Starting April 1, amendments to Parts 8 and 31 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation are in effect. These amendments update references to selected safety headgear and respirator standards.

The amendments are intended to:

• Bring the Regulation in line with existing OHS Guidelines
• Reflect standards that are already widely used and accepted in practice
• Improve clarity and consistency with current workplace practices in B.C.

These updates do not introduce new obligations or additional requirements for employers or workers.

What has changed?

The amendments update references to the following technical standards in the OHS Regulation.

Safety headgear (Part 8)

Two additional acceptable standards are now formally recognized under section 8.13(1) for specific types of safety headgear:

• ASTM F1447-06 — Sets performance requirements for bicycle and roller-skating helmets, including impact protection and strap strength
• Snell B-90A — Updates Snell’s bicycle helmet standard with enhanced testing and performance requirements.

These standards apply only when workers are using bicycles, in-line skates, and, in limited circumstances, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Respirators (Parts 8 and 31)

Most references to older editions of the CSA Z94.4 standard have been updated to CAN/CSA Z94.4-18, the current edition of the standard.

This update applies to respirator requirements in:

• Sections 8.33, 8.41, 8.44, and 8.45 (Part 8, Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment)
• Section 31.26 (Part 31, Firefighting)

Updating these references ensures the Regulation reflects the current Canadian respirator standards.

Updated Policies and Guidelines

WorkSafeBC has also made corresponding amendments to the following OHS Policies and OHS Guidelines:

• OHS Policies Part 8: Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
• OHS Guidelines Part 8: Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

WorkSafeBC is updating their Breathe Safer manual which will be posted as soon as possible.

What does this mean for employers and workers?

The updates do not introduce new obligations for employers or workers already following the 2018 standard.

Virtual public consultation | April 26

Proposed regulatory amendments to the OHS Regulation that will impact employers and workers regarding periodic certification as Safe for Use and respirator face seals. Details on the amendments can be found here.

Feedback can be submitted online or by email until 4:30pm on Friday, April 24.