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Occupational hygiene


Asbestos | Chemical Hazards | Confined Space Entry | Indoor Air Quality | Lead | Other | Silica

Asbestos

Title:   Asbestos Hazards When Renovating Older Homes: For Homeowners
  Order #:   PH71
  Description:   Asbestos products may be found in older homes. This brochure explains the hazards of asbestos exposure for homeowners who are doing renovations. It provides sources of information for homeowners and employers.
      (PDF 405kb)
       
Title:   Exposure control plan for cutting small amounts (< 3 square metres) of gypsum board containing asbestos new
  Description:   Cutting asbestos-containing gypsum board or drywall mud without proper controls can release asbestos fibres into the air. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause lung disease and cancer. This document will help contractors develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving the cutting of small amounts (< 3 square metres) of asbestos-containing gypsum board. Contractors can use this editable Microsoft Word document as a template and add specific details regarding their specific work practices.
      (Word 90kb)
       
Title:   Safe Work Practices for Asbestos Laboratories
  Order #:   BK114
  Description:   This manual is intended for asbestos laboratories and laboratory analysts, including field analysts, who examine building products, other materials (brake pads, clutch pads, furniture, etc.), and air samples for the presence of asbestos.
      (PDF 431kb)
       
Title:   Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
  Order #:   BK27
  Description:   This booklet describes the safe methods of handling all types of asbestos-containing materials. It discusses suitable work procedures for the removal, enclosure, and encapsulation of friable asbestos materials.
      (PDF 1.4mb)
       
Title:   Sampling for asbestos: Bulk sample collection and analysis New
  Order #:   WS 2013-03
  Description:   Asbestos bulk samples are collected and analyzed using only methods accepted by WorkSafeBC. This document lists those methods, contains information for laboratory reporting within and outside of BC, explains how to quantify asbestos percentages below 0.5 percent, and lists sample size amounts required for analysis, by material.
      (PDF 107kb)
       
Title:   Ten Steps to Compliance with asbestos abatement requirements of section 20.112 for a pre-1990 house/building demolition New
  Order #:   N/A
      (PDF 73kb)
       
Title:   Young workers: Keeping them safe from exposure to asbestos (An employer's guide) new
  Order #:   PH108
  Description:   This document offers strategies and resources to help employers prevent young worker exposure to asbestos in the workplace. It includes information about the risks associated with asbestos and offers links to safety talks, videos, and print resources.
      (PDF 570kb)
       
Title:   Young workers: The jobsite might be making you sick...you just don't know it yet (How to protect yourself from exposure to asbestos) new
  Order #:   PH106
  Description:   This document provides young workers with information about the risk of asbestos exposure at work and highlights their rights and responsibilities. It includes information about the kind of work that puts them at risk and what they should do if they think they are not being properly protected from asbestos.
      (PDF 467kb)
       

Chemical Hazards

Title:   Ammonia in Refrigeration Systems
  Order #:   BK1
  Description:   This manual is mainly for two groups: employers whose business includes the use of ammonia as a refrigerant (in ice rinks or ice-manufacturing plants, for example), and workers who work with or around ammonia, including those who repair or maintain ammonia systems.
      (PDF 433kb)
       
Title:   Carbon monoxide in industry
  Order #:   WS 2009-02
  Description:   This document provides basic information about the danger of CO in the workplace. It describes situations in which CO is a hazard, how to recognize and treat CO poisoning, and how to prevent poisoning.
      (PDF 132kb)
       
Title:   Chlorine Safe Work Practices
  Order #:   BK28
  Description:   This manual is for employers whose businesses include the use of chlorine gas for water or sewage treatment and workers who work with or around chlorine gas, including those who repair or maintain chlorine systems. It provides information on working safely around chlorine. There is also information for engineers on the building design of facilities where chlorine is to be used or stored.
      (PDF 875kb)
       
Title:   Exposure control plan for mushroom farm composting New
  Description:   Exposure to hydrogen sulfide and ammonia during the production and handling of mushroom compost can be deadly. Effective controls are available to protect workers from exposure to these contaminants. This document outlines responsibilities for employers, supervisors, and workers. It will also help employers develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving mushroom composting.
      (Word 119kb)
      Also available in Punjabi, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
       
Title:   Exposure control plan for mushroom growing operations New
  Description:   Exposure to carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide during mushroom production can be deadly. Effective controls are available to protect workers from these contaminants as well as from low-oxygen conditions. This document outlines responsibilities for employers, supervisors, and workers. It will also help employers develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving mushroom growing.
      (Word 85kb)
      Also available in Punjabi, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
       
Title:   Hydrogen Sulfide in Industry
  Order #:   PH16
  Description:   This document describes the dangers of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the workplace, and how to avoid them. It also explains how to recognize and prevent H2S poisoning, and the type of first aid to give to people overcome by the gas.
      (PDF 504kb)
       
Title:   Ozone Safe Work Practices
  Order #:   BK47
  Description:   This manual is mainly for two groups: companies or employers who generate and use ozone to oxidize contaminants or to disinfect water used by the public; and workers who work with or around ozone systems, including those who repair or maintain ozone systems. Companies and employers will find information on what they need to do to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and to ensure a safe environment for workers. Workers will find information that will help them work safely around ozone systems. Companies or employers whose business includes the use of ozone for purposes other than water treatment (for example, in medical treatment) will also find this manual useful.
      (PDF 1mb)
       
Title:   Standard Practices for Pesticide Applicators
  Order #:   BK35
  Description:   This manual is meant for all industries, including agriculture, silviculture, structural pest control, wood treatment, aerial application, and landscaping. It focuses on the health and safety of workers who work with or near pesticides, re-enter treated areas, and/or handle treated materials; it's also useful for emergency response teams that deal with pesticide spills or fires, and first aid personnel and medical staff who deal with poisonings.

In addition, the manual provides the basic information to build and implement a pesticide safety program. Topics covered include information on pesticides, classification of pesticides, and toxic effects. Choice of hazard controls; selection of personal protective equipment; transport and storage of pesticides; safe mixing, loading, and application practices; and emergency and maintenance procedures are also covered.
      (PDF 2.4mb)
       
Title:   Toxic fumigants in shipping containers
  Order #:   WS 2008-06
      (PDF 667kb)
       
Title:   Working Safely with OPs (Organophosphate Insecticides) Revised
  Order #:   BK15
  Description:   Organophosphate insecticides are a type of pesticide used to kill or control insects. This booklet explains how OPs affect human health and what employers, supervisors, and workers must do to work safely with OPs. This booklet also deals with OP labelling, personal protective equipment, and the responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers.
      (PDF 874kb)
       

Confined Space Entry

Title:   Confined Space Entry Program: A Reference Manual
  Order #:   BK84
  Description:   This book describes measures used to control hazards in confined spaces. It is written for employers, owners, managers, supervisors, and joint committees in workplaces where there are confined spaces. It can be used as a reference to develop your confined space entry program and to assist you with meeting the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. This book also will be helpful to workers who may need to enter a confined space
      (PDF 805kb)
       
Title:   Hazards of Confined Spaces
  Order #:   BK80
  Description:   This book describes the main types of hazards found in confined spaces. Confined spaces may contain hazardous atmospheres, including insufficient oxygen, toxic (poisonous) air, or an explosive atmosphere.
      (PDF 912kb)
       
Title:  
  Order #:   BK81, BK82, BK83
  Description:   Fatal accidents in confined spaces often happen because workers are not aware that they are entering a confined space that contains a life-threatening atmosphere or other hazards. These booklets are designed to make workers and employers aware of the hazards of confined spaces. There are three versions containing examples specific to different industries (BK81, BK82, BK83), as well as a book for all other industries (BK80)..
      (BK81 PDF 835kb) (BK82 PDF 432kb) (BK83 439kb)
       

Indoor Air Quality

Title:   Indoor Air Quality: A guide for building owners, managers, and occupants
  Order #:   BK89
  Description:   This new guide helps owners, managers, operators, building occupants, labour unions, engineers, environmental consultants, and suppliers maintain good indoor air quality, prevent indoor air quality problems, and correct problems that may arise. It also provides information on indoor air quality requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
      (PDF 1.5mb)
       

Lead

Title:   Exposure Control Plan for the Removal of Lead-Containing Paint, Using Hand Tools New
Description:   Effective controls are available to protect workers from exposure to lead when using hand tools to remove lead-containing paint. This document outlines responsibilities for employers, supervisors, and workers. It will also help employers develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving lead-containing paint.
      (Word 117kb)
       
Title:   Lead: Preventing Exposure at Work
Order #:   BK17
Description:   This booklet explains lead exposure, its health effects, and ways to prevent it.
      (PDF 461kb)
       
Title:   Lead-Containing Paints and Coatings: Preventing Exposure in the Construction Industry New
Order #:   BK93
Description:   This manual is for employers, supervisors, and workers who may come into contact with lead-containing paints and coatings in the construction industry. It provides information about lead and assists employers in developing an exposure control plan and suitable safe work procedures.
      (PDF 1.1mb)
       

Other

Title:   Breathe Safer: How to use respirators safely and start a respirator program
  Order #:   BK75
  Description:   For many workers, respirators provide protection from breathing hazards when no other means are effective. This manual is for employers, supervisors, and workers who need information on respirators and breathing hazards. Topics covered include determining when a respirator is needed, types of breathing hazards, types of respirators, and choosing the right respirator for the hazard. The manual also covers fitting and caring for respirators, replacing filters or cartridges, and the essential elements of respirator programs.
      (PDF 3.6mb)
       
Title:   Building Owners' Manual for SRO Buildings in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside New
  Order #:   N/A
  Description:   This guide provides hotel owners and managers with best practice solutions for operating safe and effective businesses in high-risk environments.
      (PDF 2.6mb)
       
Title:   Laboratory Health and Safety Handbook
Order #:   BK106
  Description:   This handbook is a guide to health and safety for laboratory workers and employers. It is based on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, particularly Part 30 and Part 5.
      (PDF 785kb)
       
Title:   Lost Lives: Work-related deaths in British: A focus on occupational disease (2001)
  Description:   In 2001, 168 workers lost their lives as a result of a workplace injury or occupational disease in B.C. This report reviews these deaths and looks at what is being done to prevent similar deaths in the future. This year's focus on occupational disease highlights the special challenges work-related diseases pose.
      (PDF 895kb)
       
Title:   Remembering Lost Lives: Work-related Deaths in British Columbia in 2000
  Description:   This report looks at the 156 deaths from work-related accidents and diseases in 2000. The report describes the process taken by the WCB after a fatal workplace accident and looks at how to prevent work-related deaths.
      (PDF 487kb)
       
Title:   Sample Respirator Program New
  Description:   A respirator program is a formal plan for using respirators at a specific worksite. If respirators are required as part of an exposure control plan and used at a workplace, a respirator program must be in place. This document will help employers develop a respirator program.
      (Word 233kb)
       
Title:   Western Red Cedar Asthma
  Order #:   PH51
  Description:   A pamphlet that explains what occupational asthma is. This pamphlet also explains the symptoms of red cedar asthma, how it is diagnosed, how it is treated, who is susceptible to it, and how it can be prevented.
      (PDF 173kb)
       

Silica

Employers are required under Section 5.54 (Exposure control plan) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) to develop an exposure control plan (ECP) when workers are or may be exposed to airborne silica dust in excess of 50% of the exposure limit.

To assist occupational health and safety professionals with this task, WorkSafeBC has posted the following sample documents (in editable Microsoft Word format), which can be used to help create an employer’s ECP. Note that these sample documents are not sufficient to constitute an ECP; a WorkSafeBC occupational hygiene officer would have to make a determination as to whether or not a completed ECP meets the requirements of the OHSR.

Title:   Developing a silica exposure control plan
  Description:   This guidance document provides information on each of the required elements of an ECP, as follows:
  • What is silica?
  • Purpose of the ECP
  • Responsibilities
  • Risk identification, assessment, and control
  • Education and training
  • Safe work procedures
  • Health monitoring
  • Documentation
      (Word 476kb)
       
Title:   Exposure control plan for chipping concrete new
  Description:   Chipping or jackhammering concrete without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica-containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lungs, and can result in death. This document will help employers develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving chipping or jackhammering concrete.
      (Word 102kb)
       
Title:   Exposure control plan for cutting concrete new
  Description:   Cutting concrete without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica-containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lungs, and can result in death. This document will help employers develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving concrete cutting.
      (Word 97kb)
       
Title:   Exposure control plan for cutting fibre cement board
  Description:   Cutting fibre cement board without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica-containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lungs and can result in death. This information will help contractors develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving the cutting of fibre cement board.
      (Word 97kb)
       
Title:   Exposure control plan for cutting, grinding, and polishing stone containing crystalline silica (quartz)
  Description:   The cutting, grinding, and polishing of stone (e.g., granite) without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica-containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis. This document will help employers develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving the cutting, grinding, and polishing of stone containing crystalline silica.
      (Word 112kb)
       
Title:   Exposure control plan for drilling concrete new
  Description:   Drilling into concrete without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica-containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lungs, and can result in death. This document will help employers develop an exposure control plan (ECP) for work involving concrete drilling.
      (Word 101kb)
       
Title:   Young workers: Keeping them safe from exposure to silica dust (An employer's guide) new
  Order #:   PH109
  Description:   This document offers strategies and resources to help employers prevent young worker exposure to silica dust in the workplace. It includes information about the risks associated with silica dust and offers links to safety talks, videos, and print resources.
      (PDF 579kb)
       
Title:   Young workers: The jobsite might be making you sick...you just don't know it yet (How to protect yourself from exposure to silica dust) new
  Order #:   PH105
  Description:   This document provides young workers with information about the risk of silica dust exposure at work and highlights their rights and responsibilities. It includes information about the kind of work that puts them at risk and what they should do if they think they are not being properly protected from silica dust.
      (PDF 481kb)
       

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