Safety Notice #4: Subway Air Quality Update

From the Safety and Environment Department

The following information is provided as an update to the Safety Notice #3 – Subway Air Quality Update – issued on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

The Subway Air Quality Study is underway. An Advisory Working Group comprised of Union Safety Officers from Local 113, Local 2 and Local 5089 and TTC’s Occupational Hygiene and Environment Section have met to review and advise on the specific scope of the study, the details, timelines, strategies and methods to be employed in the study.

The purpose of the Subway Air Quality Study is to:

• Provide current information on the air quality in the underground portions of the subway during revenue service;
• Determine employee exposures to airborne contaminants;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current controls;
• Make recommendations regarding both compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and opportunities for general improvement.

As the study progresses, specific details regarding who, what, when and where will be communicated via e-mail to applicable Department Heads, Managers and the Co-Chairs of the Joint Health and Safety Committee.

The Union Safety Officers will continue consultation with applicable JHSCs to gather their input and document their concerns with respect to air quality. JHSC worker members will continue to be invited to be present at the beginning of testing, and given the large number of samples required, may be asked to participate in the study.

As the study will be performed over a one-year period (2017 and 2018), interim results will be issued once the sampling is complete for higher exposure situations for Track Patrol, Traffic Checkers, Transit Enforcement Officers, Signal Technicians – Grade 1 and Operators/Guards.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 416-393-4229.

John O’Grady
Chief Safety Officer
Safety and Environment Department
September 21, 2017