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Compliance Glossary Term

Moratorium

A government or operator-imposed halt on specific activities, such as drilling or fracking, in a region. For subcontractors, this means work orders stop and contracts may be suspended without pay. Always review force majeure clauses before mobilising to areas under active moratorium discussions.

Related Terms

Fixed Ladder

Compliance

A permanently mounted ladder attached to a structure, vessel, or facility used to access elevated work areas. Subcontractors must ensure fixed ladders on their worksites meet provincial and federal safety standards before crews use them. Inspect for damage, proper cage guards, and fall arrest anchor points before starting elevated work.

Trench Cave-in Protection

Compliance

Mandatory safety systems used to prevent trench walls from collapsing on workers during excavation. Common methods include shoring, sloping, and trench boxes. Subcontractors are legally responsible for implementing compliant cave-in protection before workers enter any trench deeper than 1.2 metres.

Hazmat-Permitted Storage

Compliance

Designated facilities licenced to store hazardous materials such as fuel, chemicals, or drilling fluids under strict regulatory approval. Subcontractors must verify their storage sites hold valid permits before mobilising hazardous goods to a worksite. Non-compliance can trigger project shutdowns, fines, or loss of contract eligibility.

Nfpa 70e (national Fire Protection Association 70e Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)

Compliance

A U.S. standard governing electrical safety practices, PPE requirements, and arc flash hazard protocols on job sites. Subcontractors working on energised electrical systems must comply to meet site access and insurance requirements. Canadian contractors often encounter it on cross-border projects or with American general contractors.

CLA (Combined Licence Application)

Compliance

A single regulatory submission that covers both construction permit and operating licence for a facility, such as a nuclear plant. Subcontractors may face extended pre-qualification and compliance requirements tied to the CLA approval timeline. Work scopes and mobilisation dates are often contingent on CLA milestones.

DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)

Compliance

A certification recognising businesses owned by minorities, women, or economically disadvantaged individuals. Prime contractors on federally funded projects often must subcontract a percentage of work to certified DBEs. Holding DBE status can open doors to set-aside contracts and preferred bidder programmes.

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