Consultation on Occupational Exposure Limits - Asbestos

Why

Regulations under Part II of the Canada Labour Code prescribe the exposure limits for hazardous substances including all forms of asbestos.

The objective of amending the Canadian occupational health and safety regulations is to: amend the occupational exposure limits (OEL) for chrysotile asbestos by requiring exposure to be as close to zero as possible, but not to exceed a limit of 0.1 fibres per cubic centimeter; and to include new provisions that prescribe the requirements for employers to develop and implement an asbestos exposure control program if any asbestos or asbestos-containing material does exist in a workplace and there is the potential for fibre release.

The management program includes obligations on employers to: assess, record, and identify asbestos containing material; and develop and implement working procedures and control measures to ensure that the health and safety of workers are protected from asbestos hazards.

Corresponding amendments would be made to the following regulations:

• Part X of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR)
• Part V of the Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (AOHSR)
• Part VII of the On Board Trains Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OTOHSR)
• Part XX of the Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (MOHSR)
• Part XI of the Oil and Gas Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (OGOHSR)

Who

There may be business impacts. The “One-for-One” Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Federally-regulated employers and employees were consulted through the Hazardous Substances Working Group on amendments regarding asbestos including the requirements for employers to develop and implement an asbestos abatement and management program. Consensus was reached on a new OEL and a management plan.

Stakeholders have the opportunity to submit comments during the pre-publication of the proposed amendments in Part I of the Canada Gazette, from December 24, 2016 to February 7, 2017.

What

The Labour Program is holding a consultation on the regulations amending certain regulations made under the Canada Labour Code.

Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement - Canadian occupational health and safety regulations (Asbestos)

How to participate

Your submissions must be received no later than February 7, 2016, in English or French, to be considered within this consultation process. Any submission received after this date will not be reviewed.

Please submit your questions or comments by email to sst-ohs-docs@labour-travail.gc.ca

Please include Consultation on Occupational Exposure Limits - Asbestos in the subject line of your email.

The Labour Program will dismiss any submission that includes:

• input targeting or mentioning specific individuals (such a submission will be disregarded as per the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act)
• inappropriate language

To request a PDF copy of questions and comments, email us at: sst-ohs-docs@labour-travail.gc.ca

When

From December 24, 2016 to February 7, 2017

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