At the request of WorkSafe BC, the CAA led an extensive consultative process with industry organizations, front- line operators and leading practitioners to develop the Avalanche Planner Qualifications. These qualifications are named in WorkSafe BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and serve to define the minimum training and experience requirements for the new Qualified Avalanche Planner designation.
As of Sept 1, 2009 all organizations with employees exposed to avalanche terrain in BC must have an Avalanche Safety Plan documenting their staffing requirements, equipment requirements and operational procedures for dealing with avalanches. Avalanche Safety Plans must be approved by a Qualified Avalanche Planner.
WorkSafe BC’s regulations for Qualified Avalanche Planners come into effect September 1, 2011. In the interim, if you are choosing a Qualified Avalanche Planner, the CAA recommends you use the Avalanche Planner Qualifications as a guide to help you find the correct person. This matrix of credentials, training and experience was ratified by the members of the CAA in 2008 and forms an excellent guideline for determining if an individual is suited for the work. Pay particular attention to the bolded criteria, as these are deemed fundamental to the “planner of record.”
Flowchart outlining steps for recognizing potential avalanche hazard from Land Managers Guide to Snow Avalanche Hazards in Canada.
Interim QAP Registration Form Form for CAA Professional Members to register as a Qualified Avalanche Planner. Updated Feb 1, 2010 to show revised registration fees.
downloadPror Learning Assessment Review Form Supporting documentation for QAP registration form.
downloadRatified Avalanche Planner Qualifications
downloadRecommended Generic Table of Contents
downloadDraft Stakeholders Recommended Qualifications for Avalanche Workers (excluding Planners)
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