Working in Backcountry or Remote Areas in AlgonquinProvincialPark

January 17, 2003

Application and Scope

This policy applies to all AlgonquinPark staff, volunteers, and service contractors. Other branches of the Ministry of Natural Resources are encouraged to follow this policy when working in AlgonquinPark.

This policy does not apply to contractors working for cottage or commercial leaseholders. However, we do encourage responsible and safe travel by all people working in AlgonquinPark. To this end, a TIPS sheet will be prepared and issued with travel authorizations for contractors that maintain cottages/lodges/camps.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure Park wide guidelines for working in the backcountry and remote areas. This policy will protect workers and addresses the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Working On Ice

This policy does not replace the Ministry of Natural Resources Working on Ice Policy (WOIP). If any provision of this policy is in conflict with the

WOIP policy, the WOIP applies.

When Does the Policy Apply—Why?

The policy applies from December 15th to April 1st every year. Managers may extend the application if they deem appropriate.

This policy is intended to protect workers during cold weather conditions.

During peak park operating periods, there are more staff and extended radio coverage for assistance and communications.

In AlgonquinPark peak snowfall occurs during this period. Snow and ice complicates travel on roads and obscures hazards. Cold weather increases the risk of exposure and hypothermia.

Normal Working Hours

Normal winter working hours are 8:15 am to 4:15 pm. Workers can extend these hours but only with approval of a Manager. Managers will ensure that a communications system is in place to ensure that workers return safely from backcountry and remote areas.

Definition of Remote and Back Country Areas

A backcountry/remote area is anywhere in the Park greater than 1 km distance from the Highway 60 corridor. Managers may extend the application of the policy where deemed appropriate.

The Rules

The following rules apply and constitute the minimum requirements.

--appropriate all weather clothing including appropriate cold weather footwear must be worn

--a survival pack must be taken and shall include a basic first aid kit, a pair of mitts, a toque, a pair of socks, flashlight, high energy food, knife, waterproof container with matches, candle, space age warmth blanket, compass, whistle, and canoe route map of Algonquin Park along with a portable radio and satellite phone

--the survival pack is to be worn by the worker if he/she leave the vehicle

Communications

--workers must check out, and check in with the appropriate park office

--workers must use the sign out boards to indicate where they are working

--managers may instruct workers to check out and check in with the Provincial Co-ordination Centre (PCC)

--workers must carry a hand held radio capable of radio/telephone communications and a satellite phone. Managers may also require the use of a personal locator beacon depending upon the location of work, and quality of communications available ie. black spots where radio communications are known to be a problem

Working in Pairs

In backcountry and remote areas workers will work in pairs. A Manager may relax this requirement if an assessment of the work performed indicates that it is low risk, and off road travel is limited. For areas where there are active forestry operations, the working in pairs requirement may be relaxed provided that the worker communicates with the forestry workers in the area.

Exceptions

Each worker is required to have a survival pack if working in backcountry and remote areas during the winter operating season (as set out in this policy). Where two workers are traveling together, only one set of communications equipment is required.

Exemptions to this policy may only be approved by a Manager.