Ontario: Tougher Asbestos Regulations Enacted - Occupational Hazards
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has updated its workplace safety laws dealing with asbestos to offer more stringent protections for workers, the agency announced this week.
According to the ministry, the new regulation strengthens worker safety by:
* Ensuring the most up-to-date safe work methods and procedures are used. These include updated respiratory protection and modernized work procedures.
* Providing certified training standards for those involved in more-complicated asbestos removal projects. This will come into effect after a new training program is developed.
* Providing a definition for "asbestos-containing material."
* Reflecting industry safe practices and removing unnecessary administrative procedures for owners, employers and contractors.
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New Regulation Respecting Asbestos on Construction Projects - Ontario Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Regulations
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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT - O. Reg. 278/05Designated Substance - asbestos on construction projects and in buildings and repair operations
(2) The fibrous silicates referred to in the definition of “asbestos” in subsection (1) are:
1. Actinolite.
2. Amosite.
3. Anthophyllite.
4. Chrysotile.
5. Crocidolite.
6. Tremolite.
Respirators
13. (1) A respirator provided by an employer and used by a worker in a Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3 operation,
(a) shall be fitted so that there is an effective seal between the respirator and the worker’s face, unless the respirator is equipped with a hood or helmet;
(b) shall be assigned to a worker for his or her exclusive use, if practicable;
(c) shall be used and maintained in accordance with written procedures that are established by the employer and are consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications;
(d) shall be cleaned, disinfected and inspected after use on each shift, or more often if necessary, when issued for the exclusive use of one worker, or after each use when used by more than one worker;
(e) shall have damaged or deteriorated parts replaced prior to being used by a worker; and
(f) when not in use, shall be stored in a convenient, clean and sanitary location.