BC Compliance Alert: Which OHS Regulations Are Likely to Change in the Next 2 Years?
Combustible dusts, PPE, confined spaces, mobile equipment and traffic control are among the key items that WorkSafeBC has targeted for revision. Here’s a summary of the agency’s OHS regulatory review agenda for 2018-2019. OHSI will let you know of any changes and how to comply with them as soon as they come down.
Key BC OHS Regulatory Changes to Expect in 2018-2019
| Part of OHS Regulation | Expected Change(s) | Expected Action Date |
| Part 4 General Conditions | Hazard identification and risk assessment to be required in all workplaces | 2018 |
| Part 4, Secs. 4.81 and 4.82 | Extend duty to control exposure to environmental tobacco smoke to e-cigarettes (2019) | 2019 |
| Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents | Review requirements for combustible dust or particulate solids and for dust collectors | TBD |
| Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements, Secs. 6.42-6.58 | Update current cytotoxic drugs requirements, which were created 20 years ago | 2019 |
| Part 6, Secs. 6.89 and 6.90 | Update Restricted entry intervals (REIs), i.e., minimum time required between the time a pesticide is applied and the time people can enter the area without protective clothing and equipment | 2019 |
| Part 8 PPE, Sec. 8.11 | Update safety headgear requirements and references to voluntary standards cited in Reg. | 2018 |
| Part 8, Secs. 8.14-8.18 | Update eye and face protection requirements and references to CSA and ANSI standards cited in Reg. | 2018 |
| 8. Part 8 and Part 18 Traffic Control, Secs. 8.24 and 18.9(b) | Update high-visibility apparel requirements and references to standards cited in Reg. | 2019 |
| Part 9 Confined Spaces | Review all of Part to ensure it’s up to date | TBD |
| Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment, multiple sections | Require selection of safeguarding to be based on a comprehensive WCB Standard Personal Protective Equipment Standard 2-1997, High Visibility Garment (‘WCB PPE 2- 1997’) | 2019 |
| Part 16 Mobile Equipment | Review all of Part 16 to ensure it’s up to date | 2018 |
| Part 18 Traffic Control, multiple sections | Harmonize rules with Ministry of Transportation 2015 Interim Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways | 2019 |
| Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition, Secs. 20.17-20.26 | Clarify the responsibilities of employers and professional engineers | 2019 |
| Part 21 Blasting Operations, multiple sections | Update requirements for blasting equipment and practices | 2019 |
| Part 24 Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations | New requirement that crewmembers of commercial fishing vessels wear PFDs or lifejackets when working on deck even if guardrails, personal fall protection systems or safety nets are in place | 2018 |
| Part 26 Forestry Operations and Similar Activities, multiple sections | New requirements for arborists based on ANSI Z133-2012 Standard for Safety Requirements in Arboricultural Operations | 2019 |
Source: WorkSafeBC, 2017 ‘ 2019 Regulatory Amendment Workplan