This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

R16.21-1 RE: Mobile Equipment - Guards - Protective Structures (Hydraulic Excavators)
R16.22-1 RE: Mobile Equipment - Guards - Rollover Protective Structures (Pipe Layers or Side Boom Tractors)
R16.24-1 RE: Mobile Equipment - Guards - ROPS Certification (Sweep Arms)
1. Explanatory Notes
Section 16.3(4) requires that, the absence of manufacturer's instructions, the equipment be operated in accordance with good engineering practice.
2. The Regulation
Section 16.3(4):
The operation, inspection, repair, maintenance and modification of mobile equipment must be carried out in accordance with this Regulation and the manufacturer's instructions, or in the absence of such instructions, in accordance with good engineering practice.
A fuel tank fill point or tank vent opening is not permitted within the enclosed cab of a vehicle. This condition is most likely to arise when a winter cab enclosure is installed on a vehicle.
Officers finding a tank fill point, or a vent outlet within a worker-occupied enclosure on a vehicle, will require extension of the filler and/or vent line to safe locations outside the cab. The connection between the extension and the original opening must be liquid and vapour tight to prevent fuel leakage or vapour release into the enclosure.
If the feasibility of doing the modifications appears doubtful, officers will discuss their concerns with a Board engineer before issuing orders.
For any relevant PRACTICE information, readers should consult the Prevention Division's Guidelines available on the WCB website.
| EFFECTIVE DATE: | April 1, 2001 |
| AUTHORITY: | s.16.3(4), Occupational Health and Safety Regulation |
| CROSS REFERENCES: | |
| HISTORY: | Replaces Policy No. 26.02-3 of the Prevention Division Policy and Procedure Manual |
| APPLICATION: | This Item results from the 2000/2001 "editorial" consolidation of all prevention policies into the Prevention Manual. The POLICY in this Item merely continues the substantive requirements of Policy No. 26.02-3, as they existed prior to the Effective Date, with any wording changes necessary to reflect legislative and regulatory changes since Policy No. 26.02-3 was issued. |
1. Explanatory Notes
Section 16.21 sets out requirements for protection of operators of mobile equipment from various hazards.
2. The Regulation
Section 16.21(1):
Section 16.21(2), in part:Operators of mobile equipment must be protected against falling, flying or intruding objects or material by means of suitable cabs, screens, grills, shields, deflectors, guards or structures.
The means of protection must meet the requirements of the following applicable standard:
(a) WCB Standard -- G601, Standard for Log Loader and Log Yarder Backstops;
(b) WCB Standard -- G602, Standard for Log Loader and Log Yarder Raised Cabs;
(c) WCB Standard -- G603, Standard
for Log Loader and Log Yarder Window Guards;
(d) WCB Standard -- G604, Standard for Light-Duty Screen Guards for Off-Highway Equipment;
(e) WCB Standard -- G605, Standard for Mobile Equipment Half-Doors;
(f) WCB Standard -- G607, Standard for Medium Duty Screen Guards -- Front End Log Loader;
(g) WCB Standard -- G608, Standard for Mobile Equipment Roof Structures -- Heavy Duty;
(h) WCB Standard -- G609, Standard for Mobile Equipment Roof Structures -- Light Duty ....
The standards referenced in Section 16.21(2) mean that the minimum operator protection expected on hydraulic excavators exposed to hazards caused by intruding or flying objects, such as loose debris, snags, tree trunks, or limbs, normally encountered in pioneering steep side hill logging grades and right-of-way construction, is:
WCB G602 - cab structure designed to resist a force of at least 2,000 lbs. (simulating a blunt log impact at 3.9 miles per hour), and an alternate exit meeting the requirements of Section 16.17.
WCB G603 - window guards (mild steel bars or rods with a maximum opening of 64 square inches) on the front, sides (where permitted by boom clearance), and back of the cab where there is a hazard of intruding or flying objects.
WCB G608 - heavy duty roof structure (able to absorb 8500 foot - pounds of energy). SAE J1043 - Minimum Performance Criteria for Falling Object Protective Structures for Industrial Equipment or equivalent standard is an accepted option under G608.
Polycarbonate at least 1/4 inch thick and supported from behind with at least a one inch overlap along the perimeter is an adequate substitute for WCB Standard G604 light duty wire screen or brush guards.
Polycarbonate at least 1/2 inch thick and adequately supported from behind along the perimeter and by members in one direction not more than 10 inches apart may be an adequate substitute for G603 window guards. Consult with the WCB Engineering Section for assistance in assessing G603 window guards with polycarbonate.
For any relevant PRACTICE information, readers should consult the Guidelines available on the WCB website.
| EFFECTIVE DATE: | April 1, 2001 |
| AUTHORITY: | s.16.21, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation |
| CROSS REFERENCES: | s.16.17, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation |
| HISTORY: | Housekeeping changes were made on March 1, 2005 to reflect
the October 29, 2003 changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
("OHSR"). This Item originally replaced Policy No. 26.16(1) of
the former Prevention Division Policy and Procedure Manual. Effective October 29, 2003, the reproduction of section 16.21(2) of the OHSR in this Item was revised to reflect its amendment. This Item results from the 2000/2001 "editorial" consolidation of all Prevention policies into the Prevention Manual. The POLICY in this Item merely continues the substantive requirements of Policy No. 26.16(1), as they existed prior to the Effective Date, with any wording changes necessary to reflect legislative and regulatory changes since Policy No. 26.16(1) was issued. |
| APPLICATION: | This policy applies to protective structures for hydraulic excavators on and after April 1, 2001. |
1. Explanatory Notes
Section 16.22(1) requires that certain types of mobile equipment, weighing 700 kg (1,500 lbs) or more, must have protective rollover structures. Included in the list of equipment are pipe layers or side boom tractors manufactured after January 1, 2000.
2. The Regulation
Section 16.22(1) in part:
The following types of mobile equipment, weighing 700 kg (1,500 lbs) or more, must have rollover protective structures (ROPS):
...(h) pipe layers or side boom tractors manufactured after January 1, 2000.
Pipe layers or side boom tractors manufactured before January 1, 2000 are exempt from the requirement for ROPS.
However, although not required, the fitment of a ROPS canopy should be encouraged where possible in such cases.
If a ROPS is not fitted, the employer must provide the operator with detailed safe work procedures which, when followed, will minimize the possibility of machine roll over.
For any relevant PRACTICE information, readers should consult the Guidelines available on the WCB website.
| EFFECTIVE DATE: | April 1, 2001 |
| AUTHORITY: | s.16.22(1)(h), Occupational Health and Safety Regulation |
| CROSS REFERENCES: | |
| HISTORY: | Replaces Policy No. 26.16(3)(b) of the Prevention Division Policy and Procedure Manual |
| APPLICATION: | This Item results from the 2000/2001 "editorial" consolidation of all prevention policies into the Prevention Manual. The POLICY in this Item merely continues the substantive requirements of Policy No. 26.16(3)(b), as they existed prior to the Effective Date, with any wording changes necessary to reflect legislative and regulatory changes since Policy No. 26.16(3)(b) was issued. |
1. Explanatory Notes
Section 16.24 sets out the requirements for certification of ROPS and changes to ROPS.
2. The Regulation
Section 16.24:
(1) A ROPS must be certified by the ROPS manufacturer or a professional engineer as meeting a standard specified in section 16.23.
(2) Any addition, modification, welding or cutting on a ROPS must be done in accordance with the instructions of and be recertified by the ROPS manufacturer or a professional engineer.
The sweep arms on rubber-tired skidders are intended to deflect material away from in front of the canopy. Sweep arms occasionally get damaged (bent or deformed) through contact with large trees or logs.
Where the sweep arm is an integral part of the ROPS on a skidder, the ROPS must be replaced or recertified when structural damage to the sweep arm is observed.
Damage to the sweep arm alone does not invalidate the ROPS certification where the sweep arm is not an integral part of the ROPS.
For any relevant PRACTICE information, readers should consult the Prevention Division's Guidelines available on the WCB website.
| EFFECTIVE DATE: | April 1, 2001 |
| AUTHORITY: | s.16.24, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation |
| CROSS REFERENCES: | |
| HISTORY: | Replaces Policy No. 26.16(2)-2 of the Prevention Division Policy and Procedure Manual |
| APPLICATION: | This Item results from the 2000/2001 "editorial" consolidation of all prevention policies into the Prevention Manual. The POLICY in this Item merely continues the substantive requirements of Policy No. 26.16(2)-2, as they existed prior to the Effective Date, with any wording changes necessary to reflect legislative and regulatory changes since Policy No. 26.16(2)-2 was issued. The references to specific brand names in Policy No 26.16(2)-2 have been deleted as not being appropriate for inclusion in policy. |
Disclaimer: This online HTML version of Prevention Policies comes from the Prevention Manual and is not the official version. The Workers' Compensation Board of B.C. ("WorkSafeBC") does not warrant the accuracy or the completeness of this HTML version of the Prevention Manual and neither the WorkSafeBC nor its board of directors, employees or agents shall be liable to any persons for any loss or damage of any nature, whether arising out of negligence or otherwise, which may be occasioned as a result of the use of the online HTML version of the Prevention Manual. The official version of the Prevention Manual is available online in PDF format at www.worksafebc.com/regulation_and_policy/published_policy/default.asp. A printed copy of the Prevention Manual is also available for purchase. See www.worksafebc.com/publications/how_to_order_publications_and_videos/ default.asp.