Scope
This part of the Directive enhances and supplements Part XVI (First Aid) [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-86-304/page-29.html#h-895706] of the COHSR and should be read in that context.
17.1 Employer Responsibilities
17.1.1 The employer is responsible for providing first-aid services to employees in accordance with the requirements of this directive.
17.1.2 If an employee's normal workplace is located outside of the employer’s premises, the employer shall establish, in consultation with the workplace committee, procedures for the availability of first-aid services.
17.2 First-aid Treatment and Reporting
17.2.1 When it appears that a physician's attention may be required, the affected employee shall be promptly referred to a medical treatment facility, and the employer shall ensure that suitable transportation and escort, if required, is arranged, invoiced to, and paid by the employer.
17.2.2 Notwithstanding Part XV (Hazardous Occurrence Investigation, Recording and Reporting) [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-86-304/page-27.html] of the COHSR, a written record of every injury or illness that required first-aid treatment shall be maintained at each place of employment for 10 years following treatment.
17.2.3 Each record of entry shall be signed by the first-aid attendant or person rendering first aid and shall be maintained in a first-aid attendant's treatment record book. Records of treatment shall be inspected by a responsible departmental official and the workplace committee at three-month intervals to verify their proper maintenance.
17.2.4 On notification, the employer shall ensure that first-aid kits are replenished as required.
17.2.5 First-aid attendants are entitled to take the time required to render first aid to injured employees in the workplace.
17.3 First-aid Attendants
17.3.1 First-aid attendants voluntarily provide first-aid services in conjunction with their regular duties.
17.3.2 First aid training should be available during regular working hours.
17.3.3 At every workplace at which five or more employees are working, the employer will ensure that there is at least one attendant available. One attendant will be added for every additional 50 employees.
17.3.4 For field parties with less than five employees, at least one first-aid attendant shall be included in each main party, and at least one attendant shall be among the members of each branch party.
17.3.5 The selection, location and training of first-aid attendants shall be determined in consultation with the workplace committee.
17.3.6 The first-aid attendant shall be granted adequate time and compensation to properly attend injured employees in the workplace.
17.3.7 All first-aid attendants shall be made aware of the “Policy on Legal Assistance and Indemnification.”
[https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=13937]
17.3.8 No employee is personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith by the employee when the employee is providing first-aid assistance.
17.4 Automated External Defibrillators
17.4.1 Each employer, in consultation with the appropriate health and safety committee, should assess its own requirement for an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) program as part of its first aid response.
17.5 Specialized First-aid Training
17.5.1 When unusual and variable occupational hazards may exist, such as in laboratories or during field operations in isolated areas, a qualified person shall be consulted about specialized first-aid training and/or equipment that may be required. The qualified person will be selected with the participation of the workplace committee or the health and safety representative.
17.5.2 When a recommendation is made by a health and safety committee to an employer to purchase an AED, the employer will evaluate its feasibility.
17.5.3 Any report or study will then be shared with the health and safety committee.
17.5.4 Any cardiopulmonary resuscitation program, including the provision of the AEDs when required, will be subject to the participation of the appropriate health and safety committee.
17.5.5 When an employer provides the AEDs, it will ensure appropriate training for a sufficient number of employees. Any AED program should be part of an existing chain of survival.
17.6 First-aid Supplies and Equipment
17.6.1 One type “A” first-aid kit shall be provided for workplaces of one to five employees.
17.6.2 When necessary, the kits shall include supplies for protection against infectious disease.
17.6.3 The design and installation of emergency eyewash and shower facilities shall comply with the appropriate standard.
17.7 First-aid Rooms
17.7.1 A first-aid room is an enclosed area provided by the employer to be used exclusively for administering first aid.
17.7.2 A first-aid room may be provided to serve fewer employees than required by the COHSR when it is justified by the types of activities and earlier risks of injury at the location.
17.7.3 In an emergency situation, when an employer provides a first-aid room, first-aid attendants may have access to the first-aid room in the absence of a health professional. Entry access must be controlled by a responsible officer who shall prevent access to material and equipment that must be exclusively used by a health professional and to medical files and other protected documents related to health.
17.7.4 If, at a given location, the total number of employees of more than one employer justifies the need for a first-aid room, a common first-aid room may be established under coordinated control as agreed to locally by the employers in question. Should a common first-aid room prove impracticable, a first-aid room shall be established by each individual employer.
17.7.5 A first-aid room shall have a minimum floor area of 15 m2 and shall be provided with a cabinet or cupboard space that has a lock and that is suitable for storing first-aid supplies.
17.8 Emergency Communications
17.8.1 Communication shall be established between field parties and facilities that can provide emergency medical advice, assistance or rescue services. Whenever possible, communications shall also be maintained between main camps and parties working out of those camps.
17.9 Identifying First-aid Facilities
17.9.1 The directions to and the location of each first-aid room shall be indicated by symbols in accordance with the requirements specified in the Federal Identity Program Manual [http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/hgw-cgf/oversight-surveillance/communications/fip-pcim/man/mantb-eng.asp].
17.10 Field Operations
17.10.1 Before proceeding on field operations, the person in charge of a field party shall:
- ensure that the required number of first-aid attendants are available;
- obtain the required first-aid kits and other first-aid supplies; and
- contact the medical treatment facility nearest the intended work area to arrange for emergency services.
17.10.2 When parties will be operating under conditions that may require special supplies beyond those considered as normal first-aid requirements, employers shall obtain those supplies as required in consultation with the person in charge.
17.10.3 Whenever a camp is to be established as a base for field operations, the person in charge of the party shall ensure that arrangements have been made for the emergency evacuation of casualties and for the communications procedures required to obtain medical advice and/or assistance and that all members of the party have been advised of the arrangements.
17.11 Other First-aid Matters
17.11.1 When necessary, an authority with the appropriate expertise shall be consulted about:
- first-aid matters not specifically covered by this part; and
- the provision of specific first-aid supplies and equipment not detailed in this part.