First aid recertification training Legislative Interpretations

Question 1

In clause 6.1.3 of the cited standard on first aid training (CSA Z1210 First Aid Training for the Workplace), a training agency can develop alternative training events to recertify a previously trained first aider. In New Brunswick, are trainers allowed to develop alternative training events to recertify first aiders (i.e. shorter duration than a full training)?

Answer

No, trainers in New Brunswick are not allowed to develop shorter alternative training events for recertifying first aiders.

The regular training time is one day for basic level and two days for intermediate level. Subsection 8(3) of the First Aid Regulation requires knowledge component and a practical skills demonstration to the minimal duration set by the standard. This demonstration must be at least three and a half hours for basic level and seven hours for intermediate level. To meet the practical skills duration required by subsection 8(3) and a requirement to ensure full knowledge for recertification, first aiders must complete full training. 

In addition, paragraph 8(2)(c) of the regulation provides the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) with the authority to approve first aid training. Currently, the CCO does not approve alternative training methods for recertification.  

Therefore, to meet the practical skill duration required by subsection 8(3) and ensure full knowledge for recertification, first aider must complete the full regular training every time.

Question 2

I am an employer; my employees were trained in a different jurisdiction where it is acceptable to be recertified without going through the full course. Do my employees need to retake the first aid training course to be considered first aiders in NB workplaces?

Answer

The regulatory change to cite the CSA Standard Z1210 for workplace first aid training was to harmonize nationally and to ensure easy movement of employees between Canadian jurisdictions. If your employees were recertified in a province where recertification is allowed, the employees would be considered trained and valid until their recertification expires.

Referenced Legislation 

First Aid Regulation 

8(1) Subject to subsection 7(1.1), an employer shall ensure that each employee who is designated as a first aid provider is trained in accordance with CSA Group standard Z1210-17 (R2021) set out in subsection 7(0.1) in workplace first aid appropriate to the level of risk in the place of employment or the nature of the activities carried out in the place of employment, which is

• (a) for work that is not high hazard work, the basic training level, or
• (b) for high hazard work, the intermediate training level.

8(2) Workplace first aid training shall meet the following requirements:

• (a) it is provided by a training agency that meets the requirements of the standard for the development and maintenance of the training program provided;
• (b) it complies with the clauses of the standard; and
• (c) it is approved by the Chief Compliance Officer.

8(3) Workplace first aid training under subsection (1) shall include a knowledge component and a practical skills demonstration of the minimum duration set by the standard.