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OHS Requirements for Construction Work Done in Compressed Air

Tunneling, caisson and other work operations performed in a compressed air environment pose significant health hazards that require special measures to control, including decompression, communication, fire prevention, work durations and medical surveillance. Here’s a quick overview of the compressed air work requirements in each jurisdiction for work other than diving, which is addressed in separate OHS regulations.

OHS Requirements for Construction Work in Compressed Air
Jurisdiction OHS Rules (if any)
Federal Not specifically addressed
Alberta Not specifically addressed
British Columbia Employer duties for work at air pressure >7 kPa (1 psi) above atmospheric pressure:
*Ensure workers are examined by a physician knowledgeable in hyperbaric medicine
*Ensure work processes + equipment meet CSA CAN/CSA-Z275.3-M86, Occupational Safety Code for Construction Work in Compressed Air
(OHS Reg., Secs. 20.122 + 20.123)
Manitoba Employer duties:
* Implement safe work procedures
*Train workers in + ensure they comply with safe work procedures
* Notify govt. at least 30 days before starting compressed air work
*Have prof engineer develop + approve compressed air work program that meets CSA Z275.3-09 (R2014), Occupational safety code for work in compressed air environments
(WSH Reg., Sec. 27)
New Brunswick Employer must ensure work meets CSA CAN/CSA-Z275.3 M-86, Occupational Safety Code for Construction Work in Compressed Air (OHS Regs, Sec. 90)
Newfoundland Not specifically addressed
Nova Scotia Employer must ensure work meets most recent version of CSA-Z275.3, Occupational Safety Code for Work in Compressed Air Environments (Occ Safety Gen Regs, Sec. 156)
Ontario Employer duties:
*Notify MOL 14 days before compressed air work begins
*Appoint a superintendent for the project
*Ensure workers wear appropriate badges
*Deploy a phone + electronic buzzer or bell communications system
*Implement specific fire prevention measures
*Hire at least one project physician to perform medical exams on workers
*Pay for workers’ medical exams + credit time as payable service
*Ensure there are medical locks with required dimensions, equipment, etc.
*Ensure air compressors + air locks meet regulatory requirements
*Implement work limits + rest periods for workers
*Ensure lock tenders are in place
*Ensure required compression + decompression procedures are followed
*Ensure required records are kept
(O. Reg 213/91, Const. Projects, Secs. 332 to 397)
Prince Edward Island Employer must ensure work meets CSA-Z275.3, Occupational Safety Code for Work in Compressed Air (OHS Regs, Sec. 47.1)
Qu‚bec Not specifically addressed
Saskatchewan Employer duties:
*Notify govt. + provide prof. engineer certificates at least 30 days before compressed air work begins
*Ensure work complies with conditions set out in engineer’s certification
*Ensure emergency + decompression procedures are implemented
*Ensure workers are monitored by competent physician
*Ensure competent supervisor appointed with authority + resources necessary to protect the health + safety of workers in working chamber
*Ensure supplied air meets CSA CAN3-Z180.1-M85 Compressed Breathing Air and Systems
*Ensure air compressors meet required standards + locate air intake for compressor plant away from exhaust gases, gasoline fumes or other contaminants
*Implement work limits + rest periods for workers
*Ensure required compression + decompression procedures are followed
*Ensure air pressure in a working chamber doesn’t exceed 350 kilopascals for more than 5 minutes except if necessary for safety of workers in an emergency
(OHS Reg, Part XIX)
Northwest Territories & Nunavut Employer duties:
*Notify govt. + provide certifs. from a prof. engineer + physician competent in hyperbaric or hypobaric medicine at least 30 days before work begins
*Ensure work complies with conditions set out in engineer’s certification
*Ensure emergency + decompression procedures are implemented
*Ensure workers are monitored by competent physician
*Ensure competent supervisor appointed with authority + resources necessary to protect the health + safety of workers in working chamber
*Ensure supplied air meets CSA CAN/CSA-Z180.1-00 (R2010), Compressed Breathing Air and Systems
*Ensure air compressors meet required standards + locate air intake for compressor plant away from exhaust gases, gasoline fumes or other contaminants
*Implement work limits + rest periods for workers
*Ensure required compression + decompression procedures are followed
*Ensure air pressure in a working chamber: (a) doesn’t exceed 350 kPa for more than 5 minutes; + (b) doesn’t fall below 30 kPa, except in either case, if necessary for safety of workers in an emergency
(OHS Regs, Part 19)
Yukon Not specifically addressed