& NUNAVUT

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES & NUNAVUT

CODES OF PRACTICE

In accordance with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts; and

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

Personal Protective Equipment

HAND and ARM PROTECTION

Code of Practice

Personal Protective Equipment HAND and ARM PROTECTION

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

wscc.nt.ca

Yellowknife Box 8888, 5022 49th Street Centre Square Mall, 5th Floor Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R3 Telephone: 867-920-3888 Toll Free: 1-800-661-0792 Fax: 867-873-4596 Toll Free Fax: 1-866-277-3677

Inuvik Box 1188 Blackstone Building, Unit 87 85 Kingmingya Road Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0 Toll Free: 1-866-678-2301 Telephone: 867-678-2301 Fax: 867-678-2302

NUNAVUT wscc.nu.ca

Iqaluit Box 669, 2nd Floor Qamutiq Building Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 Telephone: 867-979-8500 Toll Free: 1-877-404-4407 Fax: 867-979-8501 Toll Free Fax: 1-866-979-8501

Prevention Services Industrial Safety: 867-669-4418 Mine Safety: 867-669-4412 If you would like this code of practice in another language, please contact us.

FOREWORD

The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) produced this industry Code of Practice in accordance with subsections 18(3) and 18(4) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts.

The WSCC gratefully acknowledges the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) for information

used in the Personal Protective Equipment Hand and Arm Protection Code of Practice.

The Code of Practice applies to all workplaces covered by the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

The Personal Protective Equipment – Hand and Arm Protection Code relates to section 4 and 5 of the Safety Act and sections 13, 16, 23, 26, 74, 88, 89, 90, 101, 102, 153 and 277 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

This code is in effect as published in the in the Northwest Territories Gazette and Nunavut Gazette, in

accordance with the Safety Acts and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations.

IN EFFECT DATES:

Northwest Territories: June 1, 2015

Nunavut: May 31, 2016

Copies of this code are available online from the WSCC at: wscc.nt.ca or wscc.nu.ca

Acting Chief Safety Officer, WSCC

Disclaimer This publication refers to obligations under the workers’ compensation and occupational health and safety legislation as administered by the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission. To ensure compliance with legal obligations always refer to the most recent legislation. This publication may refer to legislation that has been amended or repealed. Check for information on the latest legislation at wscc.nt.ca or wscc.nu.ca, or contact WSCC at 1-800-661-0792.

Copyright ©WSCC

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD ...........................................................................................................................................................3

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................4

WHAT IS A CODE OF PRACTICE? ...........................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................6

PPE AND HAZARD CONTROL .................................................................................................................................7

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................................8

GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................................9

SELECTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

APPENDIX A – OHS REGULATIONS..................................................................................................................... 12

APPENDIX B – OHS REGULATION WRITTEN PLANS, RECORDS, AND LOGS ....................................................... 15

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WHAT IS A CODE OF PRACTICE?

WSCC codes of practice provide practical guidance to achieve the safety requirements of the

Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts and related Regulations.

As per subsection 18(3) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts, “For the purpose

of providing practical guidance with respect to the requirements of any provision of this Act or

the regulations, the Chief Safety Officer may approve and issue such codes of practice as he or

she considers are suitable for that purpose.”

WSCC codes of practice apply to workplaces in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The

Chief Safety Officer approves codes of practice for use by all occupational health and safety

(OHS) stakeholders. Codes of practice come into effect in each territory on the day they are

published in the Northwest Territories Gazette and Nunavut Gazette.

Codes of practice do not have the same legal force as the Safety Acts and related regulations. A

person or employer cannot face prosecution for failing to comply with a code of practice.

However, in legal proceedings under the Safety Acts and related Regulations, failure to observe

a code of practice may be a consideration when determining whether a worker or employer

complies with the Safety Acts and related Regulations.

Employers and workers should follow WSCC codes of practice unless there is an alternative

course of action that achieves the same or better occupational health and safety outcomes.

Provides practical guidelines.

Adapts to individual work sites.

May serve as evidence.

Should be followed unless there’s a better way.

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INTRODUCTION

This code of practice provides basic guidelines to ensure worker safety in the workplace through

the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) that provides hand and arm protection. An

estimated twenty percent of disabling accidents in the workplace involve hands. Hands are a

worker’s greatest assets and require protection.

Definition

Personal Protective Equipment means any clothing, device or other article that is intended to be

worn or used by a worker to prevent injury or to facilitate rescue.

Workers use hand protection to minimize exposure to specific occupational hazards such as

those from skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions,

punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes. PPE cannot

eliminate a hazard, but can reduce the risk of injury. Employers need to select and require

employees to use hand protection when at risk for injury.

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PPE AND HAZARD CONTROL

Decisions about PPE form part of the hazard assessment process, the standard work site

approach to dealing with potential hazards. There are five basic ways to control hazards. These

controls form a hierarchy. Elimination is always the first control to consider. After that, proceed

down the hierarchy until the control of last resort, PPE.

1. Elimination (remove from the work site)

2. Substitution (use a less harmful chemical)

3. Engineering (isolate equipment/set guards)

4. Administration (provide training/maintenance)

5. Personal Protective Equipment (provide gloves/goggles)

The use of PPE does not prevent accidents or eliminate hazards. Make every effort to control all

hazards at the source. Training is also important. PPE cannot achieve its full-protection potential

without worker knowledge and cooperation.

Several controls may have to be put in place. Certain hazards may require multiple PPE solutions.

For example, working with chlorine requires respiratory and eye protection because chlorine

irritates both the respiratory system and the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Wearing PPE should not add to the hazard or create a new hazard. For instance, proper glove

selection can prevent skin damage, but gloves worn while working with moving equipment can

create an entanglement hazard. Using different types of protection at the same time i.e. hard hat,

ear muffs and goggles, should not increase the risk to the worker.

PPE design criteria cannot cover all eventualities. Do not use PPE when its usage creates hazards

greater than those for which it is designed. Take uncertainties into account when evaluating

potential hazards.

For more information see the PPE codes of practice and the Hazard Assessment code of practice at wscc.nt.ca

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REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment

Hand and Arm Protection 101.(1) An employer shall provide, and require a worker to use, suitable and properly fitted

hand or arm protection to protect the worker from injury to the hand or arm, including (a) injury arising from exposure to chemical or biological substances; (b) injury arising from exposure to work processes that result in extreme temperatures; (c) injury arising from prolonged exposure to water; and (d) puncture, abrasion or irritation of the skin.

(2) If a worker could contact an exposed energized high voltage conductor, an employer shall provide, and require the worker to use, approved rubber insulating gloves and mitts and approved rubber insulating sleeves.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

102. If a worker is routinely exposed to a hazardous substance, an employer shall provide, and

require the worker to use, protective clothing, gloves and eye wear or face shields that are

adequate to prevent exposure of the worker’s skin and mucous membranes to the hazardous

substance.

Part 10 Machine Safety -Grinding Machines 153.(4) An employer shall ensure that a worker who operates a grinder

(a) is provided with and uses the following personal protective equipment that meets the requirements of Part 7:

(i) an industrial eye or face protector, (ii) hand or arm protection; and

(b) is instructed in the potential hazards and safe use of the grinder.

PPE usage is specific to every work site and job hazard assessment.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Hand protection against a wide variety of hazards can be provided in a number of ways: barrier

creams, finger guards, cots and thimbles, hand pads, mitts and gloves.

Choose hand protection that adequately protects from the hazard(s) of a specific job and

adequately meets the specific tasks involved in the job (such as flexibility or dexterity).

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for care, decontamination, and maintenance of

gloves.

Be aware that some materials may cause reactions in some workers such as allergies to

latex. Offer alternatives where possible.

Ensure the gloves fit properly.

Ensure all exposed skin is covered by gloves. Gloves should be long enough so that there is

no gap between the glove and Do not wear gloves with metal parts near electrical

equipment.

Do not use worn or torn gloves.

Clean gloves as instructed by the supplier.

Inspect and test gloves for defects before using.

Test all rubber or synthetic gloves for leaks by inflating them.

Source: Chemical Protective Clothing – Glove Selection, Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/gloves.html. Reproduced with permission of CCOHS, 2013.

For more information on gloves for work in cold conditions, see the Thermal Conditions code of practice at wscc.nt.ca

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Guide to Selection of Skin Protection

Hazard Degree of Hazard Protective Material

Abrasion Severe

Less Severe

Reinforced heavy rubber, staple-reinforced

heavy leather

Rubber, plastic, leather, polyester, nylon,

cotton

Sharp Edges Severe

Less Severe

Mild with delicate work

Metal mesh, staple-reinforced leather,

Kevlar-steel mesh.

Leather, terry cloth (aramid fiber)

Lightweight leather, polyester, nylon, cotton.

Chemicals and

fluids

Risk varies according to the chemical, its concentration, and time of contact among other factors. Refer to the manufacturer, or product MSDS.

Dependant on chemical. Examples include: Natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), Teflon®, Vitom®, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, Saranex™, 4H®, Chemrel®, Responder®, Trellchem®

Cold Leather insulated plastic or rubber, wool, cotton

Electricity Rubber-insulating gloves tested to appropriate voltage with leather outer glove

Heat High temperatures (over 350 °C)

Medium high (up to 350 °C)

Warm (up to 200 °C)

Less warm (up to 100 °C)

Asbestos, Zetex®

Nomex®, Kevlar®, neoprene-coated asbestos, heat-resistant leather with linings Chrome-tanned leather, terry cloth

Nomex®, Kevlar®, heat-resistant leather,

terry cloth (aramid fiber)

Chrome-tanned leather, terry cloth

General Duty Cotton, barrier creams, terry cloth, leather

Product

contamination

Thin-film plastic, lightweight leather, cotton, polyester, nylon

Radiation Lead-lined rubber, plastic or leather

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SELECTION

When deciding which kind of glove or other chemical protective clothing to use, you should

gather and analyze information on a number of factors such as:

1. Complete, accurate description of the task.

2. Identification of all hazards that may require hand protection. This should include a list

of the chemicals involved as well as physical hazards such as abrasion, tearing, puncture

and temperature. The kind of hazards will also affect the decision to use other chemical

protective clothing in addition to gloves.

3. Flexibility and touch sensitivity needed for the task. This need may significantly limit the

thickness of glove material that can be used. The requirement for textured or non-slip

surfaces to improve grip must also be considered.

4. Type of potential contact (e.g., occasional contact or splash protection or continuous

immersion of hands). This will also help in choosing the appropriate length of the glove.

5. Contact period. How long the worker could be in contact with the chemical (and which

chemicals) may also influence the selection of type and thickness of the glove material

and the choice of lined or unlined gloves.

6. Potential effects of skin exposure. The immediate irritation or corrosion of the skin must

be considered in addition to the potential health effects to the entire body from

absorbing the chemical through the skin.

7. Decontamination procedures. Consider whether the gloves should be disposed of or

cleaned after use. If they are cleaned, consider the cleaning method, how often they

can be cleaned, and any special procedures required for disposing of the

decontamination wash waste.

8. Training required. This includes:

what are the hazards of skin contact with the chemical

what are limitations of the gloves

what could happen and what to do if the gloves fail

when to dispose of or to decontaminate gloves

Source: Chemical Protective Clothing – Glove Selection, Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Reproduced with permission of CCOHS, 2013.

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APPENDIX A – OHS REGULATIONS

The New Occupational Health and Safety Regulations are in effect in the Northwest Territories as of June 1, 2015 and March 29, 2016 in Nunavut. The Regulations PDF document is streamlined to make it easier to find information relating to specific workplace topics.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Table of Contents available at wscc.nt.ca under OHS Regulations Table of Contents gives an overview of the regulations.

The OHS Regulations start with preliminary matters of interpretation and applications. They are organized into Parts to relating to types of requirements, for example, Part 2: REPORTING, and specific workplace topics, for example, PART 18: CONFINED SPACE ENTRY.

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A collapsed view of the table of contents shows the Parts and the numbered regulations sections that fall under each part.

PART SECTION

INTERPRETATION 1

APPLICATION 2

PART 1 PRELIMINARY MATTERS 3-6

PART 2 REPORTING 7-11

PART 3 GENERAL DUTIES 12-36

PART 4 COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVE 37-53

PART 5 FIRST AID 54-67

PART 6 GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 68-88

PART 7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 89-110

PART 8 NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION 11-117

PART 9 SAFEGUARDS, STORAGE, WARNING SIGNS AND SIGNALS 118-139

PART 10 MACHINE SAFETY 140-160

PART 11 POWERED MOBILE EQUIPMENT 161-176

PART 12 SCAFFOLDS, AERIAL DEVICES, ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS

AND TEMPORARY SUPPORTING STRUCTURES

177-204

PART 13 HOISTS, CRANES AND LIFTING DEVICES 205-232

Part 14 RIGGING 233-245

PART 15 ROBOTICS 246-253

PART 16 ENTRANCES, EXITS AND LADDERS 254-262

PART 17 EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES, TUNNELS AND EXCAVATED

SHAFTS

263-272

PART 18 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY 273-282

PART 19 WORK IN COMPRESSED OR RAREFIED AIR 283-289

PART 20 DIVING OPERATIONS 290-308

PART 21 CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES 309-321

PART 22 CONTROLLED PRODUCTS AND WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS

MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM

322-338

PART 23 RADIATION 339-363

PART 24 ASBESTOS 364-379

PART 25 SILICA PROCESSES AND ABRASIVE BLASTING 380-392

PART 26 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS 393-408

PART 27 EXPLOSIVES 410-414

PART 28 DEMOLITION WORK 415-423

PART 29 FORESTRY AND MILL OPERATIONS 424-444

PART 30 ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR ELECTRICAL WORKERS 445-462

PART 31 ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS 463-475

PART 32 ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR FIREFIGHTERS 476-488

PART 33 REPEAL AND COMMENCEMENT 489-490

SCHEDULES

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The OHS Regulations are available for download at wscc.nt.ca. The PDF has a searchable function that allows users to enter a topic and search the entire document for every instance of that word or phrase.

Searching the PDF: “SHIFT+Ctrl+f”

Pressing the 3 keys together brings up a window to enter a topic. For example: “respiratory”

Every instance of the word appears in the search window.

As you click through the instances in this window, the word is highlighted in the Regulations.

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APPENDIX B – OHS REGULATION WRITTEN

PLANS, RECORDS, AND LOGS

Documenting work activity helps ensure employers, supervisors and workers know and follow safe procedures; properly inspect and maintain equipment; and have appropriate training to perform their work. Documentation required by the Regulations must be written and available to workers at work sites and submitted to the Joint OHS Committee.

PLANS RECORDS

PART 3 GENERAL DUTIES

• Occupational Health and Safety Program • Plan for the control of hazardous

substances • Plan for training workers

PART 6 GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

• Exposure Control Plan

PART 8 NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING

• Hearing Conservation Hearing

PART 9 SAFEGUARDS, STORAGE, WARNING SIGNS AND SIGNALS • Fall Protection Plan • Traffic Control Plan

PART 18 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

• Entry Plan

PART 20

DIVING OPERATIONS • Diving Plan • Diving Contingency Plan

PART 24 ASBESTOS • Asbestos Control Plan

PART 26

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS • Fire Safety Plan

PART 32

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR FIREFIGHTERS • Plan for Response to Emergency Incident

Part 2 REPORTING

• Annual Statistical Report* • Notice of Accident Causing

Serious Bodily Injury* • Notice of Dangerous

Occurrence*

PART 6 GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

• Cleaning and Maintaining Ventilation System

PART 8

NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION

• Measurement of Noise Levels

• Daily Exposure Exceeding 85 dBA Lex

PART 9

SAFEGUARDS, STORAGE, WARNING SIGNS AND SIGNALS

• Designated Signalers • Locking Out

PART 11

POWERED MOBILE EQUIPMENT • Inspection and Maintenance

PART 12

SCAFFOLDS, AERIAL DEVICES, ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS AND TEMPORARY SUPPORTING STRUCTURES • Maintenance and Inspection

PART 13

HOISTS, CRANES AND LIFTING DEVICES • Log Book

PART 20 DIVING OPERATIONS • Diver’s Personal Log

PART 21

CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES • Precautions for Certain

Substances

PART 23 RADIATION • Records of Dose

PART 24 ASBESTOS • Inspection • Labelling and Placarding • Blasting Enclosures

PART 26

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS

• Flammable or Explosive Substance in Atmosphere

• Hot Work

PART 31

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS

• Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers

* Employer must submit to the Chief Safety Officer and provide copies to the Joint OHS Committee, removing names of the workers from the document. See Part 2 of the OHS Regulations for other reporting requirements.

Code of Practice

Personal Protective Equipment Hand and Arm Protection