Education and Training
Learn more about the different types of training and education services provided by Hygienica Environmental Assessments Ltd. (HEAL)
Hazardous Materials Awareness Training
Part 6 of BC OHSR mandates employers to ensure that a worker who is at risk of exposure to hazardous materials is adequately instructed and trained.
HEAL has developed a number of training programs for workers who may come into contact with hazardous materials such as asbestos, silica and lead. Training topics include but are not limited to:
- Health hazards of exposure (including signs and symptoms of related illness).
- Operations and materials that can lead to hazmat exposures.
- Engineering controls and safe work practices used to protect workers.
- The importance of proper equipment controls and maintenance.
- Housekeeping procedures.
- Proper use of respirators and the respirator program.
- Personal hygiene procedures to reduce exposures.
As per OHSR 5.48 to 5.59, employers and owners are required to have exposure control plans for various hazardous materials that workers and members of the general public may come into contact with. HEAL can also help you develop an exposure control plan for any hazardous materials identified in the workplace and provide worker training on its contents.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As per OHS Regulation part 8, employers are required to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers that is tailored to their specific working procedures. Other responsibilities include:
- Worker training on how to properly wear and take care of the PPE
- Cleaning and inspection protocols
- PPE fits the worker properly and is compatible with other PPE used
Workers are responsible for providing:
- Clothing needed for protection against the natural elements.
- General purpose work gloves and appropriate footwear, including safety footwear.
- Safety headgear
Hygienica can help you develop your PPE program and ensure that management and all workers are knowledgeable in their responsibilities regarding PPE.
Respiratory Protection and Fit Testing
WorkSafeBC Regulation 8.32 requires workers to wear respirators if there is a chance of exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants. These contaminants include but are not limited to gases or particulates such as dust, fibres, mists, bioaerosols and fumes.
It is the responsibility of employers to provide employees with appropriate respirators for the type of work they will be doing and ensure they have conducted a fit test to demonstrate the face piece forms and effective seal with the wearer's face as per WorksafeBC Regulation 8.40.
Fit tests must be conducted before initial use but may have to be additionally completed if there is a change to the system such as:
- A new respirator is being used
- There is a change to the physical appearance of the wearer such as weight loss/gain
HEAL offers both qualitative and quantitative fit testing, conducted by certified professionals that are capable of performing fit tests for workers on-site.