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Historical Health, Safety and Reclamation Codes

Last updated on April 29, 2024

This page contains historical versions of the Code. These Codes are no longer in force and are provided for reference only.

Background

The original Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (the Code) was published in June 1990. Since 1990, different Code Review Committees have revised the Code several times.

In 2019, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation appointed a standing Code Review Committee (the Committee). The Committee has equal representation from Indigenous communities, labour and industry. The Committee recommends revisions to the Code every year.

For the current version of the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code, visit the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code page.

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2022 Health, Safety and Reclamation Code

In 2022, the standing Code Review Committee made the following revisions to the Code:
 
1. Autonomous and semi-autonomous machine systems (ASAMS)
New Code requirements for the use of ASAMS on B.C. mines. Proponents must submit an Autonomous Mining Project Management Plan prior to using ASAMS on a mine. This revision removes the need for a permit amendment and clarifies how Code requirements for mobile equipment apply to ASAMS.
 
2. Reportable incidents (previously dangerous occurrences)
Updated Code requirements for reportable incidents. This revision includes updates to:
  • Types of reportable incidents
  • Reporting timelines
  • Investigation report requirements and submission timeline
This revision also introduces a new requirement for proponents to engage with Indigenous Nations on select reportable incidents.
 
3. Gender neutral language and universal washrooms
This revision removes gender-based language from the Code. This revision also introduces a new requirement for mines to have a universal washroom facility (for new mines and significant renovations to existing mines).
 

2021 Health, Safety and Reclamation Code

In 2020, the standing Code Review Committee made their first revisions to the Code:

  • adding cannabis in the impairment provision to align with federal legalization
  • adding in avalanche safety requirements
  • adding in gas detection and decommissioning requirements for coal exploration drill sites
  • updating Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System requirements
  • updating requirements to ensure safety mechanisms are in place for under-truck repairs on haul trucks
  • updating provisions related to pressure vessels to ensure they meet current Canadian Standards Association standards
  • updating legislation references in the Code for the Public Health Act
  • modernizing the requirements for atmospheric detection in underground mines

​The Code was also revised in response to the August 2020 Mines Act amendments and introduction of the Chief Permitting Officer. Provisions of the Code related to the permitting process now fall under the Chief Permitting Officer and show the separation of accountabilities established under the Mines Act. The Chief Inspector of Mines remains accountable for health and safety, and compliance and enforcement functions.

 

2017 Health, Safety and Reclamation Code

The previous Code Review Committee reviewed the Code from 2015 to 2017. The Committee updated Code sections related to tailings storage facilities and health and safety. The revised Code was published in 2017:

 

Other historical Codes