code of practice ir chards bay minerals richards bay

RICHARDS BAY MINERALS RICHARDS BAY MINERALS

CODE OF PRACTICE

Effective Date: 01 April 2015

APPLICABLE TO All divisions

PROCEDURE COP 48M

REVISION NO 6

PAGE 1of 20

MANDATORY CODE OF PRACTICE FOR AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMME ON THERMAL STRESS

Compiled by: Occupational Hygienist

1. PURPOSE

The COP was drawn up in accordance with the DMR Guideline Ref. No. 16/3/2/4-A2 issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines and is implemented at RBM.

This is a mandatory COP in terms of section 9(2) and (3) of the MHSA.

The COP may be used in an accident investigation/inquiry to ascertain compliance and also to establish whether the COP is effective and fit for purpose.

The COP supersedes all previous relevant COP’s.

All managerial instructions, recommended procedures (voluntary COP’s) and standards on the relevant topics comply with the COP.

2. DEFINITIONS

“PCM”

Means Pig Casting Machine

“COP” Means Code of Practice “SOP” Means Standard Operating Procedure

“DMR”

Means Department of Minerals and Resources

“AMP” Means Appointed Occupational Medical Practitioner

“MHSA” Means Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996) “SAMOHP” Means South African Mines Occupational Hygiene Program “WB” Means Wet-bulb Temperature “DB” Means Dry-bulb temperature “HSM” Means Heat stress management “OH” Means Occupational Health

COP 48M REV NO: 6 PAGE 2 OF 20

“OME” Means Occupational Medical Examinations “UV” Means Ultra Violet “ISO” Means International Standards Organization “OHMS” Means Occupational Health Management System “HP” Means header pulleys on conveyor belts in the MSP “MSP” Means Mineral Separation Plant “Abnormally Hot environment” Means any environment where DB > 37,0 °C and/or WB > 32,5°C “ACGIH” Means American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists “ADT” Means Articulated Dump Truck “Cool Environment” Means any environment where DB ≤ 37,0 °C and WB < 27,5°C “CSM” Means Cold Stress Management “GT” Means Globe Temperature “HSM” Means Heat stress management “MOHAC” Means Mining Occupational Health Advisory Committee “NIOSH” Means United States - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health “SAMOHP” Means South African Mines Occupational Hygiene Program Codebook “WB” Means wet-bulb air temperature “ZTP” Means Zircon Treatment Plant “HEG” Means a Homogeneous Exposure Group.


“Homogeneous Exposure Group” Means a group of employees who exposures are similar enough that monitoring exposures of

any representative sub group of employees in the group provides data useful for predicting exposures of the remaining employees. “SEG” Means a Similar Exposure Group. “Similar Exposure Group” Means a group of employees who exposures are similar enough that monitoring exposures of any representative sub group of employees in the group provides data useful for predicting exposures of the remaining employees. “RTBS” Means Rio Tinto Business Solution.

3. STANDARDS AND METHOD

3.1 MEMBERS OF THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE

Name Designation/Affiliation

J Jacobs Acting Manager: SHEQ

B Brits Occupational Hygienist

Dr. C van Rensburg Appointed Occupational Medical Practitioner

Collin Ncube Full Time Health & Safety Representative – Final Products

Hendrik McCarthy Health & Safety Steward – UASA

Bhekabakub Cebekhulu Full Time Health & Safety Representative – Mine

The members consulted for the revision are as follows:

R Reed Manager: Health and Safety

PJ Jacobs Occupational Hygienist

Dr. C v Rensburg Appointed Occupational Medical Practitioner

Anthony Yengwa Full time health and safety representative

Mthoko Nxumalo Full time health and safety representative

C. Viljoen Occupational Health Superintendant

3.2. GENERAL INFORMATION

3.2.1 Brief description of the mine and its location Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) was established in 1976 to mine, process and market heavy minerals occurring naturally in the sand dunes along the coastline of Kwazulu - Natal, near Richards Bay. The company is an equal opportunities employer with a complement of about 2000 people and 1000 contractors on site at any given time. RBM has four mining plants currently in operation on the dunes, and sophisticated processing and smelting plants adjacent to its Richards Bay office complex. The heavy mineral concentrate extracted from the dunes contains Ilmenite, Zircon and Rutile. After separation, the Ilmenite is processed to form Titania slag and high purity Iron. The Rutile and Zircon are sold in their natural form.


3.2.2 Potential activities and sources of thermal stress at RBM For a complete list of Heat Exposure activities and Sources refer to the Health Risk Assessment Report Tables.

Plant/Area Activity/Source

Smelter Tapping and slag removal Furnace roof Arch patching

Roaster Furnace level / Calciner

Iron injection Pig casting, lancing & skull removal

MSP HP pulley area and smokers / ZTP calciners / driers

Mine Dune rehabilitation & mobile equipment

Outdoor areas Climatic conditions

Refractory section Refractory rebuilds & emergency maintenance

All Operations Confined spaces associated with live heat sources

3.2.3 General ventilation arrangements

RBM is a complete above ground operation. Plant areas where work is performed are well ventilated and controlled. Ventilation related surveys are performed as per T 48 GP 001 – Heat Stress Monitoring and the RBM Heat Stress Monitoring Program as compiled at the start of each 12 month cycle.

3.2.4 Unique features of the mine that have a bearing on this COP

Only a few thermal stress areas are inherent due to the process at RBM and work performed in these areas never constitutes a full shift exposure. Thermal stress related work is performed on a sporadic and/or intermittent basis. The major factor contributing to thermal stress is the climatic condition. Seasonal and daily variation in temperatures complicates the absolute classification of thermal stress areas and the worst case scenario is used in all instances. All the employees of RBM stay in the geographical area and are acclimatized.

3.3. RISK MANAGEMENT

3.3.1 Introduction For this COP, risk management is based on the principles of identification, evaluation and control of thermal stress. Section 11 of the MHSA requires the employer to identify hazards, assess the health and safety risks to which employees may be exposed while they are at work, record the significant hazards identified and risk assessed. The employer must determine how the significant risks identified in the risk assessment process must be dealt with, having regard to the requirement of section 11(2) and (3) that, as far as reasonably practicable, attempts should first be made to eliminate the risk, thereafter to control the risk at source, thereafter to minimize the risk and thereafter, insofar as the risk remains, to provide personal protective equipment and to institute a program to monitor the risk.

3.3.2 Risk Assessment (also See Subsection 3.4.2)

Historical data was considered that aided in the risk assessment process. In this regard the risk assessment, that forms the basis of this COP, was performed by means of a standard risk assessment procedure, supplemented by literature and internal records of thermal stress levels associated with typical mining activities. A structured system for identifying and rating the significance of occupational health risks exists at RBM. This system establishes the framework for a continual improvement program. It also covers all RBM’s activities, products and services.


OH management is incorporated with safety, environment and quality as per the flowchart below. Herewith a summarized flow diagrams describing RBM’s Occupational Health Management System (OHMS):

Technical aspects of HSE hazard identification and risk assessments are evaluated and addressed by RBM’s AMP and qualified Occupational Hygienist. Ongoing hazard identification and risk assessment, done by line personnel, in addition to the work performed by the Health and Safety section, includes walkthrough inspections, process flow and equipment reviews, systems audits, change management related hazard/risk reviews, injury/illness incident investigations. The general flow of the occupational exposure assessment strategy used at RBM presents a summary of the logical steps being followed. The assessments are done under the professional guidance of qualified occupational hygienists.

Initial review

Management

review

Checking & corrective

action

Implementation

& Operation

Planning

Commitment &

Policy Continuous

Improvement Cycle


OVERALL FLOW DIAGRAM OF RBM’S OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

3.4. OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE PROGRAM

3.4.1 Occupational Hygiene Program For this Occupational Hygiene Program/ COP the following steps are to be included:

Step 1 - Risk Assessment and Control

Step 2 - Determination of HEG

Step 3 - Sampling and Analysis Methodology and Quality Control

Step 4 - Personal Exposure Monitoring

Step 5 - Reporting 3.4.2 Risk Assessment and Control Risk Assessment Procedure

Introduction: In order to make the physical risk assessment (fieldwork) more logical, the risk assessment data was firstly collected per management reporting areas. The data then was subjected to the risk assessment process (probability versus severity based matrix) and tabulated (See Annex A). With reference to Sections 8.1.1 and 8.1.2 (Risk Assessment and Control) of the mentioned Guideline document, this thermal stress exposure risk assessment, included the following elements:

(i) the significant sources of thermal stress to which employees are being exposed and work areas etc. which have been identified in the Activity Area;

(ii) the health effects associated with exposure to thermal stresses ( high environmental heat

loads and radiant temperature, or low environmental temperatures and air velocity);

START

BASIC CHARACTERISATION

RISK ASSESSMENT

UNCERTAIN ACCEPTABLE RISK UNACCEPTABLE RISK

CONTROL

FURTHER INFORMATION GATHERING

RE-ASSESSMENT


(iii) The limits for each relevant thermal stress parameter on the mine e.g.:

Dry bulb temperature in °C

Mean radiant temperature (Globe temperature) in °C

Air Velocity in m/s (for determining Equivalent Chill Temperature)

Indices (Equivalent Chill Temperature)

(iv) the nature of the key workplace operations and activities that pose the greatest potential for exposure adverse thermal stress;

(v) the occupations and number of employees who are being exposed to thermal stress;

(vi) the pattern, i.e. intermittent, continuous etc., duration and frequency of employee exposure

to thermal stress;

(vii) the foreseen/predicted exposure levels compared to occupational exposure limits. From the abovementioned tabulated risk assessment data, the mine was divided into sampling areas, the sampling areas in turn into activity areas, as per SAMOHP, Part A, (Section 2.1.2) and HEGs/SEGs were identified for purposes of personal exposure monitoring. The Method The method followed is a probability versus severity based matrix, based on national and international standards, developed and refined by Gijima – Occupational Hygiene and Environmental Services, over a period of many years that was adapted for the specific purpose of conforming to the DMR requirements for COP compilation. For this purpose, the Mine, was divided into logical sections, or otherwise referred to as measurement areas. Each measurement area was subsequently sub-divided into activity areas, as per Section 8.1.2. of the Guideline Document and SAMOHP, Part A, Section 2.1.2. In each of these activity areas, the following were recorded:

The job description of groups of employees;

The activities of each group of employees, or individuals that lead to exposure to thermal stresses (i.e. key operational activities);

The potential health effect of concern related to exposure to the respective health thermal stress;

The anticipated level of exposure to each respective thermal stressor, associated with each key operational activity.

To indicate significance of the risk/risks associated with exposure to a specific thermal stressor, the predicted/foreseen exposure levels were categorised as indicted below:

Cold Stress

Category Temperature range1 Interpretation General action

A ‘Abnormally cold’

< -30° C Severe risk (frost bite)

Stop work; evacuate

B ‘Severe cold’ < 5° C but > -30° C Potential risk Implement formal CSM2

C ‘Cold’ >5° C Negligible risk No special precautions; monitor equivalent chill temperature3

Notes: 1) Temperature ranges are given in terms of equivalent chill temperature (ACGIH). 2) CSM: Cold Stress Management. 3) For cold stress categorization purposes, thermal environments in excess of 10° C dry-bulb

do not have to be reported.


Heat Stress

Category Temperature range Interpretation General action

A Abnormally hot

WB> 32,5 °C or DB > 37,0 °C or Globe temperature > 37,0 °C

Unacceptable risk of heat disorders

Work may be undertaken only on a basis of expert risk assessment, supervision and protocols. HSM mandatory.

B 29.0 >WB< 32,5 °C and DB < 37,0 °C Globe temperature: as for DB

Potentially conducive to heat disorders

HSM mandatory

C 27,5 >WB< 29,0 °C and DB < 37,0 °C Globe temperature: as for DB

Potentially conducive to heat disorders

HSM mandatory

D WB <27,5 °C and DB <32,5 °C Globe temperature: as for DB

Risk of heat disorders negligible

No special precautions Environmental monitoring must be sufficiently sensitive to detect critical upward drifts in the environmental heat load. The monitoring program to satisfy this requirement should be specified.

RIO TINTO RISK SCORE (5X5 MATRIX) LIKELIHOOD DESCRIPTORS:

Likelihood Likelihood description Frequency Substance Exposure

ALMOST CERTAIN

Recurring event during the life-time of an operation / project

Occurs more than twice per year

Frequent (daily) exposure at > 10 x OEL

LIKELY Event that may occur frequently during the life-time of an operation / project

Typically occurs once or twice per year

Frequent (daily) exposure at > OEL

POSSIBLE Event that may occur during the life-time of an operation / project

Typically occurs in 1-10 years

Frequent (daily) exposure at > 50% of OEL Infrequent exposure at > OEL

UNLIKELY Event that is unlikely to occur during the life-time of an operation / project

Typically occurs in 10-100 years

Frequent (daily) exposure at > 10% of OEL Infrequent exposure at > 50% of OEL

RARE Event that is very unlikely to occur very during the life-time of an operation / project

Greater than 100 year event

Frequent (daily) exposure at < 10% of OEL Infrequent exposure at > 10% of OEL


CONSEQUENCE DESCRIPTORS:

RISK SCORE = CONSEQUENCE X LIKELIHOOD:

Heat stress area categorization at RBM is as follows:


Area 3 Category

Alton Bagging Plant D

Char Plant D

Central Maintenance Workshop D

Mobile Equipment Cabins A

Contractor Yards D

Feed and Haulage D

Iron Plant - Pig Casting - Injection Station

D

A

A

Magnetite Reclamation Plant C

Mobile Equipment Workshop D

Mining Ponds - Outdoor work areas (Tails and Shores)

D

A

Mineral Separation Plant - Dry Mill 12 m level - Dry Mill 18 m level (bucket elevators)

D

A

A

Roaster Plant - Roaster 1 and 2 - Bunker Floor - Clarifier

D

A

C

A

Site Logisitics - Mobile Equipment Cabins

D

A

Slag Plant D

Smelter Plant - Furnace Floor - Tapping Floor

D

C

A

Cold stress area categorization at RBM is as follows: No Cold Stress Areas or activities identified at RBM

3.4.3 Determination of HEGs/SEGs

The definition for a Homogenous Exposure Group (HEG) according to the previously mentioned Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate Guideline document is as follows: “A group of employees who experience stressor exposures similar enough that monitoring the exposure of any employee in the group provides data useful for predicting exposures of the remaining employees.” For the purpose of this assessment, with reference to the above definition, the procedure of determining HEGs/SEGs as stipulated under Part A, Section 2.1.2. of the SAMOHP were followed. In this regard, HEGs/SEGs were identified per area of responsibility, to include all employees involved with similar or different key operational activities, anticipated to experience similar exposure levels, to the same thermal stressor. The HEGs/SEGs were not further refined to differentiate between different shifts and to only include employees involved with identical key operational activities, as stipulated in the NIOSH Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual. In this regard, the above-mentioned guideline was applied as follows, to present risk assessment data, and a Thermal Stress Exposure Monitoring and Management Program that is logical, and should be easy to follow:

The Mine was divided into measurement areas, in terms of geographic location;

In each measuring area, activity areas were defined, according to the SAMOHP;


For each activity area, HEGs/SEGs were defined, by applying the above-mentioned HEG definition, and based on the outcome of the risk categorization, for the different thermal stressors.

HEGs/SEGs will be re-assessed when inter-alia the following occurs:

(a) Exposure levels change due to controls being initiated and likewise when controls deteriorate;

(b) Employee complaints are received; (c) Processes are changed (e.g. change in procedures, mining methods, plant, equipment

or material); (d) Occupational illness occurs; (e) A change in exposure category occurs; (f) Other events warranting re-evaluation occurs:

(i) New technological data; (ii) New regulatory initiatives.

This re-classification of HEGs/SEGs must only be done once results are proven and consistent. The monitoring strategy within that Category/HEG must adapt to the new frequency of monitoring when either of the above occurs.

3.5 EXPOSURE MONITORING

The frequency at which the exposures to a particular thermal stressor needs to be measured, is not prescribed, for which purpose weekly and two-weekly measurements are recommended, dependant on the thermal stress exposure category of the particular HEG. However, since heat and cold exposures are seasonal, the following periods for monitoring and reporting are prescribed:

No cold stress monitoring required at RBM;

Heat stress monitoring must be conducted for the warmest quarter, as determined during the risk assessment (Generally for Heat Stress: Quarter – January to March).

3.6 SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY AND QUALITY CONTROL

Human Resources

SAIOH Registered Occupational Hygienist(s), as per MHSA qualification requirements (See MHSA Regulations; 22.15 (9) (a)), and registered at SAIOH (Hygienist Level); permanent or contractor, to co-ordinate the activities, perform quality assurance (according to OSHAS 18000/18001, SANS 10259 and/or SABS ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 7243) on sampling, analysis and results, and interpret results and compile annual reports.

SAIOH Registered Occupational Hygiene Technologist(s) responsible for equipment care and monitoring /data collection.

SAIOH Registered Occupational Hygiene Assistant(s) responsible for equipment care and monitoring /data collection.

Equipment and Facilities

QUESTemp°44 Heat Stress Monitor (SN TQK080016-1)

QUESTemp°10 Heat Stress Monitor (SN JX9100034)

Casella Microtherm Heat Stress Monitor (SN 1491021)

Access to an Accredited Calibration/Metrology Laboratory.

Most Recent copy of the “Mine Ventilation Practitioner’s Data/Handbook”

Quality Control Program Manuals such as OHSAS 18001/18001, SANS 10259 or ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 7243.


Sampling Strategy The sampling schedule must provide for random exposure sampling of all HEGs/SEGs, with the following provisions:

No Cold stress monitoring is required for RBM as per the findings of the Health Risk Assessment.

Heat stress monitoring must be conducted for the warmest quarter, as determined during the risk assessment (Generally for Heat Stress: Quarter – December to February):

o All “A and B-Category” HEGs/SEGs Heat Stress Areas; At least once per week. o All “C and D-Category” HEGs/SEGs Heat Stress Areas; At least every second week.

From this risk assessment report, the category/ categories of the respective thermal stressors, to which each person in each HEG is exposed to, must be indicated on his/her medical file.

Data Recording Thermal Stress Monitoring Data should be recorded on RBM Document T 48 FS 001 - Heat Stress Field Sheet.

3.7 THERMAL STRESS EXPOSURE CONTROL MEASURES

Activity Area Assessment Records and Reports Hierarchy of Controls initiated (description of method used e.g.): For the implementation of thermal stress exposure control measures, the following hierarchy of control measures should be followed: (i) Elimination

In short, this refers to total removal of the hazard. Since we are dealing with natural thermal stressors, that are seasonal, elimination of the hazard itself will not be possible. But, elimination in terms of removing the exposed person is possible. This form of elimination would follow from a recommendation made by the medical practitioner, regarding an individual’s intolerance towards a specific thermal environment. Such individual could then be removed from the hazardous environment and be relocated in a climate controlled/ air-conditioned environment. This would for instance apply to a person that is receiving diuretic based blood pressure medication, since such a person is at very high risk of dehydration, when exposed to heat.

(ii) Engineering Control Measures

This form of control includes insulation, and climate control/ air-conditioning, of which the following should be considered:

Provide all vehicles with cabin air-conditioning (heating and cooling) and cabin ventilation. The ventilation systems should consist of air supply, air filtration and air-conditioning. Ensure that the dust filtration system provides a filtration efficiency of at least 90%, for particulate sizes ≥1µm. Not only will such installations prevent exposure to adverse thermal conditions, but will it also assist in minimising airborne pollutant and noise exposure levels. All vehicles/equipment fitted with ventilation/air-conditioning systems must further be subjected to a scheduled inspection and maintenance program.

Where practicable, all offices/control rooms should be provided with air-conditioners and filtered fresh air supply. Filtration efficiency needs to be at least 90% for particulates ≥1µm. It is recommended that those rooms remain under positive pressure. Not only will such installations prevent exposure to adverse thermal conditions, but will it also assist in minimising airborne pollutant exposure levels and can it act as a resting/ refuge area for other employees. These ventilation/ air-conditioning systems must further be subjected to a scheduled inspection and maintenance program.


Thermal insulation around the calciner, ducting and stokers should be maintenance to ensure employees are shielded from radiant heat. These installations must further be subjected to a scheduled inspection and maintenance program.

(iii) Administrative controls

In areas where extreme temperatures are present, a cooling down period should be granted before any maintenance work is performed. During the very hot summer months; November to March, outdoor Air temperature (dry bulb) and Solar radiant heat (out of shade globe temperature) must be monitored continuously, for which the following administrative control measures must apply:

At globe temperature readings (radiant heat) of > 37°C, all work outdoor in the open (out of shade) must seize. Critical tasks may continue, but only on the basis of expert risk assessment, supervision and protocols (consult the resident Occupational Medical Practitioner in this regard).

At outdoor, dry-bulb air temperatures (measured in the shade), of > 37°C, all work outdoor in the open as well (out of shade) as well as in the shade must seize. Critical tasks may continue, but only on the basis of expert risk assessment, supervision and protocols (consult the appointed medical practitioner in this regard).

(iv) Personal Protection

In the event that temperature conditions are such that a cold stress risk presents itself, employees should be provided with the following protective garments:

o Full body overall (standard issue); o Full body thermal underwear(cotton or wool); o Thick woolen socks; o Windbreaker jacket (medium insulation with an outer water resistant skin); o Gloves (Leather or otherwise insulated); o Balaclava.

“A -Category” heat stress exposed employees, should be provided with the following garments:

o For entering or working in close proximity to extreme heat sources, industrial heat protection garments should be used at all times.

“B/C-Category” heat stress exposed employees, should be provided with the following garments:

o Long sleeve breathable shirts; o Boilermakers and Welders should be provided with long sleeve leather gloves,

leather aprons and fire retardant hoods.

General: All persons, from whom it is required to wear the above protective garments must be formally trained in the following:

o Health risks associated with Thermal Stress exposure in his particular work environment;

o The need and benefit of applying protective garments; o Regular follow-up training.

The protective garments should (where applicable) only be obtained from reputable dealers in protective equipment, conforming to the Department of Minerals and Resources (DMR) requirements.


(v) General risk prevention measures The following apply to all “A, B & C-Category” Heat Stress exposed employees/Areas, during summer months:

All employees should be urged to consume small volumes of water, at relative short intervals, to ensure optimum hydration. In this regard, the consumption of a minimum of 600 ml/hour is advised. For this purpose, a number of water fountains should be installed at strategic locations, where it would be easily accessible to all “A, B & C-Category”, heat stress exposed employees.

Employees suffering from elevated blood pressures should inform their medical practitioners about conditions at their work environment, to ensure that they do not receive medication which causes diuresis or which causes side effects which can aggravate heat exposure effects (i.e. fatigue, electrolyte imbalances) or in any other way inhibits thermo-regulation.

All employees working outdoors should be supplied with a suitable Sunscreen/UV-Blocker (to applied to the face neck and arms) and Lip balm.

“A Category” heat exposed employees, if impractical to terminate outdoor work, should be allowed to pace themselves when working outdoors under direct sunlight, during the hottest part of the day.

(vi) Training

After consultation with the health and safety committee established for that section of the workplace, before any employee is exposed or may be exposed to thermal stress (heat or cold), it must be ensured that the employee is adequately and comprehensively informed and trained, as well as thereafter be informed and trained at intervals as may be recommended by that health and safety committee, with regard to:

The identification of early signs of heat exposure disorders (behavioural changes, premature fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, etc.) ;

Measures to implement to prevent the onset of the above;

First aid for on-site treatment of the above;

How and where to report an incident, and or to get medical attention;

Health risks associated with thermal stress exposure in his particular work environment;

The necessity of personal exposure sampling and medical surveillance;

The need and benefit of applying and caring for protective garments.

(vii) Records Records will be kept in line with Richard Bay Mineral’s document management systems, including RTBS and will be used to record the history of each activity area, regarding the status and performance of all the above-mentioned control measures (sub-sections i) to vi). These records must be kept for a minimum period of 5 years. This system will also include all the activity area’s personal thermal stress exposure data and include information on the following:

Reasons for any deviation of sample results;

Controls not operating effectively;

Events or factors which have influenced the results.

(viii) Annual Reporting Annual reports on employee/HEG and Area Thermal Stress exposure levels, as per Regulation 9.2(7) of the MHSA will be submitted the Regional Principal Inspector of Mines, in the format prescribed, as per Regulation 21.9(2) (b) & (c) (or see Section 2.2.of SAMOHP).


3.8 OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

3.8.1 Occupational Medical Surveillance Program Refer to:

COP 22M - Mandatory COP for minimum standards of fitness to perform work at RBM SOP T/CLIN/73 - Medical surveillance of workers exposed to Thermal Stress

Occupational medical examinations with individual heat risk rating regulate correct placement. Periodic risk medical examinations are performed 2 to 3 yearly, depending on the area, to confirm/adapt heat risk rating. All incidents of heat related disorders require revision of risk rating. Heat intolerant or suspect cases are referred for heat tolerance screening at the discretion of the AMP.

3.8.2 Standards of test techniques Heat tolerance screening (if indicated) is performed according to the standards as contained in DMR guideline 16/3/2/4-A2.

3.8.3 Medical surveillance according to health hazard

Periodic risk medical examinations are performed according to personal hazard exposures - refer to T/CLIN/53 “Periodic risk medical examinations”. The frequency and format of examinations are determined by the AMP based on hazard exposure and required skills –refer to T/CLIN/83 “Frequency of OME’s.” Periodic medical examinations incorporate monitoring of all individual hazard exposures. This section must be compiled/ completed by a certified Occupational medicine practitioner; as per the Guidelines included under Annex 8 of DMR Guideline Reference Number 16/3/2/4-A.

PRE-PLACEMENT OME Worker heat risk rating

PERIODIC RISK OME

No risk Possible risk

Placement Acceptable Unacceptable

Exclude work in heat

stress

areas

TRANSFER OME

Heat related disorders

Possible heat intolerance Pulsometer test

Normal Abnormal

Revise workplace controls - hygienist

Fit Alternative placement

Heat stress screening

Continuous Hygiene Monitoring: Temperature measurement Pulsometer screening Workplace controls Abnormalities reported to AMP

Novices: 7 days

acclimatization period


The AMP identifies cases during periodic risk examinations based on the heat risk rating and reported cases of heat related disorders - Refer to SOP T/CLIN/73 “Medical surveillance of workers exposed to thermal stress. Heat tolerance testing is performed at the discretion of the AMP, governed by area, task and heat disorder present. Employees are only placed after a full medical examination has been completed. The resident Occupational Medical Practitioner should compile a medical surveillance protocol, regarding thermal stress tolerance monitoring tailored for each HEG, according to the category for the HEG, as is indicated in the Tables under Annex B (or according to his/her discretion). In this regard, the following is proposed, where applicable (As extracted from Section 8.2.1. of the Guideline Document) 16/3/2/4-A2.

3.8.4 Methodological standards for test techniques forming part of medical surveillance

3.8.4.1 The methodology used to comply with the legal requirements in respect of medical surveillance stipulated in Section 13(2) of the MHSA, must be described in the COP.

Note: The employer must ensure that for routine work, the anticipated work environment must be categorised for heat as (refer to Codebook paragraph 2.2.2 step 4 point 4):

a) Category A b) Category B c) Category C d) Category D

Occupational exposures are derived from the base-line survey; and for cold as (refer to Codebook paragraph 2.2.3 step 4 point 3):

e) Category A f) Category B g) Category C

3.8.4.2 The procedure must be described to ensure that the above information is available to the

occupational medical practitioner. Note: Heat disorders can occur and do occur in hot environments without any significant escalation in environmental heat load. Whenever such incidents occur, immediate and full investigations should take place, the primary purpose being to:

a) to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, and by collating such data; b) to provide input to HSM or CSM program review.

3.8.4.3. The protocol for employee monitoring must be described.

Employee monitoring also provides input to medical surveillance and, consequently, these elements should be fully integrated. For work in an abnormally hot environment, fitness will be based on:

a) a satisfactory risk profile as determined by previous medical examinations; b) the prevailing medical status and as determined by a special screening test.

3.8.4.4 The procedure in force where work in ‘abnormally hot’ environments is to be undertaken must

be described.

Note: Any adverse consequences, as a result of such exposures, should be entered on the employee’s medical record.

3.8.4.5 A system of medical surveillance that combines the requirements of medical surveillance for

different hazards in such a way that these requirements are met effectively and efficiently, must be developed.


Note: Frequently, employees are exposed to more than one hazard requiring medical surveillance. The medical surveillance in respect of each hazard should be done in parallel, and the mine’s system of medical surveillance should be designed to avoid duplication. A single, similar test could suffice for the medical surveillance of more than one hazard. It could therefore be possible to use the same examination or test for the medical surveillance of more than one hazard, provided that the requirements of medical surveillance for each hazard are achieved. Periodic risk medical examinations are performed 2 to 3 yearly, depending on the area, to confirm/adapt heat risk rating. All incidents of heat related disorders are re-evaluated. Heat intolerant or suspect cases are referred for heat tolerance screening at the discretion of the AMP.

3.8.5 Standards of test techniques Heat tolerance screening (if indicated) is performed according to the standards as contained in DMR guideline 16/3/2/4-A2.

3.8.6 Medical surveillance according to health hazard

Periodic risk medical examinations are performed according to personal hazard exposures - refer to T/CLIN/53 “Periodic risk medical examinations”. The frequency and format of examinations are determined by the AMP based on hazard exposure and required skills – refer to T/CLIN/83 “Frequency of OME’s.” Periodic medical examinations incorporate monitoring of all individual hazard exposures.

General It is a requirement that the thermal stress exposure monitoring results of every respective HEG and medical surveillance findings of the individual, be included on the medical file of each employee within the respective HEG.

3.9 IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE

The employer must prepare an implementation plan for its COP that makes provision for issues such as organizational structures, responsibilities of functionaries and programs and schedules for the COP that will enable proper implementation of the COP.

Legislative standards The Mine Health & Safety Act No. 29 of 1996 The Occupational Health & Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 The Occupational Disease in Mines & Works Act, 1973

Relevant COP’s & SOP’s

COP 22M Mandatory COP for minimum standards of fitness to perform work at RBM

T/CLIN/81 Pre-placement Occupational Medical Examinations at RBM

T/CLIN/53 Periodic Risk Medical Examinations

T/CLIN/52 Exit Medical Examination

T/CLIN/83 Frequency of Occupational Medical Examinations at RBM

T/CLIN/73 Medical Surveillance of Workers Exposed to Thermal Stress

T 48 GP 001 Heat Stress Monitoring at RBM

3.10 COMPLIANCE WITH THE COP

The employer must institute measures for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the COP. For this purpose a system such as OHSAS 18001/ 18001, SABS/ SANS 0259/ 10259, ISO/ IEC 17025 or ISO 9000 (series) should be implemented.


4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure adequate resources for effective management of OH at RBM

GM: HSE&S

Appoint “Fit to work” individuals GM Human Resources

Ensure OME attendance of employees Departmental Managers

Appoint AMP Manager Health and Safety

Notify Sister in Charge re. Placement OME’s Manager Personnel

Design, implement & manage RBM’s OH program (medical & hygiene)

Superintendent Occupational Health

Legally responsible for occupational medical surveillance program at RBM

AMP

Interpretation of occupational medical surveillance data AMP

Schedule and perform OME’s Nurses & Radiographer

Occupational hygiene measurements, categorization and determination of HEGs/SEGs

Occupational Hygienist

5. AUDIT

Perform compliance and systems audits annually.

6. REFERENCES

Please refer to section 3.9. 7. APPENDICES

None.


8. REVIEW HISTORY AND APPROVAL

The mandatory COP must be reviewed every two years.

REVIEW HISTORY COP No 48M Rev 5

REV NO. DATE PAGE No. DETAILS

1 May 2006 2 Updated drafting members table.

1 May 2006 4 Removed reference to RBEU & NUM

1 May 2006 5 Replaced ADAM with Sharepoint

1 May 2006 9 Added full title of SOP referenced

1 May 2006 11 Added reference to work cycle when abnormally high temperature is recorded

1 May 2006 13 Updated responsibility table

2 April 2009 1, 2 Reviewed entire document – no significant change Update format and DMR guideline reference number General format changes

3 July 2011 All General review No significant change; changed name of department and designations.

4 February 2013

15

16

18

18 and 19

General review Under administrative controls changed resident occupational medical practitioner to appointed medical practitioner Under general risk prevention measures removed the first bullet point and replaced with novice employees should take 500 mg vitamin C per day for 10 days Removed bullet point 2 stating employees complaining of fatigue, headaches ….. must receive iron and magnesium supplements Changed bullet point 3 to minimum of 600ml /hour Under occupational medical surveillance all heat related disorders requires revision of risk rating. Re-evaluation was deleted. Referral to AMP was changed to AMP

5 Aug 13 12

14

14

Insert requirements re Cold stress areas and monitoring, control (none required) Updated Human Resources requirements Identified Risk Areas Updated RBM Instrumentation and Facilities requirements

6 February 2015 ALL Insert requirements re Cold stress areas and monitoring, control (none required) Updated Human Resources requirements Identified Risk Areas Updated RBM Instrumentation and Facilities requirements


APPROVAL

POSITION NAME DATE SIGN

GM: HSE&S P Eaglen

Manager: Health and Safety

R Reed

Occupational Hygienist PJ Jacobs

Occupational Medical Practitioner

Dr. S Ndaba

Full Time Health & Safety Representative – Final Products

M Nxumalo

Full Time Health & Safety Representative - Mine

A Yengwa

Health & Safety Representative - UASA

J Ward

Health & Safety Representative - NUM

E Zakwe

code of practice ir chards bay minerals richards bay

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