to create confined space hazard assessments and work procedures. It also provides contact information on some of the accrediting agencies that issue professional certifications referenced in section 9.11.

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2-6 Fall protection during stunt work
[Editorial Revision January 1, 2007 ]

Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

G13.23(1) Inspection and certification of elevating work platforms New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline outlines some of the factors that should be considered when determining if an inspection has been conducted in accordance with "good engineering practice" under this section. It also provides information on who is authorized to certify that the inspection has been done and that the equipment complies with the Regulation and is safe for use.

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists

G14.34.1 Operator certification New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline identifies the association WorkSafeBC considers to be "a person acceptable to the Board" under section 14.34.1. It also specifies the types of equipment operators who are required to be certified and provides an overview of the certification program.

G14.84 Overlapping tower cranes - Jib swing
[Editorial Revision January 1, 2007 ]

Part 16 Mobile Equipment

G16.3 (and 4.3(4)) Fuel tank filler and vent outlet locations
[Editorial Revision January 1, 2007 ]

Part 18 Traffic Control

G18.4(1) Supervision - Traffic control person training in a manner acceptable to WorkSafeBC New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline outlines what elements of training WorkSafeBC requires in different traffic control environments, for a traffic control person to be considered trained in a manner acceptable to WorkSafeBC.

Part 19 Electrical Safety

G19.16-2 Appropriate electrical protective equipment - Standards acceptable to WorkSafeBC
[Editorial Revision Issue January 1, 2007 ]

Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition

G20.4(2) Suitable access for safe delivery of equipment and materials New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline provides examples of "equipment and materials" under section 20.4(2) of the Regulation, discusses coordination among workplace parties, and provides examples of safe delivery, interior access, and material handling practices.

G20.40 Use of outriggers on concrete pumping equipment
[Editorial Revision January 1, 2007 ]

Part 23 Oil and Gas

G23.14(5) Pressure control measures at pumping wellheads New Item
[Issued January 1, 2007 ]

This new guideline describes what is meant by the "measures" referenced in section 23.14(5) and outlines an example of an acceptable set of measures. Th measures deal with the parts of the system that can be over-pressurized as a direct result of a down-hole positive displacement pump not being shut down when necessary, and with the associated pressure sensors.

Editorial Revisions

The following guidelines have received editorial revisions to reflect the regulatory amendments effective January 1, 2007:

G14.84 Overlapping tower cranes - Jib Swing
G16.3 (and 4.34(4)) Fuel tank filler and vent outlet locations
G19.16-2 Appropriate electrical protective equipment - Standards acceptable to WorkSafeBC
G20.40 Use of outriggers on concrete pumping equipment

Guidelines Updates for Previous Years

2006
2005
2004
2003
2002

2006 Guideline Updates

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2006.

November 2006

Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment

G12.3 Safeguarding requirement - Alternative standard New Item
[Preliminary Issue November 21, 2006 ]

This new guideline specifies, in the case of section 12.3 of the OHS Regulation, an alternative standard to the CSA standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC, and summarizes the differences between the standards.

G12.70 Panic bars on driven-feed chippers New Item
[Preliminary Issue November 21, 2006 ]

This new guideline sets out

minimum standards for panic bars on driven feed chippers
safe work procedures on operating driven feed chippers

Part 16 Mobile Equipment

G16.7(j)-2 Lift truck operator training - Alternative standards New Item
[Preliminary Issue November 21, 2006 ]

The OHS Regulation specifies a single CSA standard for lift truck operator training. This guideline provides acceptance for use of an updated version of the CSA standard as well as the training requirements from an ANSI standard, as alternative standards.

Part 24 Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations

G24.69 Fishing operations -- Determining who is the employer
[Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision May 2005; Preliminary Revision November 21, 2006]

This revised guideline provides principles to consider in determining to what extent the owner or master of a fishing vessel carries the responsibilities of the employer under Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act and the OHS Regulation.

Part 5, Chemical and Biological Substances

Some notations in the Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances were updated, primarily to reflect the November 29, 2006 listing of carcinogens by IARC (the International Agency for Research on Cancer). For example, titanium dioxide and chrysene are now considered to be possible carcinogens.

September 2006

Part 2 Application

G2.1-2 Homeowners as "employers" New Item
[Preliminary Issue September 22, 2006 ]

The purpose of this new guideline is to assist officers, homeowners and contractors in understanding when and what responsibilities arise under Part 3 of the OHS Regulation.

Part 12 Tools, Machinery & Equipment

G12.74-2 Automotive lifts and other vehicle support standards - Applicable standards New Item
[Preliminary Issue September 22, 2006 ]

This new guideline

lists the standards applicable to automotive lift equipment manufactured prior to the date of the standards referenced in section 12.74 of the Regulation
shows the design of decals used to verify certification to the standard provides guidance for the certification of equipment where a standard is not available, both for automotive lifts and for portable automotive lift devices.

August 2006

Part 4 General Conditions

WorkSafeBC has developed various guideline materials to assist with understanding, assisting, and controlling the risk of musculoskeletal injury (MSI) in the workplace. The guidance materials include booklets on the risks of MSI and injury prevention, ergonomics commentary sheets, MSI bulletins, as well as some checklist and assessment aids.

The following new guidelines from WorkSafeBC and related materials to assist with implementing the ergonomics (MSI) requirements in the OHS Regulation and assessing associated publications.

G4.46 Definition of musculoskeletal injury (MSI)
[Issued August 3, 2006]

G4.47 Risk identification
[Issued August 3, 2006]

G4.48Risk assessment
[Issued August 3, 2006]

G4.49 Risk factors
[Issued August 3, 2006]

G4.50 Risk control
[Issued August 3, 2006]

G4.51 Education and training
[Issued August 3, 2006]

G4.52 Evaluation
[Issued August 3, 2006]

G4.53 Consultation
[Issued August 3, 2006]

Part 5 Chemical and Biological Substances

G5.48-5 Welding fume
Issued originally as G5.48-4 August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised August 3, 2006

The revision in 2003 to section 5.48 of the OHS Regulation provided for the adoption of ACGIH threshold limit values as regulated exposure limits except where otherwise determined by the Board, ACGIH limit values included a limit for welding fume, and this guideline had reflected that fact. However, ACGIH has since removed its reference to welding fumes.

Therefore, this guideline has been revised to

remove reference to an exposure limit for welding fume
provide new information on the composition of welding fumes to assist with ensuring worker safety in welding operations.

Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment

Effective August 15, 2006, sections 12.74-12.80.2 of the OHS Regulation have been amended. The following new OHS Guidelines provide information to assist in the implementation of a number of the amended provisions. For information on the regulatory amendments see www.worksafebc.com/regulation_and_policy/policy_decision
/board_decisions /2006/january/Default.asp#1

G12.74-1 Automotive lifts and other vehicle support standards - Evidence of compliance
[Preliminary Issue August 15, 2006]

This guideline provides

information on acceptable forms of evidence that automotive lifts meet the required ANSI standard

guidance on the operation, inspection and maintenance of lifts.

G12.76 Operation
[Preliminary Issue August 15, 2006]

This guideline describes circumstances where compliance with section 12.76 of the OHS Regulation would be an acceptable alternative when it is not possible to comply with all of the requirements of section 12.74 of the OHS Regulation (Automotive Lift and Other Vehicle Support Standards). It also describes some important differences between successive editions of the ANSI standards for automotive lifts.

G12.77 Records
[Preliminary Issue August 15, 2006]

This guideline advises employers on appropriate record-keeping, and clarifies certain differences between each record.

G12.78 Inspection and testing
[Preliminary Issue August 15, 2006]

This guideline describes acceptable methods of inspecting and testing automotive lifts on a monthly basis.

June 2006

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-6 WorkSafeBC jurisdiction over helilogging operations
[Issued June 6, 2006]

This new guideline outlines WorkSafeBC's jurisdiction over helilogging operations.

G-D12-188(4)-2 Assignment of authority by the Vice President
[Issued June 1, 2006]

This guideline describes the assignment of certain duties and authorities under the OHS Regulation by the Vice President, Worker and Employer Services Division ("WES Division") to designated positions within the WES Division.

Part 5 Chemical and Biological Substances

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
[Revised June 29, 2006]
"R" notation for "Borate compounds, inorganic, inhalable" is no longer applicable.

G5.73 Engine servicing and work area assessment for mobile equipment operated indoors
[Issued June 6, 2006]

There have been a number of incidents of overexposure to exhaust contaminants such as carbon monoxide from the use of mobile equipment in workplaces (e.g. ice arenas). In response, an initial guideline (G5.75 Mobile equipment emission controls) was published in 2005, along with other hazard information. This new guideline on engine servicing and work area assessment under section 5.73 of the OHS Regulation is another guideline on the topic.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment

G8.24-1 Alternative standard for high visibility apparel
[Issued June 6, 2006]

Suppliers of high visibility apparel have asked WorkSafeBC to consider an alternative standard to that specified in section 8.24(1), based on the CSA standard that was issued in 2002. This new guideline provides an alternative standard that is acceptable to WorkSafeBC, based on a modified version of the CSA standard.

Part 24 Diving, Fishing & Other Marine Operations

G24.13-2 Diver competency standards
[Issued November 23, 2005; Revised June 6, 2006]

This guideline was revised to indicate that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the United Kingdom no longer certifies to a standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC under section 24.13(1)(a) of the OHS Regulation.

May 2006

Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities

G3.1 Occupational health and safety program
[Issued March 30, 2004; Revised October 26, 2005; Revised May 17, 2006]

This guideline combines and updates the following OHS Guidelines to reflect the regulatory amendments to section 3.1:

G3.1-1 Occupational health and safety program - Hazard rating
G3.1-2 Occupational health and safety programs - When required

Also, G3.1 now provides criteria for counting workers in an employer's workforce when considering whether an occupational health and safety program is required under section 3.1(1). See also G3.2 "Less formal" occupational health and safety (OHS) programs, which replaces, in part, a policy from the Policy and Procedure Manual. The guideline highlights one of the situations where employers are required to implement a "less formal program" and discusses the requirements for "less formal" programs under section 3.2.

G3.2 "Less formal" occupational health and safety (OHS) programs
[Preliminary Issue October 26, 2005; Revised May 17, 2006]

Part 5 Chemical and Biological Substances

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
[Revised May 5, 2006]

The Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances was updated to reflect about twenty amendments to TLV's adopted by ACGIH in 2006. New or revised exposure limits are included for substances such as coumaphos, 2-methoxyethanol, propylene, and tetrabromoethane. Exposure limits for some forms of silica were withdrawn and a revised limit for silica (crystalline alpha quartz) was adopted. The limit for VM & P naphtha is also revised.

* Substances with new exposure limits in 2006
* Background information
* E-mail with your comments or concerns with the new limits before July 31, 2006.

Part 6 Chemical and Biological Substances

G6.1 Definition of asbestos-containing material
[Issued March 25, 2005; Editorial revision May 17, 2006]

Editorial revision to reflect the regulatory amendments effective May 17, 2006.

G6.53(1) Biological safety cabinets (BCSs)
[Issued August 1, 1999; Editorial revision May 17, 2006 ]

Editorial revision to reflect the regulatory amendments effective May 17, 2006.

G6.53(2) Safe work procedures
[Issued May 17, 2006]

This new guideline outlines a set of work procedures that are considered safe for the administration of cytotoxic drugs.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment

G8.33(2)-1 Approved respirators
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised May 9, 2006]

This revised guideline provides information on particulate respirators, other than NIOSH approved respirators, deemed acceptable to WorkSafeBC. Five additional jurisdictions are referenced.

G8.34-4 Protection factors - standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC
[Issued May 17, 2006]

This new guideline identifies a standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC under the footnote in Table 8-1 in the OHS Regulation.

G8.45 Maintenance and inspection of self-contained breathing apparatus
[Issued May 17, 2006]

This new guideline provides information on the application of the requirements in section 8.45 regarding the inspection of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), servicing and repair, and hydrostatic testing.

Part 9 Confined Spaces

G9.29 Notifying WorkSafeBC about inerting a confined space
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised May 9, 2006]

This revised guideline provides information to employers and others on how to notify WorkSafeBC of an intention to inert a confined space, and the information needed in the notification. It also provides information to prevention officers on how to respond to these requests.

Part 11 Fall Protection

G11.2-6 Fall protection during stunt work
[Effective May 9, 2006]

This new guideline provides information on the application of section 11.2 to stunt work in the entertainment industry, and includes an alternative standard for fall protection equipment. It also references a VP Directive that has been issued to address re-use of equipment after it has arrested a fall.

The following guidelines have received editorial revisions to reflect the regulatory amendments effective May 17, 2006.

G11.6-1 Anchors
[Issued January 1, 2005; Revised May 17, 2006]

G11.6-2 Anchor selection and use
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005; Revised May 17, 2006]

G11.6-3 Anchors - Cornice hook and parapet clamp use
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised January 1, 2005; Revised May 17, 2006]

G11.7 Temporary horizontal lifelines
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005; Revised May 17, 2006]

Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds & Temporary Work Platforms

G13.29 Lower travel limit devices
[Issued May 17, 2006]

This guideline provides information on the application of section 13.29(2) and (2.1) of the OHS Regulation. In particular, it addresses the issue in subsection (2) of hazards below the platform, and in subsection (2.1) the circumstances in which lower limit travel devices may not be practicable.

Part 20 Construction, Excavation & Demolition

G20.13(3.1) Ensuring loads do not exceed capacity of thrust-out platforms
[Issued June 14, 2004: Revised May 17, 2006]

This guideline describes the measures WorkSafeBC considers acceptable under section 20.13(3.1), to ensure all loads placed on a thrust-out crane landing platform are safely supported and can be safely attached to and detached from the rigging. If a person wishes to use a control system not described in this guideline, an application would need to be made to WorkSafeBC, and the acceptability of that system affirmed in writing by WorkSafeBC before such a system is implemented.

The control measures outlined in this guideline involve work procedures or work procedures combined with engineering controls. The guideline outlines a system of nine control measures acceptable to WorkSafeBC. The guideline provides three options for determining the weights of loads, and discusses two types of engineering controls that may be used as part of the system to ensure that platforms are not overloaded.

G20.102 Suspended work platforms in marine construction and pile driving activities
[Issued May 17, 2006]

This new guideline provides information on the circumstances under section 20.102(2)(a) in which WorkSafeBC expects it will be practicable to use a second crane or other hoist as a means for positioning workers to perform work tasks, and when it will not be practicable. The term "practicable" is defined in the OHS Regulation to mean "that which is reasonably capable of being done." The guideline also provides information on the application of section 20.102(2)(b).

Part 26 Forestry Operations

G26.65(3) Logging trucks pulling multiple trailers
[Issued May 17, 2006]

This new guideline provides direction on how to calculate the weight that may shift and contact the barrier to determine the strength of barrier required under section 26.65(3).

G26.65(4)(b) Installing the barrier on the logging truck in a manner acceptable to WorkSafeBC
[Issued May 17, 2006]

This new guideline provides direction about acceptable installation of a barrier on a logging truck under section 26.65(4)(b).

Part 31 Firefighting

G31.26 Maintenance and records of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
[Issued May 17, 2006]

This new guideline provides information on the application of section 31.26(1)-(3) on the inspection of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), servicing and repair, and hydrostatic testing.

April 2006

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-4 Fire safety and prevention
[Issued February 22, 2006; Revised April 4, 2006]

G-D1-108-5 Jurisdiction over railways
[Issued April 1, 2006 ]

On April 1, 2004, WorkSafeBC was given jurisdiction over the occupational health and safety of railways and rail operations within provincial jurisdiction. This guideline outlines the extent of WorkSafeBC's jurisdiction over railways.

G-D9-164 Variance process
[Editorial Revision November 24, 2006]

This new guideline sets out the legal requirements that apply if an application is made for a variance to the OHS Regulation, and the process used at WorkSafeBC to review applications.

Part 5 - Chemical & Biological Substances

G5.90 Mobile shower units
[Issued April 1, 2006 ]

This guideline clarifies WorkSafeBC's recommendations for the use of mobile shower units at oil and gas worksites. The guideline includes specific recommendations for the use of trucks that incorporate shower units as well as firefighting capabilities.

March 2006

Part 5 - Chemical & Biological Substances

G5.48-11 Sampling of thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid mist
[Issued April 29, 2005; Revised Effective March 1, 2006]

This guideline documents the renewal of a VP directive suspending the application of section 5.48 of the OHS Regulation with respect to the thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid mist, due to a lack of viable sampling methodology. WorkSafeBC is currently evaluating new sampling technology.

Part 14 - Cranes & Hoists

The following guidelines have been revised to reflect extended Vice President Directives:

G14.34(3) Implementation Period for Operator Qualifications
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised Effective January 1, 2005; Revised Effective January 1, 2006]

G14.84 Overlapping tower cranes - Jib swing
[Effective May 20, 2004; Revised Effective January 1, 2006]

February 2006

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-2 BC Safety Authority
[Issued October 26, 2005; Revised February 13, 2006 ]

G-D1-108-3 Labour Program - Human Resources and Services Development Canada (HRSDC) Jurisdiction
[Issued February 22, 2006]

This guideline sets out the rationale for distinguishing between federal and provincial jurisdictions over occupational health & safety, and notes the protocol between the agencies where there are limits on the jurisdiction. The guideline incorporates and updates a policy from the Policy & Procedure Manual.

G-D1-108-4 Fire safety and prevention
[Issued February 22, 2006]

This guideline replaces and updates a policy from the Policy & Procedure Manual. This guideline describes WorkSafeBC's relationship to the Office of the Fire Commissioner ("Office") and the Office's jurisdiction over fire safety and fire protection in British Columbia.

G-D6-152 Worker Complaints of Discriminatory Action
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised April 2, 2004; Revised February 7, 2006]

This guideline has been updated to bring it in line with the present practice.

Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition

G20.79 Underground utilities
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision August 2004; Revised February 13, 2006]

This guideline has been revised to refer readers to a WorkSafeBC publication regarding work practices for excavations near underground utilities and update references to the Gas Safety Regulation, which governs excavations near gas installations.

Guidelines Updates for Previous Years

2005
2004
2003
2002

2005 Guideline Updates

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2005.

December 2005

Part 5 - Controlling Exposure
Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised August, 2004; Revised April 2005; Revised October 2005; Updated December 2005]

Updated to clarify that "Particles not otherwise classified" (PNOC) have an 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 10 mg/m³ and a respirable limit of 3 mg/m³. In addition, a new end note (N) has been added to the table to identify various specific nuisance dusts for which a respirable limit of 3 mg/m³ also applies.

November 2005

Part 5 - Controlling Exposure

G5.48-7 Nuisance dusts
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised November 23, 2005]

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

G6.8 Asbestos - Procedures for abatement of asbestos-containing material (ACM) during house and building demolition/renovation
[Issued July 5, 2002; Revised November 23, 2005]

Part 24 - Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations

G24.12 Diving Operations - Training
[Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision October 2004; Editorial Revision November 23 2005]

G24.13-2 Diving Operations - Diver competency standards New Item
Issued November 23, 2005

October 2005

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-2 BC Safety Authority New Item
[Preliminary Issue: October 26, 2005]

Part 5 - Controlling Exposure

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised August, 2004; Revised April 2005; Revised October 2005]

CAS numbers updated for neon and chloracetyl chloride.

Part 21 - Blasting Operations

G21.8 Certification - Qualifications
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 2005]

G21.10 Certification - Examinations
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 2005]

G21.12 Certification - Custody of certificates
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 2005]

G21.15 Certification - Suspension/seizure of certificates
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 2005]

Part 23 - Oil and Gas

G23.61Drilling and Servicing Rigs - Safeguarding at the rotary table area of drilling and service rigs New Item
[Preliminary issue October 26, 2005]

September 2005

Workers Compensation Act

G-D1-108-1 Board jurisdiction over operations involving Aboriginal people
[Preliminary Issue: September 28, 2005]

G-D11-179-5 Incident investigations
[Issued: September 28, 2005]

G-D15-214 Prosecutions: Board's practices for providing approval to lay an information in respect of an offence
[Issued: September 28, 2005]

Part 13 - Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

G13.23 Structural inspection of elevated work platforms
[Issued: September 28, 2005]

Part 19 - Electrical Safety

G19.41 Electrofishing - Ensuring worker training and knowledge
[Issued: September 28, 2005]

Part 26 - Forestry Operations

G26.2-2 Planning log hauling operations for varying road grades
[Issued: September 28, 2005]

G26.22 Faller training - application
[Preliminary Issue: September 28, 2005]

July 2005

Part 5 - Chemical and Biological Substances

G5.75 Mobile equipment emission controls
[Preliminary Issue: July 27, 2005]

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

G6.36(1) Engineering and work practice controls
[Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision July 2004; Revised July 21, 2005]

Part 9 - Confined Spaces

G9.1-1 Excluded confined spaces
[Issued July 21, 2005]

Part 13 - Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

G13.33(4)(b) Fall protection on suspended work platforms
[Preliminary Issue: July 27, 2005]

June 2005

Part 19 - Electrical Safety

G19.1-1 Electrical Safety Act repealed
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

G19.1-2 Electrical qualifications
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

G19.8(1) Standards acceptable to the Board
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

G19.16-2 Appropriate electrical protective equipment - standards acceptable to the Board
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

G19.24 Minimum clearance
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

G19.25 Assurance in writing
Revised June 29, 2005

G19.26 Assurance not practicable
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

G19.27 Specially trained
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

G19.28 Emergency work
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

G19.29 Authorization by owner
[Preliminary issue June 29, 2005]

May 2005

Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements

G6.116-2 Definition of "toxic process gas"
[Preliminary issue May 25, 2005]

Part 8 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

G8.12/8.13 Use of safety headgear for workers on ATVs and similar equipment in agricultural operations
[Preliminary issue May 25, 2005]

Part 13 - Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms
G13.2(1) Ship's ladders
[Preliminary issue May 25, 2005]

Part 28 - Agriculture

G28.38/28.40 Protective structures on mobile equipment in agriculture
[Preliminary issue May 25, 2005]

April 2005

Part 12 - Tools, Machinery and Equipment

G12.56 (and 4.3(1)&(2)) Powder actuated tools - Use and service in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
[Effective April 1, 2001; Editorial Revision April 2005]

Part 5 - Controlling Exposure

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised August, 2004; Revised April 2005]

The Table of Exposure Limits was updated to reflect just over a dozen TLV amendments of 2005. New limits were added to the Table for substances such as 1-bromopropane, dichloroacetic acid and gallium arsenide. Revisions were made to limits for substances such as acrylamide, ethylene and sulfotep. In a few cases, such as silica crystalline-tridymite, limits were withdrawn due to insufficient data.

Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) Consultation
The OEL Committee welcomes, in the form of a written submission, your comments and/or concerns about the regulation of substances for which new OELs were adopted in 2005. Please send your submissions before June 10, 2005.

In addition the following changes to guidelines were made:

G5.48-2 Annual revisions to exposure limits
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised February 4, 2005; Revised April 29, 2005]
This was updated to reflect an April 2005 amendment to the terms of reference of the OEL Committee.

G5.48-11 Occupational exposure limit for sulfuric acid
[Issued April 29, 2005]
This new guideline advises of a vice presidential directive to suspend the application of the OEL for sulfuric acid (thoracic).

March 2005

Part 6.1 - Asbestos
G6.1 Definition of asbestos-containing material
[ Issued March 25, 2005]

Part 18 - General Requirements
G18.3 Traffic control supervisor
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised March 25, 2005]

Workers Compensation Act

G-D4-135-1 Joint committees course approval
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised March 25, 2005]

February 2005

Part 20 - Excavations

G20.78(1)(e) Ground slope adjacent to excavation work
[Issued February 22, 2005]

Part 5 - Controlling Exposure

Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised August, 2004; Revised February 2005]

G5.48-1 Table of exposure limits - background information
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised February 4, 2005]

G5.48-2 Annual revisions to exposure limits
[Issued October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised February 4, 2005]

G5.57 Designated substances
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004; Revised February 4, 2005]

Workers Compensation Act

G-D3-115(1) The BC Human Rights Code and responsibilities of employers
[Issued February 4, 2005]

Part 24 - Fishing Operations

G24.70 Compliance with standards
[Issued February 3, 2005]

G24.71 Owner and master responsibilities - major modifications
[Issued February 3, 2005]

G24.72 Documentation
[Issued February 3, 2005]

G24.76 Vessel preparation
[Issued February 3, 2005]

Part 26 - Forestry Operations

G26.2 Inspections and investigations with respect to forestry operations
[Preliminary Issue March 30, 2004; Revised Preliminary Issue February 3, 2005]

Part 1 - Definitions

G1.1 Board
[Retired: February 2, 2005]

Part 3 - Rights and Responsibilities

G3.1-2 Occupational health and safety programs - When required
[Issued February 1, 2005]

January 2 - 25, 2005

G6.71 Pesticides - Application
[Retired: January 25, 2005]

G16.18(3) Two Lever or Joystick Controls
[Retired: January 05, 2005]

January 1, 2005

Part 4 - Work Area Requirements

Part 4 - Illumination

Part 4 - Occupational Environment Requirements

Part 5 - WHMIS

Part 7 - Noise Exposure

Part 7 - Vibration Exposure

Part 7 - Radiation Exposure

Part 7 - Thermal Exposure

Part 9 - Definitions

Part 11 - Fall Protection

Part 13 - General

Part 13 - Ladders

Part 13 - Work Platforms

Part 13 - Scaffolds

Part 13 - Movable Work Platforms

Part 14 - Equipment Operation

Part 16 - Guards

G20.75

Part 28 - Hazardous Substances

January 1, 2005

Part 4 - Work Area Requirements

G4.41 Waste material in agricultural operations
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Part 4 - Illumination

G4.65 Illumination levels
[Issued September 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

Part 4 - Occupational environment requirements

G4.84(1) Eating areas - Unwholesome food
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G4.84(2) Eating areas - Storage and consumption
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G4.85(1)-1 Washroom facilities - Sufficient facilities
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G4.85(1)-2 Washroom facilities - Readily available
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G4.85(2) Washroom facilities where no plumbing is available
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G4.85(3) Maintenance of washroom facilities
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G4.86 Change areas
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G4.87 Unsafe water
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Part 5 - WHMIS G5.3-8 The application of WHMIS in agriculture
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Part 7 - Noise Exposure

G7.2 Exposure limits
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.3-1 Noise exposure data collected by prevention officers
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.3-2 Noise measurement - when required and performance
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.4 Exemption
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.5-1 Program - education and training
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.5-2 Annual program review
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.6-1 Investigating controls
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.6-2 Implementing controls
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.7-1 Selection of hearing protection
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.7-2 Warning signs and hearing protection
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.8-1 Annual hearing tests
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.8-2 Authorized hearing testers
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.8-3 Hearing test results
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.8-4 Construction industry
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.9 Test records
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

Part 7- Vibration Exposure

G7.11-1 Exposure limits - hand-arm vibration
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.11-2 Exposure limits - whole-body vibration
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.12 Evaluation
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.13 Exposure control plan
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.14 Information on adverse effects
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G7.15 Labels
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.16 Exposure to cold
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Part 7 - Radiation Exposure

G7.17 Definitions - Calculation of the equivalent dose and the effective dose
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G7.18 Application for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation - Agencies having jurisdiction
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.19-1 Exposure to ionizing radiation - Exposure limits and exposure period
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.19-2 Notification of worker overexposure to ionizing radiation
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.19(4)-1 Exposure to non-ionizing radiation - Electromagnetic fields
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.19(4)-2 Exposure to non-ionizing radiation - Lasers
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.19(5) Exposure to non-ionizing radiation - Ultraviolet radiation
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.20(1)-1 Exposure control plan - General requirements
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.20(1)-2 Exposure control plan - Control measures
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.20(1)-3 Exposure control plan - Personal protective equipment
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.20(1)-4 Exposure control plan - Education and training
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.20(2) Exposure control plan - Posting of instructions
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G7.21 Reproductive hazards
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.22 Monitoring exposure
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.23 Acceptable standards
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.24 Radiation surveys
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.25 Records
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

Part 7 - Thermal Exposure

G7.27(1) Heat exposure - Application
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.27(2) Firefighting
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.28(1) Exposure limits - Using the ACGIH Standard
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.28(2) Clothing correction values
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.29-1 Heat stress assessment
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G7.29-2 Environmental parameters
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.29-3 Physiological measures
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.29-4 Heat stress assessment using a dry bulb thermometer only
[Issued June 14, 2002; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.29-5 Exposure control plan
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.30-1 Engineering controls
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.30-2 Administrative controls
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.30-3 Personal protective equipment
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.33-1 Cold exposure - Application
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.33-2 Cooling power of wind (imperial units)
[Preliminary issue January 1, 2005]

G7.33-3 Cooling power of wind (metric units)
[Preliminary issue January 1, 2005]

G7.34-1 Cold stress assessment
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G7.34-2 Conversion
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.34-3 Exposure control plan
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G7.35-1 Engineering controls
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.35-2 Administrative controls
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.35-3 Work/warm-up schedule for a 4-hour shift
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.35-4 Personal protective equipment
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.36 Heated shelters
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.37-1 Clothing (whole body)
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

G7.37-2 Clothing (extremities)
[Preliminary Issue January 1, 2005]

Part 9 - Definitions

G9.1-1 Excluded confined spaces
[Preliminary issue January 1, 2005]

Part 11 - Fall Protection

G11.2-1 Calculation of fall distance when on a sloped roof
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.2-2 Selecting a method of fall protection
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.2-3 Defining a fall restraint versus fall arrest system
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.2-4 Tilt-up construction
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.2-5 Fall protection in agriculture
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G11.2(5)-1 Control zones and safety monitors as a work procedure acceptable to the Board
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.2(5)-2 Fall protection and structural concrete block construction
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.2(5)-3 Other acceptable work procedures
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.3 Fall protection plan
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.4 Belts and harnesses
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G11.5-1 Equipment standards
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G11.5-2 Equipment standards - Vertical lifelines
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.5-3 Equipment standards - Lanyards
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G11.5-4 Equipment standards - Prusik sling/Triple sliding hitch
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.5-5 Equipment standards - Double line system controlled descent devices
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.5-6 Equipment standards - Connecting equipment
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G11.5-7 Protection against abrasion or burning
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.6-1 Anchors
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G11.6-2 Anchor selection and use
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.6-3 Anchors - Cornice hook and parapet clamp use
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G11.7 Temporary horizontal lifelines
[Issued August 16, 2000; Revised January 1,2005]

G11.8 Requirements for engineering - Permanent horizontal lifelines
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G11.9 Inspection and maintenance - Fibre rope suspension
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

Part 13 - General

G13.1 Type of work platforms
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G13.2-1 Standards acceptable to the Board
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G13.2(1)(b) Ladders in manholes
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Part 13 - Ladders

G13.4 Ladder ratings and selection
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Part 13 - Work Platforms

G13.8 General requirements - Chair design
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

Part 13 - Scaffolds

G13.14 Guardrails on end frame scaffolds
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G13.19 When and how to ground metal scaffold
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Part 13 - Movable Work Platforms

G13.25 Warning devices
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G13.30 Work platforms supported by a lift truck
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

G13.32 Prior permission
[Issued August 1999; Revised January 1, 2005]

Part 14 - Equipment Operation

G14.34(3) Implementation Period for Operator Qualifications
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised Effective January 1, 2005]

Part 16 - Guards

G16.21(2) Operator protective structures on agricultural tractors
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G16.22(2) Rollover protective structures for agricultural tractors
[Issued January 1, 2005]

G16.23 ROPS standards for agricultural tractors
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Part 28 - Hazardous Substances

G28.11 Personal hygiene - Shower and change facilities
[Issued January 1, 2005]

Guidelines Updates for Previous Years

2004
2003
2002

2004 Guideline Updates

Many sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Workers Compensation Act (WCA) have associated guidelines. Guidelines are intended to assist with providing ways of complying with the legislation, not to provide exclusive interpretations. Guidelines generally provide information on administrative matters and on technical matters not already addressed by policy.

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2004.

Guidelines for the Act

G-D11-179-1 Advance notice of inspections
[Preliminary issue October 27, 2004]
G-D11-179-2 Commencement of an inspection
[Preliminary issue October 27, 2004]
G-D11-179-3 Follow up inspections
[Preliminary issue October 27, 2004]
G-D11-179-4 Use of equipment during inspections
[Preliminary issue October 27, 2004]
G-D12-188(4) Extension of implementation period
[Issued May 15, 2002; Revised January 1, 2004]

Guidelines for the Regulation

G14.2-2 Alternative acceptable CSA standard - tower cranes
[Preliminary Issue November 23, 2004]
G3.14 First aid attendant certification, qualifications and general responsibilities
[Issued November 1, 2004]
G2.4 Prompt compliance
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 27, 2004]
G3.17(1)-1 Implementing an early defibrillation program in the workplace
[Issued September 30, 2004]
Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
[Originally issued October 29, 2003 as ACGIH/WCB Table of Adopted Values - TLVs; Revised August, 2004]
G20.13(3) Construction, excavation and demolition - Ensuring loads do not exceed capacity of thrust-out platforms
[Preliminary issue June 14, 2004]
G14.84 Overlapping tower cranes - Jib swing
[Effective May 20, 2004]
Replaces G14.84 Overlapping tower cranes - Operator's cab and related requirements
G18.6 Traffic control - Traffic control person training
[Revised April 20, 2004]
G8.34-1 Personal protective clothing and equipment - Protection factors
[Revised April 20, 2004]
G3.1 Occupational health and safety program - Hazard rating [Preliminary issue March 30, 2004]
G3.14 to G3.20 First aid guidelines for employers
[Preliminary issue March 30, 2004]
G3.16-1 Employer's responsibilities
[Preliminary issue March 30, 2004]
G3.16-2 First aid assessment
[Preliminary issue March 30, 2004]
G3.17 Developing and implementing first aid procedures
[Preliminary issue March 30, 2004]
G3.18(1) Communications
[Preliminary issue March 30, 2004]
G3.18(2) Availability of first aid attendant
[Preliminary issue March 9, 2004]
G3.19 First aid records
[Preliminary issue March 9, 2004]
G3.20 Multiple employer workplaces
[Preliminary issue March 9, 2004]

The following supplementary materials support OHS guidelines G3.14 to G3.20:
- Assigned Hazard Rating List
- Recommended Minimum Levels of First Aid: Tables 1-6
- Types of First Aid Attendants and Training Programs
- First Aid Kits: Recommended Minimum Contents
- First Aid Facilities: Recommended Minimum Criteria
- Emergency Vehicles and Equipment
G14.84 Overlapping tower cranes - Operator's cab (and related requirements)
[Preliminary issue March 9, 2004]
Replaced by: G14.84 Overlapping tower cranes - Jib swing
[May 20, 2004]
G18.6 Traffic control person training
[Preliminary issue February 27, 2004]
G4.83(11) Public Entertainment Facilities Section Overriding Any Other Section
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised March 30, 2004]
G6.36(2) Personal protective equipment (PPE)
[Issued August 1999; Revised March 30, 2004]
G6.38 Education and training
[Issued August 1999; Revised March 30, 2004]
G6.41-2 Records of exposure
[Issued August 1999; Revised March 30, 2004]
G26.2 Inspections and investigations with respect to forestry operations
[Preliminary issue March 30, 2004]
Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances
[Originally issued October 29, 2003 as ACGIH/WCB Table of Adopted Values - TLVs; Revised August, 2004]
G5.48-1 Table of exposure limits
[Preliminary issue October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.48-2 Annual revisions to exposure limits
[Preliminary issue October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.48-4 Conversions for ppm and mg/m³
[Issued originally as G5.48-3 August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.48-5 Welding fume - NOS
[Issued originally as G5.48-4 August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.48-6 Allergenic species of wood dust
[Issued originally as G5.48-5 August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.48-7 Nuisance Dusts
[Issued originally August 16, 2000; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.48-8 Simple asphyxiants -- Inert gases or vapours
[Preliminary issue October 29, 2003; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.48-10 Use of indicator tubes to measure compliance
[Issued originally August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.50 Extended work periods
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004 ]
G5.52 Skin notation
[Issued August 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.53-3 Monitoring worker exposure
[Issued August 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.54-7 Drywall sanding requirements
[Issued June 14, 2002; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.55 Type of controls
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G5.57 Designated substances
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G6.82 Fixed stations
[Effective August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G6.89 Restricted entry intervals
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G6.95 Wash and shower facilities
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G6.111 Control of Rock Dust
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G6.113 Rock Drills
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G8.33 Respiratory protection - Selection
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G8.34 Protection factors
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G9.1 Confined spaces - Definitions
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G12.102(1) Abrasive blasting cleanup
[Issued May 24, 2002; Revised February 11, 2004]
G12.124 Respiratory protection and provision of ventilation for welding, cutting and allied processes
[Issued May 24, 2002; Revised February 11, 2004]
G23.43 Ventilation openings
[Issued August 1999; Revised February 11, 2004]
G13.18 Manufactured Scaffold Components
[Issued May 15, 2002; Revised January 1, 2004]
G14.34(3) Implementation Period for Operator Qualifications
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised January 1, 2004]
G16.18(3) Two Lever or Joystick Controls
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised January 1, 2004]

OHS Guidelines deleted in 2004

Part 17 Transportation of Workers

G17.15 to G17.26 Marine Craft [Deleted September 2, 2004]

Part 19 Electrofishing

G19.42 Implementation period for equipment approval [Deleted August 5, 2004]

Part 21 Blasting Operations

G21.6 Other legislation [Deleted April 30, 2004]
G21.6.1 AN/FO Explosive mixtures [Deleted April 30, 2004]

Part 26 Forestry Operations

G26.12 Implementation Period for Vehicle Load Limits [Deleted April 30, 2004]
G26.22(2) to (4) Implementation Period for Faller Training [Deleted April 30, 2004]

Part 29 Aircraft Operations

G29.4 Restricted practices [Deleted April 30, 2004]
G29.6 Aircraft landing areas [Deleted April 30, 2004]
G29.8 Notification [Deleted April 30, 2004]
G29.11 Rotorwash [Deleted July 29, 2004]
G29.19 Drop zone areas [Deleted April 30, 2004]

2003 Guideline updates

2002 Guideline updates

2003 Guideline Updates

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2003.

Guidelines for the Act

G-D12-187-2 Order(s) when there is no violation
[Preliminary Issue June 26, 2003]

G-D12-190 Orders to stop using or supplying unsafe equipment, etc.
[Preliminary Issue June 26, 2003]

G-D12-191 Order to stop work
[Preliminary Issue June 26, 2003]

G-D6-152 Handling Discriminatory Complaints
[Issued August 16, 2000, Revised June 6, 2003]

Guidelines for the Regulation

G5.48-1 Exposure limits - Tables
[Preliminary Issue October 29, 2003]

G5.48-2 Annual revisions to exposure limits
[Preliminary Issue October 29, 2003]

G5.48-8 Simple asphyxiants - Inert gases or vapours
[Preliminary Issue October 29, 2003]

G4.83(11) Public Entertainment Facilities Section Overriding Any Other Section
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised November 17, 2003]

G5.48-10 Use of indicator tubes to measure compliance
[Issued originally as G5.48-7 August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G5.53-4 Occupational hygiene methods acceptable to the Board
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G6.82 Fixed Stations
[Issued August, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G6.89 Restricted entry intervals
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G6.95 Wash and shower facilities
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G6.111 Control of rock dust
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G6.113 Rock drills
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G8.5 Program
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G8.33 Respiratory protection - Selection
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G9.1 Confined spaces - Definitions
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G9.25 Testing the atmosphere
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G12.102(1) Abrasive blasting cleanup
[Issued May 22, 2002; Revised November 17, 2003]

G12.124 Respiratory protection and provision of ventilation for welding, cutting and allied processes
[Issued May 22, 2002; Revised November 17, 2003]

G23.43 Ventilation openings
[Issued August 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G30.9 Airflow monitoring
[Issued August 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G31.32 Vehicle exhaust in firehalls
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised November 17, 2003]

G5.48-3 Normal 8-hour work period
[Issued originally as G5.48-2 August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.48-4 Conversions for ppm and mg/m³
[Issued originally as G5.48-3 August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.48-5 Welding fume - NOS
[Issued originally as G5.48-4 August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.48-6 Allergenic species of wood dust
[Issued originally as G5.48-5 August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.48-7 Nuisance Dusts
[Issued originally August 16, 2000; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.48-9 Measuring compliance with the exposure limits
[Issued originally as G5.48-6, August 1, 1999; revised October 29, 2003]

G5.50 Extended work periods
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.51 Additive effects
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.52 Skin notation
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.53-3 Monitoring worker exposure
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.54-1 Exposure Control Plan
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.55 Type of controls
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.58 Protective policy
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.62 Submitting plans
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G5.70 Discharged air
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised October 29, 2003]

G12.120 Reverse gas flow and flashback prevention
[Preliminary Issue June 6, 2003]

2002 Guideline updates

2002 Guideline Updates

Periodically, guidelines are updated and new ones added. The following list shows the new and updated guidelines for 2002.

Guidelines for the Act

G-D12-187-1 Worker Orders
[Issued October 31, 2002]

G-D12-188(4) Extension of implementation period
[Issued May 15, 2002]

G-D3-124 Responsibilities of the persons/parties in a workplace
[Issued March 28, 2002]

Guidelines for the Regulation

G13.18 Manufactured scaffold components
[Issued May 15, 2002; Revised December 31, 2002]

G14.34(3) Implementation period for operator qualifications
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised December 31, 2002]

G16.18(3) Two lever or joystick controls
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised December 31, 2002]

G17.15 to 17.26 Marine craft
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised December 31, 2002]

G26.12 Implementation period for vehicle load limits
[Issued March 1, 2000; Revised December 31, 2002]

G26.22(2) to (4) Implementation period for faller training
[Issued March 1, 2000; Revised December 31, 2002]

G24.13-1 Evidence of competency for scientific divers
[Preliminary Issue November 29, 2002]

G7.14 Selection of hearing protection
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.15 Warning signs and hearing protection
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.17-1 Annual hearing tests
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.17-2 Construction industry
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.18 Authorized hearing test contractors
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.33 Application for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.34-1 General requirements - Exposure control plan
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.34-2 Ionizing radiation
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.34-3 Non-ionizing radiation
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.34-4 Control measures
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.35-1 Acceptable standards
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.35-2 Safety Code 6 (Radiofrequency)
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.36 Personal protective equipment
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.37 Education and training
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.39-1 Exposure limits
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.39-2 Measurement of radiation dose
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G7.39-3 Exposure in excess of the Exposure Limits
[Issued August 1999; Revised October 31, 2002]

G6.8 Procedures for abatement of asbestos-containing material (ACM) during house and building demolition/renovation
[Preliminary Issue July 5, 2002]

G26.22(2) to (4) Implementation period for faller training
[Issued March 1, 2000; Revised July 5, 2002]

G4.79 Moulds and indoor air quality
[Issued June 14, 2002]

G5.54-7 Drywall sanding requirements
[Issued June 14, 2002]

G7.55-2 Environmental parameters
[Issued August 1999; Revised June 14, 2002]

G7.55-3 Physiological measures
[Issued August 1999; Revised June 14, 2002]

G7.55-4 Heat stress assessment using a dry bulb thermometer only
[Issued June 14, 2002]

G8.33-2 Scott II and IIA SCBA regulator donning switch hazard
[Issued June 14, 2002]

G5.54-5 Health monitoring
[Issued August 1, 1999; Revised June 7, 2002]

G6.27 Asbestos waste removal
[Issued May 24, 2002]

G9.49 Removal of oxy-fuel torches and hoses from confined spaces
[Issued May 24, 2002]

G12.102(1) Abrasive blasting cleanup
[Issued May 24, 2002]

G12.124 Respiratory protection and provision of ventilation for welding, cutting and allied processes
[Issued May 24, 2002]

G13.18 Manufactured scaffold components
[Issued May 15, 2002]

G14.34(3) Implementation period for operator qualifications
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised May 15, 2002]

G16.18(3) Two Lever or Joystick Controls
[Issued May 15, 2002]

G17.15 to 17.26 Implementation period for marine craft requirements
[Issued February 27, 2001; Revised May 15, 2002]

G19.42 Implementation period for equipment approval
[Issued May 15, 2002]

G26.12 Implementation period for vehicle load limits
[Issued March 1, 2000; Revised May 15, 2002]

G26.67(6) Logging truck load specifications
[Issued March 1, 2000; Revised May 15, 2002]

Guidelines G4.81 to G4.83(11) Environmental Tobacco Smoke
[Issued March 28, 2002; Revised May 1, 2002]

G16.7(j) Lift truck operator training
[Issued April 25, 2002]

G11.2(5)(c) Fall protection and structural concrete block construction
[Issued March 28, 2002]

WCB Standards Update

February 1, 2012

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 14 Cranes and Hoists

Chimney Hoists

Schedule 4-A WorkSafeBC Standard 14.116 - Chimney Hoists New Item

February 1, 2011

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 4 General Conditions

Work Area Guards and Handrails

Schedule 4-A WorkSafeBC Standard - Guardrails Using Rope or Other Non-rigid Material

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

Limb and Body Protection

Schedule 8-A WorkSafeBC Standard - Leg Protection Devices New Item
Applies to leg protection devices manufactured after to February 1, 2011.

Note:WCB Standard: PPE 1 - 1997 Leg Protective Devices still applies to leg protection devices manufactured prior to February 1, 2011.

January 1, 2010

WCB Standard OFA1: Certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants

The WCB Standard OFA1 has been revised to reflect certain changes that have arisen out of the development of a harmonized first aid standard for the four western Canadian provinces and two western territories. The changes are to the duration of all levels of occupational first aid certificates (increasing to three years) and the elimination of the mandatory medical certificate of fitness for candidates for the Level 2 and Level 3 examinations. Candidates will be required to complete a self-disclosure statement of fitness in order to take a Level 2 or 3 examination. Medical certificates may still be required by an employer or by a Board officer. This standard is accessed through G3.14 First aid attendant certification, qualifications, and general responsibilities and G3.21 Suspension and cancellation of first aid certificates.

February 2008

WorkSafeBC Standard 13.30 Work Platforms supported by Lift Trucks new

WorkSafeBC Standard 14.116 Chimney Hoists new

January 2008

WCB Standard: PPE 1 - 1997 Leg Protective Devices (Amended January 2008)

Retired Standards

The following WCB standards have been retired:

May 2007

WCB Standard: PPE 14.1 Leg Protection For Chain Saw Users (Agricultural Operations only)

WCB Standard: PPE 14.1 Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users (Agriculture Operations only) has been removed from the WorkSafeBC website. This standard was replaced by WCB Standard PPE 1 - 1997 Leg Protective Devices. The Agriculture Operations standard had been left on the website for information purposes only.

WCB Standard: A321 Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms has been replaced by CSA Standard CAN3-B354.3-M82, Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms for Use as "Off-Slab" Unit and CSA Standard CAN3-B354.2-M82, Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms for Use on Paved/Slab Surfaces

WCB Standard: A322 Elevating Rolling Scaffolds has been replaced by CSA Standard CAN3-B354.1-M82, Elevating Rolling Work Platforms

WCB Standard: A323 Work Platforms Mounted on Industrial Lift Trucks has been replaced by ANSI Standard ASME B56.1-1993, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks

WCB Standard: A326 Design, Construction and Use of Suspended Platforms

2012 Policy Updates

The Prevention Manual contains policies of WorkSafeBC with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes to provisions in the Occupational Heath & Safety Regulation.

Amendments to Prevention Manual

April 10, 2012

Policies OHS Regulation

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

R5.48-1 Chemical and Biological Substances - Exposure Limits and Designations

This update includes Housekeeping changes effective April 10, 2012.

* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual

February 1, 2012

Policies OHS Regulation

Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition

R20.40-1 Construction, Excavation and Demolition - Concrete Pumping - Outriggers

This update includes Housekeeping changes effective February 1, 2012.

* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual

January 1, 2012

Policies Workers Compensation Act

D12-196-6 Administrative Penalties - Amount of Penalty
D24-73-1 Imposition of Levies - Charging of Claim Costs

This update includes CPI adjustments effective January 1, 2012.

* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual

2011 Policy Updates

The Prevention Manual contains policies of WorkSafeBC with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes to provisions in the Occupational Heath & Safety Regulation.

Amendments to Prevention Manual

December 15, 2011

Policies Workers Compensation Act Part 3 Division 2 - Board Mandate

D2-111-3 Board Approval

The first sentence of this policy was deleted and the last paragraph was amended.

The changes clarify that acceptances are not a general endorsement or certification by WorkSafeBC.

Deleted Policies Workers Compensation Act

D2-111-2 First Aid Competitions
D4-138-1 Employer Must Post Committee Information

Deleted Policies OHS Regulation

R3.19-1 First Aid Records
R4-3-2 Welding of Forks on Forklift Trucks
R4-43-1 Stacking Materials - Steel Pallet Racks
R8-11-1 Safety Headgear - General Requirement
R8-21-1 Leg Protection
R31-10-1 Firefighting - Volunteer Firefighters

* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual

December 1, 2011

Policies Workers Compensation Act Part 3 Division 12 - Enforcement

D12-198-1 Occupational Health and Safety Injunctions New Item

The policy provides guidance to WorkSafeBC on determining when to consider an injunction and the appropriateness of pursuing an injunction.

* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual

September 15, 2011

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

R5.48-1 Chemical and Biological Substances - Exposure Limits and Designations

The changes removed seven substances from the Table of Occupational Exposure Limits for Excluded Substances:

ACETIC ANHYDRIDE
CARBON BLACK
ETHYL BENZENE
METHYL ISOPROPYL KETONE
SOAPSTONE
SOAPTONE, RESPIRABLE
4,4' THIOBIS (6-tert-butyl-m-CRESOL)

June 1, 2011

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

R5.48-1 Chemical and Biological Substances - Exposure Limits and Designations

The changes removed three substances from the Table of Occupational Exposure Limits for Excluded Substances:

COTTON DUST, raw
METHYL ISOBUTYL KETONE
THALLIUM AND SOLUBLE COMPOUNDS

And added one substance to the Table of Occupational Exposure Limits for Excluded Substances:

2,4-PENTANEDIONE

* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual

April 19, 2011

Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

R5.48-1 Chemical and Biological Substances - Exposure Limits and Designations

Replacement pages

Prevention Manual

February 1, 2011

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

R8.21-1 Limb and Body Protection - Leg Protection
R8.33-1 Respirators - Interchanging Air Cylinders
R8.33-2 Respirators - Interchanging Air Lines

Replacement pages

Prevention Manual

Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms

R13.32-1 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms - Prior Permission
Deleted Feburary 1, 2011

Part 19 Electrical Safety

R19.25-1 Working Close to Energized High Voltage Equipment and Conductors

R19.30-1 Tree Pruning and Falling Near Energized Conductor - Preliminary Inspection

Replacement pages

Prevention Manual

2010 Policy Updates

The Prevention Manual contains policies of WorkSafeBC with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes to provisions in the Occupational Heath & Safety Regulation.

Amendments to Prevention Manual

September 15, 2010

The Board of Directors has authorized the Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs to make housekeeping changes to policy, including the occupational health and safety policies contained in WorkSafeBC's Prevention Manual. Housekeeping changes are ones that do not change the meaning of the policy such as updating references to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation ("OHSR") and to WorkSafeBC's organizational structure.

Pursuant to that authority, the Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs recently approved housekeeping changes to the Prevention Manual. A strikethrough version of the Manual showing the changes is available for reference. The history portion of each policy details the changes.

* Revised Prevention Manual (PDF 680 KB).

September 1, 2010

R5.48-1 RE: Chemical and Biological Substances - Exposure Limits and Designations
* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual
[Effective September 1, 2010]

April 2010

R5.48-1 RE: Chemical and Biological Substances - Exposure Limits and Designations
* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual
[Effective April 1, 2010]

March 2010

D2-111-1 RE: Assignment of Board Authority
* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual
[Effective March 24, 2010]
D2-196-4 RE: Administrative Penalties - Authority to Impose
* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual
[Effective March 24, 2010]

January 2010

D12-196-6 RE: Administrative Penalties - Amount of Penalty
* Replacement pages for Prevention Manual
[Effective January 2, 2010]
Revision to the Preface and Appendix 1 (Index of Retired Decisions from Volumes 1–6 of the Workers' Compensation Reporter).
Replacement pages for Prevention Manual
[Effective January 1, 2010]

2009 Policy Updates

The Prevention Manual contains policies of WorkSafeBC with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes to provisions in the Occupational Heath & Safety Regulation.

Amendments to Prevention Manual

D12-196-6 RE: RE: Administrative Penalties - Amount of Penalty
[Effective March 25, 2009]

2008 Policy Updates

The Prevention Manual contains policies of WorkSafeBC with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes to provisions in the Occupational Heath & Safety Regulation.

Amendments to Prevention Manual

D24-73-1 RE: Imposition of Levies - Charging of Claim Costs
[Effective July 1, 2008]

2005 Policy Updates

The Prevention Manual contains policies of the WCB with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes to provisions in the Occupational Heath & Safety Regulation.

Amendments to Prevention Manual

R13.32-1 RE: Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms - Prior Permission
[Effective January 1, 2005]
R24.83-1 RE: Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations - Fishing Operations - General Requirements - Access and Egress
[Effective January 1, 2005]

Policies "retired" from the Prevention Manual

R12.56-1 Tools, Machinery and Equipment - Powder Actuated Tools - Tool Use (Non-Interchangeability of Fasteners and Cartridges
[Retired December 31, 2004]
R13.13-1 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms - Ladders - Special Purpose Ladders (Manholes or Wells)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R13.21-1 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms - Scaffolds - General Requirements - Guardrails and Toeboards
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R13.93-1 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms - Work Platforms Supported by a Crane or Hoist - Standards (Suspended Work Platforms)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R13.159-1 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms - Suspended Powered Platforms - Permanent Powered Platforms (Use of Permanent Powered Platforms)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R14.53-1 Cranes and Hoists - Equipment Operation - High Voltage Electrical Conductors (Prevention of Contact by Tower Cranes)
[Retired December 31, 2004]
R24.95-1 Fishing Operations - Controlled Products
[Retired December 31, 2004]
R28.00-0 Agricultural Operations - Regulations Specifically Applicable to Agriculture
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.00-8.02-1 Agricultural Operations - Safe Working Load
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.00-8.38-1 RE: Agricultural Operations - Arrangement of Work Areas/Aisle Markings
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.00-8.44-1 Agricultural Operations - Illumination Requirements
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.00-8.48-1 Agricultural Operations - Acids, Caustics and Hot Materials - Personal Protective Equipment
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.00-8.54-1 Agricultural Operations - Removal of Waste Materials
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.1-1 Agricultural Operations - Definitions - "Slightly Toxic, Moderately Toxic, or Very Toxic Pesticide"
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.2-1 Agricultural Operations - Application - Scope of Application of Regulations
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.9-1 Agricultural Operations - Conditions of Places of Employment - Structures (Bridges and Culverts)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.13-1 Agricultural Operations - Conditions of Places of Employment - Excavations (Sloping, Shoring, Bracing)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.25-1 Agricultural Operations - Pesticides - General Requirement (Labeling and Use)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.26-1 Agricultural Operations - Pesticides - Mixing, Loading and Applying Pesticides (Qualifications of Workers)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.31-1 Agricultural Operations - Pesticides - Mixing, Loading and Applying Pesticides (Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.38-1 Agricultural Operations - Pesticides - Pesticide Application (Posting Warning Signs)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.45-1 Agricultural Operations - Pesticides - Pesticide Application (Washing Facilities for Field Workers)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.49-1 Agricultural Operations - Pesticides - Pesticide Application (Records)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.56/57/58-1 Agricultural Operations - Confined Spaces - Precautions Before Entry
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.69-1 Agricultural Operations - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment - General Requirements (Moving Machinery and Electrical Contact Hazards)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.74-1 Agricultural Operations - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment - Leg Protection (Chain Saw Operation)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.75-1 Agricultural Operations - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment - Safety Headgear (Where Required)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.92-1 Agricultural Operations - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment - Respiratory Protection (Air Purity)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.100-1 Agricultural Operations - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment - Buoyancy Equipment (When Required)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.106-1 Agricultural Operations - Tools, Machinery and Equipment - Agricultural Tractors (ROPS)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.108/109/110/111-1 Agricultural Operations - Tools, Machinery and Equipment - Agricultural Tractors (Certification of ROPS)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.115-1 Agricultural Operations - Tools, Machinery and Equipment - Agricultural Tractors (Seat Belts)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.153-1 Agricultural Operations - Tools, Machinery and Equipment - Welding and Cutting (Shielding and Ventilation)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.154-1 Agricultural Operations - Tools, Machinery and Equipment - Welding and Cutting (Fire Extinguisher)
[Retired January 1, 2005]
R28.156-1 Agricultural Operations - Tools, Machinery and Equipment - Welding and Cutting (Protective Clothing and Equipment)
[Retired January 1, 2005]

Policy Updates for 2004

Policy Updates for 2003 & 2002

2004 Policy Updates

The Prevention Manual contains policies of the WCB with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes to the Occupational First Aid provisions in the Occupational Heath & Safety Regulation. These policy amendments come into effect March 30, 2004.

Amendments to Prevention Manual

D3-119-1 RE: General Duties - Owners
[Effective December 1, 2004]
D3-123/124-1 RE: General Duties - Overlapping Obligations
[Effective December 1, 2004]
R5.48-1 RE: Chemical and Biological Substances - Exposure Limits and Designations
[Effective August 1, 2004]
D12-195-1 RE: Orders - Cancellation and Suspension of Certificates
[Effective March 30, 2004]
R33.19-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - First Aid Records
[Effective March 30, 2004]

Policies "retired" from the Prevention Manual

R33.2-1 General Requirements - Basic Requirements
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.2-2 General Requirements - Distance from First Aid Services
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.5-1 General Requirements for First Aid - Communication and Availability
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.6-1 General Requirements for First Aid - First Aid Records
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.8/9/10-1 General Requirements for First Aid - General Requirements for First Aid Facilities
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.11-1 General Requirements for First Aid - Portable Oxygen Therapy Equipment
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.12-1 General Requirements for First Aid - Oxygen Powered Resuscitators
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.13-1 General Requirements for First Aid - Drugs and Medications
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.14-1 General Requirements for First Aid - Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.15-1 Requirements for Specific Workplaces - Health Care Facilities
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.16-1 Requirements for Specific Workplaces - Municipal Fire Departments
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.18-1 Requirements for Specific Workplaces - Remote Workplaces with Lodgings
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.21-1 Requirements for Specific Workplaces - Additional First Aid for Separate Workplaces
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.23-1 Requirements for Specific Workplaces - Additional First Aid if Ambulance Service is Restricted
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.24-1 First Aid Attendants - Authority of the Attendant
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.26-1 First Aid Attendants - Availability of the Attendant
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.29-1 Transportation of Injured Workers - Responsibility for Transportation
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.30/31/32-1 Transportation of Injured Workers - ETVs and Industrial Ambulances
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.35-1 Transportation of Injured Workers - Accompanying and Injured Worker
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.37-1 Transportation of Injured Workers - Air Transport
[Retired March 30, 2004]
R33.38-1 Certification of First Aid Attendants - Levels of Certification
[Retired March 30, 2004]

Policy Updates for previous years

2003 and 2002 Policy Updates

The Board's Policy relating to prevention was traditionally found in the Policy and Procedure Manual. This manual was created in the 1980s but updates to it did not keep up with ongoing changes in law and practice. In particular, the Board's prevention regulations were completely revised effective in 1998, and the prevention provisions of the Workers Compensation Act were significantly amended in 1999.

A new Prevention Manual was initiated in light of these changes. The Policy and Regulation Development Bureau and the Prevention Division began a process of reviewing the policies in the old manual, for modification and transfer to the Prevention Manual, or for retirement or replacement by a practice guideline (OHS Guideline). This process will be completed in 2004.

Effective December 31, 2003, the Policy and Procedure Manual is no longer Board policy. It is applicable only to historical matters that were conducted prior to this date.

The Prevention Manual contains policies of the WCB with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes in the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

Amendments to Prevention Manual

D8-160-1 RE: First Aid Equipment - Imposition of Special Rate of Assessment
[Effective December 31, 2003]
D12-187-1 RE: Orders - General Authority
[Effective December 31, 2003]
D12-196-4 RE: Administrative Penalties - Authority to Impose
[Effective December 31, 2003]
D24-73-1 RE: Imposition of Levies - Charging of Claim Costs
[Effective December 31, 2003]
D12-196-1 RE: Administrative Penalties - Criteria for Imposing
[Effective October 29, 2003]
D12-196-3 RE: Administrative Penalties - Prior Violations and Orders
[Effective October 29, 2003]
D12-196-6 RE: Administrative Penalties - Amount of Penalty
[Effective October 29, 2003]
R4.29-2 RE: General Conditions - Violence in the Workplace - Workplace Violence Prevention Program
[Effective October 29, 2003]
R4.31-1 RE: General Conditions - Violence in the Workplace - Advice to Consult Physician
[Effective October 29, 2003]
R5.48-1 RE: Chemical and Biological Substances - Exposure Limits and Designations
[Effective October 29, 2003]
R19.25-1 RE: Electrical Safety - Working Close to Energized High Voltage Equipment and Conductors
[Effective October 29, 2003]
D4-135-1 RE: Joint Comittees - Educational Leave
[Effective July 1, 2003]
D6-150/151/152-1 RE: Disciplinary Actions/Failure to Pay Wages - Scope
[Effective July 1, 2003]
D12-196-1 RE: Administrative Penalties - Criteria for Imposing
[Effective July 1, 2003]
D12-196-2 RE: Administrative Penalties - High Risk Violations
[Effective July 1, 2003]
R24.69-1 RE: Fishing Operations - General Requirements - Application
[Effective July 1, 2003]
R24.77-1 RE: Fishing Operations - General Requirements - Reporting Injuries
[Effective July 1, 2003]
R33.41-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Certification of First Aid Attendants - Medical Certificates
[Effective July 1, 2003]
D2-111-1 RE: Assignment of Board Authority
[Effective February 11, 2003]
D2-113-1 RE: Varying or Cancelling Previous Decisions or Orders
[Effective March 3, 2003]
D12-187-1 RE: Orders - General Authority
D12-196-9 RE:Administrative Penalties - Prosecution Following Penalty
[Effective March 3, 2003]
D12-196-10 RE: Administrative Penalties - Due Diligence
[Effective March 3, 2003]
D12-196-11 RE: Administrative Penalties - Criteria Warning Letters
[Effective March 3, 2003]
D24-2-1 RE: Imposition of Levies - Independent Operators
[Effective March 3, 2003]
D24-73-1 RE: Imposition of Levies - Charging of Claim Costs
[Effective March 3, 2003]
R33.15-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Requirements for Specific Workplaces - Health Care Facilities
[Effective October 28, 2002]
R33.16-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Requirements for Specific Workplaces - Municipal Fire Departments
[Effective October 28, 2002]
R33.38-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Certification of First Aid Attendants - Levels of Certification
[Effective October 28, 2002]
R33.40-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Certification of First Aid Attendants - Minimum Age Requirements
[Effective October 28, 2002]
R33.41-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Certification of First Aid Attendants - Medical Certificates
[Effective October 28, 2002]
R33.45-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Certification of First Aid Attendants - Restriction or Denial of Certification
[Effective October 28, 2002]
R33.46-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Certification of First Aid Attendants - Restriction on Initial Level 3 Certification
[Effective October 28, 2002]
R33.52-1 RE: Occupational First Aid - Instructors and Training Agencies - Courses and Examinations
[Effective October 28, 2002]

Policies "retired" from the Prevention Manual

D12-196-4 Administrative Penalties - Process for Imposing
[Retired March 3, 2003]
D12-196-5 Administrative Penalties - Decision
[Retired March 3, 2003]
D12-197-1 Administrative Penalties - Reviews and Penalties
[Retired March 3, 2003]
D13-199-1 Reviews - Reviewable Decisions
[Retired March 3, 2003]
D13-201-1 Reviews - Procedures for Applying
[Retired March 3, 2003]
D13-202-1 Reviewing Officers
[Retired March 3, 2003]
D13-204-1 Reviews - Notice of Review
[Retired March 3, 2003]
D13-205-1 Reviews - Review Process
[Retired March 3, 2003]
D13-206-1 Reviews - Review Decision
[Retired March 3, 2003]
R33.43-1 Certification of First Aid Attendants -- Extensions to Certificates
[Retired October 28, 2002]
R33.48-1 Instructors and Training Agencies -- Instructor Certification
[Retired October 28, 2002]

2004 Regulatory Amendments to Part 33: Occupational First Aid

Part 33: Occupational First Aid has been repealed by B.C. Reg. 348/2003, effective March 30, 2004.
Occupational First Aid is now covered in the following documents:

OHS Regulation Part 3: Rights and Responsibilities
Policy Items D12-195-1 and R3.19-1
New Guidelines for Occupational First Aid.
Supplementary Materials for Occupational First Aid Guidelines

[Amended by B.C. Reg. 348/2003; Effective: March 30, 2004]

Go to the first aid site for additional resources regarding the new first aid requirements.

2002 Amendments to Occupational First Aid

On July 16, 2002, the Panel of Administrators approved amendments to Part 33 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The amendments require that persons (e.g. external agencies) authorized by the Board will provide training, examination and certification of Occupational First Aid (OFA) attendants and instructors. The Panel also directed that the Prevention Division be responsible for ensuring standards acceptable to Board be maintained. These amendments came into effect on October 28, 2002.

"Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 33: Occupational First Aid" This document shows how sections have been amended by B.C. Reg. 234/2002. [PDF 109K]
"Amended Sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Part 33: Occupational First Aid" shows the final wording of sections that were amended by B.C. Reg. 234/2002. [PDF 93K]
Overview of how the forthcoming changes will affect training, examination and certification of Occupational First Aid attendants and instructors

2002 Regulatory Amendments Part 4: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Sections

Effective May 1, 2002

Several sections of the OHS Regulation dealing with Environmental Tobacco Smoke have been amended by B.C. Regulation 3/2002, effective May 1, 2002.

The online version of sections 4.81 to 4.83 of the OHS Regulation has been updated to include these amendments.

A PDF document is also available online:

"Changes to the Environmental Tobacco Smoke Sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation" shows the changes made to amended and repealed sections. [PDF 84K]

Please see the Guidelines to sections 4.81 to 4.83 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation for more information on the application of the ETS regulations in the workplace.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF documents. You may download the free document viewer (Acrobat Reader) from Adobe's web site.

2002 Regulatory Amendments to Parts 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 22, 24, and 26

Effective January 28, 2002

Several sections of the OHS Regulation have been amended by B.C. Regulation 253/2001, effective January 28, 2002. These amendments are part of an ongoing review of the Regulation and arise from public hearings held in 2001.

These amendments have been made to provide exceptions, to allow for changing technology, and to clarify sections. For example, section 6.27 now permits additional options for asbestos clean-up methods.

The online version of the OHS Regulation has been updated to include these amendments.

Two PDF documents are also available online:

"Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, with Explanatory Notes" shows the changes made to amended and repealed sections and provides an explanation for the change with each section. [PDF 77K]
"Amended Sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation" shows the final wording of sections that were amended. You may want to print this file to keep with your printed copy of the Regulation. [PDF 43K]

Each amendment is generally of interest to a small segment of industry. The following summary is provided to help you determine whether any amendments are relevant to your workplace. The section numbers in the list below are linked to the amended sections in the online version of the Regulation.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF documents. You may download the free document viewer (Acrobat Reader) from Adobe's web site.

SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS

General

Addition of definition of "acceptable to the board" as a Note (Section 1.1)
Deletion of references to professional geoscientists (Section 1.1, Section 20.78, Section 20.81, Section 22.6, and Section 22.144)
Standards for older equipment (Section 4.4)

Specific substances

Additional options for asbestos cleanup (Section 6.27)
Clarifying that ammonia is a toxic process gas (Section 6.116)

Confined spaces

Allowing gas-pressurized fire extinguishers (Section 9.48)
Removal of welding hoses (Section 9.49)

Fall protection

Use of commercially available horizontal lifeline systems (Section 11.29 and Section 11.30)

Tools, Machinery and Equipment

Cleanup of used abrasive blasting materials (Section 12.102)
Allowing foot-operated jetting guns or equivalent (Section 12.106)
Additional options for ventilation in welding operations (Section 12.124)

Work Platforms

Clarifying requirements for level indicators on elevating work platforms (Section 13.121)

Mobile equipment

Clarifying requirements for warning devices (Section 16.8)
Allowing parabolic as well as flat mirrors on forklifts (Section 16.10)
Allowing grandfathering of windows in older equipment (Section 16.11)
Exempting swampers on garbage trucks from using fall restraint in certain circumstances (Section 16.31)

Diving

Clarifying the obligation to post notices for a project (Section 24.9)

Forestry

Clarifying requirements for guylines and running lines (Section 26.40)
Specifications for bullboards on logging trucks (Section 26.65)
Heel bars on self-loading logging trucks (Section 26.70)

You can return to the Top of this page