FACILITY SAFETY

 

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·       AISLES

·       CLEANING WITH COMPRESSED AIR

·       DOORS

·       EMERGENCY LIGHTING

·       EXITS

·       FLOOR OPENINGS

·       FLOORS

·       GUARDRAILS

·       HANDRAILS

·       HOUSEKEEPING

·       ILLUMINATION

·       LADDERS

·       LUNCHROOMS

·       TOEBOARDS

·       WORK AREA

 

AISLES

Every exit must have an aisle that is at least 1.1 metres wide. There must always be a choice of two directions to exit. (BC Fire Code, 285/98, 2.7)

 

CLEANING WITH COMPRESSED AIR

Compressed air must not be used for blowing dirt to clean if the cleaning could cause injury. Compressed air must not be used to clean clothing unless eye and respiratory protection is worn and the pressure of the compressed gas is less than 10 pounds per square inch  (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.42)

 

DOORS

Doors must meet the requirements in the BC Building Code. The full arc swing of a door must be over a landing, not a stair. Glass doors must be marked to be visible and recognized. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.35 – 4.36)

 

EMERGENCY LIGHTING

Emergency lighting must be provided for the workplace and the exit route if a lighting failure causes danger to workers. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.69)

 

EXITS

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)

 

FLOOR OPENINGS

Floor opening that are accessible to workers must be covered or guarded by guardrails. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.59)

 

FLOORS

If a work process results in liquid collecting on the floor, floor drains or other means to control the hazard must be provided.

 

Floors, platforms, ramps, stairs and walkways available for use by workers must be maintained in a state of good repair and kept free of slipping and tripping hazards. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.39 - 4.40)

 

GUARDRAILS

Guardrails must be provided in the following circumstances:

·       where a floor is raised four feet above the adjacent floor

·       there is a walkway beside a hazardous area

·       around an open container deeper than four feet

·       there is a stairway ending in a hazardous area

 

A guardrail must have a top rail 40 inches above the surface and an intermediate rail. The front edge of a loading dock does not need a guardrail. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.54 – 4.58)

 

HANDRAILS

Handrails must be provided on the open side of stairs that have more than four risers, on one side if the stairs are closed and less than 44 inches wide, and on both sides if the stairs are closed and more than 44 inches wide. The handrail must be between 30 and 36 inches above the tread. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.62)

 

HOUSEKEEPING

Refuse, spills and waste material must not accumulate. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.41)

 

The working space around electrical equipment must be kept clear of obstructions and not used for storage. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 19.7)

 

ILLUMINATION

In areas of low activity, a minimum of 22 lux illumination must be provided. In areas of high activity, a minimum of 54 lux illumination must be provided. The brightness ratio, reflectance and glare must be controlled. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.64 – 4.68)

 

LADDERS

Ladders must conform to the requirements of CSA/CAN Z11-M81 Portable Ladders, ANSI A14.1-1990 Safety Requirements for Portable Wood Ladders, ANSI A14.2-1990 Safety Requirements for Portable Metal Ladders, or other acceptable standard.

 

Ladders must be marked for grade and use. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 13.1 – 13.14)

 

LUNCHROOMS

The lunchroom must not contain an exit to a washroom and must meet the size requirement for the number of workers. The lunchroom must have a two-compartment sink, enclosed cupboard, and tables and chairs. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.90 – 4.92)

 

TOEBOARDS

Toeboards must be provided around elevated areas and floor openings if there is a danger of materials falling off the edge. Toeboards must be at least four inches high, but higher if stacked material could fall. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.60)

 

WORK AREA

There must be a safe way for a worker to access the work area. Pedestrian aisles must be clearly marked. Locked doors or equivalent protection must secure hazardous areas. The work area must be arranged to allow safe movement of people, equipment and materials. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.32 – 4.34)

 

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