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Sawmill and wood processing operations inspection update

Published on: February 07, 2013

Richmond, B.C. — WorkSafeBC has provided an update on inspections of sawmills and other wood processing operations that comprise Phases I and II of the combustible dust strategy.

A directive order was issued to all sawmill employers on April 26, 2012. All operational sawmills inspected as part of Phase I of the strategy have complied with the directive order. WorkSafeBC is now reporting on inspections that have occurred since October 1, 2012 as officers revisit Phase I sawmills.

 

Phase I sawmills - Site inspections since October 1, 2012

Type of inspection report # of inspection reports
Combustible dust related
99
Combustible dust related, with orders
19
Combustible dust, order follow up
6
Unrelated to combustible dust
112
Total IR count
220
Total locations
172

Phase II

Phase II of the strategy began July 5, 2012 and includes similar wood processing operations where dust accumulation could be a safety hazard.

 

Phase II summary

Total locations
226
First inspection
221
Follow up inspections
150
Follow up required
116
Total orders issued
718
Orders outstanding (dust related only)
48
Orders by category  
Dust accumulations
- OHS 5.81 and WCA 115(1)(a)
112
Unsafe compressed air use
- OHS 4.42
11
Dust collection system issues
- OHS 5.71(3) and OHS 5.61
62
Ventilation required
- OHS 5.71
1
Other regulations
532

All current information on inspections and investigations is available on the Sawmills — Investigations and industry resources page.


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