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Sawmill and wood processing operations inspection update

Published on: March 08, 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 revisits

 

Phase I sawmills - Site inspections since October 1, 2012

Type of inspection report # of inspection reports
Combustible dust related
154
Combustible dust related, with orders
26
Combustible dust, order follow up
6
Unrelated to combustible dust
150
Total IR count
304
Total locations
171

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
224
First inspection
222
Follow up inspections
168
Follow up required
119
Total orders issued
746
Locations outstanding with combustible dust orders
27
Orders by category  
Dust accumulations
- OHS 5.81 and WCA 115(1)(a)
114
Unsafe compressed air use
- OHS 4.42
11
Dust collection system issues
- OHS 5.71(3) and OHS 5.61
66
Ventilation required
- OHS 5.71
1
Other regulations
554

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


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Media and Government Relations
Tel.: 604.276.3113