Sécurité électrique – Généralités

Le saviez-vous?

Les locaux électriques ne doivent pas être utilisés comme espace de stockage. Seuls les matériaux, outils ou équipements nécessaires aux travaux électriques devraient s’y trouver.

Résumé

La plupart des gens utilisent l’électricité tous les jours au travail et à la maison. Cette familiarité peut créer un sentiment illusoire de sécurité. Il est important de se rappeler que l’électricité est toujours une source éventuelle de danger. Les travaux de construction peuvent nécessiter de travailler sur ou à proximité d’équipements électriques, de lignes électriques ou d’autres installations électriques telles que l’éclairage, les fils, les outils, les cordons et les panneaux. Les employeurs et les membres du personnel doivent prendre des précautions pour éviter ou réduire l’exposition aux risques électriques.

Les risques électriques comprennent les suivants :

  • Contact avec des lignes électriques sous tension
  • Équipements, outils et machines électriques mal installés ou mal entretenus
  • Contact avec des machines ou équipements électriques sous tension
  • Éclair d’arc électrique (lorsque l’électricité se déplace dans l’air d’un conducteur à un autre)
  • Incendies et explosions déclenchés par des étincelles ou des arcs électriques

Les risques de blessure liés aux dangers électriques sont les suivants :

  • Choc électrique – Lorsque l’électricité traverse une personne.
  • Électrocution – Mort par choc électrique.
  • Brûlures – Par contact avec un équipement chaud ou par choc électrique.
  • Chutes – Par perte de contrôle musculaire due à un choc électrique.

Rappel : Il faut supposer que tous les fils et équipements électriques sont sous tension jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient testés et que le contraire soit prouvé.

Sécurité électrique générale

L’employeur doit faire ce qui suit :

  • Veiller à ce que les matériaux empilés n’interfèrent pas avec les panneaux électriques ou les lignes électriques sous tension. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 32(a)(vii)]
  • Veiller à utiliser une échelle portable non conductrice, de fabrication commerciale, lorsqu’il y a un risque de contact avec des conducteurs électriques sous tension. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 150(3)(c)]
  • Suivre toutes les exigences en matière de cadenassage et d’étiquetage. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 51...54]
  • Concevoir, installer, assembler, faire fonctionner, inspecter, entretenir, mettre à l’essai, maintenir, réparer et démonter les installations électriques conformément à la dernière version de la norme de l’Association canadienne de normalisation (CSA) CSA C22.1, « Code canadien de l’électricité, Première partie, Norme de sécurité relative aux installations électriques ». [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 120(1)]
  • Veiller à ce que seule une personne compétente travaille sur les installations électriques. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 122]
  • S’assurer, lorsqu’un lieu de travail dispose d’un local électrique, que ce dernier : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 128(1)]
    • est maintenu propre et ordonné;
    • n’est pas utilisé pour l’entreposage de matériaux non apparentés;
    • dispose d’un panneau indiquant « Danger – Haute tension » à l’extérieur des pièces où se trouvent des composants dont la tension nominale est supérieure à 750 volts phase à phase. Un panneau n’est pas nécessaire pour les locaux électriques qui se trouvent dans des trous d’accès aux services publics contrôlés par une administration. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 128(2)]
  • S’assurer que les lignes électriques ne traversent pas les allées, les voies de circulation ou les zones de travail, si cela est raisonnablement possible. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 107(1)]
  • Déconnecter ou isoler les services électriques existants d’un projet avant de commencer ou de poursuivre la démolition du projet. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 157(1)]
  • S’assurer que l’alimentation électrique des fosses d’entretien de véhicules est conforme à la dernière version de la norme CSA C22.1, « Code canadien de l’électricité, Première partie, Norme de sécurité relative aux installations électriques ». [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 91]
  • Veiller à ce que personne ne travaille ou n’amène une personne ou un objet à moins de six mètres d’une ligne électrique aérienne sous tension ou d’un équipement de ligne électrique sans en connaître la tension au préalable. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(2)]
  • Veiller à ce que les travaux effectués à proximité d’une ligne électrique aérienne sous tension ou d’un équipement de ligne électrique d’une tension inférieure à 750 volts phase à phase ne soient pas effectués à moins de 1 m de la ligne électrique ou de l’équipement de ligne électrique. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(3)]
  • Veiller à ce que personne ne travaille ou n’effectue un travail susceptible de l’amener à des distances précises d’une ligne électrique aérienne sous tension ou d’un équipement de ligne électrique, comme il est indiqué dans le tableau ci-dessous : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(4)]

Tableau 1 : Tension de phase à phase et distance

Tension de phase à phase d’une ligne électrique sous tension ou d’un équipement de ligne électrique
Distance
750 volts et jusqu’à 69 000 volts 3,0 mètres
Plus de 69 000 volts et jusqu’à 138 000 volts 5,0 mètres
Plus de 138 000 volts 6,0 mètres
  • Veiller à ce qu’aucun travail susceptible d’amener une personne ou un objet à l’intérieur des distances indiquées dans le tableau 1 ci-dessus ne soit entrepris avant que l’employeur communique avec l’administration propriétaire ou exploitante de la ligne sous tension ou de l’équipement de ligne électrique et : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(5)]
    • s’assurer que la ligne électrique ou l’équipement de ligne électrique sous tension est isolé ou protégé de manière adéquate; ou
    • fournir un autre moyen équivalent de protéger les gens du danger électrique.

    Exception – Ce qui précède ne s’applique pas :

    • aux travaux effectués par une personne compétente employée, engagée par contrat ou autorisée par une autorité; [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(6)(a)]
    • à l’équipement appartenant à une administration ou à un employeur, sous contrat ou autorisé par l’administration, utilisé pour l’installation, l’exploitation, l’entretien, la réparation, le démontage ou tout autre travail effectué sur la ligne électrique ou l’équipement de ligne électrique; [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(6)(b)]
    • au travail effectué sur une ligne électrique sous tension ou sur de l’équipement de ligne électrique lorsque l’employeur a, avant les travaux : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(6)(c)]
      • déterminé le degré d’isolation électrique de la ligne électrique et des équipements de la ligne électrique,
      • déterminé le niveau d’énergie électrique passant par la ligne électrique ou l’équipement,
      • obtenu d’une ingénieure et d’un ingénieur ou de l’entreprise ayant fabriqué la ligne électrique et l’équipement de ligne électrique une attestation écrite indiquant qu’une personne ou un objet peut être approché à une distance inférieure à celle autorisée dans le Tableau 1 ci-dessus,
      • veillé à ce que les travaux soient effectués par une personne compétente et de manière adéquate, conformément aux recommandations de l’ingénieure et l’ingénieur ou de l’entreprise fabricante fournissant la certification décrite ci-dessus.

Travail à haute tension

L’employeur est tenu de faire ce qui suit :

  • S’assurer que le travail sur une installation électrique sous tension de plus de 750 volts phase à phase est effectué par deux personnes compétentes en même temps [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 125(2)], sauf lorsqu’elles effectuent un travail de commutation à l’aide d’un appareil de commutation et selon une procédure établie. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 125(3)]
  • Fournir tous les équipements et dispositifs de protection nécessaires afin de permettre aux membres du personnel de travailler en toute sécurité. L’équipement et les dispositifs doivent également être conformes à la dernière version des normes applicables ci-dessous : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 123(1)]
    • ASTM D120, « Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves » (Spécification standard pour les gants isolants en caoutchouc – en anglais seulement)
    • ASTM D1051, « Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Sleeves » (Spécification standard pour les manchons isolants en caoutchouc – en anglais seulement)
    • ASTM D1048, « Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets » (Spécification standard pour les couvertures isolantes en caoutchouc – en anglais seulement)
    • ASTM D1050, « Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Line Hose » (Spécification standard pour l’établissement de tuyaux isolants en caoutchouc – en anglais seulement)
    • ASTM D1049, « Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Covers » (Spécification standard pour les housses isolantes en caoutchouc – en anglais seulement)
    • ASTM D178, « Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Matting » (Spécification standard pour l’empaillassonnage isolant en caoutchouc – en anglais seulement)
    • ASTM F696, « Standard Specification for Leather Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves and Mittens » (Spécification standard pour les protections en cuir pour les gants et mitaines isolants en caoutchouc – en anglais seulement)
    • ASTM F711, « Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools » (Spécification standard pour les tiges et tubes en plastique renforcé de fibre de verre utilisés dans les outils isolants – en anglais seulement).
  • S’assurer qu’une personne utilise des outils isolants en plus des autres équipements de protection individuelle requis dans les circonstances, si elle manipule une ligne électrique sous tension ou un équipement de ligne électrique dont la tension nominale est supérieure à 15 000 volts à la terre. [N.S. Reg. 44/99, s. 124(1)]
  • S’assurer qu’une personne utilise l’un des dispositifs suivants si elle manipule des lignes électriques sous tension ou de l’équipement de ligne électrique dont la tension nominale est supérieure à 750 volts phase à phase : [N.S. Reg. 44/99, s. 124(2)]
    • Outils isolants ou
    • Gants en caoutchouc, si une procédure de travail écrite a été adoptée comme code de pratique par ordre de la direction Si l’employeur adopte un code de pratique, il doit : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 124(3)]
      • fournir un exemplaire du code de pratique aux membres du personnel qui doivent manipuler des lignes électriques sous tension ou des équipements de lignes électriques d’une tension égale ou inférieure à 15 000 volts à la terre;
      • fournir une formation sur le code de pratique aux membres du personnel qui sont tenus de manipuler des lignes électriques sous tension ou de l’équipement de ligne électrique, ou d’effectuer des activités conformément au code;
      • communiquer les détails du code de pratique et les raisons de son application à tous les membres du personnel sur le lieu où le travail est effectué.
    Il convient de noter qu’un code de pratique peut être suspendu par un membre de la direction qui détermine que l’employeur n’a pas strictement respecté le code de pratique. La suspension reste en vigueur jusqu’à ce que la direction informe l’employeur qu’elle a été levée. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 124(4)]
  • Désigner un responsable de la sécurité dans les cas où les risques électriques ne peuvent pas être contrôlés de manière adéquate pour observer la personne qui travaille sur ou près d’une installation électrique sous tension. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 125(4)].

Responsable de la sécurité

Le responsable de la sécurité est tenu de faire ce qui suit lorsqu’un responsable de la sécurité est requis pour du travail à haute tension : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 125(5)]

  • Avertir toutes les personnes travaillant sur ou à proximité d’une installation électrique sous tension de tout danger potentiel.
  • S’assurer que les exigences de la partie 11 (art. 120-128) du règlement général sur la sécurité au travail (Occupational Safety General Regulations) sont respectées.
  • Être une personne compétente capable d’évaluer les dangers pertinents, et compétente et équipée pour lancer un sauvetage.
  • N’effectuer aucune autre tâche qui pourrait interférer avec ces fonctions.
  • Avoir le pouvoir d’arrêter le travail lorsque la tâche ou les conditions sur le lieu de travail deviennent dangereuses.
  • Demeurer à proximité immédiate du travail.

Le membre du personnel est tenu de faire ce qui suit :

Sécurité électrique générale

  • Ne pas effectuer un travail susceptible de l’amener, lui-même ou un objet, à moins de 6,0 m d’une ligne électrique aérienne sous tension ou d’un équipement de ligne électrique de tension inconnue. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(2)]
  • Ne pas effectuer un travail susceptible de le rapprocher, lui ou un objet, à une distance inférieure à celle indiquée dans le Tableau 1 ci-dessus, d’une ligne électrique aérienne sous tension ou d’un équipement de ligne électrique. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 126(4)]

Travail à haute tension

Plan de l’installation électrique

Les propriétaires d’un bâtiment ou d’une structure sont tenus de faire ce qui suit :

  • S’assurer qu’une personne compétente crée, maintient et met à jour un plan pour chaque installation électrique en service qui : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 127(1)]
    • est évaluée à plus de 250 volts phase à phase;
    • est d’une puissance nominale supérieure à 250 ampères; ou
    • a plusieurs entrées de service.
  • S’assurer que le plan ci-dessus inclut un diagramme linéaire qui : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 127(2)]
    • décrit la position et les valeurs nominales des composants de l’installation électrique;
    • reflète toutes les réparations et modifications de l’installation électrique.

Travail en espace clos

L’employeur est tenu de faire ce qui suit lorsqu’il existe un risque de choc électrique dans un espace clos :

  • Désigner une personne compétente pour effectuer les évaluations de l’espace clos; y compris la confirmation que toutes les sources d’énergie dangereuses pour une personne qui entre, sort ou occupe l’espace clos ont été cadenassées avant qu’elle entre. [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 130(8)(g)]
  • S’assurer que l’équipement électrique apporté dans l’espace clos : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 136]
    • fonctionne à l’aide de piles, doublement isolées et reliées à la terre, et ne dépassant pas 30 volts et 100 volts-ampères; ou
    • est équipé d’un disjoncteur de fuite de terre de type Classe A conforme à la dernière version de la norme CSA C22.1, « Code canadien de l’électricité, Première partie, Norme de sécurité relative aux installations électriques » et testé avant chaque utilisation.

Travaux d’exploitation minière

L’employeur est tenu de faire ce qui suit :

  • S’assurer que les installations électriques sont conçues, installées, assemblées, exploitées, inspectées, entretenues, testées, maintenues, réparées et démontées conformément à la dernière version de la norme CSA M421, « Utilisation de l’électricité dans les mines ». [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 120(2)]
  • S’assurer que les lignes électriques ou les équipements de lignes électriques sont conçus ou construits pour être conformes à la dernière version de la norme CSA applicable : [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 121(1)]
    • a) Norme CSA C22.3 no 1, « Réseaux aériens »
    • b) Norme CSA C22.3 no 7, « Réseaux souterrains »
  • Limiter la tension et la variation de tension des lignes électriques ou de l’équipement de ligne électrique dans l’entrée de service restreinte conformément à la dernière version de la norme CSA CAN3-C235, « Preferred Voltage Levels for AC Systems, 0 to 50,000 V » (Niveaux de tension préférentiels pour les systèmes à courant alternatif, de 0 à 50 000 volts – en anglais seulement). [N.S. Reg. 44/99 s. 121(2)]

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT

S.N.S. 1996, c. 7

Section 3

3. In this Act,

(a) "aggrieved person" means an employer, constructor, contractor, employee, self-employed person, owner, supplier, provider of an occupational health or safety service, architect, engineer or union at a workplace who is directly affected by an order or decision;

(b) "analyst" means a person appointed as an analyst by the Minister pursuant to this Act;

(c) "Board" means the Labour Board established under the Labour Board Act;

(d) "committee" means a joint occupational health and safety committee established pursuant to this Act;

(e) "compliance notice" means a response, in writing, to an order of an officer, describing the extent to which the person against whom the order was made has complied with each item identified in the order;

(f) "constructor" means a person who contracts for work on a project or who undertakes work on a project himself or herself;

(g) "contractor" means a person who contracts for work to be performed at the premises of the person contracting to have the work performed, but does not include a dependent contractor or a constructor;

(h) "contracts for work" includes contracting to perform work and contracting to have work performed;

(i) "Council" means the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council established pursuant to this Act;

(j) "dependent contractor" means a person, whether or not employed under a contract of employment and whether or not furnishing the person's own tools, vehicles, equipment, machinery, material or any other thing, who performs work or services for another on such terms and conditions that the person is

(i) in a position of economic dependence upon the other,

(ii) under an obligation to perform duties mainly for the other, and

(iii) in a relationship with the other more closely resembling that of an employee than an independent contractor;

(k) "Deputy Minister of Labour and Advanced Education" includes a person designated by the Deputy Minister of Labour and Advanced Education to act in the stead of the Deputy Minister;

(l) "Director" means the Executive Director of Occupational Health and Safety or any person designated by the Executive Director pursuant to this Act to act on behalf of the Executive Director;

(m) "Director of Labour Standards" means the Director of Labour Standards under the Labour Standards Code;

(n) "Division" means the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education;

(o) "employee" means a person who is employed to do work and includes a dependent contractor;

(p) "employer" means a person who employs one or more employees or contracts for the services of one or more employees, and includes a constructor, contractor or subcontractor;

(q) "former Act" means Chapter 320 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Occupational Health and Safety Act;

(r) "health and safety" includes both physical and psychological health and safety;

(s) "Minister" means the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education;

(t) "occupation" means any employment, business, calling or pursuit;

(u) "officer" means an occupational health and safety officer appointed pursuant to this Act and includes the Director;

(v) "owner" includes a trustee, receiver, mortgagee in possession, tenant, lessee or occupier of lands or premises used as a workplace and a person who acts for, or on behalf of, an owner as an agent or delegate;

(w) "police officer" means

(i) a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or

(ii) a member or chief officer of a police force appointed pursuant to the Police Act;

(x) "policy" means an occupational health and safety policy made pursuant to this Act;

(y) "practicable" means possible, given current knowledge, technology and invention;

(z) "program" means an occupational health and safety program required pursuant to this Act, unless the context otherwise requires;

(aa) "project" means a construction project, and includes

(i) the construction, erection, excavation, renovation, repair, alteration or demolition of any structure, building, tunnel or work and the preparatory work of land clearing or earth moving, and

(ii) work of any nature or kind designated by the Director as a project;

(ab) "reasonably practicable" means practicable unless the person on whom a duty is placed can show that there is a gross disproportion between the benefit of the duty and the cost, in time, trouble and money, of the measures to secure the duty;

(ac) "regularly employed" includes seasonal employment with a predictably recurring period of employment that exceeds four weeks, unless otherwise established by regulation or ordered by an officer;

(aca) "repeatedly" means occurring more than once within the preceding three year period;

(ad) "representative" means a health and safety representative selected pursuant to this Act;

(ae) "self-employed person" means a person who is engaged in an occupation on that person's own behalf and includes a person or persons operating a sole proprietorship but does not include a dependent contractor;

(aea) "serious injury" means an injury that endangers life or causes permanent injury;

(af) "supplier" means a person who manufactures, supplies, sells, leases, distributes or installs any tool, equipment, machine or device or any biological, chemical or physical agent to be used at or near a workplace;

(ag) "union" includes a trade union as defined in the Trade Union Act that has the status of bargaining agent under that Act in respect of any bargaining unit at a workplace, and includes an organization representing employees where the organization has exclusive bargaining rights under any other Act in respect of the employees;

(ah) "workplace" means any place where an employee or a self-employed person is or is likely to be engaged in any occupation and includes any vehicle or mobile equipment used or likely to be used by an employee or a self-employed person in an occupation.

[S.N.S. 2000, c. 28, s. 86; 2010, c. 66, s. 2; 2010, c. 37, s. 117; 2011, c. 24, s. 2; 2016, c. 14, s. 1; 2024, c. 10, s. 11]

Occupational Safety General Regulations

N.S. Reg. 44/99

Part 1 Title and Definitions

Section 2 Definitions

2. In these regulations,

(a) "Act" means the Occupational Health and Safety Act ;

(aa) "adequate" means sufficient to protect a person from injury or damage to health;

(b) "ALI" means the Automotive Lift Institute;

(ba) "angle of repose" means the angle with the horizontal at which material will no longer flow freely;

(c) "ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute;

(ca) "approved" means approved by the Department or by an agency or authority designated or selected by the Department to make approvals;

(d) "ASME" means the American Society of Mechanical Engineers;

(e) "ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials;

(ea) "CGA" means the Compressed Gas Association;

(f) "CGSB" means the Canadian General Standards Board;

(g) "competent person" means a person who is

(i) qualified because of their knowledge, training and experience to do the assigned work in a manner that ensures the health and safety of every person in the workplace, and

(ii) knowledgeable about the provisions of the Act and regulations that apply to the assigned work, and about potential or actual danger to health or safety associated with the assigned work;

(ga) "compressed air" means air mechanically raised to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure;

(h) "CSA" means the Canadian Standards Association;

(i) "demolition" means the destruction or removal of all, or part, of an existing building or structure;

(ia) "Department" means the Department of Labour and Advanced Education;

(j) "designated" means, in relation to an employer, appointed in writing by the employer;

(k) "electrical installation" means the wires, machinery, apparatus, appliances, devices, material and equipment used or intended for use for the generation, transmission, distribution, supply and use of electrical power or energy, and includes a power line and power line equipment;

(l) "engineer" means a person who is registered as a member or licensed to practise under the Engineering Profession Act and is competent to do the work being performed;

(m) "firefighter" means

(i) an employee who provides fire suppression services to the public from a fire department within a municipality or local service district, or

(ii) an industrial firefighter;

(n) "guardrail" means a fall protection system consisting of vertical and horizontal members that

(i) are capable of withstanding concentrated forces, as prescribed in these regulations or an applicable standard,

(ii) warn of a fall hazard, and

(iii) reduce the risk of a fall;

(o) "hazardous substance" means chemical or biological material, dangerous goods within the meaning of the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act or a controlled product within the meaning of the Hazardous Products Act (Canada) that is likely to, because of its harmful nature, cause injury or damage to the health or safety of a person exposed to it;

(p) "hoist" means a device or equipment and its structure used for lifting or lowering material, including cranes, an automotive lift, a winch, a chain fall or other similar device, but does not include a lift truck, a power operated elevating work platform, a device to which the Elevators and Lifts Act applies or a hoist that operates in a shaft in the underground at a mine;

(pa) "ITSDF" means the Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation;

(q) "industrial firefighter" means an employee who

(i) is designated to fight fires at the employee's place of employment, and

(ii) is employed by an employer who does not, in the normal course of its business, provide fire suppression services to the public;

(qa) "latest version" means, in relation to a standard or other publication, the latest edition of the standard or publication as supplemented, amended, added to, replaced or superseded;

(r) "lift truck" means a lift truck as defined in the latest version of ANSI standard ANSI/ITSDF B56.1, "Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks";

(s) "locked out" means to have

(i) isolated the energy source or sources from a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation,

(ii) dissipated any residual energy in a system, and

(iii) secured the isolation of the energy source or sources by an inhibiting device that is operated by a key or other process,

and to have performed a "lock-out" has a similar meaning;

(t) "machine" Repealed. [N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 1]

(u) "manufacturer's specifications" means

(i) the written instructions of a manufacturer of a machine, material, tool or equipment that outline the manner in which the machine, material, tool or equipment is to be erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, used, handled, stored, stopped, adjusted, carried, maintained, repaired, inspected, serviced, tested, cleaned or dismantled, and

(ii) a manufacturer's instruction, operating or maintenance manual and drawings respecting a machine, tool or equipment;

(ua) "mobile crane" means a mobile crane to which the latest version of CSA standard CSA Z150 , "Safety Code on Mobile Cranes" applies;

(v) "NFPA" means the National Fire Protection Association;

(va) "overhead crane" means any mechanical device or structure that is used to raise, lower and move material that travels overhead and that incorporates a

(i) power driven drum, bridge and cable or rope,

(ii) single or multiple girder, and

(iii) moveable bridge carrying a moveable or fixed hoisting mechanism,

but does not include wall cranes, cantilever gantry cranes and semi-gantry cranes;

(vb) "personal flotation device" means personal protective equipment that is capable of supporting a person with their head above water without the direct effort of the person wearing the equipment;

(w) "power line" means the above-ground or underground wiring that is used to distribute electricity;

(x) "power line equipment" means the components that are required to distribute electricity by means of a power line;

(y) "power operated elevating work platform" means a mobile horizontal working surface that provides access and support to a person at a workplace, and that is elevated and lowered by means of a mechanism and [that complies with] Part 23: Scaffolds and Other Elevated Work Platforms, of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations made under the Act, including a standard listed in subsection (4) thereof;

(z) "powered mobile equipment" means self-propelled equipment that is designed to operate on land in conditions other than a public highway, but does not include equipment primarily designed to transport persons, a lift truck or a power operated elevating work platform;

(aa) "SAE" means the Society of Automotive Engineers;

(ab) "structural fire-fighting" means the activities of rescue, fire suppression and conservation of property from fires involving buildings, structures, vehicles, vessels, aircraft or other large objects constructed by human effort;

(ac) "surface mine" means a work or undertaking, other than a trench, for the purpose of opening up, proving, removing or extracting any metallic or non-metallic mineral or mineral bearing substance, rock, earth, clay, sand or gravel by means of an open excavation, and includes a pit or quarry;

(ad) "tower crane" means any mechanical device or structure that

(i) incorporates a power-driven drum and cable or rope and a vertical mast or tower and a jib,

(ii) is of the traveling, fixed or climbing type, and

(iii) is used exclusively for raising, lowering and moving material;

(ae)"trench" means an excavation in which the excavation depth exceeds the excavation width;

(af) "work area" means a location at the workplace at which an employee or self-employed person is or is likely to be working;

(ag) "worked" means drilled, blasted, extracted, excavated, loaded or subjected to other similar work.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 1; 151/2003; 53/2013, ss. 1, 93]

Part 5 Handling and Storage of Material

Section 32 Piled material

32. An employer shall ensure that piled material is

(a) located so as not to interfere with

(i) illumination,

(ii) ventilation,

(iii) means of access and exit,

(iv) passageways or traffic lanes,

(v) the operation of machines,

(vi) sprinklers and firefighting equipment, or

(vii) electrical panels or energized electrical power lines;

(b) located on a firm foundation that is able to support the load;

(c) located so that the pile is not resting against a partition or wall of a building unless the partition or wall is designed to support the load;

(d) arranged in a manner that makes it stable;

(e) protected from conditions that may significantly damage the structural integrity of any container used to store the material; and

(f) regularly inspected for hazards.

Part 6 Lock-out

Section 51 Interpretation, application, control and energizing

51. (1) In this Part,

(a) "equipment" includes

(i) pipes for transporting a material, and

(ii) hydraulic or pneumatic lines;

(b) "lock-out device" means the device that secures the isolation of the energy source of a locked out machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation;

(c) "lock-out location" means the location of a lock-out device;

(d) "lock-out tag" means a tag that

(i) is installed at a lock-out location,

(ii) has words directing a person not to start or operate the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation,

(iii) identifies the person who has performed a lock-out, and (iv) does not readily conduct electricity; and

(e) "zero energy state" means a condition in which a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation is rendered incapable of spontaneous or unexpected action or otherwise releasing kinetic or potential energy.

(2) This Part applies to a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation that is erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, stopped, inspected, serviced, tested, cleaned, adjusted, maintained, repaired or dismantled.

(3) An employer shall ensure that, in addition to any normal start and stop control mechanism, a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation has a means of isolating all sources of energy to the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation that is

(a) accessible when needed by an employee; and

(b) readily identifiable.

(4) An employer shall ensure that where a person may be exposed to a hazard by the manual or automatic energizing of a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation, or any part of it, a de-energized machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation, or any part of it, is energized

(a) only in accordance with an applicable written procedure established by the employer; and

(b) only after all persons are clear of the hazardous area and have been instructed to remain clear.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 23; 53/2013, s. 27]

Section 52 Lock-out procedure

52. (1) Where work is performed on a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation, and the work is hazardous to a person in the workplace if the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation is or becomes energized, an employer shall ensure that

(a) the work is done in accordance with a written lock-out procedure established by the employer;

(b) no person works on the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation until the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation

(i) is put in and maintained at a zero energy state,

(ii) is locked out, and

(iii) has a lock-out tag at each lock-out location; and

(c) a competent person verifies that the requirements of clauses (a) and (b) have been complied with and tests to determine that the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation is in a zero energy state.

(1A) No employee shall perform work on a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation in the circumstances described in subsection (1) unless the requirements of clause 52(1)(b) are met.

(2) The written lock-out procedure referred to in subsection (1) shall include

(a) provision for complying with the requirements of subsection (1);

(b) the method of notifying a person in the work area of safe conditions for work after a lock-out has been completed;

(c) the method of determining that all persons near the locked out machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation are clear of the hazardous area and have been instructed to remain clear before the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation, or any part of it, is energized; and

(d) the method of energizing the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, ss. 24, 25]

Section 53

53. (1) No person other than the person who installed it shall remove a lock-out device or a lock-out tag on a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation.

(2) Despite subsection (1), where reasonable attempts have been made to contact the person who locked out the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation and that person is not available,

(a) in a serious emergency, a person who has determined that it is safe to energize the equipment may remove a lock-out device or a lock-out tag; or

(b) a competent person who

(i) is designated in the written lock-out procedure, and

(ii) has determined that it is safe to energize the equipment,

may remove a lock-out device or a lock-out tag.

Section 54

54. Despite subsection 51(4) or Section 52, where work is performed on a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation, and the work is hazardous to a person in the workplace if the machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation is or becomes energized, and the requirements of subsection 51(4) or Section 52 are

(a) inappropriate for the work to be performed or inadequate for the protection of persons at the workplace; or

(b) not reasonably practicable where the electrical installation is used for the generation or transmission of electricity,

an employer may substitute for the requirements of those provisions an alternative adequate written procedure that specifies personnel responsibilities, training and equipment requirements and the details for carrying out the work in a manner that will ensure the safety of all person who may be exposed to a hazard arising from the work.

Part 8 Mechanical Safety

Section 91 Automotive pits

91. An employer shall ensure that an automotive pit is designed, installed, operated, inspected and maintained in accordance with the latest version of National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 1, "Fire Prevention Code", in the chapter entitled, "Service Stations, Pits, Below-Grade and Sub-Floor Work Areas" and complies with the latest version of the CSA standard C22.1 , "Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations".

[N.S. Reg. 53/2013, s. 40]

Part 9 Tools

Section 107

107. (1) Where reasonably practicable, an employer shall ensure that hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical and electrical lines and hoses do not run across aisles, travel ways or work areas.

(2) This Section does not apply where a firefighter is engaged in structural fire-fighting or rescue.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 55]

Part 11 Electrical Safety

Section 120 General provisions

120. (1) An employer shall ensure that an electrical installation is designed, installed, assembled, operated, inspected, serviced, tested, maintained, repaired and dismantled in accordance with the latest version of CSA standard CSA C22.1 , "Canadian Electrical Code Part 1", "Safety Standard for Electrical Installations".

(2) An employer operating a surface mine shall ensure that an electrical installation at the surface mine is designed, installed, assembled, operated, inspected, serviced, tested, maintained, repaired and dismantled in accordance with the latest version of CSA standard M421 , "Use of Electricity in Mines".

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 60; 53/2013, s. 47]

Section 121

121. (1) Subject to subsection 120(2) and to the Underground Mining Regulations made under the Act, an employer shall ensure that a power line or power line equipment is designed or constructed to comply with the latest version of the applicable CSA standard listed below:

(a) CSA C22.3 No. 1 , "Overhead Systems";

(b) CSA C22.3 No.7 , "Underground Systems".

(2) Subject to subsection 120(2) and to the Underground Mining Regulations made under the Act, an employer shall ensure that the voltage and voltage variation of a power line or power line equipment is limited at the service entrance in accordance with the latest version of CSA standard CAN3-C235 , "Preferred Voltage Levels for AC Systems, 0 to 50,000 V".

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 61; 53/2013, s. 48]

Section 122

122. An employer shall ensure that a person who works on an electrical installation is a competent person.

Section 123

123. (1) Where a person is required to work on an energized electrical installation, an employer shall, as necessary in the circumstances, provide a person with all protective equipment and devices

(a) necessary to work safely on an energized electrical installation; and

(b) that comply with the latest version of the applicable standard listed below:

(i) ASTM D120, "Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves",

(ii) ASTM D1051, "Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Sleeves",

(iii) ASTM D1048, "Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets",

(iv) ASTM D1050, "Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Line Hose",

(v) ASTM D1049, "Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Covers",

(vi) ASTM D 178, "Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Matting",

(vii) ASTM F696, "Standard Specification for Leather Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves and Mittens", and

(viii) ASTM F711, "Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools".

(2) A person who is required to work on an energized electrical installation shall use the appropriate protective equipment or devices required under subsection. (1).

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 62; 53/2013, s. 49]

Section 124

124. (1) An employer shall ensure that a person who handles an energized power line or power line equipment rated at greater than 15 000 v to ground uses hot line tools to do so, in addition to other personal protective equipment required in the circumstances.

(2) A person may use rubber gloves instead of hot line tools to handle energized power lines or power line equipment rated at greater than 750 v phase to phase, where a written work procedure has been adopted as a code of practice by order of the Director for use in such circumstances.

(3) An employer who has adopted a code of practice under subsection (2) shall

(a) provide a copy of the code of practice to each person in the workplace who is required to handle energized power lines or power line equipment rated at or below 15 000 v to ground;

(b) provide training in the code of practice to each person in the workplace who is required to handle energized power lines or power line equipment or perform other activities in accordance with the code of practice; and

(c) communicate the details of the code of practice and the reasons for its implementation to all persons at the location where the work is performed,

and, to the extent that it relates to their work, all persons shall adhere strictly to the terms of the code of practice.

(4) Where an officer determines that a code of practice that is in effect pursuant to subsection (2) has not been strictly adhered to, the officer may make an order suspending the application and use of the code of practice, and the suspension shall remain in place until the Director notifies the employer that the suspension has been lifted.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 63]

Section 125 Hazardous work

125. (1) In this Section, "switching device" means a device designed for the sole purpose of opening, closing or opening and closing one or more electrical circuits, and includes

(a) a circuit breaker capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions, and also making, carrying for a specified time, and breaking currents under specified abnormal conditions, such as those of a short circuit;

(b) a cutout assembly of a fuse support with either a fuse holder, fuse carrier or disconnecting blade; and

(c) a disconnecting or isolating device used for isolating a circuit or equipment from a source of power.

(2) An employer shall ensure that no work is performed on an energized electrical installation rated at greater than 750 v phase to phase unless the competent person performing the work is accompanied by another competent person.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to switching work carried out using a switching device where an adequate written procedure has been established by the employer.

(4) Where compliance with the personal protective equipment requirements and normal work procedures in effect at the workplace is inadequate to control the risk of exposure to an electrical hazard during work on an energized electrical installation due to an unusual factor in the nature of the work, such as the location or condition of the workplace, a competent person not actively engaged in the work shall be designated as a safety watcher to observe a person who is working on or near an energized electrical installation.

(5) A safety watcher required by subsection (4) shall

(a) warn all persons working on or near an energized electrical installation of any potential hazards;

(b) ensure that the requirements of this Part are complied with;

(c) be a competent person able to evaluate relevant hazards, and competent and equipped to initiate a rescue;

(d) be free of any other duties that might interfere with the duties outlined in this subsection;

(e) have the authority to stop work where the task or conditions in the workplace become hazardous; and

(f) remain in the immediate vicinity of the work.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 64; 53/2013, s. 50]

Section 126

126. (1) In this Section and in Section 128, "authority" means an electrical utility whose primary business is the generation or distribution of electricity.

(2) No person shall carry out work that may bring a person or object closer than 6.0 m to an overhead energized power line or power line equipment where the voltage of the overhead energized power line is not known to the person carrying out the work.

(3) Where work is performed in close proximity to an energized overhead power line or power line equipment rated at less than 750 v phase to phase, an employer shall ensure that the work is performed no closer than 1 m from the power line or power line equipment to ensure the safety of every person in the workplace from the electrical hazard.

(4) An employer shall ensure that no work is carried out, and no person shall carry out work that may bring a person or object closer than the distances set out in the following table to an overhead energized power line or power line equipment rated at greater than or equal to 750 v phase to phase:

Table

Phase to Phase Voltage of Energized Electrical Distance Power Line or Power Line Equipment Distance
750 volts and up to 69 000 volts 3.0 m
greater than 69 000 volts and up to 138 000 volts 5.0 m
greater than 138 000 volts 6.0 m

(5) Despite subsections (3) and (4), where a person is about to commence work that may bring a person or object closer than a distance specified in subsection (3) or (4) to an overhead energized power line or power line equipment described in subsection (3) or (4), an employer shall not permit the person to commence work until the employer has contacted the authority owning or operating the energized power line or power line equipment and

(a) ensured that the energized powerline or power line equipment is insulated or guarded in an adequate manner; or

(b) provided an alternative means of protection from the electrical hazard that provides an equivalent level of safety.

(6) This Section does not apply to

(a) work performed by a competent person employed, contracted or authorized by an authority;

(b) equipment owned by an authority or an employer contracted or authorized by the authority, that is used in the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, dismantling or other work performed on the power line or power line equipment; or

(c) work performed on an energized power line or power line equipment where the employer has, in advance of the work,

(i) determined the degree of electrical insulation on the power line and power line equipment,

(ii) determined the level of electricity to which the power line or equipment will or may be energized,

(iii) obtained from an engineer, or the manufacturer of the power line and power line equipment, a written certification indicating that a person or object may be brought closer than the distances permitted by this Section, and

(iv) ensured that the work is performed by a competent person in an adequate manner consistent with the recommendations of the engineer or manufacturer providing the certification under subclause (iii).

[N.S. Reg. 53/2013, s. 51]

Section 127 Plan of electrical installation

127. (1) The owner of a building or structure must ensure that a plan is created, maintained and updated by a competent person if there is an electrical installation utilized in the building or structure that meets any of the following criteria:

(a) it is rated at greater than 250 v phase to phase;

(b) it is rated at greater than 250 amp;

(c) it has multiple service entrances.

(2) The plan in subsection (1) must include a line diagram that

(a) describes the position and ratings of the components of the electrical installation; and

(b) reflects all repairs and alterations to the electrical installation.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 65; 53.2013, s. 52]

Section 128 Electrical rooms

128. (1) Where a workplace has an electrical room, an employer shall ensure that

(a) the room is kept clean and orderly;

(b) the room is not used for storage of unrelated materials; and

(c) where the components are rated at more than 750 v phase to phase, a sign is posted on the outside of the room that legibly states "Danger - High Voltage".

(2) Despite clause. (1)(c), where an electrical room is in a manhole controlled and maintained by an authority, no sign is required.

Part 12 Confined Space Entry

Section 129 Application and interpretation

129. (1) In this Part, "confined space" means an enclosed or partially enclosed space

(a) not designed or intended for regular human occupancy;

(b) with restricted access or exit; and

(c) that is or may become hazardous to a person entering it because of its design, construction, location, atmosphere or the materials or substances in it or other conditions.

(1A) When assessing whether a space is or may become hazardous to a person entering it because of its atmosphere under clause (1)(c), a person must not take into account the protection afforded to a person through the use of personal protective equipment or ventilation.

(2) Sections 130 to 137 do not apply to

(a) a development heading in an underground mine; and

(b) a firefighter engaged in structural fire-fighting or rescue, if the firefighter has received adequate training for confined space entry and rescue.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 66; 53/2013, s. 53]

Section 130 Assessment and written procedures

130. (1) An employer shall ensure that no person enters a confined space until the employer has fulfilled the requirements of this Section and a competent person has provided a written certificate, in accordance with Section 131.

(2) Where a workplace includes a confined space, the employer shall ensure that a person who may be required to enter the confined space has the information necessary to identify it as such.

(3) Where at least one confined space has been identified, an employer shall establish a written confined space entry procedure that includes provision

(a) that prior to the entry of a person into the confined space, an assessment of the confined space is

(i) done in accordance with subsection (8), and

(ii) recorded by the person conducting the assessment in accordance with Section 131;

(b) for the training required by a person who may enter a confined space in the course of the person's work, and for the training required by a person who may undertake rescue operations with regard to a confined space, including training on

(i) proper use of personal protective equipment,

(ii) written rescue procedures,

(iii) maintaining contact between a person in the confined space and an attendant required under clause 134(2)(a) and the means by which the written rescue procedure is initiated in the event of an emergency in the confined space,

(iv) the limitations on the type of work that can be performed in the confined space, and

(v) the means of identifying a hazard while in a confined space;

(c) for the process for notifying a person entering a confined space of the specific type of work that may be performed in the confined space;

(d) for the method to be followed by a person entering into, exiting from or occupying the confined space;

(e) for the protective equipment that is to be used by every person entering the confined space;

(f) for the written emergency procedures to be followed in the event of an accident or other emergency in or near the confined space, including

(i) immediate evacuation of the confined space when an alarm is activated or there is any significant, unexpected and potentially hazardous change in the concentration, level or percentage referred to in subsection (8),

(ii) a determination of whether more than one person is required to be present outside a confined space during the occupancy of any person, and

(iii) a written rescue procedure;

(g) for the protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by a person who undertakes rescue operations in the event of an accident or other emergency;

(h) for a written procedure for testing the confined space in an adequate manner, at regular intervals and on a continuous basis, if necessary, to ensure the concentration or level of a hazardous substance or physical agent complies with the limits in subsection (8); and

(i) for a means of ventilating the confined space to ensure the removal or dilution of all airborne hazardous substances from the confined space.

(4) An employer shall provide to each person entering the confined space and a person who may undertake rescue operations the protective equipment and emergency equipment referred to in this Section.

(5) An employer shall ensure that

(a) a person who enters a confined space is trained at least once every 2 years in accordance with the procedures set out in clause (3)(b); and

(b) a person who undertakes rescue operations is trained at least once every year in accordance with the procedures set out in clause (3)(b).

(6) Every person who enters into, exits from or occupies the confined space shall follow the written procedures and use the protective equipment and emergency equipment as required.

(7) An employer shall review the confined space entry procedure at least once a year and amend it, if necessary.

(8) An employer shall designate a competent person who shall perform the assessment required in clause (3)(a), which shall include

(a) where the level of a chemical substance or a mixture of chemical substances may constitute a hazard, tests to ensure that the concentration of a chemical substance or a mixture of chemical substances in the confined space does not exceed its occupational exposure limit under Part 2: Occupational Health, of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations made under the Act or 50% of its lower explosive limit;

(b) where the level of a physical agent may constitute a hazard, tests to ensure that the level of the physical agent in the confined space is not hazardous;

(c) tests to ensure that the level of oxygen in the atmosphere in the confined space is not less than 19.5 % and not more than 22.5 %, unless the employer can demonstrate that an unsafe oxygen level is not a possibility in the circumstance;

(d) a determination of whether the concentrations, levels or percentages referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) can be maintained during the period of proposed occupancy of the confined space;

(e) a confirmation that any liquid in which the person may drown or any free flowing solid in which a person may become entrapped has been removed from the confined space or that work practices have been established that specifically address the presence of the liquid or solid;

(f) a confirmation that entry of any liquid, free flowing solid or hazardous substance into the confined space that could endanger the health or safety of a person has been prevented by a secure means of disconnection, the fitting of blank flanges or the implementation of a double block and bleed written procedure established by the employer or similar positive actions;

(g) confirmation that a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation that presents a hazard to a person entering into, exiting from or occupying the confined space has been locked out; and

(h) confirmation that the opening for entry into and exit from the confined space is sufficient to allow safe passage of a person who is using personal protective equipment or emergency equipment.

(9) Where there is no possibility that a hazard identified in clauses (8)(a), (b) and (c) may occur, the requirements of clause (3)(h) do not apply.

(10) The competent person referred to in subsection (8) shall, when performing the tests required under clauses (8)(a), (b) and (c), use appropriate and properly calibrated instruments that have been functionally tested and maintain a written record of the functional and calibration tests.

(11) An employer shall keep the assessment and the confined space entry procedure required under subsection (3) at the place of business of the employer nearest to the workplace at which the confined space is located.

(12) An employer shall make available a copy of the confined space entry procedure to all persons involved in the entry of a confined space.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 67; 53/2013, s. 54]

Section 136 Hazard of electric shock

136. Where there is a hazard of electrical shock in a confined space, an employer shall ensure that electrical equipment taken into the confined space is

(a) battery operated;

(b) double insulated;

(c) bonded to ground and not exceeding 30 v and 100 volt-amps; or

(d) equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type that complies with the latest version of CSA standard CSA C22.1 , "Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations" and that is tested before each use.

[N.S. Reg. 53/2013, s. 58

Part 13 Premises and Building Safety, Construction and Demolition

Section 150

150. (1) An employer shall ensure that a portable ladder that is commercially manufactured is designed", manufactured and maintained in accordance with the latest version of CSA standard Z11 , "Portable Ladders".

(2) Despite subsection. (1), an employer shall ensure that Grade 3 portable ladders, as described in any edition of CSA standard CSA Z11, "Portable Ladders", are not used at a workplace.

(3) An employer shall ensure that a commercially manufactured portable ladder

(a) where it is an extension ladder, maintains an adequate overlap between the sections of the ladder;

(b) has locks engaged before the extension ladder is climbed; and

(c) where there is a risk of contact with live electrical conductors, is non-conductive.

[N.S. Reg. 52/2000, s. 82; 53/2013, s. 67]

Section 157 Demolition

157. (1) No employer shall commence or continue to demolish a project until

(a) adequate steps have been taken to prevent injury to any person at or near the project or the adjoining property; and

(b) existing gas, water, electrical, steam and other services to the project have been disconnected or isolated.

(2) An employer shall ensure that

(a) an assessment of a building or other structure to be demolished is conducted to identify hazardous substances; and

(b) so far as is reasonably practicable, hazardous substances are removed prior to the demolition.