Biohazards – Know The Laws of Your Province

Biohazard regulations are essential for protecting workers from exposure to biological agents that pose risks to human health. These regulations require employers to identify potential biohazards, implement control measures, and provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training. Biohazards include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other biological substances that may cause infections, allergic reactions, or other health complications. Employers must establish proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures for hazardous biological materials, as well as implement decontamination and emergency response protocols. While general safety principles apply across Canada, specific biohazard regulations vary by province and territory to address industry-specific and environmental risks. Compliance with these regulations minimizes occupational exposure, prevents health risks, and promotes a safe working environment.

FEDERAL

In Canada, employers are required to address biohazards under the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part X Hazardous Substances, Sections 10.3 to 10.19. These regulations mandate that employers take necessary precautions to protect workers from exposure to hazardous biological agents that could pose risks to health and safety.

Part X – Hazardous Substances – Division I – General

Records of Hazardous Substances

Every employer shall keep a record of all hazardous substances that are used, produced, handled or stored for use in the work place and may either keep such a record in the work place or keep a centralized record in respect of several work places in one work place. Section 10.3.

Hazard Investigation

(1) If the health or safety of an employee is likely to be endangered by exposure to a hazardous substance in a work place, the employer shall, without delay,

(a) appoint a qualified person to carry out an investigation in that regard; and

(b) for the purposes of providing for the participation of the work place committee or the health and safety representative in the investigation, notify either of the proposed investigation and of the name of the qualified person appointed to carry out that investigation.

(2) In an investigation referred to in subsection (1), the following criteria shall be taken into consideration:

(a) the chemical, biological and physical properties of the hazardous substance;

(b) the routes of exposure to the hazardous substance;

(c) the acute and chronic effects on health of exposure to the hazardous substance;

(d) the quantity of the hazardous substance to be handled;

(e) the manner in which the hazardous substance is stored, used, handled and disposed of;

(f) the control methods used to eliminate or reduce exposure of employees to the hazardous substance;

(g) the concentration or level of the hazardous substance to which an employee is likely to be exposed;

(h) whether the concentration of an airborne chemical agent or the level of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation is likely to exceed 50 per cent of the values referred to in subsection 10.19(1) or the levels referred to in subsections 10.26(3) and (4); and

(i) whether the level referred to in paragraph (g) is likely to exceed or be less than that prescribed in Part VI. Section 10.4(1)(2).

On completion of an investigation referred to in subsection 10.4(1) and after consultation with the workplace committee or the health and safety representative,

(a) the qualified person shall set out in a written report signed by the qualified person:

(i) the qualified person’s observations respecting the criteria considered in accordance with subsection 10.4(2), and

(ii) the qualified person’s recommendations respecting the manner of compliance with sections 10.7 to 10.26, including recommendations respecting sampling and testing methods; and

(b) the employer shall establish and keep up-to-date written procedure for the controlling of the concentration or level of the hazardous substance in the workplace and make it readily available for examination by employees in any form, as determined in consultation with the policy committee or, if there is no policy committee, the workplace committee or the health and safety representative. Section 10.5(a)(b).

A report referred to in section 10.5 shall be kept by the employer for a period of thirty years after the date on which the qualified person signed the report. Section 10.6.

Medical Examinations

(1) If a report referred to in section 10.5 recommends a medical examination for the employees likely to be exposed to a hazardous substance, the employer shall consult a physician to ascertain the necessity for that medical examination.

(2) The employer, having consulted a physician pursuant to subsection (1) who has confirmed the necessity for a medical examination, shall not permit an employee to handle the hazardous substance in the workplace unless a physician acceptable to the employee has examined the employee and declared the employee fit, or fit with specified restrictions, to handle the hazardous substance.

(3) Where the physician examining an employee pursuant to subsection (2) declares the employee fit with specified restrictions to handle the hazardous substance, the employer shall not permit the employee to handle the hazardous substance in the workplace except in accordance with the specified restrictions.

(4) Where an employer consults a physician pursuant to subsection (1), the employer shall keep a copy of the physician’s decision with the report referred to in section 10.5.

(5) The cost of a medical examination referred to in subsection (2) shall be borne by the employer. Section 10.7(1) to (5).

Storage, Handling, and Use

Every hazardous substance stored, handled or used in a workplace shall be stored, handled or used in a manner whereby the hazard related to that substance is reduced to a minimum. Section 10.8.

If a hazardous substance is stored, handled or used in a workplace, any hazard resulting from that storage, handling or use shall be confined to as small an area as possible. Section 10.9.

Every container for a hazardous substance that is used in a workplace shall be so designed and constructed that it protects the employees from any health or safety hazard that is caused by the hazardous substance. Section 10.10.

The quantity of a hazardous substance for use or processing in a workplace shall, if feasible, be limited to the quantity required in one work day. Section 10.11.

(1) Where, in a work place, a hazardous substance is capable of combining with another substance to form an ignitable combination and there exists a hazard of ignition of the combination by static electricity, the employer shall implement the standards set out in the United States National Fire Protection Association, Inc. publication NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity, dated 1988, as amended from time to time.

(2) For the purpose of interpreting the standards referred to in subsection (1), acceptable means appropriate. Section 10.12(1)(2).

For more information:

Warning of Hazardous Substances. Sections 10.13, 10.14, 10.15.
Substitution of Substances. Section 10.16.
Sections 10.17(1)(2), 10.18(1) to (7).
Control of Hazards. Section 10.19(1) to (5).

Further details on the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Laws-lois.justice.gc.ca.

ALBERTA

In Alberta, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Code – Part 4 Chemical Hazards, Biological Hazards, and Harmful Substances, Sections 16, 21 to 27, and Part 35 Health Care and Industries with Biological Hazards, Sections 525.1 to 530. These regulations mandate that employers assess workplace risks, implement exposure control plans, and ensure workers are protected from biological hazards that could cause infections, allergic reactions, or other health complications.

General Requirements

Worker Exposure to Harmful Substances

(1) An employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to any substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 is kept as low as reasonably achievable.

(2) An employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to any substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 does not exceed its occupational exposure limits listed in Schedule 1, Table 2.

(2.1) The amended occupational exposure limit for coal dust as shown in Schedule 1, Table 2 comes into effect on July 1, 2010.

(3) If no occupational exposure limit is established for a harmful substance present at a work site, an employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to that substance is kept as low as reasonably achievable.

(3.1) A worker may not be exposed to a substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 2 at a concentration exceeding its ceiling limit at any time.

(4) If no 15‑minute occupational exposure limit or ceiling occupational exposure limit is listed for a substance in Schedule 1, Table 2, the employer must:

(a) comply with the 8‑hour occupational exposure limit, and

(b) ensure that a worker’s exposure to that substance does not exceed:

(i) 3 times the 8‑hour occupational exposure limit for more than a total of 30 minutes during a continuous 24‑hour period, and 5 times the 8‑hour occupational exposure limit, or

(ii) the concentration that is immediately dangerous to life and health, whichever is lower. Section 16(1) to (4).

Potential Worker Exposure

(1) If a worker may be exposed to a harmful substance at a work site, an employer must:

(a) identify the health hazards associated with the exposure and assess the worker’s exposure, and

(b) establish procedures that minimize the worker’s exposure to the harmful substance.

(2) The employer must ensure that a worker who may be exposed to a harmful substance at a work site:

(a) is informed of the health hazards associated with exposure to that substance,

(b) is informed of measurements made of airborne concentrations of harmful substances at the work site,

(d) uses the procedures appropriately.

(3) A worker who is provided with training under subsection (2) must use the procedures appropriately and apply the training. Section 21(1)(2).

Worker Overexposure

(1) If a worker may be exposed to an airborne concentration that is more than the occupational exposure limit of a substance, the employer must conduct measurements of the concentrations of that substance at the work site.

(2) If a worker is exposed to more than the occupational exposure limit of a substance, the employer must immediately:

(a) identify the cause of the overexposure,

(b) protect the worker from any further exposure,

(c) control the situation so that no other workers are exposed to the substance at airborne concentrations that are more than the occupational exposure limit, and

(d) explain to the worker the nature and extent of the overexposure.

(3) As soon as reasonably practicable, an employer must inform the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if there is one, in writing that a worker has been exposed to more than the occupational exposure limit of a substance and of the steps taken to control the overexposure. Section 22(1) to (3).

Worker Decontamination

If a worker may be contaminated by a harmful substance at a work site, the employer must:

(a) provide the facilities, including showers, the worker needs to remove the contamination before the worker leaves the work site, and

(b) ensure that only those articles and clothing that have been properly decontaminated or cleaned are taken from the work site by the worker. Section 23(a)(b).

Emergency Baths, Showers, Eye Wash Equipment

If a worker is present at a work site where chemicals harmful to the eyes or skin are used, the employer must ensure that the worker has immediate access at the work site to emergency baths, showers, eye wash equipment or other equipment appropriate for the potential level of exposure. Section 24.

Prohibited Activities

(1) An employer must ensure that workers do not eat, drink or smoke tobacco in a part of a work site contaminated by a harmful substance.

(2) A worker must not eat, drink or smoke tobacco in a part of a work site contaminated by a harmful substance. Section 25(1)(2).

Codes of Practice

(1) An employer must have a code of practice governing the storage, handling, use and disposal of a substance listed in Schedule 1, Table 1 that is present at a work site:

(a) as pure substance in an amount exceeding 10 kilograms, or

(b) in a mixture in which the amount of the substance is more than 10 kilograms and at a concentration of 0.1 percent by weight or more.

(2) The code of practice must include measures to be used to prevent the uncontrolled release of the substance and the procedures to be followed if there is an uncontrolled release. Section 26(1)(2).

For more information:

Storage of harmful substances. Section 27.

Part 35 Health Care and Industries with Biological Hazards

Exposure control. Section 525.1 to 525.2(6).
Sharps containers. Section 526(1) to (3).
Recapping needles. Section 527.
Policies and procedures. Section 528(1)(2).
Limited exposure. Section 529.
Post exposure management. Section 530.

Further details on the Occupational Health And Safety Code can be found at Alberta.ca.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

In British Columbia, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation – Part 5: Chemical Agents and Biological Agents, Sections 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.53 to 5.55, and 5.57 to 5.59, Part 6: Substance Specific Requirements, Sections 6.34 to 6.40, and Part 30: Laboratories, Sections 30.2, 30.12, 30.14 to 30.18, and 30.26. These regulations mandate that employers identify and control biological hazards, implement exposure prevention measures, and ensure workers are equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Part 5: Chemical Agents and Biological Agents

Designation as Hazardous Substances

For the purposes of sections 5.2 and 6.33 to 6.40 and Part 30, the following biological agents are designated as hazardous substances:

(a) a liquid or solid material that is contaminated with a prion, virus, bacterium, fungus or other biological agent that has a classification given by the Public Health Agency of Canada as a Risk Group 2, 3 or 4 human pathogen that causes an adverse health effect;

(b) a biological toxin that causes an adverse health effect. Section 5.1.1.

General Information Requirement

If a worker is or may be exposed to a chemical agent, or biological agent designated as a hazardous substance in section 5.1.1, which could cause an adverse health effect, the employer must ensure that:

(a) the identity of the chemical agent or biological agent, its possible effects on worker health and safety and any precautions required to protect the health and safety of the worker are clearly indicated by labels, SDSs, or other similar means,

(b) the information required by paragraph (a) is clearly communicated to the worker,

(c) written procedures are prepared and implemented to eliminate or minimize a risk of exposure to a chemical agent or biological agent by any route that could cause an adverse health effect, and to address emergency and cleanup procedures in the event of a spill or release of a chemical agent or biological agent, and

(d) the supervisor and the worker are trained in and follow the measures required in this Part and Part 6 of this Regulation for the safe handling, use, storage and disposal of the chemical agent or biological agent, including emergency and spill cleanup procedures. Section 5.2(a) to (d).

Controlling Exposure

Workplace Monitoring

(1) If a worker is or may be exposed to a hazardous substance, the employer must ensure that:

(a) a walkthrough survey is conducted to assess the potential for overexposure taking into account all routes of exposure, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, and

(b) reassessment is conducted when there is a change in work conditions which may increase the exposure, such as a change in production rate, process or equipment.

(2) If the walkthrough survey required by subsection (1) reveals that a worker may be at risk of overexposure to an airborne contaminant, the employer must ensure that air sampling is conducted to assess the potential for overexposure.

(3) Additional workplace monitoring to reliably determine worker exposure is required if:

(a) the assessment under subsection (2) reveals that a worker may be exposed to an air contaminant in excess of 50% of its exposure limit, or

(b) measurement is not possible at 50% of the applicable exposure limit.

(4) Workplace exposure monitoring and assessment must be conducted using occupational hygiene methods acceptable to the Board.

(5) The results of workplace exposure monitoring and assessment, or a summary of the results, must be provided to workers at their request without undue delay. Section 5.53(1) to (5).

Exposure Control Plan

(1) An exposure control plan must be implemented when:

(a) exposure monitoring under section 5.53(3) indicates that a worker is or may be exposed to an air contaminant in excess of 50% of its exposure limit,

(b) measurement is not possible at 50% of the applicable exposure limit, or

(2) The exposure control plan must incorporate the following elements:

(a) a statement of purpose and responsibilities;

(b) risk identification, assessment, and control;

(d) written work procedures, when required;

(e) hygiene facilities and decontamination procedures, when required;

(f) health monitoring, when required;

(g) documentation, when required.

(3) The plan must be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary by the employer, in consultation with the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable. Section 5.54.

Type of Controls

(1) If there is a risk to a worker from exposure to a hazardous substance by any route of exposure, the employer must eliminate the exposure, or otherwise control it below harmful levels and below the applicable exposure limit established under section 5.48 by:

(a) substitution,

(b) engineering control,

(d) personal protective equipment.

(2) When selecting a suitable substitute, the employer must ensure that the hazards of the substitute are known, and that the risk to workers is reduced by its use.

(3) The use of personal protective equipment as the primary means to control exposure is permitted only when:

(a) substitution, or engineering or administrative controls are not practicable, or

(b) additional protection is required because engineering or administrative controls are insufficient to reduce exposure below the applicable exposure limits, or

Designated Substances

(1) If a substance identified as any of the following is present in the workplace, the employer must replace it, if practicable, with a material which reduces the risk to workers:

(a) ACGIH A1 or A2, or IARC 1, 2A or 2B carcinogen;

(b) ACGIH reproductive toxin;

(d) ACGIH L endnote.

(2) If it is not practicable to substitute a material which reduces the risk to workers, in accordance with subsection (1), the employer must implement an exposure control plan to maintain workers’ exposure as low as reasonably achievable below the exposure limit established under section 5.48.

(3) The exposure control plan must meet the requirements of section 5.54. Section 5.57(1) to (3).

Protective Policy

(1) At any worksite where a worker is exposed to a substance which is identified in section 5.57(1) as an ACGIH reproductive toxin or an ACGIH sensitizer, the employer must develop policy and procedures appropriate to the risk, which may include protective reassignment.

(2) The policy and procedures required by subsection (1) must:

(a) inform workers about the reproductive toxin and identify ways to minimize exposure to the toxin for a worker who has advised the employer of pregnancy or intent to conceive a child, and

(b) identify ways to eliminate or minimize exposure to a sensitizer for a worker who is or may be sensitized to that substance. Section 5.58.

For more information:

Investigating symptoms. Section 5.59(1) to (3).

Biological Agents

Exposure control plan. Section 6.34(1)(a) to (h).
Section 6.36(1.1) to (1.6).
Labels and identification. Section 6.37(1)(2).
Section 6.39(1) to (3).
Medical evaluation. Section 6.40.
Equipment operation. Section 30.2.
Biological safety cabinets. Section 30.12(1) to (6).
Section 30.14.
Permitted quantities. Section 30.15.
Transport of containers. Section 30.16.
Personal protection. Section 30.17(1) to (5).
Spills and other emergencies. Section 30.18(1)(2).
Biological agents and human pathogens. Section 30.26(1) to (6).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation can be found at WorksafeBC.com.

MANITOBA

In Manitoba, employers are required to address biohazards under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation – Part 36 Chemical and Biological Substances, Sections 36.1 to 36.10. These regulations mandate that employers assess and control exposure to biological hazards, implement protective measures, and provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize health risks.

Part 36 – Chemical and Biological Substances

Application

This Part applies to every workplace in which a chemical or biological substance is present. Section 36.1.

Input re: Threshold Limit Values

The director must seek input every three years respecting the applicable threshold limit values. Section 36.1.1.

ASSESSMENTS

Duty to Assess Chemical and Biological Substances

(1) An employer must assess all information that is practicably available to the employer respecting a chemical or biological substance present in the workplace to determine if the substance creates or may create a risk to the safety or health of a worker in the workplace. The assessment must take place in consultation with:

(a) the committee at the workplace;

(b) the representative at the workplace; or

(2) An employer must reassess a chemical or biological substance in accordance with the requirements of subsection (1) if:

(a) there is a change:

(i) in conditions in the workplace, or

(ii) in the health or physical condition of a worker known to the employer; or

(b) new information about the substance becomes available to the employer. Section 36.2(1)(2).

Safe Work Procedures

An employer must:

(a) develop and implement safe work procedures respecting the use, production, storage, handling, and disposal of any chemical or biological substance that an assessment under section 36.2 has determined creates or may create a risk to the safety or health of a worker in that workplace;

(b) train workers in the safe work procedures; and

Control Measures for Non-Airborne Hazards

If an assessment under section 36.2 determines that non-airborne exposure to a chemical or biological substance creates or may create a risk to the safety or health of a worker, an employer must immediately implement control measures in the workplace to eliminate any risk resulting from non-airborne exposure to the substance. Section 36.4.

Occupational Exposure Limits for Airborne Hazardous Substances

Establishing Airborne Occupational Exposure Limits

(1) Subject to subsection (2), if an assessment under section 36.2 determines that the presence of an airborne chemical or biological substance in the workplace creates or may create a risk to the safety or health of a worker, an employer must:

(a) in the case of an airborne substance for which the ACGIH has established a threshold limit value, establish an occupational exposure limit for the substance that does not exceed the threshold limit value established by the ACGIH;

(b) in the case of an airborne designated material, establish an occupational exposure limit for the material that is as close to zero as possible and does not exceed the threshold limit value established by the ACGIH, where one exists; or

(i) implement control measures in the workplace sufficient to eliminate any risk to the safety or health of a worker, or

(ii) ensure that a competent person establishes an occupational exposure limit for the substance that will ensure that the safety or health of all workers in the workplace will not be placed at risk. Section 36.5(1).

(2) When exposure to an airborne chemical or biological substance at a concentration below the threshold limit value for that substance established by the ACGIH creates or may create a risk to the safety or health of a worker in a workplace due to:

(a) conditions in the workplace, including,

(i) heat,

(ii) ultraviolet and ionizing radiation,

(iii) humidity,

(iv) pressure,

(v) length of work shift, work-rest regime, or

(vi) additive and synergistic effects of materials and workload; or

(b) the health or physical condition of a worker in the workplace known to an employer; the employer must establish a lower occupational exposure limit for that substance than the limit established by the ACGIH. The occupational exposure limit established by the employer must ensure that the safety or health of workers who are exposed to the substance in that workplace at levels below that limit will not be placed at risk. Section 36.5(2).

For more information:

Monitoring and Control Measures

Section 36.6(1) to (5).
Control measures. Section 36.7.
Monitoring after control measures implemented. Section 36.8.
Personal protective equipment. Section 36.9(1)(2).
Section 36.10.

Further details on the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation can be found at Gov.MB.ca

NEW BRUNSWICK

In New Brunswick, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 42, and the General Regulation – Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part VIII Handling and Storage of Materials, Sections 58 to 69. These regulations mandate that employers take appropriate measures to prevent occupational exposure to biological hazards by implementing risk assessments, control measures, and proper handling procedures.

Toxic Substances

(1) Every employer at a place of employment shall prepare a list, in co-operation with the committee at the place of employment, if one exists, of all biological, chemical or physical agents used, handled, produced or otherwise present at the place of employment which may be hazardous to the health or safety of employees or which are suspected by the employees of being hazardous.

(1.1) Except where otherwise exempted by the regulations in respect of a claim for an exemption from disclosure of confidential business information in respect of a hazardous product, an employer, in preparing the list referred to in subsection (1), shall identify all such agents referred to in subsection (1) by their common or generic names where they are known to the employer. Sections 42(1), 42(1.1).

(2) For every biological, chemical or physical agent listed under subsection (1), other than a hazardous product, the employer shall take all reasonable steps to ascertain from suppliers or otherwise and shall record:

(a) the ingredients thereof and their common or generic name or names;

(b) the composition and the properties thereof;

(d) the effect of exposure thereto whether by contact, inhalation or ingestion;

(e) the protective measures used or to be used in respect thereof;

(f) the emergency measures used or to be used to deal with exposure in respect thereof; and

(g) the effect of the use, transport, storage and disposal thereof. Section 42(2)(a) to (g).

(3) The employer shall ensure that the list referred to in this section is kept current by amendments and shall provide a copy of the current list:

(a) to the committee where one exists or to the health and safety representative, if any; and

(b) upon request, to an officer or any employee. Section 42(3).

(4) Where the employer is unable to ascertain the ingredients or composition of any biological, chemical or physical agent listed under subsection (1), other than a hazardous product, the employer shall promptly provide the Commission with the trade name, and the name and address of the manufacturer of the substance. Section 42(4).

Hazardous Substances

Designation of Employee for Handling and Storage of Hazardous Substances

An employer shall designate one or more competent employees to be responsible for the proper handling and storage of hazardous substances. Section 58.

Training of Employee for Handling and Storage of Hazardous Substances

An employer shall ensure that an employee involved in the handling, use, storage or disposal of a hazardous substance:

(a) is trained in the safe handling, use, storage and disposal of the substance, and

(b) is provided with adequate information concerning the identity, nature, and potential hazards of the substance. Section 59(a)(b).

For more information:

Containers used for hazardous substances – requirements. Section 60.
Information on precautions for handling hazardous substances. Section 61.
Containers for liquid hazardous substances. Section 62.
Where container for liquid hazardous substance in a pit. Section 63(1)(2).
Containers – liquid hazardous substance. Section 64(1)(2).
Storage of hazardous substance and safety data sheet. Section 66(a) to (c).
Piping and apparatus for hazardous substances. Section 68(a) to (c).
General employer responsibilities for hazardous substances. Section 69(a) to (d).

Further details can be found at the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the General Regulation – Occupational Health and Safety Act

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

In Newfoundland and Labrador, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Act – Part III General Duties, Section 12(h) and Part VI Occupational Health Requirements, Sections 42, 57 to 59, and 64. These regulations mandate that employers take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from occupational exposure to biological hazards by implementing risk assessments, exposure control plans, and proper safety measures.

Part III – General Duties

(1) An occupational health and safety program required under section 36.1 of the Act shall be signed and dated by the employer and by the person or persons responsible for the management of the employer’s operations in the province and shall include:

(h) a plan for the control of biological and chemical substances handled, used, stored, produced, or disposed of at the workplace and where appropriate, the monitoring of the work environment to ensure the health and safety of workers and other persons at or near the workplace; Section 12(1)(h).

Part VI – Occupational Health Requirements

Hazardous Substances

(1) An employer shall monitor the use or presence of substances at the workplace that may be hazardous to the health and safety of workers.

(2) In accordance with subsection (1), an employer shall implement a chemical and biological control program commensurate with the associated risks.

(3) In accordance with subsection (1), an employer shall eliminate hazardous substances from the workplace and where this is not practicable substitute a less hazardous substance.

(4) Where hazardous substances exist, an employer shall employ engineering and administrative controls to ensure their safe use.

(5) An employer shall ensure that a substance produced, used or handled at a workplace which by reason of toxicity, flammability or reactivity creates a risk to the health or safety of workers is controlled in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet or manufacturer’s specifications.

(6) Where the minister determines that the use or presence of a hazardous substance at a place of employment may be injurious to the health of workers, the minister may inquire into the substance and may prohibit, restrict or modify the use of the substance until a time that an employer establishes to the minister that its use or presence is not injurious to the health of workers.

(7) An employer shall ensure that:

(a) atmospheric contamination of the workplace by hazardous substances is kept as low as is reasonably practicable;

(b) a worker is informed of the nature and degree of health effects of the hazardous substances to which the worker is exposed;

(c) exposure of a worker to hazardous substances is as minimal as is reasonably practicable, and where a threshold limit value has been established by the ACGIH, exposure shall not exceed the threshold limit value;

(d) except as otherwise determined by the division, a worker is not exposed to a substance that exceeds the ceiling limit, short-term exposure limit or 8-hour TWA (time weighted average) limit prescribed by ACGIH; and

(e) where a substance referred to in paragraph (d) has an 8-hour TWA limit, a worker’s exposure to the substance does not exceed:

(i) 3 times the 8-hour TWA limit for more than a total of 30 minutes during the work period, and

(ii) 5 times the 8-hour TWA limit.

(8) Where extended work periods exist where the work period is more than 8 hours in a 24 hour day, the 8 hour exposure shall be adjusted accordingly as outlined in the ACGIH “Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)” Manual.

(9) Adjustment of TLVs, as required, shall be done in consultation with the occupational health and safety committee, the worker health and safety representative or the workplace health and safety designate, as appropriate.

(10) Where a worker is exposed to a substance which is designated as a reproductive toxin or a sensitizer, an employer shall develop policy and procedures appropriate to the risk, which may include protective reassignment.

(11) Where workers may be exposed to contact with chemicals harmful to the skin, facilities shall be available for the worker to effectively cleanse the contaminated body areas, including, where corrosive chemicals are involved, emergency water baths, showers, jump tanks, eyewash facilities or other effective means of treatment.

(12) The policy and procedures required by subsection (10) shall include:

(a) informing workers about the reproductive toxin and identifying ways to minimize exposure to the toxin for a worker who has advised the employer of pregnancy or intent to conceive a child; and

(b) identifying ways to eliminate exposure to a sensitizer for a worker who is or may become sensitized to that substance.

(13) Solvents, oils, greases, paints, or other flammable substances shall be cleaned up by using an approved non-combustible grease and oil absorbent which shall be placed in covered metal containers before disposal.

(14) Containers referred to in subsection (13) shall not be stored in work areas. Section 42(1) to (14).

For more information:

Permitted quantities. Section 57(1)(2).
Incompatible substances. Section 58.
Storage of hazardous substances. Section 59(1)(a) to (e).
Work clothing and accommodations. Section 64(1)(2).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at Assembly.NL.ca.

NOVA SCOTIA

In Nova Scotia, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Act – Part 2: Occupational Health, Sections 2.1 to 2.3, and the Occupational Safety General Regulations – Part 5 – Handling and Storage of Material, Sections 36 to 41. These regulations mandate that employers take necessary precautions to protect workers from exposure to biological hazards by conducting risk assessments, implementing control measures, and ensuring safe handling practices.

Part 5 – Handling and Storage of Material

Hazardous Substance Storage

(1) An employer shall ensure that a container used for storing a hazardous substance is designed, constructed and maintained in an adequate manner.

(2) In determining whether or not a container is adequate, an employer shall consider:

(a) the material safety data sheet for the substance, if one exists;

(b) information provided by the supplier;

(d) the location where the container is stored, including:

(i) the foundation on which the container is placed, and its ability to resist reaction with the hazardous substance, and

(ii) the need for overflow pipes, catch basins and other similar devices to ensure that the contents of the hazardous substance are contained in case of a leak; and

(e) the need to ensure that the container does not significantly corrode from exposure to the hazardous substance in the container. Section 36(1)(2).

Where a container has been used to store a hazardous substance and the container will not be refilled with the same or a compatible substance, an employer shall ensure that the container is cleaned in an adequate manner without undue delay, unless the container is rendered unusable. Section 37.

(1) In this Section “carboy” means a bottle or container for liquids of a 20 L capacity or greater, but less than 75 L, and made of glass, plastic or metal.

(2) An employer shall ensure that a carboy containing a liquid hazardous substance is:

(a) if the carboy is made of glass, individually encased in a basket or box or other suitable container cushioned with noncombustible packing during transportation;

(b) stored with compatible material in a storage area or building with flooring that is resistant to the chemical being stored;

(d) placed in a suitable storage rack or on strips laid on the floor; and

(e) stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Section 38(1)(2).

Where a hazardous substance is likely to create a hazard if it reacts with another substance, an employer shall ensure that the substances are stored separately. Section 39.

(1) An employer shall ensure that piping and associated equipment is:

(a) constituted of material that will not significantly deteriorate because of any hazardous substance contained within it; and

(b) maintained in adequate operating condition.

(2) For each pipe and associated equipment referred to in subsection (1), an employer shall establish an inspection schedule and conduct inspections according to that schedule. Section 40(1)(2).

Where a hazardous substance is used in a workplace in such quantities that a spill could affect the health or safety of a person, an employer shall ensure that:

(a) it is kept only in working quantities in areas where a person is working;

(b) a written emergency procedure that includes the use of emergency equipment, if necessary, is established for use in the event of escape of a hazardous substance; and

For more information:

Definitions for Part 2 – physical agent, threshold limit values, and TLVs and BEIs. Section 2.1.
Threshold limit values. Section 2.3(a) to (h).

Further details can be found at the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Safety General Regulations.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

In the Northwest Territories, employers are required to address biohazards under the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 3 General Duties, Section 20, Part 6 General Health Requirement, Sections 77 to 79, Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment, Sections 101, 102, and Part 21 Chemical and Biological Substances, Sections 309 to 321. These regulations mandate that employers take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from exposure to biological hazards by implementing risk assessments, exposure control measures, and proper safety procedures.

Part 3 – General Duties

Biological Monitoring

(1) In this section, “biological monitoring” means measuring, through the assessment of biological specimens collected from a worker, the worker’s total exposure to a hazardous substance present at a work site.

(2) If a worker is the subject of biological monitoring, an employer shall ensure that:

(a) the worker is informed of the purposes and the results of the biological monitoring;

(b) at the worker’s request, the detailed results of the biological monitoring are made available to a medical professional, or individual of similar standing under an enactment of a jurisdiction outside Nunavut, who is specified by the worker; and

(3) The results of biological monitoring carried out under subsection (2) are deemed to be information of a personal medical nature under subsection 10(1). Section 20(1) to (3).

Part 6 – General Health Requirements

Clothing

(1) Subject to subsection (2), an employer shall provide at a work site and maintain for the use of workers clean, appropriately located, and suitable accommodation for street clothing that is not worn at work and for clothing worn at work.

(2) If street clothing not worn at work is likely to become wet, dirty or contaminated from being kept in the same accommodation as clothing worn at work, the accommodation for street clothing must be separate from the accommodation provided for clothing worn at work.

(3) If a worker’s work clothing or skin is likely to be contaminated by hazardous substances, an employer shall:

(a) provide protective clothing and head covers appropriate to the work and hazard;

(b) provide a suitable changing area; and

(c) ensure that protective clothing and head covers are handled and cleaned or disposed of in a manner that will prevent worker exposure to the hazardous substances. Section 77(1) to (3).

Change and Shower Facilities

If a worker’s skin is likely to be contaminated by harmful substances as part of a regular work process at a work site, an employer shall:

(a) if reasonably possible, provide and maintain suitable, adequate and clean change and shower facilities; and

(b) allow sufficient time, during normal working hours without loss of pay or benefits, for the worker to use the change and shower facilities. Section 78(a)(b).

Eating Areas

(1) An employer shall provide a sufficient number of suitable areas that are kept clean, dry, thermally comfortable and reasonably quiet for workers to eat and drink during work breaks.

(2) If substances used at a work site are likely to soil or otherwise contaminate a worker’s person, clothing or food, the employer shall provide an eating area that is separate from the work site and close to washing facilities. Section 79(1)(2).

Part 7 – Personal Protective Equipment

Hand and Arm Protection

(1) An employer shall provide, and require a worker to use, suitable and properly fitted hand or arm protection to protect the worker from injury to the hand or arm, including:

(a) injury arising from exposure to chemical or biological substances;

(b) injury arising from exposure to work processes that result in extreme temperatures;

(d) puncture, abrasion or irritation of the skin.

(2) If a worker could contact an exposed energized high voltage conductor, an employer shall provide, and require the worker to use, approved rubber insulating gloves and mitts and approved rubber insulating sleeves. Section 101(1)(2).

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

If a worker is routinely exposed to a hazardous substance, an employer shall provide, and require the worker to use, protective clothing, gloves and eye wear or face shields that are adequate to prevent exposure of the worker’s skin and mucous membranes to the hazardous substance. Section 102.

Part 21 – Chemical and Biological Substances

Interpretation

(1) An employer shall, at a work site,

(a) monitor the use or presence of, or a worker’s exposure to, harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances;

(b) if reasonably possible, substitute less harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances for harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances;

(c) subject to subsection 314(1), to the extent that is reasonably possible, reduce contamination of the work site by harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances; and

(d) develop and implement work procedures and processes that are as safe as is reasonably possible for the handling, use, storage, production and disposal of harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances.

(2) An employer shall take steps, to the extent that is reasonably possible, to prevent exposure of workers to:

(a) harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances; or

(b) chemical or biological substances in combination or association with other harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances.

(3) An employer shall:

(a) inform workers of the nature and degree of the effects to their health or safety of exposure to harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances; and

(b) provide workers with adequate training in:

(i) work procedures and processes developed under paragraph (1)(d), and

(ii) the proper use of personal protective equipment required by these regulations.

(4) An employer shall make available to the Committee or representative:

(a) results of measurements of worker exposure to, and contamination of a work site by, harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances; and

(b) a description of steps taken to reduce the contamination of a work site by, and eliminate or reduce exposure of the workers to, harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances. Section 309(1) to (4).

For more information:

List of Chemical and Biological Substances. Section 310.
Precautions for Certain Substances. Section 311(1)(2).
Substances Listed in Schedule Q, R, O. Sections 312(1)(2), 313(a)(b), 314(1) to (3).
Protection of Certain Workers. Section 315(1)(2).
Respiratory Protective Devices. Section 316.
Accumulations, Spills and Leaks. Section 317.
Report of Worker’s Exposure. Section 318(1)(2).
Emergency Showers. Section 319.
Eye Flushing Equipment. Section 320.
Flammable, Unstable, Highly Reactive and Corrosive Substances. Section 321(1)(2).

Further details on the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Canlii.org.

NUNAVUT

In Nunavut, employers are required to address biohazards under the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 3 General Duties, Section 20, Part 6 General Health Requirement, Sections 77 to 79, Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment, Sections 101, 102, and Part 21 Chemical and Biological Substances, Sections 309 to 321. These regulations mandate that employers take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from exposure to biological hazards by implementing risk assessments, exposure control measures, and proper safety procedures.

Part 3 – General Duties

Biological Monitoring

(2) If a worker is the subject of biological monitoring, an employer shall ensure that:

(a) the worker is informed of the purposes and the results of the biological monitoring;

(3) The results of biological monitoring carried out under subsection (2) are deemed to be information of a personal medical nature under subsection 10(1). Section 20(1) to (3).

Part 6 – General Health Requirements

Clothing

(1) Subject to subsection (2), an employer shall provide at a work site and maintain for the use of workers clean, appropriately located and suitable accommodation for street clothing that is not worn at work and for clothing worn at work.

(3) If a worker’s work clothing or skin is likely to be contaminated by hazardous substances, an employer shall:

(a) provide protective clothing and head covers appropriate to the work and hazard;

(b) provide a suitable changing area; and

(c) ensure that protective clothing and head covers are handled and cleaned or disposed of in a manner that will prevent worker exposure to the hazardous substances. Section 77(1) to (3).

Change and Shower Facilities

If a worker’s skin is likely to be contaminated by harmful substances as part of a regular work process at a work site, an employer shall:

(a) if reasonably possible, provide and maintain suitable, adequate and clean change and shower facilities; and

(b) allow sufficient time, during normal working hours without loss of pay or benefits, for the worker to use the change and shower facilities. Section 78(a)(b).

Eating Areas

(1) An employer shall provide a sufficient number of suitable areas that are kept clean, dry, thermally comfortable and reasonably quiet for workers to eat and drink during work breaks.

Part 7 – Personal Protective Equipment

Hand and Arm Protection

(1) An employer shall provide, and require a worker to use, suitable and properly fitted hand or arm protection to protect the worker from injury to the hand or arm, including:

(a) injury arising from exposure to chemical or biological substances;

(b) injury arising from exposure to work processes that result in extreme temperatures;

(d) puncture, abrasion or irritation of the skin.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Part 21 – Chemical And Biological Substances

Interpretation

(1) An employer shall, at a work site,

(a) monitor the use or presence of, or a worker’s exposure to, harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances;

(b) if reasonably possible, substitute less harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances for harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances;

(c) subject to subsection 314(1), to the extent that is reasonably possible, reduce contamination of the work site by harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances; and

(2) An employer shall take steps, to the extent that is reasonably possible, to prevent exposure of workers to:

(a) harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances; or

(b) chemical or biological substances in combination or association with other harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances.

(3) An employer shall:

(a) inform workers of the nature and degree of the effects to their health or safety of exposure to harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances; and

(b) provide workers with adequate training in:

(i) work procedures and processes developed under paragraph (1)(d), and

(ii) the proper use of personal protective equipment required by these regulations.

(4) An employer shall make available to the Committee or representative:

(a) results of measurements of worker exposure to, and contamination of a work site by, harmful or hazardous chemical or biological substances; and

For more information:

List of Chemical and Biological Substances. Section 310.
Precautions for Certain Substances. Section 311(1)(2).
Substances Listed in Schedule Q, R, O. Sections 312(1)(2), 313(a)(b), 314(1) to (3).
Protection of Certain Workers. Section 315(1)(2).
Respiratory Protective Devices. Section 316.
Accumulations, Spills and Leaks. Section 317.
Report of Worker’s Exposure. Section 318(1)(2).
Emergency Showers. Section 319.
Eye Flushing Equipment. Section 320.
Flammable, Unstable, Highly Reactive and Corrosive Substances. Section 321(1)(2).

Further details on the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Canlii.org.

ONTARIO

In Ontario, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Act – Part IV Toxic Substances, Sections 33 to 36, and Regulation 833: Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, Sections 3, 7.2 and 8. These regulations mandate that employers take all necessary precautions to protect workers from exposure to hazardous biological agents by conducting risk assessments, implementing exposure control measures, and ensuring workplace safety through proper handling procedures.

Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents

(1) Every employer shall take all measures reasonably necessary in the circumstances to protect workers from exposure to a hazardous biological or chemical agent because of the storage, handling, processing or use of such agent in the workplace. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 833, s. 3 (1).

(2) The measures to be taken shall include the provision and use of,

(a) substitution of the hazardous biological or chemical agent;

(b) engineering controls;

(d) hygiene facilities and practices; and

(e) if section 7.2 applies, personal protective equipment. Section 3(1)(2).

Protection from Biological or Chemical Agents

(1) An employer shall protect workers from exposure to a hazardous biological or chemical agent without requiring them to wear and use a respirator, unless subsection (2) applies or the employer complies with an applicable code of practice.

(2) The employer shall provide, and workers shall wear and use, a respirator appropriate in the circumstances to protect the workers from exposure to the agent,

(a) if substitution of the agent is not reasonable or not practical; and

(b) if engineering controls required by this Regulation,

(i) are not in existence or are not obtainable,

(ii) are not reasonable or not practical to adopt, install or provide because of the duration or frequency of the exposures or because of the nature of the process, operation or work,

(iii) are rendered ineffective because of a temporary breakdown of the controls, or

(iv) are ineffective to prevent, control or limit exposure because of an emergency.

(3) An employer who provides a worker with a respirator shall comply with the requirements set out in sections 9 to 13 of this Regulation. Section 7.2(1) to (3).

(1) If a worker has been exposed to a hazardous biological or chemical agent and,

(a) the worker or the worker’s physician has reason to believe that the worker’s health has been affected by exposure to the agent and the worker or the worker’s physician has so notified the employer in writing; or

(b) the employer has reason to believe that the worker’s health is likely to be affected by the exposure and the employer has so notified the worker in writing, the worker, if he or she agrees, shall undergo medical examinations and clinical tests, at the employer’s expense, to determine whether the worker has an occupational illness because of exposure to the agent and whether the worker is fit, fit with limitations or unfit to continue working in exposure to the agent.

(4) The employer shall provide the physician who examines the worker or under whose supervision clinical tests are performed with a copy of the records, if any, of the exposure of the worker to the hazardous biological or chemical agent. Section 8(1) to (4).

For more information:

Part IV – Toxic Substances.
Orders of Director, Contents of order, Posting of order Section 33(1) to (3).
Appeal to Minister Section 33(4).
Remuneration of appointee Section 33(10).
Application Section 33(11).
No hearing required prior to issuing order Section 33(12).
Designation of substances Section 35(a)(b). Sections 12.34 to 12.36.

Further details can be found at the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulation 833: Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

In Prince Edward Island, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Act – Duties of Employers, Workers, and Other Persons, Section 12, and Toxic Substances, Section 32. These regulations mandate that employers take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from exposure to biological hazards by conducting risk assessments, implementing exposure control measures, and ensuring workplace safety.

Duties Of Employers, Workers, and Other Persons

Duties of Employers

(1) An employer shall ensure:

(a) that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect the occupational health and safety of persons at or near the workplace;

(b) that any item, device, material, equipment or machinery provided for the use of workers at a workplace is properly maintained, and is properly equipped with the safety features or devices, as recommended by the manufacturer or required by the regulations;

(c) that such information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities are provided as are necessary to ensure the occupational health and safety of the workers;

(d) that workers and supervisors are familiar with occupational health or safety hazards at the workplace;

(e) that workers are made familiar with the proper use of all safety features or devices, equipment and clothing required for their protection; and

(f) that the employer’s undertaking is conducted so that workers are not exposed to occupational health or safety hazards as a result of the undertaking. Section 12(1)(a) to (e).

Toxic Substances

Chemicals, etc. to be listed

(1) An employer at a workplace shall prepare a list of all biological, chemical or physical agents used, handled, produced or otherwise present at the workplace that may be hazardous to the occupational health or safety of workers or are suspected by the workers of being hazardous and the list shall identify all such agents by their common or generic names, where they are known to the employer.

Content of Record

(2) For every biological, chemical or physical agent required to be listed under subsection (1), the employer shall take all reasonable steps to ascertain from suppliers or otherwise and to record the following information on every agent:

(a) the ingredients and their common or generic names;

(b) the composition and the properties;

(d) the effects of exposure, whether by contact, inhalation or ingestion;

(e) the protective measures used or to be used in respect of the agent;

(f) the emergency measures used or to be used to deal with exposure to the agent;

(g) the information on the use, transport, storage and disposal of the agent.

Copies

(3) The employer shall ensure that the list referred to in subsection (2) is kept current and the employer shall provide a copy of the current list:

(a) to the committee, where one exists, or to the representative, if any; and

(b) on request, to an officer or a worker.

Trade Name Supplied to Officer

(4) Where the employer is unable to ascertain the ingredients or composition of a biological, chemical or physical agent listed in this section, the employer shall promptly provide the officer with the trade name, and the name and address of the manufacturer of the agent. Section 32(1) to (4).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at PrinceEdwardIsland.ca.

QUÉBEC

In Quebec, employers are required to address biohazards under the Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety – Division IX Special Provisions Concerning Various Dangerous Substances, Sections 62 to 69, and Division X Storage and Handling of Dangerous Substances, Sections 70, 72 to 75. Additionally, the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety – Chapter XII Regulations, Section 223(3)(21) establishes further requirements for the safe management of hazardous biological agents in the workplace.

Division IX – Special Provisions Concerning Various Dangerous Substances

Dust or scraps: Any asbestos dust or scraps of crumbling material whose concentration of asbestos is at least 0.1% shall be stored and transported in a sealed container. Section 62.

For the purposes of this section, the second paragraph of section 69.5 applies.

A label shall be affixed to any container referred to in the preceding paragraph. The label shall permanently include the following indications and be easily legible:

(1) materials containing asbestos;

(2) toxic if inhaled;

(3) keep container tightly closed;

(4) do not inhale the dust.

Protective suit: The employer shall supply a protective suit to any worker whose personal clothing risks being contaminated by chrysotile asbestos fibres from exposure thereto while performing his duties. Section 63.

The employer shall ensure the care of this protective suit that shall not be worn outside the workplace.

Lead: The recovery of lead or lead products and other related operations shall be performed inside an establishment in compliance with the requirements under section 107. Section 64.

Floor: In any establishment where lead, mercury or their compounds are handled, stored or used in either solid or liquid form, the floor covering shall be made of a non-porous material. Section 65.

Protective clothing: The employer shall make sure that workers wear protective clothing used exclusively for their work when performing any of the following activities:

(1) the recovery or melting of lead or lead products;

(2) the manufacturing of lead batteries;

(3) the manufacturing of lead powders or salts, chlorine, fluorescent lamps or caustic soda where workers must handle lead or mercury;

(4) any work involving exposure to crocidolite asbestos, amosite or any other type of amphibole;

(5) any work involving exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibres that cannot be contained within the exposure value levels specified in Schedule I.

Before reuse, the employer shall ensure that such clothing has been cleaned with a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency filter, unless the clothing has been washed. Section 66(1) to (5).

Double changing room: 2 separate lockers: one for the worker’s street clothes and the other for his work clothes shall be put at his disposal in an establishment where workers are exposed to lead, mercury, asbestos or beryllium or their compounds, in the form of steam or dust. Section 67.

These lockers shall be placed in 2 separate rooms used exclusively for that purpose, between which a shower room shall be installed so that the workers may take a shower before putting on their street clothes. The storage space of each locker shall be at least 0.14 m³, and there shall be a clearance of at least 600 mm in front of each row of lockers.

Abrasive blast cleaning: Any industrial cleaning operation using abrasive air blasting inside an establishment shall be carried out in an isolated room or booth ventilated by extraction. Section 68.

Other protective equipment: In addition to the requirements under section 68, the employer shall make sure that any worker exposed to dust raised by abrasive air blast cleaning wears an air-supplied abrasive hood in compliance with Division VI, gloves, leg protectors and clothing designed to ensure protection from dust and abrasive or metal projections. This equipment shall be put at the disposal of workers by the employer. Section 69.

For more information:

Division X – Storage and Handling of Dangerous Substances

Dangerous substances. Section 70.
Safety precautions. Section 72.
Monitoring devices. Section 73.
Level indicators. Section 74.
Emergency equipment. Section 75.
Sections 223(1) to (4), (19) to (21).

Further details can be found at the Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety and the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety.

SASKATCHEWAN

In Saskatchewan, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 3 General Duties, Section 3-10, Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment, Sections 7-12 and 7-13, and Part 21 Chemical and Biological Substances, Sections 21-1 to 21-13. These regulations mandate that employers take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from exposure to biological hazards by conducting risk assessments, implementing exposure control plans, and ensuring proper safety protocols are in place.

Part 3 – General Duties

Biological Monitoring

(1) In this section, “biological monitoring” means measuring a worker’s total exposure to a physical agent, a chemical substance or a biological substance that is present in a place of employment through the assessment of biological specimens collected from the worker. (2) If a worker is the subject of biological monitoring, an employer shall ensure that:

(a) the worker is informed of the purposes and the results of the monitoring;

(b) at the worker’s request, the detailed results of the monitoring are made available to a physician designated by the worker; and

Part 7 – Personal Protective Equipment

Hand and Arm Protection

(1) An employer or contractor shall provide, and require a worker to use, suitable and properly fitted hand or arm protection to protect the worker from injury to the hand or arm, including:

(a) injury arising from contact with chemical or biological substances;

(b) injury arising from exposure to work processes that result in extreme temperatures;

(d) puncture, abrasion or irritation of the skin.

(2) If a worker may contact an exposed energized high voltage electrical conductor, an employer or contractor shall provide, and require the worker to use, approved rubber insulating gloves and mitts and approved rubber insulating sleeves. Section 7‑12(1)(2).

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

If workers are routinely exposed to a hazardous material or substance, an employer or contractor shall provide, and require workers to use, protective clothing, gloves and eyewear or face shields that are adequate to prevent exposure of a worker’s skin and mucous membranes to the hazardous material or substance. Section 7‑13.

Part 21 – Chemical and Biological Substances

General Duties of Employers

(1) An employer shall, at a place of employment: (a) monitor the use or presence of, or a worker’s exposure to, any chemical substance or any biological substance that may be hazardous or harmful to the health or safety of a worker;

(b) if reasonably practicable, substitute a less hazardous or harmful chemical substance or biological substance for a hazardous or harmful chemical substance or biological substance;

(c) subject to subsection 21-6(1), to the extent that is reasonably practicable, reduce any contamination of the place of employment by a chemical substance or biological substance; and

(d) develop and implement work procedures and processes that are as safe as is reasonably practicable for the handling, use, storage, production, and disposal of chemical substances and biological substances.

(2) An employer shall take all practicable steps to prevent exposure of a worker, to an extent that is likely to be harmful to the worker, to:

(a) a chemical substance or biological substance that may be hazardous; or

(b) a chemical substance or biological substance in combination or association with any other substance present that may be hazardous.

(3) An employer shall: (a) inform the workers of the nature and degree of the effects to their health or safety of any chemical substance or biological substance to which the workers are exposed in the course of their work; and (b) provide the workers with adequate training with respect to:

(i) work procedures and processes developed pursuant to clause (1) (d); and

(ii) the proper use of any personal protective equipment required by these regulations.

(4) An employer shall make available to the committee, the representative or, if there is no committee or representative, the workers:

(a) the results of any measurements of worker exposure to, and contamination of a place of employment by, a chemical substance or biological substance; and

(b) any steps taken to reduce the contamination of a place of employment by, and eliminate or reduce exposure of the workers to, a chemical substance or biological substance. Section 21‑1(1) to (4).

For more information:

List of chemical and biological substances. Section 21-2(1)(2).
Precautions for certain substances. Section 21-3(1)(2).
Substances listed in Table 16. Section 21-4(1)(2).
Substances listed in Table 18. Section 21-6(1) to (4).
Protection of certain workers. Section 21-7.
Respiratory protective devices. Section 21-8.
Accumulations, spills and leaks. Section 21-9(a) to (e).
Report of worker’s exposure. Section 21-10(1)(2).
Emergency showers. Section 21-11.
Eye flushing equipment. Section 21-12.
Flammable, unstable, highly reactive, and corrosive substances. Section 21-13(1)(2).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Saskatchewan.ca.

YUKON

In Yukon, employers are required to address biohazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Workplace Health Regulations, Sections 13 to 20, Part 8 – Material and Storage, Sections 8.16 to 8.18, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 3(2)(a) and Sections 48 to 50. These regulations mandate that employers take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from exposure to biological hazards by implementing hazard assessments, control measures, and safe handling procedures.

Hazardous Substances

(1) Hazardous chemical substances include the following substances:

(a) explosives;

(b) compressed gases;

(d) flammable solids;

(e) corrosive substances;

(f) poisonous and infectious substances;

(g) oxidizers and organic peroxides;

(h) radioactives; and

(i) hot liquids.

(2) The storage and handling of hazardous chemical substances shall be so controlled as to prevent spillage or accidental lighting of these substances; the following measures shall be taken:

(a) separating or isolating any chemical substance which when mixed with other substances, may cause a fire or an explosion or may liberate flammable or poisonous gases;

(b) keeping containers, piping, and other apparatus in good working order; and

(1) Flammable gases such as ammonia, hydrogen, acetylene, and hydrogen sulfide, shall never be stored with oxidizing substances or with gases maintaining combustion such as chlorine, nitrogen tetra oxide, oxygen, and compressed air.

(2) Compressed gas cylinders shall:

(a) be in accordance with the regulations of the Canadian Transport Commission,

(b) be labelled and homologated,

(d) not be exposed to temperature above 50°C (122°F),

(e) be provided with protective caps covering the valves, when not in use,

(f) be used only for the purposes they were designed,

(g) not be handled in a manner that could damage them and be fastened upright or held in a cart when being utilized, and

(h) be stored upright, with the valves on top, and firmly held in place. Section 14(1)(2).

The storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids, shall be carried out in accordance with the standard Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code NFPA 30-1969. Section 15.

(1) Corrosive substances shall be stored:

(a) away from areas with high fire hazards,

(b) away from oxidizing substances,

(d) in cool and well ventilated areas.

(2) Containers for corrosive substances shall be:

(a) kept closed,

(b) clearly identified,

(3) Workers engaged in the handling and decanting of corrosive substances shall wear individual protective equipment as required by the General Safety Regulations.

(4) If the operations mentioned in subsection (3) are regularly or frequently performed, emergency showers and eye fountains shall be installed in the immediate surroundings.

(5) Open reservoirs and vats in which corrosive liquids are agitated with compressed air or heated with steam shall be so protected that the operator is not exposed to splashes.

(6) Level indicators on open reservoirs and vats for corrosive liquids shall be provided with protective screens.

(7) Reservoirs and tanks containing corrosive liquids shall be provided with an overflow device. Section 16(1) to (7).

Oxidizing Substances

(1) Oxidizing substances shall be stored:

(a) away from acids and corrosive liquids with which they may react in an explosive manner,

(b) away from metallic powders,

(d) away from substances which oxidize easily, including wood surfaces.

(2) Containers of oxidizing substances shall be:

(a) kept closed,

(b) clearly identified, and

(3) Any equipment utilized for the process or handling of oxidizing materials shall be grounded.

(4) Clothes contaminated by oxidizing substances shall be removed immediately and washed before being worn again. Section 19(1) to (4).

(1) All open containers in which noncorrosive liquids have a temperature exceeding 60°C (140°F) are agitated or heated, shall have their control devices isolated or guarded by a screen to protect the operator against splashes.

(2) Level indicators on reservoirs, vats or other containers of hot liquids shall be provided with protective screens.

(3) Workers engaged in the handling of hot liquids shall wear personal protective equipment. Section 20(1) to (3).

For more information:

Poisonous Substances. Sections 17(1) to (7), 18(1) to (4).
Part 8 – Material and Storage. Sections 8.16, 8.17, and 8.18.
Orders respecting hazardous substances. Section 48(1) to (4).
New hazardous substances. Section 49(1) to (3).
Report respecting new hazardous substance. Section 50.

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at Wcb.YK.ca and Laws.Yukon.ca.