Scope
This part of the directive enhances and/or supplements Part II of the Code [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/L-2/bo-ga:l_II/en/en#anchorbo-ga:l_II] and Part XVI (First Aid) [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cr/SOR-86-304/bo-ga:l_XVI//en#anchorbo-ga:l_XVI] of the COHSR and should be read in that context.
16.1 Employer Responsibilities
16.1.1 The employer is responsible for providing first-aid services to employees in accordance with the requirements of this directive.
16.1.2 Where an employee's normal work is located beyond the employer's premises, the latter shall, in consultation with the workplace committee, establish procedures respecting the availability of first-aid services.
16.2 First-aid Treatment and Reporting
16.2.1 Where it appears that a physician's attention may be required, the employee shall be promptly referred to a medical treatment facility, and the employer shall ensure that suitable transportation and escort, if required, is arranged. Any ambulance or other transportation costs shall be borne by the employer.
16.2.2 Notwithstanding Part XV (Hazardous Occurrence Investigation, Recording and Reporting) [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cr/SOR-86-304/bo-ga:l_XV//en#anchorbo-ga:l_XV] of the COHSR, a written record of every injury or illness that requires first-aid treatment shall be maintained at each place of employment for 10 years following treatment.
16.2.3 Each record of entry shall be signed by the first-aid attendant or person rendering first aid and 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.
16.2.4 Upon notification, the employer shall ensure that the first-aid kits shall be replenished as required.
16.2.5 First-aid attendants are entitled to take the time required to render first aid to injured employees in the workplace.
16.3 First-aid Attendants
16.3.1 First-aid attendants provide first-aid services on a voluntary basis in conjunction with their regular duties.
16.3.2 An adequate number of qualified first-aid attendants shall be available to render first aid to employees during working hours:
- where there are two or more employees,at least one attendant per 50 employees shall be available at all times during each shift or working period at a location;
- for field parties, at least two first-aid attendants shall be included in each main party, and at least one attendant among the members of each branch party;
- the selection, location and training of first-aid attendants shall be determined in consultation with the workplace committee;
- where an employee is directed by the employer to attend first-aid training, this time shall be considered to be time worked.
16.3.3 Employers shall ensure that first-aid attendants' certification is current. A list containing the names, certification level/status and the location of first-aid attendants shall be maintained.
16.3.4 All first-aid attendants shall be made aware of the "Policy on the Indemnification of and Legal Assistance for Crown Servants."
[http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=12338]
16.4 Specialized First-aid Training
16.4.1 Where unusual and variable occupational hazards may exist, such as those found in laboratories or during field operations in isolated areas, a qualified person shall be consulted about specialized first-aid training and/or equipment which may be required.
16.4.2. When a recommendation is made by a health and safety committee to an employer to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs hereafter), the employer will evaluate its feasibility.
Any report or study will then be shared with the health and safety committee.
Any cardiopulmonary resuscitation program, including the provision of AEDs when required, will be subject to the participation of the appropriate health and safety committee.
When an employer provides AEDs, it will ensure the provision of appropriate training for a sufficient number of employees. Any AED program should be part of an existing chain of survival.
16.5 First-aid Supplies and Equipment
16.5.1 One type "A" first-aid kit is to be provided when there are one to five employees in the workplace.
16.5.2 Where necessary the kits shall include supplies for protection against infectious disease.
16.5.3 The design and installation of emergency eyewash and shower facilities shall comply with the appropriate standard.
16.5.4 In addition to first-aid kits, the employer shall provide motor vehicle emergency kits for field operations. The appropriate health and safety committee shall participate in the determination of the content of the motor vehicle emergency kits.
16.6 First-aid Rooms
16.6.1 A first-aid room is an enclosed area provided by the employer to be used exclusively for the purposes of administering first aid.
16.6.2 A first-aid room may be provided to serve a lesser number of employees than is required by the COHSR, when justified by the types of operations and previous injury hazard experience at the location.
16.6.3 In an emergency situation, where 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.
16.6.4 Where, at a 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 upon locally between the concerned employers. Should a common first-aid room prove impracticable, a first-aid room shall be established by the individual employer.
16.6.5 A first-aid room shall have a minimum floor area of 15 square meters and shall be provided with a cabinet or cupboard space with a lock, which is suitable for the storage of first-aid supplies.
16.7 Emergency Communications
16.7.1 All appropriate names, work locations (addresses) and telephone numbers that may be required in respect of any emergency shall be conspicuously posted at each first-aid station and first-aid room, and such numbers shall, as a minimum, include the following:
- medical treatment facility;
- fire department;
- police department; and
- poison control centre.
16.7.2 Communication shall be established between field parties and those 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 such camps.
16.8 Identification of First-aid Facilities
16.8.1 The direction to, and location of, each first-aid room shall be indicated by symbols in accordance with requirements specified in the Federal Identity Program Manual [http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/fip-pcim/man-eng.asp].
16.9 Field Operations
16.9.1 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.
16.9.2 When parties will be operating under conditions that may require special supplies beyond those considered as normal first-aid requirements, employers shall obtain such supplies as required in consultation with the person in charge.
16.9.3 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 communication procedures required to obtain medical advice and/or assistance, and that all members of the party have been advised of such arrangements.
16.10 Other First-aid Matters
16.10.1 Where necessary, an authority with the appropriate expertise shall be consulted on:
- first-aid matters not specifically covered by this part;
- the provision of specific first-aid supplies and equipment not detailed in this part.