CSA Unit 1 - Safety

Chapter 2: Government Acts and Regulations for Gas Technicians
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Introduction to Government Acts and Regulations

Government acts and regulations provide workplace requirements that directly affect the workplace of gas technicians and fitters. It is essential for students to become familiar with these regulations for their benefit and safety.

Purpose of Government Acts and Regulations

🛡️ Workplace Requirements

Government acts and regulations establish essential workplace requirements that directly impact gas technicians and fitters.

⚡ Safety Standards

These regulations create standardized safety protocols that protect workers in potentially hazardous environments.

⚖️ Legal Framework

They provide the legal foundation that governs workplace practices, responsibilities, and enforcement mechanisms.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter you will be able to:

🧠 Knowledge Check 1

What is the primary purpose of government acts and regulations for gas technicians?

  • To increase paperwork and bureaucracy
  • To establish workplace requirements and safety standards
  • To limit the number of gas technicians
  • To generate revenue for the government

Key Terminology

📚 Important Definitions

Act
A legal document that determines the powers of directors, inspectors, etc., as well as enabling the government to write regulations.
Regulation
A legal directive that focuses on specific areas made under an act.
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)
Agencies responsible for workers' compensation in the federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions.

Understanding Acts vs. Regulations

What is an Act?

What are Regulations?

📊 Understanding Regulatory Structure

1. Acts
Primary legislation passed by government
2. Regulations
Detailed rules made under acts
3. Codes
Technical standards often referenced in regulations
4. Guidelines
Non-binding recommendations for best practices

🧠 Knowledge Check 2

What is the relationship between Acts and Regulations?

  • Acts and regulations are completely independent
  • Regulations are made under the authority granted by acts
  • Acts are more specific than regulations
  • Regulations have more legal power than acts

Provincial Jurisdiction

Requirements for occupational health and safety are governed by provincial jurisdiction. Most provinces have legislation in the form of regulations and acts dealing with occupational health and safety.

Key Points about Provincial Governance

Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Acts Typically Include:

📋 Application

Defines where and to whom the act applies

⚙️ Administration

Outlines how the act is administered

📝 Duties

Specifies duties of employers and workers

☢️ Toxic Substances

Addresses handling of hazardous materials

🚫 Right to Refuse

Establishes right to refuse or stop unsafe work

🔨 Enforcement

Details how the act is enforced

Other Provincial Acts Relevant to Gas Technicians

⚡ Energy Acts

Address energy safety and standards

⛽ Fuel Acts

Cover fuel handling and usage

🔥 Gas Safety Acts

Focus on gas equipment installation and safety

📦 Storage Acts

Address safe storage of fuels

🧠 Knowledge Check 3

Who is responsible for occupational health and safety legislation in Canada?

  • Federal government only
  • Municipal governments
  • Provincial and territorial governments
  • Private industry associations

Provincial Acts and Regulations by Province

Each province and territory has its own specific acts and regulations. It is strongly recommended that you obtain the local acts and regulations and study them for the jurisdiction in which you will practice.

Key Canadian Provinces and Territories

🍃 Alberta

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (SA 2017 cO-2.1)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009
  • Building Code Regulation, Alta Reg 31/2015
  • Gas Code Regulation, Alta Reg 111/2010

🏔️ British Columbia

  • Workers Compensation Act [RSBC 1996] Chapter 492
  • Safety Standards Act R.S.B.C 2003, c.39
  • Occupational Health and Safety Regulation B.C.
  • Gas Safety Regulation B.C. Reg. 103/2004

🌾 Manitoba

  • Gas and Oil Burner Act R.S.M. 1987, c. G.30
  • The Workplace Safety and Health Act CCSM, c W210
  • Gas and Oil Burner Regulation Man. Reg. 104/87 R
  • Workplace Safety Regulation Man. Reg. 217/2006

🦞 New Brunswick

  • Workers' Compensation Act
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act
  • Propane, Natural and Medical Gas Regulation

🐋 Newfoundland

  • Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act R.S.N.L. 1990, c. W-11
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act R.S.N.L. 1990, c. O-3
  • Public Safety Act S.N.L. 1996, c. P-41.01
  • Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Compressed Gas Regulations

🏔️ Northwest Territories

  • Workers' Compensation Act S.N.W.T. 2007, c.21
  • Fire Prevention Act R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c. F-6
  • Safety Act R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c. S-1
  • Propane Cylinder Storage Regulations

🦌 Nova Scotia

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act S.N.S. 1996, c.7
  • Workers' Compensation Act S.N.S. 1994-95, c.10
  • Fire Safety Act S.N.S. 2002, c. 6
  • Fuel Safety Regulations

🍁 Ontario

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act R.S.O. 1990, c.O.1
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Act 1997
  • Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000
  • Construction Projects O. Reg. 213/91
  • Gaseous Fuels Regulation O. Reg. 212/01
  • Propane Storage and Handling O. Reg. 211/01

🥔 Prince Edward Island

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 c.42
  • Workers Compensation Act S.P.E.I. 1994, c. 67
  • Fire Prevention Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. F.11
  • General Regulations E.C. 180/87

⚜️ Québec

  • Act respecting occupational health and safety R.S.Q., c. S-2.1
  • Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases
  • Building Act CQLR c B-1.1
  • Safety Code for the Construction Industry

🌾 Saskatchewan

  • The Saskatchewan Employment Act, SS 2013, c S-15.1
  • Gas Inspection Act, R.S.S.1993, c. G-3.2
  • Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996
  • Gas Inspection Regulations R.R.S., c. G-3.2, r.1

🏔️ Yukon

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act R.S.Y. 2002, c. 159
  • Worker's Compensation Act S.Y.2008, c.12
  • Gas Burning Devices Act R.S.Y 2002, c. 101
  • Gas Regulations Y.O.I.C. 1998/213

⚠️ Important Note

Staying Current
Acts and regulations are revised periodically. Users should check with regulators for current information and verify they have the most recent versions.

🧠 Knowledge Check 4

Why is it important for gas technicians to know the specific acts and regulations for their province?

  • All provinces have identical regulations
  • Requirements can vary between provinces and jurisdictions
  • Federal law overrides all provincial legislation
  • Provincial regulations are only suggestions

Workers' Rights in Canada

All workers in Canada have fundamental rights that are protected by occupational health and safety legislation. These rights are essential for maintaining safe workplaces.

🏢 Right to a Safe Workplace

All workers have the right to a safe workplace in Canada.

📚 Right to Know

Workers have the right to know about hazards in their workplace and how to protect themselves.

🤝 Right to Participate

Workers have the right to participate in identifying and resolving workplace health and safety concerns.

✋ Right to Refuse

Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of reprisal.

Right to Refuse Unsafe Work Process

1

Identify Hazard

Worker identifies a condition they reasonably believe is dangerous to their health or safety

2

Report to Supervisor

Worker reports the concern to their supervisor or employer and explains the reason for refusing to work

3

Investigation

Employer investigates in the presence of the worker and a worker representative

4

Resolution

If the issue is resolved, the worker returns to work. If not, further steps involving a health and safety officer may be required

Workplace Safety Committees

Many jurisdictions require workplace safety committees with the following responsibilities:

👥 Committee Formation

Establish committee with worker and management representatives

🔍 Hazard Identification

Identify and document workplace hazards

📋 Policy Development

Create and review safety policies and procedures

✅ Implementation

Implement and monitor safety measures

🧠 Knowledge Check 5

What are the four fundamental rights of workers in Canada?

  • Right to work, right to pay, right to benefits, right to vacation
  • Right to a safe workplace, right to know, right to participate, right to refuse
  • Right to unionize, right to strike, right to bargain, right to complain
  • Right to training, right to equipment, right to supervision, right to breaks

Gas Technician Responsibilities

Gas technicians have specific responsibilities when they encounter hazardous conditions. The response depends on whether the hazard is immediate or non-immediate.

Gas Technician's Role in Safety

🛡️ Safety Guardian

Protecting public and property

🔍 Hazard Identifier

Recognizing dangerous conditions

📝 Compliance Reporter

Documenting and reporting issues

🔧 Technical Expert

Applying knowledge to ensure safe installations

Immediate Hazard Response Protocol

When a gas technician encounters an immediate hazard, they must follow this protocol:

1

Shut Off Gas Supply

Immediately shut off the supply of gas to the appliance or work

2

Notify Distributor

Immediately give oral notice of the holder's actions to the gas distributor

3

Provide Written Notice

Immediately give to the user a written notice describing the condition and directing that the appliance not be used

4

Follow Up

Give written notice to the distributor within 14 days of finding the condition

Non-Immediate Hazard Response Protocol

When a gas technician encounters a non-immediate hazard, they must follow this protocol:

1

Oral Notice

Immediately give oral notice of the condition to the distributor

2

User Notice

Immediately give written notice to the user describing the condition

3

Written Notice

Give written notice to the distributor within 14 days

📊 Comparing Immediate vs. Non-Immediate Hazard Protocols

Step Immediate Hazard Non-Immediate Hazard
1 Shut off gas supply to appliance Give oral notice to distributor
2 Give oral notice to distributor Give written notice to user
3 Give written notice to user Give written notice to distributor within 14 days
4 Give written notice to distributor within 14 days -

🔑 Key Difference

Immediate vs. Non-Immediate Hazards
The key difference is that immediate hazards require shutting off the gas supply, while non-immediate hazards do not require this step.

🧠 Knowledge Check 6

What is the key difference between immediate and non-immediate hazard protocols?

  • The timing of written notices
  • Whether the gas supply must be shut off
  • Who needs to be notified
  • The type of documentation required

Documentation and Reporting Requirements

Importance of Proper Documentation

⚖️ Legal Protection

Proper documentation provides legal protection for the gas technician by demonstrating that they followed required protocols.

👥 User Safety

Clear written notices ensure users understand the hazards and necessary precautions to take.

🏠 Property Protection

Documentation helps prevent property damage by ensuring hazards are addressed promptly.

📋 Regulatory Compliance

Maintaining proper records demonstrates compliance with regulatory requirements.

Documentation Requirements

📋 Safety Inspection Forms

Detailed documentation of all safety inspections must be maintained, including date, time, location, and specific findings.

📄 Hazard Notification Letters

Written notices to users must clearly describe the condition found, potential risks, and required actions to remedy the situation.

📞 Distributor Notifications

Communications to gas distributors must include all relevant details about the condition, location, and actions taken by the technician.

Hazard Reporting Requirements

🔍

Identify Hazard

Worker identifies potential workplace hazard

⏰

Report Within Timeframe

Provincial requirements specify that hazards be reported within a specific time period

📄

Document Incident

In some cases, accident investigation and reporting are required by law

❓

When Uncertain

If unsure about reporting requirements, contact your supervisor or the provincial WCB

Employer Reporting Responsibilities

Employers must report when a worker sustains a work-related injury or occupational disease under the following conditions:

🏥 Work Absence or Modified Duties

When a worker is absent from their regular work and/or assumes lighter duties due to a work-related injury

💰 Reduced Earnings

When a worker earns less than regular pay due to a work-related injury or occupational disease

🏥 Health Care Required

When a worker obtains health care for a work-related injury or occupational disease

1

Form Completion

Employer must fill out WCB form

14

Days Maximum

Many jurisdictions require reporting within 14 days

3

Triggering Conditions

Reports required for specific consequences

Information Sharing Requirements

The information sharing process meets requirements under provincial acts and regulations:

  1. Form Completion: Employer completes WCB form
  2. Copy Creation: Employer photocopies the form (minus personal information)
  3. Information Sharing: Copy sent to health and safety representative

🧠 Knowledge Check 7

Within how many days must employers typically report work-related injuries to the Workers' Compensation Board?

  • 7 days
  • 14 days
  • 21 days
  • 30 days

Safety Regulations and Compliance

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gas technicians must use appropriate personal protective equipment as required by regulations:

🥾 Head Protection

Hard hats protect against falling objects and head impacts, essential when working in construction areas

👓 Eye Protection

Safety glasses or goggles shield eyes from flying particles, dust, and chemical splashes

🧤 Hand Protection

Appropriate gloves protect against cuts, burns, chemical exposure, and other hazards

🔬 WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

WHMIS is Canada's national hazard communication standard that ensures workers have the information they need to work safely with hazardous materials.

Key Components of WHMIS:
  • Hazard classification
  • Warning labels
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Worker education and training

Gas technicians regularly work with materials that require WHMIS compliance, including solvents, adhesives, and cleaning agents.

Confined Space Regulations

1

Hazard Assessment

Identify and evaluate potential hazards before entry

2

Entry Permit

Complete required documentation and obtain authorization

3

Attendant System

Maintain communication with workers inside the space

4

Atmospheric Testing

Monitor air quality before and during confined space work

First Aid Requirements

1

First Aid Kit

Every workplace must have properly stocked first aid kit accessible to workers

15

Minutes Maximum

First aid must be available within 15 minutes in most jurisdictions

1:50

Trained Personnel Ratio

Many jurisdictions require at least one trained first aid provider for every 50 workers

Fall Protection Requirements

Excavation Safety Requirements

📊 Before and During Excavation Requirements

Before Excavation During Excavation
Locate and mark all underground utilities Install protective systems (shoring, sloping, benching)
Obtain necessary permits Provide safe access and egress
Plan appropriate protective systems Test for hazardous atmospheres
Conduct soil classification Inspect daily and after weather events
- Keep spoil piles at least 1m from edge

Gas-Specific Safety Regulations

🔧 Installation Standards

  • Specific clearances and ventilation requirements
  • Proper materials and fittings
  • Testing procedures

📜 Certification Requirements

  • Technician licensing and certification
  • Continuing education requirements
  • Scope of practice limitations

🔍 Inspection Protocols

  • Initial inspection requirements
  • Periodic inspection schedules
  • Documentation standards

Propane Storage and Handling Regulations

📦 Storage Requirements

Regulations specify minimum distances from buildings, property lines, and ignition sources. Proper ventilation and fire protection systems are mandated.

🚛 Transportation Rules

Specific requirements govern the transportation of propane cylinders, including securing methods, quantity limitations, and vehicle placarding.

🔍 Inspection Protocols

Regular inspection and recertification of propane cylinders and equipment is required, with specific documentation and testing procedures.

Working Alone Regulations

1

Risk Assessment

Evaluate potential hazards specific to solitary work situations

2

Communication System

Establish reliable check-in procedures and emergency communication methods

3

Response Plan

Develop clear protocols for emergency situations when working alone

4

Regular Monitoring

Implement a system to regularly confirm the worker's wellbeing throughout their shift

🧠 Knowledge Check 8

At what height do most jurisdictions require fall protection?

  • 2 meters (6 feet)
  • 3 meters (10 feet)
  • 4 meters (13 feet)
  • 5 meters (16 feet)