Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 48/26 amends the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, with changes focused on personal protective equipment, high-visibility safety apparel, and respiratory protection. Made under section 65 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the regulation amendments update several technical requirements and incorporate current Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards into workplace safety requirements.

The regulation replaces section 70, which establishes definitions for several terms used in the personal protective equipment provisions. A “fit test” is defined as a quantitative or qualitative test conducted according to CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators, to evaluate whether a respirator fits an individual. “Flame resistant” clothing is defined as clothing made from material that, because of its inherent properties or treatment with a flame retardant, slows, terminates, or prevents flaming combustion. The amendment also defines a “user seal check” as a negative- or positive-pressure check of a respirator’s seal performed by the respirator user according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Section 71 is also replaced with updated requirements for personal protective equipment. Equipment must be selected and used in accordance with recognized standards and provide effective protection. It must be properly fitted so that it does not create a hazard for the worker. Equipment must also be compatible, meaning that one item cannot render another item ineffective. In addition, personal protective equipment must be maintained in good working order and kept in sanitary condition. These requirements establish a broader framework for the selection, fitting, compatibility, and maintenance of protective equipment.

The amendment replaces section 81 concerning high-visibility safety apparel. Workers whose duties are regularly performed in areas and circumstances where they face the danger of moving vehicles or heavy equipment must wear high-visibility safety apparel meeting CSA Standard Z96, High-Visibility Safety Apparel. The requirement therefore links workplace obligations directly to a recognized technical standard rather than leaving the specifications of high-visibility apparel solely to general regulatory language.

The most detailed changes concern respiratory protection under section 85. Respiratory protection equipment must either be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.4.1, Performance of Filtering Respirators. The regulation also establishes specific obligations when a tight-fitting respirator is used. Employers must ensure that a fit test is performed to identify the appropriate style and size of respirator and to confirm that it forms a secure seal against the employee’s face. Employees must also perform a user seal check before each use.

Newfoundland & Labrador (48/2026) September 29, 2026
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