WorkSafeBC
New requirements now in effect
As of February 3, 2025, amendments to Part 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation, relating to emergency planning for hazardous substances, are in effect. These amendments broaden and enhance existing requirements to minimize risks to workers and other persons posed by emergencies involving hazardous substances.
Below is a summary of the information and resources available to help employers meet the new requirements.
Updated OHS Regulation and OHS Guidelines
We have updated sections 5.97 to 5.104 of the OHS Regulation, as well as related sections of the OHS Guidelines.
New and revised guidelines are posted for a 60-day preliminary period, during which time stakeholders can give feedback and request revisions by visiting the Current Public Hearings & Consultations page.
Emergency planning: Inventory of hazardous substances template
As an employer, you are required to maintain an inventory of hazardous substances at your workplace that could endanger people in an emergency. You can use the Emergency planning: Inventory of hazardous substances template to create your hazardous substance inventory.
Emergency planning: Risk assessment template
You’re also required to assess and document the risk that any hazardous substances would pose in your workplace if there was an emergency. The Emergency planning: Risk assessment template includes key questions for you to consider as you conduct your risk assessment for the substances you identified in your inventory.