# Jurisdiction Pack - Quebec > Fire Service Safety Management System, version 0.3.3 (2026-10-25). The Human Factor. Document FSSMS-PACK-06. > > Canonical: https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec > > 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 Quebec 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 Quebec pack of Part 10: this preface, followed by the Quebec section of every topic page listed in the [00 Jurisdiction Index](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-index). The sections are generated from the topic pages, so the pack and the topic pages always say the same thing, and both state the law as researched to 2026-10-23. It is general information, not legal advice: check every requirement against the official consolidation before you rely on it. ## The law that governs fire departments here A Quebec fire safety service works under the Act respecting occupational health and safety, as modernized in 2021, and its regulations, chiefly the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety and, since 2025-10-01, the Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment, which replaced the revoked prevention programs regulation ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc)). None of them is written for the fire service. The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) both enforces the Act and administers compensation; reportable events are notified to it by the most rapid means, followed by a written report within 24 hours [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 62)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). Its line is 1-844-838-0808, where option 1 reaches the on-call inspector (CNESST, n.d.-c). The Fire Safety Act governs fire safety cover plans, the fire safety service, command at the scene and the provincial firefighters school, and its regulation sets the qualifications for each function; there is no fire marshal, and the Minister of Public Security and the fire investigation commissioners fill that role ([Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, ss. 8, 36-40, 49, 81](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc); [Regulation respecting the conditions governing the exercise of functions within a municipal fire safety service \[QC\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-the-conditions-governing-the-exercise-of-functions-within-a-municipal-fire-safety-service-qc)). Compensation and the firefighter presumptions are in the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases and its occupational diseases regulation ([Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc); [Regulation respecting occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-diseases-qc)). | Instrument | Citation | What it covers | |:---|:---|:---| | Act respecting occupational health and safety | CQLR c. S-2.1; up to date to 2026-08-12 | General duties, prevention program, committee and representative, right of refusal, reporting, penalties | | Regulation respecting occupational health and safety | CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 13; up to date to 2026-07-01 | Respirators and breathing air, fall protection, confined spaces, noise, lockout, diving | | Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment | CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 8.3; in force 2025-10-01 | Program timelines, committee size, meetings and training, representative release time | | Safety Code for the construction industry | CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 4 | Excavation and trench shoring; power line approach distances | | Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases; Regulation respecting occupational diseases; First-aid Minimum Standards Regulation | CQLR c. A-3.001; A-3.001, r. 8.1; A-3.001, r. 10 | Compensation, volunteers, the cancer and PTSD presumptions, return to work, first aid | | Fire Safety Act; Regulation respecting the conditions governing the exercise of functions within a municipal fire safety service | CQLR c. S-3.4; S-3.4, r. 1 | Cover plans, fire safety service, command, powers, annual fire reports; qualifications by function and population | | Highway Safety Code | CQLR c. C-24.2 | Emergency vehicles, green flashing light, safety corridor, alcohol rule, licence class | | Act respecting labour standards; Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information | CQLR c. N-1.1; CQLR c. A-2.1 | Psychological harassment policy; municipal records, privacy impact assessments and confidentiality incidents | ## What is distinctive for fire departments here - **No fire regulation: the general duty and CNESST practice set the standard.** The employer must take the measures needed to protect workers’ health, safety and physical and mental well-being, designate and post the names of the people responsible for health and safety, and supply individual protective equipment free of charge [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). After four fatal events between 2021 and 2023, CNESST investigations ended in orders to write or upgrade procedures on command, size-up, collapse risk, exclusion zones, withdrawal, accountability, mayday and water work, and some prohibited interior attack, navigation or work near water until the employer complied ([CNESST, 2022a](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2022a); [CNESST, 2022b](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2022b); [CNESST, 2022c](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2022c); [CNESST, 2024a](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2024a)). - **The right of refusal has a general limit, not a firefighter clause.** A worker may not refuse where refusing puts another person in immediate danger or where the conditions are ordinary conditions in that kind of work [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 12-13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). - **The prevention program is the central document.** It is required for each establishment with at least 20 workers during the year and must cover chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial risks, including sexual violence, the hierarchy of controls, training, first aid and the harassment policy; it is prepared within a year, updated every year, and its priorities are reported to the CNESST every three years ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 58-60](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 4-6](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc)). A municipality may run one program for several establishments whose activities are of the same nature, for at least three years (s. 58.1). - **Municipal services are level 3 for committee mechanics.** Without an agreement, the committee meets six times a year and at least every three months, and within three working days of a member’s request after a death, the loss of a limb or of its use, a significant physical trauma or serious injuries to two or more workers; minutes are kept five years; each member receives one day of recognized training within 120 days, and a member designated before the new regime must hold the certificate by the transitional date for the establishment’s level, which for municipal public administration (level 3) was 2026-10-01 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 18-20, 29, 31, 39, Sch. I)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). The representative’s minimum release time starts at eight hours a month for 20 to 50 workers (s. 33). - **What must be reported.** A death; the loss of a limb or of its use, or a significant physical trauma; serious injuries that will probably keep two or more workers off work for a working day; or material damage of \$150,000 or more, indexed each year, which the CNESST gives as \$215,749 for 2026; the scene stays unchanged until the inspector has investigated ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 62-62.0.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); CNESST, n.d.-a). - **Qualifications are mandatory and scaled to population.** A firefighter needs Pompier I where the population served is under 25,000, Pompier II from 25,000 to 200,000 and the vocational diploma above 200,000, with up to 48 months as an apprentice except in the largest services; officers, the director and pumper and aerial operators need their own qualifications [(Regulation respecting the conditions governing the exercise of functions within a municipal fire safety service \[QC\], 2026, ss. 1, 3-9)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-the-conditions-governing-the-exercise-of-functions-within-a-municipal-fire-safety-service-qc). - **The 2025 ministerial orientations bring a staffing benchmark.** The Minister’s fire safety orientations of 2025 define the number of firefighters needed for rescue and a safe interior attack and recognize the contribution of four firefighters, and cover plans must be brought into line within 24 months ([Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2025](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2025); [Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 30](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc)). Until the chief or a designated firefighter arrives, the first firefighter at the scene directs operations (s. 39). - **Confined spaces have no firefighter exemption.** Entry is limited to qualified workers aged 18 or over, oxygen must be 19.5 to 23 percent and flammable gas at or below five percent of the lower explosive limit, an attendant stays outside, readings are logged, and the rescue plan names a rescue director and is tested by exercises [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 296.1-312)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). - **Respirators follow CSA Z94.4-11.** A written respiratory protection program to the 2016 publication of CSA Z94.4-11 is required, equipment with an automatic air-interruption device is prohibited, and breathing air is sampled at least every six months with results kept five years [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 45.1, 46, 48)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). - **Presumptions differ from the rest of Canada.** Fifteen cancers are presumed for full-time and part-time operational firefighters employed by a city or municipality, there is no heart presumption, and PTSD is presumed for any worker with qualifying exposure [(Regulation respecting occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, Sch. A)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-diseases-qc). Unpaid volunteers are covered only if the user of their services files a statement with the CNESST, and even then have no right to return to work [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, s. 13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc). - **Driving rules carry real privileges and a gap.** A firefighter authorized by the municipality may use a green flashing light when responding and may then travel on the shoulder and stop anywhere safe, carrying the certificate of authorization, and drivers must leave a safety corridor for stopped emergency vehicles [(Highway Safety Code \[QC\], 2026, ss. 226.2, 239.1.1, 406.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-highway-safety-code-qc). The zero-alcohol rule for emergency vehicle drivers, whose text excludes volunteer firefighters, is not in force (s. 202.2.1). - **A harassment policy is mandatory for every employer** and forms part of the prevention program or action plan, with information and training for employees and the people who handle complaints, and documents kept at least two years [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026, s. 81.19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc). ## Commonly got wrong 1. **Treating every refusal as barred by “ordinary conditions”.** The limit covers the dangers that are normal to firefighting, not a defect or an abnormal condition [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). Fix: a refusal procedure that separates inherent fireground risk from defects, with the representative’s examination and the inspector’s decision. See [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection). 2. **Working from the revoked prevention programs regulation.** It ended on 2025-10-01 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). Fix: rebuild the program to the Act’s s. 59 contents with the yearly update and the three-year report to the CNESST. See [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program). 3. **Meeting quarterly and missing the training deadline.** A level 3 committee meets six times a year by default, and members designated before the new regime had to hold the certificate by 2026-10-01 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 19, 39, Sch. I)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). Fix: a committee calendar and a training register. See [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative). 4. **Assuming a confined space exemption for rescue or training.** There is none [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 296.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). Fix: technical rescue procedures that meet the five percent LEL limit, the attendant, the readings register and a rescue plan tested by exercises. See [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space). 5. **Assuming volunteers are covered for compensation.** Unpaid volunteers are covered only if the statement is filed [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, s. 13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc). Fix: file and keep current the statement for every unpaid volunteer member. See [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). 6. **No alcohol rule for members who drive to calls.** The zero-alcohol rule for emergency vehicle drivers is not in force, and its text excludes volunteer firefighters in any case [(Highway Safety Code \[QC\], 2026, s. 202.2.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-highway-safety-code-qc). Fix: a fitness-for-duty and alcohol and drug policy with zero tolerance for every responding member. See [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing). 7. **Generic procedures the CNESST will not accept.** Its fatality investigations required documented strategy selection, collapse assessment, exclusion zones, priority withdrawal, accountability, mayday and water rescue competence matched to the hazard ([CNESST, 2022a](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2022a); [CNESST, 2022b](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2022b); [CNESST, 2022c](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2022c); [CNESST, 2024a](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2024a)). Fix: write and train each of these, and plan flood and swift water response before it is needed. See [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). 8. **Missing the 24-hour written report.** Fix: a reporting procedure that phones the CNESST at once and files the written report within 24 hours, with copies to the committee and the representative [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 62)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). See [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation). 9. **Assuming a heart presumption exists.** Quebec has none [(Regulation respecting occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, Sch. A)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-diseases-qc). Fix: treat cardiac screening and fitness as pure prevention, and keep operational-role, service-year and non-smoking records for the cancer presumptions. See [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions). 10. **A harassment policy that sits apart from the prevention program.** Fix: integrate it, train employees and complaint handlers, and keep files at least two years [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026, s. 81.19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc). See [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment). ## Compliance checklist Each row is a legal obligation, so it belongs in Stage 1; a row for a specialty service applies only where the department provides that service. The topic page gives the detail. | \# | Obligation | Source | Evidence a department holds | Topic page | |:---|:---|:---|:---|:---| | 1 | Prevention program for each establishment with at least 20 workers, with the s. 59 contents, prepared within a year, updated yearly, priorities reported every three years | ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 58-60](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 4-6](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc)) | Program; yearly update record; report to the CNESST | [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program) | | 2 | Action plan where no program is required | [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 61.1-61.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Action plan | [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program) | | 3 | Persons responsible for health and safety designated and posted; risks identified; equipment kept in good condition; training and supervision; individual protective equipment free of charge | [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Posting; risk register; PPE issue records | [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors) | | 4 | Protection against physical or psychological violence, including spousal, family or sexual violence | [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51(16))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Risk analysis; procedures; training | [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence) | | 5 | Psychological harassment policy integrated into the prevention program or action plan, with training; documents kept at least two years | [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026, s. 81.19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc) | Policy; training roster; complaint files | [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment) | | 6 | Committee at 20 or more workers, at least half worker representatives, co-chairs presiding alternately, quorum | ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 68-73](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 7, 21-22, 26](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc)) | Membership list; minutes | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 7 | Six meetings a year by default; meeting within three working days after a serious event on request; minutes kept five years | [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 18-20, 29)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc) | Meeting calendar; minutes | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 8 | One day of recognized training for members within 120 days; members designated before the new regime certified by the level 3 transitional date, 2026-10-01 | [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 31, 39)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc) | Training register | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 9 | Health and safety representative with minimum release time and training | ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 87](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 32-36](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc)) | Designation; release time records | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 10 | Refusal procedure with the general limit; complaint route for reprisals within 30 days | [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 12-31, 227)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Procedure; refusal log | [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection) | | 11 | Immediate notice and written report within 24 hours of reportable events; copies to the committee and representative; scene unchanged | [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 62)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Reporting procedure; report copies | [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) | | 12 | Accident register; pay for the day of injury and the first 14 days; notice and refund claim filed on time | [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, ss. 59-60, 268-269, 280)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc) | Register; claim files | [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) | | 13 | Written respiratory protection program to CSA Z94.4-11; no SCBA with an automatic air-interruption device | [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 45.1, 46)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Program; fit test records | [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) | | 14 | Breathing air to CSA Z180.1 sampled at least every six months; results and compressor maintenance kept five years | [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 48)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Air analysis register | [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) | | 15 | Fall protection where a fall of more than 3 m is possible; harness and components to the CSA Z259 standards named | [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 33.1-33.3, 347-349)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Procedures; equipment records | [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access) | | 16 | Confined spaces: qualified workers aged 18 or over, written preventive measures, atmosphere limits, readings register, attendant, rescue plan tested by exercises | [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 296.1-312)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Procedures; readings register; exercise records | [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space) | | 17 | Excavation shoring to an engineer’s plans unless an exception applies; materials 1.2 m back; ladders every 15 m | [(Safety Code for the construction industry \[QC\], 2026, ss. 3.15.3-3.15.4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-safety-code-for-the-construction-industry-qc) | Trench rescue procedure; engineer access | [J18 Excavation and Trench](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j18-excavation-and-trench) | | 18 | Noise limit of 85 dBA over eight hours; evaluation every five years where exceeded; hearing protectors to CSA Z94.2-14 | [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 131-141)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Noise evaluation; protector records | [J23 Noise and Hearing Conservation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j23-noise-and-hearing-conservation) | | 19 | First-aiders certified to CSA Z1210 intermediate level, at least one present where up to 50 workers are present and one more for each additional 100 or part; kits to CSA Z1220, including vehicles | [(First-aid Minimum Standards Regulation \[QC\], 2026, ss. 2.1-5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-first-aid-minimum-standards-regulation-qc) | First-aider list; kit checks | [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid) | | 20 | WHMIS training program set with the committee | [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 62.5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) | Training program; records | [J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos) | | 21 | Firefighters, officers, the director and operators qualified for their functions by population served, within the allowed training periods | [(Regulation respecting the conditions governing the exercise of functions within a municipal fire safety service \[QC\], 2026, ss. 1, 3-9, 13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-the-conditions-governing-the-exercise-of-functions-within-a-municipal-fire-safety-service-qc) | Qualification register | [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) | | 22 | Each fire reported to the Minister by March 31 of the following year | [(Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 34)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc) | Report copy | [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) | | 23 | Cover plan and service brought into line with the 2025 orientations within 24 months | ([Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 30](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc); [Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2025](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2025)) | Implementation plan; staffing model | [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) | | 24 | Class 4A licence, or Class 1, 2 or 3, for emergency vehicle drivers; green flashing light used only by authorized firefighters carrying the certificate | [(Highway Safety Code \[QC\], 2026, ss. 226.2, 239.1.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-highway-safety-code-qc) | Licence checks; authorization register | [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing) | | 25 | Zero-tolerance alcohol and drug rule for every responding member, since the statutory zero-alcohol rule is not in force and its text excludes volunteers | [(Highway Safety Code \[QC\], 2026, s. 202.2.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-highway-safety-code-qc) | Fitness-for-duty policy | [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing) | | 26 | Operational-role, service-year and non-smoking records for the cancer presumptions; statement filed for unpaid volunteers | ([Regulation respecting occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, Sch. A](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-diseases-qc); [Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, s. 13](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc)) | Member records; statement copy | [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions) | | 27 | Privacy impact assessment for new information systems; confidentiality incidents assessed, notified where there is a risk of serious injury, and logged | [(Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information \[QC\], 2026, ss. 63.5, 63.8-63.11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-access-to-documents-held-by-public-bodies-and-the-protection-of-personal-information-qc) | Assessments; incident register | [J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information) | ## How to use this pack with the book The chapters of this book are written once for every Canadian fire department: where a requirement comes from provincial law, a chapter states it generically and links the topic page that holds each jurisdiction’s version. This pack collects Quebec’s section from every one of those topic pages, so a Quebec fire safety 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.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, CQLR c. S-2.1 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 13 [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 8.3, in force 2025-10-01 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). The regulator is the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). **What must be covered.** - **Reporting line.** CNESST, 1-844-838-0808; option 1 reaches the on-call inspector (“inspecteur de garde”) for a dangerous situation (CNESST, n.d.-c). The employer must inform the CNESST “by the most rapid means of communication” and send a written report within 24 hours of a reportable event [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 62)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); see [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation). - **Posting.** The names of the people the employer has made responsible for health and safety (s. 51(2)); information sent by the CNESST and public health authorities (s. 51(10)); committee members’ names (s. 80); and, where there is no committee, the inspector’s remedial orders (s. 183). - **Orders.** Remedial orders with a compliance deadline (s. 182); suspension of work or closure of a workplace, with seals if necessary, where health, safety or physical or mental well-being is endangered (s. 186). Workers are deemed at work, with pay, during a suspension (s. 187). - **Review and appeal.** A review by the CNESST within 10 days of notification of the inspector’s order or decision (s. 191.1); the review decision takes effect immediately (s. 192) and may be contested before the Administrative Labour Tribunal within 10 days (s. 193). - **Offences.** Any contravention: a legal person \$1,500 to \$3,000 (first), \$3,000 to \$6,000 (second), \$6,000 to \$12,000 (third or later); a natural person \$600 to \$1,500, \$1,500 to \$3,000 and \$3,000 to \$6,000 (s. 236). An act or omission that directly and seriously compromises a worker’s health, safety or physical or mental well-being: a legal person \$15,000 to \$60,000, \$30,000 to \$150,000 and \$60,000 to \$300,000; a natural person \$1,500 to \$3,000, \$3,000 to \$6,000 and \$6,000 to \$12,000 (s. 237). These are base amounts, revalued every 1 January (s. 237.1); the current indexed amounts were not read. - **Defences and parties.** The employer is liable for offences by its agents and workers unless it shows the offence was committed without its knowledge or consent and despite measures taken to prevent it (s. 239); a worker who acted on the employer’s formal instructions despite objecting is released (s. 240); directors, officers, employees and agents who prescribed, authorized or consented to a legal person’s offence are deemed parties (s. 241). The CNESST and certified associations may prosecute (s. 242). - **Administrative penalties.** None in the Act. **Fire-service nuance.** - Quebec has no fire-specific OHS regulation, so the CNESST enforces fireground safety through the employer’s general duties in s. 51; its investigations of firefighter deaths are summarized on [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). - Since 2021 the employer’s duty covers “physical and mental well-being” (s. 51), so psychological hazards are inside every order and investigation; see [J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety). **Status.** Partly verified: the Act (to 2026-08-12) and regulations (to 2026-07-01) were read in LégisQuébec, and the CNESST contact page on 2026-10-23. The indexed 2026 fine amounts were not read. ### [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 1, 11, 49 to 51.2, 63 and 239 to 241 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Employer.** “Every employer must take the necessary measures to protect the health and ensure the safety and physical and mental well-being of his worker” (s. 51). Specific duties include equipping and laying out establishments for protection; designating personnel responsible for health and safety and posting their names; ensuring that work organization and “working procedures and techniques” do not harm workers; using methods to identify, control and eliminate risks; supplying safety equipment and keeping it in good condition; giving adequate information, training, assistance or supervision; supplying individual protective equipment free of charge and requiring its use; co-operating with the committee; and protecting workers from physical or psychological violence (s. 51(1)-(16)). The employer must keep impaired workers from working (s. 51.2). - **Supervisor: not a separate duty-holder.** A person employed as a manager, superintendent, foreman or agent of the employer in its relations with workers is excluded from “worker” (s. 1) and keeps only the rights in ss. 9, 10 and 32 to 48 (s. 11). There is no supervisor duty section; supervisors act for the employer, and the employer is liable for its agents’ offences unless it shows the offence was committed without its knowledge or consent and despite measures to prevent it (s. 239). Directors, officers, employees and agents who prescribed, authorized or consented to a legal person’s offence are deemed to have participated (s. 241). - **Worker.** Become familiar with the prevention program or action plan; take the necessary measures for their own health, safety and physical or mental well-being; not endanger others; undergo required medical examinations; take part in identifying and eliminating risks; co-operate with the committee (s. 49); not work impaired (s. 49.1). A worker who acted on the employer’s formal instructions despite objecting is released from responsibility (s. 240). - **Others.** A person who retains a worker’s services without being the employer carries the employer’s obligations (s. 51.1). No one may manufacture, supply, sell, lease, distribute or install any product, equipment, material or dangerous substance unless it is safe and meets the regulations (s. 63). **Fire-service nuance.** - Whether a fire captain is a “foreman” excluded from “worker”, or a worker who supervises, depends on the role; a captain who is a working member of the crew is usually treated as a worker (an interpretation; confirm with counsel). Either way the employer answers for the captain’s acts, and the Criminal Code duty applies to the captain personally; see [J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j01-ohs-legislation-regulator-and-enforcement). - “Worker” includes a person working “even without remuneration” under a contract of employment, so part-time firefighters are workers (s. 1); the position of unpaid volunteers was not settled; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). **Status.** Verified against the LégisQuébec consolidation (to 2026-08-12) 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.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 58 to 61.2 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 58-61.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment, ss. 4 to 6 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 4-6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc); Act respecting labour standards, s. 81.19 [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026, s. 81.19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Policy.** No general OHS policy duty; every employer must have a policy to prevent and manage psychological harassment [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026, s. 81.19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc), and it is part of the prevention program or action plan. - **Prevention program threshold.** Each establishment employing at least 20 workers during the year; kept until 31 December of the following year if numbers fall; the CNESST may require one at any size [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 58)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). One program may cover several establishments with activities of the same nature, for at least three years (s. 58.1). - **Program elements (s. 59).** The object is to eliminate risks at the source. It must set out (1) identification and analysis of risks, including chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial risks (including sexual violence); (2) measures and priorities following the regulated hierarchy of controls, with a schedule; (3) supervision, evaluation, maintenance and follow-up; (4) individual protective equipment; (5) training and information programs; (6) required medical examinations; (7) a list of dangerous substances and contaminants; (8) an adequate first aid service; (9) the psychological harassment policy. Elements (4) and (5) are determined by the committee (s. 78). - **Action plan below 20.** Where no program is required, an action plan with similar content (s. 61.1-61.2). - **Timing and review.** Prepared and implemented within one year [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc); updated every year (s. 5); controls follow a six-level hierarchy, from elimination to protective equipment (s. 6). The program and updates go to the committee, and every three years the employer reports its priorities and progress to the CNESST [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 60)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **Fire-service nuance.** - The prevention mechanisms regulation replaced the former prevention programs regulation on 2025-10-01 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc), so a program written under the old rules should be checked against s. 59 and the new regulation (interpretation). - Psychosocial risks are a required element, which makes critical incident stress part of the legal program; see [J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety). **Status.** Verified against the LégisQuébec consolidations (Act to 2026-08-12; regulation to 2026-07-01) 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.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 51(5), 59, 61.2, 78(6) and 90 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment, ss. 5 and 6 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 5-6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Hazard duty.** The employer must “use methods and techniques intended for the identification, control and elimination of risks” [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51(5))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). The prevention program (20 or more workers) sets out “the identification and analysis of the risks”, including chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial risks (s. 59(1)); the action plan for smaller establishments sets out the identification of the same risks (s. 61.2(1)). - **Controls and review.** Measures follow a six-level hierarchy: elimination at the source, substitution, engineering controls, warning systems, administrative controls such as training and safe work methods and procedures, and protective equipment [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). The program or action plan is updated every year (s. 5). - **Participation.** The committee participates in identifying and analyzing risks [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 78(6))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); the health and safety representative identifies dangerous situations and takes part in risk identification and analysis (s. 90(3), (9)). - **Inspections.** The representative’s first function is “to inspect workplaces” (s. 90(1)); the Act fixes no frequency. The program sets the supervision and follow-up measures (s. 59(3)). **Fire-service nuance.** - Psychosocial risks are part of the legal identification duty, so the assessment must cover critical incident exposure and workload; see [J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety). - The representative’s monthly release time under the regulation is what makes regular inspections possible; see [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative). **Status.** Verified against the LégisQuébec consolidations (Act to 2026-08-12; regulation to 2026-07-01) 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.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 68 to 91 and 97.1 to 97.5 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment, ss. 7 to 39 and Schedule I [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Threshold.** A committee in any establishment employing at least 20 workers during the year, kept until 31 December of the following year if numbers fall; not required where 20 or more are employed for fewer than 21 days in the year; the CNESST may require one at any size [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 68)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). One committee may serve all the establishments under a multi-establishment prevention program (s. 68.1), with optional extra committees (s. 68.2). - **Composition.** The number of worker representatives is set by agreement or, failing agreement, by the regulation: 20 to 50 workers, 2 (3 if a non-unionized group exists); 51 to 100, 3; 101 to 500, 4; 501 to 1,000, 6; 1,001 to 1,500, 7; over 1,500, 8 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, s. 7)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). At least half the members, including the health and safety representative, represent workers [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 71)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); worker representatives come from the establishment’s workers and are designated by the certified association or by a vote (s. 72; [Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 8-13](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc)); the employer names at least one member and up to as many as the workers [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 70)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); each side has one vote (s. 73). Two co-chairs, one per side, preside alternately [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 21-22)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). A health and safety representative is designated wherever a committee exists and is a member of it [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 87)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). - **Meetings and minutes.** Frequency by agreement; until agreed, one meeting every three months (s. 74); without agreement the regulation sets minimums by establishment level: level 1, 4 a year; levels 2 and 3, 6 a year; level 4, 9 a year; always at least once every three months [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, s. 19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). First meeting within 30 days of designation (s. 18); a meeting within 3 working days of a member’s request after a death, the loss of a limb or significant trauma, or serious injuries to two or more workers (s. 20). Minutes are approved at each meeting and kept by the employer for at least 5 years (s. 29). Members’ names are posted [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 80)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). - **Response clock.** No general deadline. If the committee cannot agree on training and information programs or on the choice of protective equipment, the worker representatives put their recommendations in writing and the employer’s representatives must reply in writing, and the CNESST can decide (s. 79). A health and safety liaison officer, where one replaces the representative, gets a written answer within 30 days (s. 97.3). - **Functions.** Determine training and information programs; select individual protective equipment; take cognizance of the prevention program, co-operate in preparing and updating it, and make recommendations; participate in identifying and analyzing risks; keep registers of accidents, occupational diseases and incidents; receive accident notices and inquire into incidents that caused or could have caused an accident, with recommendations to the employer and the CNESST; receive and answer suggestions and complaints; study inspection reports and statistics (s. 78). The representative inspects workplaces, investigates incidents, identifies dangers, makes recommendations and takes part in refusals (s. 90). - **Training and paid time.** Each member, including the representative, obtains a CNESST-recognized certificate for at least one day of training within 120 days of designation [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, s. 31)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc); the representative gets 2 days if not on a committee and a 7-hour program every 2 years (ss. 34-36). Members may take the time without loss of pay, and the CNESST pays registration, travel and lodging [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 78.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). Worker representatives are deemed at work during committee meetings and work (s. 76), and meetings are held in working hours unless agreed otherwise (s. 74.1). **Fire-service nuance.** - Municipal public administration is a level 3 establishment, so the default is 6 meetings a year and a member or representative designated before 2026-10-01 must hold the certificate by that date [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, ss. 19, 39, Sch. I)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). - Part-time (“à temps partiel”) firefighters are workers, so they count and can be designated as worker representatives (interpretation); see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). **Status.** Verified against the LégisQuébec consolidations (Act to 2026-08-12; regulation to 2026-07-01) 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.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 51(3), 59, 60, 78 and 90(9) [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment, s. 6 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). **What must be covered.** - **General.** No general written-procedure duty. The employer must ensure that “the organization of the work and the working procedures and techniques do not adversely affect the safety or health of the worker” [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). The prevention program sets out measures following the hierarchy of controls (s. 59(2)), which includes “administrative risk controls such as worker training and the use of safe work methods and procedures” [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, s. 6(5))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc). - **Consultation.** The committee determines the training and information programs, selects individual protective equipment, takes cognizance of the prevention program, co-operates in preparing, updating and following it up, and makes recommendations; it participates in identifying and analyzing risks [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 78(3)-(6))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). The employer sends the program and every update to the committee (s. 60). The representative co-operates in preparing and implementing the program through written recommendations (s. 90(9)). **Fire-service nuance.** - The Ministère de la Sécurité publique’s reference guides for fire services are the usual source for operational procedures; they are guidance, not OHS law [(Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-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 LégisQuébec consolidations (Act to 2026-08-12; regulation to 2026-07-01) 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.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 12 to 31, 227 and 228 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 12-31, 227-228)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases, s. 255 [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, s. 255)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc). **What must be covered.** - **The right.** A worker may refuse particular work with “reasonable grounds to believe that the performance of that work would expose him to danger to his health, safety or physical or mental well-being, or would expose another person to a similar danger” (s. 12). - **Steps.** 1. The worker immediately informs the supervisor or employer (s. 15). 2. The supervisor calls in the health and safety representative to examine the matter and the corrective measures (s. 16). 3. The work may be given to another worker only if both the supervisor and the representative find no danger, or grounds specific to the refusing worker, and the other worker is told of the refusal and its reasons (s. 17). 4. Either side may call an inspector (s. 18), who decides immediately and may order corrective measures (s. 19). The decision applies despite a request for review (s. 20). Where the refusal idles two or more other workers, the inspector must be on site within six hours (s. 26). - **Pay.** The refusing worker is deemed to be at work (s. 14). - **Reprisal.** No dismissal, suspension, transfer, discrimination, reprisal or other penalty for exercising the right (s. 30), or against the representative for doing that job (s. 31). The worker may file a grievance or, instead, a written complaint to the CNESST “within 30 days of the penalty or measure” (s. 227). The complaint follows the procedure of the industrial accidents Act (s. 228), under which a sanction within six months of exercising a right is presumed to be because of it, and the employer must prove “another good and sufficient reason” [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, s. 255)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc). **Fire-service nuance.** - **The limit, verbatim.** “No worker may, however, exercise his right under section 12 if his refusal to perform the work puts the life, health, safety or physical or mental well-being of another person in immediate danger or if the conditions under which the work is to be performed are ordinary conditions in his kind of work” (s. 13). There is no firefighter-specific clause; this general limit applies to firefighters. - **What stays refusable.** Conditions that are not ordinary in firefighting (a defect, a missing control, an untrained task) remain refusable unless refusing would put another person in immediate danger. - **Part-time firefighters.** Part-time (“à temps partiel”) firefighters work under a contract of employment, so they are workers with the full right (interpretation; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters)). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (both Acts consolidated to 2026-08-12). ### [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 62, 62.0.1, 78 and 90 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 62, 78, 90)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases, ss. 59, 60, 268, 269 and 280 [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, ss. 59-60, 268-269, 280)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Serious events.** The employer must inform the CNESST “by the most rapid means of communication, and, within 24 hours, make a written report to it” if an incident caused: the death of a worker; “the loss of a limb or of part of a limb, the total or partial loss of the use of a limb or a significant physical trauma”; “such serious injuries to two or more workers as probably to prevent them from performing their work for one working day”; or material damage of \$150,000 or more (s. 62). The damage amount is indexed each 1 January (s. 62.0.1); the CNESST gives \$215,749 for 2026 (CNESST, n.d.-a). - **Who else.** The committee and the health and safety representative are informed, and a copy of the report goes without delay to them and to the certified union (s. 62). - **No-injury events.** An explosion or collapse without injury is reportable only through the material damage threshold. - **Scene.** “The scene of the incident must remain unchanged until it has been investigated by the inspector, except to prevent an aggravation of its consequences, or unless the inspector authorizes a change” (s. 62). - **Investigation.** The committee receives accident notices and inquires into incidents “that have caused or could have caused a work accident or an occupational disease”, making recommendations to the employer and the CNESST (s. 78(9)), and keeps registers of accidents and near-accidents (s. 78(7)). The representative investigates such incidents and reports the result to the committee (s. 90(2)). No deadline is set. - **Compensation report.** The employer pays the day of injury in full and 90 per cent of net wages for the next 14 days (ss. 59-60), then files its notice and refund claim within two days after the worker returns to work, if within 14 full days, or within two days after the 14th full day (ss. 268-269). Minor accidents that do not disable beyond the day are entered in a register the worker signs (s. 280). **Fire-service nuance.** - **At a fire you are fighting.** The damage limb concerns damage caused by the incident, such as a destroyed apparatus or equipment, not the property the department was called to protect (interpretation; confirm with the CNESST). Injuries to members at a fire are reportable on the s. 62 list like any other. - **Scene and inspection.** The CNESST investigates firefighter deaths and serious injuries and can prohibit operations pending corrective action, so scene preservation and the department’s procedures and training records are central evidence. - **Part-time firefighters.** They are workers, so these duties apply ([J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters)). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (both Acts consolidated to 2026-08-12). The 2026 indexed damage amount comes from the CNESST; the fire-scene reading is interpretation. ### [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 48 and 307 [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 48, 307)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment, s. 29 [(Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment \[QC\], 2026, s. 29)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-prevention-and-participation-mechanisms-in-an-establishment-qc); Act respecting labour standards, s. 81.19 [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026, s. 81.19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc); Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information, s. 73 [(Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information \[QC\], 2026, s. 73)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-access-to-documents-held-by-public-bodies-and-the-protection-of-personal-information-qc). **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** No general records duty or default period; retention is item by item. - **Retention periods.** - Committee minutes: five years (r. 8.3 s. 29). - Confined space readings: a register, with non-compliant entries kept five years [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 307)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). - Documents of a harassment complaint file: at least two years [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026, s. 81.19)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc). - Personal information: destroyed or anonymized once its purpose is achieved, subject to the retention calendars made under the Archives Act [(Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information \[QC\], 2026, s. 73)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-access-to-documents-held-by-public-bodies-and-the-protection-of-personal-information-qc). - **Exposure and health records.** Breathing-air analyses and compressor maintenance records: five years [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 48)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). No firefighter exposure-record rule was found. **Fire-service nuance.** - **Retention calendars.** A municipal fire service’s records follow the municipality’s retention calendar; make sure it gives exposure, medical and service records a long period, because the Access Act’s destruction rule applies once the purpose is achieved, and a future compensation claim is a continuing purpose. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (regulations consolidated to 2026-07-01; Acts to 2026-08-12). ### [J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information) **Law.** Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information, ss. 3, 8, 63.5, 63.8 to 63.11 and 73 [(Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information \[QC\], 2026, ss. 3, 8, 63.5, 63.8-63.11, 73)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-access-to-documents-held-by-public-bodies-and-the-protection-of-personal-information-qc); Act respecting health and social services information, s. 4 [(Act respecting health and social services information \[QC\], 2026, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-health-and-social-services-information-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Access and privacy.** Municipal bodies are public bodies under the Access Act (s. 3); the person with the highest authority is responsible for access and the protection of personal information (s. 8). - **Privacy impact assessment.** Required for any information system project or electronic service delivery project involving personal information (s. 63.5). - **Confidentiality incidents.** The body must take reasonable measures to reduce the risk; where there is “a risk of serious injury”, it notifies the Commission d’accès à l’information and the persons concerned, and it keeps a register of incidents (ss. 63.8-63.11). - **Retention.** Personal information is destroyed or anonymized once the purpose of its collection is achieved, subject to the Archives Act retention calendar (s. 73). - **Health information.** The health and social services information Act applies to health and social services bodies, such as the ministry, health institutions, ambulance permit holders and health communication centres (s. 4); municipal fire services are not listed (interpretation). **Fire-service nuance.** - **The Access Act governs member health records.** Firefighter medical and exposure records held by the municipality fall under the Access Act, including the incident notice and register. - **Clinicians.** A clinic’s own records follow professional secrecy rules and the private-sector privacy statute. **Status.** Partly verified on 2026-10-23 (both Acts consolidated to 2026-08-12). The non-application of the health information Act to fire services and the clinic rules are interpretations. ### [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 1 and 72 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 1, 72)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases, ss. 2, 12.0.1 and 13 [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, ss. 2, 12.0.1, 13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc); Regulation respecting occupational diseases, Schedule A [(Regulation respecting occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, Sch. A)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-diseases-qc). **What must be covered.** - **OHS status.** A “worker” works for an employer “under a contract of employment or a contract of apprenticeship, even without remuneration” (s. 1). Part-time firefighters work under a contract of employment, so they are workers and may be designated committee representatives as workers of the establishment (s. 72) (interpretation). - **Refusal and reprisal.** Part-time firefighters, as workers, have the s. 12 right, limited by s. 13, and the s. 30 protection, with a complaint to the CNESST within 30 days; a sanction within six months of exercising the right is presumed to be a reprisal ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 12-13, 30, 227](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026, s. 255](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc)). Removal from the roster after a refusal fits (interpretation; see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection)). - **Compensation.** A “worker” is a natural person working for remuneration under a contract of employment (LATMP s. 2). Volunteers are covered only if the user of their services files a statement with the CNESST, and even then they have no right to return to work (s. 13). Persons whose help a firefighter accepts or requires during an event are deemed workers of the fire service authority (s. 12.0.1). - **Presumptions.** The cancer presumption applies to a “full-time or part-time operational firefighter, employed by a city or municipality”, exposed to fire smoke; “operational” means assigned to firefighting, cause investigation, driving the trucks or operating pumpers or aerial devices (Sch. A). Post-traumatic stress is presumed for any worker with qualifying traumatic exposure (Sch. A). There is no heart presumption. **Fire-service nuance.** - **Paid “pompiers volontaires” are part-time employees.** A service that pays its on-call firefighters makes them workers under both Acts; a truly unpaid volunteer needs the s. 13 statement to be covered at all. - **Employer scope.** “Employed by a city or municipality” may exclude firefighters of an intermunicipal board or a private service. **Status.** Partly verified on 2026-10-23 (Acts consolidated to 2026-08-12; regulation to 2026-07-01). The status of part-time firefighters as committee representatives and the employer-scope question are not confirmed. ### [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, s. 51 employer obligations [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 45.1 and 46 (SCBA) [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Fire Safety Act, ss. 37, 39 and 40 [(Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc). Guidance and policy, not OHS law: the Minister of Public Security’s 2025 fire safety orientations and reference guides [(Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2025, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2025). **What must be covered.** - **No fire-specific OHS regulation.** The municipal-sector joint association states that NFPA standards are not regulated in Quebec; the duties come from the general obligations in s. 51 and CNESST enforcement (Association paritaire pour la santé et la sécurité du travail du secteur affaires municipales \[APSAM\], n.d.). - **Command.** The fire chief or a designated firefighter directs operations; until one arrives, “the first firefighter to arrive at the scene shall direct operations”, and joint interventions are directed by the local chief [(Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 39)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc). Firefighters may enter, divert traffic, evacuate, cut off energy, demolish and requisition (s. 40). - **Interior attack staffing (policy).** The Minister’s 2025 orientations, published 2025-03-05 and replacing those of 2001, define the number of firefighters needed for rescue and a safe interior attack and recognize the contribution of four firefighters; fire safety cover plans in force must be brought into line within 24 months of the new policies being transmitted ([Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 30](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc); [Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2025](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2025)). - **SCBA.** NIOSH or CSA certified, within a written program to CSA Z94.4-11; equipment with an automatic air-interruption device is prohibited [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 45.1, 46)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). PASS is not regulated. - **What the CNESST orders after fatalities.** Four investigation reports from 2021 to 2023 (a river rescue, two structural collapses and a flood rescue) ended with orders to write and train on: a command system, a 360-degree assessment, collapse-risk management, exclusion zones in defensive strategy, priority withdrawal, communications, personnel accountability and mayday, and water-rescue competence; three included prohibitions: on all navigation in an unmarked rapids zone, on interior attack (lifted once temporary measures were in place) and on work near or over water [(CNESST, 2022a, 2022b, 2022c, 2024a)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-cnesst-2022a). - **Ministry reference guides** on operations, vehicles and accessories (including annual tests), water rescue, carbon monoxide, temporary traffic control zones and extrication [(Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2026). **Fire-service nuance.** - A fire safety service may be staffed by full-time, part-time or volunteer firefighters, and the fire chief must be a firefighter [(Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 37)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc). Under the OHS Act a worker is a person working under a contract of employment, “even without remuneration”; applying that to volunteers is an interpretation; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). - Confined spaces have no firefighter exemption [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 296.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); see [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space). - The right of refusal has no firefighter clause; the general limit for “ordinary conditions” of the work applies [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 12-13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection). - The 24-month conformity window for the 2025 orientations runs to about March 2027. - No advisory committee like Ontario’s was found; the ministry guides, the orientations and the CNESST reports are the closest equivalent. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (OHS Act and Fire Safety Act to 2026-08-12; regulation to 2026-07-01; ministry guides page updated 2026-08-04; four CNESST reports read). The association’s firefighter liaison group was not confirmed. ### [J13 Firefighter PPE and Protective Equipment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j13-firefighter-ppe-and-protective-equipment) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, s. 51(7), (9) and (11) [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 338 to 345 [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** The employer supplies safety equipment and keeps it in good condition, trains workers, and supplies individual protective equipment free of charge and requires its use [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51(7), (9), (11))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); the employer provides PPE and informs workers [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 338)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc) and the worker wears it (s. 339). - **General standards.** Safety hats to CAN/CSA Z94.1-05, with new hats since 2014-04-03 meeting the most recent version (s. 341); eye protection to CAN/CSA Z94.3, most recent or previous version, not past its expiry (s. 343); safety footwear to CAN/CSA-Z195-14 (s. 344); other body parts (s. 345). - **Firefighter PPE.** No fire-specific rule. The municipal-sector association recognizes NFPA 1970 as the reference standard and recommends retiring structural PPE after 10 years with an annual advanced inspection (Association paritaire pour la santé et la sécurité du travail du secteur affaires municipales \[APSAM\], n.d.). - **SCBA.** NIOSH or CSA certified, within a written program; no automatic air-interruption devices (ss. 45.1, 46); PASS is not regulated. **Fire-service nuance.** - The CNESST publishes a good-practice guide on maintaining firefighting protective clothing and has tested the buoyancy of turnout gear (2024) (CNESST, n.d.-b). - After fatalities, the CNESST has ordered procedures and training rather than equipment standards; 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 (regulation consolidated to 2026-07-01; Act to 2026-08-12). ### [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 45, 45.1, 46 and 48 [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 45-48)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **When required.** Respirators are provided while exposure limits cannot be met, while controls are being put in place, and in emergencies (s. 45). - **Program and CSA Z94.4 edition.** Every respirator must be certified by NIOSH or CSA, and the employer must draft and apply a respiratory protection program “in compliance with CAN/CSA Standard Z94.4-11, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators, as published in September 2016” (s. 45.1, amended by O.C. 280-2024). - **Fit test.** The regulation sets no interval or method; they follow the Z94.4-11 program, under which the test is repeated at least every two years. - **SCBA restriction.** No self-contained or air-supplied apparatus with an automatic device that interrupts or restricts the air supply to the facepiece (s. 46). - **Breathing air.** Compressed breathing air for SCBA and supplied-air respirators must comply with CSA Z180.1 (no edition stated); samples are analyzed at least every six months, except for ambient air systems; supply systems are maintained to the manufacturer’s instructions, with the date and the person who did the maintenance recorded in a register kept at least five years (s. 48, amended by O.C. 647-2025). - **Medical.** Not prescribed in the regulation; Z94.4 health screening applies through the program. **Fire-service nuance.** - The municipal-sector association publishes a respiratory protection program guide and a fit-test aide-mémoire for fire services (Association paritaire pour la santé et la sécurité du travail du secteur affaires municipales \[APSAM\], n.d.), and the ministry’s vehicles and accessories guide covers SCBA maintenance and annual tests [(Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2026). - The program is part of the employer’s prevention program under the 2025 participation regulation; see [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program). **Status.** Partly verified: regulation read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-07-01). Fit-test interval and medical screening come from the standard, which was not read. ### [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, s. 51(7) [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 25 to 30, 245, 262 and 263.1 [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). Guidance: the ministry’s vehicles and accessories guide [(Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2026). **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** The employer supplies safety equipment and keeps it in good condition [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51(7))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); there is no general all-equipment inspection interval and no default retention period in the regulation. - **Hoisting devices** are inspected before first use and inspected and maintained to the manufacturer’s instructions or an equivalent standard [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 245)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). - **Aerial baskets.** Lifting devices with aerial baskets meet CSA C225 or ANSI A92.2 applicable at manufacture (s. 262), with operator training to C225-00 (s. 263.1). - **Ladders.** Portable ladders to CSA Z11; extension ladders no longer than 15 m; no metal ladders near exposed circuits (ss. 25-30). - **Guidance.** The ministry’s guide for intervention vehicles and accessories sets maintenance and evaluation programs and annual tests for vehicles and certain equipment, including SCBA [(Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2026). **Fire-service nuance.** - No fire-specific aerial or ground ladder rule exists in law; the ministry guide and NFPA 1910 are the benchmark, and the CNESST enforces through the general duty [(NFPA 1910, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-nfpa-1910). - On construction sites, mobile elevating work platforms are built to CSA B354.6 with a structural inspection at 10 years and every five years after [(Safety Code for the construction industry \[QC\], 2026, s. 2.15.16)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-safety-code-for-the-construction-industry-qc); this does not cover fire apparatus. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (regulations consolidated to 2026-07-01; guide page read). ### [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 33.1 to 33.3 (when and how workers are protected) and ss. 347 to 354 (harnesses, connectors, anchorages and nets) [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 33.1-33.3, 347-354)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). Construction sites follow the Safety Code for the construction industry. **What must be covered.** - **Trigger.** Workers must be protected where they risk falling “more than 3 m unless they are only using a means of access or exit”; into a liquid or dangerous substance; onto a moving component or dangerous equipment or material; and “from a height of 1,5 m or more” into a well, basin, tank, reservoir, vat or container, or while handling a load (s. 33.1). - **Measures.** Change the work position; guardrails or a restraint system; collective devices such as safety nets; a harness with a fall-arrest connecting device and, where needed, a positioning means; or another equally safe means (s. 33.2). Guardrails on open roof sides over liquids or dangerous substances (s. 33.3). - **Equipment.** A full body harness to CSA Z259.10, with the assembly limiting the arrest force to 6 kN or the free fall to 1.8 m (s. 347); a lanyard and shock absorber to Z259.11, no more than 2 m long, or other listed connecting devices (s. 348). - **Anchors.** A single anchorage point with a breaking strength of at least 18 kN, or one designed by an engineer to CSA Z259.16 at twice the maximum arrest force, or certified to EN 795 or CSA Z259.15; horizontal lifelines to listed minimums or engineered (s. 349); one person per anchor except continuous systems (s. 349.1). - **Written plan and training interval.** None found in the regulation. **Fire-service nuance.** - No firefighter or emergency relief was found. The regulation applies to the fire service as an establishment, and the CNESST enforces through investigation reports and correction notices (see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations)). - A department providing rope rescue should adopt NFPA 2500 and NFPA 1006 by policy ([NFPA 1006, 2021](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-nfpa-1006); [NFPA 2500, 2022](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-nfpa-2500)). **Status.** Partly verified: ss. 33.1-33.3 and 347-354 read in the consolidation of 2026-07-01. The absence of a plan rule, a training interval and an emergency relief is not exhaustively confirmed, and construction-site rules were not read. ### [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, Division XXVI (confined spaces, ss. 296.1 to 312) and Schedule I [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 296.1-312)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Scope.** The Division “applies to all confined spaces and all work performed in a confined space” (s. 296.1). - **Who may enter.** Only qualified workers 18 or older (s. 298); entry is prohibited for anyone “not assigned to do work, to perform a task or to carry out a rescue there” (s. 299). - **Before entry.** Written information on the atmospheric and other risks and written preventive measures, gathered by a qualified person and available on site (s. 300). The regulation does not use the word “permit”. - **Atmosphere.** Ventilation that keeps oxygen at or above 19.5 and at or below 23 percent, flammable gases or vapours at or below 5 percent of the LEL, and contaminants within Schedule I (s. 302); hot work only with continuous monitoring by an instrument with an alarm (s. 304). - **Readings.** Before entry and then continuously or periodically as a qualified person decides, and whenever conditions change (s. 306), recorded in a register; non-compliant readings kept at least 5 years (s. 307). - **Attendant.** Outside near the entrance, competent, in two-way communication, and able to order evacuation (s. 308); entry is stopped for any unforeseen risk until a qualified person reviews it (ss. 308.1-308.2). - **Rescue plan.** Equipment and methods for rapid rescue, kept near the space; a call and communication protocol; a named person to direct the rescue; rescuers trained by a qualified person; and “The rescue plan must be tested with exercises” (s. 309). **Fire-service nuance.** - **No exemption.** Quebec has no firefighter exemption: the Division applies to every confined space and every entry, and s. 299 expressly contemplates entry “to carry out a rescue”. Firefighters entering for rescue are held to the same atmosphere, attendant and rescue plan rules, and the employer must have a tested rescue plan that its own crews can carry out. - The 5 percent LEL limit is the strictest general entry limit in Canada. - A department providing confined space rescue should build its plan and training on CSA Z1006:23 and NFPA 1006 (CSA Z1006:23; [NFPA 1006, 2021](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-nfpa-1006)). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (ss. 296.1-312 read in the consolidation of 2026-07-01). ### [J18 Excavation and Trench](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j18-excavation-and-trench) **Law.** Safety Code for the construction industry, ss. 3.15.1 to 3.15.10 [(Safety Code for the construction industry \[QC\], 2026, ss. 3.15.1-3.15.10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-safety-code-for-the-construction-industry-qc). The Regulation respecting occupational health and safety has no trench rules. **What must be covered.** - **Shoring.** The banks of an excavation or trench are “shored solidly with quality materials in accordance with the plans and specifications of an engineer”, unless the dig is in solid rock or no worker descends into it; or there is no risk of collapse and the banks “slope less than 45º from a point less than 1.2 m from the bottom”; or there is no risk of collapse and an engineer attests in writing that shoring is not needed (s. 3.15.3(1)). - **Shoring details.** Extends 300 mm above the excavation; installed as the work progresses; walls inspected and maintained; removed from the bottom up by an experienced person (s. 3.15.3(2)-(6)). - **Edges.** No materials within 1.2 m of the rim; no vehicles or machines within 3 m unless reinforced shoring is used (s. 3.15.3(5)). - **Access and supervision.** Ladders at intervals of 15 m, resting on the bottom and extending at least 1 m above ground; an experienced person posted at ground level whenever workers are in a trench (s. 3.15.4). - **Barriers.** For digs more than 3 m deep (s. 3.15.5). - **Utilities and adjoining structures.** Underground piping located before digging (s. 3.15.1); shoring or a sub-structure, with plans on site, where digging may affect adjoining structures (s. 3.15.2). - **Minimum age.** No worker under 18 in excavations or trenches (s. 3.15.10). **Fire-service nuance.** - The Code governs construction sites, where most trench collapses happen; it contains no rescue exemption. A rescue entry on a site meets the shoring rule or does not proceed. - Quebec’s rule is engineer-designed shoring by default, with narrow exceptions, which favours manufactured rescue shoring with tabulated data. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (ss. 3.15.1-3.15.10 read in the consolidation of 2026-07-01). ### [J19 Lockout, Machine Guarding and Electrical Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j19-lockout-machine-guarding-and-electrical-safety) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, Division XXI (machines, including ss. 185 to 188) and ss. 195 to 207 (lockout and other energy control methods) [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 185-207)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Safety Code for the construction industry, ss. 5.2.1 to 5.2.2 (power lines) [(Safety Code for the construction industry \[QC\], 2026, ss. 5.2.1-5.2.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-safety-code-for-the-construction-industry-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Lockout.** Before any work in a machine’s danger zone, lockout or, failing that, another energy control method (s. 196); “Lockout must be carried out by every person having access to the danger zone of a machine” (s. 197); “lockout” means installing an individually keyed lock (s. 195); another method only after an analysis that shows equivalent safety (s. 198); written procedures for every machine (ss. 199-200), with deactivation, isolation, lockout and verification steps (s. 201); training (s. 202); written authorization and co-ordination for outside employers (ss. 203-204); the employer supplies individually keyed locks (s. 205); controlled removal of a forgotten lock (s. 206); the same rules apply to work on electrical installations (s. 207). - **Guarding.** Means of protection may not be removed except as the Division allows; control devices designed to avoid accidental start-up (ss. 186-188). - **Power lines.** No one performs work liable to bring a part, load, scaffolding, machine component or person closer than [(Safety Code for the construction industry \[QC\], 2026, s. 5.2.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-safety-code-for-the-construction-industry-qc): | Voltage between phases | Minimum approach distance | |:-----------------------|:--------------------------| | Less than 125,000 V | 3 m | | 125,000 to 250,000 V | 5 m | | 250,000 to 550,000 V | 8 m | | More than 550,000 V | 12 m | - **Closer work.** Only if the line is turned off, the employer has an agreement with the power company on safety measures, or extensible equipment has an engineer-certified limiting device (s. 5.2.2). **Fire-service nuance.** - No emergency relief from the approach distances. Quebec’s distances at 125 kV and above are the largest in Canada. - Electrical and gas installation codes and licensing sit under the Building Act and the Construction Code; they were not read for this page. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (RSST ss. 185-207 and Construction Code ss. 5.2.1-5.2.2 read in the consolidations of 2026-07-01). Code adoption and licensing were not checked. ### [J20 Stations, Premises and Building Codes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j20-stations-premises-and-building-codes) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 6 to 38, 101 to 113, 125 to 127, 145 and 153 to 165 [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Floors and passages.** Access routes and passageways kept clear and marked (ss. 6-7); floors in good order with drains, and openings guarded or covered (s. 14); walkways, cleaning and refuse (ss. 15, 17-18). - **Guardrails and stairs.** Guardrails built into a building comply with the building code in force at installation (s. 12); service stairs at least 550 mm wide (s. 22); ramps guarded where a fall is 1.5 m or more (s. 22.1); fall protection above 3 m (ss. 33.1-33.3). - **Lighting and air.** Lighting to Schedule VI (ss. 125-127); ventilation, with mechanical systems inspected and adjusted at least once a year (ss. 101, 104); combustion products from heating vented outside (s. 113). - **Emergencies.** An evacuation plan (s. 34), drills at least once a year (s. 35), extinguishers (ss. 36-37), and alarm, detection and emergency lighting kept working (s. 38). - **Sanitation.** Drinking water (s. 145); lunch room, change rooms, daily cleaning and washrooms (ss. 153-165). - **Pressure equipment.** Administered by the provincial building authority under the building statute; the regulation and thresholds were not read. - **Codes.** The 2020 national codes with Quebec variations, in force 2025-04-17 (CBHCC, n.d.), adopted through the Construction Code (Building chapter) and the Safety Code (Building chapter). **Fire-service nuance.** - The yearly inspection and adjustment of mechanical ventilation (s. 104) is a useful hook for apparatus bay exhaust systems. - Fire stations are also inspected under the regional fire safety cover plan; see [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification). **Status.** Partly verified: regulation read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-07-01); pressure regime and code instruments not read. ### [J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 62.1-62.21; Hazardous Products Information Regulation (S-2.1, r. 8.1); Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, Division IX.I (safe management of asbestos, ss. 69.1-69.17) ([Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 62.1-62.21](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); [Hazardous Products Information Regulation \[QC\], 2026, s. 31](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-hazardous-products-information-regulation-qc); [Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 43, 69.1-69.17](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc)). The Environment Quality Act was not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training program.** A training and information program on hazardous products, with minimum content set by regulation (LSST s. 62.5), “updated annually or as soon as the situation requires it” (r. 8.1, s. 31). Labels and safety data sheets must be in French (LSST s. 62.4). - **Release reporting.** The federal list gives the National Environmental Emergencies Centre, 514-283-2333 or 1-866-283-2333, for Quebec [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023); also report to the provincial environment ministry’s emergency line. - **Asbestos inspection.** Buildings built before 1990-02-15 are inspected for flocking containing asbestos, and buildings built before 1999-05-20 for heat insulating material containing asbestos (s. 69.3); such material is presumed to contain asbestos unless shown otherwise (s. 69.4); a material contains asbestos at 0.1 per cent or more (s. 69.2). - **Ongoing checks.** The material is checked at the initial inspection and every two years after (s. 69.8), with corrective measures where it may emit dust (s. 69.9). - **Before work.** Before work liable to generate dust on or in a building, the employer checks materials likely to contain asbestos (s. 69.11), controls dust emissions to the construction safety code standard (s. 69.14) and trains and informs workers (s. 69.15). - **Register and disclosure.** A register of inspected materials (s. 69.16), with relevant entries disclosed to anyone who will do work liable to produce asbestos dust (s. 69.17). - **Air measurement.** Where workers are exposed to asbestos, airborne asbestos dust and fibres are measured at least once a year (s. 43). **Fire-service nuance.** - A fire safety service is a municipal establishment, so its stations need the asbestos register if built before the 1990 and 1999 cut-off dates. - For training in acquired buildings, the s. 69.11 check and the s. 69.17 disclosure apply before any work that could disturb asbestos. **Status.** Partly verified: the regulation and r. 8.1 read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-07-01). The Environment Quality Act and the provincial reporting line were not read. ### [J22 Exposure Limits, Heat and Cold Stress](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j22-exposure-limits-heat-and-cold-stress) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 40-43 and Schedule I (exposure values), ss. 116-124 and Schedules IV and V (temperature and heat stress) [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 40-43, 116-124)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Basis of limits.** No worker may be exposed to gases, fumes, vapours, dusts or mists beyond the limits in Schedule I (s. 40), Quebec’s own table; the employer controls air quality by elimination or substitution, then containment and other measures (s. 41); exposure to known or suspected carcinogens is reduced to a minimum even within the standard (s. 42). - **Measurement.** In establishments with 50 or more workers where a concentration exceeds or could exceed Schedule I, measurement at least once a year (s. 43). - **Heat.** The heat stress index is measured by the WBGT method in Schedule V (s. 122). In establishments with 50 or more workers where the index reaches the continuous work curve, it is measured twice a year, once in summer (s. 121). Where it exceeds the curve, workers are under medical supervision and get water at 10 to 15 °C (s. 123), and special measures apply, including re-equipping the work station (s. 124). - **Cold.** Appropriate temperatures in closed rooms, with a heated place where they cannot be maintained (s. 116), and minimum temperatures at stationary indoor work stations in Schedule IV (s. 117). **Fire-service nuance.** - The CNESST runs a heat stroke prevention campaign for firefighters, and the municipal-sector joint association offers a heat-stress prevention questionnaire and heat-strain tools (APSAM, n.d.). - The heat index rules are written for fixed work stations; for fireground work they set the method (WBGT and work curves) rather than a direct rule (interpretation). **Status.** Partly verified: the regulation read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-07-01). The content of Schedules I, IV and V and any long-shift rule were not read. ### [J23 Noise and Hearing Conservation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j23-noise-and-hearing-conservation) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, Division XV (noise, ss. 130-141) [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 131-141)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Limits.** A daily noise exposure level of 85 dBA, determined under ISO 9612:2009 or CSA Z107.56-13, and a peak of 140 dBC (s. 131). - **Exchange rate.** 3 dB: 85 dBA for 8 hours, 88 dBA for 4, 91 dBA for 2, in the s. 137 table used to reduce daily exposure (s. 137). - **Reduction at source.** Noise reduction at design or on change (s. 132); evaluation every five years of each workplace situation that exceeds the limits (s. 133); identification within 30 days of any change that risks exceeding them (s. 134); reduction at source by replacement, maintenance or correction of equipment (s. 135). - **Measurement and protectors.** Measurement by a trained professional or technician where no reasonable means can be implemented (ss. 138-140); hearing protectors to CSA Z94.2-2014 (s. 141). - **Audiometry.** No requirement in the regulation; hearing loss claims are handled under the compensation statute. **Fire-service nuance.** - The five-year evaluation suits apparatus and tool replacement cycles; build noise specifications into procurement. **Status.** Verified against the regulation consolidated to 2026-07-01 (read 2026-10-23). ### [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid) **Law.** First-aid Minimum Standards Regulation (A-3.001, r. 10), amended by O.C. 37-2026 [(First-aid Minimum Standards Regulation \[QC\], 2026, ss. 2.1-14)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-first-aid-minimum-standards-regulation-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Certificate.** Issued by a CNESST-recognized organization for training to the CSA Z1210 intermediate level, including a practical demonstration, and valid for a maximum of three years from issue (s. 2.1). Under the transitional rule of the 2026 amendment, a certificate issued before 2026-02-12 stays valid until it expires. - **Numbers.** At least one first aider present at all times during work hours where 50 or fewer workers are present simultaneously, and one more for every additional 100 workers or part (s. 3). - **Kits.** An adequate number, close to the work and always accessible, complying with CSA Z1220 (s. 4). - **Vehicles.** A vehicle used to transport or employ workers carries a kit where it travels in areas with no other accessible kit; the full s. 4 content where it can carry more than five workers who are more than 30 minutes from a medical service, otherwise a Z1220 Type 1 kit (s. 5). - **Room and other duties.** A first aid room where there are more than 100 workers (s. 11); an emergency communication system (s. 12); signs and posting of first aiders’ names (ss. 13-14); a register. - **Prevention program.** First aid is a required component of the prevention program [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 59)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **Fire-service nuance.** - The 2026 amendments moved Quebec to CSA Z1210 and Z1220; firefighters’ pre-hospital first responder training may not match the CSA intermediate curriculum, so check equivalence with a recognized organization. **Status.** Verified: ss. 2, 2.1, 3, 4, 5 and 11 read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-07-01). The prevention program link (LSST s. 59) comes from the research. ### [J25 Infection Control and Medical First Response](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j25-infection-control-and-medical-first-response) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, s. 51 (employer’s general obligations) [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 51)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). No bloodborne pathogen regulation was found. **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** The employer must take the measures necessary to protect workers’ health and physical well-being, including identifying and controlling risks and supplying protective equipment (s. 51). - **Source testing.** No statute found. - **Medical first response.** First responder services are organized under the provincial pre-hospital emergency services legislation and its medical direction. - **Immunization and post-exposure.** Follow the provincial immunization protocol and the provincial post-exposure guidance. **Fire-service nuance.** - The CNESST and the municipal-sector joint association publish fire-service prevention material that can anchor the exposure plan (APSAM, n.d.). **Status.** Not verified beyond the general duty: the Act read on 2026-10-23; health legislation not read. ### [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 2, 51(16), 58 to 61.2 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); psychological harassment under the Act respecting labour standards, ss. 81.18 to 81.20, is covered in [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment). **What must be covered.** - **Employer duty.** Take the measures to protect a worker exposed to physical or psychological violence, including spousal, family or sexual violence, in the workplace, and any measure set by regulation to prevent or stop sexual violence (LSST s. 51(16)). - **Prevention program** for each establishment employing at least 20 workers during the year (s. 58), or an **action plan** where no program is required (s. 61.1). Either must identify and analyse the psychosocial risks related to the work, which include risks related to sexual violence, and set measures, priorities and follow-up to eliminate or control them (ss. 59, 61.2). - **Updating.** The program and its updates go to the health and safety committee, and every three years the employer reports its priorities, progress and follow-up to the CNESST (s. 60). - **Object.** The Act aims to eliminate at the source dangers to workers’ physical and mental well-being (s. 2). **Fire-service nuance.** - No separate violence regulation and no fire exemption. Violence hazards on medical, mental health and crowd calls belong in the program’s psychosocial risk analysis. - Firefighters’ right to refuse is limited where the danger is part of the ordinary conditions of their work ([J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection)). - Participation and prevention mechanisms for municipal employers changed on 2025-10-01, when the Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment came into force; confirm which program form applies to the service. **Status.** Partly verified: the Act was read (consolidated to 2026-08-12); how the 2025 regulation applies the program and review cycle to a municipal fire service was not confirmed. ### [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment) **Law.** Act respecting labour standards, ss. 81.18 to 81.20 and 123.7 [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc); Act respecting occupational health and safety, s. 59 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 59)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc); Charter of human rights and freedoms, s. 10.1 [(Charter of human rights and freedoms \[QC\], 2026, s. 10.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-charter-of-human-rights-and-freedoms-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Right and duty.** Every employee has a right to a work environment free from psychological harassment; employers must take reasonable action to prevent it from any person and stop it when they become aware of it (LSA s. 81.19). - **Mandatory policy** to prevent and manage psychological harassment, made available to employees, setting out (s. 81.19): 1. methods and techniques to identify, control and eliminate the risks, including a section on behaviour of a sexual nature; 2. the specific information and training programs offered to employees and to the people designated to manage complaints or reports; 3. recommendations on behaviour at work-related social activities; 4. procedures for complaints or reports and the follow-up the employer must give; 5. measures to protect the people concerned and those who cooperate in a complaint; 6. the process for managing a situation, including the employer’s inquiry; 7. confidentiality measures and keeping the documents for at least **2 years**. - **Part of the prevention program.** The policy is an integral part of the prevention program or action plan under the occupational health and safety Act (s. 81.19; LSST s. 59). - **Definition.** Vexatious behaviour in the form of repeated and hostile or unwanted conduct, comments, actions or gestures that affects dignity or psychological or physical integrity and creates a harmful work environment, including behaviour of a sexual nature; a single serious incidence with a lasting harmful effect can qualify (s. 81.18). - **Complaints** within 2 years of the last incident (s. 123.7). The provisions are deemed part of every collective agreement, and unionized employees use the grievance route (s. 81.20). **Fire-service nuance.** - Applies to every employer, including municipal fire services and part-time firefighters, with no size threshold. - The policy contents were expanded by S.Q. 2024, c. 4; check policies written before 2024. - Harassment on a protected ground is also prohibited by the Charter (s. 10.1). - No review cycle is set for the policy itself; the prevention program’s priorities are reported to the CNESST every 3 years (LSST s. 60). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Acts and Charter consolidated to 2026-08-12). ### [J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 2, 12, 51, 58 to 61.2 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **In the statute.** Yes. The Act’s object is to eliminate at the source dangers to “the health, safety and physical and mental well-being of workers” (LSST s. 2), and the employer must take the necessary measures to protect workers’ health and ensure their “safety and physical and mental well-being” (s. 51). - **Psychosocial duty.** The strongest in Canada. The prevention program (establishments with at least 20 workers) or action plan (all others) must identify and analyse “the chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial risks related to the work”, including risks related to sexual violence, and set measures, priorities and follow-up to eliminate or control them (ss. 58-61.2). The psychological harassment policy is part of the program (s. 59(9)). - **Crisis resources.** Info-Social 8-1-1 (24 hours); 9-8-8 [(Public Health Agency of Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-public-health-agency-of-canada-2026). **Fire-service nuance.** - Psychosocial risks of firefighting (traumatic calls, fatigue, organizational stressors) belong in the service’s prevention program, with priorities reported to the CNESST every three years (s. 60). - PTSD is presumed for any worker with repeated or extreme exposure to serious injury, death or threatened death ([J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions)). - CSA Z1003-13, published jointly with the Bureau de normalisation du Québec, is voluntary here; no regulation adopts it. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2026-08-12); crisis line confirmed on the federal listing. ### [J29 Occupational Diving](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j29-occupational-diving) **Law.** Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, Division XXVI.I (diving work, ss. 312.1 to 312.91) [(Regulation respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, ss. 312.1-312.91)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Scope.** The Division “applies to any underwater work”; a short list of provisions does not apply to police diving; recreational diving instruction is excluded (s. 312.2). - **Team.** “All diving must be performed in teams” of at least 3 divers sharing the duties of diving supervisor, diver, standby diver and diver’s tender; the supervisor may also act as standby or tender, and the standby may act as supervisor but not as tender; 2 hyperbaric chamber operators are added when a chamber is required (s. 312.7). At contaminated sites near discharge points, at least 4 divers and surface-supplied diving only (ss. 312.76-312.77). - **Training.** Training to CSA Z275.5-05 with a certificate from an authorized institution, or skills recognition to CAN/CSA Z275.4-02 (s. 312.8); minimum age 18 (s. 312.9). - **Roles.** The supervisor supervises every dive and prepares the dive plan (ss. 312.11, 312.31); the standby diver stays on the surface and dives only to help a diver (s. 312.12); a tender always assists the diver underwater (s. 312.13); a diver is tethered by a lifeline unless free-swimming is authorized with an accompanying tethered diver (ss. 312.16, 312.19). - **Medical.** Every 2 years a physical examination by a diving physician, with a certificate valid for at most 2 years (s. 312.57); a medical alert tag for 24 hours after a dive (s. 312.59). - **First aid.** Every team member trained in occupational first aid including near-drowning (s. 312.60); communication with the diving emergency medical service available at the station (s. 312.61). - **Records.** A dive plan and diving logbook kept by the supervisor, a logbook for each diver, a maintenance logbook, and an air-analysis register kept at least 5 years (ss. 312.31-312.34, 312.43). - **Contaminated environments.** Additional measures, including full-face masks, inspection before each dive, vaccination and a medical certificate after contamination (ss. 312.67-312.73). **Fire-service nuance.** - No fire-service carve-out. Police diving units get limited relief (for example on transporting a hyperbaric chamber to remote sites, s. 312.65); fire service divers get none. - The CNESST’s water-rescue fatality investigations show how it applies its expectations of planning, training and competence near and over water (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 (Division XXVI.I read in the consolidation of 2026-07-01). ### [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing) **Law.** Highway Safety Code, ss. 4, 202.2.1, 226.1, 226.2, 239.1.1, 255, 378, 396, 406, 406.1 [(Highway Safety Code \[QC\], 2026, ss. 4, 202.2.1, 226.1-226.2, 239.1.1, 255, 378, 396, 406-406.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-highway-safety-code-qc). Licensing: Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (n.d.). No replacement statute. **What must be covered.** - **Emergency vehicle.** Includes “a fire safety vehicle” (s. 4). - **Exemptions.** The driver may use lights, siren or a traffic-light changer only “in the performance of his duties and if required by the circumstances”; the driver is then not bound by listed rules, including speed limits and traffic signals, but “must however ensure that non-compliance with the prescribed rule can be done safely” (s. 378). The ban on dangerous speed (s. 327) is not among the exempted rules. - **Sirens.** Only for emergency vehicles (s. 255). - **Other drivers.** Yield to emergency vehicles with lights or siren on (s. 406); the safety corridor rule for stopped emergency vehicles is on [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes) (s. 406.1). - **Seat belts.** Every occupant wears the belt (s. 396); the exemptions are for reversing, SAAQ-authorized persons and police wagon passengers, not firefighters. - **Licence.** Emergency vehicles, fire service vehicles included, need Class 4A or Class 1, 2 or 3; Class 4A requires 24 months of driving (or an SAAQ-recognized course), a vision test, a medical evaluation and a theory exam (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, n.d.). An air brake endorsement requirement was not found. - **Operator certificates.** Pumper and aerial device operator functions require the provincial certificates [(Regulation respecting the conditions governing the exercise of functions within a municipal fire safety service \[QC\], 2026, ss. 4-5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-the-conditions-governing-the-exercise-of-functions-within-a-municipal-fire-safety-service-qc). **Fire-service nuance.** - A firefighter authorized by the municipality that established the fire safety service may use a flashing green light when responding to a call (s. 226.2), and while it is on may travel on the shoulder and stop anywhere without endangering others: real privileges, unlike Ontario’s. The certificate of authorization must be carried (s. 239.1.1). Green rotating lights are only for command-post vehicles inside the safety perimeter (s. 226.1). - The zero-alcohol rule for emergency vehicle drivers (s. 202.2.1) is marked not in force in the consolidation, and its text excludes persons responding off duty and volunteer firefighters; the department’s fitness-for-duty rule must set the standard. **Status.** Partly verified: the Code read through the research (consolidated to 2026-08-12) and s. 396 read on 2026-10-23. The air brake rule and the operator certificate sections were not confirmed. ### [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes) **Law.** Fire Safety Act, s. 40; Highway Safety Code, s. 406.1 ([Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 40](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc); [Highway Safety Code \[QC\], 2026, s. 406.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-highway-safety-code-qc)). Ministry of Public Security reference material, including an aide-mémoire on temporary traffic control zones at emergency scenes [(Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2026). **What must be covered.** - **Traffic powers.** Firefighters may, under the authority of the person directing operations, prohibit access to a protection zone and interrupt or divert traffic [(Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 40)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc). - **Scene layout.** The ministry aide-mémoire on temporary traffic control zones is guidance; the transport ministry’s roadwork signage standard covers construction work. - **High visibility.** CSA Z96 is mandatory for signal persons and roadwork under the construction safety code; at fire scenes it is guidance only. - **Move-over (corridor de sécurité).** When an emergency vehicle or tow truck is stopped with its lights flashing, drivers reduce speed; if it is in their lane, they stop if necessary and change lanes; if it is on the shoulder or in an adjacent lane, they change lanes to leave one lane free or keep as far away as possible [(Highway Safety Code \[QC\], 2026, s. 406.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-highway-safety-code-qc). **Fire-service nuance.** - With no regulation for emergency scenes, the department’s procedure and the ministry aide-mémoire set the standard of care; adopt CSA Z96 apparel by policy. **Status.** Partly verified: s. 406.1 read in the LégisQuébec consolidation on 2026-10-24; the Fire Safety Act s. 40 not read in the official text; the aide-mémoire title confirmed on the ministry’s page; the roadwork standard not read. ### [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions) **Law.** Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases, ss. 12.0.1, 13 and 30 [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc); Regulation respecting occupational diseases, Schedule A, Divisions VII and VIII, as amended by O.C. 532-2025 [(Regulation respecting occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-occupational-diseases-qc). Board: Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). **What must be covered.** - **Board administration.** The CNESST insures and adjudicates; check contractors’ standing before work and payment. - **Cancers.** 15 types for a “full-time or part-time operational firefighter, employed by a city or municipality”, meaning one assigned to firefighting, cause investigation, driving the trucks or operating pumpers or aerial devices, with exposure to fire smoke: | Minimum | Cancers | |:---|:---| | None | Non-pulmonary mesothelioma | | 5 years | Leukemia | | 10 years | Brain, breast, testicular | | 15 years | Laryngeal, and lung or pulmonary mesothelioma (each requiring no smoking in the 10 years before diagnosis); multiple myeloma; melanoma; prostate | | 20 years | Kidney, bladder, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal, esophageal | - **Heart.** **No presumption.** A cardiac claim follows the general rules of proof. - **PTSD.** Presumed for any worker who did “work involving repeated or extreme exposure to serious injury, sexual violence or threatened death, or to actual death not resulting from natural causes” (Schedule A, Div. VII), part-time firefighters included. - **Other mental stress.** No presumption; the general proof route applies (s. 30). - **Volunteers.** Covered only if the municipality or other user of their services files a statement with the CNESST (s. 13). People whose help a firefighter accepts or requires at an event are deemed workers of the fire service authority (s. 12.0.1). **Fire-service nuance.** - The list was expanded to 15 types by O.C. 532-2025; earlier notes describing nine cancers and no PTSD presumption are out of date. - “Employed by a city or municipality” may exclude intermunicipal boards and private fire services; confirm with the CNESST. - With no heart presumption, a cardiac event on duty needs strong evidence: exertion, heat, smoke and timing. Record it the same day. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2026-08-12; Regulation to 2026-07-01). Coverage of non-municipal employers and contractor attestation not verified. ### [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.** Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases, ss. 13, 32, 179 and 234 to 240 [(Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-industrial-accidents-and-occupational-diseases-qc); Charter of human rights and freedoms, ss. 10, 10.1, 16 and 20 [(Charter of human rights and freedoms \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-charter-of-human-rights-and-freedoms-qc); Act respecting labour standards, ss. 52, 59.0.1, 78 and 79 [(Act respecting labour standards \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-labour-standards-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Temporary assignment.** The employer may temporarily assign work to an injured worker, using the CNESST form, if the health professional in charge believes the worker can reasonably do it (LATMP s. 179). - **Right to return** (ss. 234-240): a worker who becomes able to do their employment is entitled to be reinstated in preference to others, or reassigned to equivalent employment (s. 236), and a worker able only to do suitable employment is entitled to the first suitable job that becomes available (s. 239). The right lasts **1 year** in an establishment of 20 workers or fewer and **2 years** in one of more than 20, or longer under a collective agreement (s. 240). - **No sanction.** No employer may dismiss, suspend, transfer, discriminate against or refuse to reinstate a worker because of an employment injury or the exercise of rights under the Act (s. 32). - **Accommodation.** No discrimination based on a handicap or other listed ground (Charter s. 10) in hiring, promotion, dismissal or conditions of employment (s. 16); a distinction based on “the aptitudes or qualifications required for an employment” is deemed non-discriminatory (s. 20). A fitness or medical requirement relied on under s. 20 should still be built to pass the three-step test (*British Columbia (Public Service Employee Relations Commission) v. BCGSEU*, 1999). - **Hours of work.** The regular workweek for overtime is 40 hours (LSA s. 52). An employee may refuse to work more than two hours past regular daily hours or more than 14 hours in 24, or more than 50 hours a week, except where there is a danger to the life, health or safety of workers or the population (s. 59.0.1). There is a weekly rest of 32 consecutive hours (s. 78) and a 30-minute meal break after 5 hours, unless a collective agreement provides otherwise (s. 79). No firefighter exclusion was found. **Fire-service nuance.** - Volunteers covered by a filed statement have no right to return to work (s. 13), so a graduated return to response duties is a department policy matter. - The danger exception in s. 59.0.1 reaches emergency operations; the refusal right still applies to routine overtime and to callbacks outside an emergency. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (all texts consolidated to 2026-08-12). The application of the three-step test under Charter s. 20 was not checked in case law. ### [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) **Law.** Fire Safety Act, ss. 8, 20, 21, 29, 30, 33 to 40, 47, 49 and 81 [(Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc); Regulation respecting the conditions governing the exercise of functions within a municipal fire safety service, ss. 1 to 14 [(Regulation respecting the conditions governing the exercise of functions within a municipal fire safety service \[QC\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-regulation-respecting-the-conditions-governing-the-exercise-of-functions-within-a-municipal-fire-safety-service-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Fire safety cover plans.** Regional authorities, with their local municipalities and following the Minister’s policies, establish a fire safety cover plan that sets fire protection objectives for their whole territory and the actions to reach them [(Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc); the Minister verifies compliance and issues a certificate (ss. 20-21); the plan is revised beginning no later than eight years after it came into force, the revised plan in force within 10 years (s. 29), and amended for changes in territory or risk (s. 30). - **Fire safety service.** In charge of firefighting and rescue at fires (s. 36); staffed by full-time, part-time or volunteer firefighters, and “the fire chief must be a firefighter” (s. 37). - **Command and powers.** Operations are under the fire chief or a designated firefighter; at a joint intervention, under the chief of the service for the locality unless otherwise agreed; and until the chief or designate arrives, “the first firefighter to arrive at the scene shall direct operations” (s. 39). Firefighters may enter, and the person directing operations may take the further measures listed (s. 40). - **Mutual aid.** When a fire exceeds a municipality’s capacity and its agreements, the mayor or a designated officer may request assistance (s. 33). - **Reporting.** Each fire is reported to the Minister by 31 March of the following year (s. 34); local authorities report their fire safety activities to the regional authority within three months after their fiscal year ends (s. 35). - **Liability.** Members are exempt from liability for damage during an intervention unless it results from intentional or gross fault; the exemption does not protect the authority if it failed to adopt or carry out the implementation plan for the cover plan, or if the cover plan was not amended or revised as required (s. 47). - **Training school and investigation.** The provincial firefighters school (ss. 49 onward) awards the certificates; fire investigation commissioners determine the origin, causes and circumstances of fires (s. 81). Quebec has no fire marshal. - **Mandatory qualifications.** Firefighters in charge of rescue or fire suppression hold Pompier I (service population under 25,000), Pompier II (25,000 to 200,000) or the vocational diploma in fire safety intervention (required over 200,000 and accepted everywhere), with up to 48 months as a supervised apprentice except in services over 200,000 (s. 3); fire service directors and chief officers hold Officier non urbain (under 5,000), Officier I (5,000 to 24,999) or Officier II (25,000 or more), with up to 48 months to qualify (24 for Officier II) (ss. 1, 9); fireground officers hold Officier I, or Officier non urbain under 5,000 (s. 8); pumper operators, elevating device operators and extrication members hold the matching certificate unless they have the diploma (ss. 4-6); fire cause investigators hold the investigation certificate (s. 7). **Fire-service nuance.** - People in post on 1998-09-16 may continue in the same functions without meeting the new conditions while they do not change employment (s. 11); a service whose population grows into a higher band has 24 months to comply (s. 14); the population is that of the largest municipality served (s. 13). - The Minister’s 2025 fire safety orientations replaced those of 2001 and recognize four firefighters for a safe interior attack; cover plans must be brought into line within 24 months of the new policies being transmitted ([Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 30](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc); [Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2025](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-ministere-de-la-securite-publique-2025)); see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). - A private undertaking that provides fire safety services under contract has the obligations, powers and immunity of a municipality and its members (s. 48). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2026-08-12; regulation to 2026-07-01). ### [J35 Wildland and Interface Fire](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j35-wildland-and-interface-fire) **Law.** Fire Safety Act, Chapter VI.1 (forest fire protection organization, ss. 150.1 to 150.10, added in 2024) [(Fire Safety Act \[QC\], 2026, ss. 150.1-150.10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-fire-safety-act-qc); Sustainable Forest Development Act, s. 190 [(Sustainable Forest Development Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 190)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-sustainable-forest-development-act-qc). **What must be covered.** - **Agency.** The Minister may designate a forest fire protection organization for a territory, responsible for protecting communities, strategic infrastructure and forest environments from forest fires (s. 150.1); the designated organization is SOPFEU. - **Intensive protection zone.** The organization’s framework plan defines the intensive protection zone and the people, equipment and means it will use (s. 150.3); the Minister pays the cost of fighting forest fires and fires threatening a forest in that zone (s. 150.4); agreements may cover protection outside it (s. 150.5). - **Other fires.** Anyone who calls on the organization to fight a fire other than a forest fire or a fire threatening a forest pays the full cost (s. 150.6). - **Bans and powers.** The Minister may restrict access and travel in a forest and prohibit fires in a territory (s. 150.9); the organization’s representatives may enter premises, recruit persons and requisition equipment, with fair compensation (s. 150.10). - **Permits.** “From 1 April to 15 November, a fire permit is required to make a fire in or near a forest”, issued by the designated organization with any precautionary measures it sets [(Sustainable Forest Development Act \[QC\], 2026, s. 190)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-sustainable-forest-development-act-qc). **Fire-service nuance.** - Fires other than forest fires remain the municipal fire safety service’s responsibility under its fire safety cover plan, and the organization bills anyone who calls it to such a fire (s. 150.6) (see [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification)). - The 2024 move of forest fire protection into the Fire Safety Act repealed the former forest fire divisions of the Sustainable Forest Development Act (ss. 181-189). - The organization’s qualification requirements for municipal firefighters were not researched. **Status.** Partly verified: Chapter VI.1 (consolidated to 2026-08-12) and s. 190 (consolidated to 2026-08-12) read on 2026-10-23. The designation of SOPFEU and qualification standards were not read. ### [J36 External Verification and Funding](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j36-external-verification-and-funding) **Law.** Act respecting occupational health and safety, s. 98 [(Act respecting occupational health and safety \[QC\], 2026, s. 98)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-act-respecting-occupational-health-and-safety-qc). The training grant is a provincial program [(Gouvernement du Québec, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-gouvernement-du-quebec-2026). **What must be covered.** - **No COR.** Quebec has no COR program for municipalities. The sector-based joint association for municipal affairs, under s. 98, is accredited by the CNESST to train committee members and representatives and runs a firefighter liaison group (APSAM, n.d.). - **Incentives.** CNESST experience-based rates and pooled prevention groups (“mutuelles de prévention”) still appear in the rate-setting documents. - **Voluntary certification.** ISO 45001:2018 or CSA Z45001:19 through an accredited registrar. - **Grant.** The financial assistance program for firefighter training supports municipal organizations whose fire service serves 200,000 people or fewer, employs volunteer, part-time or full-time firefighters whose required basic training is Firefighter I or II, receives no other aid for that training, and adheres to the regional fire risk coverage plan. It has four parts: lump sums per candidate for Firefighter I (\$1,915) and Firefighter II (\$1,350); reimbursement of registration, manual and exam costs for candidates who pass; up to \$4,000 per graduated candidate for specific training needs; and recognition of prior learning. Regional authorities compile needs and send them to the ministry by 31 January, and the aid is paid through them after the training [(Gouvernement du Québec, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-quebec#ref-gouvernement-du-quebec-2026). **Fire-service nuance.** - **Training is the funded item.** The provincial program funds training, not equipment; equipment comes from municipal budgets and the federal infrastructure fund. - **Benchmarks.** The ministry’s 2025 fire safety orientations and guides act as the closest provincial benchmark for an external review. **Status.** Partly verified on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2026-08-12; grant page updated 2026-05-19 read; association page read). COR absence and CNESST incentives rest on search results. ## References Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information, CQLR c. A-2.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). Act respecting health and social services information, CQLR c. R-22.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases, CQLR c. A-3.001 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). Act respecting labour standards, CQLR c. N-1.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). Act respecting occupational health and safety, CQLR c. S-2.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). Association paritaire pour la santé et la sécurité du travail du secteur affaires municipales \[APSAM\]. (n.d.). *Sécurité incendie: généralités*. Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes \[CBHCC\]. (n.d.). *Provincial and territorial adoption*. Charter of human rights and freedoms, CQLR c. C-12 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail \[CNESST\]. (2022a). \[Investigation report EN004346: death of a firefighter during a river rescue, October 2021\]. Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail \[CNESST\]. (2022b). \[Investigation report EN004348: death of a firefighter in a structural collapse during a defensive operation, December 2021\]. Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail \[CNESST\]. (2022c). \[Investigation report EN004350: death of a firefighter in a building collapse during an interior attack, March 2022\]. Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail \[CNESST\]. (2024a). \[Investigation report EN004403: deaths of two firefighters during a flood rescue, May 2023\]. Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail \[CNESST\]. (n.d.-a). *Démarche de l’employeur lors d’un accident du travail*. Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail \[CNESST\]. (n.d.-b). *Guide des bonnes pratiques: l’entretien des vêtements de protection pour la lutte contre les incendies*. Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail \[CNESST\]. (n.d.-c). *Nous joindre*. CSA Group. (2013). *CAN/CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ 9700-803/2013 (R2022), Psychological health and safety in the workplace: Prevention, promotion, and guidance to staged implementation* (free to read from CSA Group and the Mental Health Commission of Canada). CSA Group. (2019). *CSA Z45001:19 (R2023), Occupational health and safety management systems: Requirements with guidance for use* (adopts ISO 45001:2018 with Canadian deviations). CSA Group. (2022). *CSA Z96:22, High-visibility safety apparel* (4th ed.). CSA Group. (2023). *CSA Z1006:23, Management of work in confined spaces* (3rd ed.). CSA Group. (2024). *CSA Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace: Curriculum and quality management for training agencies* (2nd ed.). CSA Group. (2024). *CSA Z1220:24, First aid kits for the workplace* (2nd ed.). Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2023). *Report an environmental emergency* (modified 2023-09-13). Fire Safety Act, CQLR c. S-3.4 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). First-aid Minimum Standards Regulation, CQLR c. A-3.001, r. 10 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). *Aide financière au milieu municipal pour la formation des pompiers et pompières* (updated 2026-05-19). Hazardous Products Information Regulation, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 8.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). Highway Safety Code, CQLR c. C-24.2 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12). International Organization for Standardization. (2018). *ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems: Requirements with guidance for use*. Ministère de la Sécurité publique. (2025). *Aide-mémoire: orientations du ministre de la Sécurité publique en matière de sécurité incendie*. Ministère de la Sécurité publique. (2026). *Guides de référence pour les services de sécurité incendie*. National Fire Protection Association. (2021). *NFPA 1006, Standard for technical rescue personnel professional qualifications*. 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). National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1910, Standard for the inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, testing, and retirement of in-service emergency vehicles and marine firefighting vessels* (consolidates NFPA 1071, 1911, 1912 and 1925). National Fire Protection Association. (2025). *NFPA 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). Public Health Agency of Canada. (2026). *Mental health support: Get help* (page modified 2026-01-14). Regulation respecting occupational diseases, CQLR c. A-3.001, r. 8.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 13 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). Regulation respecting prevention and participation mechanisms in an establishment, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 8.3 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). Regulation respecting the conditions governing the exercise of functions within a municipal fire safety service, CQLR c. S-3.4, r. 1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). Safety Code for the construction industry, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 4 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-07-01). Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. (n.d.). *Conduire un véhicule d’urgence*. Sustainable Forest Development Act, CQLR c. A-18.1 (Quebec; consolidated to 2026-08-12).