New Hazard Rules for Canadian Aquaculture

The rules come in response to workers reporting burning in their eyes, throat and on their skin after mixing and spraying hydrated lime. The lime is used to control tunicate, an invasive species that is becoming an increasingly serious problem for mussel farmers.

The P.E.I. Aquaculture Alliance has developed a course in the use of hazardous materials, and changes to occupational health and safety rules mean all aquaculture workers will have to take the course.

"There are a lot of things that are dangerous. I mean if you look at any industry, whether it's the auto industry or farming, fishing, whatever, you have chemicals," said course instructor Diane Rogers, who also works at a family mussel operation in Malpeque.

"Every workplace has its hazards, and we're dealing with ours."