# J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos > Fire Service Safety Management System, version 0.3.3 (2026-10-25). The Human Factor. Document FSSMS-JUR-21. > > Canonical: https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos > > Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 with the Adopting Agency Grant (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) > > General information only, not legal, medical or other professional advice. Verify every requirement against the current official text of the law, standards and manufacturer instructions that apply to you. Obtain your own legal review and consult your joint health and safety committee before adopting anything. You adopt, adapt, implement and rely on this material entirely at your own risk and on your own responsibility. Full terms: Terms of Use, thehumanfactor.ca. > **Warning: Law changes; verify before you rely on this page** > > This page summarizes what each jurisdiction’s law requires on this topic as of 2026-10-23. It is general information, not legal advice. Check the official text for your jurisdiction before you adopt or rely on anything here. See [00a Copyright, Licence and Legal Notices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/copyright-licence-and-legal-notices). ## What this topic covers Three related duties. The first is WHMIS 2015 on the workplace side: labels, safety data sheets, and worker education and training, which every province and territory regulates and most require to be reviewed at least once a year. The second is hazardous materials outside WHMIS: written spill procedures in the OHS rules, the duty to report a release to the environmental authority on its 24-hour line, storage of fuels and flammables, and transport of the department’s own dangerous goods. The third is asbestos: building inventories, the credential an abatement worker or contractor must hold, the rules that apply before a building is renovated or demolished, and the handling of asbestos waste. The numbers that vary are the review interval, the notice periods, whether an inventory is required, and whether abatement needs a licence or certificate. ## Why it matters to a fire department A station holds foam concentrates, diesel and gasoline, lubricants, battery electrolyte, detergents and disinfectants for decontamination, and SCBA cylinders, so WHMIS applies to every department with paid members and is the floor for volunteer ones. Members respond to spills and releases, but the duty to report a release to the environmental authority usually sits with the person who owns or controls the substance; the department’s procedure should still confirm the report was made. Older stations, and the houses and barns acquired for live-fire training, may contain asbestos; burning or tearing down a building is a demolition for asbestos purposes in most jurisdictions, so the survey and the removal by a credentialed contractor come before any training evolution. The common misunderstanding is that WHMIS training prepares members for hazardous materials response. It does not: WHMIS covers products the employer controls at its own workplace, while exposure at an incident falls under the general duty, the department’s hazardous materials program and NFPA 470 [(NFPA 470, 2022)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-nfpa-470). ## What every department must cover, wherever it is 1. Keep an inventory of hazardous products at every station, apparatus and training ground, with a current safety data sheet for each and supplier or workplace labels on every container, including decanted products (see your jurisdiction below for the WHMIS regulation). 2. Educate and train every member who works with or near those products in label and safety data sheet content, safe use, storage, handling and disposal, and the procedure in an emergency involving the product; develop the program with the joint committee or representative and review it at the interval your jurisdiction sets, which is at least annually in most (see the At a glance table). 3. Write spill procedures for the department’s own products (fuel, foam concentrate, oils, battery electrolyte, decontamination chemicals), keep spill kits where those products are used, and know your jurisdiction’s 24-hour release reporting line (see the At a glance table). 4. Store flammable and combustible liquids, compressed gas cylinders and foam to the fire code adopted in your jurisdiction and the OHS storage rules (see [J20 Stations, Premises and Building Codes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j20-stations-premises-and-building-codes)). 5. Meet the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods rules when the department carries its own dangerous goods, such as SCBA cylinders, oxygen, fuel cans and foam, and know the federal response resources (see Federal below). 6. Declare the level of hazardous materials service the department provides, write procedures for it, train to NFPA 470 competencies for that level, and put agreements in place for technician-level support [(NFPA 470, 2022)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-nfpa-470). 7. For any station or training structure old enough to contain asbestos, obtain an asbestos survey or inventory, label asbestos-containing material, manage it under a written plan, and use a contractor with the credential your jurisdiction requires before renovation or demolition (see your jurisdiction below). 8. Treat an acquired structure as a demolition project: hazardous materials survey and asbestos removal before any training, and the burn permits your municipality or province requires. 9. Bag, label and handle asbestos-contaminated gear and debris as asbestos waste, decontaminate or retire the gear, and record the exposure on the member’s file (see [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention) and [J22 Exposure Limits, Heat and Cold Stress](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j22-exposure-limits-heat-and-cold-stress) for the exposure limit). 10. Keep WHMIS training records, the product inventory, asbestos inventories and exposure records for the periods your jurisdiction sets (see [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention)). ## At a glance Release reporting numbers are the 24-hour provincial and territorial lines listed by Environment and Climate Change Canada [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023); confirm them before printing them in a procedure. | Jurisdiction | WHMIS regulation | Training review | 24-hour release line | Asbestos: inventory and abatement credential | Verified | |:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---| | British Columbia | OHS Regulation ss. 5.3-5.19 | At least annually | 1-800-663-3456 | Inventory by qualified person; certificate for workers, licence for contractors | Partly | | Alberta | OHS Code Part 29 | No interval in Code | 1-800-222-6514 | Removal before demolition; Director notified 72 h ahead; approved course for restricted areas | Partly | | Saskatchewan | SEA ss. 3-47 to 3-51; OHS Regs Part 22 | At least annually | 1-800-667-7525 | Written record of asbestos materials; 14 days’ notice of high-risk work | Partly | | Manitoba | WSH Regulation Part 35 | At least annually | 204-944-4888; 1-855-944-4888 | Inventory and annual condition check; certification from 2027-06-01 | Partly | | Ontario | Reg. 860; OHSA ss. 37-42 | At least annually | 1-800-268-6060 | Designated substances list before a project; O. Reg. 278/05 | Partly | | Quebec | S-2.1, r. 8.1; LSST ss. 62.1-62.21 | Updated annually | 1-866-283-2333 (federal centre; confirm the provincial line) | Inspection of flocking and insulation, register, disclosure | Partly | | New Brunswick | WHMIS Regulation 2016-6 | At least annually | 1-800-565-1633 | Commission code of practice adopted by regulation | Partly | | Nova Scotia | WHS Regulations Part 3 | At least annually | 1-800-565-1633 | No OHS asbestos Part; waste regulations under the Environment Act | Partly | | Prince Edward Island | WHMIS Regulations EC455/17 | At least annually | 1-800-565-1633 | Inventory, annual inspection, management plan, contractor certificate | Partly | | Newfoundland and Labrador | WHMIS Regulations, 2018 | At least annually | 709-772-2083; 1-800-563-9089 | Inspection before demolition; abatement regulations | Partly | | Yukon | WHMIS Regulation (2015) | At least annually | 867-667-7244 | Contractor controls; no inventory duty found | Partly | | Northwest Territories | OHS Regulations Part 22 | No interval stated | 867-920-8130 | Written record of asbestos materials | Partly | | Nunavut | OHS Regulations Part 22 | No interval stated | 867-920-8130 | Written record of asbestos materials | Partly | | Federal | COHSR Part X, Division III | At least once a year | Provincial line for the place of the release | Record of asbestos materials; exposure control plan | Partly | ## British Columbia **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 5 (chemical and biological agents, WHMIS and emergency planning), Part 6 (asbestos) and s. 20.112 (hazardous materials before demolition) [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[BC\], 2026, ss. 5.2-5.19, 5.97-5.104, 6.1-6.32, 20.112)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-bc). Release reporting falls under the province’s environmental spill reporting regulation, which was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS program.** Where hazardous products are used, a WHMIS program established with the joint committee or representative, part of the overall OHS program, that covers education and training, is reviewed at least annually or sooner when work conditions or hazard information change, and periodically evaluates workers’ knowledge by written tests or practical demonstrations (s. 5.5). General WHMIS education (s. 5.6) and workplace-specific training (s. 5.7) follow. - **Written procedures for chemical agents.** Wherever a worker may be exposed, written procedures to eliminate or minimize exposure and to deal with emergencies and clean-up after a spill or release, with supervisors and workers trained in them (s. 5.2(c)-(d)). - **Emergency planning for hazardous substances.** Since 2025-02-03, employers holding a hazardous substance that could cause or aggravate an emergency, inside or outside the workplace, need an inventory (s. 5.99), a risk assessment that includes “the ability of workers and any other persons involved in emergency response” to respond and the estimated response time (s. 5.100(h)), a written emergency response plan (s. 5.101), written procedures for locating, controlling and cleaning up a spill or release (ss. 5.102-5.103), and training and drills (s. 5.104). Drill records are kept for five years. - **Release reporting.** Report to the provincial line, 1-800-663-3456 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos inventory.** The employer and the owner must have a qualified person sample suspect materials and prepare an inventory of all asbestos-containing material with locations, sample results and the method used; inaccessible material is treated as asbestos-containing; the inventory is kept current and a copy kept at the workplace (s. 6.4). - **Asbestos controls.** Labelling (s. 6.5), a risk assessment (s. 6.6), control of friable material by removal, enclosure or encapsulation (s. 6.7), an exposure control plan (s. 6.3), training (s. 6.11), sealed and labelled waste containers (s. 6.25), information for anyone laundering contaminated clothing (s. 6.31), and records kept at least 10 years (s. 6.32). - **Abatement credentials.** A person must hold a valid asbestos certificate to do asbestos abatement work (s. 6.2.1); the employer verifies and records it (s. 6.2.2); the owner and any prime contractor must ensure the abatement contractor holds a valid licence (s. 6.2.3). - **Before demolition or renovation.** A qualified person inventories hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead and flammable or explosive materials, before demolition, salvage or renovation (s. 20.112). **Fire-service nuance.** - A structure acquired for live-fire training is being destroyed, so the s. 20.112 inventory and removal by a licensed abatement contractor come first. Confirm with WorkSafeBC how it reads a training burn. - The 2025 emergency planning provisions require industrial employers to assess how quickly responders can arrive and act. Expect requests for response-time information and use the employers’ plans in pre-incident planning. - Part 31 requires written procedures, “where applicable”, for hazardous substances incidents (s. 31.5(2)); see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). **Status.** Partly verified: Parts 5, 6 and 20 read on 2026-10-23 (regulation consolidated to 2026-10-20). The spill reporting regulation was not read, and the drill-record section number is not confirmed. ## Alberta **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 29 (WHMIS, ss. 394.1-414) and Part 4 (harmful substances, including asbestos, ss. 16-43.1) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 27-40, 394.1-414)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Release reporting falls under the province’s environmental protection legislation, which was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** A worker who works with or near a hazardous product is trained in label and safety data sheet content, procedures for safe storage, use and handling, fugitive emissions, and “the procedures to be followed in case of an emergency involving the hazardous product” (s. 397(1)); the procedures are developed with the joint committee or representative (s. 397(2)). The Code sets no review interval. - **Storage.** A harmful substance used or stored at a work site is clearly identified and stored so that it is not a hazard to workers (s. 27). - **Release reporting.** Report to the provincial line, 780-422-4505 or 1-800-222-6514 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos before demolition or renovation.** Materials that could release asbestos fibres are removed before a building is demolished (s. 34), and encapsulated, enclosed or removed in the area of an alteration or renovation (s. 35). - **Notice.** The employer responsible for removing or abating asbestos, or for demolishing or renovating a building or equipment containing it, notifies a Director at least 72 hours before starting (s. 36). - **Training and certification.** Workers who work with asbestos are trained (s. 37(1)); a worker entering a restricted area designated for asbestos must have completed a Director-approved course and carry the original certificate (s. 37(2)). - **Waste and health.** Asbestos waste in sealed, labelled containers (s. 38); health assessments for exposed workers (s. 40). **Fire-service nuance.** - Alberta has no inventory requirement for asbestos in existing buildings; the duty is triggered by demolition or renovation. A training burn of an acquired structure should be treated as a demolition, with s. 34 removal and s. 36 notice. - The Code’s third review group includes the occupational exposure limits and how technical standards are referenced; watch for changes (see [J22 Exposure Limits, Heat and Cold Stress](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j22-exposure-limits-heat-and-cold-stress)). **Status.** Partly verified: the Code read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2025-03-31). The release reporting legislation was not read. ## Saskatchewan **Law.** The Saskatchewan Employment Act, Part III Division 7 (ss. 3-47 to 3-51), and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, Part 21 (chemical and biological substances), Part 22 (WHMIS) and Part 23 (asbestos) ([The Saskatchewan Employment Act \[SK\], 2013, ss. 3-47 to 3-51](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-the-saskatchewan-employment-act-sk); [The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 \[SK\], 2021, ss. 2-1, 21-1, 21-2, 22-4, 23-1 to 23-16](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-the-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-2020-sk)). Release reporting falls under the province’s environmental management legislation, which was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Education and training that lets workers protect themselves and others, with knowledge evaluated periodically (s. 22-4(5)), and the programs reviewed “at least annually, or more frequently if required by a change in work conditions or available hazard information”, in consultation with the committee or representative (s. 22-4(6)). - **Substance list.** A list, developed with the committee, of all chemical and biological substances regularly handled, used, stored or disposed of that may be hazardous, identifying those that are hazardous products, amended when a substance is added or removed and kept available to workers (s. 21-2). - **Safe procedures.** Work procedures for handling, use, storage, production and disposal (s. 21-1(1)(d)). - **Release reporting.** Report to the provincial line, 1-800-667-7525 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos record.** The employer, contractor or owner identifies and keeps a written record of asbestos-containing material and material likely to contain asbestos, which is deemed asbestos-containing until shown otherwise (s. 23-5(1)-(2)), by a competent person (s. 23-5(4)), showing location, characteristics and accessibility (s. 23-5(5)), updated on every change (s. 23-5(6)) and available to the committee and workers (s. 23-5(7)). - **Damaged material.** Material likely to contain asbestos that is damaged and likely to release dust is identified immediately (s. 23-5(3)). - **Notice.** At least 14 days’ notice to the ministry before a high-risk asbestos process listed in Table 5 (s. 2-1(2)). **Fire-service nuance.** - Unpaid volunteers are workers under the Act only for the harassment and violence duties, so the WHMIS and asbestos duties attach to paid members (see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters)). Apply the program to every member regardless. - Acquired structures: identify asbestos materials under s. 23-5 before any training, and give s. 2-1(2) notice for any high-risk removal. **Status.** Partly verified: the regulations read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2021-04-01, the latest available), and the Act’s table of contents confirms that Division 7 of Part III begins at s. 3-47; the Division’s text and the release reporting legislation were not read. ## Manitoba **Law.** Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Part 35 (WHMIS), Part 36 (chemical and biological substances) and Part 37 (asbestos, rewritten by Man. Reg. 108/2025) [(Workplace Safety and Health Regulation \[MB\], 2026, ss. 35.1-35.26, 36.1-36.10, 37.1-37.23)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-safety-and-health-regulation-mb). Release reporting falls under the province’s environmental accident reporting rules, which were not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS education and training.** Training covers the procedures for safe use, storage, handling and disposal and “the procedures to be followed in case of an emergency involving the hazardous product” (s. 35.3), is developed with the committee or representative, and is reviewed and revised with them at least annually or sooner on a change in conditions or hazard information (s. 35.4). - **Chemical and biological substances.** Every workplace where such a substance is present: assessment of the substances (s. 36.2) and controls (ss. 36.3-36.5). - **Release reporting.** Report to the provincial line, 204-944-4888 or 1-855-944-4888 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos inventory.** The employer and the owner ensure an inventory of all asbestos-containing material, prepared by a qualified person and updated whenever material is added or removed, and an inspection of its condition by a competent person at least annually (s. 37.3(1)); the inventory shows locations, including damaged material (s. 37.3(2)), and damaged material is dealt with (s. 37.3(3)). - **Asbestos management.** Records (s. 37.4), signage (s. 37.5), an asbestos control plan (s. 37.6), abatement or removal (s. 37.8) and rules before alteration, renovation or demolition (s. 37.9). - **Certification.** Approved training providers, worker certificates, ongoing training and a registry of asbestos businesses (ss. 37.11-37.23). The provisions that require certified workers and registered businesses come into force on 2027-06-01 under s. 5(2) of Man. Reg. 108/2025 [(Workplace Safety and Health Regulation \[MB\], 2026, ss. 37.11-37.23)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-safety-and-health-regulation-mb). **Fire-service nuance.** - From 2027-06-01, removal from a station or an acquired structure must be done by certified workers of a registered business; plan training burns and renovations accordingly. - The annual condition inspection of asbestos material in stations fits the station inspection cycle in [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections). **Status.** Partly verified: the regulation read on 2026-10-23 (current from 2026-09-01 to 2026-10-20) and M.R. 108/2025 read. The release reporting rules were not read. ## Ontario **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 30 and 37-42; Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Reg. 860; Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, Reg. 833, which does not apply to asbestos in workplaces covered by the asbestos regulation, O. Reg. 278/05 ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 30, 37-42](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); [Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) \[ON\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system-whmis-on); [Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2(2)(b), 3](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on)). O. Reg. 278/05 and the spills Part of the Environmental Protection Act were not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Instruction and training developed with the committee or representative (s. 42(2)) and reviewed with them, with workers’ familiarity, “at least annually”, and more often on a change in circumstances (s. 42(3)-(4)). - **Storage and handling.** All measures reasonably necessary to protect workers from exposure arising from storage, handling, processing or use: substitution, engineering and administrative controls, hygiene, then personal protective equipment [(Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, s. 3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on). - **Release reporting.** Report to the Spills Action Centre, 416-325-3000 or 1-800-268-6060 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Designated substances before a project.** Before a project begins, the owner determines whether designated substances, asbestos among them, are present and prepares a list, which goes into the tender documents and to every prospective constructor and contractor before they sign [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 30(1)-(4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). - **Asbestos in buildings.** O. Reg. 278/05 requires building owners to keep a record of asbestos-containing material, run an asbestos management program and classify work as Type 1, 2 or 3 operations. **Fire-service nuance.** - The Section 21 guidance notes cover asbestos (GN 3-2), hazardous materials and CBRNE response (GN 6-9), pesticide storage fires (GN 6-30), reporting exposures to biological, chemical and physical agents (GN 2-7) and live fire training in acquired structures (GN 7-5) (MLITSD, n.d.). - A municipality that renovates a station is the project owner under s. 30 and must prepare the designated substances list before tendering. **Status.** Partly verified: OHSA ss. 30 and 42 and Reg. 833 read on 2026-10-23. Reg. 860, O. Reg. 278/05 and the Environmental Protection Act were not read. ## Quebec **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 62.1-62.21; Hazardous Products Information Regulation (S-2.1, r. 8.1); Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, Division IX.I (safe management of asbestos, ss. 69.1-69.17) ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 62.1-62.21](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Hazardous Products Information Regulation \[QC\], 2026, s. 31](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-hazardous-products-information-regulation-qc); [Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 43, 69.1-69.17](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc)). The Environment Quality Act was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training program.** A training and information program on hazardous products, with minimum content set by regulation (LSST s. 62.5), “updated annually or as soon as the situation requires it” (r. 8.1, s. 31). Labels and safety data sheets must be in French (LSST s. 62.4). - **Release reporting.** The federal list gives the National Environmental Emergencies Centre, 514-283-2333 or 1-866-283-2333, for Quebec [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023); also report to the provincial environment ministry’s emergency line. - **Asbestos inspection.** Buildings built before 1990-02-15 are inspected for flocking containing asbestos, and buildings built before 1999-05-20 for heat insulating material containing asbestos (s. 69.3); such material is presumed to contain asbestos unless shown otherwise (s. 69.4); a material contains asbestos at 0.1 per cent or more (s. 69.2). - **Ongoing checks.** The material is checked at the initial inspection and every two years after (s. 69.8), with corrective measures where it may emit dust (s. 69.9). - **Before work.** Before work liable to generate dust on or in a building, the employer checks materials likely to contain asbestos (s. 69.11), controls dust emissions to the construction safety code standard (s. 69.14) and trains and informs workers (s. 69.15). - **Register and disclosure.** A register of inspected materials (s. 69.16), with relevant entries disclosed to anyone who will do work liable to produce asbestos dust (s. 69.17). - **Air measurement.** Where workers are exposed to asbestos, airborne asbestos dust and fibres are measured at least once a year (s. 43). **Fire-service nuance.** - A fire safety service is a municipal establishment, so its stations need the asbestos register if built before the 1990 and 1999 cut-off dates. - For training in acquired buildings, the s. 69.11 check and the s. 69.17 disclosure apply before any work that could disturb asbestos. **Status.** Partly verified: the regulation and r. 8.1 read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-07-01). The Environment Quality Act and the provincial reporting line were not read. ## New Brunswick **Law.** WHMIS Regulation 2016-6; General Regulation 91-191, Part on asbestos (ss. 25.3 onward), which adopts the Commission’s code of practice ([Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety Act \[NB\], 2016, s. 7(4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system-regulation-occupational-health-and-safety-act-nb); [General Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety Act \[NB\], 2026, ss. 25.3-25.4](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-general-regulation-occupational-health-and-safety-act-nb)). Release reporting legislation was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Education and training reviewed at least annually (s. 7(4)). The Act adds a duty to keep an inventory of toxic substances [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[NB\], 1983, s. 42)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-nb). - **Release reporting.** Report to the Canadian Coast Guard Maritimes line, 1-800-565-1633, listed for New Brunswick [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos.** An owner of a place of employment, an employer and a contractor must each adopt and follow, for employees who work with, near or disturb asbestos-containing material, “A Code of Practice for Working with Materials Containing Asbestos in New Brunswick”, prepared and amended by the Commission, and ensure employees follow it (s. 25.4). **Fire-service nuance.** - The asbestos code of practice, not the regulation, holds the detailed survey, removal and disposal steps; obtain the current version from the Commission before a renovation or a training burn. - The regulation’s structural firefighting carve-outs from indoor air quality rules do not touch WHMIS or asbestos (see [J22 Exposure Limits, Heat and Cold Stress](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j22-exposure-limits-heat-and-cold-stress)). **Status.** Partly verified: Regulation 91-191 read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-06-30) and the WHMIS Regulation section taken from the research. The code of practice, the Act’s inventory section and the release reporting legislation were not read. ## Nova Scotia **Law.** Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, Part 3 (WHMIS, ss. 3.1-3.20); Occupational Safety General Regulations, Part 5 (handling and storage of materials, including a written procedure for hazardous substance spills) ([Workplace Health and Safety Regulations \[NS\], 2025, ss. 3.5, 3.9](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-health-and-safety-regulations-ns); [Occupational Safety General Regulations \[NS\], 2025, s. 41](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-safety-general-regulations-ns)). Under the Environment Act, the regulations index lists the Environmental Emergency Regulations (N.S. Reg. 16/2013), the Dangerous Goods Management Regulations (N.S. Reg. 56/1995), the Petroleum Management Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/2002) and the Asbestos Waste Management Regulations (N.S. Reg. 53/1995, amended to N.S. Reg. 121/2017) [(Office of the Registrar of Regulations, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-office-of-the-registrar-of-regulations-2026); their texts were not read. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS education and training.** Education in label and safety data sheet content and training in safe use, storage, handling and disposal, fugitive emissions, emergencies and how to find a safety data sheet (s. 3.5(1)-(2)), developed for the workplace with the committee or representative (s. 3.5(3)), with knowledge periodically evaluated (s. 3.5(4)), and reviewed “at least annually, or more frequently if required by a change in work conditions or available hazard information” (s. 3.5(5)). - **Safe use and storage.** The employer ensures the safe use, storage and handling of hazardous products (s. 3.9). - **Spills.** A written procedure for hazardous substance spills [(Occupational Safety General Regulations \[NS\], 2025, s. 41)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-safety-general-regulations-ns). Report releases to the Canadian Coast Guard Maritimes line, 1-800-565-1633, listed for Nova Scotia [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos.** The Workplace Health and Safety Regulations contain no asbestos Part (the consolidation was searched), and the Occupational Health and Safety Act has no asbestos regulation in the official index. The ACGIH limit for asbestos applies through the adopted threshold limit values [(Workplace Health and Safety Regulations \[NS\], 2025, s. 2.3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-health-and-safety-regulations-ns), the general duty governs surveys and safe removal, and the Asbestos Waste Management Regulations govern waste handling and disposal. **Fire-service nuance.** - Guidance sometimes refers to Nova Scotia “asbestos abatement regulations” with licensed abatement. No such regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act appears in the official index; build the asbestos procedure on the general duty, the TLV and the waste regulations, and require a qualified abatement contractor by policy. - Under the new traffic law, a spill of hazardous materials that needs urgent clean-up or containment is a prescribed “emergency” [(Traffic Safety Act Interpretation Regulations \[NS\], 2026, s. 8(c))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-traffic-safety-act-interpretation-regulations-ns), which matters for emergency driving to such calls (see [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing)). **Status.** Partly verified: Parts 2 and 3 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to N.S. Reg. 163/2025) and the official regulations index read. OSGR s. 41 and the Environment Act regulations were not read. ## Prince Edward Island **Law.** Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulations (P.E.I. Reg. EC455/17); General Regulations, Part 49 Asbestos (ss. 49.1-49.26) ([Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulations \[PE\], 2017, s. 5(5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system-regulations-pe); [Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations \[PE\], 2025, ss. 49.1-49.26](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-general-regulations-pe)). Release reporting legislation was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Worker education and training reviewed at least annually and on change, with the committee or representative (s. 5(5)). - **Release reporting.** Report to the Canadian Coast Guard Maritimes line, 1-800-565-1633, listed for Prince Edward Island [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos inventory.** The employer or owner ensures a competent person prepares an inventory of asbestos-containing material, updated whenever material is repaired or removed, kept at the workplace, with the condition of all such material inspected at least annually (s. 49.5(1)); the inventory shows locations, damaged material, dates, the competent person’s name and a description with asbestos type and percentage (s. 49.5(2)). - **Management plan.** An asbestos management plan to keep material from becoming airborne and to protect workers (s. 49.6), exposure monitoring (s. 49.7) and limits (s. 49.8). - **Contractors.** Asbestos work is done by holders of an asbestos contractor’s certificate (ss. 49.9-49.10), who must also have emergency response procedures for the work area (s. 49.24). - **Before demolition.** Materials that could release asbestos fibres are removed before demolition of a building or structure, or of machinery, equipment, aircraft, vehicles or vessels (s. 49.23). **Fire-service nuance.** - Stations need the inventory and the annual condition inspection; acquired structures need removal by a certified contractor before a training burn. **Status.** Partly verified: General Regulations Part 49 read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2025-01-01); the WHMIS Regulations section taken from the research. Release reporting legislation was not read. ## Newfoundland and Labrador **Law.** Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations, 2018 (N.L.R. 34/18); Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, ss. 42 (hazardous substances), 48 (asbestos), 398 (demolition) and 443 (notice to fire departments) ([Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations, 2018 \[NL\], 2026, s. 6(4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system-whmis-regulations-2018-nl); [Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 \[NL\], 2026, ss. 42, 48, 398, 443(3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-2012-nl)). The Asbestos Abatement Regulations under the Act were not read. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Education and training reviewed “at least annually” with the committee or representative (s. 6(4)). - **Chemical and biological control program.** Monitoring of hazardous substances and a control program commensurate with the risks, with substitution, engineering and administrative controls (s. 42(1)-(4)). - **Release reporting.** Report to the Canadian Coast Guard regional line, 709-772-2083 or 1-800-563-9089 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos.** Means to control exposure where work causes or is likely to cause exposure to asbestos dust, including local exhaust ventilation with filtered discharge (s. 48). - **Before demolition or salvage.** The employer or owner inspects the site for asbestos, lead, biological, toxic, flammable or explosive materials, makes the results available at the worksite with drawings showing locations, and ensures the materials are contained or removed (s. 398). **Fire-service nuance.** - Employers holding hazardous products, explosives and similar materials “in quantities which may endanger fire-fighters” must tell the local fire department their nature and location and how to handle them safely, with exceptions for materials on site less than five days and workplaces outside any fire department’s service area (s. 443(3)). Build these notices into pre-incident planning. - An acquired structure triggers the s. 398 inspection before training. **Status.** Partly verified: the OHS Regulations read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to NLR 48/26); the WHMIS Regulations section taken from the research. The Asbestos Abatement Regulations and the environmental legislation were not read. ## Yukon **Law.** Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulation (2015); Workplace Health Regulations, asbestos control (ss. 33-41); Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, Part 11 (firefighting) ([Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulation \[YT\], 2026, s. 5(4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system-regulation-yt); [Workplace Health Regulations \[YT\], 2026, ss. 33-41](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-health-regulations-yt); [Workplace Health and Safety Regulations \[YT\], 2022, s. 11.04(3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-workplace-health-and-safety-regulations-yt)). Release reporting legislation was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Education and training reviewed at least annually with the committee or health and safety representative (s. 5(4)). - **Release reporting.** Report to the territorial line, 867-667-7244 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos control projects.** A pre-project meeting between the contractor, the on-site supervisor and an officer before work starts (s. 34(1)); a worker certified in asbestos control procedures on site throughout (s. 34(3)); enclosure, air locks and negative pressure by an asbestos control contractor (s. 34(4)); clearance sampling below 0.2 fibres per cubic centimetre, confirmed by an officer before the area returns to use (s. 34(6)-(9)); restricted area rules (ss. 35-36). - **Inventory.** No duty to inventory asbestos in existing buildings was found. **Fire-service nuance.** - Part 11 requires written procedures for hazardous substances incidents (s. 11.04(3)), and covers volunteer firefighters in municipal service. - The asbestos rules are written for abatement projects; for an acquired structure, arrange a survey by policy and an asbestos control contractor for removal. **Status.** Partly verified: the Workplace Health Regulations and the WHMIS Regulation read on 2026-10-23 from the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board renderings. The spill legislation was not read. ## Northwest Territories **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 21 (chemical and biological substances), Part 22 (WHMIS, ss. 322-338) and Part 24 (asbestos) [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[NT\], 2024, ss. 314, 322-338, 364-368)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-nt). Spill reporting falls under the territorial environmental protection legislation, which was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Training developed with the committee (s. 325); no review interval is stated. - **Release reporting.** Report to the 24-hour spill line, 867-920-8130 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos record.** The employer identifies and keeps a written record of friable exposed asbestos-containing material, friable non-exposed accessible material, and asbestos pipe, boiler and duct insulation (s. 368(1)); material likely to contain asbestos is deemed to contain it until shown otherwise (s. 368(2)); damaged material likely to release dust is identified without delay (s. 368(3)); the work may be delegated to a competent individual (s. 368(4)). **Fire-service nuance.** - The Chief Safety Officer may exempt a volunteer fire department from Part 32 at the Fire Marshal’s request, but that exemption does not reach WHMIS or asbestos (see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations)). - The Code of Practice for firefighters expects decontamination and exposure procedures [(WSCC, 2017)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-wscc-2017). **Status.** Partly verified: the regulations read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2024-09-26). The spill legislation was not read. ## Nunavut **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Parts 21, 22 and 24, the same in substance and numbering as the Northwest Territories [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[NU\], 2021, ss. 314, 322-338, 368)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-nu). Spill reporting falls under the environmental protection legislation as it applies in Nunavut, which was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Training developed with the committee (s. 325); no review interval is stated. R-041-2025 added emergency disclosure of confidential product information to nurses (s. 338). - **Release reporting.** Report to the 24-hour spill line, 867-920-8130 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Asbestos record.** The same written record of asbestos-containing material as the Northwest Territories (s. 368). **Fire-service nuance.** - Many communities hold fuel in large tank farms; the department’s spill procedure should cover its own fuel and the response role it plays for others. **Status.** Partly verified: the regulations checked against the Nunavut text through the research (consolidated to 2021-09-28 with later amendments). The spill legislation was not read. ## Federal **Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part X (hazardous substances), Division III (WHMIS) and the asbestos exposure management program [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 10.14, 10.15, 10.19(1.1), 10.26.1-10.26.11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). Everywhere in Canada: the Hazardous Products Act and Regulations (the supplier side of WHMIS), the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations, and the Release and Environmental Emergency Notification Regulations (SOR/2011-90), under which a release is reported to the provincial or territorial line [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS education.** The education program is reviewed “at least once a year” (s. 10.14(3)); training records are kept two years after exposure ends (s. 10.15). - **Asbestos.** Exposure kept as close to zero as possible and never above the ACGIH value (s. 10.19(1.1)); where asbestos-containing material may release fibres, a qualified person’s hazard investigation and a record of its location, friability, condition and asbestos type (s. 10.26.1); before any work with it, an asbestos exposure control plan made with the committee, classification of the work as low, moderate or high risk, labelling, control of friable material and a specific training program (s. 10.26.2); clearance sampling and waste containers (ss. 10.26.10-10.26.11). - **Coming change.** From 2027-01-30, records of hazardous substances must be kept 30 years (SOR/2026-10). - **Dangerous goods.** A department carrying its own dangerous goods meets the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, including training certificates, valid three years. CANUTEC, Transport Canada’s 24-hour centre, and the Emergency Response Assistance Plans that shippers of certain goods must hold, support response everywhere. **Fire-service nuance.** - Department of National Defence and airport fire services are under this regime; municipal departments are not. - Airport services also manage foam under Standard 323, including annual foam concentration testing [(Transport Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos#ref-transport-canada-2026). **Status.** Partly verified: the COHSR read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30). The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and the federal release notification regulations were not read. ## Chapters that rely on this topic **Front matter** - [00 Fire Service Safety Management System - Program HQ](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/program-hq) **01 Foundations** - [02 Standards and Law Master Map](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/standards-and-law-master-map) **03 Assessment** - [02 Gap Assessment Tool](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/gap-assessment-tool) **04 Policies** - [Policy - Contractors and Mutual Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/policy-contractors-and-mutual-aid) - [Policy - Facilities](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/policy-facilities) - [Policy - Hazardous Materials and WHMIS](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/policy-hazardous-materials-and-whmis) - [Policy - Personal Protective Equipment and Contamination Control](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/policy-personal-protective-equipment-and-contamination-control) **05 Programs** - [Airport Rescue and Firefighting Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/airport-rescue-and-firefighting-program) - [Contractor and Mutual Aid Safety Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/contractor-and-mutual-aid-safety-program) - [Decontamination and Contamination Control Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/decontamination-and-contamination-control-program) - [Facilities and Station Safety Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/facilities-and-station-safety-program) - [Hazardous Materials, CBRN and Energy Hazards Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/hazardous-materials-cbrn-and-energy-hazards-program) - [Infection Control and Medical Response Safety Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/infection-control-and-medical-response-safety-program) - [Occupational Cancer Prevention, Exposure Tracking and Screening Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/occupational-cancer-prevention-exposure-tracking-and-screening-program) - [Protective Clothing and Equipment Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/protective-clothing-and-equipment-program) - [Training Safety and Live Fire Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/training-safety-and-live-fire-program) **06 Safe Work Procedures** - [SWP - Bunker Gear Advanced and Specialized Cleaning and Repair](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/swp-bunker-gear-advanced-and-specialized-cleaning-and-repair) - [SWP - Bunker Gear Retirement and Records](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/swp-bunker-gear-retirement-and-records) - [SWP - Bunker Gear Routine Inspection and Cleaning](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/swp-bunker-gear-routine-inspection-and-cleaning) - [SWP - Hazmat Entry and Decontamination](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/swp-hazmat-entry-and-decontamination) - [SWP - Live Fire Training Evolutions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/swp-live-fire-training-evolutions) - [SWP - Post-Call Station Decontamination](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/swp-post-call-station-decontamination) **07 Audit** - [01 Audit Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/audit-program) - [02 Audit Checklist Master Index](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/audit-checklist-master-index) - [Annual Inspection and Review Schedule](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/annual-inspection-and-review-schedule) - [Checklist - Decontamination and Contamination Control](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-decontamination-and-contamination-control) - [Checklist - Facilities and Station Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-facilities-and-station-safety) - [Checklist - Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-hazard-identification-and-risk-assessment) - [Checklist - Hazardous Materials and Energy Hazards](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-hazardous-materials-and-energy-hazards) - [Checklist - Training Safety and Live Fire](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-training-safety-and-live-fire) **08 Implementation** - [03 Communication, Training and Rollout Plan](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/communication-training-and-rollout-plan) **09 Forms and Templates** - [Form - Contractor Orientation Checklist](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/form-contractor-orientation-checklist) - [Form - PPE Cleaning and Repair Log](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/form-ppe-cleaning-and-repair-log) - [Form - PPE Retirement Record](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/form-ppe-retirement-record) - [Form - Training Evolution Risk Assessment and Live Fire Go-No-Go](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/form-training-evolution-risk-assessment-and-live-fire-go-no-go) - [Form - Workplace Inspection Checklist (Station)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/form-workplace-inspection-checklist-station) ## Definitions - **Asbestos-containing material.** Material at or above the asbestos concentration a jurisdiction sets (0.1 per cent in Quebec, for example); each regulation defines its own threshold. - **Abatement.** Removal, enclosure, encapsulation or repair of asbestos-containing material under controlled conditions. - **Friable.** Asbestos-containing material that can be crumbled, pulverized or powdered by hand pressure, and so releases fibres easily. - **Hazardous product.** A product, mixture, material or substance classified under the federal Hazardous Products Regulations, which brings it under WHMIS. - **Release reporting line.** The 24-hour provincial or territorial number that receives reports of spills and releases, and passes them to the federal government. - **Safety data sheet.** The supplier’s document describing a hazardous product’s hazards, safe handling and emergency measures. ## References Act respecting occupational health and safety, CQLR c. S-2.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, SOR/86-304 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 833 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2023). *Report an environmental emergency* (modified 2023-09-13). General Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety Act, N.B. Reg. 91-191 (New Brunswick; consolidated to 2026-06-30). Hazardous Products Information Regulation, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 8.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). National Fire Protection Association. (2022). *NFPA 470, Hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (WMD) standard for responders* (consolidates NFPA 472, 473 and 1072). Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations, P.E.I. Reg. EC180/87 (Prince Edward Island; consolidated to 2025-01-01). Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Occupational Health and Safety Act, S.N.B. 1983, c. O-0.2 (New Brunswick; consolidated to 2024-06-07). Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulations, P.E.I. Reg. EC455/17 (Prince Edward Island; consolidated to 2017-07-29). Occupational Health and Safety Code, Alta. Reg. 191/2021 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-03-31). Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, B.C. Reg. 296/97 (British Columbia; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, N.L.R. 5/12 (Newfoundland and Labrador; consolidated to 2026-10-07). Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Nu. Reg. 003-2016 (Nunavut; consolidated to 2021-09-28). Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, N.W.T. Reg. 039-2015 (Northwest Territories; consolidated to 2024-09-26). Occupational Safety General Regulations, N.S. Reg. 44/99 (Nova Scotia; consolidated to 2025-09; amended to N.S. Reg. 53/2013). Office of the Registrar of Regulations. (2026). *Regulations by Act* (Nova Scotia; read 2026-10-23). Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development \[MLITSD\]. (n.d.). *Firefighter guidance notes* (Section 21 Advisory Committee; individual notes revised to 2026). Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 13 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, R.R.S. c. S-15.1, Reg. 10 (Saskatchewan; consolidated to 2021-04-07). The Saskatchewan Employment Act, S.S. 2013, c. S-15.1 (Saskatchewan; consolidated to 2025-12-31). Traffic Safety Act Interpretation Regulations, N.S. Reg. 221/2026 (Nova Scotia; effective 2026-10-19, as filed). Transport Canada. (2026). *Standard 323: Aircraft fire fighting at airports and aerodromes* (modified 2026-08-20). Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission \[WSCC\]. (2017). *Codes of practice: Firefighters* (in effect Nunavut 2017-12-21, Northwest Territories 2018-01-04). 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