Planning for
emergencies is key to minimizing injuries to employees and property loss. The
employer must first determine what possible emergencies could occur, and then
develop plans to address each type of emergency.
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Hazardous
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A workplace must have a written emergency plan appropriate to the hazards of the workplace. The plan must address emergency conditions that may arise from within the workplace or adjacent workplaces
The plan must be developed, implemented and annually reviewed in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or the worker representative. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.97
A hazardous substance inventory of quantities that may endanger workers must be maintained. The inventory must list the nature of the hazard, the location and quantity of the hazardous substances, and the location of the MSDS. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.98)
The risk from accidental release of hazardous substances, fire or other emergency must be assessed. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.99)
There must be written procedures that include the method of notifying employees of an evacuation, safe evacuation, head count, notification of emergency responders, and notification of adjacent buildings where necessary. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.100)
If workers are used to clean up a spill, there must be written work procedures to follow. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment necessary to control, clean up, and dispose of a spill must be provided. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.101)
Training in emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a spill must be provided to all affected workers. Drills must be conducted to test procedures and familiarize workers. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.102)
A spill greater than 5 kilograms of a corrosive substance or 100 litres of a flammable substance (as defined by the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act) must be reported immediately to the BC Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) at 1-800-663-3456. (Spill Reporting Regulation 263/90, Schedule)
A risk assessment must be conducted when a need to evacuate the
facility may arise. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97,
4.13)
There must be written procedures that include the method of notifying
employees of an evacuation, safe evacuation, head count, notification of
emergency responders, and notification of adjacent buildings where necessary. (Occupational
Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.100)
Emergency exits must be marked and provide easy exit. Lighting for exits must be provided in accordance with BC Building Code. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.14)
Emergency fire drills must be held annually to test exits and
procedures. A record of the drill must be retained. (Occupational Health
and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.14)
Self-contained emergency lighting units must be inspected and tested monthly for proper function. Units must be tested annually for duration. (BC Fire Code 285/98, 6.7)
Fire emergency procedures must be provided for areas where flammable or
combustible liquids are stores or handled. Fire emergency procedures must be
posted. (BC Fire Code 285/98, 2.8)
Emergency fire drills must be held annually to test exits and
procedures. A record of the drill must be retained. (Occupational Health
and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.14)
Fire extinguishers must be located in or adjacent to aisles leading to
exits. Instructions for operating fire extinguishers must be attached to the
unit.
Extinguishers must be
inspected and tested according to NFPA-10. Defective extinguishers must be
repaired. A label must be attached to each extinguisher indicating the month
and year it was hydrostatically tested. There must also be a tag showing the
maintenance or recharge date, the name of the company performing the service
and the signature of the person performing the service. (BC Fire Code 285/98,
6.2)
All workers must be instructed in fire prevention and emergency
evacuation procedures. Workers assigned to fight a fire must be trained
annually in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency procedures, the
emergency organization, and communications. A qualified instructor must provide
training. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.16)
The fire department must be notified of the nature and location of hazardous materials. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.17)
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