The Base Administration Branch, Environment and Safety Inspection for CFSA has now been scheduled for 14-17 April. In preparation for the inspection, in addition to the monthly checks of safety equipment and safety rounds, and Workplace Hazardous Material Information (WHMIS) training for the foreshore team, CFSA Environment and Safety has renewed the Material Safety Data (MSDS) Sheets in the three binders located in the Galley, Foreshore Office and the Woodwork Shop porch. These binders contain safety information on all hazardous products stored on the property. Club members are reminded that any hazardous products brought on club property nust be accompanied by an MSDS sheet for inclusion in these binders. Other areas that receive the attention of the inspectors are first aid kits, fire inspections, training in first aid and environmental compliance, and general safety with a special attention to workplace and tool safety and signage. Over the past years CFSA has faired well but constant attention to power tool safety, safety lectures and safety awareness on the foreshore is emphasized during each inspection. The Foreshore team will be exercising the oil spill response plan in March to test our ability to respond in a timely and meaningful manner.
The Wash Water Treatment System planned for the foreshore is progressing slowly. An Environmental Assessment of the foreshore area and the proposed treatment system was commenced on 26 April and pending a positive result, the system bid should be forthcoming in a few weeks. While the system will not be in place for the first few haul outs this spring, hopefully by the summer we will have a state of the art water treatment and recycle system to be proud of.
A gentle reminder to those boat owners using personal tools, equipment and ladders on the foreshore. The inspection teams will be looking at the foreshore site carefully and looking for any use of non CSA approved equipment. The club has recently had ladder manufacturers re-certify and label ladders purchased by CFSA to meet this requirement. Boat owners using personal ladders must be able to show that the ladders are CSA approved or have them removed from CFSA property.
In closing I would like to offer my thanks to Dana Govang and the foreshore team for their great effort at giving the foreshore a much needed “Friday Routine” recently and thereby improving our environmental and safety footprint. Enjoy a safe boating season and continued safe boatyard maintenance.
Ray Stacey
