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Changes to OHS Regulation

Guideline Updates 2009

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 2009.

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[Withdrawn September 30, 2009]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

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