# Jurisdiction Pack - Alberta > Fire Service Safety Management System, version 0.3.3 (2026-10-25). The Human Factor. Document FSSMS-PACK-02. > > Canonical: https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta > > 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 pack** > > This pack summarizes what the law of Alberta requires on each topic as of its research date. It is general information, not legal advice. Check the official text 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). ## About this pack This is the Alberta pack of Part 10: this preface, followed by the Alberta section of every topic page listed in the [00 Jurisdiction Index](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-index). The sections are generated from the topic pages, so the pack and the topic pages always say the same thing, and both state the law as researched to 2026-10-23. It is general information, not legal advice: check every requirement against the official consolidation before you rely on it. ## The law that governs fire departments here An Alberta fire department works under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, a short Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and the Occupational Health and Safety Code, which holds the technical rules ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); [Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[AB\], 2021](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-ab); [Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab)). None of them contains a firefighting part. The regulator is Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, in the provincial ministry responsible for labour; deaths and serious injuries and incidents are reported by phone to the OHS Contact Centre, 1-866-415-8690, “as soon as possible”, and potentially serious incidents are submitted online after the employer’s investigation (Government of Alberta, n.d.-g). The page does not say the line is staffed around the clock. Alberta has no fire services statute: municipalities provide fire services under the Municipal Government Act, which also protects fire services and firefighters, volunteers included, from liability for good-faith acts other than motor vehicle accidents, while the Safety Codes Act governs fire protection and the Forest and Prairie Protection Act makes rural municipalities responsible for fires outside forest protection areas ([Municipal Government Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 7, 535.2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-municipal-government-act-ab); [Safety Codes Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-safety-codes-act-ab); [Forest and Prairie Protection Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 7](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-forest-and-prairie-protection-act-ab)). The Workers’ Compensation Board administers compensation and the firefighter presumptions ([Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 24.1-24.2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab); [Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation \[AB\], 2023](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-firefighters-primary-site-cancer-regulation-ab)). | Instrument | Citation | What it covers | |:---|:---|:---| | Occupational Health and Safety Act | SA 2020, c. O-2.2; current as of 2025-06-11 | Duties, joint committee and representative, right to refuse, incident reporting and investigation, penalties | | Occupational Health and Safety Regulation | AR 184/2021; as filed, in force 2021-12-01 | Interpretation, including the exclusion of unpaid workers from committee headcounts | | Occupational Health and Safety Code | AR 191/2021; current as of 2025-03-31 | Technical rules: hazard assessment, emergency response, respirators, PPE, fall protection, confined space, noise, first aid, violence and harassment, traffic control | | Workers’ Compensation Act; Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation | RSA 2000, c. W-15, current as of 2025-12-18; AR 102/2003, current as of 2023-04-05 | Coverage of volunteers; cancer, heart and psychological injury presumptions; injury reporting; return to work | | Municipal Government Act; Safety Codes Act; Forest and Prairie Protection Act | RSA 2000, c. M-26 (2026-09-01); RSA 2000, c. S-1 (2025-12-01); RSA 2000, c. F-19 (2024-05-30) | Fire services bylaws and liability protection; fire protection and investigations; rural wildland fire responsibility | | Traffic Safety Act and regulations | RSA 2000, c. T-6 (2026-07-02); AR 304/2002; AR 320/2002; AR 122/2009 | Emergency vehicle exemptions, slow-down and move-over, lamps, licence classes and air brakes, seat belts | | Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation | AR 203/2018, made under the Emergency Management Act, RSA 2000, c. E-6.8; current as of 2025-05-31 | Local emergency plans, incident command system adoption, required courses and exercises | | Protection of Privacy Act; Health Information Act | SA 2024, c. P-28.5, in force 2025-06-11, current as of 2025-12-11; RSA 2000, c. H-5, current as of 2026-07-02 | Municipal records and privacy; health information where the service runs an ambulance | ## What is distinctive for fire departments here - **No fire rules in law, so the department writes its own.** Alberta has no firefighting part, no two-in/two-out rule, no rescue team rule, no PASS rule and no firefighter medical rule [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). The province’s 2019 firefighting guide expects written policies on functions, minimum staffing per function, initial response resources, minimum training, an incident management system and a personnel accountability system, but it predates the 2020 Act and cites repealed sections [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019). - **Emergency hazard control has its own rule.** At an emergency only competent workers, and only the minimum number necessary, may be exposed, and the written hazard assessment report is suspended only “during the period that emergency action is required” [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Hazard assessments are otherwise written, dated and done with workers (ss. 7-8). - **Volunteers are workers but not committee headcount.** A worker includes a person who supplies services for no monetary compensation, yet unpaid workers do not count toward the 20-worker committee or five-worker representative thresholds ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 1(tt)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); [Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[AB\], 2021, s. 1(2)-(3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-ab)). Members paid per call or by honorarium arguably do count. - **The committee has no fixed meeting frequency and no response clock.** Its written terms of reference must set them; there are two co-chairs, a quorum rule and training in roles, duties and worker rights [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 196.1-201)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). - **No-injury fires and collapses are reportable.** As soon as possible: a death; a hospital admission beyond emergency or urgent care; an unplanned or uncontrolled explosion, fire or flood that causes or could cause serious injury; a crane or hoist collapse; the collapse of a structural component [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 33(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). How this applies to fires a department is fighting should be agreed with the regulator. - **Respirator rules sit on an older standard.** A written code of practice is mandatory wherever respirators are used, selection and fit testing follow CSA Z94.4-02, emergency respirators are inspected at least monthly, and SCBA for IDLH atmospheres is positive pressure, rated at least 30 minutes, with a low-pressure alarm [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 245-248, 250-252)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Provincial guidance reads the standard as a fit test at least every two years and breathing air sampling every six months [(Government of Alberta, 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2020). - **Narrow rescue reliefs.** Rescue personnel in training or emergency rescue may use equipment and practices other than those in the fall protection part, but this is not a blanket exemption, and the portable ladder rule (fall protection at 3 m or more) sits outside it [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 137-138)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). The 20 percent LEL entry ban does not apply to a competent, properly equipped worker responding in an emergency (s. 162(2)). - **One violence and harassment plan for every employer.** A combined written prevention plan, developed with the committee or workers, reviewed at least every three years and when an incident or change calls for it [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 390-392)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). - **Roadway scenes are work sites.** Traffic control and high-visibility apparel apply at emergency scenes with no exemption [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 194)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Drivers passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lamps on the same side of the road slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit if lower, members’ own vehicles may show flashing green lamps where a municipal bylaw allows, and every occupant must be belted ([Traffic Safety Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 115(2)(t), (4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-traffic-safety-act-ab); [Vehicle Equipment Regulation \[AB\], 2025, ss. 28, 82(2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-vehicle-equipment-regulation-ab)). - **Apparatus are regulated commercial vehicles.** Units registered at 11,794 kg or more carry annual inspection and driver abstract duties, which the Municipal Firefighting Vehicle Permit relaxes to an inspection every three years or 5,000 km and abstracts at joining [(Government of Alberta, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2026). Apparatus with three or more axles need a Class 3 licence, and any apparatus with air brakes needs an air brake endorsement [(Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation \[AB\], 2026, ss. 23, 27)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-operator-licensing-and-vehicle-control-regulation-ab). - **Presumptions cover part-time and volunteer firefighters.** Twenty primary-site cancers after minimum periods of regular fire-scene exposure, excluding forest-fire scenes and requiring non-smoking for lung cancer; a myocardial infarction within 24 hours of dispatch or attendance at an emergency, whichever is later; and PTSD and traumatic psychological injury for first responders ([Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 24.1-24.2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab); [Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation \[AB\], 2023, ss. 1-2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-firefighters-primary-site-cancer-regulation-ab)). - **No mandatory certification; incident command comes through emergency management.** Firefighter certification is voluntary (Government of Alberta, n.d.-c). Staff with roles in the municipal emergency plan must complete the prescribed incident command courses within six months, the plan is reviewed every year, and it is exercised every year with a full scenario exercise at least every four years [(Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation \[AB\], 2025, ss. 5-6, 11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-local-authority-emergency-management-regulation-ab). ## Commonly got wrong 1. **Assuming two-in/two-out is the law.** Nothing in Alberta law requires it [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Fix: adopt two-in/two-out, rapid intervention, PASS and accountability as department standards and tie them to the competent-worker and minimum-number rule (s. 10(1)). See [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). 2. **Skipping written hazard assessments because emergencies are exempt.** Only the report during emergency action is suspended [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 10(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Fix: written pre-incident assessments for each incident type, the station and the training ground, and a recorded post-incident review. See [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections). 3. **Concluding that no committee is needed because volunteers do not count.** The employer is usually the municipality, whose paid staff all count, and paid-on-call members probably count [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[AB\], 2021, s. 1(2)-(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-ab). Fix: count paid members across the employer and confirm the position with the regulator in writing. See [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative). 4. **Leaving the committee’s terms of reference silent on meetings and answers.** The law fixes neither [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 197)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Fix: set a meeting frequency and a written-response deadline in the terms of reference and track both. See [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative). 5. **Not reporting a fire or collapse because nobody was hurt.** A fire or explosion is reportable when it could cause serious injury, and a structural collapse is reportable in itself [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 33(2)(c), (e))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). Fix: a reporting decision table, investigation reports with corrective action kept at least two years, and online submission of potentially serious incidents. See [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation). 6. **Treating the rescue relief as a fall protection exemption.** It allows other equipment and practices in rescue and training only [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 138)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Fix: a written fall protection plan for station and maintenance work at 3 m or more, and personal fall arrest on portable ladders at that height (ss. 137, 140). See [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access). 7. **Assuming NFPA-built ladders and aerials comply.** Portable ladders made since 2009-07-01 must meet CSA Z11 or ANSI A14, and vehicle-mounted aerial ladders CSA C225-00 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 135, 347(5))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Fix: document equivalency or seek an acceptance from the regulator [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 20)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). See [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices). 8. **Running SCBA without a respiratory code of practice.** It is mandatory wherever respirators are used [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 245)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Fix: a written code of practice covering selection, fit testing, monthly inspection of SCBA kept for emergency use and breathing air testing. See [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air). 9. **Treating incident scenes as outside traffic control law.** The rule applies at any work site, emergency scenes included [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 194)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Fix: a roadway procedure with high-visibility apparel for everyone on foot near traffic and recognized traffic control methods. See [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes). 10. **Thin service records for part-time and volunteer members.** The cancer presumption turns on years of regular fire-scene exposure, excludes forest-fire scenes and requires non-smoking for lung cancer ([Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 24.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab); [Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation \[AB\], 2023, ss. 1-2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-firefighters-primary-site-cancer-regulation-ab)). Fix: keep service years, appointments, fire-scene exposure and tobacco attestations for every member. See [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions). ## Compliance checklist Each row is a legal obligation, so it belongs in Stage 1; a row for a specialty service applies only where the department provides that service. The topic page gives the detail. | \# | Obligation | Source | Evidence a department holds | Topic page | |:---|:---|:---|:---|:---| | 1 | Health and safety program where the employer regularly employs 20 or more workers or a Director directs one | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 16)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab) | Program manual; review record | [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program) | | 2 | Copies of the Act, Regulation and Code readily available; required plans and procedures in writing and available to workers and the committee | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 3(5), 55(6)-(7))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab) | Posting and library check; document index | [J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j01-ohs-legislation-regulator-and-enforcement) | | 3 | Written, dated hazard assessments with workers, before work and when processes change; emergency control by competent workers in the minimum number | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 7-8, 10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Hazard assessments by incident type, station and training ground | [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections) | | 4 | Joint committee at 20 or more paid workers (representative at five to 19), with two co-chairs, written terms of reference, quorum, posting and training | ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 13-14](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); [Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 196.1-201](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab)) | Terms of reference; minutes; training records; posting | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 5 | Competent supervisors familiar with the law; supervisors carry their own duties | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 3(1)(d), 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab) | Officer training and appointment records | [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors) | | 6 | Emergency response plan; designated rescue workers trained with simulated exercises at the needed intervals | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 115-118)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Plan; exercise records | [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) | | 7 | Department standards for staffing, rapid intervention, PASS, accountability and incident management, since the law sets none | ([Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 10(1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab); [Government of Alberta, 2019](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019)) | Adopted procedures with committee consultation | [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) | | 8 | Respiratory code of practice; selection and fit testing to CSA Z94.4-02; clean shaven; emergency respirators inspected monthly | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 245, 247-248, 250)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Code of practice; fit test records; monthly SCBA checks | [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) | | 9 | SCBA positive pressure, at least 30 minutes, low-pressure alarm; breathing air to CSA Z180.1-00 Table 1 | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 246, 249, 251-252)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | SCBA specifications; air quality certificates | [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) | | 10 | PPE selected on a hazard basis; firefighter footwear and helmets to the named standards; maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications; decontamination facilities | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 12, 23, 228, 233(5), 237)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | PPE standard naming editions bought; cleaning records | [J13 Firefighter PPE and Protective Equipment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j13-firefighter-ppe-and-protective-equipment) | | 11 | Fall protection at 3 m, or over 1.2 m at permanent work areas and in the other listed cases; written fall protection plan; training before use; personal fall arrest on portable ladders at 3 m or more | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 137, 139-141)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Plans; training records | [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access) | | 12 | Confined space code of practice, hazard assessment, entry permits, tending worker, competent responders, records one or two years | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 44-58)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Code of practice; permits; training records | [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space) | | 13 | Portable ladders to CSA Z11 or ANSI A14; vehicle-mounted aerial ladders to CSA C225-00; equipment tested to the manufacturer’s specifications or engineer-certified every 12 months where none exist | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 12(e), 13(2)(b), 135, 347(5))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Equivalency file; test records | [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices) | | 14 | Protective systems for excavations deeper than 1.5 m; engineer-certified temporary protective structures deeper than 3 m | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 450, 456)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Trench rescue procedure; engineer access | [J18 Excavation and Trench](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j18-excavation-and-trench) | | 15 | Noise assessment above 82 dBA Lex; program reviewed yearly; audiometric baseline within six months, again at 12 months, then every two years | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 219-223)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Noise survey; audiogram records | [J23 Noise and Hearing Conservation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j23-noise-and-hearing-conservation) | | 16 | First aiders trained to CSA Z1210-17 and kits to CSA Z1220-17 at the medium-hazard staffing level; emergency transportation plan; records three years | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 177-184)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | First aid roster; kit inspections; transport plan | [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid) | | 17 | WHMIS 2015 program and worker training | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 397)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Training records; safety data sheet index | [J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos) | | 18 | Combined violence and harassment prevention plan, training, investigation, advice to see a health professional, paid treatment time; reviewed at least every three years | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 390-392)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Plan; training roster; investigation files | [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence); [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment) | | 19 | Refusal procedure for undue hazard: committee informed, written report, refused work not given to another worker until resolved, written notice to any replacement | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 17-19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab) | Procedure; refusal log | [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection) | | 20 | Report reportable injuries and incidents as soon as possible; preserve the scene | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 33(1)-(2), (9))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab) | Reporting procedure; call log | [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) | | 21 | Investigation report with corrective action, copied to the Director and committee and kept at least two years; potentially serious incidents submitted online; WCB notice within 72 hours | ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 33(5)-(7)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); [Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 33](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab)) | Investigation files; WCB report copies | [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) | | 22 | Traffic control and high-visibility apparel at roadway scenes, with recognized methods on public highways | [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 194)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab) | Roadway procedure; apparel issue | [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes) | | 23 | Emergency exemptions only where reasonable and safe with siren operating; Class 3 for apparatus with three or more axles and an air brake endorsement for any with air brakes; every occupant belted | ([Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation \[AB\], 2025, s. 63](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-use-of-highway-and-rules-of-the-road-regulation-ab); [Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation \[AB\], 2026, ss. 23, 27](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-operator-licensing-and-vehicle-control-regulation-ab); [Vehicle Equipment Regulation \[AB\], 2025, s. 82(2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-vehicle-equipment-regulation-ab)) | Licence checks; vehicle permit or inspection records | [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing) | | 24 | Service, appointment and fire-scene exposure records for every member to support the presumptions | [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 24.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab) | Member service and exposure log | [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions) | | 25 | Co-operation in early and safe return to work | [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 89.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab) | Return-to-work plans | [J33 Return to Work, Accommodation and Hours of Work](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j33-return-to-work-accommodation-and-hours-of-work) | | 26 | Incident command courses for staff with emergency plan roles within six months; plan reviewed yearly; exercises yearly and a full scenario every four years | [(Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation \[AB\], 2025, ss. 5-6, 11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-local-authority-emergency-management-regulation-ab) | Course records; exercise reports | [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) | | 27 | Personal information used for a decision kept at least one year; health information handled as a custodian where the service runs an ambulance | ([Protection of Privacy Act \[AB\], 2024, s. 6(b)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-protection-of-privacy-act-ab); [Health Information Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 1(1)(f)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-health-information-act-ab)) | Records schedule; privacy procedures | [J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information) | ## How to use this pack with the book The chapters of this book are written once for every Canadian fire department: where a requirement comes from provincial law, a chapter states it generically and links the topic page that holds each jurisdiction’s version. This pack collects Alberta’s section from every one of those topic pages, so an Alberta department can read its whole legal layer in one place and use the checklist above as the legal overlay for its gap assessment and audit. Adopt nothing from this pack without checking the official text of the statute or regulation and taking the advice of your own counsel. ## Requirements by topic Each section below is copied from the topic page it names; the topic page also shows every other jurisdiction for comparison. ### [J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j01-ohs-legislation-regulator-and-enforcement) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, S.A. 2020, c. O-2.2 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Alta. Reg. 184/2021 [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[AB\], 2021)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, Alta. Reg. 191/2021, which holds the technical rules [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). The regulator is Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, in the provincial ministry responsible for labour. **What must be covered.** - **Reporting line.** Call the OHS Contact Centre, 1-866-415-8690 (780-415-8690 locally), “as soon as possible” after a reportable injury or incident; potentially serious incidents are submitted online after the employer’s investigation (Government of Alberta, n.d.-g). The page does not say the line is staffed 24 hours a day. - **Posting and availability.** Current copies of the Act, Regulation and Code must be readily available to workers, the committee and the representative [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 3(5))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). Orders are posted in a conspicuous place at the work site for as long as they are in effect, or provided electronically if workers and the committee have ready access (s. 55(1)-(4)). - **Orders.** Officers issue compliance orders (s. 38), stop work orders (s. 39) and stop use orders (s. 40); a Director may vary them (s. 41). - **Appeal.** To the Labour Relations Board, the appeal body for the Act, by notice served within 30 days of being served with the order or administrative penalty (s. 45(1)-(3)). - **Administrative penalties.** Up to \$10,000 for each contravention and for each day it continues, with notice within 2 years (s. 44(2), (4)). Tickets may also be issued (s. 54(d)); ticket amounts were not read. - **Offences.** First offence: up to \$500,000 plus \$30,000 a day, or 6 months, or both; second or later: up to \$1,000,000 plus \$60,000 a day, or 12 months, or both; contravening a stop work order: up to \$1,000,000 or 12 months; 2-year limitation (s. 48(1)-(3)). Courts may also make creative sentencing orders (s. 49). - **Due diligence.** Not written into the Act; duties are qualified by “as far as it is reasonably practicable”, and the common-law defence applies. **Fire-service nuance.** - Alberta has no fire-service part in the Code; the general duties carry fireground safety; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). - Volunteers are “workers” because the definition includes a person who supplies services “for no monetary compensation” [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 1(tt))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). - Officers and the Contact Centre should be told early about any fireground event that meets a reporting trigger; how the uncontrolled-fire trigger applies to fires a department is fighting should be agreed with OHS; see [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation). **Status.** Partly verified: the Act, Regulation and Code were read in the official consolidations (Act to 2025-06-11; Code to 2025-03-31) and the reporting page on 2026-10-23. Whether the Contact Centre is staffed around the clock and the ticket amounts were not confirmed. ### [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 1 “General Obligations”, ss. 3 to 12 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 3-12)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Employer.** Ensure, as far as it is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its workers, of other workers at the work site, and of other persons nearby who may be materially affected by identifiable and controllable hazards from the site; that workers know their rights and duties; that workers are not subjected to or taking part in harassment or violence; that workers are supervised by a person who is competent and familiar with the Act, regulations and Code; that the committee or representative meets its requirements; and that concerns are resolved in a timely manner (s. 3(1)). Workers must be adequately trained (s. 3(2)); work that may endanger a worker is done by a competent worker or under the direct supervision of one (s. 3(3)); hazard, control and procedure information is kept available for the committee, workers and any prime contractor (s. 3(4)); copies of the Act, Regulation and Code are readily available (s. 3(5)). - **Supervisor: a separate duty-holder.** As far as reasonably practicable, take all precautions necessary to protect the workers they supervise, ensure those workers work in accordance with the law, and ensure none is subjected to or takes part in harassment or violence; advise workers of known or reasonably foreseeable hazards in their work area; report unsafe acts and conditions to the employer; and co-operate with the regulator (s. 4). A supervisor is a person who has charge of a work site or authority over a worker (s. 1(nn)). - **Worker.** Take reasonable care; co-operate; use the devices and PPE designated, provided or required; no harassment or violence; report unsafe acts and conditions; take part in training provided; co-operate with the regulator (s. 5(1)); a worker who is not competent does not do dangerous work except under direct supervision (s. 5(2)). - **Others.** Suppliers, as far as reasonably practicable, ensure equipment and PPE they supply are in safe condition, maintain equipment they are responsible for and notify customers of defects (s. 6); service providers (s. 7); contracting employers (s. 8); owners (s. 9); prime contractors (s. 10); temporary staffing agencies (s. 11). A person with more than one role meets each set of obligations (s. 12). **Fire-service nuance.** - Alberta has no firefighting part in the Code, so the s. 3 duties and the competent-supervisor duty in s. 3(1)(d) are what an officer will test after a fireground injury; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). - Volunteers are workers (“for no monetary compensation”, s. 1(tt)), so volunteer officers are supervisors under s. 4; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). **Status.** Verified against the official consolidation (to 2025-06-11) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 1(s) and 16 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 1(s), 16)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Policy.** No stand-alone OHS policy duty in the Act or the Code. - **Program threshold.** “An employer who regularly employs 20 or more workers or on the direction of a Director shall, subject to the OHS Code, establish and implement a health and safety program” (s. 16). - **Program elements.** None prescribed: a health and safety program is “a co-ordinated system of procedures, processes and other measures that is designed to be implemented by organizations in order to promote continuous improvement in occupational health and safety” (s. 1(s)). - **Review and copies.** No fixed interval; written plans and procedures required by the Act or Code must be readily available to workers and the committee (s. 55(6)-(7)). **Fire-service nuance.** - The exclusion of unpaid workers from the “regularly employs” count applies to the committee and representative thresholds; whether it also applies to the s. 16 program threshold is not stated; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). - Where a municipality holds or seeks a certificate of recognition, the audit criteria give the program practical content; see [J36 External Verification and Funding](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j36-external-verification-and-funding). **Status.** Verified against the official consolidation (to 2025-06-11) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 2, ss. 7 to 10 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 7-10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 13(6) [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 13(6))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Hazard assessment.** The employer must assess a work site and identify existing and potential hazards before work begins or before a new work site is built [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 7(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab), and prepare a report of the results and of the methods used to control or eliminate the hazards, recording the date it is prepared or revised (s. 7(2)-(3)). - **Repeating it.** The assessment is repeated at reasonably practicable intervals to prevent unsafe and unhealthy conditions, when a new work process is introduced, when a process or operation changes, and before significant additions or alterations to the work site (s. 7(4)). - **Worker participation.** The employer must involve affected workers in the assessment and in controlling or eliminating the hazards (s. 8(1)); the committee’s duties include “participation in the employer’s hazard assessment” [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 13(6)(b))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). - **Controls.** Eliminate the hazard, or if that is not reasonably practicable control it, first with engineering controls, then administrative controls, then PPE, or a combination where that gives a greater level of safety [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 9)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). - **Emergencies.** Where emergency action is needed, only competent workers, and the minimum number necessary, may be exposed; the written report requirements “do not apply to an emergency response during the period that emergency action is required” (s. 10). - **Inspections.** No fixed frequency; the committee reviews “the employer’s work site inspection documentation” [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 13(6)(d))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). **Fire-service nuance.** - Section 10(2) is the clearest statement in Canada of how hazard assessment works at incidents: write the assessments for each incident type in advance, act during the emergency, and record the review afterwards. - Stations and training grounds get ordinary written, dated assessments under s. 7. **Status.** Verified against the official consolidations (Act to 2025-06-11; Code to 2025-03-31) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 13 to 15 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 13-15)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, s. 1(2)-(3) [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[AB\], 2021, s. 1(2)-(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 13, ss. 196 to 201 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 196-201)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Threshold.** A committee where the employer “regularly employs 20 or more workers”, or at a site a Director designates, after consulting any union [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 13(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); employers at a multi-employer site with 20 or more workers in total and no prime contractor co-ordinate one (s. 13(2)-(3)). A representative, who is not associated with management, at 5 to 19 workers (s. 14(1)), with the committee’s duties (s. 14(4)); the employer may have a committee instead (s. 14(6)). - **Composition.** Worker members not associated with management (including union-represented workers’ members) and employer members; employer members may not outnumber worker members (s. 13(4)-(5)). Worker members are chosen by the non-union workers or by the union; the employer decides how many are needed to represent everyone and selects them only if the workers do not [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 196.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Two co-chairs, one chosen by each side (s. 196.2). Quorum is half the members, with both sides present and at least half of those present worker members (s. 199). - **Terms of reference.** The employer ensures the committee writes terms of reference covering co-chair and member selection, terms of office, “the frequency for regular committee meetings and how meeting records will be maintained”, meeting processes, forwarding concerns to the employer, replacing members, a dispute resolution process for recommendations and members who do not fulfil their duties (s. 197). A special meeting is held when an officer requests it; its minutes are kept 2 years (s. 198). - **Posting.** Names and contact information of the committee or representative are posted at every work site they cover, or provided another agreed way (s. 199.1). - **Response clock.** None in the Act or Code; the employer must ensure concerns raised by the committee “are resolved in a timely manner” [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 3(1)(f))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). - **Functions.** Receive, consider and dispose of concerns; participate in the employer’s hazard assessment; make recommendations; review the employer’s work site inspection documentation (s. 13(6)). Meetings and duties happen during normal working hours (s. 13(7)), and an officer may ask a member to be present at an inspection (s. 15). - **Training and paid time.** Members and representatives are trained in the roles of co-chairs and members, the obligations of work site parties and the rights of workers; no hours are set [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 201)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Time on committee duties and related training is deemed time at work (s. 199.3). **Fire-service nuance.** - **Volunteers.** Volunteers are workers, but for the committee and representative thresholds “regularly employs” does not include workers who are not paid [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[AB\], 2021, s. 1(2)-(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-ab); unpaid volunteers do not count toward 20 or 5, and members paid per call or by honorarium probably do. Nothing bars volunteers from sitting as worker members (interpretation). - With no meeting frequency or response clock in law, the terms of reference must supply both. **Status.** Verified against the official consolidations (Act to 2025-06-11; Code to 2025-03-31; Regulation as filed) on 2026-10-23. Paid-on-call counting. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J06 Written Procedures and Committee Consultation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j06-written-procedures-and-committee-consultation) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 3(4), 13(6) and 55(6)-(7) [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, ss. 2.2, 7 and 9 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **General.** There is no general duty to write safe work procedures, but where the Act, regulations or Code require a person to develop procedures, “the person shall ensure that they are in writing”, with a current paper or electronic copy readily available to workers, the committee and the representative at the work site [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 55(7))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); the same applies to required reports and plans (s. 55(6)). Required plans are prepared by a competent person the employer designates [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 2.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Hazard assessments and their controls are written and dated (ss. 7, 9). Employers keep information on hazards, controls, work practices and procedures readily available to the committee, workers and any prime contractor [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 3(4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). - **Consultation.** No general duty to consult the committee on procedures. The committee participates in the employer’s hazard assessment and makes recommendations (s. 13(6)(b)-(c)), and affected workers must be involved in the assessment and in choosing the controls [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 8(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **Fire-service nuance.** - Alberta’s official guidance for firefighting expects written policies on functions, minimum staffing per function, initial response, minimum training, an incident management system and a personnel accountability system [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019); with no fire part in the Code, those procedures are the department’s main defence; 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.** Verified against the official consolidations (Act to 2025-06-11; Code to 2025-03-31) on 2026-10-23; the s. 2.2 plan-author rule was confirmed against the Code on 2026-10-24. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 17 to 19 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 17-19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **The right.** A worker may refuse to work, or to do particular work, if the worker believes on reasonable grounds that there is an undue hazard at the work site or that the work is an undue hazard to their health and safety or another person’s (s. 17(2)). “Undue hazard” “includes a hazard that poses a serious and immediate threat to the health and safety of a person” (s. 17(1)). - **Steps.** 1. The worker makes sure the refusal does not endanger anyone else (s. 17(3)) and promptly reports to the employer or supervisor (s. 17(4)). 2. The employer informs the joint committee or representative (s. 17(5)) and may assign temporary alternative work without loss of pay (s. 17(6)-(7)). 3. If the hazard is not remedied, the employer inspects immediately, with the worker and a committee member or representative, and remedies it (s. 17(8)-(9)). 4. The refused work may not go to another worker until the matter is resolved, and any replacement must be told in writing (ss. 17(10), (14)). 5. The employer gives a written report to the worker and the committee (s. 17(11)-(12)). A worker who still believes an undue hazard exists may notify an officer, who investigates and gives a written record (s. 17(13), (15)). - **Reprisal.** “No person shall take any disciplinary action against a worker by reason of that worker acting in compliance with this Act” (s. 18). A complaint goes to an officer “within 180 days after the alleged contravention occurs, but not afterwards” (s. 19(1)). An officer must refuse a complaint from a worker bound by a collective agreement, who uses the grievance procedure instead (s. 19(7)). The officer may order reinstatement and back pay (s. 19(8)). The Act sets no burden of proof. **Fire-service nuance.** - **No firefighter carve-out.** The Act contains no fire-service or emergency exception. The “undue hazard” test is the only filter. - **Volunteers.** Volunteers are workers under the Act, so the right and s. 18 reach them ([J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters)). Removal from the roster after a refusal is disciplinary action in substance (interpretation). - **The 180-day limit is strict.** Note the date a member was stood down or removed, not the date they complained. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2025-06-11). ### [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 33 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 33)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Workers’ Compensation Act, ss. 26, 32 and 33 [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 26, 32-33)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Deaths and serious injuries.** The employer (or prime contractor) reports “the time, place and nature” to a Director “as soon as possible” for an injury, illness or incident that results in a worker’s death, or where “there is reason to believe the worker has been or will be admitted to a hospital beyond treatment in an emergency room or urgent care facility” (s. 33(1)-(2)(a)-(b)). Reports go by phone to the OHS Contact Centre, 1-866-415-8690; the official page does not say it is staffed around the clock (Government of Alberta, n.d.-g). - **No-injury events, as soon as possible.** “An unplanned or uncontrolled explosion, fire or flood that causes a serious injury or illness or that has the potential of causing a serious injury or illness”; “the collapse or upset of a crane, derrick or hoist”; and “the collapse or failure of any component of a building or structure necessary for the structural integrity of the building or structure” (s. 33(2)(c)-(e)). - **Potentially serious incidents.** Where an incident “had a likelihood of causing a serious injury or illness” and corrective action may be needed, the employer must investigate (s. 33(5)) and submit the result through the province’s online service (Government of Alberta, n.d.-f). - **Scene.** Except as directed by a Director, an officer or a police officer, no one may disturb or work at the scene, including the immediate area, or “alter, move or remove equipment, documents or other information” related to it, except to attend to the injured, prevent further injury or protect endangered property (s. 33(9)). - **Investigation.** For every reportable event the employer investigates and prepares a report of the circumstances and any corrective action, keeps it available for an officer, and gives a copy to a Director and the joint committee or representative, or makes it available to workers (s. 33(6)). The report is kept at least two years (s. 33(7)) and is not admissible as evidence in a trial arising from the incident, except for perjury (s. 33(8)). No deadline is set. - **Compensation report.** Within 72 hours of learning of an accident that disables a worker beyond the day of the accident or needs medical aid beyond first aid, with notice of return to work within 24 hours [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 33(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab); the worker reports as soon as practicable (s. 32(2)) and claims within 24 months (s. 26). This report is not notice to OHS. **Fire-service nuance.** - **At a fire you are fighting.** Read literally, s. 33(2)(c) could capture every working fire, which is “uncontrolled” by definition. The practical reading is to report a fire or explosion event that injures or could seriously injure members (flashover, backdraft, explosion), any collapse of a structural component where members are working, and any member admitted beyond the emergency department (interpretation). Agree the approach in writing with Alberta OHS before you need it. - **Near misses.** The potentially serious incident duty turns fireground close calls into investigations with a report, which suits the department’s own learning process. - **Volunteers.** Volunteers are workers under the Act, so these duties apply to them ([J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters)). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (OHS Act consolidated to 2025-06-11; Workers’ Compensation Act to 2025-12-18; reporting pages read). Round-the-clock staffing of the line and the fire-scene reading are not confirmed. ### [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 33(7) [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 33)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, ss. 20, 40, 46, 58, 183, 198, 220 and 223 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 20, 40, 46, 58, 183, 198, 220, 223)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab); Protection of Privacy Act, s. 6 [(Protection of Privacy Act \[AB\], 2024, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-protection-of-privacy-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** A program is required at 20 or more workers, but no list of program contents or general records duty is set; retention is item by item. - **Retention periods.** - Incident investigation reports: at least two years [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 33(7))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). - Injury and first aid records: three years [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 183(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). - Confined space entry records: one year, or two years if an incident occurred (s. 58). - Special committee meeting minutes: two years (s. 198(2)). - Training records must be kept (for example s. 46(2)), with no period set. - Personal information used for a decision: at least one year [(Protection of Privacy Act \[AB\], 2024, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-protection-of-privacy-act-ab). - **Exposure and health records.** - Airborne contaminant measurements: three years [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 20(4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). - Noise assessments: three years (s. 220(2)). - Audiometric results: 10 years when held by the physician, aggregate data two years when held by the employer (s. 223(7)). - Health assessments for asbestos, silica, coal dust and lead workers: 30 years (s. 40(4)). **Fire-service nuance.** - **No fire smoke rule.** No retention rule covers firefighter exposure to fire smoke, while the cancer presumption needs regular fire-scene exposure “throughout” the minimum period; keep exposure and attendance records under this system’s longer policy period. - **Two-year investigation minimum.** Keep investigation reports longer than two years if they record a member’s exposure or injury that could support a later claim. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2025-06-11; Code to 2025-03-31; Protection of Privacy Act to 2025-12-11). ### [J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information) **Law.** Access to Information Act [(Access to Information Act \[AB\], 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-access-to-information-act-ab); Protection of Privacy Act, s. 6 [(Protection of Privacy Act \[AB\], 2024, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-protection-of-privacy-act-ab); Health Information Act, s. 1(1)(f) [(Health Information Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-health-information-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Access and privacy.** The Access to Information Act and the Protection of Privacy Act replaced the former FOIP Act on 2025-06-11; municipalities are local public bodies under them. - **Retention.** Personal information used to make a decision about an individual is kept at least one year (POPA s. 6(b)). - **Health information.** Custodians under the Health Information Act include “an ambulance operator as defined in the Emergency Health Services Act” (s. 1(1)(f)(ii.1)) and “a health services provider who is designated in the regulations as a custodian” (s. 1(1)(f)(ix)). A fire department that operates an ambulance service is a custodian for that work; for its other records it is a public body under POPA. **Fire-service nuance.** - **Two regimes in one department.** A fire-based ambulance service keeps patient records under the Health Information Act, while the same department’s member medical and exposure records fall under POPA. Keep the systems and access rules separate. - **Physicians.** Physicians and other regulated professionals are designated custodians by regulation. **Status.** Partly verified on 2026-10-23 (both 2024 Acts consolidated to 2025-12; Health Information Act to 2026-07-02). The custodian regulation was not read. ### [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 1(tt), 13 and 17 to 19 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 1, 13, 17-19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, s. 1(2)-(3) [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[AB\], 2021, s. 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-ab); Workers’ Compensation Act, ss. 14(3)(b), 24.1 and 24.2 [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 14, 24.1-24.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab); WCB policy [(Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-board-alberta-2026). **What must be covered.** - **OHS status.** “Worker” includes “a person who performs or supplies services for no monetary compensation” (s. 1(tt)), so volunteer firefighters are workers. - **Committee thresholds.** For the committee (20) and representative (5) thresholds, “regularly employs” does not include workers to whom monetary compensation is not paid [(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation \[AB\], 2021, s. 1(2)-(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-regulation-ab). Unpaid volunteers therefore do not count; members paid per call or by honorarium arguably do. Nothing bars volunteers from sitting as worker members (inference from s. 13(4)). - **Refusal and reprisal.** As workers, volunteers have the s. 17 right and the s. 18 protection, with complaints to an officer within 180 days (s. 19). Removal from the roster after a refusal is disciplinary action in substance (interpretation; see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection)). - **Compensation.** The Board may by order cover “persons who are engaged on a voluntary basis as firemen … whether or not remuneration is paid” [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 14(3)(b))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab). Board policy treats volunteer firefighters as workers of the municipality when they are appointed members of the organized fire brigade who must attend fires, drills and training, or when a fire chief or deputy asks them to help at a fire; earnings are based on their regular employment, or otherwise on the value of the service [(Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-board-alberta-2026). - **Presumptions.** “Part-time firefighter” means “a casual, volunteer or part-time member of a fire protection service of a municipality or Metis settlement” (s. 24.1(1)(c)). The cancer presumption applies only to a worker who has been a firefighter for the prescribed minimum period “and who has been regularly exposed to the hazards of a fire scene, other than a forest-fire scene, throughout that period” (s. 24.1(3)). A myocardial infarction “within 24 hours after being dispatched or attending at an emergency response, whichever is later” is presumed work-related (s. 24.1(7)). Post-traumatic stress and traumatic psychological injury are presumed for first responders, including part-time and volunteer firefighters (s. 24.2). **Fire-service nuance.** - **“Throughout that period”.** A volunteer must show regular fire-scene exposure across every year of the minimum period, not just the total years on the roster (interpretation). Attendance and exposure records per member per year are the evidence. - **Appointment matters.** Coverage follows appointment to the brigade; keep the council or chief’s appointment record for every member. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (OHS Act consolidated to 2025-06-11; OHS Regulation as filed 2021; compensation Act to 2025-12-18; WCB policy manual downloaded). Whether paid-on-call members count toward thresholds is not confirmed. ### [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 3 general duties [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, with no fire-service part: s. 10 (emergency control of a hazard), ss. 115 to 118 (emergency response plan and rescue workers), ss. 246, 251 and 252 (SCBA) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Guidance, not law: *OHS guide for firefighting* [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019) and *A code of practice for firefighters* [(Government of Alberta, 2007)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2007). Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation, s. 3 [(Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation \[AB\], 2025, s. 3(2)(e))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-local-authority-emergency-management-regulation-ab). **What must be covered.** - **No fire-service rules in law.** The Code has no two-in/two-out or rescue team rule, no PASS rule, no incident command or accountability rule, and no rehabilitation rule; the text was searched for each [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). - **Emergency control of a hazard.** Only competent workers, and only the minimum number necessary, may be exposed while a hazard is brought under control, and every reasonable effort must be made to control it; the written hazard assessment report is suspended only while emergency action is required (s. 10). - **Emergency response plan and rescue workers.** The employer’s emergency response plan designates rescue and evacuation workers, who are trained with simulated exercises repeated at the intervals required and are equipped for the task (ss. 115-118). - **SCBA in IDLH atmospheres.** Positive pressure, at least 30 minutes’ capacity unless the hazard assessment calls for more, full-face protection where contaminants may irritate or damage the eyes, and a low-pressure alarm (s. 251); approved by NIOSH or CSA (s. 246). Where the atmosphere is not immediately dangerous but oxygen is or may be below 19.5 per cent, or contaminants exceed what air-purifying respirators can handle, SCBA or air line equipment with at least 30 minutes’ capacity is still required (s. 252). - **Guidance expectations.** The 2019 guide expects written policies on firefighting functions, the minimum number of firefighters per function, the vehicles, equipment and staff for the initial response (including what crews do when the minimum is not met), minimum training, an incident management system and a personnel accountability system [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019). - **Incident command in emergency management.** A local authority’s emergency management bylaw must adopt the command, control and coordination system the Managing Director prescribes (Incident Command System Canada) [(Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation \[AB\], 2025, s. 3(2)(e), (3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-local-authority-emergency-management-regulation-ab). This governs the municipality’s emergency management, not firefighter safety, but it anchors ICS use. **Fire-service nuance.** - Volunteers are workers (“a person who performs or supplies services for no monetary compensation”), but unpaid workers are not counted toward the committee and representative thresholds; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). - Activity-based carve-outs for rescue personnel exist elsewhere in the Code: fall protection equipment and practices (s. 138), the 20 per cent LEL entry ban (s. 162(2)), firefighter rescue nets (s. 320(3)), professional firefighters on moving boom ladders (s. 128(2)) and rope access (s. 806). - Both guidance documents predate the 2020 Act and 2021 Code and cite repealed section numbers; use them for intent, not as citations. - No refusal carve-out for firefighters [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 17)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection). - A third group of Code changes, including how technical standards are referenced, was under review in 2025-2026. - With no fire-specific rule, Alberta OHS judges fireground practice against the general duty, “as far as it is reasonably practicable”, and the department’s own written procedures; adopting [NFPA 1550 (2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-nfpa-1550) by policy sets that benchmark [(NFPA 1550, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-nfpa-1550). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31; guidance documents read). ### [J13 Firefighter PPE and Protective Equipment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j13-firefighter-ppe-and-protective-equipment) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 3 and 5 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, ss. 3, 5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, ss. 3.1, 3.2, 12, 228 to 243, 246 and 251 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** The employer and supervisor ensure required PPE is worn (s. 3.2); PPE is correct for the hazard, properly worn and in working condition, and workers are trained in its use, care, limitations and maintenance (s. 228(1)); the worker uses it as trained, inspects it before use and does not use PPE that cannot perform (s. 228(2)); equipment and PPE are maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications (s. 12). - **General standards.** Eye protection to CSA Z94.3-15 (s. 229(1)); footwear to CSA Z195-14 or ASTM F2413-05 for footwear made on or after 2023-03-31 (s. 233(2)); headwear to CSA Z94.1-15 or ANSI Z89.1-2003 Type II where lateral impact is possible, otherwise CSA Z94.1-05 or ANSI Z89.1-2003 (s. 234). Equipment made before a new edition took effect may meet the edition in force when it was made (s. 3.1). - **Firefighter footwear.** CSA Z195-14, NFPA 1971 (2007) or NFPA 1977 (2005), for footwear made on or after 2023-03-31 (s. 233(5)). - **Firefighter headwear.** NFPA 1971 (2007) or NFPA 1977 (2005), for helmets made on or after 2009-07-01 (s. 237). - **Other structural PPE.** Coats, trousers, hoods and gloves are covered only by the hazard-based general rules; no NFPA standard is named (ss. 228, 242, 243). - **SCBA.** Where conditions are or may become immediately dangerous to life or health: positive pressure, at least 30 minutes’ capacity unless the hazard assessment calls for more, and a low-pressure alarm (s. 251), approved by NIOSH or CSA (s. 246); no PASS rule. The rest of the respirator rules are in [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air). **Fire-service nuance.** - Specify NFPA 1970 ensembles as the department standard and record that they meet the Code’s hazard-based duty [(NFPA 1970, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-nfpa-1970); the Code’s NFPA 1971 (2007) and NFPA 1977 (2005) references for boots and helmets are now inside NFPA 1970 and NFPA 1950 [(NFPA 1950, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-nfpa-1950). - Decontamination facilities, including showers where needed, and keeping contaminated articles at the work site until decontaminated are required (s. 23); see [J25 Infection Control and Medical First Response](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j25-infection-control-and-medical-first-response). - The 2019 firefighting guide adds care and inspection expectations but cites repealed sections [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-24 (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31; Act to 2025-06-11). ### [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 18 (ss. 244 to 255) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 244-255)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Official guidance: *Respiratory protective equipment* [(Government of Alberta, 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2020). **What must be covered.** - **Program.** A code of practice governing respiratory protective equipment wherever respirators are used (s. 245(1)). - **CSA Z94.4 edition.** Selection and fit testing to CSA Z94.4-02, the 2002 edition (ss. 247, 250(1)). - **Fit test.** The Code sets no interval. The official guide reads Z94.4-02 as requiring a test at first issue, at least every two years, on a change of respirator type, style, brand or size, and on a change in the wearer’s physical condition, by a qualitative or quantitative method [(Government of Alberta, 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2020). - **Facial hair.** Clean shaven where the facepiece seals (s. 250(2)). - **Breathing air.** Must meet Table 1 of CSA Z180.1-00 (R2005), with no other substance above 10 per cent of its exposure limit (s. 249). The Code sets no test interval; the guide says the standard calls for sampling at least every six months [(Government of Alberta, 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2020). - **Inspection.** Respirators kept for emergency use are inspected at least monthly (s. 248(2)). - **Medical.** None in the Code; the guide recommends the health screening in Appendix E of Z94.4-02, with the employer setting its frequency [(Government of Alberta, 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2020). **Fire-service nuance.** - Annual respirator training is required only for health care workers exposed to airborne biohazards (s. 245(2)); a department running ambulance service should check whether this reaches its medics. - The 2002 edition is old; a department may follow Z94.4-18 because it gives at least equal protection, but should record that it meets every Z94.4-02 requirement the Code cites. - The Code’s third review group (2025-2026) includes how technical standards are referenced, so the edition may change. - Volunteers are workers under the Act; the program applies to them; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31; guide read). Intervals from the guide are the regulator’s reading of the standard, not the Code. ### [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, ss. 12 to 14, 124 to 137, 128(2), 260 and 347 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **General inspection and maintenance.** Equipment and PPE are maintained, function safely and are free from obvious defects; rated capacities and modifications are respected; and all use, servicing, testing and maintenance follow the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by an engineer (s. 12(b)-(e)). Where no manufacturer’s specifications exist, an engineer certifies the equipment every 12 months (s. 13(2)(b)); certifications are written, stamped and signed (s. 14). - **Powered mobile equipment** is inspected by a competent worker to the manufacturer’s specifications and not operated until hazards are repaired (s. 260). - **Records.** No general retention period; only specific ones (for example confined space records, s. 58). - **Aerial devices and platforms.** Vehicle-mounted aerial devices, expressly including an “aerial ladder”, meet CAN/CSA C225-00 (R2005) (s. 347(5)); self-propelled and manually propelled elevating work platforms made on or after 2009-07-01 meet the listed CSA B354 or ANSI A92 standards (s. 347(1)-(4)). No interval is set; ss. 12 and 13 apply. - **Ladders.** Portable ladders made on or after 2009-07-01 meet CSA CAN3-Z11-M81 (R2005) or ANSI A14.1, A14.2 or A14.5 (2007) (s. 135); no work from the top two rungs (s. 133); a 1:4 base ratio and 1 m above the landing (s. 136); fall protection from 3 m on a portable ladder (s. 137). **Fire-service nuance.** - The Code names no NFPA ladder or aerial standard. Use [NFPA 1910 (2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-nfpa-1910) for aerial inspection and testing and the current NFPA ground ladder standard as the manufacturer-and-engineer basis that s. 12 requires [(NFPA 1910, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-nfpa-1910). - The rule against workers on an extending boom ladder while it moves does not apply to professional firefighters (s. 128(2)). - Apparatus registered at 11,794 kg or more are commercial vehicles needing an annual commercial vehicle inspection; the municipal firefighting vehicle permit allows inspection every three years or 5,000 km instead [(Government of Alberta, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2026); see [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing). - C225’s own scope is reported to exclude firefighting aerials, which would leave s. 347(5) applying a standard the equipment was not built to. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31). The C225 scope point is from a secondary source. ### [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 8 (s. 137, portable ladders), Part 9 (fall protection, ss. 138 to 161), Part 41 (work requiring rope access, ss. 805 to 827) and s. 128 (ladders on extending booms) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 128, 137-152.1, 805-827)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Guidance, not law: *OHS guide for firefighting* [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019). **What must be covered.** - **Trigger.** An employer and a supervisor must ensure a worker is protected from falling 3 m or more at a temporary or permanent work area; less than 3 m where there is an “unusual possibility of injury” (an injury worse than landing on a solid, flat surface); into or onto a hazardous substance or object or through an opening; and more than 1.2 m and less than 3 m at a permanent work area (s. 139(1)-(2)). - **Order of controls.** Guardrail; travel restraint; personal fall arrest system; equally effective controls (s. 139(3)-(7)). The worker must use the system (s. 139(8)). - **Written plan.** Required where a worker may fall 3 m or more and is not protected by guardrails; it names the fall hazards, the system, the anchors, the clearance check, the assembly, maintenance, inspection, use and disassembly procedures, and “the rescue procedures to be used if a worker falls and is suspended” (s. 140(1)-(2)). The plan is at the work site, reviewed with workers before work begins and updated when conditions change (s. 140(3)-(4)). - **Training.** Before a worker works where fall protection is required, with listed content including legislation, the plan, hazard identification, anchor selection, connecting hardware and the effect of a fall on the body (s. 141). No refresher interval and no record rule. - **Equipment.** CSA Z259 parts named in Part 9, including Z259.10-18 harnesses, Z259.11-17 energy absorbers and lanyards, Z259.2.2-17 self-retracting devices (ss. 142-145), Z259.13-04 horizontal lifelines and Z259.16-04 design (s. 153); NFPA 1983 (2006 edition), general or light duty, is accepted for descent control and rope adjustment devices (ss. 146, 148.1). Connecting components to Z259.12-16 are named in the rope access Part (s. 835). - **Arrest limits.** Free fall no more than 1.2 m without a shock absorber; maximum arresting force 6 kN, or 8 kN with an E6 shock absorber (s. 151). - **Anchors.** Permanent anchors installed since 2009-07-01: 16 kN per worker or twice the maximum arresting force (s. 152); temporary restraint anchors 3.5 kN per worker; temporary fall arrest anchors 16 kN or twice the maximum arresting force (s. 152.1). - **Portable ladders.** A personal fall arrest system for work from a portable ladder at 3 m or more, except while climbing and for light short tasks under listed conditions (s. 137). - **Rope access (Part 41).** A rope access safe work plan where a worker may fall 3 m or more (ss. 808-810); safe work practices including rescue (s. 811); training before use (s. 812); inspection before each shift (s. 815); static rope approved to EN 1891 Type A, NFPA 1983 (2006) or UIAA 107 (s. 817); prompt rescue and self-rescue training (ss. 821-822); for industrial rope access, IRATA, SPRAT or ARAA practice, at least 2 trained workers present and a logbook (ss. 823-827). **Fire-service nuance.** - **The relief, verbatim.** “Rescue personnel involved in training or in providing emergency rescue services may use equipment, personal protective equipment and practices other than those specified in this Part” (s. 138). The rope access Part has the same wording: “Workers involved in emergency rescue services or training for the purpose of emergency rescue may use equipment, personal protective equipment and practices other than those specified in this Part” (s. 806). - Alberta’s is the only fall-protection relief in Canada that names training. It allows other equipment and practices; it does not remove the duty to protect. The provincial guide says s. 138 “does not exempt firefighters from using fall protection equipment and practices” [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019). - The relief sits in Part 9 and Part 41 only. The portable ladder rule in s. 137 (Part 8) still applies, and firefighting at height that is not rescue (for example roof ventilation) is not clearly “providing emergency rescue services” (an interpretation; confirm with Alberta OHS). - The rule that no worker is on a boom-mounted ladder while it articulates, extends or retracts “does not apply to professional firefighters working on fire-fighting equipment” (s. 128(2)); whether “professional” includes volunteers is not stated. - The Code has no aerial ladder belt rule; vehicle-mounted aerial devices meet CSA C225 (see [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices)). - Station and maintenance work at 3 m or more needs the written plan in s. 140. **Status.** Verified against the official text (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31): ss. 128, 137-153 and 805-835 read on 2026-10-23 and 2026-10-24, including the standards named in ss. 142-148.1, 153 and 835; the guide is guidance. ### [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 5 (confined and restricted spaces, ss. 44 to 58), s. 162 (flammable atmospheres) and Schedule 1, Table 2 (exposure limits) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 44-58, 162, Sch. 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Guidance, not law: *OHS guide for firefighting* [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019). **What must be covered.** - **Program.** A written code of practice for confined space entry (s. 44); a hazard assessment by a competent person (s. 45). - **Training.** By a competent person, with records (s. 46(1)-(2)); those who respond collectively hold first aid, emergency equipment and space-specific competence (s. 46(3)). No interval. - **Permit.** An entry permit signed by a competent person and readily available (s. 47). - **Atmosphere.** Oxygen 19.5 to 23.0 percent (s. 52(1)(a)), with continuous monitoring where the atmosphere may change (s. 52(3.1)); no entry or work above 20 percent of the LEL (s. 162(1)); in-space monitoring equipment not energized above 10 percent of the LEL unless it cannot ignite the atmosphere (s. 56(7)(b)); hydrogen sulphide 10 ppm (8 hours) and 15 ppm ceiling, carbon monoxide 25 ppm (8 hours) (Sch. 1, Table 2). - **Tending worker.** Designated for every entry, and at the entrance or a remote station where oxygen is outside the range or a Table 2 substance exceeds 50 percent of its limit (s. 56). - **Rescue.** No entry unless an effective rescue can be carried out (s. 55). - **Records.** Kept 1 year, or 2 years if an incident occurred (s. 58). **Fire-service nuance.** - **The only exemption, verbatim.** The 20 percent LEL ban “does not apply to a competent, properly equipped worker who is responding in an emergency” (s. 162(2)). Part 5 itself has no firefighter exemption, and the provincial guide says a department that provides confined space rescue must comply with it [(Government of Alberta, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2019). - Training entries and the department’s own spaces need the code of practice, permits, monitoring and a tending worker. **Status.** Verified against the official text (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31): s. 162 read on 2026-10-23; Part 5 (ss. 44 to 58) read on 2026-10-24. ### [J18 Excavation and Trench](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j18-excavation-and-trench) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 32 (excavating and tunnelling) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 449-459)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Trigger.** Protection where an excavation is more than 1.5 m deep and a worker is closer to the wall than its depth (s. 450). - **Protective systems.** Walls cut back, with any vertical portion no more than 1.5 m, or temporary protective structures, or both (ss. 450-451); prescribed shoring for trenches 1.5 m to 6 m deep (s. 457). - **Engineer.** Temporary protective structures more than 3 m deep are designed and certified by a professional engineer (s. 456(1)); an engineer may certify that the ground is stable, which lifts ss. 450 to 459 (s. 449). - **Spoil.** The leading edge at least 1 m from the edge of the excavation (s. 453(a)). - **Access.** In a trench more than 1.5 m deep, a safe entry and exit no more than 8 m from the worker (s. 455(1)). **Fire-service nuance.** - No firefighter exemption in Part 32, and the emergency relief for flammable atmospheres in s. 162(2) does not reach trench protection (see [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space)). - The engineer’s stable-ground certificate in s. 449 belongs to a planned excavation; a rescue team should not rely on one for ground that has already collapsed. **Status.** Verified against the official text (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31): ss. 449 to 457 read on 2026-10-24. ### [J19 Lockout, Machine Guarding and Electrical Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j19-lockout-machine-guarding-and-electrical-safety) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 15 (managing the control of hazardous energy, ss. 212 to 215.6), Part 22 (safeguards, ss. 310 to 322), Part 25 (tools, equipment and machinery, ss. 362 to 385) and Part 17 (overhead power lines, ss. 225 to 227, Schedule 4) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 212-215.6, 225-227, 310-322, 362-385, Sch. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Codes: the Safety Codes Act and its electrical and gas code regulations. **What must be covered.** - **Lockout.** Hazardous energy control under Part 15, including emergency removal of a lock (s. 215.3(2)). - **Guarding.** Safeguards under Part 22 and machinery rules under Part 25. - **Limits of approach.** Before work is done or equipment is operated within 7 m of an overhead power line, the employer determines the voltage and sets the safe limit of approach distance from Schedule 4 (s. 225(1)); the distance is kept by workers and equipment (s. 225(2), (5)); work closer needs notice to and the assistance of the line operator (s. 225(3)): | Voltage | Safe limit of approach | |:---|:---| | 0 to 750 V, insulated or polyethylene-covered conductors | 300 mm | | 0 to 750 V, bare, uninsulated | 1.0 m | | Above 750 V, insulated conductors | 1.0 m | | 750 V to 40 kV | 3.0 m | | 69 kV, 72 kV | 3.5 m | | 138 kV, 144 kV | 4.0 m | | 230 kV, 260 kV | 5.0 m | | 500 kV | 7.0 m | - **Transported loads.** The distances do not apply to a load, equipment or building transported under a line if the total height is less than 4.15 m (s. 226). - **Electrical code.** The 2024 Canadian Electrical Code is reported in force from 2025-04-01. **Fire-service nuance.** - No emergency relief from the approach distances. Aerial devices and ground ladders near lines are bound by Schedule 4; see [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices). - The Code’s third review group (2025-2026) includes how technical standards are referenced. **Status.** Verified against the official text (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31): Parts 15, 17, 22 and 25 and Schedule 4 read on 2026-10-24. Code adoption and the Safety Codes Act regulations were not read. ### [J20 Stations, Premises and Building Codes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j20-stations-premises-and-building-codes) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, ss. 23 to 25, 115 to 123, 185, 186, 275, 314, 315, 354 to 361 and 386 to 388 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab); Safety Codes Act with the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation and Pressure Equipment Exemption Order [(ABSA, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-ab-529-pressure-equipment-exemption-order-user-guide). **What must be covered.** - **Housekeeping and access.** Work sites kept clean and free of slip and trip materials (s. 185); safe entry and exit (s. 119); walkways and ramps at least 600 mm wide with traction (s. 121). - **Stairs and guardrails.** Handrails at 800 to 920 mm on stairs with five or more risers, with an intermediate rail on open sides (ss. 122-123); openings covered or guarded (s. 314); guardrail tops at 920 to 1,070 mm with a mid member and posts no more than 3 m apart (s. 315). - **Lighting and ventilation.** Sufficient lighting and emergency lighting, with no lux values (s. 186); mechanical ventilation rules where ventilation controls contaminants (ss. 386-388). - **Emergencies.** An emergency response plan covering fire protection, alarms, communication, rescue and evacuation, with rescue workers and equipment (ss. 115-118). - **Sanitation and decontamination.** Toilets to Schedule 7, hand cleaning and potable water (ss. 354-361); facilities “including showers” to remove contamination before workers leave, with contaminated articles kept at the site until decontaminated (s. 23); emergency showers and eyewash (s. 24); no eating in contaminated areas (s. 25). - **Exhaust.** No fire-hall exhaust rule; exhaust must not enter an enclosed vehicle body carrying workers (s. 275(4)). - **Pressure equipment.** The Exemption Order excludes vessels subject to the federal transport of dangerous goods or shipping law (gas cylinders), vessels relieving at 103 kPa or less, compressor casings (but not intercoolers, aftercoolers or pulsation bottles), plants whose total vessel volume is 42.5 L or less, and stand-alone vessels of 42.5 L or less or 152 mm inside diameter or less; larger receivers and connected storage fall under the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation [(ABSA, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-ab-529-pressure-equipment-exemption-order-user-guide). The regulation’s registration and inspection sections were not read. - **Codes.** The 2020 national codes with provincial variations, in force 2024-05-01 (CBHCC, n.d.), published as the 2023 Alberta editions. **Fire-service nuance.** - The decontamination duty in s. 23 is one of the clearest legal anchors in Canada for station decontamination areas and showers. - Diesel exhaust in bays is controlled through the general exposure limit and ventilation duties; adopt source capture as the department standard [(NFPA 1585, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-nfpa-1585). **Status.** Partly verified: the Code read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2025-03-31); pressure equipment exemptions read in the safety authority’s guide; code titles not read. ### [J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos) **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/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#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/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#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. ### [J22 Exposure Limits, Heat and Cold Stress](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j22-exposure-limits-heat-and-cold-stress) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 4, ss. 16 to 20, and Schedule 1, Table 2 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 16-20, Sch. 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Basis of limits.** Exposure to a Schedule 1, Table 2 substance is kept as low as reasonably achievable and must not exceed its occupational exposure limit (s. 16(1)-(2)); ceiling limits are never exceeded (s. 16(3.1)); a substance with no listed limit is kept as low as reasonably achievable (s. 16(3)). Alberta keeps its own table rather than adopting ACGIH. - **Mixtures.** Combined exposure to several substances is assessed (s. 17). - **Long shifts.** For a single shift longer than eight hours, the eight-hour limit is adjusted by a daily reduction factor of (8 ÷ h) × ((24 − h) ÷ 16), where h is hours worked (s. 18). - **Review and measurement.** A person may ask a Director to review a limit (s. 19); airborne concentrations are measured by recognized methods (s. 20). - **Heat and cold.** The Code has no heat stress or cold stress section. Thermal hazards are handled through the hazard assessment in Part 2 and the employer’s general duty. **Fire-service nuance.** - The s. 18 factor falls to zero as h approaches 24, so it cannot be applied mechanically to a 24-hour shift; assess the actual exposure periods with an industrial hygienist. - Schedule 1 has no diesel exhaust limit, so bay exhaust is managed under the “as low as reasonably achievable” rule. - The third group of Code changes under review includes the occupational exposure limits (Government of Alberta, n.d.-e). **Status.** Verified against the Code consolidated to 2025-03-31 (read 2026-10-23), except the review status and heat guidance. ### [J23 Noise and Hearing Conservation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j23-noise-and-hearing-conservation) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 16 (ss. 217-223) and Schedule 3 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 218-223, Sch. 3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Limits and exchange rate.** 85 dBA Lex (s. 218), with the Schedule 3 table of 85 dBA for 8 hours, 88 dBA for 4, 91 dBA for 2 and no exposure at 115 dBA or more, which is a 3 dB exchange rate (Sch. 3, Table 1; s. 219(2)(a)(i)). - **Assessment.** A noise exposure assessment where exposure may exceed 82 dBA Lex, to CSA Z107.56-18 (s. 219), with records kept three years (s. 220). - **Program.** A noise management program where workers are exposed above the limits, reviewed annually, and signs where levels exceed 85 dBA (s. 221). - **Hearing protection.** Protectors to CSA Z94.2-14 (R2019), fitted to the worker (s. 222). - **Audiometric tests.** A baseline within six months of the start of exposure, a second test within 12 months of the baseline, then at least every second year; notice to the worker of a significant threshold shift within 30 days (s. 223(1), (4)-(5)). **Fire-service nuance.** - Volunteers are workers under the Act, so they are entitled to the same tests; a composite department needs one testing schedule for all members. **Status.** Verified against the Code consolidated to 2025-03-31 (read through the research, 2026-10-23). ### [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 11 (ss. 177-184) and Schedule 2 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 177-184, Sch. 2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Standards.** First aiders trained by approved agencies to CSA Z1210-17 (s. 177); kits to CSA Z1220-17 (s. 178(3)). - **Hazard class.** Fire operations are neither low nor high hazard in Schedule 2, Table 2, so they are medium hazard work by default. - **Close work site, medium hazard (Table 6).** 1 worker: Type 1 personal kit; 2-9: 1 basic first aider and a Type 2 basic small kit; 10-19: 1 basic and 1 intermediate first aider and a basic small kit; 20-49: 1 basic and 1 intermediate and a basic medium kit; 50-99: 2 basic and 1 intermediate and a basic large kit. - **Transport.** An emergency transportation plan before workers go to a work site (s. 180); an ill or injured worker is accompanied by a first aider unless three or fewer workers are present (s. 180(3)-(4)). - **Medical certificates count.** Emergency medical responders, primary care paramedics and advanced care paramedics need no further first aid course to be designated first aiders (s. 181(3)). - **Records.** Injury and first aid records kept three years (s. 183(3)), confidential (s. 184). - **Vehicles.** No separate vehicle kit rule; a vehicle is a work site. **Fire-service nuance.** - Members certified as EMRs or paramedics meet the first aider requirement; firefighter medical responder certificates that are not one of those designations do not. - Volunteers are workers but are not counted toward committee thresholds; count them as workers present for first aid (interpretation). **Status.** Verified against the Code consolidated to 2025-03-31. ### [J25 Infection Control and Medical First Response](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j25-infection-control-and-medical-first-response) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 35 (health care and industries with biological hazards, ss. 525.1-530) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 525.1-530)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). Source testing: Mandatory Testing and Disclosure Act (Government of Alberta, n.d.-d). **What must be covered.** - **Control.** Exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other biohazardous material controlled under the Code’s hazard control rules (s. 525.1) and kept as low as reasonably practicable (s. 529). - **Sharps.** Any medical sharp must be safety-engineered, unless clinically inappropriate or not commercially available (s. 525.2(2)-(3)); safe work procedures and training for using and disposing of sharps (s. 525.2(4)-(6)); sharps containers with a fill line, close to where sharps are used (s. 526); no recapping of waste needles (s. 527). - **Procedures.** Policies and procedures for storing, handling, using and disposing of biohazardous material, and informing workers of the hazards (s. 528). - **After an exposure.** Policies and procedures for post-exposure management of workers exposed to biohazardous material (s. 530). - **Source testing.** A person who contacted a bodily substance while providing emergency assistance or performing duties as a firefighter, paramedic or peace officer may apply for a testing order; applications now go to the Court of Justice (Government of Alberta, n.d.-d). - **Medical first response.** Fire departments that provide medical first response do so within the provincial health system’s program, with members registered as emergency medical responders or paramedics where they practise at that level. **Fire-service nuance.** - Part 35 is titled for health care “and industries with biological hazards”; a department that handles sharps or body fluids should treat ss. 525.1-530 as applying. **Status.** Partly verified: Part 35 read on 2026-10-23 (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31). The testing statute was seen only on the government’s page in search, and the medical response program was not read. ### [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 27, ss. 390 to 392 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 390-392)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 1(n), 1(rr), 2(a) and 3(1)(c) [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **One combined written violence and harassment prevention plan**, developed and implemented by every employer, that includes [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 390(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab): - measures to eliminate the hazards of violence and harassment or, where that is not reasonably practicable, to control them; - procedures to inform workers of the nature and extent of the hazard, including specific or general threats that exist or may exist; - procedures to report violence or harassment; - procedures to investigate complaints and incidents; - confidentiality for everyone involved, except where disclosure is needed to investigate, take corrective action, inform the parties of the results, warn workers of a threat, or is required by law. - **Consultation** with the joint committee, the representative or, where there is neither, affected workers, both in developing the plan and in reviewing it (ss. 390(2), 390.7(2)). - **Domestic violence.** Reasonable precautions when the employer is aware a worker is or is likely to be exposed to domestic violence at a work site (s. 390.3). - **Review** when an incident indicates a review is needed, when a change to the work or work site could affect the potential for violence, when the committee or representative asks, and at least every 3 years; revise as necessary (s. 390.7). - **Training** in recognizing violence and harassment, the plan and its revisions, the appropriate response including how to obtain assistance, and the reporting, investigating and documenting procedures (s. 391). - **Investigation and reporting** of incidents under the Act’s incident provisions, ss. 33(6)(a)-(c), (7), (8) and 36 (s. 391.1). - **Treatment.** A worker reporting an injury or adverse symptom is advised to consult a health professional of their choice, and treatment during regular hours counts as time at work (ss. 391.2, 392). - **Definitions.** Violence includes threatened, attempted or actual conduct that causes or is likely to cause physical or psychological injury or harm, including domestic or sexual violence [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 1(rr))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). Harassment excludes reasonable management action (s. 1(n)). **Fire-service nuance.** - Applies to every employer, fire departments included, with no emergency-services carve-out. The employer must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that none of its workers is subjected to or participates in harassment or violence at the work site [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 3(1)(c))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). - “Worker” includes a person who supplies services for no monetary compensation [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 1(tt))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab), so volunteer members are covered by the plan, the training and the investigation duties. - Part 27 was rewritten by AR 202/2024, in force 2025-03-31. A plan written before that date needs checking against the current s. 390 list. - One plan covers both violence and harassment, so the review cycle in s. 390.7 also governs the harassment content ([J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment)). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31; Act to 2025-06-11). ### [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 1(n), 1(tt) and 3(1)(c) [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 27, ss. 390 to 392 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 390-392)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **One combined violence and harassment prevention plan** for every employer [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 390(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab): measures to eliminate or control the hazard; procedures to inform workers of the nature and extent of the hazard; procedures to report; procedures to investigate complaints and incidents; and confidentiality except where disclosure is needed to investigate, take corrective action, inform the parties of the results, warn of a threat, or is required by law. Developed and reviewed with the committee, representative or affected workers (ss. 390(2), 390.7(2)). - **Training** in recognizing harassment, the plan and its revisions, the response including how to get help, and the reporting, investigating and documenting procedures (s. 391). - **Review** when an incident indicates it, when the work or work site changes, at the request of the committee or representative, and at least every 3 years (s. 390.7(1)). - **Investigation** under the Act’s incident provisions (s. 391.1); advice to see a health professional, with treatment during work hours counted as work time (ss. 391.2, 392). - **Definition.** “Harassment” is any single incident or repeated incidents of objectionable or unwelcome conduct, comment, bullying or action that the person knows or ought reasonably to know will cause offence or humiliation or adversely affects the worker’s health and safety, including conduct on human rights grounds and sexual solicitation, and excluding reasonable conduct of an employer or supervisor in managing workers or a work site [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 1(n))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). **Fire-service nuance.** - The employer must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that none of its workers is subjected to or participates in harassment [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 3(1)(c))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). “Participates” makes the department responsible for its own members’ conduct, including at off-duty events tied to the work. - Volunteers are workers: “worker” includes “a person who performs or supplies services for no monetary compensation” [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 1(tt))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). - Part 27 was rewritten effective 2025-03-31; check older policies against the current s. 390 list. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31; Act to 2025-06-11). ### [J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 1(n), 1(rr) and 2(a) [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, s. 7 and Part 27 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **In the statute.** The Act does not define “health”, but its first purpose is “the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, psychological and social well-being of workers” [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 2(a))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab). Violence includes conduct likely to cause “physical or psychological injury or harm” (s. 1(rr)), and harassment includes conduct that adversely affects a worker’s health and safety (s. 1(n)). - **Psychosocial duty.** No separate psychosocial regulation. The employer must assess the work site for existing and potential hazards before work begins and report the results and controls [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 7)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab); with the Act’s purpose clause, that assessment should include psychosocial hazards (interpretation). Violence and harassment are handled in one combined plan (Part 27; [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence)). - **Crisis resources.** Alberta Mental Health Line 1-877-303-2642 (24 hours); 211 Alberta (call or text 2-1-1); 9-8-8 [(Public Health Agency of Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-public-health-agency-of-canada-2026). **Fire-service nuance.** - First responders, including part-time and volunteer firefighters, have PTSD and traumatic psychological injury presumptions, and chronic-onset stress can be compensable under board policy ([J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions)). - CSA Z1003-13 is voluntary here. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2025-06-11; Code to 2025-03-31); crisis lines confirmed on the federal listing. ### [J29 Occupational Diving](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j29-occupational-diving) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 31 (diving operations, ss. 423 to 437) [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 423-437)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Scope.** The Part “applies to diving operations performed by workers who are diving at a work site” and does not apply “to sport or recreational diving” or its instruction (s. 423). - **Standards.** Diving operations meet CSA Z275.1-05 (hyperbaric facilities), CSA Z275.2-04 (occupational safety code for diving operations) and CSA Z275.4-02 (competency standard) (s. 424). Sections 425 to 436 are repealed, so the team, medical, equipment and record rules come from those standards. - **Intakes.** Flow through intakes of pipes, tunnels and ducts near a dive is stopped and locked out before the dive (s. 437). **Fire-service nuance.** - Public safety divers are workers diving at a work site, so Part 31 applies in full; there is no emergency relief. - Because the Code adopts the 2002 to 2005 editions of the CSA standards, a department should show that it meets those editions even if it trains to newer ones. **Status.** Partly verified: ss. 423-424 and 437 read on 2026-10-23 (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31). The team size and medical interval come from CSA Z275.2-04, which was not read. ### [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing) **Law.** Traffic Safety Act, ss. 1(1)(m), 115(2)(t), 115(4); Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, ss. 22.1, 62-63, 65(2); Vehicle Equipment Regulation, ss. 2.1, 27-28, 82, 84; Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation, ss. 23, 25, 27 ([Traffic Safety Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 1, 115](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-traffic-safety-act-ab); [Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation \[AB\], 2025, ss. 22.1, 62-63, 65](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-use-of-highway-and-rules-of-the-road-regulation-ab); [Vehicle Equipment Regulation \[AB\], 2025, ss. 2.1, 27-28, 82, 84](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-vehicle-equipment-regulation-ab); [Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation \[AB\], 2026, ss. 23, 25, 27](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-operator-licensing-and-vehicle-control-regulation-ab)). No replacement statute. **What must be covered.** - **Emergency vehicle.** Includes “a fire-fighting or other type of vehicle operated by the fire protection service of a municipality” [(Traffic Safety Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 1(1)(m)(ii))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-traffic-safety-act-ab). - **Exemptions.** Where reasonable and safe and with the siren operating: exceed the speed limit, pass stop signals, and contravene other rules; right of way; fire vehicles first in the order of priority; parking with flashing lights; siren only when responding (UHRR ss. 62, 63(1)-(4)). Emergency vehicle personnel have traffic-control powers when no peace officer is present (s. 63(5)). - **Lights.** Red, or red and white, flashing lamps on apparatus (VER s. 27); a Registrar’s exemption from 2025-05-14 to 2028-02-29 allows blue with red, when stationary only [(Government of Alberta, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2025). - **Other drivers.** No following within 150 m (UHRR s. 65(2)); slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit if lower when passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lamps on the same side, unless a lane separates on a multi-lane road [(Traffic Safety Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 115(2)(t), (4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-traffic-safety-act-ab); change lanes away where possible (UHRR s. 22.1). - **Seat belts.** All drivers and passengers belted (VER s. 82(2)); emergency vehicles are exempt only from the child-restraint rules (s. 84(2)(b)). - **Licence.** Class 3 for a single vehicle with three or more axles (OLVCR s. 23); Class 5 for two-axle vehicles (s. 25); air brake endorsement required (s. 27); no fire exemption. - **Commercial vehicle rules.** Apparatus registered at 11,794 kg or more are commercial vehicles (annual inspection, driver abstracts); a Municipal Firefighting Vehicle Permit allows inspection every three years or 5,000 km and abstracts only on joining [(Government of Alberta, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-government-of-alberta-2026). **Fire-service nuance.** - A firefighter’s personal vehicle may show flashing green lamps if a municipal bylaw allows, only when responding (VER s. 28); with the lamps on it counts as an “emergency response unit” only for the slow-down rule (s. 2.1). It has no other privilege. - The permit route lightens commercial vehicle paperwork but not the inspection itself. **Status.** Verified against the official consolidations listed (2025-2026). ### [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Code, s. 194; Traffic Safety Act, s. 115(2)(t) and (4); Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, s. 22.1; Vehicle Equipment Regulation, s. 2.1 ([Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, s. 194](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab); [Traffic Safety Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 115](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-traffic-safety-act-ab); [Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation \[AB\], 2025, s. 22.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-use-of-highway-and-rules-of-the-road-regulation-ab); [Vehicle Equipment Regulation \[AB\], 2025, s. 2.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-vehicle-equipment-regulation-ab)). **What must be covered.** - **Traffic control.** At any work site where traffic is dangerous to workers, the employer controls it; on public highways with signs, barriers, flashing lights and similar devices or the TAC *Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada* (1998, with updates to 2009-06-30), or the listed methods (s. 194(1), (7)). There is no exemption for emergency scenes. - **High visibility.** Workers on foot exposed to traffic wear high-visibility apparel; designated traffic controllers are identifiable and retroreflective at night (s. 194(2)-(6)). The Code defines the apparel generically and names no CSA Z96 edition. - **Move-over.** Drivers passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lamps on the same side of the road slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit if lower, unless a lane separates them on a multi-lane road [(Traffic Safety Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 115(2)(t), (4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-traffic-safety-act-ab), and move to a lane farther away where possible (UHRR s. 22.1). **Fire-service nuance.** - A volunteer’s personal vehicle showing permitted green lamps is an “emergency response unit” for the slow-down rule only (VER s. 2.1), so members arriving in personal vehicles get the slow-down protection while parked with the lamps on. - Emergency vehicle personnel have peace-officer traffic-control powers when no peace officer is present (see [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing)). **Status.** Verified against the Code (consolidated to 2025-03-31) and the traffic consolidations. ### [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions) **Law.** Workers’ Compensation Act, ss. 14(3)(b), 24.1 and 24.2 [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab); Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation, ss. 1 and 2 [(Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation \[AB\], 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-firefighters-primary-site-cancer-regulation-ab); Board policies 03-01 Part II Applications 6 and 9 and 06-01 Part II Application 3 [(Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-board-alberta-2026). Board: WCB-Alberta. **What must be covered.** - **Board administration.** WCB-Alberta insures and adjudicates; check contractors’ standing before work and payment. - **Cancers.** 20 primary-site cancers, each with a minimum period of regular exposure to the hazards of a fire scene, “other than a forest-fire scene” (s. 24.1(2)-(3); [Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation \[AB\], 2023, s. 2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-firefighters-primary-site-cancer-regulation-ab)): | Cancer | Years | Cancer | Years | |:-----------------------|:------|:-------------|:------| | Leukemia | 5 | Brain | 10 | | Cervical | 10 | Ovarian | 10 | | Testicular | 10 | Breast | 10 | | Pancreatic | 10 | Thyroid | 10 | | Bladder | 15 | Ureter | 15 | | Lung (non-smokers) | 15 | Colorectal | 15 | | Prostate | 15 | Skin | 15 | | Multiple myeloma | 15 | Mesothelioma | 15 | | Soft tissue sarcoma | 15 | Kidney | 20 | | Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma | 20 | Esophageal | 25 | - **Who.** Full-time and part-time firefighters of a municipality or Metis settlement; “part-time firefighter” means a casual, volunteer or part-time member of its fire protection service (s. 24.1(1)(c)). - **Lung.** Non-smoker means no tobacco use in the 10 years before diagnosis [(Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation \[AB\], 2023, s. 1(b))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-firefighters-primary-site-cancer-regulation-ab). - **Heart.** A myocardial infarction “within 24 hours after being dispatched or attending at an emergency response, whichever is later” (s. 24.1(7)), for full-time and part-time firefighters, volunteers included. - **PTSD and psychological injury.** PTSD diagnosed by a physician or psychologist, and psychological injury after a traumatic event at work, are presumed for first responders (firefighters, including part-time and volunteer, paramedics, peace officers and police officers), correctional officers and emergency dispatchers (s. 24.2). Chronic-onset psychological injury from accumulated or long-lasting work stressors or bullying and harassment can be compensable under board policy with a diagnosis and the policy’s criteria [(Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta, 2026, Policy 03-01 Part II App. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-board-alberta-2026). - **Volunteers.** Covered by board order: appointed members of an organized fire brigade who must attend fires, drills and training, and people asked by the chief or a deputy to help at a fire (s. 14(3)(b); [Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta, 2026, Policy 06-01 Part II App. 3](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-board-alberta-2026)). Earnings are based on the member’s regular employment. **Fire-service nuance.** - The 2023 regulation amendments added mesothelioma, pancreatic, soft tissue sarcoma and thyroid cancers and cut colorectal from 20 to 15 years, for claims from 2023-04-05; testicular was cut to 10 years from 2018-01-17 [(Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta, 2026, Policy 03-01 Part II App. 9)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-board-alberta-2026). - Forest-fire scenes do not count toward the cancer minimums, except for an exposure-period waiver for the 2016 Horse River wildfire (s. 24.1(3.1)). Record wildland interface work separately. - The 24-hour heart window runs from dispatch or attendance, whichever is later; training is not named. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2025-12-18; Regulation to 2023-04-05; board policy manual downloaded 2026-10-23). Contractor clearance not checked. ### [J33 Return to Work, Accommodation and Hours of Work](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j33-return-to-work-accommodation-and-hours-of-work) **Law.** Workers’ Compensation Act, ss. 89.2 and 152.1 [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab); Alberta Human Rights Act, ss. 7 and 11 [(Alberta Human Rights Act \[AB\], 2000)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-alberta-human-rights-act-ab); Employment Standards Regulation, ss. 43.7 to 43.75 [(Employment Standards Regulation \[AB\], 2026, ss. 43.7-43.75)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-employment-standards-regulation-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Duty to co-operate.** The employer of an injured worker shall co-operate with the Board and the worker in efforts to achieve the early and safe return of the worker to their employment [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 89.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab). The Board may impose an administrative penalty for a contravention, for each day it continues (s. 152.1). - **Re-employment.** No statutory re-employment obligation is in the current consolidation. - **Accommodation.** No employer shall refuse to employ or discriminate in employment because of physical or mental disability or other listed grounds [(Alberta Human Rights Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 7(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-alberta-human-rights-act-ab), except for a bona fide occupational requirement (s. 7(3)); a contravention is deemed not to have occurred if it was reasonable and justifiable in the circumstances (s. 11). Both defences are read through the three-step test (*British Columbia (Public Service Employee Relations Commission) v. BCGSEU*, 1999). - **Hours of work.** For a firefighter “regularly employed by a municipality or a Metis settlement in its fire service and assigned to active duty” [(Employment Standards Regulation \[AB\], 2026, s. 43.7)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-employment-standards-regulation-ab), Division 10 replaces the Code’s general hours rules (s. 43.72): - a shift may not exceed **24 hours** (s. 43.73(2)); - after a 24-hour shift, no work may be scheduled to begin within the next **24 hours** (s. 43.73(3)); - both limits give way in an emergency or in unforeseen or unpreventable circumstances (s. 43.74); - overtime is time beyond the greater of the scheduled shifts and an average of 44 hours a week over the work cycle, up to 26 weeks (s. 43.75). **Fire-service nuance.** - The firefighter Division covers members “regularly employed”; volunteers and casual paid-on-call members are not within it (interpretation). Their call-out load is a fatigue question under the occupational health and safety duty ([J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety)). - With no re-employment obligation in the current Act, the co-operation duty, the human rights duty and the department’s own return-to-work policy carry the load. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2025-12-18; Human Rights Act to 2023-04-01; Regulation to 2026-01-01). ### [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) **Law.** No fire services act. Municipal Government Act, ss. 7, 535.2 and 708.29 [(Municipal Government Act \[AB\], 2000)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-municipal-government-act-ab); Safety Codes Act, ss. 1(1)(n), 2(1), 14 and 48 [(Safety Codes Act \[AB\], 2000)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-safety-codes-act-ab); Forest and Prairie Protection Act, ss. 4, 7, 7.1 and 13 [(Forest and Prairie Protection Act \[AB\], 2000)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-forest-and-prairie-protection-act-ab); Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation, ss. 3 to 6 [(Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation \[AB\], 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-local-authority-emergency-management-regulation-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Establishing a department.** Council passes bylaws for the safety and protection of people and property and for municipal services, which is the basis for fire services bylaws and the chief’s powers [(Municipal Government Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 7(a), (f))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-municipal-government-act-ab). - **Liability.** Fire service organizations and firefighters, “including a volunteer”, are not liable for good-faith acts in providing fire services, except in motor vehicle accidents (s. 535.2). - **Mutual aid.** Every intermunicipal collaboration framework must address emergency services (s. 708.29(1.1)(d)); aid itself rests on municipal agreements. No provincial statutory mutual aid scheme was found. - **Fire protection under the Safety Codes Act.** The Act applies to “fire protection”, which includes suppression; safety codes officers investigate fires; the Minister appoints administrators [(Safety Codes Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 1(1)(n), 2(1), 14, 48)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-safety-codes-act-ab). “Fire Commissioner” is not a statutory title; the Office of the Fire Commissioner is an administrative office. - **Rural fires.** Rural municipalities are responsible for fighting and controlling fires outside forest protection areas, report fire information to the Minister on request, and appoint fire guardians who may conscript help and commandeer equipment [(Forest and Prairie Protection Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 4, 7, 7.1, 13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-forest-and-prairie-protection-act-ab); see [J35 Wildland and Interface Fire](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j35-wildland-and-interface-fire). - **Certification.** None mandatory: “NFPA certification of fire service members is not required by the Alberta government”. The province runs a voluntary certification program accredited by IFSAC and Pro Board (Government of Alberta, n.d.-c). **Fire-service nuance.** - The closest thing to a community risk assessment is the local emergency management plan, which must include a hazard and risk assessment and, after amendments in 2025 with a two-year phase-in, a mitigation strategy and evacuation plan; the plan is reviewed yearly and exercised [(Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation \[AB\], 2025, ss. 4-6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-local-authority-emergency-management-regulation-ab). - The local authority’s emergency management bylaw must adopt the prescribed command system (ICS Canada) (s. 3(2)(e)). - With no provincial training standard, the OHS duty to ensure workers are competent or directly supervised [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[AB\], 2020, s. 3(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-ab) is the legal floor; the department’s adopted standard sets the actual bar. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Municipal Government Act current to 2026-09-01; certification page read). The administrative status of the Office of the Fire Commissioner was not confirmed. ### [J35 Wildland and Interface Fire](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j35-wildland-and-interface-fire) **Law.** Forest and Prairie Protection Act, ss. 4, 7, 7.1, 13 and 17 to 20 [(Forest and Prairie Protection Act \[AB\], 2000, ss. 4, 7, 7.1, 13, 17-20)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-forest-and-prairie-protection-act-ab); Occupational Health and Safety Code, ss. 233(5) and 237 [(Occupational Health and Safety Code \[AB\], 2025, ss. 233, 237)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-code-ab); Workers’ Compensation Act, s. 24.1(3) [(Workers’ Compensation Act \[AB\], 2000, s. 24.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-alberta#ref-workers-compensation-act-ab). **What must be covered.** - **Responsibility.** “The council of a rural municipality is responsible for fighting and controlling all fires within the boundaries of the rural municipality except that part of the rural municipality that is within a forest protection area”, and pays the costs, with a right of recovery (s. 7(1)); a municipality reports fire and fire-control information to the Minister on request (s. 7.1). - **Season.** “The period from March 1 to October 31 in each year is the fire season”, which the Minister may extend or shorten for any area (s. 17). - **Permits.** No outdoor fire in a permit area during the fire season without a fire permit (s. 18(1)), with exceptions for attended cooking and warming fires (s. 18(4)); permits are issued by forest officers or fire guardians, and a rural municipality’s fire guardians may issue them outside the forest protection area (s. 19); permits may be suspended or cancelled at any time (s. 20). - **Fire guardians.** Appointed by the Minister or the municipality, with powers to require assistance and commandeer equipment (ss. 4, 13). - **Wildland PPE.** Firefighters may wear footwear and headwear certified to NFPA 1977 (2005) for wildland firefighting (ss. 233(5), 237). **Fire-service nuance.** - Urban municipalities are outside s. 7; their bylaws govern fire response and open burning within their boundaries. - The firefighter cancer presumption excludes exposure at forest-fire scenes (s. 24.1(3)); see [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions). - The province’s wildland interface structure protection guidelines and the wildland agency’s qualification standards for municipal crews were not read. **Status.** Partly verified: the Act (current to 2024-05-30) and Code sections read on 2026-10-23. Agency qualification standards were not read. ### [J36 External Verification and Funding](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j36-external-verification-and-funding) **Law.** No statute requires external verification. COR is a joint program of certifying partners and the province (Government of Alberta, n.d.); Partnerships in Injury Reduction is a compensation board program (Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta, n.d.); the training grant is a provincial program (Government of Alberta, n.d.-b). **What must be covered.** - **COR.** Issued jointly by a certifying partner and the Government of Alberta. To pass, an employer scores “at least 80% overall, with a minimum score of 50% in each of the audit elements”; a small employer COR (SECOR) is available for up to 10 employees. A certificate is valid three years, with a maintenance audit in each of the two calendar years after the certification audit, scoring at least 60 per cent (Government of Alberta, n.d.). - **Municipal partner.** The Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association is the certifying partner for cities, towns, villages, counties and municipal districts, funded by a levy on compensation premiums (Government of Alberta, n.d.-a). - **Incentive.** Partnerships in Injury Reduction refunds of up to 20 per cent: COR earns a 10 per cent industry-rate refund in the first year, then 5 per cent each year it is maintained; other routes reward improvement against the employer’s own or its industry’s record (Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta, n.d.). - **Grant.** The Fire Services Training Program grant supports regional fire service training. Municipalities, regional services commissions, Métis Settlements, First Nations and partnerships may apply. It pays course fees, training facility rental, materials, instructor costs, reasonable student travel and meals and in-house instructors paid as contractors; it does not pay capital or equipment, student wages, training outside Alberta or incident command courses. The 2027 envelope is \$500,000; applications close 2026-11-02, funds flow March to April 2027, and courses must be delivered by 2028-05-31 (Government of Alberta, n.d.-b). **Fire-service nuance.** - **No provincial equipment grant was found.** Equipment has to come from capital budgets, regional partnerships or the federal infrastructure fund (see Federal below). - **Voluntary certification.** The province runs a voluntary firefighter certification program, a useful external check on training ([J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification)). **Status.** Verified on 2026-10-23 against the province’s COR and certifying partner pages, the compensation board’s PIR page and the grant page. ## References ABSA. (2024). *AB-529: Pressure equipment exemption order user guide* (Rev. 5, 2024-10-17). Access to Information Act, S.A. 2024, c. A-1.4 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-12-18). Alberta Human Rights Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. A-25.5 (Alberta; consolidated to 2023-04-01). Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes \[CBHCC\]. (n.d.). *Provincial and territorial adoption*. CSA Group. (2013). *CAN/CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ 9700-803/2013 (R2022), Psychological health and safety in the workplace: Prevention, promotion, and guidance to staged implementation* (free to read from CSA Group and the Mental Health Commission of Canada). CSA Group. (2022). *CSA Z96:22, High-visibility safety apparel* (4th ed.). CSA Group. (2024). *CSA Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace: Curriculum and quality management for training agencies* (2nd ed.). CSA Group. (2024). *CSA Z1220:24, First aid kits for the workplace* (2nd ed.). Employment Standards Regulation, Alta. Reg. 14/97 (Alberta; consolidated to 2026-01-01). Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2023). *Report an environmental emergency* (modified 2023-09-13). Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation, Alta. Reg. 102/2003 (Alberta; consolidated to 2023-04-05). Forest and Prairie Protection Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. F-19 (Alberta; consolidated to 2024-05-30). Government of Alberta. (2007). *A code of practice for firefighters* (FEX003). Government of Alberta. (2019). *OHS guide for firefighting* (FEX003). Government of Alberta. (2020). *Respiratory protective equipment: An employer’s guide* (PPE001, updated March 2020). Government of Alberta. (2025). *Registrar’s exemption: Flashing blue lamps on fire fighting vehicles* (effective 2025-05-14 to 2028-02-29). Government of Alberta. (2026). *Municipal firefighting vehicle permit: Information sheet* (2026-05-27). Government of Alberta. (n.d.). *Get a Certificate of Recognition* \[Web page\]. Government of Alberta. (n.d.-a). *Find a certifying partner*. Government of Alberta. (n.d.-b). *Fire services training grant*. Government of Alberta. (n.d.-c). *Firefighter certification*. Government of Alberta. (n.d.-d). *Mandatory testing and disclosure*. Government of Alberta. (n.d.-e). *OHS Code review*. Government of Alberta. (n.d.-f). *Report potentially serious incidents*. Government of Alberta. (n.d.-g). *Report serious injuries, illnesses or incidents*. Health Information Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. H-5 (Alberta; consolidated to 2026-07-02). Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation, Alta. Reg. 203/2018 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-05-31). Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26 (Alberta; consolidated to 2026-09-01). National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1550, Standard for emergency responder health and safety* (consolidates NFPA 1500, 1521 and 1561). National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1910, Standard for the inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, testing, and retirement of in-service emergency vehicles and marine firefighting vessels* (consolidates NFPA 1071, 1911, 1912 and 1925). National Fire Protection Association. (2025). *NFPA 1585, Standard for exposure and contamination control* (first edition). National Fire Protection Association. (2025). *NFPA 1950, Standard on personal protective equipment for technical rescue incidents, emergency medical operations, and wildland and urban interface firefighting* (consolidates NFPA 1951, 1977 and 1999). National Fire Protection Association. (2025). *NFPA 1970, Standard on protective ensembles for structural and proximity firefighting, work apparel, open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for emergency services, and personal alert safety systems (PASS)* (consolidates NFPA 1971, 1975, 1981 and 1982). Occupational Health and Safety Act, S.A. 2020, c. O-2.2 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-06-11). Occupational Health and Safety Code, Alta. Reg. 191/2021 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-03-31). Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Alta. Reg. 184/2021 (Alberta; as filed, in force 2021-12-01, no amendments). Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation, Alta. Reg. 320/2002 (Alberta; consolidated to 2026-10-01). Protection of Privacy Act, S.A. 2024, c. P-28.5 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-12-11). Public Health Agency of Canada. (2026). *Mental health support: Get help* (page modified 2026-01-14). Safety Codes Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. S-1 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-12-01). Traffic Safety Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. T-6 (Alberta; consolidated to 2026-07-02). Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, Alta. Reg. 304/2002 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-08-08). Vehicle Equipment Regulation, Alta. Reg. 122/2009 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-06-11). Workers’ Compensation Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. W-15 (Alberta; consolidated to 2025-12-18). Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta. (2026). *Policies and information manual*. Workers’ Compensation Board-Alberta. (n.d.). *Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR)*.