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B.C. Reg. 422/2004, deposited September 22, 2004, pursuant to the WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT [Section 225 (1)]. Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia Regulation, dated September 14, 2004.
DATED at Nanaimo, British Columbia, September 14, 2004. By the Workers' Compensation Board.
— DOUGLAS J. ENNS, Chair, Board of Directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLVES THAT:
1 Part 13 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, B.C. Reg. 296/97, is repealed and the following substituted:
Division 1 — General
13.1 In this Part:
"boom-supported" means supported by an elevating device that telescopes, articulates, rotates or extends relative to the machine base or vehicle, so that the platform can be positioned completely beyond the base;
"boatswain's chair", also known as a bosun's chair, means a seat attached to a suspended rope designed to accommodate one person in a sitting position;
"elevating work platform" means a movable work platform that self-elevates to overhead work locations;
"movable work platform" means a work platform that can be re-positioned during the course of the work;
"permanent powered platform" means a movable work platform that
(a) is raised or lowered by other than manual means, and
(b) is permanently installed on or attached to a building or structure;
"portable powered platform" means a movable work platform that
(a) is raised or lowered by other than manual means, and
(b) is not permanently installed on or attached to a building or structure;
"scaffold" means any temporary elevated work platform and its supporting structure used for supporting workers, materials or equipment;
"self-propelled" means the capability of an elevating work platform to travel under power with the primary controls on the work platform;
"swing stage" means a work platform that is raised and lowered by manual or powered hoisting equipment, supported by 2 or more suspension lines;
"work platform" means an elevated or suspended temporary work surface used for supporting workers and includes a scaffold and boatswain's chair.
13.2 (1) A ladder, window cleaner's belt or work platform must meet and be used in accordance with
(a) the applicable CSA or ANSI standard in effect when the equipment or structure was manufactured, except as otherwise determined by the Board,
(b) another standard acceptable to the Board, or
(c) if there is no applicable standard under paragraphs (a) or (b), the requirements of a professional engineer.
(2) In designing and installing a work platform, appropriate safety factors and minimum rated loads must be used in the materials and method of installation, in accordance with
(a) WCB Standard WPL 1, Design, Construction and Use of Wood Frame Scaffolds, 2004,
(b) WCB Standard WPL 2, Design, Construction and Use of Crane Supported Work Platforms, 2004,
(c) WCB Standard WPL 3, Safety Factor and Minimum Breaking Strength for Suspended Work Platforms and Associated Components, 2004, and
(d) WCB Standard LDR 1, Job Built Ladders, 2004.
13.3 A ladder, window cleaner's belt, work platform and associated components must be inspected before use on each shift, and after any modification, and any condition that might endanger workers must be remedied before the equipment is used.
Division 2 — Ladders
13.4 A manufactured portable ladder must be marked for the grade of material used to construct the ladder and the use for which the ladder is constructed.
13.5 A ladder must
(a) be placed on a firm and level base,
(b) be positioned so that the horizontal distance from the base to vertical plane of support is approximately ¼ of the ladder length,
(c) have sufficient length to project approximately 1 m (3 ft) above the upper landing to which it provides access, and
(d) if necessary, be secured to ensure stability during use.
13.6 (1) If work cannot be done from a ladder without hazard to a worker, a work platform must be provided.
(2) A worker must not carry up or down a ladder, heavy or bulky objects or any other objects which may make ascent or descent unsafe.
Division 3 — Work Platforms
13.7 Safe access must be provided to every work platform.
13.8 Each work platform must
(a) have sufficient strength to bear the load to be placed on it, and
(b) be secured against separation from the supporting equipment, structure or surface to which it is attached.
13.9 Rigging and lines used to suspend or support work platforms must
(a) have sufficient breaking strength to withstand the loads likely to be imposed with the required factor of safety,
(b) be free of knots or splices except for terminal eye-splices,
(c) be suitable for the purpose for which they are used,
(d) be protected from abrasion or other damage from the work environment,
(e) be secured to the platform and to an anchorage able to withstand the loads likely to be imposed on them,
(f) be of sufficient length to lower the work platform to a safe lower landing, and
(g) except for load lines, be used exclusively for suspending the work platform.
13.10 (1) Cornice hooks, parapet clamps and thrust-out beams must be secured by tiebacks to a solid anchor on the building or structure.
(2) Tiebacks for cornice hooks, parapet clamps and thrust-out beams must, as nearly as is practicable, be rigged at right angles to the building face.
(3) Each cornice hook, parapet clamp, hanger or stirrup used to support a swing stage must be manufactured of mild steel or other material having similar ductile properties.
(4) Counterweights must be
(a) made of solid material not subject to loss of weight through attrition, and
(b) secured to the thrust-out beam.
13.11 (1) A scaffold must be constructed, installed and used in accordance with the instructions of a professional engineer with respect to
(a) bracing, if the scaffold is enclosed by a tarpaulin or any other cover,
(b) a scaffold exceeding 38 m (125 ft) in height,
(c) a scaffold exceeding 25 m (80 ft) in height if stairways are included as part of the scaffold,
(d) a scaffold used to support a temporary floor,
(e) a scaffold suspended or cantilevered from a structure,
(f) a scaffold system supported by a catenary line,
(g) a needle beam scaffold, and
(h) an outrigger scaffold.
(2) Permanent powered platforms must be constructed, installed and used in accordance with the instructions of a professional engineer.
(3) If a boat is used as a work platform in a pile driving operation, a professional engineer must certify the integrity of the boat for this purpose.
(4) A signed copy of the engineer's instructions or certification referred to in subsections (1) to (3) must be available at the workplace during installation, disassembly and use of the system.
13.12 A work platform must be removed from service until certified safe for use by the manufacturer or a professional engineer if it has
(a) been subjected to a sudden drop,
(b) been in contact with exposed energized electrical equipment or conductors, or
(c) shows signs of any kind of structural or mechanical damage or substantial wear.
Division 4 — Scaffolds
13.13 The employer must ensure that scaffolds used by workers are in a safe condition and are able to withstand the load, regardless of who erected the scaffold.
13.14 (1) The platform of each scaffold must
(a) be a minimum nominal width of 50 cm (20 in), except that a nominal 30 cm (12 in) wide work platform may be used with ladder jacks, pump jack or similar systems,
(b) not leave more than one opening in the work platform, which must be no greater than 25 cm (10 in) in width, and
(c) if not level, be designed to ensure adequate footing for workers using the platform.
(2) Guardrails may be omitted from the edge of a work platform if
(a) the platform is adjacent to a structure that provides protection equivalent to guardrails, and
(b) the open space between the platform and the structure is equal to or less than 30 cm (12 in).
13.15 Major components of scaffolds must be used in accordance with technical data provided by the manufacturer, or in writing by a professional engineer, that
(a) shows the rated load, erection procedures and compliance with an applicable standard under section 13.2, and
(b) is available at the workplace for reference.
13.16 All lumber used to construct a scaffold must be graded and marked to the National Lumber Grades Authority Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber.
13.17 (1) A scaffold must be erected with the vertical members plumb, and with the ledgers and bearers level.
(2) The base of a scaffold must have bearing plates or sills that rest on a solid surface and are sufficient to support the weight of the scaffold.
(3) The poles, legs and uprights of a scaffold must be securely and rigidly braced to prevent movement.
(4) A scaffold must be effectively guyed or secured to a building or structure
(a) if the height of the scaffold exceeds 3 times its minimum base dimension, or
(b) in any other circumstances if required for stability.
(5) Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, height adjustment devices must not extend more than 2/3 of their total length or 60 cm (24 in), whichever is less.
13.18 All connections between the parts of a scaffold must be secure.
13.19 A scaffold must be effectively grounded if
(a) it is a metal scaffold and is located close to a high voltage energized electrical conductor or equipment, and
(b) a hazardous level of electrical charge is likely to be induced in the scaffold.
Division 5 — Movable Work Platforms
13.20 (1) The following equipment must be clearly marked with a rated capacity:
(a) a platform that is suspended from or attached to a crane or hoist,
(b) an elevating work platform,
(c) a work platform that is supported by a lift truck,
(d) a swing stage, and
(e) interchangeable load bearing components of a suspended work platform system.
(2) The rated load for allowable thrust-out beam projections must be clearly marked on a thrust-out beam.
(3) A swing stage platform, counterweight and hoist unit must each be clearly marked with their own weight.
(4) A work platform that is suspended from a crane or hoist or attached to a crane boom must be marked with the weight of the platform and rigging and the rated capacity.
13.21 (1) For each elevating work platform in use at a workplace,
(a) the equipment manufacturer's operation manual must be available at the workplace, and
(b) the equipment manufacturer's maintenance manual, containing maintenance instructions and replacement part information, must be reasonably available to workers at the workplace.
(2) If either of the manuals required by subsection (1) is not available, the equipment must not be used until
(a) the manual is obtained, or
(b) written instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment are supplied by a professional engineer.
13.22 (1) The employer must keep records of inspection, maintenance, repair or modification that meet the requirements of Part 4 (General Conditions) for each
(a) elevating work platform,
(b) swing stage, and
(c) permanent powered platform.
(2) If the inspection and maintenance records, other than pre-shift inspections, are not available, the equipment must not be used until it has been inspected and certified safe for use by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
13.23 (1) A vehicle-mounted elevating work platform and a self-propelled boom-supported elevating work platform must be
(a) inspected in accordance with good engineering practice at least every 12 months, and
(b) certified in writing by the equipment manufacturer or a professional engineer as complying with this Part and safe for use.
(2) An insulated elevating work platform must be dielectrically tested at least annually in accordance with the edition of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-C225 Vehicle-Mounted Aerial Devices that the device was designed to meet, or the most recent edition, as the circumstances require.
(3) The insulating capability of an insulated elevating work platform must be certified by the testing agency.
(4) If an insulated elevating work platform does not pass the testing method required by subsection (2) and subsection (3),
(a) the platform must be considered non-insulated,
(b) any markings or identification on the device indicating insulated capability must be removed or effectively covered over, and
(c) the user must be informed of the non-insulated status of the device.
(5) In the tenth year after the date of manufacture, and every fifth year after that, or more frequently if specified by the manufacturer, the inspection required by subsection (1) must include a structural inspection to ensure the platform still meets the standard to which the platform was manufactured to verify
(a) the integrity of critical components of the platform, and
(b) the platform's stability.
13.24 (1) A movable work platform with a worker on it must not be transported along the ground unless
(a) only minor repositioning of the movable work platform is effected,
(b) the platform is a self-propelled elevating work platform and is designed to be moved with the platform elevated,
(c) a rolling scaffold that has a height of less than 1½ times the minimum base dimension is moved by a worker on the platform, or
(d) a rolling scaffold that has a height of less than 2 times the minimum base dimension is moved by a worker on the ground.
(2) The carrier vehicle or wheels of a movable work platform must be secured against inadvertent movement before a worker occupies the platform.
13.25 (1) An elevating work platform, except a vehicle-mounted work platform, must have a warning system consisting of an intermittent horn or flashing light that
(a) is automatically activated during any motion of the work platform, and
(b) can be seen or heard by other workers in proximity to the work platform.
(2) If the safe operation of an elevating work platform requires its carrier vehicle to be on a level surface or level within specified degrees, the platform must be fitted, as the carrier requires, with a device to warn the operator that
(a) the carrier is not level, or
(b) the carrier is outside the permitted degrees from level.
13.26 The controls for an elevating work platform must
(a) be clearly identified to indicate their functions,
(b) be "hold-to-run" (continuous pressure) type that return to the neutral or the stop position when released,
(c) be protected against inadvertent operation,
(d) for each set of controls, be provided with an emergency stop device that is
(i) within easy reach of the operator,
(ii) clearly labelled STOP, and
(iii) coloured red, and
(e) include a clearly marked overriding lowering control that will enable a worker at the lower controls to stop and lower the platform in an emergency.
13.27 (1) The weight of a work platform suspended from a crane or hoist or attached to a crane boom and its rigging, plus the rated capacity, must not exceed 50% of the rated capacity of the crane or hoist at the working radius or configuration.
(2) If a work platform attached to a crane boom causes eccentric loading on the boom,
(a) the effect on the rated capacity of the crane must be determined and the rated capacity certified by the crane manufacturer or a professional engineer, and
(b) the rated capacity of the crane must be reduced accordingly.
(3) The boom of a crane used to suspend a work platform must have a powered boom or a fixed boom.
(4) A work platform must not be
(a) suspended from an articulating boom crane, or
(b) attached to an articulating boom crane, unless the crane manufacturer approves the installation.
(5) If workers are on a work platform suspended from a crane, a secondary hoisting line on the crane must not be used.
13.28 (1) A crane or hoist used to raise a work platform on a load line must be equipped with
(a) a device to prevent two-blocking at all points, or
(b) in the case of a lattice boom crane, a two-blocking warning device.
(2) Despite subsection (1), a work procedure acceptable to the Board may be followed to minimize the risk of two-blocking if it is not practicable to maintain a two-blocking prevention or warning device on a conventional lattice boom crane used for pile driving and similar applications.
13.29 (1) Cranes, winches and other devices used for hoisting and lowering movable work platforms must
(a) be operated as slowly as practicable while supporting the work platform,
(b) be lowered under power, if the device is powered, and
(c) not be equipped with a free running boom or hoisting winch controlled only by brakes.
(2) If a moveable work platform is suspended over a structure that cannot safely support its weight or if other hazards exist below the platform, lower limit travel devices compatible with the hoist system must be used to ensure the platform cannot be lowered beyond the safe lower limit of travel.
(3) A trial lift for a work platform suspended from or attached to a crane or hoist must be performed at all work locations before the platform is occupied.
13.30 (1) A work platform supported by the forks of a lift truck may be used to support workers only for infrequent, short-duration work.
(2) If a worker is elevated on a work platform supported by a lift truck, the operator must remain at the controls of the truck.
13.31 If a portable powered platform is raised and lowered by two or more separately controlled hoists operated by one person on the platform, the controls must be located so that they can be used simultaneously by that person.
13.32 A swing stage, boatswain's chair and portable powered platform must not be used without prior permission of the Board if
(a) one work platform will be used above or below any portion of another work platform,
(b) a deck or planking will be used to span a gap between two independent work platforms,
(c) the work platform will exceed 10 m (32 ft) in length, or
(d) the suspension height will exceed 91 m (300 ft).
13.33 (1) A worker on a boom-supported elevating work platform must wear a personal fall arrest system secured to an anchor meeting the requirements of Part 11 (Fall Protection).
(2) If a worker is supported on a work platform suspended by fewer than four suspension lines, the worker must use a personal fall arrest system secured to an anchor meeting the requirements of Part 11 (Fall Protection) and independent of the work platform and its suspension system.
(3) If a worker is supported on a work platform suspended by four or more suspension lines, the worker must use a personal fall arrest system secured to an anchor on the platform or to an anchor meeting the requirements of Part 11 (Fall Protection) and independent of the work platform and its suspension system.
(4) Each person on a work platform suspended from a crane or hoist must use a personal fall arrest system with a shock absorbing lanyard, secured to
(a) an anchor above the load hook, or
(b) if the failure of any component does not allow the platform to drop more than 15 cm (6 in), an anchor on the platform designated by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
(5) Each person on a work platform attached to a crane boom must use a personal fall arrest system secured to an anchor on the boom or on the platform.
(6) The personal fall arrest system referred to in subsection (5) must be secured on the boom or on the platform to an anchor that is designated by
(a) the manufacturer, or
(b) a professional engineer.
2 Section 23.45 (2) is amended by striking out "section 13.12 (1)" and substituting "Part 13 (Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms)".
3 Section 28.25 is amended by striking out "Sections 13.1 (1), 13.5 and 13.6" and substituting "Sections 13.2 (1) and 13.5 (a), (b) and (c)".
4 Section 28.27 (2) is repealed.
5 Section 28.28 is amended by striking out "section 13.12 (2)" and substituting "section 13.2 (1) (a)".
6 Section 28.44 (1) is amended by striking out "section 13.104 (1)" and substituting "section 13.2 (1)".
7 Section 28.46 is amended by striking out "Section 13.112 (1)" and substituting "section 13.33 (1)".
8 Section 28.47 is amended by striking out "section 13.109 (2)" and substituting "sections 13.12, 13.23 (1) (b) and 13.23 (5)".
9 Section 28.48 is amended by striking out "Sections 13.116, 13.117, 13.120 and 13.121" and substituting "Sections 13.24 (2), 13.25 and 13.26".
10 The above amendments come into force January 1, 2005.
Copyright © 2004: Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada