CSA Z462 is only a voluntary standard that will be referred to in the 2009 CEC. There is no firm date for the adoption of the 2009 CEC in BC. At the present time the adoption date is supposed to be around May, this is only a guess as typically it takes at least 12 months to adopt a new code.
Yes, I looked at 2-306 of the 2009 book and there is requirement only to label equipment, it is implied that Z462 would need to be followed since the labels will direct you to use proper PPE based on an arc hazard analysis.
CSA Z462 is currently a voluntary standard but like many voluntary things it can have far reaching effect. for example, if as a result of an accident it could be shown that the person supervising a job or even your employer was knowledgeable about a hazard and chose to ignore it that Z 462 could be used as evidence in an accident investigation. Bill C-45 is a law that was drafted to hold owners and managers responsible for safety as much as the formen and front line safety guys. Z462 might not yet have legislative authority but as more people become familiar with it's intent and content that the voluntary nature starts to become compulsory. Worksafe BC is planning a review of section 19 and I am sure that Z462 will eventually form part of the section 19 rules on electrical worker safety.
