Employee Funded Water Coolers
Effective October 8, 2010
Within our department, as elsewhere in the public environment, there has been considerable discussion about the wide spread use of bottled water including whether it is a safer alternative to tap water.
The potable water supply to workplaces within our department is generally provided by the local municipality and is tested and monitored by qualified technicians on a regular basis to ensure it meets the standards set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, published by Health Canada.
The department strongly promotes the use of the building’s potable water distribution system (water fountains and kitchen taps) as the recommended source for potable water in the workplace.
In cases where potable water is not available to employees or there is no appropriate access to it (through water fountains and/or kitchen taps), it remains the employer’s duty, as stated in paragraph 125.(1)(j) of the Canada Labour Code, Part II, to provide potable water. This can be achieved by providing bottled water.
In the case where potable water is available and accessible and employees still wish to establish or maintain existing employee funded common water coolers, as a source of potable water in the workplace, they must adhere to the departmental Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Guidelines on the Provision of the Bottled Water and Maintenance of Water Coolers.
Action Required: Please review these guidelines with employees and with the Workplace Health and Safety Committees (or the Health and Safety Representatives).
Employees who are participating in the administration of employee funded water coolers are required to establish a contract with bottled water suppliers for regular maintenance. A copy of this contract is to be provided to Workplace Health and Safety Committee (or the Health and Safety Representative).
To ensure that water coolers are maintained as per these guidelines, please request that the Workplace Health and Safety Committee (or the Health and Safety Representatives) add this item to their monthly inspection checklist.
Action Required: Please work with your Workplace Health and Safety Committee (or your Health and Safety Representative) to revise the inspection template to include the following:
- Does the maintenance sheet or sticker indicate that the cooler is cleaned at least every three months?
- Is the "Proper Lifting Technique" poster posted near the water cooler?
- Is the "Avoid Touching Spigots" poster posted near the water cooler?
Section 124 under Part II of the Canada Labour Code states that, “every employer shall ensure that the health and safety at work of every person employed by the employer is protected.” Allowing employees to secure tap filters and other devices such as reverse osmosis filters to the potable water supply will compromise the employer’s ability to protect the health and safety of departmental employees. By introducing these items, the water supply may be compromised causing adverse effects to employees. As such, secure tap filters and other items are not permitted.
If you have any questions or concerns, please consult the departmental Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Guidelines on the Provision of the Bottled Water and Maintenance of Water Coolers or feel free to contact your Regional Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.
Arlene van Diepen
Occupational Health and Safety Champion for the Atlantic Region