# Jurisdiction Pack - Federal

> Fire Service Safety Management System, version 0.3.3 (2026-10-25). The Human Factor. Document FSSMS-PACK-14.
>
> Canonical: https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal
>
> 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 federally regulated workplaces 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 Federal pack of Part 10: this preface, followed by the Federal section of every topic page listed in the [00 Jurisdiction Index](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-index), for fire services in workplaces under Part II of the Canada Labour Code, such as federally regulated airports, Department of National Defence fire services and Crown corporations, and for aircraft rescue and firefighting under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. 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

Part II of the Canada Labour Code applies to federal works, undertakings and businesses, including airports and aerodromes, to federal Crown corporations and, through the federal public sector labour relations statute, to the federal public service ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 122.1, 123](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); [Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act \[CA\], 2003, ss. 239-240](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-federal-public-sector-labour-relations-act-ca)). Its detail sits in the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the regulations on committees and on harassment and violence, with administrative monetary penalties under Part IV ([Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026; [Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca); [Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations \[CA\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-administrative-monetary-penalties-canada-labour-code-regulations-ca)). The Minister of Labour enforces Part II through the Head of Compliance and Enforcement and the Labour Program’s health and safety officers, with appeals to the Canada Industrial Relations Board; serious injuries, deaths and refusals to work are reported to 1-800-641-4049, which has 24-hour emergency service ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 122.21](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); [Employment and Social Development Canada, 2025](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-employment-and-social-development-canada-2025)). Transport Canada regulates aircraft rescue and firefighting service levels under the Canadian Aviation Regulations and Standard 323, not as occupational health and safety ([Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.01-303.19](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); [Transport Canada, 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026)). There is no federal fire services statute, fire marshal statute or certification regulation; compensation for federal employees is paid at the rate and on the conditions of the province where the employee usually works [(Government Employees Compensation Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-government-employees-compensation-act-ca).

| Instrument | Citation | What it covers |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Canada Labour Code, Part II (with s. 239.1 of Part III and Part IV) | R.S.C. 1985, c. L-2; current to 2026-09-30 | Application, duties, policy and program, committees, right to refuse, reporting, offences; return to work; administrative penalties |
| Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations | SOR/86-304; current to 2026-09-30 | Hazard prevention program, PPE and respirators, fall protection, confined spaces, hazardous occurrences, noise, first aid, WHMIS |
| Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations; Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations; Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations | SOR/2015-164; SOR/2020-130; SOR/2020-260 | Committee procedure; the harassment and violence regime; penalty amounts |
| Canadian Aviation Regulations, Subparts 302 and 303; Standard 323 | SOR/96-433; current to 2026-09-30 | Aircraft rescue and firefighting at airports, response tests, training, airport emergency plans and safety management systems |
| SOR/2026-10 | Registered 2026-01-30; in force 2027-01-30 | Thermal stress procedures, 30-year hazardous substance records, National Fire Code 2020 |
| Government Employees Compensation Act | R.S.C. 1985, c. G-5 | Compensation for federal employees through the province of usual employment |

## What is distinctive for fire departments here

- **Settle jurisdiction first.** Airport authority fire services fall under Part II and the aviation regulations for safety but under the provincial board for compensation; civilian firefighters of the Department of National Defence fall under Part II and federal employees’ compensation; territorial municipal fire departments are not federal ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 123](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); [Employment and Social Development Canada, 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-employment-and-social-development-canada-2026)). Canadian Armed Forces members appear to fall outside Part II, under the department’s own safety program, and band-council fire services are decided case by case.
- **No firefighting Part.** The federal regulations have no firefighting rules beyond drills and evacuation; the only departure from the prescribed PPE is for people who instruct in emergency rescue services, or who are trained in them and provide them in an emergency [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 12.03(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). Fire service standards therefore enter as the employer’s own standards inside the hazard prevention program and the PPE program [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.03), (z.13))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **A “normal condition of employment” limit on refusals.** An employee may refuse work that is a danger, meaning a hazard that could reasonably be expected to be an imminent or serious threat before it is corrected, but not where refusing puts another person directly in danger or where the danger is a normal condition of employment; wages continue, and a “no danger” or “normal condition” decision may be appealed to the Board within 10 days [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 122(1), 128-129)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **A written program for every employer.** Every employer, whatever its size, makes its health and safety policy statement available and runs a hazard prevention program with six components, evaluated at least every three years, with the training program also reviewed every three years and evaluation reports kept six years ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(d)(ii)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); [Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 19.1-19.8](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca)).
- **Nine committee meetings a year and a 30-day answer.** A work place committee is required where 20 or more employees are normally employed and meets at least nine times a year; the employer answers recommendations in writing within 30 days and ensures that the committee or representative inspects part of the work place each month, so that every part is inspected at least once a year; a policy committee is required at 300 or more employees and meets quarterly; and a representative is required below 20 ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 125(1)(z.10), (z.12), 134.1, 135-136](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 7-9).
- **Employers, including departments, face monetary penalties.** Supervisors are not separate duty-holders, but “employer” includes anyone acting on the employer’s behalf, supervisors must be trained and informed, and senior officials of a department are parties to its offences [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 122(1), 125(1)(z), 149(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). The baseline penalty for a large business or department reaches \$50,000 per violation, and a history of non-compliance in the previous five years adds an amount equal to twice the baseline [(Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 4-6, Sch. 3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-administrative-monetary-penalties-canada-labour-code-regulations-ca).
- **Two reporting clocks and an annual filing.** A death, a disabling injury to two or more employees, the loss of a body member or its use, a permanent impairment, an explosion, or a boiler or elevating device event is reported within 24 hours; a written investigation report goes to the Head within 14 days where an investigation finds a disabling injury, loss of consciousness, rescue or revival procedures, or a fire or explosion; the annual hazardous occurrence report is due by 1 March; and records are kept 10 years [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 15.4-15.11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). The scene of a death or serious injury is not disturbed without authorization [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 127)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **Fall protection at 3 m since 2019.** The trigger has been 3 m, not 2.4 m, since 2019-06-25; a fall-protection plan is in place before work begins, and where fall protection on a vehicle is not feasible the employer completes a job safety analysis, reports to the Head and reviews it every two years [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 12.06-12.07)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).
- **Confined spaces have no firefighter exemption.** Spaces are identified and assessed, reassessed every three years, with procedures, permits where the assessment calls for them, oxygen between 19.5 and 23 percent, flammable limits, an attendant where limits cannot always be met, rescue persons of whom at least one has an annual refresher, and records kept 10 years [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 11.02-11.13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).
- **One harassment and violence regime.** A joint work place assessment that includes the measures in place to protect psychological health and safety, a policy with 11 elements, training within three months of hire and every three years, three-year reviews and records kept 10 years; the notice process excludes harassment and violence by someone who is neither the employer nor an employee, where it is a normal condition of the work, only where the employer has measures in place to address it [(Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 5-15, 35)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca).
- **Aircraft rescue and firefighting is performance-regulated.** Service is set by the airport’s critical category; the response test every 12 months requires vehicles able to apply half the required discharge to reach the midpoint of the farthest runway within three minutes and all other vehicles within four, with a NOTAM within six hours and a corrective plan within seven days on failure; firefighters must have completed training within the previous 12 months, with records kept three years after they leave [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.07-303.18)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca). Standard 323 adds live fire training every 12 months and recurrent training on each element within three years, and the service sits inside the airport’s mandatory safety management system and emergency plan ([Transport Canada, 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026); [Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 302.202-302.208, 302.500](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca)).
- **Changes on 2027-01-30.** Written thermal stress procedures, built with the committee and triggered at the ACGIH heat stress screening criteria or cold stress thresholds, 30-year retention of hazardous substance records and adoption of the National Fire Code 2020 [(Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-regulations-amending-certain-regulations-made-under-the-canada-labour-code-ca). Presumptions for federal employees follow the province of usual employment, so a service with staff in several provinces has different cancer, cardiac and PTSD coverage at each site [(Government Employees Compensation Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-government-employees-compensation-act-ca).

## Commonly got wrong

1.  **Applying the wrong regime.** An airport authority’s own fire service is not under the provincial OHS statute, and a municipal department is not under the Canada Labour Code [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 123)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). Fix: record the employer, the OHS regime and the compensation regime for each site. See [J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j01-ohs-legislation-regulator-and-enforcement).
2.  **Using the old 2.4 m trigger.** It changed to 3 m on 2019-06-25 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 12.07(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). Fix: update procedures, and give hose beds and apparatus roofs a fall-protection system or, where that is not feasible, complete the job safety analysis route. See [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access).
3.  **Treating every refusal as barred as a normal condition.** The limit covers residual inherent risk, not defects [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 128(2)(b))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). Fix: list the risks that remain inherent after all controls and train officers on the s. 128 and s. 129 sequence, including the employer’s written report. See [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection).
4.  **No written investigation report after a fire or a rescue.** A hazardous occurrence whose investigation discloses a fire, an explosion or the use of rescue or revival procedures triggers the 14-day report [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 15.8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). Fix: a reporting matrix with the 24-hour, 14-day and 1 March clocks loaded into the calendar. See [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation).
5.  **Fewer than nine committee meetings, or late answers.** Fix: a committee calendar with nine meetings and a recommendation register with the 30-day clock [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 125(1)(z.10), 135(10))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). See [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative).
6.  **Aircraft firefighters whose training has lapsed.** No one may act as an aircraft firefighter without training in the previous 12 months [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 303.16)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca). Fix: a training tracker with live fire every 12 months and each element within three years. See [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification).
7.  **Reading the rescue PPE carve-out as a blanket exemption.** It covers people who instruct in emergency rescue, or who are trained in it and provide it in an emergency [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 12.03(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). Fix: a written procedure that defines when it applies. See [J13 Firefighter PPE and Protective Equipment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j13-firefighter-ppe-and-protective-equipment).
8.  **A harassment and violence assessment that ignores the public.** The normal-condition exclusion works only where measures are in place [(Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 15(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca). Fix: assess violence on calls, crowds and encampments, not only internal harassment. See [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence).
9.  **Keeping everything for two years.** Retention runs from one to 30 years by record type ([Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 10.6, 14.20, 15.11, 19.8](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); [Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 35](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca)). Fix: a retention schedule by record type. See [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention).
10. **Assuming the same presumptions at every site.** They follow the province of usual employment [(Government Employees Compensation Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-government-employees-compensation-act-ca). Fix: keep exposure and service records to the strictest provincial standard. 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 for a workplace under Part II of the Canada Labour Code or an airport under the Canadian Aviation Regulations, so it belongs in Stage 1. The topic page gives the detail.

| \# | Obligation | Source | Evidence a department holds | Topic page |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 1 | Statement of the employer’s health and safety policy available in printed and electronic form | [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(d)(ii))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca) | Policy statement; posting | [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program) |
| 2 | Hazard prevention program with the six components, developed with the committee, evaluated at least every three years; reports kept six years | ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.03)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); [Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 19.1-19.8](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca)) | Program; hazard assessments; evaluation reports | [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program); [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections) |
| 3 | PPE program; PPE maintained, inspected and fitted by a qualified person; defective items removed; records kept two years after removal | ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); [Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 12.05, 12.19, 12.21](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca)) | PPE program; inspection and removal records | [J13 Firefighter PPE and Protective Equipment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j13-firefighter-ppe-and-protective-equipment) |
| 4 | Work place committee at 20 or more employees: at least half non-managerial employees, two chairpersons, nine meetings a year, minutes available a month and kept two years, annual report by 1 March | ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 135-135.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 7-9) | Membership; minutes; annual report | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) |
| 5 | Policy committee at 300 or more employees, meeting at least quarterly; representative where fewer than 20 | [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 134.1, 136)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca) | Membership; minutes | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) |
| 6 | Written answer to committee recommendations within 30 days | [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.10))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca) | Recommendation register | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) |
| 7 | Committee member training program, reviewed at least every three years | ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.01)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 14) | Training program; records | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) |
| 8 | Monthly inspections covering every part of the work place at least once a year | [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 125(1)(z.12), 135(7)(k))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca) | Inspection schedule and reports | [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections) |
| 9 | Supervisors and managers trained in health and safety and informed of their responsibilities | [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca) | Officer training records | [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors) |
| 10 | Respirators on the NIOSH list or, where air is not supplied, listed by CSA and meeting CSA Z94.4.1, used and cared for to CSA Z94.4, fitted by a qualified person; breathing air and cylinders to CSA Z180.1 | [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 12.05, 12.13, 12.13.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca) | Respiratory program; fit records; air certificates | [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) |
| 11 | Fall-protection plan before work; protection at 3 m; job safety analysis, report to the Head and two-yearly review where protection on a vehicle is not feasible | [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 12.06-12.09)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca) | Plan; job safety analyses; equipment records | [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access) |
| 12 | Confined spaces identified and assessed, reassessed every three years; procedures; atmosphere limits; attendant; rescue persons, at least one with an annual refresher; records kept 10 years | [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 11.02-11.13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca) | Space inventory; assessments; permits; rescue records | [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space) |
| 13 | Shoring in excavations deeper than 1.4 m with sides at 45 degrees or more; spoil at least 1 m back | [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 3.12)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca) | Trench rescue procedure | [J18 Excavation and Trench](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j18-excavation-and-trench) |
| 14 | High-visibility apparel to CSA Z96 where moving vehicles create a risk | [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 12.17)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca) | Apparel issue; roadway and airside procedure | [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes) |
| 15 | Noise kept within 87 dBA over eight hours; investigation where exposure at or above 84 dBA may occur for a duration likely to endanger hearing; hearing protectors to CSA Z94.2 with training; reports kept 10 years | [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 7.3-7.8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca) | Noise investigation; protector training | [J23 Noise and Hearing Conservation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j23-noise-and-hearing-conservation) |
| 16 | First aid attendants where six or more employees work; certificates no older than three years; kits; stations inspected monthly; records kept two years | [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 16.2-16.13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca) | First aid roster; inspection log | [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid) |
| 17 | WHMIS education program reviewed at least once a year; training records kept two years after exposure ends | [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 10.14-10.15)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca) | Training records | [J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos) |
| 18 | Harassment and violence assessment, policy, emergency procedures, training, resolution process, annual report by 1 March and records kept 10 years | [(Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 5-37)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca) | Assessment; policy; training roster; annual report | [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 under ss. 128-129, with the employer’s written report and notice to the Head; no reprisal | [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 128-129, 147)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca) | 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 | Hazardous occurrence investigation by a qualified person; 24-hour report; written report within 14 days; annual report by 1 March; records kept 10 years; scene preserved | ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 127](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); [Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 15.4-15.11](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca)) | Investigation reports; report copies | [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) |
| 21 | Aircraft rescue and firefighting service at the airport’s critical category, with the required agents and vehicles, during the required hours | [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.04-303.09)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | Service level documentation; vehicle inventory | [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) |
| 22 | Aircraft firefighters trained to the standard within the previous 12 months; live fire every 12 months and each element within three years; records kept three years after leaving | ([Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.14-303.16](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); [Transport Canada, 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026)) | Training records | [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) |
| 23 | Response test every 12 months and on request, with notice to the Minister; NOTAM within six hours and corrective plan within seven days on failure | [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 303.18)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | Test records kept two years | [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) |
| 24 | Notice of a temporary reduction in service, and a corrective plan where a shortfall lasts seven days or more | [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 303.10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | NOTAM requests; corrective plans | [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) |
| 25 | Airport emergency plan reviewed every year and exercised at the set intervals; aircraft firefighting inside the airport safety management system | [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 302.202-302.208, 302.500)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | Plan; exercise reports; SMS records | [J36 External Verification and Funding](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j36-external-verification-and-funding) |
| 26 | From 2027-01-30: written thermal stress procedures with the committee; hazardous substance records kept 30 years | [(Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-regulations-amending-certain-regulations-made-under-the-canada-labour-code-ca) | Heat and cold procedure; records schedule | [J22 Exposure Limits, Heat and Cold Stress](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j22-exposure-limits-heat-and-cold-stress); [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention) |
| 27 | Exposure and service records kept to the strictest provincial standard where staff work in several provinces | [(Government Employees Compensation Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-government-employees-compensation-act-ca) | Member exposure and service log | [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions) |
| 28 | Return to work after a work-related injury where reasonably practicable, for federally regulated private-sector employers | [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 239.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca) | Return-to-work procedure | [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) |
| 29 | Personal information of employees of a federal work or undertaking handled under the federal private-sector privacy statute; committees see medical records only with consent | ([Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act \[CA\], 2000, s. 4](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-personal-information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-ca); [Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 134.1(6), 135(9), 136(7)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca)) | 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 the law of a jurisdiction, a chapter states it generically and links the topic page that holds each jurisdiction’s version. This pack collects the Federal section from every one of those topic pages, so a federally regulated fire service 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.** Canada Labour Code, Part II “Occupational Health and Safety”, ss. 122 to 160 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 122-160)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, SOR/86-304 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations, SOR/2020-260 [(Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-administrative-monetary-penalties-canada-labour-code-regulations-ca). The Minister of Labour enforces Part II through the Head of Compliance and Enforcement and Labour Program health and safety officers [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 122.21)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); appeals go to the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

**What must be covered.**

- **When federal law applies instead.** Part II covers federal works, undertakings and businesses, such as airports and airport authorities, except works “of a local or private nature” in Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut; federal Crown corporations; and the federal public administration to the extent provided under the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act (s. 123). So an airport authority’s own fire service and Department of National Defence civilian firefighters are federal; a territorial municipal fire department is not. A municipal department providing airport firefighting under contract stays provincially regulated.
- **Reporting line.** The Labour Program, 1-800-641-4049, “emergency services 24 hours”, for a serious injury, death or refusal to work [(Employment and Social Development Canada, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-employment-and-social-development-canada-2025).
- **Posting and availability.** Make available, in printed and electronic form, Part II and the applicable regulations and a statement of the employer’s general health and safety policy [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(d))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); post the names, work telephone numbers and work locations of committee members or the representative (s. 125(1)(z.17)).
- **Directions and appeal.** Where a provision is being or has recently been contravened, the Head may direct the employer or employee to stop the contravention, and may issue directions where there is danger (s. 145). An employer, employee or union may appeal a direction to the Board in writing within 30 days; the appeal does not stay it unless the Board orders otherwise (s. 146).
- **Administrative monetary penalties.** Up to \$250,000 per violation (s. 270(2)); baseline amounts by violation type range from \$200 to \$4,000 for an individual and from \$2,000 to \$50,000 for a “large business or department”, and a history of non-compliance in the previous five years adds an amount equal to twice the baseline [(Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 4, 6, Sch. 3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-administrative-monetary-penalties-canada-labour-code-regulations-ca).
- **Offences.** On indictment, up to \$1,000,000 or two years, or both; on summary conviction, up to \$100,000; a contravention causing death, serious illness or serious injury, or a wilful contravention, up to \$1,000,000 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 148(1)-(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). Due diligence is a defence to every contravention except ss. 125(1)(c), (z.10) and (z.11) (s. 148(4)). Prosecution needs the Minister’s consent (s. 149(1)).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Canadian Armed Forces members do not hold positions in the public service and appear to fall outside Part II; the Department of National Defence applies its own safety program to them.
- Whether a First Nations band-council fire service is federally regulated depends on its activities; get legal advice case by case.
- The Criminal Code duty in s. 217.1 applies to every fire department in Canada, provincial, territorial or federal; see “Due diligence and the Criminal Code, everywhere” above.

**Status.** Verified against the Justice Laws consolidations (current to 2026-09-30) and the Labour Program contact page on 2026-10-23. The positions of Canadian Armed Forces members and First Nations fire services are not settled here. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

### [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, Part II, ss. 122, 124 to 126 and 149 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Employer.** “Every employer shall ensure that the health and safety at work of every person employed by the employer is protected” (s. 124), with the specific duties in s. 125(1)(a) to (z.19), including training and supervision, the hazard prevention program and harassment and violence measures.
- **Supervisor: not a separate duty-holder.** “Employer” includes any person who acts on behalf of an employer (s. 122(1)), so supervisors carry the employer’s duties as its agents. The employer must ensure that employees with supervisory or managerial responsibilities “are adequately trained in health and safety and are informed of the responsibilities they have under this Part” (s. 125(1)(z)). Internal complaints go first to the supervisor (s. 127.1(1)).
- **Employee.** Use the safety equipment and clothing provided or prescribed; follow prescribed procedures; take all reasonable and necessary precautions for themselves and others; comply with the employer’s health and safety instructions; co-operate with the committees and anyone carrying out a duty under Part II; report hazards and injuries (s. 126(1)).
- **Senior officials.** Senior officials of a department are parties to its offences (s. 149(2)).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- At an airport, the airport operator’s emergency plan names the on-scene controller [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 302.201, 302.204)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); airport fire officers direct work and carry the Criminal Code duty; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) and [J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j01-ohs-legislation-regulator-and-enforcement).

**Status.** Verified against the Justice Laws consolidation (current to 2026-09-30) 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.** Canada Labour Code, s. 125(1)(d), (z.03) and (z.13) [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XIX, ss. 19.1 to 19.8 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 19.1-19.8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Policy.** Every employer, at any size, makes available in printed and electronic form “a statement of the employer’s general policy concerning the health and safety at work of employees” [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(d)(ii))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **Program.** Every employer develops, implements and monitors a hazard prevention program “appropriate to its size and the nature of the hazards”, in consultation with the policy committee or, if none, the work place committee or representative (s. 125(1)(z.03)), and a PPE program when necessary (s. 125(1)(z.13)).
- **Program elements [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 19.1(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).** (a) an implementation plan; (b) a hazard identification and assessment methodology; (c) hazard identification and assessment; (d) preventive measures; (e) employee training; (f) a program evaluation [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 19.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).
- **Review.** The program is evaluated, and revised if necessary, at least every three years, on a change in conditions and when new hazard information appears (s. 19.7(1)); the training program is reviewed on the same cycle (s. 19.6(3)).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Airport fire services also run inside the airport operator’s aviation safety management system; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) and [J36 External Verification and Funding](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j36-external-verification-and-funding).

**Status.** Verified against the Justice Laws consolidations (current to 2026-09-30) 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.** Canada Labour Code, ss. 125(1)(z.11)-(z.12) and 135(7)(k) [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 19.1 to 19.7 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Methodology.** The employer develops a hazard identification and assessment methodology, taking into account hazardous occurrence reports, first aid and minor injury records, workplace inspection results, employee hazard reports and committee reports, among others; it sets the steps and time frame for identifying and assessing hazards, a record of the hazards, and a time frame for reviewing the methodology [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 19.3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).
- **Assessment.** Hazards are identified and assessed according to that methodology, considering the nature of the hazard, the level, frequency and duration of exposure, its effects and the measures in place (s. 19.4).
- **Controls.** Preventive measures in order of priority: elimination (including engineering controls), reduction (including isolation), PPE, then administrative procedures; a preventive maintenance program; no measure may itself create a hazard; newly identified hazards are addressed expeditiously (s. 19.5).
- **Participation and review.** The whole program is developed, implemented and monitored with the participation of the policy committee or the work place committee or representative (s. 19.1(1)) and evaluated at least every three years (s. 19.7). Copies of hazard reports go to the committees [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.11))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **Inspections.** The employer must ensure “that the work place committee or the health and safety representative inspects each month all or part of the work place, so that every part of the work place is inspected at least once each year” (s. 125(1)(z.12); s. 135(7)(k)).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- The federal monthly inspection rule applies to an airport fire hall and its apparatus bays; the airport’s aviation safety management system adds its own hazard reporting.

**Status.** Verified against the Justice Laws consolidations (current to 2026-09-30) 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.** Canada Labour Code, ss. 125(1)(z.01), (z.10), (z.12), (z.17)-(z.18), 134.1 to 136 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations, SOR/2015-164 (Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026).

**What must be covered.**

- **Threshold.** A policy committee where the employer normally employs directly 300 or more employees, optional between 20 and 300 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 134.1(1)-(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); a work place committee for each work place where 20 or more employees are normally employed (s. 135(1)); a representative where fewer than 20 are employed or no committee is required (s. 136(1)).
- **Composition.** At least two members, at least half employees who do not exercise managerial functions, selected by the employees or their union (s. 135.1(1)); two chairpersons, one selected by each side (s. 135.1(7)); alternates allowed (s. 135.1(6)); terms of up to two years and the committee’s own rules of procedure (s. 135.1(14)). Vacancies are filled within 30 days for a work place committee (Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 6).
- **Meetings and minutes.** A work place committee meets at least nine times a year at regular intervals [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 135(10))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); a policy committee at least quarterly (s. 134.1(7)). Minutes are approved by both chairpersons, made readily available to employees for one month and kept two years; the committee files an annual report by 1 March, which the employer posts for two months (Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 8-9). The employer posts members’ names, work telephone numbers and locations [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.17))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **Response clock.** The employer responds in writing to committee or representative recommendations “within thirty days after receiving them, indicating what, if any, action will be taken and when” (s. 125(1)(z.10)), and answers information requests within 30 days (s. 125(1)(z.18)).
- **Functions.** Consider and expeditiously dispose of complaints; participate in the hazard prevention program and the PPE program; participate in all inquiries, investigations, studies and inspections; keep and monitor records of accidents, injuries and hazards; co-operate with the Head; participate in implementing changes to work processes and procedures; assist with exposure assessments; “inspect each month all or part of the work place, so that every part of the work place is inspected at least once each year”; and, where there is no policy committee, help develop policies and programs (s. 135(7)). The committee has access to government and employer reports and tests, but not to medical records without consent (s. 135(9)), and does not take part in harassment and violence investigations except refusals (s. 135(7.1)).
- **Training and paid time.** Members receive the prescribed training (s. 125(1)(z.01)); the employer’s training program is reviewed at least every three years (Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 14). Members may take the time needed for meetings, functions, preparation and travel, paid at the regular or premium rate whether inside or outside working hours [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 135.1(10)-(11))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- **Volunteers.** Unpaid volunteers are not addressed, and the employee half of a committee must be employees (s. 135.1(1)), so unpaid volunteers cannot hold those seats.
- Two committee members, one from each side, investigate a work refusal that is not resolved [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 128(10))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca), which matters for airport and Department of National Defence fire halls; see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection).

**Status.** Verified against the Justice Laws consolidations (current to 2026-09-30) on 2026-10-23. 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.** Canada Labour Code, ss. 125(1)(z.03), (z.05), (z.06), (z.13), (z.19), 126(1)(b) and 135(7)(i) [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 19.1 and 19.5 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **General.** Employees must “follow prescribed procedures with respect to the health and safety of employees” [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 126(1)(b))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). The hazard prevention program’s preventive measures include “administrative procedures, such as the management of hazard exposure and recovery periods and the management of work patterns and methods” [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 19.5(1)(d))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); specific Parts require written procedures for particular hazards.
- **Consultation.** The employer develops, implements and monitors the hazard prevention program in consultation with, and with the participation of, the policy committee or the work place committee or representative ([Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.03)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); [Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 19.1(1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca)). It consults the policy committee, or the work place committee or representative, to plan the implementation of changes that might affect health and safety, “including work processes and procedures”, and consults the work place committee or representative on implementing them [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(z.05)-(z.06))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); the work place committee participates in implementing those changes (s. 135(7)(i)). The PPE program is developed in consultation with the committee “except in emergencies” (s. 125(1)(z.13)), and programs developed with the policy committee are implemented and monitored with the work place committee (s. 125(1)(z.19)).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Airport fire services also follow the airport’s aviation safety management system and Transport Canada’s standard for aircraft firefighting [(Transport Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026); 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 Justice Laws consolidations (current to 2026-09-30) on 2026-10-23. 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.** Canada Labour Code, Part II, ss. 122(1), 128, 128.1, 129, 133, 147 and 147.1 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 122, 128-129, 133, 147-147.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). Applies to federal workplaces such as Department of National Defence fire services and federally regulated airports.

**What must be covered.**

- **The right.** An employee may refuse to use a machine or thing, work in a place or perform an activity that constitutes a “danger” (s. 128(1)), defined as a hazard “that could reasonably be expected to be an imminent or serious threat to the life or health of a person exposed to it before the hazard or condition can be corrected or the activity altered” (s. 122(1)).
- **Steps.**
  1.  Report to the employer without delay (s. 128(6)).
  2.  The employer investigates immediately in the employee’s presence and writes a report (s. 128(7.1)).
  3.  If unresolved, two committee members (one from each side) or the representative investigate (s. 128(9)-(10.1)).
  4.  The employer decides: danger; danger but s. 128(2) applies; or no danger (s. 128(13)).
  5.  If the refusal continues, the employer informs the Head of Compliance and Enforcement, who investigates; meanwhile the work may be reassigned only to a qualified employee who has been told of the refusal and will not be put in danger (ss. 128(16), 129(1), (5)).
  6.  A “no danger” or “normal condition” decision may be appealed to the Canada Industrial Relations Board within 10 days (s. 129(7)).
- **Pay.** Wages continue during the stoppage (s. 128.1).
- **Reprisal.** Prohibited (s. 147). A complaint goes to the Board “not later than ninety days” after the employee knew or ought to have known of the action (s. 133(2)), and cannot be sent to arbitration (s. 133(4)). A complaint about a refusal “is itself evidence that the contravention actually occurred”, and the party denying it bears the burden of proof (s. 133(6)). Discipline is allowed only for wilful abuse of the right, after appeals are exhausted (s. 147.1).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- **The limit, verbatim.** “An employee may not, under this section, refuse to use or operate a machine or thing, to work in a place or to perform an activity if (a) the refusal puts the life, health or safety of another person directly in danger; or (b) the danger referred to in subsection (1) is a normal condition of employment” (s. 128(2)).
- **What stays refusable.** A danger that is not a normal condition of firefighting employment, such as defective equipment or a missing control, remains refusable unless refusing puts someone else directly in danger.
- **Who is covered.** Federal public service firefighters are covered; Canadian Armed Forces members appear to fall outside Part II. Federal fire services do not use volunteers.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XV, ss. 15.2 to 15.11 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 15.2-15.11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); Canada Labour Code, s. 127 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 127)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Government Employees Compensation Act, s. 4 [(Government Employees Compensation Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-government-employees-compensation-act-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **24-hour report.** By telephone or fax to the Head of Compliance and Enforcement “as soon as feasible but not later than 24 hours” after becoming aware of a death, a disabling injury to two or more employees, the loss of a body member or its use, the permanent impairment of a body function, “an explosion”, damage to a boiler or pressure vessel resulting in fire or rupture, or damage to an elevating device that makes it unserviceable, or its free fall (s. 15.5). The Labour Program’s toll-free line, 1-800-641-4049, has 24-hour emergency service [(Employment and Social Development Canada, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-employment-and-social-development-canada-2025).
- **Investigation.** On any hazardous occurrence the employer appoints a qualified person to investigate, notifies the committee or representative, and takes preventive measures (s. 15.4(1)). For a motor vehicle accident on a public road investigated by police, the employer obtains the police report (s. 15.4(2)) and sends it to the Head within 14 days of receipt (s. 15.9).
- **Written report (HOIR).** Without delay to the committee and within 14 days to the Head where the investigation discloses a disabling injury; electric shock, a toxic atmosphere or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere causing loss of consciousness; “the implementation of rescue, revival or other similar emergency procedures”; or “a fire or an explosion” (s. 15.8).
- **Records.** Minor injuries are recorded (s. 15.7); the annual hazardous occurrence report is due by 1 March (s. 15.10); records are kept 10 years (s. 15.11). Harassment and violence occurrences follow their own regulation, not Part XV (s. 15.2(3)).
- **Scene.** After a death or serious injury no one may disturb the scene without the Head’s authorization except to “save a life, prevent injury or relieve human suffering”, “maintain an essential public service” or prevent unnecessary damage to property. Aircraft, vessel, rolling stock and pipeline occurrences investigated under federal transportation safety legislation, and motor vehicles on a public highway, are exempt [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 127)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **Compensation.** Federal employees claim at the rates and under the conditions of the province where they are usually employed, and the provincial board decides the claim (GECA s. 4), so the provincial employer report deadline applies.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- **Airport and defence fire services.** An aircraft accident a crew responds to is investigated under federal transportation safety law; the fire service’s own hazardous occurrences, such as a member who needs rescue or revival or a fire or explosion that affects members, need their own investigation and report (interpretation; confirm with the Labour Program).
- **Rescue and revival.** Any time a member is rescued or revived, a written report to the Head is due within 14 days.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Regulations and Code consolidated to 2026-09-30; compensation Act read). The application to aircraft responses is interpretation.

### [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 7.3, 10.6, 10.15, 11.13, 12.21, 15.11, 16.13 and 19.8 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 7.3, 10.6, 10.15, 11.13, 12.21, 15.11, 16.13, 19.8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, s. 35 [(Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 35)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca); Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations, s. 8 (Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 8); Canadian Aviation Regulations, ss. 303.16 and 303.18 [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.16, 303.18)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Retention periods.**
  - Hazardous occurrence records: 10 years [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 15.11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).
  - Noise investigation reports: 10 years (s. 7.3(6)).
  - Confined space reports: 10 years, or two years for compliant verifications (s. 11.13).
  - WHMIS training records: two years after the employee’s exposure ends (s. 10.15).
  - PPE records: two years after the item is removed from service (s. 12.21).
  - First aid records: two years (s. 16.13).
  - Hazard prevention program evaluation reports: six years (s. 19.8).
  - Harassment and violence records: 10 years (WHVPR s. 35).
  - Committee minutes: two years (Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 8).
  - Airport firefighter training records: three years after the firefighter leaves (CARs s. 303.16); response-test records: two years (s. 303.18(5)).
- **Exposure and health records.** Hazardous substance investigation reports: 30 years [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 10.6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). From 2027-01-30, hazardous substance records and air-sampling records are also kept 30 years [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, as amended by SOR/2026-10, not yet in force)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- **The longest federal clock is for hazardous substances.** A federal fire service’s records of smoke and chemical exposure are best kept with the 30-year substance records, not the 2-year PPE or first aid records.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (all instruments consolidated to 2026-09-30, including the not-yet-in-force SOR/2026-10 amendments).

### [J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information)

**Law.** Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, s. 4 [(Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act \[CA\], 2000, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-personal-information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-ca); Canada Labour Code, ss. 134.1(6), 135(9) and 136(7) [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 134.1, 135-136)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Privacy Act and Access to Information Act.

**What must be covered.**

- **Federal institutions.** Fire services of federal institutions, such as Defence, fall under the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act.
- **Federally regulated private sector.** PIPEDA applies to personal information “about an employee of … the organization” collected “in connection with the operation of a federal work, undertaking or business”, such as an airport authority’s fire service (s. 4(1)(b)); it does not apply to a government institution covered by the Privacy Act (s. 4(2)(a)).
- **Health information.** There is no federal health information statute.
- **Committees.** Policy committees, work place committees and representatives may not have access to a person’s medical records without that person’s consent [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 134.1(6), 135(9), 136(7))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- **Clinicians.** Physicians examining federal firefighters are governed by the privacy law of their province.

**Status.** Partly verified on 2026-10-23 (PIPEDA s. 4 and the Code consolidated to 2026-09-30). The Privacy Act and Access to Information Act were not read.

### [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, ss. 123(3) and 123.2 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 123, 123.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Government Employees Compensation Act, s. 4 [(Government Employees Compensation Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-government-employees-compensation-act-ca); Income Tax Act, s. 118.06 [(Income Tax Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 118.06)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-income-tax-act-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **OHS status.** Part II covers employees; persons who are paid are presumed to be employees, and unpaid learners are covered, but there is no provision for volunteers (ss. 123(3), 123.2). Federal fire services are career services.
- **Compensation.** Federal employees are compensated at the rates and under the conditions of the province where they usually work, decided by the provincial board (GECA s. 4), so provincial presumptions apply to them.
- **Volunteer firefighters’ tax credit (applies to volunteers everywhere).** A volunteer who performs at least 200 hours in the year of “eligible volunteer firefighting services” (or eligible search and rescue volunteer services) may claim a credit on \$6,000. The services are those provided “in the individual’s capacity as a volunteer firefighter to a fire department”, mainly responding to and being on call for emergency calls, attending meetings and required training; services to a department the person also serves in a non-volunteer capacity are excluded. On request, the person must provide a certificate from the fire chief or a delegated official of each department attesting to the hours [(Income Tax Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 118.06)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-income-tax-act-ca).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- **The chief certifies hours.** A department that records calls, on-call time, meetings and training per member can certify the 200 hours; one that does not leaves its members exposed when the tax authority asks.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code and Income Tax Act consolidated to 2026-09-30). The application of provincial presumptions to federal employees rests on case law not read.

### [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, Part II, ss. 124 and 125 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, ss. 124-125)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, with no firefighting part [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 12.03(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); Canadian Aviation Regulations, Subpart 303 and the airport emergency planning provisions [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 302.201-302.208, 303.01-303.19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Who this covers.** Fire services of federal works and undertakings (federally regulated airports and aerodromes), federal Crown corporations and the federal public administration, including Department of National Defence civilian firefighters. Territorial municipal fire departments are not federal [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 123(1)(a))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). Canadian Armed Forces members appear to fall outside Part II.
- **No firefighting part.** A search of the regulations found no two-in/two-out, rapid intervention, PASS, incident command, apparatus testing, driver training, firefighter medical or rehabilitation rule.
- **Rescue PPE carve-out.** A person trained in emergency rescue who provides those services in an emergency, or instructs in them, “may use protection equipment other than the equipment that is prescribed by this Part” [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 12.03(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).
- **Airport rescue and firefighting.** At designated and participating airports, service levels, agents, vehicles, response times (vehicles able to discharge half the required capacity reach the midpoint of the farthest runway within three minutes, tested every 12 months) and training (“within the previous 12 months”) are set by the aviation regulations and Standard 323; staffing must be sufficient to operate the vehicles and apply the agents ([Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.13, 303.16, 303.18](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); [Transport Canada, 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026)).
- **Command at airports.** The airport emergency plan names the on-scene controller [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 302.201, 302.204)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca). Elsewhere, incident command authority is set by employer policy.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- With no firefighting part, the employer’s hazard prevention program and general duty carry fireground practice; Department of National Defence fire services apply internal directives and NFPA-based standards, which were not read.
- The right to refuse does not apply where the danger is a “normal condition of employment” [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 128(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection).
- Certified airports must run an aviation safety management system that covers ARFF [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 302.500)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); see [J36 External Verification and Funding](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j36-external-verification-and-funding).
- New thermal stress procedure rules take effect 2027-01-30 (SOR/2026-10); 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, the regulations and the aviation regulations were read in the official consolidations current to 2026-09-30. Department of National Defence directives and the position of Canadian Armed Forces members were not read.

### [J13 Firefighter PPE and Protective Equipment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j13-firefighter-ppe-and-protective-equipment)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, ss. 125 and 126 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XII, ss. 12.02 to 12.21 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **General duty.** The employer provides the prescribed safety materials, equipment, devices and clothing, trains employees, and ensures they are used [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(l), (q), (w))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); the employee uses them (s. 126(1)(a)).
- **General standards.** Protective headwear to CSA Z94.1 or ANSI Z89.1 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 12.1(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); protective footwear to CSA Z195, with slip-resistant footwear where needed (s. 12.11); eye and face protection to CSA Z94.3, selected under its Annex A (s. 12.12(1)); high visibility to CSA Z96 (s. 12.17). Standards apply “as amended from time to time”, 30 days after a CSA amendment is published in both official languages (s. 12.02).
- **Care.** PPE is maintained, inspected and fitted by a qualified person (s. 12.05); employees report defects (s. 12.18); defective PPE is removed and tagged (s. 12.19); records are kept two years after equipment is removed from service (s. 12.21).
- **Emergency rescue carve-out.** A person trained in emergency rescue who provides those services in an emergency, or instructs in them, “may use protection equipment other than the equipment that is prescribed by this Part” (s. 12.03(2)).
- **Headwear alternative.** Where Z94.1 or Z89.1 headwear does not reduce the risk, the employer may select other headwear in consultation with the committee (s. 12.1(2)).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- The carve-out lets federal fire services wear NFPA ensembles and helmets instead of the CSA items; record the selection in the PPE program [(NFPA 1970, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-nfpa-1970).
- CBRN respiratory protection for first responders meets CSA Z1610 (s. 12.13(3)(a)); see [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air).

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 12.02, 12.05, 12.13 and 12.13.1 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 12.02, 12.05, 12.13, 12.13.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). Cylinder requalification everywhere in Canada: the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and CSA B339 ([Transport Canada, 2025a](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-csa-b339-2); CSA B339-25).

**What must be covered.**

- **CSA Z94.4 edition.** Respirators are listed by NIOSH (or, for non-supplied-air respirators, by CSA under Z94.4.1) and meet CSA Z94.4; use and care follow Z94.4 (s. 12.13). References are ambulatory: “that standard as amended from time to time”, effective 30 days after an amendment is published in both official languages (s. 12.02(1)-(2)), so Z94.4-18 (R2023) applies.
- **Fit.** Equipment is “fitted to each user by a qualified person” (s. 12.05(1)(b)(i)); the interval and method come from Z94.4 (at least every two years; qualitative or quantitative).
- **Breathing air.** Supplied air and cylinders meet CSA Z180.1 (s. 12.13.1, added by SOR/2022-94).
- **CBRN.** Respiratory protection for first responders in CBRN events meets CSA Z1610 (s. 12.13(3)(a)).
- **Medical.** None in the regulations; Z94.4 screening applies.
- **Cylinders, every jurisdiction.** SCBA cylinders are transport cylinders. Requalification follows CSA B339, whose 2025 edition took effect 2025-08-01; steel and aluminum cylinders and current composite cylinders are typically retested every five years, and composite cylinders are condemned 15 years after manufacture, unless the cylinder’s specification or permit says otherwise ([Transport Canada, 2025a](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-csa-b339-2); CSA B339-25).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Department of National Defence and airport fire services fall under this regime; check whether an employer directive sets a shorter fit-test interval.
- A department in any province should treat the federal cylinder rules as part of its respiratory program, with a cylinder register showing manufacture date, last requalification and condemnation date.

**Status.** Partly verified: regulations read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30). The CSA standards and the cylinder intervals were not read in the standards themselves.

### [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, s. 125(1)(t) [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 3.11, 12.09(8), 13.9 to 13.11 and 14.20 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **General duty.** Machinery, equipment and tools meet prescribed standards [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 125(1)(t))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **Tools.** Defective tools are reported, tagged and removed [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 13.9-13.10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca), with training in inspection and maintenance (s. 13.11); no periodic interval is set.
- **Materials handling equipment,** which includes mobile equipment that lifts or positions persons, is inspected by a qualified person at the nature and frequency set in written instructions; signed inspection reports are kept one year and the instructions while the equipment is in use (s. 14.20). Aerial devices and platforms fall under this rule; CSA B354 and C225 are not named.
- **Fall restraint** on aerial devices and scissor lifts (s. 12.09(8)).
- **Ladders.** Portable ladders to CSA CAN3-Z11-M81; secured or set out one quarter to one third of the length; extending three rungs above the landing; no work from the top three rungs or the top two steps of a stepladder (s. 3.11).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- There is no fire-specific aerial or ladder rule; federal fire services should write NFPA 1910 and the NFPA ground ladder standard into the s. 14.20 written instructions [(NFPA 1910, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-nfpa-1910).
- Airport rescue and firefighting vehicles and agents are tested under the aviation rules and Standard 323 (annual foam concentration testing) [(Transport Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026); 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 text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XII, ss. 12.03(2), 12.06, 12.07, 12.09 and 12.2 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 12.03, 12.06-12.10, 12.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). Applies to federal workplaces such as federally regulated airports and Department of National Defence fire services.

**What must be covered.**

- **Trigger.** A fall-protection system for work “from a structure or on a vehicle at a height of 3 m or more”, from a ladder at 3 m or more where the worker cannot keep one hand on it, and below 3 m where the surface below is more hazardous than a solid flat surface (s. 12.07(1)). The threshold was 2.4 m until SOR/2019-243 came into force on 2019-06-25.
- **Fall-protection plan.** Before any work activity begins, developed with the committee: hazards, chosen systems, anchorages, clearance and rescue procedures; systems chosen in the order passive, restraint, arrest, fall hazard zone (s. 12.06).
- **Vehicles.** Where fall protection on a vehicle is not feasible (for example an apparatus top), a job safety analysis, training, a written report to the Head with a copy to the committee, and a review every two years (s. 12.07(2)-(3)).
- **Equipment.** Systems designed and selected to CSA Z259.16 and Z259.17; components to the listed Z259 parts; a full body harness; inspection before each shift (s. 12.09).
- **Training.** On the plan by a qualified person, with a written summary (s. 12.2); no refresher interval.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- The only relief is the general PPE carve-out: “a person who provides instruction and training in the provision of emergency rescue services or who is instructed and trained in the provision of those services and provides them in an emergency situation may use protection equipment other than the equipment that is prescribed by this Part” (s. 12.03(2)). It reaches equipment, not the duty to plan or protect.
- Hose beds, apparatus roofs and aerial work need a system or the s. 12.07(2) analysis.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XI (confined spaces, ss. 11.01 to 11.13, replaced by SOR/2021-143) and ss. 10.19-10.20 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 10.19-10.20, 11.01-11.13, 12.03)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Identification and assessment.** Survey and identify confined spaces and have a qualified person classify hazardous confined spaces (s. 11.02); a hazard assessment report that covers the rescuers’ equipment and whether a permit is needed, reassessed at least every 3 years (s. 11.03).
- **Procedures.** For each space: entry and exit, two-way communication and checks on entrants, emergency response, and an entry permit system with a validity period and entry log where the report requires it (s. 11.04).
- **Atmosphere.** Oxygen “not less than 19.5% by volume and not more than 23% by volume” (s. 11.05(1)(a)(iii)); chemical agents below the ACGIH values (s. 10.19(1)(a)); flammables below 50 percent of the LEL generally and no more than 10 percent where an ignition source is present (s. 10.20); hot work barred above 10 percent of the LEL or 23 percent oxygen unless a qualified person determines it is safe.
- **Attendant and rescue.** Where the s. 11.05 conditions cannot be met at all times, a qualified attendant outside in communication with an alarm; rescue persons available, at least one with annual refresher training and a basic first aid and CPR certificate; entrants in a harness and lifeline, with a mechanical lifting device where feasible (s. 11.06).
- **Training and records.** Training in the procedures and equipment (s. 11.12); records kept 10 years, or 2 years for compliant verification reports (s. 11.13).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- No firefighter exemption in Part XI. The only relief is the PPE carve-out for trained emergency rescuers (s. 12.03(2)); see [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access).

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30). The hot-work section number is not confirmed.

### [J18 Excavation and Trench](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j18-excavation-and-trench)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, s. 3.12 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 3.12)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Utilities and barricades.** Underground services marked before work begins, and hazardous excavations barricaded.
- **Trigger and protection.** Shoring and bracing in a tunnel, excavation or trench “more than 1.4 m deep and whose sides are sloped at an angle of 45° or more”; a steel-plate trench box is an alternative.
- **Installation.** Shoring installed and removed by “a qualified person”; no engineer requirement.
- **Spoil.** Spoil, tools and objects at least 1 m from the edge.
- **Access.** No ladder-spacing rule.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- No firefighter exemption; the PPE carve-out in s. 12.03(2) does not reach excavation protection.
- The federal rule is the least detailed in Canada; a federal fire service that offers trench rescue should adopt NFPA 2500 and NFPA 1006 by policy ([NFPA 1006, 2021](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-nfpa-1006); [NFPA 2500, 2022](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-nfpa-2500)).

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J19 Lockout, Machine Guarding and Electrical Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j19-lockout-machine-guarding-and-electrical-safety)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part VIII (electrical safety, including ss. 8.5 and 8.12 to 8.18 and the schedule) and ss. 13.13 to 13.17 (guarding and lockout) [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 8.5-8.18, 13.13-13.17)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Lockout.** Machine repair or maintenance that needs a guard removed is done under lockout “in accordance with a written lock out procedure” (s. 13.16); electrical isolation and guarantees of isolation (ss. 8.12-8.18).

- **Guarding.** Ss. 13.13 to 13.17.

- **Electrical work.** No work on electrical equipment unless it is isolated, except under instructed live-work procedures (s. 8.5(1)-(3)); live equipment is guarded or insulated (s. 8.5(4)-(5)); otherwise the distances below apply, column II for a person who is not qualified and column III for a qualified person (s. 8.5(6)); no one works where an unintentional movement could bring them closer (s. 8.5(7)); high-voltage work only with the employer’s authorization (s. 8.6):

  | Voltage, part to ground | Not qualified (column II) | Qualified (column III) |
  |:---|:---|:---|
  | Over 425 V to 12,000 V | 3 m | 0.9 m |
  | Over 12,000 V to 22,000 V | 3 m | 1.2 m |
  | Over 22,000 V to 50,000 V | 3 m | 1.5 m |
  | Over 50,000 V to 90,000 V | 4.5 m | 1.8 m |
  | Over 90,000 V to 120,000 V | 4.5 m | 2.1 m |
  | Over 120,000 V to 150,000 V | 6 m | 2.7 m |
  | Over 150,000 V to 250,000 V | 6 m | 3.3 m |
  | Over 250,000 V to 300,000 V | 7.5 m | 3.9 m |
  | Over 300,000 V to 350,000 V | 7.5 m | 4.5 m |
  | Over 350,000 V to 400,000 V | 9 m | 5.4 m |

**Fire-service nuance.**

- The federal table is the only one measured voltage-to-ground rather than phase-to-phase; convert carefully when comparing with a provincial table.
- No emergency relief.
- Facility electrical installations on federal property follow the electrical code applied by the department responsible.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30; s. 8.5 and the schedule read).

### [J20 Stations, Premises and Building Codes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j20-stations-premises-and-building-codes)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 1.2, Part II (ss. 2.2 to 2.27), Part V (ss. 5.1 to 5.11), Part VI, Part IX and Part XVII [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Buildings.** New buildings meet the National Building Code, and existing buildings and renovations where feasible (s. 2.2); the regulations define the building code as the 1995 edition “as amended from time to time” (s. 1.2).
- **Openings, stairs and guardrails.** Guardrails or covers at floor openings and at wall openings with a drop of more than 1.2 m, with vehicle pits exempt but marked (s. 2.5); stairs, a ladder or a ramp where levels differ by more than 450 mm (s. 2.7); guardrails at 900 to 1,100 mm with posts no more than 3 m apart and an 890 N load (s. 2.12); 125 mm toe boards (s. 2.13); ice, snow and slip-resistant surfaces (s. 2.14); wet floors (s. 2.15).
- **Air and lighting.** Heating, ventilation and air conditioning to ASHRAE 62-1989, with indoor air quality investigations (ss. 2.20-2.27); lighting levels and emergency lighting (Part VI).
- **Sanitation.** Toilets within 60 m; a shower for every 10 workers doing hot or strenuous work or exposed to contamination; eating rules and lunch rooms; change rooms, and no leaving the workplace in contaminated clothing (Part IX).
- **Fire protection.** Fire protection equipment to the National Fire Code, evacuation plans, wardens and drills, with the local fire department told 24 hours before a drill (Part XVII, ss. 17.3-17.10).
- **Pressure equipment.** Boilers and pressure vessels to CSA B51-97 (s. 5.1); excluded are vessels of 40 L or less, at 1 atmosphere or less, or 152 mm inside diameter or less (s. 5.2); inspection before first use and after repairs by an inspector recognized by a province or the National Board (s. 5.10); air receivers inspected externally every year and internally every five years (s. 5.11(7)).
- **Codes.** From 2027-01-30 the fire code reference becomes the National Fire Code 2020, and emergency lighting generators follow its section 6.5 (SOR/2026-10); the building code reference is unchanged.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Federal fire halls at airports and defence establishments follow these rules; the air receiver inspection intervals are the most specific found in any jurisdiction and suit any department’s compressor program.
- No federal rule addresses apparatus bay exhaust; use the hazardous substance and ventilation duties.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30, including the not-yet-in-force SOR/2026-10).

### [J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part X (hazardous substances), Division III (WHMIS) and the asbestos exposure management program [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 10.14, 10.15, 10.19(1.1), 10.26.1-10.26.11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). Everywhere in Canada: the Hazardous Products Act and Regulations (the supplier side of WHMIS), the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations, and the Release and Environmental Emergency Notification Regulations (SOR/2011-90), under which a release is reported to the provincial or territorial line [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023).

**What must be covered.**

- **WHMIS education.** The education program is reviewed “at least once a year” (s. 10.14(3)); training records are kept two years after exposure ends (s. 10.15).
- **Asbestos.** Exposure kept as close to zero as possible and never above the ACGIH value (s. 10.19(1.1)); where asbestos-containing material may release fibres, a qualified person’s hazard investigation and a record of its location, friability, condition and asbestos type (s. 10.26.1); before any work with it, an asbestos exposure control plan made with the committee, classification of the work as low, moderate or high risk, labelling, control of friable material and a specific training program (s. 10.26.2); clearance sampling and waste containers (ss. 10.26.10-10.26.11).
- **Coming change.** From 2027-01-30, records of hazardous substances must be kept 30 years (SOR/2026-10).
- **Dangerous goods.** A department carrying its own dangerous goods meets the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, including training certificates, valid three years. CANUTEC, Transport Canada’s 24-hour centre, and the Emergency Response Assistance Plans that shippers of certain goods must hold, support response everywhere.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Department of National Defence and airport fire services are under this regime; municipal departments are not.
- Airport services also manage foam under Standard 323, including annual foam concentration testing [(Transport Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026).

**Status.** Partly verified: the COHSR read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30). The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and the federal release notification regulations were not read.

### [J22 Exposure Limits, Heat and Cold Stress](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j22-exposure-limits-heat-and-cold-stress)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, s. 10.19 (exposure limits) and, from 2027-01-30, s. 10.19.3 (thermal stress) added by SOR/2026-10 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 10.19, 10.19.3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Basis of limits.** No employee may be exposed to an airborne chemical agent, other than grain dust, flour dust and asbestos fibres, above the value adopted by ACGIH in its TLV and BEI publication “as amended from time to time” (s. 10.19(1)(a)); asbestos exposure as close to zero as possible and never above the ACGIH value (s. 10.19(1.1)); sampling by ACGIH, NIOSH or equivalent methods where a limit may be exceeded (s. 10.19(3)).
- **Thermal stress, from 2027-01-30.** Procedures developed with the policy committee, work place committee or representative to reduce thermal stress, covering engineering controls, administrative controls (fluid replacement, work-rest cycles, acclimatization, physiological monitoring, scheduling), monitoring of humidity and wind speed, protective clothing, training in signs and symptoms, and recording of every thermal stress incident (s. 10.19.3(1)); implemented whenever conditions reach the ACGIH heat stress screening criteria or the ACGIH cold stress thresholds (s. 10.19.3(2)).
- **Until then.** The employer’s general duty and hazard investigation apply to heat and cold.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Airport and Department of National Defence fire services should build the s. 10.19.3 procedure before 2027-01-30 and record heat and cold incidents from then on.

**Status.** Verified against the regulations consolidated to 2026-09-30, including the amendments not yet in force (read 2026-10-23).

### [J23 Noise and Hearing Conservation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j23-noise-and-hearing-conservation)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part VII (ss. 7.1-7.8) [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 7.2-7.8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Limit and exchange rate.** Lex,8 must not exceed 87 dBA (s. 7.4), with the schedule allowing 87 dBA for 8 hours, 90 dBA for 4 and 96 dBA for 1, a 3 dB exchange rate.
- **Investigation.** Where an employee may be exposed at or above 84 dBA for a duration likely to endanger hearing, an investigation by a qualified person, with a written report kept 10 years (s. 7.3).
- **Controls and protectors.** Engineering controls first (s. 7.5); if protectors are needed, a report to the Head (s. 7.6) and protectors to CSA Z94.2 with a fit, care and use program (s. 7.7); signs above 87 dBA (s. 7.8).
- **Audiometry.** No requirement in the regulations (searched).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Airport and Department of National Defence fire services use the 87 dBA limit; their medical programs should still include baseline and periodic audiometry.

**Status.** Verified against the regulations consolidated to 2026-09-30 (read 2026-10-23).

### [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XVI [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 16.2-16.13, Sch. I)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Scheme.** A federal scheme that does not reference CSA Z1210 or Z1220.
- **Instructions.** Written first aid instructions (s. 16.2).
- **Attendants.** Required where six or more employees are working, and at remote workplaces (ambulance response over two hours) where two or more are working (s. 16.3); at non-office workplaces, a basic certificate where ambulance response is under 20 minutes and a standard certificate where it is 20 minutes to two hours (s. 16.3(4)); certificates valid at most three years (s. 16.12(5)).
- **Kits.** Type A for 2-5 employees; Type B (basic attendant) or C (standard attendant) for 6 or more; Type D for a single remote worker or 1-3 travelling by snowmobile or small vehicle (Sch. I).
- **Stations, rooms, vehicles.** Stations inspected at least monthly (s. 16.5(4)); a first aid room at 200 or more employees (s. 16.9); in a motor vehicle, the first aid information is kept with the kit (s. 16.6(2)).
- **Transport and records.** Transport arranged before work is assigned (s. 16.11); first aid records kept two years (s. 16.13(3)).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Airport and Department of National Defence fire services meet this scheme for their own members; most will exceed it because members are medically trained.

**Status.** Verified against the regulations consolidated to 2026-09-30.

### [J25 Infection Control and Medical First Response](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j25-infection-control-and-medical-first-response)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, Part II, where “hazardous substance” includes “a chemical, biological or physical agent” [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 122(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part X (hazard investigation and controls) [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, Part X)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Biological agents.** Investigated and controlled as hazardous substances under Part X.
- **Vaccination.** The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends hepatitis B vaccine for people at occupational risk of exposure to blood and body fluids (Public Health Agency of Canada, n.d.).
- **Source testing.** Federal law has no testing statute; provincial statutes apply to incidents in their territory.
- **Medical first response.** No federal framework; Department of National Defence and airport services follow their own directives and agreements.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- With no biological hazard rule written for fire services, federal departments should adopt the NFPA 1580 infection control program by directive [(NFPA 1580, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-nfpa-1580).

**Status.** Partly verified: the Code definition read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30). Part X sections for biological agents not confirmed.

### [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, ss. 122(1), 122.1 and 125(1)(z.16) to (z.163) [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, ss. 5 to 37 [(Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 5-37)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca), in force 2021-01-01.

**What must be covered.**

- **One combined regime** for harassment and violence, applying to every Part II employer. “Harassment and violence” means any action, conduct or comment, including of a sexual nature, that can reasonably be expected to cause offence, humiliation or other physical or psychological injury or illness to an employee [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 122(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). The employer must take the prescribed measures to prevent and protect against it, respond to occurrences and support affected employees (s. 125(1)(z.16)).
- **Workplace assessment** done jointly with the policy or workplace committee or representative, including risk factors such as the measures in place to protect psychological health and safety (WHVPR s. 8(e)); preventive measures within 6 months (s. 9); assessment reviewed every 3 years (s. 5(3)).
- **Policy** with 11 mandatory elements, reviewed every 3 years (s. 10); **emergency procedures** (s. 11).
- **Training** within 3 months of hire, every 3 years after that, after any update to the training, and on assignment to a new activity or role with an increased or specific risk of harassment and violence (s. 12(4)).
- **Support information** (s. 13) and a **designated recipient** for notices (s. 14).
- **Resolution timelines:** contact the principal party within 7 days (s. 20); resolution efforts begin within 45 days (s. 23); an investigator from a jointly agreed list, or from a Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety list if there is no agreement within 60 days (s. 27); process complete within 1 year (s. 33), with monthly status updates (s. 34).
- **Records** kept 10 years (s. 35); annual report to the Labour Program by 1 March (s. 36); a death reported within 24 hours (s. 37).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Applies to federally regulated airports, Crown corporations and federal public service fire services such as Department of National Defence civilian firefighters.
- **Third-party carve-out.** A notice “must not be provided in respect of an occurrence if (a) the responding party is neither the employer nor an employee; (b) exposure to harassment and violence is a normal condition of the principal party’s work; and (c) the employer has measures in place to address that work place harassment and violence” (WHVPR s. 15(2)). The carve-out only works if the assessment, controls and training for violence from the public exist, so it is a reason to do them, not a reason to skip them.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code and Regulations consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, ss. 122(1) and 125(1)(z.16) to (z.163) [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, ss. 5 to 37 [(Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca); Canadian Human Rights Act, s. 14 [(Canadian Human Rights Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 14)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-human-rights-act-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Policy**, developed jointly with the policy committee, workplace committee or representative, containing (WHVPR s. 10(2)):
  - 1)  a mission statement on prevention and protection;
  - 2)  the roles of the employer, designated recipient, employees, committees and representative;
  - 3)  the risk factors, internal and external to the workplace;
  - 4)  a summary of the training;
  - 5)  a summary of the resolution process, including the designated recipient and how notice of an occurrence is given;
  - 6)  the reasons the workplace assessment must be reviewed;
  - 7)  a summary of the emergency procedures;
  - 8)  how privacy is protected;
  - 1)  other recourse available;
  - 10) the support measures available;
  - 11) the person designated to receive complaints under s. 127.1 of the Code.
- **Policy review** jointly at least once every three years and after any change to an element (s. 10(4)).
- **Workplace assessment** of risk factors and preventive measures, reviewed every three years (s. 5).
- **Training** specific to the workplace, covering the policy, the link to the prohibited grounds of discrimination and how to recognize, minimize, prevent and respond to harassment and violence (s. 12(2)); for employees within three months of starting, at least every three years after, and on assignment to a role with increased risk (s. 12(4)); for the designated recipient and the employer as well (s. 12(5)-(6)).
- **Resolution process** with fixed timelines, records kept 10 years and an annual report ([J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence) has the timelines).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Applies to federally regulated airport fire services, Crown corporations and federal public service fire services.
- The third-party carve-out in s. 15(2) applies to violence from the public, not to harassment between employees; complaints about colleagues and officers always go through the resolution process.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code, Regulations and Canadian Human Rights Act consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety)

**Law.** Canada Labour Code, s. 122.1 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 122.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, s. 8 [(Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-work-place-harassment-and-violence-prevention-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **In the statute.** In part. Part II does not define “health”, but its purpose is to prevent “accidents, occurrences of harassment and violence and physical or psychological injuries and illnesses” [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 122.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca).
- **Psychosocial duty.** The joint workplace assessment for harassment and violence must consider risk factors including “the measures that are in place to protect psychological health and safety” (WHVPR s. 8(e)). There is no separate psychological hazard regulation.
- **Crisis resources.** 9-8-8 and the Hope for Wellness Help Line, 1-855-242-3310 [(Public Health Agency of Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-public-health-agency-of-canada-2026).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Federal fire services (airports, Crown corporations, the Department of National Defence’s civilian fire services) receive compensation, including any psychological injury presumption, under the law of the province where the member usually works ([J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions)).
- CSA Z1003-13 is voluntary for federal employers too.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code and Regulations consolidated to 2026-09-30); crisis lines confirmed on the federal listing.

### [J29 Occupational Diving](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j29-occupational-diving)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XVIII (diving operations, ss. 18.1 to 18.53) [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 18.1-18.25, 18.40)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Dive types.** Type 1 dives are research dives and dives “to gather evidence or information relating to a crime”, without decompression and no deeper than 40 m; every other dive is type 2 (s. 18.1).
- **Procedures.** Written procedures for each type of dive, hazards and emergencies, with the emergency procedures reviewed at least once a year (s. 18.4).
- **Training and competency.** Instruction and training for the dives and equipment, and an annual demonstration of competence (s. 18.5); first aid, CPR and diving-injury training, and oxygen therapy training where oxygen is provided (s. 18.6).
- **Medical.** A medical examination within the last two years and a declaration of fitness, using CSA Z275.2-92 Appendices A and B as a guideline (s. 18.7).
- **Dive plan.** For each dive, covering duties, equipment, breathing supply and reserve, thermal protection, limits, emergency procedures, communications, termination and lockout of hazardous machinery (s. 18.9).
- **Team.** At least two divers at every dive site, one designated as dive supervisor; a tender for surface-supplied dives; a boat operator for dives from a boat (s. 18.10); a standby diver at all times for type 2 dives (s. 18.13).
- **Emergency support.** Arranged assistance, 24-hour medical support with communication, and evacuation to a hyperbaric chamber (s. 18.15).
- **Air and records.** Compressors and filters tested annually (s. 18.24); training and competency records kept while the employee is a diver (s. 18.40).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Rescue and recovery dives are type 2 dives, with the standby diver rule, unless they are evidence dives that meet every type 1 condition.
- Part XVIII does not apply where the offshore petroleum diving regulations apply (s. 18.2).

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing)

**Law.** No federal traffic statute governs fire apparatus on public roads. On federal property, the Government Property Traffic Regulations apply provincial and municipal traffic law [(Government Property Traffic Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 3, 4, 6(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-government-property-traffic-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Federal property.** A vehicle on a government-property highway must be operated in accordance with the laws of the province and municipality (s. 6(1)); this does not apply to Canadian Armed Forces members operating Crown vehicles “with due authority” (s. 4) or to property under the airport traffic regulations (s. 3).
- **Public roads.** Provincial traffic law governs exemptions, move-over, licence classes and air brakes for federal fire services.
- **Airside.** The airport operator sets airside vehicle rules.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Department of National Defence firefighters may drive under military driver permits; civilian airport firefighters need the provincial licence for public roads.

**Status.** Partly verified: the regulations read through the research (consolidated to 2026-09-30).

### [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes)

**Law.** Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, s. 12.17 [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 12.17)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca). No federal temporary traffic control rule for emergency scenes.

**What must be covered.**

- **High visibility.** Apparel meeting CSA Z96 “if there is a risk of injury … due to moving vehicles” (s. 12.17).
- **Traffic control.** Provincial law governs public roads and move-over; airport operators set airside rules.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Airport fire services work airside among aircraft and service vehicles; the airport’s vehicle and apparel rules apply alongside s. 12.17.

**Status.** Partly verified: s. 12.17 read in the Justice Laws consolidation (to 2026-09-30) on 2026-10-24; airport airside rules not read.

### [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions)

**Law.** Government Employees Compensation Act, s. 4 [(Government Employees Compensation Act \[CA\], 1985, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-government-employees-compensation-act-ca); national framework on cancers linked to firefighting ([National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act \[CA\], 2023](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-national-framework-on-cancers-linked-to-firefighting-act-ca); [Health Canada, 2024](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-health-canada-2024)).

**What must be covered.**

- **Federal employees** are entitled to compensation “at the same rate and under the same conditions as are provided under the law of the province where the employee is usually employed”, decided by that province’s board (s. 4(2)-(3)). Provincial firefighter presumptions therefore apply to federal public service firefighters, such as Department of National Defence civilian firefighters, by reference.
- **Airport authorities and Crown corporations** are usually assessed directly by the provincial board.
- **Canadian Armed Forces members** are not covered by this Act; veterans’ benefits statutes apply.
- **National framework.** The federal Act of 2023 led to a national framework, tabled in 2024, covering a firefighter cancer registry, diagnostic guidance, research and support for wildland firefighter standards. It is not binding on employers [(Health Canada, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-health-canada-2024).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- A federal fire service with members in more than one province applies each member’s province of usual employment, so the lists on this page apply member by member.
- Return-to-work rules for federal employers are in [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).

**Status.** Partly verified: the Act (consolidated to 2026-09-30) was read; the case law applying provincial presumptions through it, and the treatment of airport authorities and Armed Forces members, were not.

### [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.** Canada Labour Code, Part III, ss. 167, 169 to 173.01, 177 and 239.1 [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca); Canadian Human Rights Act, ss. 7, 15 and 25 [(Canadian Human Rights Act \[CA\], 1985)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-human-rights-act-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Return to work** (federally regulated private sector, such as airport authorities and other federal undertakings, but not the federal public service): “the employer shall, where reasonably practicable, return an employee to work after the employee’s absence due to work-related illness or injury”; dismissal or discipline because of that absence is prohibited, and employers must subscribe to a wage-replacement plan at the provincial rate [(Canada Labour Code \[CA\], 1985, s. 239.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-labour-code-ca). No statutory return-to-work duty was found for the federal public service; the human rights duty applies.
- **Accommodation.** Refusing to employ or differentiating adversely in employment on a prohibited ground is a discriminatory practice (CHRA s. 7), unless it is based on a bona fide occupational requirement (s. 15(1)(a)). A requirement is a BFOR only if accommodating the affected people “would impose undue hardship on the person who would have to accommodate those needs, considering health, safety and cost” (s. 15(2)). “Disability” includes “previous or existing dependence on alcohol or a drug” (s. 25).
- **Hours of work** (Part III, federal private sector only, s. 167):
  - standard hours of 8 a day and 40 a week (s. 169(1)), with averaging and modified schedules allowed (ss. 169(2), 170);
  - a maximum of 48 hours a week (s. 171), which may be exceeded only as needed in an accident, urgent work or unforeseen circumstances, reported to the regulator within 15 days of month end (s. 177);
  - an unpaid 30-minute break in every 5 consecutive hours (s. 169.1) and **8 consecutive hours of rest between shifts** (s. 169.2), both of which yield to unforeseeable situations threatening life, health, safety or property;
  - at least one full day of rest a week (s. 173);
  - schedules in writing at least 96 hours in advance, with a right to refuse a shift starting sooner except in an emergency (s. 173.01).

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Airport fire services run by airport authorities are under Part III; Department of National Defence civilian firefighters are federal public servants outside Part III, with hours set by their collective agreement.
- The 8-hour rest rule and its emergency exception decide whether callbacks after a long shift are lawful; record the reason when the exception is used.

**Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Code and Canadian Human Rights Act consolidated to 2026-09-30). The hours regime for public service firefighters was not checked.

### [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification)

**Law.** No federal fire services statute, fire marshal statute, certification regulation or mutual aid framework was found. Workplaces under the Canada Labour Code use the fire protection Part of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, Part XVII)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); airport rescue and firefighting is governed by the Canadian Aviation Regulations, Subpart 303, and Standard 323 ([Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.01-303.19](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); [Transport Canada, 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026)).

**What must be covered.**

- **Fire protection in federal workplaces.** Fire protection equipment, evacuation plans and drills, with the local fire department told 24 hours before a drill [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 17.10(4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca); the National Fire Code 2020 is adopted from 2027-01-30 (SOR/2026-10); see [J20 Stations, Premises and Building Codes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j20-stations-premises-and-building-codes).
- **Airport firefighter training.** No one may act as an aircraft firefighter unless trained to the aircraft fire-fighting standards “within the previous 12 months”; training records are kept for three years after the firefighter leaves [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.14, 303.16)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca). Standard 323 requires recurrent training on each element at least every three years and live fire training every 12 months, with command training for officers [(Transport Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-transport-canada-2026).
- **Airport service level.** The airport’s critical aircraft category sets agents and vehicles (ss. 303.07, 303.09), and the response is tested every 12 months (s. 303.18).
- **Command.** At airports, the emergency plan names the on-scene controller (ss. 302.201, 302.204); elsewhere command authority is set by employer policy.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- Department of National Defence fire services follow internal fire marshal directives and NFPA-based certification, which were not read.
- Mutual aid between federal fire services and municipalities is contractual.
- Whether a First Nations band council fire service is federally or provincially regulated is decided case by case.

**Status.** Partly verified: the regulations and aviation regulations were read in the official consolidations current to 2026-09-30, and Standard 323 on the Transport Canada page; internal directives were not read.

### [J35 Wildland and Interface Fire](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j35-wildland-and-interface-fire)

**Law.** Canadian Aviation Regulations, ss. 601.15 to 601.17 [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 601.15-601.17)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations for federal wildland crews [(Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canada-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **Airspace.** “No person shall operate an aircraft (a) over a forest fire area, or over any area that is located within five nautical miles of a forest fire area, at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet AGL; or (b) in any airspace that is described in a NOTAM” issued for a forest fire (s. 601.15). A “forest fire area” includes burning grass, other vegetation or buildings (s. 601.15 definitions).
- **Exceptions.** The rule does not apply to persons “operating an aircraft at the request of, or with the authorization of, an appropriate fire control authority for the purpose of assisting the fire control authority”, or with the Minister’s written authorization (s. 601.17).
- **Federal crews.** Wildland crews of federal land-management agencies work under the Canada Labour Code, Part II and the federal regulations; national interagency standards apply by agreement.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- The airspace rule applies in every province and territory and reaches department drones: fly near a wildfire only at the request of, or with the authorization of, the agency leading the fire.
- The national framework on cancers linked to firefighting supports the development of wildland firefighter health and safety standards [(Health Canada, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-health-canada-2024).

**Status.** Partly verified: CARs ss. 601.15-601.17 read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30). Federal land managers’ fire programs were not read.

### [J36 External Verification and Funding](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j36-external-verification-and-funding)

**Law.** Canadian Aviation Regulations, ss. 302.500 to 302.505 [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 302.500-302.505)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-federal#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca).

**What must be covered.**

- **No federal COR.** None was found; airport authorities may use a provincial COR program voluntarily.
- **Airport safety management systems.** Every certified airport must run a safety management system “on and after January 1, 2009”, with a safety policy approved by the accountable executive, hazard and incident reporting with conditions for immunity from discipline, data analysis, quality assurance audits and employee involvement (ss. 302.500-302.505). Airport firefighting sits inside that system, and the federal regulator checks it, including through response tests.
- **Wildfire equipment fund.** The federal Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program’s Equipment Fund (\$256 million over five years from 2022-23) cost-shares wildland firefighting equipment with provinces (up to 50 per cent) and territories (up to 75 per cent); it flows through provincial and territorial governments, and its call for applications is closed (Natural Resources Canada, n.d.).
- **Infrastructure fund.** Under the 2024-2034 Canada Community-Building Fund agreements, “fire halls” is an eligible project category (Government of Manitoba, n.d.-a). Some provincial administrators also list fire trucks; check with yours.

**Fire-service nuance.**

- **Wildland money reaches departments indirectly.** Municipal departments benefit through provincial wildfire agencies and interface programs rather than by applying ([J35 Wildland and Interface Fire](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j35-wildland-and-interface-fire)).
- **The infrastructure fund is the one national source for stations.** Station renovation for decontamination zones and exhaust capture can qualify as fire hall work.

**Status.** Partly verified on 2026-10-23 (Canadian Aviation Regulations consolidated to 2026-09-30; a provincial infrastructure fund page read). The equipment fund figures come from the program page as returned by search, and the absence of a federal COR is based on search.

## References

Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations, SOR/2020-260 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2020-260/FullText.html>

Canada Labour Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. L-2 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30; Part II). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/l-2/>

Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, SOR/86-304 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-86-304/>

Canadian Aviation Regulations, SOR/96-433 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30; Subparts 302 and 303, airports and aircraft fire fighting, and Part IX, remotely piloted aircraft systems). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/>

Canadian Human Rights Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. H-6 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/H-6/FullText.html>

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). <https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CAN-CSA-Z1003-13-BNQ%209700-803-2013/>

CSA Group. (2022). *CSA Z96:22, High-visibility safety apparel* (4th ed.). <https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA%20Z96:22/>

CSA Group. (2024). *CSA Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace: Curriculum and quality management for training agencies* (2nd ed.). <https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA_Z1210:24/>

CSA Group. (2025). *CSA B339-25, Cylinders, spheres, and tubes for the transportation of dangerous goods* (in force 2025-08-01 under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, s. 5.10). <https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/csa-b339>

Employment and Social Development Canada. (2025). *Contact the Labour Program* (modified 2025-12-30). <https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/labour-contact.html>

Employment and Social Development Canada. (2026). *Federally regulated industries and workplaces* (modified 2026-01-30). <https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/employment-equity/regulated-industries.html>

Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2023). *Report an environmental emergency* (modified 2023-09-13). <https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-emergencies-program/report-emergency.html>

Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, S.C. 2003, c. 22, s. 2 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-33.3/section-240.html>

Government Employees Compensation Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. G-5 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/g-5/>

Government of Manitoba. (n.d.-a). *Canada Community-Building Fund*. <https://gov.mb.ca/central/Project/ccbf.html>

Government Property Traffic Regulations, C.R.C., c. 887 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._887/FullText.html>

Health Canada. (2024). *National framework on cancers linked to firefighting*. <https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/firefighters-health/national-framework-cancers-linked-firefighting.html>

Income Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1 (5th Supp.) (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-3.3/section-118.06.html>

National Fire Protection Association. (2021). *NFPA 1006, Standard for technical rescue personnel professional qualifications*. <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1006-standard-development/1006>

National Fire Protection Association. (2022). *NFPA 2500, Standard for operations and training for technical search and rescue incidents and life safety rope and equipment for emergency services* (consolidates NFPA 1670, 1858 and 1983). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-2500-standard-development/2500>

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). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1910-standard-development/1910>

National Fire Protection Association. (2025). *NFPA 1580, Standard for emergency responder occupational health and wellness* (consolidates NFPA 1581, 1582, 1583 and 1584). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1580-standard-development/1580>

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). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1970-standard-development/1970>

National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act, S.C. 2023, c. 20 (Canada; consolidation date not recorded; Bill C-224, Royal Assent 2023). <https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-224>

Natural Resources Canada. (n.d.). *Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program: Equipment Fund*. <https://natural-resources.canada.ca/forest-forestry/wildland-fires/fighting-managing-wildfires-changing-climate-program-equipment-fund>

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, S.C. 2000, c. 5 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-8.6/section-4.html>

Policy Committees, Work Place Committees and Health and Safety Representatives Regulations, SOR/2015-164 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2015-164/FullText.html>

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2026). *Mental health support: Get help* (page modified 2026-01-14). <https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html>

Public Health Agency of Canada. (n.d.). *Canadian immunization guide, Part 4: Hepatitis B vaccines*. Government of Canada. <https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-7-hepatitis-b-vaccine>

Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code, SOR/2026-10 (Canada; registered 2026-01-30, in force 2027-01-30). <https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2026/2026-02-11/html/sor-dors10-eng.html>

Transport Canada. (2025a). *CSA B339* \[Web page; B339-25 in force 2025-08-01 under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, s. 5.10\]. <https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/csa-b339>

Transport Canada. (2026). *Standard 323: Aircraft fire fighting at airports and aerodromes* (modified 2026-08-20). <https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/acts-regulations/list-regulations/canadian-aviation-regulations-sor-96-433/standards/standard-323-aircraft-fire-fighting-airports-aerodromes-canadian-aviation-regulations-cars>

Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, SOR/2020-130 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2020-130/>