INSPECTION REPORT

Worker and Employer Services Division

6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

The Workers Compensation Act requires that the employer must post a copy of this report in a conspicuous place at or near the workplace inspected for at least seven days, or until compliance has been achieved, whichever is the longer period. A copy of this report must also be given to the joint committee or worker health and safety representative, as applicable.

Inspection Report #2014128680252

Employer Name BABINE FOREST PRODUCTS LIMITED Jobsite Inspected BABINE FOREST PRODUCTS LIMITED C/O KAREN GLANVILLE CONFIDENTIA PO BOX 4000 BURNS LAKE, BC Scope of Inspection incident investigation

Date of Initiating Inspection Jan 21, 2014

Date of This Inspection Jan 21, 2014

Delivery Date of This Report Jan 21, 2014

Delivery Method

THERE ARE ZERO (0) ORDERS OUTSTANDING

NO ACTION REQUIRED

Summary of Orders
See Orders Full Details section of this Inspection Report for orders cited Order No.1 Order No.2 Order No.3 Order No.4 Order No.5

Status: Closed Status: Closed Status: Closed Status: Closed Status: Closed

Cited: OHS3.5 Cited: OHS4.41 Cited: OHS5.81 Cited: WCA115(1) Cited: WCA115(2)(a)

ORDER STATUS LEGEND Order Status Outstanding Complied Closed Rescinded Description Order Outstanding - Action Required to Achieve Compliance Compliance Achieved - No Further Action Required Order Could Not be Followed Up No Further Action Required Order has been cancelled No Further Action Required

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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

INSPECTION NOTES
Comments issued on: Feb 06, 2014 Based upon the violation(s) cited in this inspection report (and any previous relevant violations) WorkSafeBC has determined that there are grounds for imposing an administrative penalty. If WorkSafeBC decides to impose a penalty, or take other enforcement action, further information will be provided to you. Issued on: 2014/01/21 Synopsis During the afternoon shift on January 20, 2012, there was an explosion at the Babine Forest Products Limited sawmill at approximately 20:07. A large fireball burst through the roof at the northeast side of the mill, while the explosion travelled east to west through the operating and basement levels. Fire spread throughout the premises, completely destroying the mill. Two workers were killed in the explosion and 20 others were injured. WorkSafeBC conducted an investigation into this incident and issued Incident Investigation Report (IIR) #2012161980018. To request a copy of the IIR, please contact the WorkSafeBC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy office at 604-279-8171. The IIR's conclusions are reproduced below. Findings as to causes All the components for a wood dust explosion existed. Wood dust the fuel was dispersed in air. Near the ignition source was a containment zone. Oxygen was present in the air. Concentration of dispersed wood dust in the air The wood dust that was dispersed in the air within the Babine sawmill was of sufficient concentration to explode. Friction within the motor-reducer V-belt guard provided ignition source Wood dust from beneath the 8R-25 conveyor migrated into the confined area within the motor-reducer V-belt guard. The dust was compacted and subjected to near-constant friction from the rotating belts and sheaves. This dust caught fire and ignited the airborne wood dust that was dispersed in the area. An explosion and subsequent fire travelled through the mill, disturbing and dispersing the accumulated wood dusts and setting off secondary deflagrating explosions. Findings as to underlying factors Ineffective wood dust control measures The dust collection system was ineffective in controlling airborne dusts and the accumulation of other fine dusts in the sawmill. The collection ducting serviced only the bandsaw and debarker areas and not the east side
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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

of the sawmill where the trim-saws and eliminators were or the other areas where these dusts were being produced. Lumber-processing equipment generates large amounts of wood dust by abrasive or cutting actions. It is important to provide an effective dust collection system to capture the dust at the point of release and transport the material through ducting into collection equipment. The mill produced large volumes of wood waste that was not adequately removed from the mill during production shifts. This provided abundant fuels for the explosion and subsequent fires. Ineffective inspection and maintenance system The application of a nearly solid guard at the 8R-25 motor-reducer assembly's location required increased inspection and maintenance to ensure that the containment that it presented was adequately monitored and controlled. This was not being done. Conditions of the wood and weather The cold weather conditions resulted in a very dry environment with low humidity. This condition was compounded by the very dry beetle-killed wood. The dusts produced were drier and finer and they migrated throughout the mill. These dusts were mixed with green wood dusts as green wood was being processed at the time. Many of the sawmill workers agreed that the dust from processing the beetle-killed pine was finer and more noticeable. The dry humidity, environment and dust conditions contributed to this incident. Waste conveyor configurations increased airborne wood dust The waste conveyors in the basement level did not adequately capture the fine dust generated during lumber processing. These conveyors were open to the operating floor above and there were large open areas along the conveyor side-walls. Wood waste was dropped from one conveyor to another, accompanied by vibration in some cases. The conveyors were not equipped with an effective dust collection system. Fine wood dust stirred up by the constant action of the conveyors was free to disperse into the air. Babine installed dust collection ducting for some of the conveyors but not for others. Even where such ducting was installed, the fine dust was not effectively captured. This fine dust should have been removed independent of the waste conveyor system. The volume of the coarser wood dust and debris exceeded the capacity of the conveyor system. Inadequate supervision of clean-up and maintenance staff The accumulations of wood waste before the explosion and the poor condition of some of the electrical equipment that was inspected after the incident indicate that supervisors were not effectively or adequately monitoring the work that was being done.

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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

(WCA 183) If an officer makes a written report to an employer relating to an inspection, whether or not the report includes an order, the employer must promptly: (a) post the report at the workplace to which it relates, and (b) give a copy of the report to the joint committee or worker health and safety representative, as applicable.

A review of the order(s) in this inspection report has determined that further enforcement action may be appropriate. Further notification will be provided on an update of this inspection report.

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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

ORDERS
An employer who fails to comply with Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, or WorkSafeBC orders may be subject to monetary or other sanctions as prescribed by the Workers Compensation Act.

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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

Orders - Full Details

Order No.1

Status: Closed

Cited: OHS3.5

The employer failed to ensure that regular inspections were made of all workplaces, including buildings, structures, grounds, tools, equipment, machinery and work methods and practices, at intervals that would prevent the development of unsafe working conditions. Following the January 20, 2012 explosion and fire, the sawmill was observed to have significant accumulations of wood dust and waste in various protected areas within the sawmill structure, outside surrounding areas and outside structures. The guard installed on the 8R-25 drive motor assembly was found to contain burnt wood dust and the area immediately behind this assembly contained significant accumulations of wood dust. This cover was bolted down and designed in such a way that it was difficult to view the condition of the inside of the cover. This should have resulted in modification or scheduled inspections. The areas south of the 8R-23 conveyor also contained significant accumulations of wood waste and dust. Large accumulations of dust and waste were also apparent on the outside storage buildings and blow-pipe building and presented a hazard to workers needing to access these areas. Electrical components and motors throughout the sawmill and planer mill were found layered with excessive accumulations of wood dust. This created an overheating hazard and risk of fire. Various electrical enclosures were found with protective covers removed. These exposed workers to the hazards of contact with electrical conductors and fire. The significant accumulations of wood dust and wood waste, as well as the unprotected electrical connections, created unsafe working conditions which should have been identified, corrected, and prevented through regular and effective inspections.

This is in contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Section 3.5. Every employer must ensure that regular inspections are made of all workplaces, including buildings, structures, grounds, excavations, tools, equipment, machinery and work methods and practices, at intervals that will prevent the development of unsafe working conditions.

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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

Orders - Full Details

Order No.2

Status: Closed

Cited: OHS4.41

The employer failed to ensure that waste materials were not allowed to accumulate so as to constitute a hazard. In many areas throughout the sawmill, wood dust and waste had accumulated to hazardous levels. On some outside structures, walkways and stairs were choked with dust and waste accumulations. Within the sawmill, some areas on and around electrical and moving equipment had significant accumulations of wood waste. These accumulations created a hazard to workers.

This is in contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Section 4.41. Refuse, spills and waste material must not be allowed to accumulate so as to constitute a hazard.

Order No.3

Status: Closed

Cited: OHS5.81

The employer failed to ensure that combustible dust was removed before it could cause a fire or explosion. Significant accumulations of wood dust were observed throughout the sawmill and outside areas following the explosion. Further, workers provided statements to investigators describing the excessive dust conditions that existed pre-incident. As a result of these accumulations, the explosion and fire occurred.

This is in contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Section 5.81. If combustible dust collects in a building or structure or on machinery or equipment, it must be safely removed before accumulation of the dust could cause a fire or explosion.

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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

Orders - Full Details

Order No.4

Status: Closed

Cited: WCA115(1)

The employer failed to ensure the health and safety of all workers present at the workplace at which this employer's work is being carried out. Significant accumulations of dust and waste resulted in the explosion, destruction of the mill, deaths of two workers, and injury to 20 others. Some of the workers on site the date of the incident were contractors.

This is in contravention of the Workers Compensation Act Section 115 (1). Every employer must ensure the health and safety of: (i) all workers working for that employer, and (ii) any other workers present at a workplace at which that employer's work is being carried out, and (b) comply with this Part, the regulations and any applicable orders.

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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

Orders - Full Details

Order No.5

Status: Closed

Cited: WCA115(2)(a)

The employer failed to remedy workplace conditions that were hazardous to the health or safety of the employer's workers. The employer knew or ought to have known from previous fires at the sawmill that accumulated wood dust was hazardous. For example, on February 23, 2011, a dust explosion and significant fire occurred at the Babine sawmill when an operator attempted to start the bandsaw. An investigation by the British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) revealed that beetle-killed wood dust in an MCC panel had been ignited by hot gases from a fuse. Accumulated sawdust was noted in and on equipment in the vicinity of the switch. According to the BCSA's report, the sawdust appeared to be unusually dry due to the wood source (beetle-killed wood) and the preceding cold weather conditions, and ignition of the sawdust was explosive and resulted in other fires. The employer's parent company, Hampton Affiliates, also investigated. The Hampton report concluded that: This mill has a tremendous amount of dry wood fibre dust, resulting in a very large fuel load. The significant wood dust and waste accumulations observed in and around the sawmill after the January 20, 2012 explosion and fire and the statements from workers as to the dusty conditions within the sawmill indicate that the employer did not remedy these hazardous conditions. The incident was fuelled by this wood dust and resulted in two fatalities and 20 injuries. The hazard of uncovered electrical enclosures was also not remedied.

This is in contravention of the Workers Compensation Act Section 115 (2)(a). An employer must remedy any workplace conditions that are hazardous to the health or safety of the employer's workers.

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INSPECTION REPORT
Worker and Employer Services Division

2014128680252
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC Mailing Address: PO Box 5350, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L5 Telephone 604 276-3100 Toll Free 1-888-621-7233 Fax 604 276-3247

Employer # 328321

Mailing Address C/O KAREN GLANVILLE CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY PO BOX 4000 BURNS LAKE BC V0J1E0

Classification Unit # 714022

Operating Location 001

Lab Samples Taken N

Direct Readings N

Results Presented N

Sampling Inspection(s)

Workers onsite during Inspection 11

Notice of Project Number

Inspection Report Delivered To Peter Marshall

Employer Representative Present During Inspection Peter Marshall

Worker Representative Present During Inspection N/a

Labour Organization & Local United Steel Workers Local 1-424

WorkSafeBC Officer Conducting Inspection Paul Orr

*Inspection Time 1.00 hrs

*Travel Time 0.00 hrs

*The time recorded above reflects the cumulative inspection time and travel time associated to the inspection activity cycle. Additional time may be added for subsequent activity.

Right to a Review of Orders Any employer, worker, owner, supplier, union, or a member of a deceased worker's family directly affected may, within 90 calendar days of the delivery date of this report, in writing, request the Review Division of WorkSafeBC to conduct a review of an order, or the non-issuance of an order, in this report by contacting the Review Division. Employers requiring assistance may contact the Employers' Advisers at 1-800-925-2233. Workers may contact the Workers' Advisers at 1-800-663-4261.

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