* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ALERT * * * * Produced by: Ontario Ministry of Labour * * Provided by: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * INFO ALERT: C2/0993 DATE: 09/93 *** HAZARD SUMMARY: CHIMNEY AND STACK REPAIR *** Without proper precautions, repair work on industrial and other chimneys and stacks may put workers at risk, because of the hazards associated with work at extreme heights and the type of the equipment involved. Recently this has been demonstrated by a serious accident. Repair of industrial chimneys and stacks should be done by workers who are aware of the potential hazards and trained in the appropriate work procedures and in the use of personal protective equipment. Before work begins, a complete inspection which includes the vertical access ladder must be conducted and documented. Before suspended equipment is used, the stability of the chimney or stack must be assessed and all reports relevant to structural integrity reviewed. All suspension systems must be designed by a professional engineer. A parapet hook must not be used either for suspension or for fall arrest. A suspension or anchor point must be a fixed support. In-house or outside engineering expertise should be obtained for the engineering work needed before chimney or stack repair begins. After that step, if necessary, professional engineers available at Ministry of Labour offices may be contacted for consultation and review of the engineering documentation provided by other sources. Sections 6, 26, 31 and 137 through 141, in particular, of the Regulations for Construction Projects set out the provisions applying to construction work of this type. Produced by the Construction Health and Safety Program, Occupational Health and Safety Branch, Ministry of Labour. Disponible en francais