the bcsa bc safety authority further information about safety in bc, contact your local bc safety...

For further information about safety in BC, contact your local BC Safety Authority office

Toll-Free 1.866.566.7233 (SAFe) www.safetyauthority.ca

When in doubt, call us!

Whether we are talking about safety at work or at play, at home or in public, everybody has a role to play in the safety system.

From homeowners making sure they hire licensed contractors and have permits and inspections on the work they have done, to recreational campers and rV-ers making sure their home-away-from-home is safe, to everyone from pre-schoolers to seniors making sure they follow the safety signs on elevators, escalators and amusement rides – everyone can do their bit to ensure that they and the people they care about are safe. The BC Safety Authority offers some pointers to keep you focused on living, working and playing safely.

The BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded corporation that inspires safety excellence in BC by partnering with business, industry, institutions and the general public to enhance the safety of technical systems, products, equipment and work.

If it has wires, pressure, or moving parts, we want to make sure it’s safe. We oversee:• amusement rides and recreational railways• boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration systems• electrical equipment and systems• elevating devices, such as elevators and escalators• gas appliances and systems, including hydrogen• passenger ropeways, such as ski lifts• railways

our goal is to keep things safe, and we do this through the new Accident Prevention Model. The model emphasizes the four pillars of safety: education and outreach, research, inspection and enforcement. We believe that safety is a right, not an option, and that it is achievable when everyone does their part.

With our goal of preventing accidents, we:• educate clients, stakeholders, and the general public about safety• enforce safety standards and codes• review regulations for each industry sector we oversee• contribute to provincial and national safety code development• inspect technical work and equipment,• certify individuals and license contractors to meet regulatory requirements• issue permits• investigate incidents• register new equipment designs

The BCSA BC Safety authority



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

CAll Before you DiG

thinking about landscaping? Building a fence?

Thousands of times each year in Canada, gas lines are damaged by individualsor companies – in BC alone, there were 1,750 “hits” to gas lines in 2007,an increase from the 1,560 incidents reported in 2006.

In the summer of 2008, a landscaping worker in Belcarra was building landscape stairs on a property when they began driving a reinforcement rod into the soil to stabilize the timbers. The rod punctured a gas line almost two metres from the house, and natural gas began seeping through the ground and filling the basement and adjacent storage area. The gas was ignited, likely by the pilot light, but disaster was averted when the contractors grabbed a fire extinguisher and nearby garden hose to prevent the fire from spreading. Three volunteer firefighters, supported by Anmore’s pumper truck, were able to put out the house fire and minimize the damage as gas still burned outside of the home. The flames were fully extinguished after Terasen Gas officials arrived to turn off the natural gas.

The homeowners in this case were lucky: the damage was limited to the basement storage areas, furnaces and hot water tank. had a larger volume of gas escaped into a confined area like that, and had a source of ignition been present, there could have been a much worse outcome.

There is a whole infrastructure, including gas lines, electricity cables, telephone lines, and fibre optic cables, underground. Avoiding disruptions to these services, or something more severe, on your property is easy; it just requires some planning.

To avoid gas line incidents, call before you dig:

• BC One Call: 1.800.474.6886 or *6886 on your cell

• BC Safety Authority: 1.866.566.7233 (SAFE)

• www.safetyauthority.ca

BC One Call service is provided at no cost to users.



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

hIre A LiCeNSeD CoNtraCtor

Building a new home? thinking about renovations?

Whether you are building a new home or doing renovations that involve gas or electricity, don’t try to do it all yourself. Gas and electrical projects done without properly trained and certified experts can

create safety hazards that may put your family, friends and pets at risk. If you are investing in upgrading your home, make sure that your investment includes safety insurance – have the work completed by a contractor that has been licensed by the BC Safety Authority.

In a July 2008 interview with A Channel News on Vancouver Island, the Bouman family of Parksville told their story of an unlicensed contractor who assured them that the electrical wiring he was doing as part of their home renovations was up to code, and that no permits were required. had the homeowner not acted on what she described as her “gut feeling”, and had the BCSA not inspected the work, the homeowners stood to lose everything if the unpermitted, uninspected wiring caused a fire. While the Bouman family’s home is being rewired – with the appropriate permits and inspections – thousands of unsuspecting British Columbia homeowners may not be so lucky.

The benefits of using a licensed contractor are that they:

• know all the legal requirements pertaining to regulated electrical work

• will ensure that the work on your property meets all code requirements

When the time comes to sell your house, buyers, realtors and lenders may require proof that all regulated gas, boiler, and electrical work was done with permits to help ensure the house is safe for future occupants.

To find a licensed contractor in your area:

• check the Homeowner section of the BC Safety Authority web site at www.safetyauthority.ca

• call the BC Safety Authority at 1.866.566.7233 (SAFE)

This service will provide you with contact information for licensed contractors only; we do not provide recommendations, nor does a license guarantee the quality of the work. As with any other contract you may enter into, you should ask your contractor for references.



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

thinking about doing renovations yourself?

As a homeowner, it is important that you understand the risks and regulations associated with household gas and electrical projects, and get permits when they are required.

The most important reason to get permits is safety and peace of mind. When your licensed contractor takes out a permit for the work they are doing for you, it means that they are taking responsibility for the work. Getting permits for work you are doing yourself means that a highly skilled Safety officer from the BC Safety Authority will inspect your work and be available for advice. To ensure safety, the BC Safety Authority strongly recommends that homeowners hire licensed contractors to complete gas and electrical work requiring permits.

The majority of gas and electrical installations require a permit when they are installed.

Some common examples of work that does/does not require a permit:

DOES DOES NOT

If you have any doubts about whether the work you are planning requires permits, contact us. Detailed information about permits is available in the Homeowner section on the BCSA web site at www.safetyauthority.ca, or by phone at 1.866.566.7233 (SAFE).

• any electrical wiring work

• new or replacement hot tubs

• new or replacement gas fireplaces, water heaters, furnaces, ranges, or cooktops

• new or replacement gas barbecue piping

• replacement of receptacles, dimmer switches, furnace thermostats, or lamps

• replacement of lighting fixtures up to 150V to ground

• replacing an existing gas barbecue

GeT PerMITS For hoMe reNoVatioNS



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

reGUlArlY INSPeCT GaS aPPLiaNCeS

Do you have a gas furnace, gas stove, or other gas appliances?

Just as you have your car serviced regularly to make sure you and your family are safe on the road, you should have your household equipment serviced regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and your family is safe.

To ensure your household safety, have a licensed contractor:

• inspect your gas furnaces and gas stoves annually and clean them as required

• service your oil-burning furnaces annually

• inspect the boiler, vents and chimney for your radiant heating system annually

To avoid gas leaks during the winter:

• clear snow from around your gas meter

• protect your gas meter and gas pipes from ice buildups

Taking the appropriate safety steps will reduce the chance of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning and will increase your safety during cold weather.

As a homeowner, you want to be sure that your home is energy efficient. When you make changes to make your home more energy efficient, make sure that you have proper ventilation for natural gas and propane heating appliances to avoid risks related to carbon monoxide poisoning.

reduce your heating costs, not your family’s safety, by picking up a list of ways to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in an energy efficient home, and have a gas contractor licensed by the BC Safety Authority check your vents and air openings when they inspect your gas appliances.



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

Be AWAre oF CarBoN MoNoXiDe

Does your family know the danger signs?

Carbon monoxide – sometimes called “the silent killer” – is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced by burning a carbon fuel such as propane, natural gas, wood, charcoal, alcohol, kerosene, or gasoline. When these fuels are burned in an area

that is properly ventilated, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is low, but it is still important for your whole family to know the signs of the presence of carbon monoxide in the home, and what to do if they suspect it is present.

Danger signs of carbon monoxide exposure include:

• flu-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, nausea or vomiting

• dying house plants

• condensation on the inside of the windows

• discoloration or soot build-up on heating appliances, the fireplace or at the warm air outlets of the heating system

• loose, disconnected, rusted or water-streaked vents on the chimney

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, you should:

• leave the building immediately

• call 911 or your local fire department

• seek medical help

For extra peace of mind for you and your family, you might consider buying a Carbon Monoxide Alarm for your home, cabin and rV. Be sure that the alarm you consider buying carries the approval of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to ensure it is properly maintained.

A little knowledge goes a long way to ensuring your family’s safety – make sure everyone in your family knows the signs of carbon monoxide, and what to do if they suspect it is present.

For more details about carbon monoxide, pick up a copy of our brochure “Carbon Monoxide Safety – Understanding the Silent Killer”, or call us toll-free at 1.866.566.7233 (SAFe) andwe will send it to you.



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

hANDle ProPaNe ProPerLy

Do you camp? Barbecue? rV?

Whether you only use your outdoor gas equipment when you go camping duringthe summer or at your ski cabin during the winter as well, your outdoor gas equipment can be the outdoor enthusiast’s best friend – as long as you treat it

with respect. By taking these simple safety precautions, your outdoor adventures will be safeas well as fun.

Check your propane tank:

• during transportation, ensure that it is secured in an upright position, with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped, in a well ventilated space in your vehicle

• ensure that your propane supplier checks the tank for dents, damage, rust or leaks before refilling it

• never leave your propane tank in your vehicle

• when you reconnect your refilled propane tank, conduct a leak test on all connections before firing up

When using propane to power your barbecue:

• inspect hoses for cracks, wear and possible leaks

• clear burners, air openings and regulator vents of rust, spiders or other insects that may cause blockages

• replace corroded or cracked burners

• test your barbecue for gas leaks, following the instructions in the BCSA’s “Barbecue Safety” flyer

• follow proper lighting procedures

When you set up, place your gas equipment outside your tent or recreational vehicle and well away from windows and combustible materials. Follow all the guidelines for safe use of propane when camping, as outlined on the BC Safety Authority’s “Camp Safely with Propane” flyer.

Most importantly, when you want to get away from it all without leaving all the creature comforts behind, remember that outdoor gas equipment is designed only for outdoor use.It may be tempting to bring your propane stove inside your tent to keep warm when you get caught in a rainstorm, or bring your outdoor propane space heater into the ski cabin when lighting the fire seems like too much trouble, but resist the temptation. Using outdoor gas equipment in confined spaces can create a serious safety hazard like carbon monoxide poisoning for you and your family.

Keeping your propane equipment in good working order, using them outdoors in well ventilated areas, and using them for what they are meant for are the best ways to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Contact your local BCSA office for more Information about camping safely with propane.



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

Seen anyone not hold the escalator handrail or stopan elevator door from closing with one hand?

Bloody noses and broken hips aren’t funny, yet these are the kinds of injuries that can occur when accidents happen on escalators. elevators and escalators are safe devices, but riders need to pay attention and ride safely.

Accidents can happen for any number of reasons, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

• hold children or small packages firmly with one hand, and hold onto the escalator handrails when riding

• take the elevator if you use a cane or walker, if you have a child in a stroller, or if you have both hands full of packages – don’t ride the escalator

• make sure your shoelaces are tied when you ride the escalator

• when getting on or off an escalator or elevator, move promptly and then clear the exit area before stopping

• when riding the elevator, don’t try to stop a closing door with hands, feet, packages or anything other than the “door open” button

• be extra careful riding escalators if you wear bifocals, are riding with young children, or if you are wearing loose or long clothing

• pay attention to the signs around elevators and escalators; they will tell you what to do in case of an emergency

If you pay attention to what you are doing, and don’t allow yourself to be distracted while you are on the escalator or in the elevator, your ride should be safe and uneventful.

The BC Safety Authority, in partnership with the elevator escalator Safety Foundation, supports elevator escalator Safety Awareness Week during the second week of November each year.

If you have questions about elevator or escalator safety, contact your local BC Safety Authority office toll-free at 1.866.566.7233 (SAFe), or visit our web site at www.safetyauthority.ca.

SAFelY rIDe eSCaLatorS & eLeVatorS



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

Cross active railway lines lately?

Trying to beat a train to the level crossing, ignoring the signals, or driving around, under, or through a signal barrier are dangerous and potentially deadly behaviours at railway crossings.

While the number of accidents in BC involving vehicles and trains is not large, the potential for serious injury or death is. one of BCSA’s railway Safety officers tells of working with a pulp mill in Prince George to find a solution to a problem with trucks and trains being in the same place at the same time, as he puts it, at the entrance to the mill. There have already been numerous collisions at this crossing, and management of the mill are as interested as our Safety officer is in finding a solution to the problem, to avoid further collisions and reduce the chance that one of the collisions could be fatal.

In a June 30, 2008 report published in the Nanaimo News Bulletin, a vehicle was dragged more than 30 meters by a freight train after the driver tried to beat the train at the crossing. Despite traffic stopped at the flashing crossing lights, ringing warning bells, and the train’s horn blowing, the driver of the 2001 Saturn chose to disregard the warnings; the vehicle was dragged down the tracks and thrown through a fence before the train could stop. The driver was fortunate to escape with minor injuries.

When you are at a railway crossing:

• pay attention

• obey the signs and rules

• use your common sense and remember that a train may take up to two kilometers to stop under emergency braking

SAFelY CroSSraiLWay LiNeS



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

enjoy rides, skiing or boarding? Like thrills?

Taking time for recreation and play is important and being safe while at play, whether at the amusement park or on the ski slopes, is as easy as it is important. every year, countless accidents and injuries could easily be avoided if riders follow the safety signs.

Following the rules, paying attention to the people around you, and challenging your own limits without losing control are keys to having fun and staying safe.

The BC Safety Authority offers a few suggestions to keep play time safe as well as fun:• don’t push someone else to go on a ride or take a ski run that they aren’t comfortable with

• don’t let anyone else push you to do something that scares you – that takes the fun out of it for everyone

• read the instructional signs and follow the direction they provide – if you aren’t “this high”, don’t ride the ride

• if you don’t understand the signs, ask the attendant to explain them to you

• listen to and follow the instructions that the attendant gives you

Safety signs and rules are designed by experts who understand the capacity and function of the equipment you are going to use. Take their advice and follow the safety signs to ensure that you’ll have a fun and safe time.

Remember that the rules are in place to keep everyone safe.

FolloW The Safety SiGNS



BCSA SAFETY TIPS

We all have a role to play in the BC safety system.

You may be a parent with a child who wants to ride the rides at an amusement park. You may be a skier using a chairlift, the owner or user of an rV that has propane equipment, or a homeowner who wants to have gas or electrical work done or wants to build a fence. You may be an employee of a company that performs work related to the safety system, or a contractor who is or needs to be licensed by the BC Safety Authority. You have a role and a responsibility to work and play safely.

The BC Safety Authority will help you understand the safe operation of the technologies you connect with, steer you to the codes and regulations you must – by law – abide by, and give you advice about how to comply with legislation or regulations that will help you avoid hurting yourself, your family, or others as you use the technologies we oversee.

When you walk through your world, look for the safe operation – you’ll see it.

When you plan your activities, think about how to do them safely.

In all your activities – whether work or play – do them safely.

everyone has a part in the safety system – know what you need to do to be safe. At work or at play, at home or in public; practicing safety saves lives.

SAFeTYSee it. thiNk it. Do it.

The BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded corporation that inspires safety excellence in BC by partnering with business, industry, institutions and the general public to enhance the safety of technical systems, products, equipment and work.

If it has wires, pressure, or moving parts, we want to make sure it’s safe. We oversee:

• amusement rides and recreational railways

• boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration systems

• electrical equipment and systems

• elevating devices, such as elevators and escalators

• gas appliances and systems, including hydrogen

• passenger ropeways, such as ski lifts

• railways

our goal is to keep things safe, and we do this through the new Accident Prevention Model. The model emphasizes the four pillars of safety: education and outreach, research, inspection and enforcement. We believe that safety is a right, not an option, and that it is achievable when everyone does their part.

With our goal of preventing accidents, we:

• educate clients, stakeholders, and the general public about safety

• enforce safety standards and codes

• review regulations for each industry sector we oversee

• contribute to provincial and national safety code development

• inspect technical work and equipment,

• certify individuals and license contractors to meet regulatory requirements

• issue permits

• investigate incidents

• register new equipment designs

The BCSA seeks to create alliances and partnerships with groups and organizations interested in informing and educating the public on safety issues. If your organization is interested in pursuing an alliance, please contact:

Edith Kirkpatrickleader, education and Awareness Program Development, BSCAe: [email protected]: 604.660.5170

Target audience: general public

At the British Columbia Safety Authority, we have made

a commitment to use sustainable and environmentally

conscious printing practices.

This information is printed on rolland enviro100 Print

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· Contains 100% post-consumer fibre

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The use of every ton of rolland enviro100 Print switched

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