The Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories (CCIL) has advocated against of the use of solvents for asphalt extraction testing in our laboratories, primarily due to the health and safety concerns associated with the exposure of laboratory technicians to these solvents. You will recall that in 2010, the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario (MTO) mandated the use of n-Propyl Bromide (nPB or 1-bromopropane) rather than trichloroethylene (TCE) for quality assurance and referee laboratories. Recently, MTO has revised the LS-282 test procedure to allow for the laboratory to make a choice as to which solvent they will use for extractions, in accordance with the individual firm’s health and safety policy.
Recently, MTO has advised us that the Ministry of Labour (MOL) has proposed a change to the occupational exposure limit for 1-bromopropane (nPB) from a time-weighted average of 10 ppm (based on an 8 hour workday) down to a level of 0.1 ppm. This proposal is based on the 2014 recommendation of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
This proposed reduction to 1% of the previous exposure limits is a clear indication of the health risks associated with the use of nPB. These recommended limits will be very difficult for laboratories to maintain, and at these levels, a strict monitoring program in the laboratory will likely have to be in force, to ensure compliance with these thresholds. We recommend that all laboratories using solvents undertake a review of their operations to determine which solvent best suits their needs in ensuring the safety of personnel.
More information can be found on the Ministry of Labour website, as follows:
· http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/about/consultations/oels/index.php
· http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/about/consultations/oels/table.php
This is a file the HCANL has spent considerable time and expense in lobbying for change and we have had a positive outcome as outlined below. The Report is now Public and you can find the full 550 pages at the link below https://www.nlatippareview.ca/files/FINAL-REPORT-June-8-2021.pdf https://www.nlatippareview.ca/files/APPENDICES-FINAL-REPORT.pdf GOOD NEWS on Recommendation So Chair Osborne has made a […]
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Hi Folks, I hope that you are all keeping well with all of the current challenges around us. I am sharing this toolbox talk, on maintaining good mental health amid COVD-19, in the event you would like to share with your membership. I have attached .pdf and included a link to the document on our […]
As you know, the Prime Minister announced on June 1st that the Federal Government would be fast tracking to $2.2 billion in annual Gas Tax funding to municipalities to help with jump-starting the economy post-COVID. Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna released further details on this Friday past in the form of a breakdown of […]
October 1, 2019 June 1, 2017, John Deere announced its acquisition of the Wirtgen Group of Companies. Subsequently, October 1, 2019, SMS Equipment and Wirtgen Group of Companies announced their mutual disassociation in the distribution of the Wirtgen product lines. SMS Equipment continues to grow with and invest in the roadbuilding and construction industry as […]
Circular – Call for 2021-2022 Municipal Infrastructure Applications
