Alert of the Month
The province is seeing significant wildfire activity and everyone working in the forest should understand the high risk conditions and assess their location to make sure it is safe to continue work. Use the following information to help plan your work activities and stay safe during this fire season.
Here are some of the wildfire risks to discuss with your crew:
- Be aware of the wildfire risk in your area and plan your work activities accordingly. The best choice may be to not work in those areas and move your operations.
- Have a fire evacuation plan as part of your overall Emergency Response Plan. WorkSafeBC has developed a good template (see link below).
- Get to know and follow the requirements of the Wildfire Regulations regarding fire watch and fire equipment requirements
- Stay on top of current situations, wildfire conditions can change quickly. The BC Wildfire Service website provides good, accurate information.
- Use weather forecasts to help plan work activities. Strong winds and high temperatures will increase the intensity and speed of wildfires.
- Smokey conditions can create poor air quality, watch out for air quality advisories.WorkSafeBC has produced new information on wildfire smoke and its effect on workers’ health (see links below).
- Worksites on steep slopes or with poor access should be avoided. These sites are difficult to evacuate and the steep slopes will cause fast fire movement.
- Beware of areas with high buildup of fuels, for example dead stands of trees from insect infestation, disease or blowdown.
- Look out for each other. Know what other crews are working in the area and establish a strong communication system with them.
Resources and Additional Information:
- WorkSafeBC’s workplace fire evacuation plan template:
www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/wildfire-evacuation-planning?lang=en
- BC Wildfire Service website
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
- Heavy Equipment Wildfire Alert
/node/2689
- Link to Wildfire Regulations
www.for.gov.bc.ca/ftp/tpl/external/!publish/EMS2/Supplements/Wildfire%20Act%20effective%20Mar%2031,2005.pdf
- WorkSafeBC’s Wildfire Smoke: Frequently Asked Questions
www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/wildfire-smoke-frequently-asked-questions-faq?lang=en
- Air Quality Information and Advisories
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air
