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Forest Management Certification

Electric Ambulances

Technical Specification BNQ-SPEC 1013-200
Electric Ambulances — Vehicle Specifications

In a context where the demand for electric vehicles is growing, the BNQ (Bureau de normalisation du Québec) has developed this technical specification for electric ambulances to provide a reliable reference model for requirements.

Since its first edition in 1999, the standard BNQ 1013-110 Ambulances — Vehicle Specifications has defined the requirements related to ambulance specifications. However, since it was developed at a time when the electrification of transportation was not a social or governmental concern, this standard does not allow for technological innovation in the manufacturing of electric ambulances.

In addition to covering the requirements for electrically powered motors, this technical specification includes the fundamental elements of the standard BNQ 1013-110 related to security, identification or marking of ambulances, and ambulance functions. Wherever appropriate, the requirements are expressed in terms of performance, in such a way that allows for innovation.

The development of this technical specification was carried out in accordance with the process defined by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), which is presented in the document National Technical Specifications.

For the planning of the transition work, see the diagram (French only)

 

Offer to verify self-declaration files

The validation of self-declaration files of declarations of compliance of an electric ambulance to the technical specification BNQ-SPEC 1013-200 ensures that these vehicles offer buyers a high level of quality. Ambulance assemblers need only submit a self-declaration to the BNQ who will check for compliance with the requirements of BNQ-SPEC 1013-200 and with other requirements of the program. These other requirements are set out in the Applicant’s Guide and divided into six categories:

1. Quality system
2. Quality control laboratory in the plant
3. Qualifications and training of quality control staff
4. Monitoring and testing in the plant
5. Corrective actions
6. Quality related records

welder

Standard ISO 11611
Protective Clothing for Use in Welding and Allied Processes

Workers performing welding work or using allied processes are exposed to the risk of burns by flames, sparks and sprayed molten metal particles. They are also exposed to the risks of burning objects, the heat released by the process and ultraviolet radiation. Flames, sparks and molten metal particles can penetrate or set fire to clothing and cause severe burns. Combustible dust produced during grinding and sanding can accumulate on workers and their clothing, and can be ignited by a spark.

The standard ISO 11611 specifies minimum basic safety requirements and test method for protective clothing including single garment suits, e.g. coverall or boiler suits, two-piece garment, consisting of a jacket and a pair of trousers, hoods, aprons, sleeves and gaiters.

Those protective clothing are intended to protect the wearer against spatter of molten metal, short contact time with flame, radiant heat from an electric arc used for welding and allied processes, and minimizes the possibility of electrical shock by short-term , accidental contact with live electrical conductors.

In Québec, workers were burned and some lost their lives as a result of burns caused by the burning of their clothing during welding or allied processes. These workers are welders, mechanics, laborers, carpenters, roofers, machine tool drivers, metalworkers.

The employer must provide the worker with protective equipment appropriate to the nature of his work and must ensure that it is safe and maintained in good condition. This certification program for protective clothing used in welding and allied processes will provide employers and users with additional information to confirm that they are buying or wearing safe clothing.

 

Certification offer

Protective clothing manufacturers can have the BNQ certify their products under a program established specifically for this purpose. The program is developed from the requirements of the standard ISO 11611. The certification protocol BNQ 1923-611 establishes the certification requirements and procedural rules applicable to the certification of the protective clothing. This protocol is complementary to the general rules of procedure found in the document BNQ 9902-001.

The program requirements concern the following in particular:

  • the design of the protective clothing and additional protective garments (sizes, fit, pockets, flaps and seams);
  • the performance classification;
  • the tensile strength, tear strength, burst strength and dimensional change of material and seam;
  • limited flame test, impact of molten metal spatter, heat transfer test and electrical resistance test;
  • the marking, information supplied, care and maintenance; 
  • the manufacturer quality system.

 

 

Everyone is responsible for health and safety. At work, in sports or on trips, each of us must act in a way that is safe for us and for those around us.

Most of us spend a great deal of time at work. We must ensure that our workplaces are safe, that we are working in a way that does not put our lives at risk and that our employer is providing a healthy environment.

The BNQ develops standards for that purpose.

Fact sheet

Ambulance

Standard BNQ 1013-110
Ambulances — Vehicle Specifications


NOTICE

This standard applies to ambulances with a combustion engine.
For electric ambulances consult the web page.

The requirements for electric ambulances and combustion engine ambulances will eventually be in the same document, consult the planning of the transition work for more information (see the diagram in French only). 

 

In the field of health care, workers must have access to the best equipment possible to enhance patient recovery. For ambulance attendants, that means operating well-constructed, reliable ambulances that enable them to provide the best emergency medical care possible, while ensuring maximum passenger safety. The BNQ 1013-110 standard, for ambulance assemblers, covers this specific area. It sets minimum requirements, performance parameters and key criteria for ambulances used to transport patients, with respect to interior layout, functionality, external features, comfort and safety. For an ambulance to meet this standard, its specifications must meet a number of requirements:

  • general requirements (construction, base vehicle equipment and national safety mark);
  • specific requirements for the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems (for example, control consoles, power train, suspension, batteries, 120 V circuits and sirens);
  • specific requirements for the ambulance module (for example, structure, doors and windows, interior layout, air conditioning and heating, signals, and exterior visibility characteristics).

 

Certification offer 

The certification of ambulances under the BNQ 1013-110 standard makes it possible to ensure high-quality vehicles. Ambulance assemblers simply need to submit an application for certification to the BNQ, which will check for compliance with the requirements of the BNQ 1013-110 standard and other requirements of the program. The other requirements are set out in the BNQ 1013-900 certification protocol, under six categories:

  • quality system;
  • quality control laboratory in the factory;
  • qualifications and training of quality control staff;
  • controls and testing in the factory;
  • corrective actions; quality records.

This certification program is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.

Hockey player

Standard CAN/BNQ 9415-370
Neck Protectors for Ice Hockey and Ringette Players

Two tragic deaths in Québec along with several cases of neck lacerations made headlines in the 1980s. The equipment problems that played a major role in these accidents led community stakeholders to seek a standard on neck protectors from the BNQ. Accordingly, the BNQ published a Canadian national standard in 1990. This standard specifies the characteristics of neck protectors designed to reduce the risk of direct lacerations on the neck caused by contact with a skate blade in the area covered by the neck protector, and test methods to verify some of these characteristics. The standard is primarily intended for neck protector manufacturers.

 

Certification offer

Marque de certificationIn 1986 the Fédération québécoise de hockey sur glace (Québec hockey association) made it mandatory for minor league players to wear neck protectors. Since 1992 Québec has required players of all ages to wear neck protectors in accordance with CAN/BNQ 9415-370 through its Regulations respecting protective equipment for ice hockey. Also, in 1993 the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (now Hockey Canada) and Ringette Canada have required players in minor leagues across Canada to wear neck protectors. Neck protector manufacturers can have the BNQ certify their products under a program established specifically for this purpose. The program is based on four documents, including certification protocol BNQ 9415-970.

This certification protocol establishes the certification requirements and procedural rules applicable to the certification of neck protectors for hockey and ringette players in accordance with the requirements of CAN/BNQ 9415-370. The program requirements concern the following in particular:

  • fabrication (quality, material, ease of use and adjustment);
  • maintenance;
  • quality system;
  • testing (protection area, resistance to skate blade contact, marking permanence and colourfastness).

This certification program is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.

 

  1. ISO 45001