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in reply to: monthly fire extinguisher inspection – Ontario #103314
That’s an important and it’s not off topic at all. Thanks, Melvin.
in reply to: monthly fire extinguisher inspection – Ontario #103313Off topic, but very relevant. Make sure anyone who may be called upon to use a fire extinguisher in your office is trained in its proper use.
in reply to: monthly fire extinguisher inspection – Ontario #103312Good question. The OHS Industrial Establishments Reg, which applies to offices, says that the requirements of the Fire Code apply to portable fire extinguishers. The Fire Code says:
6.2.7.2. Portable extinguishers shall be inspected monthly.
What’s missing is regulation and guidance explaining WHAT must be inspected. But based on best practices and requirements from other jurisdictions, monthly portable fire extinguisher inspection should probably include:- Confirming that the extinguisher is visible, unobstructed, and in its designated location.
- Verifying that the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal is unbroken.
- Examining the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle.
- Confirming the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position
- Lifting the extinguisher to ensure it’s full.
- Ensuring the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward.
- Checking the last professional service date on the tag.
- Initialing and dating the back of the tag.
I invite any of our Ontario users to weigh in on this if they have any additional or clarifying info. Hope this helps. Glenn
in reply to: WHMIS Expiring #103311Hello, is there best practice for SK’ in terms of WHMIS refreshers – notwithstanding what has been discussed above. I worked in manufacturing before, and we used to do yearly WHIMS irrespective of any changes or not, also would you consider WHMIS for all team members or only those with WHMIS need?
in reply to: WHMIS Expiring #103310Sure does. Thanks alot
in reply to: WHMIS Expiring #103309No. There’s always a lot of confusion over WHMIS training renewal requirements, so let me sort things out.
First, WHMIS training isn’t certification. It’s just training that must hit all the points for workers with exposure or potential exposure to hazardous products. There’s also no shelf life for WHMIS training. You must provide BEFORE the initial exposure and as often as necessary after that in response to: i. Changes to work conditions that affect the hazards that the previous training didn’t cover; ii. New hazard information about the product becomes available; and iii. Indications that the previous training was ineffective or needs to be corrected or revised. Again, the frequency of the need for retraining is dictated by the events not a specific period of time. Thus, original WHMIS training can last for years or it can need refreshing after 24 hours if one of the above triggers occurs.
Also keep in mind that the WHMIS PROGRAM, including training, must be reviewed at least once a year. As part of that annual review, you may determine that the previous training is ineffective and needs to be refreshed. Then again, you may also conclude that the previous training is OK, in which case, you don’t have to refresh it unless and until you do the next annual review or one of the triggers occurs before that. Hope that helps. GlennAll jurisdictions have their own employer Injury/Illness Report forms. In BC, it’s Form 7
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/claims/forms/employers-report-of-injury-or-occupational-disease-form-7’lang=en&origin=s&returnurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worksafebc.com%2Fen%2Fforms-resources%23sort%3DRelevancy
It’s also Form 7 in Ontario https://safety.queensu.ca/sites/webpublish.queensu.ca.ehswww/files/files/Forms/WSIB%20Form%207.pdf
I don’t know of anything exactly equivalent to the OSHA Form 300A or 301. Hope that helps.One of the nice things about OHS Insider is that you also get access to the knowledge base of our users who are willing to share their insight. Here’s one from a user weighing in on your scissor lift inspection question from last week. I hope it helps.
MS: has commented on your followed question at “Is there a mandatory requirement by law in Ontario to conduct structural inspections for scissor lift by a professional engineer every 5 years apart from the annual inspection’“:
CSA Inspection on Aerial Lift Devices The CSA standards covering scissorlift platforms (B354.2-01) and boom type aerial platforms (B354.4-02) were updated in the last two years after last being published in 1982. The B354 series is on slab scissorliftcited in Ontario’s construction regulations as being the minimum requirements for design, construction, and operation of aerial work platforms in this province. Much of the new standards present similar requirements as set out in the 1982 editions, however, there are some changes. These include: Variations in the method of testing the stability of the devices More detailed operational markings on the aerials Improved braking requirements Detailed requirements for equipment inspection Expanded information on safe operating practices and operator training The new requirements for inspection set out provisions for daily, periodic, and annual inspections. They also call for structural inspections to be carried out in the following cases: 10 years after date of manufacture and every 5 years thereafter. This took effect as of January 1, 2003. After an incident that could affect the structural integrity or stability of the aerial such as electrical contact, shock loads, fall arrest, collision, overloading, or losses of stability. After a change of ownership, unless a complete history of maintenance and inspection is included with the unit. The structural inspection is to be carried out under the direction of a professional engineer. As part of the inspection, all welds and other critical areas are to be inspected by visual and/or nondestructive testing. Personnel carrying out visual weld inspections are to be qualified under CSA standard W178.2 (Certification of Visual Weld Inspectors). Similarly, personnel performing nondestructive testing are to be qualified to CGSB standard 48-9712. This standard reinforces already existing requirements for annual inspection of these types of equipment already in force in Ontario. Domson Engineering & Inspection has been carrying out inspections that meet the requirements of this new standard for many years now. We would be happy to put our experience to work for you. Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!No. First, the OHS regulations say that scissor lifts and other powered lift trucks be inspected by a COMPETENT PERSON. A person doesn’t have to be a certified professional engineer to be deemed competent.
Having said that, the inspection requirements are dictated by the manufacturer’s instructions. I’m not an expert on scissor lifts but I suppose it’s possible that some of these products may, in fact, require inspection by a professional. So, you need to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions of whatever equipment you use.
Here are the MOL guidelines that break down the OHS lift truck requirements in detail. https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/lifttrucks/gl_lift_5.php Hope this helps.Bottom Line: It’s allowed only if it’s a compelling safety measure, such as in certain healthcare settings, there are no less intrusive alternatives and it’s carried out as narrowly as possible.
Here’s a detailed analysis: https://ohsinsider.com/can-you-require-workers-to-get-the-covid-19-vaccination/ There’s also a Model Mandatory Vaccination Policy on the OHSI site if you do decide to go in that direction.Haha no I am not, but I’ve been asked that question many times ?
Yeah, you’d think. But I do think this is more about medical than WCB protocols and that 10 years is probably the retention period. But nobody has ever asked me this question before and if you do manage to get an answer, please do let me know. Incidentally, are you in any way related to Ron Duguay?
Thank you, you would think there was a clear answer somewhere! I followed up with the company who manages our claims, they might know better than WCB. I will let you know.
That’s a really good question. WCB Policy 06-03-Part II describes WHICH medical records employers must keep but not for how long. I couldn’t find anything in the guidelines about retention. However, the general medical standard for health care providers in Alberta (and most of the country) is retaining medical records for 10 years. This is probably a question you can pose directly to a WCB official. I’ll bet you $5 that he/she won’t know. But then again, maybe he/she will. If you do find out, please let me know.
Here’s the WCB Policy:
POLICY 06-03-Part II
Employers must maintain detailed and accurate records of all earnings paid to workers and any other information WCB may require. These include all ledgers, journals, and other means of recording wages and other assessable amounts paid to all workers, including contractors and subcontractors. Where applicable, these should provide a breakdown of labour, equipment, and materials used. When employers have workers in two or more businesses, they are required to keep separate records for each business (see Policy 07-01, Classification). All records are subject to periodic review by WCB.Thanks for your reply. Management wanted me to research to see if we should be providing any support with rent/phone/internet etc. however I could find nothing online besides the CRA tax credits. Looks like employers are under no extra financial obligation to employees who are working from home due to the pandemic.
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