CONSTRUCTION SAFETY ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA
are available at www.constructionsafety.ca/
resources/downloads. CSAM also offers
demos on fall arrest with CSAM on Tour,
to help workers better understand how
different types of fall arrest systems can
affect their body in the event of a fall. Also,
if workers are required to use fall protection,
CSAM offers in-depth and practical
Working at Heights training.
However, in the case of asbestos, things
can be a bit trickier.
Of the number of asbestos stop-work
orders in the past year, some were in relation
to the latest version of the Guide to
Asbestos Management. As of November
2020, significant revisions to this guide
were released and are enforceable. So,
what do supervisors need to know about
these revisions?
It’s the law
The complete, revised Guide for Asbestos
Management is available on SAFE Work
Manitoba’s website. It contains all the
details companies need to comply with legislation
regarding the handling of asbestos.
In a nutshell, the revisions affected the following
sections:
• Asbestos management: a competent
person must provide guidance with
respect to preparing an inventory,
developing a control plan, developing
procedures for working with asbestos
and ensuring proper worker training.
• Asbestos inventory: an explanation on
sampling vermiculite has been added
to the guide, as it can be challenging
to detect asbestos contamination and
it is important the lab is reporting
trace amounts of asbestos-containing
materials (ACMs).
• ACM: any material suspected of
containing ACM must be handled and
managed as if they contain ACM until a
lab confirms they are ACM-free.
• Bulk sample collection: additional
sampling may be required to delineate
areas with unclear homogeneity.
• Laboratory analysis: analytical
challenges are identified with certain
types of material, such as floor
tile Chatfield method or vermiculite
Cincinnati method.
• Perimeter air sampling during work:
regular air sampling monitoring should
be performed for asbestos fibre concentrations
outside the perimeter of an
enclosed work area.
• Final air clearance sample after work:
a final air clearance post-Type 2 work
is the best practice prior to dismantling
an enclosure.
Premier
c o m m e r c i a l
B u i l d e r s
Our Lean construction
practices reduce waste
and deliver on time
204-573-9600 | info@premierbuildergroup.ca | www.premierbuildergroup.ca
• Type 1 work activities: drywall joint
compound that contains asbestos can
no longer be removed following Type 1
procedures, regardless of quantity.
• Air monitoring for glove bag work:
regular air sampling in the work
area should be conducted during
work bag activities.
• Type 3 work activities: the scope of
these activities have changed.
It’s important to remember that
these revisions are enforceable – so it’s
very important to review the full Guide
to Asbestos Management. Regardless of
whether a company is familiar with these
revisions, they could receive a stop-work
order if their jobsite and work procedures
do not comply with the revised guidelines.
Beyond the importance of meeting the
responsibilities under this document and
under the WSH Act and Regulation, it is
important that safe workplaces are created
for all Manitobans. With the knowledge
and preparations to work safely, both
the number of stop-work orders and the
number of serious incidents in Manitoban
can be reduced.
For companies that need help creating
a stronger safety culture at their jobsites,
CSAM can help. Whether it is identifying
hazards, establishing safety policies or providing
training to workers, CSAM works to
create practical solutions for a safer workplace.
Give CSAM a call at 204-775-3171
to get started. n
With 30 years of experience in the construction
industry, Ross Jardine has been a member
of the CSAM team for the past five years, performing
COR®/SECOR® audits and delivering
safety training courses throughout Manitoba
and at conferences in Winnipeg and Brandon.
Jardine is also a member of the Manitoba
Home Builders Association (MHBA) safety
committee, the MHBA Renovation Council
safety committee, Winnipeg Construction
Association/CSAM safety committee and
the Manitoba Construction Sector Council
training development committee. Recently
Jardine joined the client services team at
CSAM. Contact Jardine at 204-775-3171 or
ross@constructionsafety.ca.
44 | Issue 1 2021 www.carm.ca
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