Upcoming New Regulations- Public Consultation Meeting

 I attended the public Consultation Meeting this morning and with the exception of some possible written submissions there were no challenges to the changes in regulation. From here they regulations go to the board for approval which could take 3 months to a year. Once the new regulations have been approved by the WSBC Board they come into effect in 90days. If you would like to brush up on the proposed changes the link is below.

Part 6, Substance Specific Requirements — Combustible Dusts

From my understanding when the regulations are approved, WSBC prevention officers will be watching for Combustible Dust issues, and recommending action where necessary.  What will a WorksafeBC Combustible Dust Inspection involve?

The following is from a discussion with a WSBC prevention officer, and is a brief overview, consult the link above for the actual regulations.

A WSBC Combustible Dust inspection will cover 3 areas:

1)     A review of the available site documentation related to combustible dust management: including but not limited to:

·        Combustibility of dust material present, (From dust test data, dust data base, or assumption)

·        Records of inspections and housekeeping activities, and auditing of these activities.

·        A detailed combustion risk assessment: clearly identifying the hazardous areas, the credible ignition sources and the controls designed to maintain combustion risk within acceptable levels.

·        A Combustible Dust Management Program to manage the combustible dust hazard.

·        Records of training related to combustible dust management.

2)     A site tour to verify effectiveness of programs and controls.

3)     Interviews with supervisors and workers to determine their knowledge and participation in the management of combustible dust hazards at the facility.

Friday May 17, 2024 is the last day for comments or submissions regarding this regulation.