HSE IN THE WORKPLACE

ELEC-01001
Unit:- Safety Legislation, Regulations & Industry Policy in the Trades
(PLEA Pass).

Objective 1: - Demonstrate the ability to apply the Occupational Health

and Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

Objective 2: - Explain the role of the employer and employee in regards to

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations, Worksite Hazardous
Materials Information Systems (WHMIS), fire regulations, Workers
Compensation Board regulations, and related advisory bodies and agencies.
Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)Act , Regulation and Code in
Alberta sate the minimum requirement for health and safety which help
protect workers from risk and injury at work.
These requirements are directed at three groups that are responsible for
safety in the workplace. They are
 The employer
 The employee
 The suppliers of material or equipment
The OHS Act
The OHS Act , Regulation and Code together, consist of rules for
employers, workers, suppliers and government agencies that enforce the
safety standards, set out by the act.
According to the Act, your employer must ensure you and your fellow
workers are aware of their responsibilities, are aware of the hazards in
the workplace and are able to work safely. Your employer must train you
to protect yourselves and others on the work site.
The OHS Regulation
The OHS Regulation provides further clarification to sections of the Act.
The purpose of the Regulation is to help all groups and individuals
understand their obligations and responsibilities regarding safety issues
on the work site. It provides details on the minimum legal standards for
worker health and safety. The regulations, developed in consultation with
industry and workers, set the minimum standards for employers and
workers.
The OHS Code
The OHS Code provides comprehensive, detailed information for
employers, workers, suppliers and government agencies. The purpose of
the guide is to explain the requirements of the Occupational Health and
Safety Code in plain, easy‐to‐understand language. The OHS Code
Explanation Guide does not provide ‘interpretations’ of the requirements
– interpretations are provided by the courts... The OHS Code Explanation
Guide presents information that helps clarify the intent or application of
each ‘rule’ or ‘section’ of the OHS Code.
The OHS Code Explanation Guide has three broad subject areas
subdivided into 41 Parts or chapters.
The three broad subject areas are:
 Core Requirements Applicable to All Industries (3 Parts)
 Requirements Applicable to All Industries (26 Parts)
 Requirements Applicable to Specific Industries and Activities (12
Parts)
Core Requirements Applicable to All Industries
This section of the Code includes three parts. Part 1 includes the
definitions of words and terms used throughout the document. It helps
you understand and use the Code in your trade. Part 2 includes the
requirements for employers and workers to, identify, assess and control
or eliminate hazards that arise at the work site. You and your
employer must work together to control hazards:
First by using engineering controls:
 Machinery or equipment engineered and implemented to reduce or
eliminate exposure to chemical or physical hazards at the source.
Examples include mechanical ventilation, soundproof enclosures or
ergonomically designed workspaces.
Second administrative controls:
Administrative controls do not eliminate the hazards and are less
effective than engineering controls. They include safe work practices,
scheduling work to limit worker exposure to hazardous conditions or
substances and safety policies and rules and

Third, use personal protective equipment:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes clothing and equipment
designed to reduce your exposure to a known hazard. Examples of PPE
include safety eyewear, hearing protection and respiratory protective
equipment.
Bill C-45
Federal legislation protects you and your co-workers and prescribes
criminal charges be laid where a workplace injury or fatality occurs. The
legislation known as Bill C 45 added Section 217.1 to the Criminal Code,
which reads:
217.1 Every one who undertakes, or has the authority, to direct how
another person does work or performs a task is under a legal duty to take
reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm to that person, or any other
person, arising from that work or task.
Bill C-45 does not replace the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety
Act. It places the same obligation on employers, as does the OHS Act,
but it also includes their representatives. Representatives, under Bill C-
45, include a director, partner, employee, member, agent or contractor of
the organization. The Bill states representatives must do everything
reasonable to protect all workers from injury or death. However, Bill C-
45 also provides that infractions could result in criminal charges under
the Criminal Code of Canada. Employers and/or their representatives,
could face, a fine, a prison sentence or both, if found guilty.
Developing, implementing and updating a workplace health and safety
program limits your employer's liability and reduces the chance of facing
criminal charges. The most effective way to avoid liability is for your
employer to:
 Know the legal obligations under provincial and federal OHS laws
and standards
 Know what hazards exist in the workplace, effectively reduce or
eliminate them
 Ensure employees are fully trained, informed of any risks or hazards
and made aware of the company’s health and safety management
program.
Employer Responsibilities(OHS Regulations)
An employer is a person who employ one or more workers. You are an
employer if you represent an employer or if your company oversees a
worker's health and safety who works for another employer.
The definition of employer is a:
Person who is self-employed in an occupation
Person who employs one or more workers
Person designated by an employer as the employer’s representative
Director or officer of a corporation who oversees the occupational
health and safety of the workers employed by the corporation.
An employer must be familiar with the OHS Act, Regulation and Code
as it applies to your worksite. The OHS Act states that your employer
must do everything reasonable to protect the health and safety of you and
other workers at the work site. For example, your employer must
maintain equipment in safe working order and properly supply, store and
handle or use all substances and materials in a safe manner.
The OHS Code provides direction more specifically for you and your
employer.
Employer must conduct a hazard assessment and develop a plan to
eliminate or control any hazard identified (potential or existing).
Section 8 of the OHS Regulation requires your employer to make critical
documents available that relate to worker safety at the work site. It states,

 If an employer is required to make a report or plan under the Act, it

must be in writing and available to the workers at the work site
affected by it.
 If an employer is required to develop procedures or to put procedures
in place under the Act, the procedures must be in writing and available
to the workers at the work site affected by it.

Employer is responsible to ensure that you and other workers at the work
site are aware of your duties and have the skills and training needed to do
your jobs safely.
Employee Responsibilities (OHS Regulations)
Worker’s also have duties and responsibilities under the Act. Worker
must work in a safe manner, be safety conscious and co-operate with
your employer in the health and safety measures set up to protect
employees. During your training as an apprentice and once you become a
journeyman, you are to comply with all trade safety rules and specific
employer and government safety requirements.
Key responsibilities workers must carry out at the work site include:

 Report any hazardous or potentially hazardous situations to your supervisor

 Report all injuries immediately,
 Wear all required PPE and ensure it is in good condition
 Inspect all equipment, tools and machinery before use; defective
equipment,
including PPE, is not to be used and must be replaced or reported to your
Supervisor
 Participate in regularly scheduled work site safety planning meetings,
 Ensure you know and follow the emergency procedures prepared by your
employer for your work site
 Do not perform any work you feel is unsafe or requires you to perform any
activity that could cause injury to you or your co-workers.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)
Employer must also provide health and safety training to any workers
who work near or use hazardous materials classified under other
regulatory systems (that is, not WHMIS). For example:
 Explosives (regulated under the Canada Explosives Act) and local fire
regulations.
Cosmetics, devices, and food and drugs (regulated under the Canada Food and
Drug Act).
 Pesticides (regulated under the Pest Control Products Act).
 Radioactive materials (regulated under the Nuclear Safety and Control
Act).
 Products (for example, asbestos) banned or regulated under the Hazardous
Products Act).
 Hazardous products or materials during transport (regulated under the
Worker Education
Employer is required to provide information and training you need to
protect yourself and others from all controlled and hazardous substances
in your workplace. The training may include some generic information,
but must be job specific.
Workers employed by the same company may require different training,
depending on the products they work with or encounter.

Generic training can include:

 A general introduction to WHMIS
 Training in the required content of WHMIS labels and MSDSs
 Training in the purpose and significance of that information to
worker’s health and safety on the job.
Work site specific training must cover four areas:
 Hazard information.
 The different modes of product identification used at the workplace.
 Procedures for the safe use, storage and handling of controlled
products used at the work site.
 Procedures for dealing with fugitive emissions and emergencies at the
work site.
Your employer is responsible to provide all employees WHMIS training,
including the following:
How to interpret supplier labels, workplace labels, and material safety
data sheets (MSDS)
The significance of the information found on supplier labels,
workplace labels and MSDS
When and how to apply workplace labels
How to safely handle and store controlled products used in the
workplace
How to safely dispose of controlled products used in the workplace
How to respond to a spill or leak
How to interpret colour coding or any other visible identification
system used instead of workplace labelling.

Your employer is required to check periodically to determine your ability

to apply the information from your WHMIS training. Testing can be
through practical or written tests or observing your work practices.
Employee Responsibilities
You are responsible for the following:
 Participating in training
 Using information obtained to protect yourself and others
 Applying workplace labels where and when required
 Demonstrating the application of safe work procedures with
controlled products and the knowledge of why those procedures are
required
Fire Regulations
The three elements of fire (fuel, air and ignition) are often present
together in work settings for your trade.
The first line of defence in fighting fires is to prevent them from starting
in the first place. Your employer is required to conduct a hazard
assessment at your work site that includes the identification of existing or
potential fire or explosion hazards.
If flammable liquids are stored at the work site they must be stored in
containers manufactured after July 1, 2009 and must be approved to
 Canada Standards Association (CSA) Standard B376-M1980 (R2008),
Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels
 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 30, Flammable
and Combustible Liquids Code, 2006 edition
 Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard C30-1995, Containers
Safety
If fire breaks out, you and your employer must be prepared to respond to
the emergency and protect all workers at the work site from harm. In
addition to the hazard assessment, your employer is required to create an
emergency response plan to deal with emergencies that may require
rescue or evacuation. Your employer must involve everyone affected by
the emergency in the creation of the emergency response plan. Once the
plan is in place, your employer ensures it is current by reviewing it
periodically and revising it to reflect changing circumstances or
conditions at the work site.
Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)
The WCB is a private not-for-profit organization. The WCB is not a
government department or crown corporation. The compensation system
in Alberta guided by the Alberta Workers' Compensation Act. WCB
provides cost effective workplace liability and disability insurance to
more than 140,000 employers and 1.8 million workers in Alberta.
WCB compensates injured workers for lost income, health care and
other costs related to work related injury or occupational disease.
Injured workers are eligible to claim benefits for work related accidents
even if their own negligence contributed to the accident. In return for
these benefits, workers give up the right to take legal action against
employers and other workers for work-related injuries and illnesses.
Participating employers and their workers have immunity from lawsuit
brought by a covered person or employer for damages resulting from
work-related incidents, even if they are responsible for the fault.
Commitment to Fairness
You and your employer are entitled to a fair and expeditious resolution of
any disagreement with a WCB decision. Where matters cannot be
resolved, you are entitled to a fair and impartial review or external appeal
subject to WCB legislation Section 46.The workers' compensation
system is separate from the courts. Subject to appeal rights, the WCB has
exclusive authority to decide all questions and matters arising under the
Workers' Compensation Act.
Focus on Return to Work
WCB supports injured workers' safe return to work. WCB works with
employers to develop case plans that set clear goals to bring injured
workers back to work. The case plans include disability management and
modified work programs.

When an Injury Occurs

When an injury occurs at work, you and your employer have obligations.
Your obligations are to tell:
 Your employer the details of your injury
 Your health care provider that your injury happened at work
 WCB by submitting a Worker's Report of Injury immediately
Your employer's obligations include:
 Provide for and pay the cost of immediate transportation from the site
of the injury to an appropriate medical treatment facility (if required).
 Pay your full regular wages for the day the injury occurred.
 Report the accident to the WCB within 72 hours of the incident by
completing an employer's report of accident where an injury results in:

 Lost time beyond the date of the accident

 Death or permanent disability
 The need for medical treatment beyond first aid (assessment by an physician, physiotherapist,
chiropractor or other medical professional)
 Incurring medical aid expenses (for example dental, eyeglass repair or replacement,
prescription medications)
 A disabling or potentially disabling condition caused by occupational exposure or activity (for
example poisoning, infection, respiratory disease or dermatitis).
Related Advisory Bodies and Agencies
Several organizations and agencies have formed over time to work with
industry and government to emphasize the importance of safety in every
trade. These organizations have an industry or sector focus that enables
them to provide valuable support to employers and employees. Five
organizations that have positively impacted safe work conditions in
Alberta are:
 The Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA)
 The Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA)
 The Occupational Health and Safety Council
 Work Safe Alberta
 The Safety Codes Council
The Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA)
The ACSA is a non-profit organization funded by the construction
industry funded by a levy on Alberta Workers' Compensation Board
(WCB) premium assessments to provide quality advice and education for
the construction industry that will reduce human suffering and financial
costs associated with workplace incidents.
The Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA)
The COAA is comprised of members who work in heavy industrial
construction and industrial maintenance. The COAA Safety Committee
mandate is:
The Safety Committee members will work collaboratively to improve
overall safety culture and performance in the Construction industry by:
A combination of identifying, developing and supporting implementation
of leading edge industry safety philosophies, practices and tools that will
contribute to improving cultural and safety performance for Owners,
Contractors and Labour groups.
The Occupational Health and Safety Council
The OHS Council is an administrative body that operates at arm's length
from government. The Council consists of nine members, including the
chair; it has representation from employers, employees and the public.
The Council advises the Minister on OHS matters. It also deals with
appeals to orders issued to employers by OHS officials.

Work Safe Alberta

Work Safe Alberta is an initiative of the Alberta government to reduce
work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities in consultation with industry
and labour. It offers assistance and resources through e-learning, industry
initiatives, OHS statistics and reports, public awareness campaigns and
information specifically developed for young or new workers entering
the work force.
The Safety Codes Council
The Safety Codes Council, established in 1993, is responsible for all
aspects of the safety system. The Council accredits the municipalities,
corporations and agencies that sell permits and inspect the work carried
out under these permits. The Council certifies and trains Safety Codes
Officers who inspect and administer the Alberta Master Electrician
Program and develop, enhance and support the Information Technology
safety system applications.

The Council derives its authority from the Safety Codes Act and the
Minister of Municipal Affairs to:
 Review, formulate, and recommend codes and standards to the
Minister for the nine technical disciplines covered under the Act
 Develop and administer a system to accredit municipalities, regional
services commissions, corporations and agencies to carry out specific
activities under the Act
 Develop and administer a program to train, certify and designate
safety codes officers
 Administer an appeal process for orders and written notices issued
under the Act
 Administer the Master Electrician Program
 Promote uniform safety standards and the principles of barrier-free
design and access
 Provide support for our partners and carry out any activities that the
Minister directs
A board of directors, or Coordinating Committee, made up of members
appointed from experts in the areas of governance, finance, risk
management, human resources and business, govern the Council.
The staff of the Council provides the administration of the Council’s core
businesses which includes:
 Accreditation
 Certification
 Education and training
 Appeals
 Master Electrician Program
 Codes and Standards and
 Electronic business solutions (eBS)
ELEC-01001
Unit:- Safety Legislation, Regulations & Industry Policy in the Trades
(PLEA Pass).
Objective 3: -Explain industry practices for hazard assessment and
control procedures.
Hazard Assessment and Control
It is important that you know the working environment because potential
hazards exist in every trade. It is up to you to identify workplace hazards
and know the precautions to take to prevent injury or illness to yourself
and fellow workers.

Workplace hazards fall into four main categories:

 Biological hazards
 Chemical hazards
 Ergonomic hazards
 Physical hazards
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or
parasites are living organisms that cause disease in
human beings. Numerous respiratory or systemic
illnesses may result from exposure to biological
hazards.
Chemical Hazards
Many chemical substances found at the workplace can
adversely affect your health.
Hazardous chemicals in direct contact with your skin or
eyes cause skin and eye irritation, skin sensitization,
dermatitis and chemical burns. Hazardous chemicals
absorbed or ingested may affect the respiratory tract,
kidneys, liver or other internal organs.
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic hazards are the result of a job, a tool, a procedure or the work
environment improperly designed for the worker. Back injuries,
repetitive strain injuries, strained muscles or fatigue are all the results of
a poor fit between the worker and the work environment.

Physical Hazards
Noise, vibration, temperature extremes, radiation, fire and high pressures
are all part of the physical hazard category. Exposure to physical hazards
may result in hearing loss, heat stress, frostbite or hypothermia and other
injuries or illnesses.
Work Site Hazard Identification and Assessment
Work site hazard assessments and inspections are key activities in the
prevention of accidents. It is important to identify existing and potential
hazards and increase awareness leading to the prevention of workplace
accidents and illnesses.
Employer's Responsibilities
Part 2 of the OHS Code covers hazard assessment, elimination and
control. It states that your employer must assess your work site and
identify existing and potential hazards before you begin work there. Each
time a new work site is proposed, your employer must conduct a hazard
assessment for that site prior to you starting work. Your employer must
also conduct a new hazard assessment whenever site conditions,
operations or processes change.
Types and Objectives of Hazard Controls
The OHS Code requires your employer to involve you in the hazard
assessment if it is likely the hazard will affect you. You must also be
involved in the control or elimination of the hazards identified. Control
or elimination of a hazard through engineering controls is the first
priority. The OHS Code Explanation Guide describes engineering
controls as providing the highest level of worker protection because they
eliminate or control the hazard at its source. Engineering controls
include:
 Elimination
 Substitution
 Redesign
 Isolation
If these engineering controls do not eliminate or control the hazard, your
employer must use administrative controls to control the hazard to a level
that is as low as possible. The Explanation Guide explains administrative
controls include:
 Safe work practices, job procedures, policies, rules
 Work/rest schedules to reduce exposure
 Limiting hours of work,
 Scheduling hazardous work during times when exposure of other
workers is limited
 Wet methods as opposed to dry sanding or sweeping
If administrative controls do not control the hazard, your employer must
ensure you have and use the appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE). According to the Explanation Guide, examples of PPE commonly
used include:
Safety eyewear, hard hats and safety boots
Hearing protection if workers are exposed to noise that exceeds
allowable levels
Respiratory protective equipment to protect the lungs against harmful
dusts and vapours
A combination of all three approaches when necessary
Hazard Assessment Tools
You and your employer will need tools to gather information and develop
plans to identify and eliminate or control workplace hazards. The five
main tools for assessing and controlling work site hazards are:
 Hazard assessment reports
 Checklists
 Health and safety plans,
 Emergency response plans
 First aid records and incident reports
Checklist

A checklist is a popular hazard assessment tool used to ensure that due

diligence is exercised. It itemizes and lists hazards that you need to
inspect. The checklist guides you through the process without you
needing to remember the process every time. This way you can complete
your inspection quickly and thoroughly. It is also recommended that
every checklist include a blank area where you can include other hazards
that need to be addressed, but are not listed on the pre-printed form.
A shortcoming of using a checklist is that, when you discover a hazard,
you may be tempted to check it off without properly or thoroughly
evaluating the hazard, its nature of risk and fully determining what the
most appropriate control to use to minimize the risks.
 Hazard Identification
Physical Hazards Chemical Hazards
Lifting and handling loads Chemicals (identify types)
Slipping and tripping Type:
Fire Mist and vapours (identify types)
Lighting Types:
Temperature Fumes (identify types)
Other : Types:
Other: Other:
Other: Other:
Biological Hazards Psychological Hazards
Viruses Working conditions
Fungi (mould) Fatigue
Bacteria Stress
Blood and fluids Other:
Sewage Other:
Other:
Health and Safety Plan
Many companies establish their own health and safety programs and
plans voluntarily. These programs offer a wide variety of measures to
promote health and safety in the work place including written safety
policies, regular staff meetings, and training, coupled with posted on-the-
job safety instructions. Many companies have regular safety meetings to
discuss safety topics, issues or near misses. All the meetings, discussion,
procedures and practices promote safety in the workplace and keep all
workers safe.
Planning Safety at the Work Site
Safety planning is something you are
responsible for on a daily basis. Before
performing a job, assess and predict
potential safety hazards, ensure that all
supplies and equipment required are ready
and in good working order and everyone
involved is aware of their duties. You play
a key role in making safety part of your
daily routine and you must be part of the
daily safety solution. Safety is essential;
safe work practices pay off for everyone.
The Alberta Construction Safety Association
recommends that all workers at a work site
perform a Job Hazard Analysis. Job Hazard
Analysis is their term for the hazard assessment
process, to examine each basic step of a job, to
identify potential hazards and controls to carry out
each job step safely.
The Construction Owners Association of Alberta
recommends that all workers at a worksite use a
field level risk assessment (their term for hazard
assessment) as "A method that an individual or
crew would use to minimize or eliminate potential
losses (to people, property, materials or the
environment) the day of the job."
The COAA believes this is an effective approach because it is simple to
implement and requires four basic steps:
 Look around and identify hazards
 Assess risks
 Control risks
 Resume work
Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee
A committee formed voluntarily or through union-
management, negotiation to address health and safety
at the work site is a very effective communications link
between workers and management. The purpose of the
committee is to promote, within the company, an
awareness and interest in health and safety at the
worksite. Committee members work together to
identify and help solve health and safety concerns.
They hold meetings at least once a month. By
voluntarily establishing a joint worksite health and
safety committee at your workplace, your employer
commits to improve the health and safety climate of
your job.
Emergency Response Plans
The OHS code requires employers to develop an emergency response
plan that may require a rescue or an evacuation. The plan must be site-
specific and used as a tool in your hazard assessment by ensuring such
things as:
All emergency equipment is properly located and stored
Alarm systems are operational
Procedures for evacuation or rescue are clearly spelled out
Workers properly trained to provide first aid if necessary
All personnel are aware of the procedures for dealing with possible
emergencies
First Aid and Incident Reports
You must report to your employer, as soon as reasonably possible,
whenever a worker becomes ill or injured at the worksite. Your employer
writes a report detailing the incident, when it occurred, where it
happened, the type of first aid offered as well as the cause of the incident.
Employers must keep this report in a secured file for a period of three
years. Your employer cannot ignore the event; but must take action to
prevent the incident from occurring again and must also address any
hazards identified. The report can become a tool for assessing
unexpected or unforeseen hazards, even though it is
a confidential document.
ELEC-01001
Unit:- Safety Legislation, Regulations & Industry Policy in the Trades
(PLEA Pass).

Objective 4: - Describe the responsibilities of workers and employers

to apply emergency procedures.

Objective 5: -Describe positive tradesperson attitudes with respect to

housekeeping, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
You should always be familiar with your workplace and be prepared to
protect yourself and co-workers from danger in case of an emergency.
You need to know the location of the exits or emergency escape routes,
emergency equipment such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, fire alarm
and telephone. Knowing where these items are located is important, but
knowing what to do with them in an emergency is also important.
Emergency Response Plans
Part 7 of the Alberta OHS Code; "Emergency Preparedness and
Response", requires employers and employees to be prepared to respond
to emergencies. The Alberta OHS Code Explanation Guide states, An
employer must have an emergency response plan for an emergency that
may require the rescue or evacuation of workers (the OHS Regulation
requires the plan to be in writing and available to workers). The plan
establishes what the employer must do until emergency services
personnel arrive. The plan must be applicable to any emergencies
identified in the work site hazard assessment conducted by your
employer.
The plan specifies the procedures and the personnel designated by your
employer to provide rescue services in an emergency response. All
affected workers must be aware of the plan and familiar with the
procedures. Your employer must train all employees, designated to
provide rescue and evacuation services, to provide the appropriate
response. Any emergency response training must include exercises that
simulate the potential emergencies identified in the emergency response
plan.
You must wear PPE that is appropriate to the nature of the emergency,
when you respond to emergencies. Your employer must provide
designated rescue and evacuation personnel with the PPE and equipment
to deal with any emergency identified in the emergency response plan.
First Aid
Part 11 of the Alberta OHS Code covers first aid requirements for
employers, employees and the work site. The code requires only properly
trained individuals, designated by your employer, to provide first aid
services to you and your co-workers.
The type of first aid equipment required is based on:
How hazardous the work is
Time taken to travel from the work site to a health care facility
The number of workers on each shift (worksafe.alberta.ca, 2012)
Your employer must ensure that first aid equipment and supplies are
stored at the worksite in a location easily accessible during all working
hours and that all workers are aware of this location. The equipment and
supplies must be stored in a way that they will not lose their effectiveness
due to exposure to the elements or work processes that may cause
damage. If the first aid equipment and supplies are stored in containers,
the containers must be clearly marked to indicate their contents.
If you have an acute illness or injury at the work site, the OHS Code
requires you to report the illness or injury to your employer as soon as
you can. In response, your employer must record every instance of an
acute illness or injury and keep the record in a secure location, viewed
only by authorized persons.
Your employer must ensure that the proper number of first aiders are
available at the work site for every shift.
First Aid Requirements for Low Hazard Work
Number of Workers at Close Work Site (up to Distant Work Site (20- Isolated Work Site (more
a Work Site per Shift 20 minutes) 40 minutes) than 40 minutes)
1 Type P First Aid Kit Type P First Aid Kit Type P First Aid Kit
2-9 No.1 First Aid Kit 1 Emergency First Aider 1 Emergency First Aider
No.2 First Aid Kit No.2 First Aid Kit
10-49 1 Emergency First Aider 1 Emergency First Aider 1 Emergency First Aider
No.1 First Aid Kit No.2 First Aid Kit No.2 First Aid Kit
50-99 1 Emergency First Aider 1 Emergency First Aider 2 Standard First Aider
1 Standard First Aider 1 Standard First Aider No.2 First Aid Kit
No.2 First Aid Kit No.2 First Aid Kit
Note: Number of first aiders indicated is for a shift at all times.
The Impact of Positive Attitude
The OHS Act is the government law detailing the legal responsibilities
for all workers in Alberta and states that; Every worker shall, while
engaged in an occupation:
 Take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of the worker and
of other workers present while the worker is working.
 Co-operate with the worker's employer for the purposes of protecting
the health and safety of:
 The worker
 Other workers engaged in the work of the employer
 Other workers not engaged in the work of that employer but present at
the work site at which that work is being carried out
It is important that everyone at your work site practice safe work habits.
The creation of safe work environments results from controlling the
variables and behaviours contributing to, or causing accidents or injuries.
A positive attitude toward safety contributes significantly to an accident-
free environment. Everyone benefits from a
healthy attitude towards preventing accidents.
Safety and recognizing workplace hazards are a matter of concern to
everyone associated with your trade. You are ultimately responsible for
the safety of everyone working around you at the job site. Be aware of
hazards, potential hazards, unsafe work practices, inattentiveness and
signs of impaired judgement or decision-making. If you see something
that does not appear to be safe, report the activity to your employer. Be
proactive, use safety equipment and avoid potentially hazardous
situations.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping refers to the general manner in which you maintain the job
site or workplace. Clutter or obstructions may lead to unsafe conditions.
You should have a positive attitude towards good housekeeping practices
and encourage your co-workers to do the same. Remedy any hazardous
or untidy condition by removing debris or reporting it to someone who is
responsible for the clean-up. Creating a cleaner work environment
leads to a safer and more productive work environment. The OHS Code
requires your employer to take all steps necessary to maintain a safe
work site clean and free of any materials or equipment that could cause
workers to slip or trip.
Lighting
The Code also identifies that your employer must supply adequate
lighting at your worksite. You need sufficient lighting, protected against
damage, to enable you to work safely. Your employer provides
emergency lighting and it should provide sufficient light for you to leave
your work site safely should the normal lighting system fail. Emergency
lighting must also enable you to perform any necessary emergency shut-
down procedures while
you restore normal lighting.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Your employer is required, in some situations, to provide you with PPE
and in all cases you are responsible to wear it. There is a risk of injury or
illness on any work site. It is impossible to predict when an accident
resulting in injury may occur so it is essential that you use your PPE
whenever you are required to use it. Your employer informs you of the
need for PPE, trains you in its use, care and maintenance, and ensures
you have the necessary equipment.
ELEC-01001
Unit:- Safety Legislation, Regulations & Industry Policy in the Trades
(PLEA Pass).

Objective 6: - Describe the roles and responsibilities of employers and

employees with respect to the selection and use of personal protective
equipment (PPE).
PPE Requirements
The OHS Code, in Part 18, describes the requirements for PPE at work
sites in Alberta. It includes information that establishes the standards for
all work settings and environments.

Employer Responsibilities
Part 18 requires your employer to determine the presence and
significance of any hazards at your work site and determine if PPE is
required. If PPE is required, your employer must ensure all workers wear
and use the required PPE.
Part 18 begins by describing the duty to use personal protective
equipment. It goes on to describe the requirements for specific types of
PPE including;
 Eye protection (including the use of contact lenses, safety eyewear and
full face piece respirators, and eye protection for arc welding
operations)
 Flame resistant clothing
 Foot protection
 Head protection
 Life jackets and personal flotation devices
 Limb and body protection
 Respiratory protective equipment
Some employers make it policy that all workers wear a particular type of
PPE regardless of the presence or absence of hazards at any location on
the work site. Employers have the right to exceed the OHS Code and
Workplace Health and Safety supports employers in their decision.

In the majority of situations, your employer is not required to provide

you with PPE. However, in some situations where conditions such as a
respiratory hazard or exposure to noise, which exceeds accepted
exposure limits exist, your employer must provide you with proper PPE.

Your employer is responsible to ensure that all PPE is free of defects and
in a condition to protect you as designed, whether you or your employer
supplied the PPE.
The use of PPE is the lowest level of managing hazards in the work
place. Implement PPE only after your employer has determined that
engineering or administrative controls are not sufficient to control
hazards.
Employee Responsibilities
You are continually responsible to be aware that wearing and using PPE
does not eliminate hazards in your work place. You must ensure you
wear all required PPE identified by your employer during a hazard
assessment of your work site.
You are responsible for inspecting your PPE prior to each use. You must
not alter or modify your PPE in an effort to improve fit. Do not remove it
to reduce or eliminate discomfort. If your PPE does not fit properly, you
must solve the problem through proper sizing or positioning to ensure
your PPE performs effectively.
Eye Protection
Your employer is responsible to ensure you wear approved eye
protection if the possibility of eye injury or irritation showed up in the
work site hazard assessment. Your employer is responsible for ensuring
you wear approved eye protective equipment approved to:
 CSA Standard Z94.3-07, Eye and Face Protectors,
 CSA Standard Z94.3-02, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors or
 CAN/CSA –Z94.3-99, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors
 Is appropriate to the work to be done and the hazard involved
If you wear prescription eyewear at the work site and a hazard
assessment has indicated that eye protection is mandatory, you can wear
your prescription eyewear if it is safety rated and it meets the
requirements of the CSA previously listed. If your prescription eyewear
has glass lenses and there is danger of impact, wear CSA approved
protective equipment over them.
Flame Resistant Clothing
The risk of flash fires and explosions exists at many work sites across the
province of Alberta. Your employer must ensure that you are wearing
flame resistant outerwear and that you are using PPE designed to protect
you if the possibility of a flash fire or electrical equipment flashover
exists. Your employer is not obligated to provide you with
this PPE, but is obligated to ensure you are wearing the required PPE.
Flame resistant outerwear greatly reduces the effect of flash fires and
explosions. However, you are responsible to wear clothing beneath your
flame resistant outerwear that is made of flame resistant or natural fibres.
For example, wear wool, cotton or silk clothing under your flame
resistant outerwear to help increase the protection from severe burns. If
you wear clothing made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon
or other man made types of fibre under your flame resistant outerwear, it
may result in your underclothing melting or breaking down in a manner
that it sticks to your skin causing unnecessary pain and suffering.
Hearing Protection
Section 216 of the OHS Code requires your employer to provide you
with hearing protection when engineering and administrative controls
cannot sufficiently reduce your level of exposure to noise. Section 222 of
the OHS Code identifies the factors your employer must consider when
selecting hearing protection. The factors include:
 Who will be wearing the equipment
 Compatibility with other safety equipment
 Workplace conditions such as temperature, humidity and pressure
 Comfort - protectors that are not comfortable will not be worn
 Ease of use and handling
 Impact on the wearer's ability to communicate
Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Section 241 of the OHS Code requires your employer to ensure you
wear a life jacket when you travel by boat. Lifejacket will ensure your
face is out of the water even if you lose consciousness. There are three
approved types of lifejacket, including the rectangular keyhole design.
All lifejackets are red, orange or yellow.
A PFD will help to keep you afloat in the water. However, if you are
unconscious, a PFD will not ensure that your face is out of the water.
PFD’s are vests. A PFD may be designed to keep you both safe and
comfortable for a specific boating activity, such as paddling, water-
skiing or fishing.
Limb and Body Protection
This type of PPE includes hand and arm protection, torso (mid-section)
protection, foot and leg protection, and skin protection. Your employer
must be aware of the types of hazards present in your workplace and
determine the type of PPE necessary to ensure your safety. The OHS
Code describes limb and body protection including items such as a wide
range of gloves and mittens, aprons, lab coats, protective hoods,
protective sleeves, chaps and leather spats or boot covers.
Respiratory Protective Equipment
Your employer, when conducting a work site hazard assessment, must
consider whether you or any of your co-workers will be exposed to any
of the OHS identified conditions that may require the use of respiratory
protective equipment (RPE). The conditions include:

 Exposure to airborne contaminants

 Oxygen deficient atmosphere
 Exposure to airborne biohazardous material
Based on the outcome of the assessment, your employer is required to
provide you with respiratory protective equipment (Figure 14) designed
for the hazard(s). Examples of RPE include:

Air supplying respirators such as:

 Airline respirators, hoods, helmets, and suits
 Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Air purifying respirators such as:

 Particulate filters
 Chemical cartridges or canisters
 Combination particulates/chemicals
Your employer may choose to develop and employ safety procedures and
work practices limiting your exposure to hazardous materials.. The
process may involve containing the source of the hazardous material,
collecting the airborne materials at their source, isolating you from the
hazard, dust suppression and wetting, and isolation or negative pressure
containment rooms. In all cases, you are required to use appropriate
respiratory protective equipment and follow work site specific
procedures and practices designed to protect you from airborne hazards.
In addition to these safety precautions, it is important to conduct
periodic atmospheric monitoring ensuring workers' safety.
EL1-DIP-001/01
Unit:- Safety Legislation, Regulations & Industry Policy in the Trades
(PLEA Pass).

Objective 7: -Select, use and maintain appropriate PPE for worksite

applications.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) generally falls into two categories.
The first category (Basic) is the minimum PPE worn at all times by all
personnel in the workplace. This normally includes hard hats, safety
footwear and appropriate clothing.
The second category (Specialized) covers PPE for specific jobs or for
protection from specific hazards. This includes safety glasses, hearing
protection, respiratory protective equipment, skin protection and
specialized clothing such as specific types of coveralls and gloves,
required by OHS regulations. Be proactive and take the necessary steps
to use safety equipment and avoid potentially hazardous situations. If
you spot a co-worker engaged in an unsafe practice, approach that person
and make your concerns known. You will avert many accidents by
making this a habit.
Eye Protection
Eye protection is important and you must wear it whenever required.
Wear safety glasses, goggles, a face shield or some combination of the
three if you are working in any situation that may involve a risk to your
eyes. You should know your safety eyewear provides limited protection
and understand it is designed to prevent eye injuries when engineering
and administrative controls are not possible for your work situation.
Where there is a danger of injury or irritation to your eyes, your
employer must ensure that you wear properly fitting safety eyewear.
Safety eyewear protects against three types of hazards – impact, splash
and radiation (visible and invisible light rays). There are seven classes of
eye protection:
Spectacles (commonly called safety glasses)
Goggles
Welding helmets
Welding hand shields
Hoods
Face shields
Respirator face pieces
Class 1 (Spectacles)
CSA Standard Z94.3-07 requires that Class 1 spectacles include side
protection.

Class 2 (Goggles)
CSA Standard Z94.3-07 identifies two types of goggles – eye cup and
cover
Class 3 (Welding Helmets)
Welding helmets provide both radiation and impact protection for the
face and eyes. Several types of welding helmets are available to suit your
working conditions.
Class 4 (Welding Hand Shields)
Welding hand shields function the same as welding helmets to provide
protection from radiation and impact to the eyes and face. Rather than
being worn like a welding helmet, you hold it in your free hand by a
handle attached to the base of the shield.

Class 5 (Hoods)
Hoods serve different purposes. They are
made of non-rigid materials for use in
confined spaces. In some instances, hoods
may have an air-supply system incorporated
into the design.
Class 6 (Face Shields)
Face shields usually incorporate a transparent protective window or
shield designed to protect your eyes and face from impact, splash, heat
or glare. Wear safety spectacles behind your face shield to provide
additional protection.
Class 7 (Respirator Face Pieces)
Respirator face pieces provide you with a safe supply of breathable fresh
air while protecting your eyes and face from impact, splash and radiation
hazards.

Care of Safety Eyewear

Inspect your safety eyewear daily and replace them if lenses or other
components are scratched, pitted, bent broken or poor fitting. Clean the
lenses frequently, following the manufacturer's instructions. Store your
safety eyewear in a clean, dry place where damage cannot occur.
Safety Footwear
Safety-toed boots are standard personal protective equipment and
required by most companies. Most safety boots meet CSA standard
Z195-M92 – Protective Footwear. Safety-toed boots provide reasonable
foot protection and are necessary when working in industrial locations.
Select footwear with soles made of electrical protective materials where
there is a current or static electricity hazard.
Safety footwear protects against compression, puncture and impact
injury hazards. There are three grades of footwear, categorized by
coloured tags and symbols.
Category 1
You are required to wear footwear approved to CSA Standard Z195-02,
Protective Footwear or ASTM Standard F2413-05, Specifications for
Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear.
Category 2
You are required to wear protective footwear but not to the standard of
Category 1. For example, a hairstylist is unlikely to require a protective
toecap, but may need footwear designed to protect against slipping and
uneven surfaces.
Category 3
You work in a setting where there are no hazards of foot injury and
specific safety footwear is not required. This often applies to workers in
an office setting. Table 5 provides a sample of the information available
in the OHS Code Explanation Guide.
 Safety Footwear CSA Markings
Marking Criteria
Class 1 toe cap shoe with a puncture resistant
grade 1 sole, which is suitable for jobs in the
heavy industries, construction and others with a
protection of 125 joules of impact for the toes.

Class 2 cap shoe with a grade 2 puncture

resistant sole, suitable for the light industries
and up to 90 joules of impact protection for the
toes.
Industrial Safety Headwear
If protective headwear is required, you must ensure that you wear
industrial protective headwear that complies with CSA Standard
CAN/CSA-Z94.1-05, Industrial Protective Headwear. The standard
defines the areas of your head that need protection and describes
requirements for impact protection, object penetration, stability and the
ability of the protective material to resist the passage of electric current.
The Standard divides protective headwear into three classes to help
clarify its intended use:
 Class G (General Use) – designed to provide you with protection
against impact and penetration. This type of headwear is non-
conducting but not considered adequate protection against electric
shock.
 Class E (Electrical Trades) – designed to provide you with protection
against impact and penetration. This type of headwear is non-
conducting and must pass a much higher dielectric-strength test than
Class G headwear. This headwear provides improved protection
against contact with live electrical apparatus, but is not 100%
protective against electrical shock.
 Class C (Conducting Headwear) – provides you with protection
against impact and penetration only.
Protective headwear traditionally protects against impact from objects
striking in a downward direction. However, the 1992 edition of the CSA
Standard Z94.1 expanded the requirement to include protection from
lateral impact (that is, to the side of the head).
Care of Safety Headwear
Replace your safety headwear if it receives a severe impact. It may not
show evidence of damage, but reduced protective qualities may result
from the impact. You should check the manufacturer’s specifications
before painting or applying stickers to your hard hat.
You should also check to determine whether cleaning your headwear
with solvents reduces its strength.
Inspect the shell and suspension of your headwear before each use. You
should replace any damaged part of your safety headwear with an
identical part from the original manufacturer or discard the headwear and
replace it with new headwear.