REGULATORY NEWS FOR WEEK OF JUNE 17, 2019

• Transport Canada mandating use of electronic logging devices for commercial truck operators

The Government of Canada is committed to improving road safety in order to keep all Canadian road users safe. Commercial driver fatigue is a long-standing road safety issue, and that’s why the Government is taking new measures to address this issue. This new requirement will come into force on June 12, 2021, and will replace paper-based daily logbooks. This requirement builds on the regulatory proposal that was published in Canada Gazette, Part I on December 16, 2017.

This new requirement is the result of longstanding collaboration among all levels of government and industry partners. It also addresses a Saskatchewan Coroners Service recommendation following the tragic collision involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team.

• Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations

The proposed Regulations Amending the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSAHR) were published.

• Notice requiring pollution prevention plan 2-propanone with diphenylamine (PREPOD)

Pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”), the Minister of the Environment published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on July 14, 2018, the Proposed notice requiring the preparation and implementation of pollution prevention plans in respect of reaction products of 2-propanone with diphenylamine (PREPOD), CAS RN 68412-48-6, in industrial effluents.

• New substances added to the Domestic Substances List (DSL)

• Food Policy for Canada

The Food Policy for Canada is a roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada – one that builds on the Government’s ambitious agenda to support the growth of Canada’s farmers and food businesses, as well as key federal initiatives like the Heathy Eating Strategy, Canada’s Food Guide, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy, as well as work on food fraud, food labelling, and food loss and waste, among others.

• Proposal to Add Maximum Levels for Inorganic Arsenic in Polished Rice

Health Canada has conducted a scientific assessment which supports the establishment of maximum levels (MLs) for inorganic arsenic in polished (white) and husked (brown) rice. These MLs would also apply to these types of rice when used as ingredients in other foods.

• Canada to ban harmful single-use plastics and hold companies responsible for plastic waste

Plastic pollution is a global challenge that requires immediate action. Plastic waste ends up in our landfills and incinerators, litters our parks and beaches, and pollutes our rivers, lakes, and oceans, entangling and killing turtles, fish, and marine mammals.

Less than 10 per cent of plastic used in Canada gets recycled. Without a change in course, Canadians will throw away an estimated $11 billion worth of plastic materials each year by 2030. We’ve reached a defining moment, and this is a problem we simply can’t afford to ignore.

• British Columbia approved the 2020-2022 Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Workplan

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division (PRRD) consults with internal and external stakeholders to develop effective policies and regulations regarding occupational health and safety, compensation for injured/disabled workers and their dependants, and employer assessments.

• Ontario amends Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments

Effective July 1, 2019, amendments to various provisions of Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments) have been approved that will help modernize workplace health and safety requirements. They will increase flexibility by:

• Allowing the use of alternative procedures if worker health and safety is at least as well protected
• Allowing workers to wear personal flotation devices instead of lifejackets when appropriate
• Allowing the use of antidotes, flushing fluids or washes instead of eyewash fountains or emergency showers, where appropriate, to prevent permanent injury to the eyes or skin

In addition, amendments have been made to other OHSA regulations and will also come into effect on July 1, 2019, including:

• Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91)
• Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training (O. Reg. 297/13)
• Mines and Mining Plants (Regulation 854)
• Oil and Gas – Offshore (Regulation 855)

Amendments to Regulation 833 (Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents) and O. Reg. 490/09 (Designated Substances) will come into force on January 1, 2020 to provide workplaces additional time to comply with the amendments.

• US publishes statistics for new chemical review program

EPA will continue to add new content on a regular basis to provide more transparency to the review process for all stakeholders and to allow submitters to readily determine the disposition of their cases. EPA is committed to working with PMN submitters to provide more certainty in the review process and to complete the chemical review process.

• Europe adds new web pages on expert group on uses and exposure

The REACH Exposure Expert Group (REEG) gathers Member States and ECHA experts to discuss, collaborate and coordinate activities on use and exposure issues. The independent group supports authorities to implement the Integrated Regulatory Strategy. It also shares experiences and reflects on strategies, methods and tools for obtaining information related to use description, risk management measures and estimating exposure for hazardous substances.

Safety Share

• Protecting athletes through concussion safety

Concussions can have serious consequences — from brain trauma to fatalities. We learned this with Rowan Stringer’s death,” said MacLeod. “I’m proud of Ontario’s leadership in ushering in Canada’s first concussion legislation and continue my call for other provinces and territories to do the same. It could save lives.”