CAAR is reminding members to ensure that they are up-to-date on all regulatory requirements related to anhydrous ammonia following a recent incident in Manitoba.

CAAR thanks the member company involved in the incident for sharing details of the citation with the association and giving permission for reprinting for this member alert. Identifying details of the member company have been removed.

Please note:

• These citations are specific to Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA), however each province will have similar requirements outlined in their respective legislation. Links to provincial legislation can be found at the bottom of this message; and
• Reporting to Workplace Safety and Health is in addition to the reporting required under the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Clear Language Act & Regulation and all other required reporting.

Citation Details

Pursuant to Section 26 of Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act (WHSA), the following improvement orders are issued.

1) General Duties – Serious Incidents at Workplace – Notice of Serious Incident
Workplace Safety and Health Regulation 2.7.1

Regulation reads:

2.7(1) When a serious incident occurs at a workplace, an employer must immediately and by the fastest means of communication available, notify the branch of the incident and provide the following information:

(a) the name and address of the each person involved in the incident;

(b) the name and address of the employer, and if any person involved in the incident is employed by another employer, the name and address of the other employer;

(c) the name and address of each person who witnessed the incident;

(d) the date, time and location of the incident;

(e) the apparent cause of the incident and the circumstances that gave rise to it.

2.7(2) An employer who becomes aware that information provided under subsection (1) was inaccurate or incomplete must immediately notify the branch of the correct or complete information.

2) Personal Protective Equipment – Specific Types – Respiratory Protective Equipment Workplace Safety and Health Regulations 6.15(1)

Regulation reads:

6.15(1) An employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment provided to a worker is

(a) appropriate for the risk to which the worker is or maybe exposed, as determined by the employer;

(b) selected, used, maintained in accordance with CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators;

(c) of proper size, and that it makes an effective seal to the facial skin of the worker where a tight fit is essential to its proper functioning;

(d) kept in a convenient and sanitary location when not in use, and that it is not exposed to extremes of temperature or to any contaminant that may inactivate it;

(e) not shared by workers, unless it cleaned before different workers use it.

6.15(2) An employer must ensure that a worker using the respiratory equipment

(a) is adequately trained by a competent person in the proper fit, testing, maintenance, use and cleaning of the equipment and in its limitations;

(b) is able to rest, maintain and clean the equipment;

(c) is able to use the equipment safely; and

(d) inspects and tests the equipment before each use.

For More Information

CAAR urges members to review their provincial legislation in detail to ensure that they understand the requirements in place and have the required procedures in place in the event of an incident. Links below are to provincial Workplace Safety and Health Regulations. If you have any questions or would like to discuss in more detail, please contact CAAR at the coordinates below.

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario

Mitch Rezansoff
Executive Director, CAAR
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | p: 204-989-9303