A new OHS Guideline has been posted on the WorkSafeBC regarding the purpose-built window-breaking devices for mobile equipment egress. This guideline describes when a purpose-built window breaking device may meet the requirements of section 16.17 of the Regulation.
Find the Guideline here –> G16.17 Alternate means of escape – Purpose-built window breaking device
The Guideline will remain as a preliminary release for 60 days to allow time for further comment from stakeholders.
Background
Section 16.17 of the Regulation requires an alternate means of escape for mobile equipment with a single cab entrance door. The intent of this requirement is to allow a secondary means of escape if the primary means is obstructed, e.g., due to fire, overturn, submersion, or other mishap.
In most circumstances an openable window can be built into a cab design, or a second door or hatch can be installed in the cab. This is what is anticipated by section 16.17(1) of the Regulation.
There may be circumstances where it is not practicable to install or retrofit the cab of mobile equipment with openable windows or to install a second door or hatch, such as follows:
- Cab structural strength would be significantly altered by installing an alternate means of escape, or
- A redesigned alternate means of escape would affect the machine capacity or range of motion
In these circumstances, it may be acceptable to install a purpose-built device to break a window in an emergency so that a person can escape from a cab. For example, this could be a commercially available device that permanently attaches directly to the window and can be used by the operator to break the glass by punching the device. Although the device does not open the window directly, it does open an egress point by breaking the window.