Communicable Disease Prevention Plan

Employers are required by section 21(2)(c) of the Workers Compensation Act to establish occupational health and safety policies and programs in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Employers have also been directed by WorkSafeBC to develop a plan to create a safe and healthy reopening of the province. UAPICBC’s policies and procedures are as follows:

Policy & Procedure for Practical Training

Following the guidelines put in place by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), UAPICBC will enter a transitional period to ensure a safe and successful reopening of the institution. We will be operating in the following limited capacity as of July 1^st, 2021, until otherwise instructed by PHO. With the goal of a full reopening by September 1^st, 2021. The guidelines are as follows:

• UAPICBC’s entrance/lobby capacity will be set at 6 visitors (overflow to wait outside).
• All standard classrooms will have a capacity of twenty people at one time. Any classroom smaller in size will have a capacity of fourteen.
• Hand washing/sanitization stations will be visible and easily accessible throughout our building.
• Hands must be washed upon arrival and departure of the building, and after using machinery and equipment.
• Masks are MANDATORY in all indoor public areas on all UAPICBC campuses including hallways, classrooms, labs, shops, stairwell, bathrooms, and the school lobby.
  • All masks must be worn correctly and stay on for the entire time you are in a mask designated area.
  • Everyone is responsible for procuring their own masks.
  • Everyone in the building is required to complete a daily self-assessment before entering the building

• If someone shows any symptoms[1] that align with COVID-19 symptoms:

1.     Follow all PHO or family doctor recommendations.
2.     Must reschedule practical training for another time.

Policy & Procedure for Breaks

UAPICBC has identified areas with a higher risk of intense contact within our building. To prevent the spread of the virus we have identified places where people gather, such as the break room and have made changes accordingly, such as:

• The break room will remain closed until further notice.
• We will not have microwaves or refrigerators for apprentices’ use.
• Apprentices will be allowed to take their breaks in the restaurant or outside of the institution.

Policy & Procedure for Welding Shop

UAPICBC will be re-opening our welding shop in a limited capacity as of July 1^st, 2021. To ensure the safety of our members and staff the following procedures will be put in place.

• Welder’s will be allowed to practice within the shop at any given time, following these guidelines:
• Shop time is by appointment only and must be booked through our receptionist, at the front office.
• The number of people allowed to be in the shop at any given time will be a maximum of 26. They are as followed but not limited to; 10 members, 12 students, and 4 instructors.
• The number of members in the shop is subject to change at the discretion of the welding department and the UAPICBC administrative staff.
• People may only make an appointment for two consecutive days in the shop and only a max. of 10 days in advance.
• UAPICBC reserves the right to cancel member’s practice time to maintain safe numbers in the shop. A priority will be given to members doing job tests.
• Drop-ins will no longer be allowed; the shop is by appointment only.
• Four Rig welders will be allowed to practice outside in the back at one time.
• People will be able to book an appointment for one week of practice at a time.
• Same booking rules apply for outside as they do for in the shop. Must make an appointment to practice.
• If someone shows any symptoms that align with COVID-19 symptoms:

1. Follow all PHO or family doctor recommendations.
2. Must reschedule practical training for another time.

Thank you for complying with the policy and procedures.

[1] Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person. They may also vary in different age groups. Some of the more commonly reported symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, temperature equal to or over 38°C, feeling feverish, chills, fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, feeling unwell, rashes.

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