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Alberta OHS Code
The Code contains technical requirements. Here are a few points about it.
• The Code is hazard‐based rather than industry‐based and is intended to highlight
the hazards that workers could be exposed to rather than focusing on the
legislation. For example, some municipal workers must enter trenches, so the
trenching requirements apply. The Code would also apply to a private contractor or
any other industry that did work in trenches.
• The Code is mainly performance based. It sets the minimum standard but does not
specify how the employer must achieve that standard. Using the example of
trenching, the worker must be protected from a trench collapse. The method used
to protect the worker could include shoring, protective structures such as cages,
cutting back the walls, or some combination of methods. It is up to the work site to
determine the most appropriate method.
• The Code does not address every possible hazard that could be encountered at the
work site (for example working in heat or cold). In these situations, the general duty
to “ensure as far as reasonably practicable” applies. If there is a risk to the worker’s
health or safety, the worker must be protected.
The Code is divided into three broad subject areas, and subdivided into 41 Parts, as
outlined on the following page.
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code
Core Requirements Applicable to All Industries
Part 1 Definitions and general application
Part 2 Hazard assessment, elimination, and control
Part 3 Specifications and certification
Requirements Applicable to All Industries
Part 4 Chemical hazards, biological hazards, and harmful substances
Part 5 Confined Spaces
Part 6 Cranes, Hoists, and Lifting Devices
Part 7 Emergency Preparedness and Response
Part 8 Entrances, Walkways, Stairways, and Ladders
Leadership in Safety 1
Part 9 Fall Protection
Part 10 Fire and Explosion Hazards
Part 11 First Aid
Part 12 General Safety Precautions
Part 13 Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committees and Health and Safety
Representatives
Part 14 Lifting and Handling Loads
Part 15 Managing the Control of Hazardous Energy
Part 16 Noise Exposure
Part 17 Overhead Power Lines
Part 18 Personal Protective Equipment
Part 19 Powered Mobile Equipment
Part 20 Radiation Exposure
Part 21 Rigging
Part 22 Safeguards
Part 23 Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms
Part 24 Toilets and Washing Facilities
Part 25 Tools, Equipment, and Machinery
Part 26 Ventilation Systems
Part 27 Violence and Harassment
Part 28 Working Alone
Part 29 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Requirements Applicable to Specific Industries and Activities
Part 30 Demolition
Part 31 Diving Operations
Part 32 Excavating and Tunnelling
Part 33 Explosives
Part 34 Forestry
Part 35 Health Care and Industries with Biological Hazards
Part 36 Mining
2 July 2020
Part 37 Oil and Gas Wells
Part 38 Residential roofing (removed)
Part 39 Tree Care Operations
Part 40 Utility Workers ‐ Electrical
Part 41 Work Requiring Rope Access
Schedules
Schedule 1 Chemical Substances
Schedule 2 First Aid
Schedule 3 Noise
Schedule 4 Safe Limits of Approach Distances
Schedule 5 Cable Clips
Schedule 6 Dimensions of Scaffold Members
Schedule 7 Toilets at a Work Site
Schedule 8 Saw Blade Crack Limits
Schedule 9 Shoring Components Dimensions
Schedule 10 Fire Extinguishers and Minimum Separation Distances
Schedule 11 Mining
Leadership in Safety 3