Regulations for Forest Road TSAs Amended to Include Geoscientists
As a result of extensive consultations with WorkSafe BC, and with input from DEGIFS and the APEGBC/ABCFP (Association of BC Forest Professionals) Joint Practice Board, amendments have been made to Section 20.78 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHSR) to recognize that professional geoscientists carry out Terrain Stability Assessments (TSAs) for forest roads. This is effective January 2009.
As a short term solution until this section of the regulations could be amended, APEGBC had initiated the Limited Licence in Engineering (EngL) for professional geoscientists who carry out TSAs for forest roads. This limited licence in engineering was recognized by WorkSafeBC, allowing professional geoscientists who had applied for and obtained the EngL to continue practicing in compliance with Section 20.78(1) of the OHSR before the amendments were completed. The limited licence was set to expire as soon as the amendments to the OHSR were brought into effect.
Based on the recommendation of the Division of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Forest Sector (DEGIFS), APEGBC Council has approved an extension to the expiry date for limited licences granted to professional geoscientists doing TSAs for forest roads and other excavations related to forest development until a proposed skill set is developed for this type of work. The expiry date is extended for a maximum period of one year.
During the introduction of the Limited Licence in Engineering and again during the development of amendments to Section 20.78 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHSR), it became apparent that a clear skill set is needed to guide terrain stability professionals on the skills and experience required to carry out this type of work. This skill set is currently being developed by the APEGBC/ABCFP Joint Practice Board TSA Skill Set Task Force.
The Joint Practice Board anticipates that the skill set will be ready in the later part of 2009.