On February 3, amendments to WorkSafeBC’s chemical and biological agents emergency planning regulations will come into effect. Here’s what it means for you.

 As an employer, you must:

• Keep a detailed inventory of all hazardous substances.

• Conduct a risk assessment that includes emergencies that may arise outside the workplace (such as in neighbouring facilities.)

• Develop an emergency response plan that includes procedures for evacuations and shelter-in-place for all persons at a workplace.

• Establish emergency notification procedures.

• Ensure safe work procedures for controlling the release, cleaning up spills, or testing prior to re-entry, are in place.

• Ensure workers are provided with training in all parts of the emergency planning process.

• Conduct drills at least once per year.

• Review your emergency plan annually.

• Retain records for five years.

The revised regulation document is available on WorkSafeBC's website. If you have any questions about the requirements, or if you would like help refining your emergency plan, contact us at info@safecarebc.ca.