January OHS Update 2023

by Kasa Consulting

Happy New Year! With the grand entrance of 2023 comes updates to Alberta’s OHS Code. These changes come into effect March 31, 2023, and apply to a multitude of areas including oil and gas, confined spaces, fall protection, noise exposure, managing controls in hazard energy, cranes, hoists and lifting devices and first aid. Click the links below to familiarize yourself with the full list of legislation changes.

Please contact your Kasa representative for assistance in implementing these changes to your health and safety program, ensuring your company meets the new requirements.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness:

Did you know January is known to be the deadliest month for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? As temperatures drop and attempts are made to heat homes and the use of your remote start on your vehicles rises in frequency, the dangers of Carbon Monoxide increase as well. Due to its extreme fatality rate and the fact that it often starts without warning, protecting your employees against it is vital. Sources of exposure both at home and at work include:

 

  • Portable generators and heaters
  • The use of concrete cutting saws and gas-powered equipment
  • Welding, floor buffers and gas-powered pumps
  • Combustion engines – generators and vehicles
  • Furnaces or gas heaters, water heaters
  • Gas stoves/range, vents, or grills
  • Fireplaces and chimneys

 

Its important to know the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning! Symptoms include the following: dizziness, headache, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath, mental confusion, and loss of coordination or consciousness. Extreme cases of CO poisoning can lead to organ damage or death.

Prevention Guidelines:

  1. Install battery backup CO detectors on each level of your home or workplace. Replace the batteries at least twice a year, especially before prime heating season.
  2. Have all gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
  3. Ensure chimneys/flues are professionally cleaned and inspected annually, CO buildup is common in blocked chimneys
  4. Have your heater/furnace serviced and inspected annually to ensure it is operating correctly and is properly vented – bird nests, animal debris, or snow and ice are popular culprits of preventing the flow of exhaust from combustion appliance venting
  5. Ensure adequate ventilation is available in your home or workplace to filter CO
  6. Do not run gas powered engines (cars, generators, pressure washers, etc.) within 20 feet of windows, doors, or vents. Do not leaving a car running in an attached garage/carport.
  7. Do not use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning sources inside your home, basement, garage, or near open door and windows.
  8. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning

In the Event of a Carbon Monoxide Emergency:

  1. Immediately evacuate the affected area
  2. Meet in a pre-planned outdoor location with clean, fresh air
  3. Contact the fire department once all family members or employees are accounted for
  4. Do not re-enter the home or workplace until an inspection has been completed and it has been determined safe to do so.

For more information, click the link below to view the Carbon Monoxide OHS Fact Sheet.

Carbon monoxide poisoning – Canada.ca