Occupational hygiene
Occupational hygiene programs help in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of workplace environmental health hazards. These hazards can be chemical, biological or physical.
For more information, please contact Graham Rhodes or 250-721-6525.
Respiratory protection
A respirator is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to keep airborne contaminants out of a person’s respiratory system and provide a safe air supply. Respirators should be used to control breathing hazards only after all other measures have first been assessed (e.g. elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative) as the primary control measures.
All employees and personnel who are required to wear a respirator as part of their regular work duties or research activities must do so according to the UVic Respiratory Protection Program and WorkSafeBC requirements.
Departments with employees or personnel who are using any form of respiratory protection (i.e., N95s, and half- or full-face elastomeric respirators) must ensure that annual fit-testing is completed for each person to check for a proper fit and seal of their chosen respirator, and confirm if there are any restrictions to safely wearing a respirator. Contact OHSE if you require assistance with fit-testing.
Hearing conservation
The UVic Noise Control & Hearing Conservation Program is designed to reduce the noise exposure of workers to a safe level and prevent occupational hearing loss, tinnitus, and accidents attributable to the inability to hear work instructions or warning bells.
The program applies to all work areas where the WorkSafeBC regulatory limits exceed 85 decibels (dBA) daily noise exposure level or 140 dBC peak sound level. If you have to raise your voice to carry on a conversation, then the noise level is likely more than 82 dBA.
If you are concerned about noise levels in your work area please contact OHSE to request a noise assessment and determine if any controls are required.
Shop safety
There are a variety of trades and technical shops on campus supporting research, teaching and university operations. Shops present unique hazards due to the use of machinery, power tools, hazardous materials and other equipment. Units are required to have measures in place to prevent and minimize the risk of injury or exposures, including safety procedures, supervision, training and PPE for all personnel authorized to use the facilities and equipment.
Inspections
Regular inspections are an important part of shop safety and are required by WorkSafeBC to be done at intervals that will prevent the development of unsafe working conditions. Each unit or supervisor is required to conduct at least one formal, comprehensive self-inspection of their shop(s) annually. It is also expected that informal inspections occur more frequently to address any safety issues timely manner.
OHSE will also conduct a formal inspection annually to supplement the self-inspection process.
A Shop Self-Inspection Checklist is available to assist units in identifying and correcting any safety deficiencies or concerns, and to document results for compliance review and follow-up.
De-energization and lockout
De-energization and lockout prevents the release of hazardous energy that could cause injury if machinery or equipment unexpectedly activates. Supervisors are required to assess the risks and develop written safe work procedures for their facility and employees. Proper lockout procedures protects everyone and is a fundamental part of maintaining a safe working environment.
De-energization involves removing energy from machinery or equipment to prevent unexpected startup or release of energy that could cause injury.
Lockout refers to the use of locks to isolate an energy source or ensure machinery or equipment is inoperable.
When is de-energization and lockout required?
- Maintenance: if machinery or equipment is shut down for maintenance all energy sources must be isolated and controlled. Maintenance includes installing, repairing, cleaning, lubricating and clearing of obstructions.
- Normal Production: if the work activity creates a risk of injury from machinery movement or energy exposure AND the equipment is not effectively safeguarded.
Safe Work Procedures
There are five basic steps for every de-energization and lockout safe work procedure:
- Identify the machinery or equipment that needs to be locked out.
- Shut off machinery or equipment, and ensure all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
- Identify and de-energize all hazardous energy sources.
- Apply a personal lock to the energy-isolating device for each hazardous energy source.
- Test and verify the effectiveness of the de-energization and lockout process.