Regulatory
REGULATORY NEWS FOR WEEK OF DECEMBER 6, 2021
Canadian Federal News
Federal
It is proposed to conclude that 6 substances, hydroxylammonium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, sodium chlorate, calcium hypochlorite, chlorine, and chlorine dioxide, do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). These substances were not re-evaluated for ecological concerns, since their potential risk to the environment was already assessed under the Priority Substances Assessment Program. It is also proposed to conclude that the remaining 16 substances do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.
There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status. Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries: Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe.
This notice provides interested stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on Health Canada’s intent to regulate ultraviolet radiation-emitting devices (UV devices) and ozone-generating devices. Amendments to the Pest Control Products Regulations (PCPR) would codify the changes introduced under the Interim Order Respecting Ultraviolet Radiation-emitting Devices and Ozone-generating Devices with some minor changes and clarifications.
The Minister also confirmed that he will table the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP)—as required by the new Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act—by the end of March 2022. The ERP will be informed by early consultations on these new commitments.
A new edition of the CAN/CGSB 43.125 “Packaging of Category A and Category B infectious substances (Class 6, Division 6.2) and clinical, (bio) medical or regulated medical waste” has been developed by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) Technical Committee.
Canadian Provincial News
An updated Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and revised regulations took effect Dec. 1, 2021. The updated act eliminates duplication and simplifies language. This makes OHS laws easier to understand and follow, resulting in healthier and safer workplaces and supporting investment attraction and job creation. Workers continue to have the same rights and protections under the revised OHS laws.
Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation came into effect on December 1, 2021. These amendments apply to the following sections:
- Combustible and flammable liquids (Part 5)
The provincial government will increase the minimum wage by $2 per hour in 2022. The 17 per cent increase represents the most significant jump in the rate since 1980. A scheduled increase of $1 per hour in April and another $1 per hour increase in October will boost the province’s minimum wage to $13.75 per hour, the top rate in Atlantic Canada.
[/vc_column_text] If your facility manufactures, uses, or stores hazardous chemicals, you may be required to comply with federal laws and regulations to ensure that these chemicals are managed safely and securely. In the past several years, federal agencies have visited numerous chemical warehouses and chemical distribution facilities (i.e., companies that process, formulate, blend, re-package, store, transport, and market chemical products) to determine compliance with applicable regulatory requirements for chemical accident prevention, preparedness, safety, and security. Based on information gathered, agencies found that many facilities do not manage chemicals in a safe or secure manner. Complying with applicable regulations may help avoid catastrophic chemical accidents. December 2, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a proposed rule that would revise subpart E of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule to change certain pre-harvest agricultural water requirements for covered produce other than sprouts. Under this proposal, farms would be required to conduct annual systems-based agricultural water assessments to determine and guide appropriate measures to minimize potential risks associated with pre-harvest agricultural water. The assessment would include an evaluation of the water system, agricultural water use practices, crop characteristics, environmental conditions, potential impacts on source water by activities conducted on adjacent and nearby land, and other relevant factors, such as the results of optional testing. December 1, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule establishing the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program as required by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the proposed and/or continuing information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Comments are encouraged and must be submitted (no later than January 31, 2022) to be assured of consideration. US News
International News
After public consultation, the Minister has amended the General Rules. As a result, there are some regulatory changes and updates to our website content. Some changes started on 23 November 2021 and others will start in December.
A total of 416 submissions were received through the two consultations from within and outside the EU, the majority coming from Argentina. These submissions – some carrying multiple comments – are publicly available and can be found on EFSA’s and ECHA’s websites.
The European Commission is looking for comments on measures to reduce the environmental impact of unintentionally released microplastics. The call for evidence focuses on labelling, standardisation, certification and regulatory measures for the main sources of these plastics. The deadline for comments is 28 December 2021.
Other Relevant Information
Safety Share
Safety is more than a company value — it’s personal. It’s valuing each of your employees, and making sure they and their families stay out of harm’s way. And when your employees know you care about their well-being, it makes for a healthier workplace culture overall.
Stay off the road during winter storms, unless travel is absolutely necessary. If roads are closed, do not travel at all. Winterize your vehicle. Consider winter tires. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Keep your vehicle fueled. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before you go – AND DRIVE SAFE!
Do you have employees returning to the workplace for the first time since COVID-19 began? Take these free online courses from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety to help make sure your workplace is ready, and your employees are too.
A global study by CHEMTREC®, the world’s leading emergency dangerous goods response service provider, shows that almost a third of businesses (28%) under-prioritize their chemical emergency response and crisis management, with 63% being coordinated by management or department teams rather than at a c-suite level (19%) and less than 3% of organizations employing a full-time crisis management professional.
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