manage wsh risks in construction industries - courseware learner's guide v2 0

Manage WSH Risks In Construction

Industries

LEARNER'S GUIDE

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Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries Learner’s Guide


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Table of Contents

Title of Topic Page

Overview of Learner’s Guide 2

Manage compliance issues in construction industries 6

1. WSH legal and other requirements relevant to construction industries 8

Learning Activity 1 16

2. Communicating WSH legal and other requirements 17

3. Mandatory training for construction industries 23


4. Monitoring of WSH legal compliance issues 28

Control and manage risks in construction industries 31

5. Main types of trades and working environment in construction industries 32

6. Hazards and control measures for construction works 44

6.1 Risk Management 44

6.2 Working at height 51

6.3 Working with hazardous substances 79


6.4 Working with tools, machinery and equipment 89


6.5 Material handling 104

6.6 Working in hot environment 116

6.7 Confined space 118


6.8 Piling 125

6.9 Formwork structures 127

6.10 Demolition 130

6.11 Excavation 138


7. Managing implementation of control measures 151


References 156

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Overview of Learner’s Guide

The work of WSH professionals revolve around managing the WSH risks and preventing harm to persons at the workplace. The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Professionals Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) aims to professionalise the WSH workforce by incorporating the world’s best practices and providing career upgrading pathways that are based on the competency requirements of different job levels. There are four (4) full qualifications in the WSH Professionals WSQ. These are: • Graduate Certificate in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) • Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) �� You are here

• Advanced Certificate in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) • Certificate in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) The WSH Professionals WSQ is a national Continuing Education & Training (CET) framework jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the industry. The WSQ and the relevant competency standards have been validated by more than 360 industry representatives. The WSH Professionals WSQ Framework is based on typical WSH management system structure and model of Plan-Do-Check-Act. The competencies are grouped into the following categories: • Plan and review of WSH • Implement Operational Control of WSH • Check and take corrective/ preventive actions for WSH For further information in WSH professionals WSQ, refer to WDA website at: http://wsq.wda.gov.sg/GenericSkills/WSH+Professionals/ Specialist Diploma in WSH This qualification is one of the requirements necessary for registration as a WSH Officer under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. Upon registration, one can then practice as a WSH Officer as mentioned in the Act. After completing this level, you can move on to the next level, Graduate Certificate in WSH. Graduate Certificate in WSH - Persons at this level are at a professional and/or managerial level of practice, providing services either as an external third party to the company or within a company. They may be engaged as an independent party to evaluate WSH systems and performance that are not implemented and maintained by them. WSH is most likely their full-time responsibility. Manage WSH Risks in the Construction Industries This WSQ Level 5 Competency Unit is an elective unit of the following qualification/s: Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety and Health. This unit covers the specific competency requirements for the WSH Professionals in construction industry. It would complement the core units in the WSH Professionals Framework that cover the general knowledge and skill in WSH legal and other requirements and risk control and management. This competency enables the learners to have the knowledge and skills to manage WSH risks in the construction industry. It focuses on imparting knowledge and skills in managing compliance issues in WSH legal and other requirements and the control and management of WSH risks in the construction industry.

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This Learner’s Guide is developed for ‘Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries’. This Guide presents the required duration, activities and resources needed to deliver each topic to meet the requirements stipulated in the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) Curriculum, Training and Assessment Guide (CTAG) for ‘Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries’. Target Audience Potential participants of this ‘Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries’ could be WSH Officer / Professional / Advisor / Specialist / Manager / Engineer / Executive This elective competency unit in the WSH Professionals Framework covers the knowledge and skills in controls and management of WSH risks in the construction industry. Learners who would like to learn about more general knowledge and skills for coverage of wide range of WSH hazards and risks may find the core units such “Advise on WSH Legal Compliance Issues”, “Identify WSH Hazards and Assess WSH Risks”, and “Control WSH Risks” useful. There are also competency units in other WSQ frameworks which cover control of WSH risks in certain specific industries and trades. While these modules are designed for people occupying managerial roles, or roles with substantial organizational responsibilities, they are also relevant for small businesses operations and self-employed people. Assumed Skills and Knowledge Learners are assumed to: • Be able to listen, read, speak and write English at a proficiency level equivalent to the

Employability Skills System (ESS) Workplace Literacy level 6; • Be able to manipulate numbers at a proficiency level equivalent to ESS Workplace

Numeracy level 6 • Possess IT skills such as use of internet, use of basic word processing and

presentation software. • Have basic knowledge of workplace processes, activities, practices procedures,

including those during normal conditions and emergency. • Possess basic knowledge and skills on WSH hazard identification, risk assessment and

risk control

Course Objectives At the end of this course, participants will be able to: 1. Manage compliance issues in construction industries 2. Control and manage WSH risks in construction industries Course component This course will be delivered via presentation, discussions, observations, role play, written exercises, case studies and workplace delivery / practices. There will be group activities designed for peer learning. The course duration is 19 hours and 30 minutes of training hours + 30 minutes of assessment. Participants who have completed this module ‘Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries’ are required to undertake and successfully complete each of the assessment activities listed for the competency unit. As part of the assessments, candidates are

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required to submit a written report as part of the summative assessment followed by an interview session and oral questioning,

Assessment method(s) Duration

Oral Questions 10 minutes

Work Assignment – Interview

(Work Assignment to be submitted not later 2 weeks from the date

of last training session.

20 minutes

Total time 30 minutes

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Unit of Competency Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries A competent individual must be able to successfully perform the following: 1. Manage compliance issues in construction industries

1.1 Check daily workplace activities against legal and other requirements for construction industries.

1.2 Apply legal and other requirements for construction industries in formulating control measures of WSH risks on site.

1.3 Communicate legal and other requirements for construction industries to relevant stakeholders.

1.4 Manage the mandatory training requirements in construction industries. 1.5 Monitor and manage compliance issues with WSH legal and other requirements. 2. Control and manage WSH risks in construction industries

2.1 Establish the main types of trades and working environment that are related to

construction industries. 2.2 Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for

architectural and finishing works. 2.3 Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for civil and

structural works. 2.4 Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for

Mechanical and Electrical works. 2.5 Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for

equipment and services works. 2.6 Communicate and raise attention to the stakeholders on the hazards in accordance

with organisational procedures. 2.7 Present proposed control measures to relevant stakeholders for formulation of

implementation plan. 2.8 Communicate the control measures and implementation plan to the relevant

stakeholders. 2.9 Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of control measures. 2.10 Report to management on status of implementation of control measurement

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1. Manage compliance issues in construction industries

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Introduction Over the past few decades, Singapore has achieved significant improvements in Workplace safety and health (WSH). Since 2000, our industrial accident rate has been stagnating at around 2.2 accidents per million man-hours worked. In 2004, around 5 out of every 100,000 workers were killed locally in workplace accidents; making our fatality rate more than double that of the more developed countries. Although the construction industry continues to be an important sector of the Singapore economy, it remains one of the riskier workplaces. The collapse of Nicoll Highway along with two other major industrial accidents in 2004, which claimed a total of 13 lives, is a stern reminder that more needs to be done to protect our workers. A fundamental reform to the existing WSH framework was required to reach the standards of the developed countries. Hence, On 10 March 2005, the Minister for Manpower announced in Parliament the adoption of a new WSH framework to improve WSH standards and safety outcomes for Singapore, setting a target to halve the number of work-related fatalities to 2.5 per 100,000 workers by 2015. This new framework is designed to engender a paradigm shift in mindset where the focus is on reducing the risks and not just compliance to prescriptive rules. This is enshrined in the three key principles of the new framework: � Reducing risks at source by requiring all stakeholders to eliminate or minimize the

risks they create. � Greater industry ownership of WSH outcomes. � Preventing accidents through higher penalties for poor safety management system.

In April 2008, based on the progress made since 2004, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a new reduced target for workplace fatalities to 1.8 per 100,000 workers by 2018. This would allow Singapore to have one of the best workplace records in the world.

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1. WSH legal and other requirements relevant to construction industries This lesson is made up of 1 unit. The objective of this unit is to ‘Apply legal and other requirements for construction industries in formulating control measures of WSH risks on site’. WSH Act To support the new WSH framework, the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) was enacted on 1 March 2006 replacing the Factories Act. The new Act also marks a shift from a prescriptive legislative approach to a performance based liability regime. The coverage of the WSH Act is as shown in the table below: Phase Effective date Workplaces 1 1

st March

2006 Factories, Construction, Shipyards, Ship in harbour, Airport, Docks, Wharfs, Laboratories

2 1st March

2008 Healthcare, Veterinary, Hotels & Restaurants, Water Supply, Sewerage and Waste Management, Landscape care & Maintenance Services, Services allied to the Transportation of goods

3 1st September

2011 Education, Public Administration, Business Services, Agriculture & Fishing, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Finance & Insurance Activities, Information & Communications, Arts, Entertainment & Recreation

To accommodate the coverage of all workplaces, the WSH Act will be amended tentatively by 1

st September 2011. A workplace includes any premises where people carry out work

and includes a factory. Factory means any premises within which workers are involved in: • Making of any article/part of any article • Alteration, repair, cleaning or breaking up of any article • Adaptation of any article for sale for the purpose of trade or gain

Among other premises, it also includes any premises where building operations or any work of engineering construction are carried on. Building operation means —

• Construction, structural alteration, repair or maintenance of a building (including the re-wiring of any electrical installation, the replacement of any lift, air-conditioning plant and ancillary ducting of a building, and the re-pointing, redecoration and external cleaning of the structure);

• Demolition of a building; or • Preparation of the site for, and the laying of foundation of, an intended building,

Work of Engineering Construction means -

1. The construction of any railway line or siding. 2. The construction, structural alteration or repair (including re-pointing and

repainting) or the demolition of any dock, harbour, inland navigation, tunnel, bridge, viaduct, waterworks, reservoir, pipe-line, aqueduct, sewer, sewerage works or gasholder.

3. The construction, laying, structural alteration, inspection, maintenance, repair, demolition or removal of —

• any pipe-line for the conveyance of water, gas or any other thing; • any drain, whether open or covered, except open drains situated in domestic

premises; or • any underground electrical cable and communication cable.

4. The inspection, repair or maintenance of any manhole, sump, inspection chamber, valve chamber, and any other similar confined structure providing access to pipe-lines or underground electrical cables and communication cables.

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5. The construction of any road or car park. 6. The reclamation of any land.

WSH subsidiary legislations The following are the subsidiary legislations issued under the WSH Act that is applicable to the construction industry:

Title Applicable to

WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations 2007

Factories

WSH (General Provisions) Regulations 2006 All Workplaces

WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007 All worksites

WSH (First Aid) Regulations All Workplaces

WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations 2006 All workplaces

WSH (Risk Management) Regulations 2006 All Workplaces

WSH (Composition of Offences) Regulations 2006 All workplaces

WSH (Transitional Provision) Regulations 2006 -

WSH (Offences and Penalties) (Subsidiary Legislation under Section 67(14)) Regulations 2006

-

WSH (Registration of Factories) Regulations 2008 Factories

WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Committees) Regulations 2008

Factories

WSH (Abrasive Blasting) Regulations 2008 All Workplaces

WSH (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations 2009 All Workplaces

WSH (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2009 All Workplaces

WSH (Safety and Health Management System and Auditing) Regulations 2009

Factories

WSH (Noise) Regulation 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Operations of Cranes) Regulations 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations 2011 All workplaces

Factories Act subsidiary legislations

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Even though the Factories Act had been repealed, under section 67(14) of the WSH Act, "Any subsidiary legislation made under the repealed Act and in force immediately before the appointed day shall, so far as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, continue in force in factories as if made under this Act until it is revoked or repealed." The following Factories subsidiary legislation will be reviewed tentatively by 1

st September 2011

and promulgated as new Workplace Safety and Health subsidiary legislation. Title Applicable to Factories (Asbestos) Regulations Factories involving asbestos Factories (Registration and Other Services - Fees and Forms) Regulations

Factories

Factories (Safety Training Courses) Order Factories WSH (Registration of Factories) Regulations Occupiers of construction worksites must apply to the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health for one time factory registration of their worksites before commencement of operations. The application for registration must be made through the Online Business Licensing System (OBLS). Companies should declare that they have implemented risk management at the point of registration. From 1 March 2010 onwards, newly registered factories are also required to conduct Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) Audit / Review within 2 months from the commencement of operations. Upon successful registration, certificate of registration will be issued. Under Section 46 of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, any person who occupies or uses any premises as a factory without a valid certificate of registration of a factory or a factory permit is guilty of offence and is liable on conviction to the following:

• A fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both;

• In the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $500 or to further imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 days or both for every day or part of the day during which the offence continues after conviction.

An administrator is needed to renew, update or terminate registration via OBLS. To do so, the administrator must have a SingPass. The administrator can nominate up to two proxies to assist with OBLS transactions. Nomination of the proxies can be done via OSHD Online. When the administrator leaves the company, a new administrator must be nominated and OSHD must be informed in writing. All factories must keep their registration/notification particulars up to date. The information includes the particulars of factory such as factory address, number of workers and contact details and the type of work carried out in the factory. Factories that cease operations must file for a termination of Registration / Notification. WSH (Construction) Regulations The WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007 came into operation on 1

st January 2008 and is

applicable to all worksites. It replaces ‘The Factories (Building Operations and Work of Engineering Construction) Regulations’. The regulations have the following parts which will be covered in other topics.

• Part I Preliminary • Part II Safety and Health Management Arrangement • Part III Permit-to-Work System • Part IV General Provisions • Part V Electrical Safety • Part VI Ladders • Part VII Cantilevered and Material Platforms • Part VIII Disposal of Materials • Part IX Formwork Structures

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• Part X Demolition • Part XI Excavation and Tunnelling Works • Part XII Compressed Air Environment • Part XIII Explosives • Part XIV Piling • Part XV Cranes, Employee’s Lifts and Material Handling Machinery • Part XVI Miscellaneous

Part III - Permit to work system R 10 – Application Applies only to the following types of work that form part of any building operation or works of engineering construction (referred to as high-risk construction work):

• Demolition work; • Excavation and trenching work in a tunnel or hole in the ground exceeding 1.5

metres depth; • Lifting operations involving tower, mobile or crawler crane; • Piling work; • Tunnelling work; • Work on a scaffold where a person could fall more than 2 metres; and • Work involving entry into a confined space.

R 11 - Implementation of permit-to-work Occupier shall appoint a project manager (Project manager means the person who is stationed at a worksite and who has overall control of all the works carried out in the worksite, and includes any competent person appointed by the occupier in the event that the project manager is unable to perform his duties under these Regulations) and a safety assessor (Person appointed as a safety assessor shall be competent to perform the functions and duties, either a workplace health and safety officer or a competent person). Occupier shall implement a permit-to-work system with due regard to the safety and health of persons carrying out the work. Persons are informed of the hazards associated with the work and the precautions they have to take. Occupier shall ensure that the necessary safety precautions are taken and enforced when the work is being carried out. R 12 - No high-risk construction work without permit-to-work Any person who carries out any high-risk construction work without a issued permit-to-work shall be guilty of an offence. This shall not operate to interfere with or render unlawful any rescue work or other work necessary for the general safety of life or property. R 13 - Application for permit-to-work An application for a permit-to-work shall be made by the supervisor of a person who is to carry out the work in such form and manner as may be required by the project manager. It shall state the measures which will be taken to ensure the safety and health of persons who carry out the work and addressed to the project manager and submitted to the safety assessor. R 14 - Evaluation of permit-to-work On receipt of the application for a permit-to-work, the safety assessor shall assess whether all reasonably practicable measures have been taken and inspect the site (including its surroundings) where the work is to be carried out together with the supervisor of the person. If the safety assessor is satisfied, he shall endorse the application for the permit-to-work and forward the endorsed application to the project manager. Safety assessor shall exercise all due diligence when performing his functions. R 15 - Issue of permit-to-work The project manager may issue a permit-to-work if he is satisfied that —

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• there has been a proper evaluation of the risks and hazards involved in the carrying out of the work based on the available information;

• no incompatible work which may pose a risk to the safety and health of other persons at work will be carried out at the same time in the same vicinity;

• all reasonably practicable measures will or have been taken to ensure the safety and health of the persons who carry out or are to carry out the work; and

• all persons who are to carry out the work are informed of the hazards associated with it.

The project manager shall retain a copy of the permit-to-work. The project manager shall exercise all due diligence when performing his function. Unless revoked, a permit-to-work shall be valid for the period stated therein, and if the work for which the permit-to-work is issued is not completed within the validity period, a fresh application shall be made. R 16 - Posting of permit-to-work and supervisor's duty The supervisor shall clearly post a copy of the permit-to-work, including where reasonably practicable, a sketch of any area at the work area where the work is carried out and ensure that the copy is not removed until the date of expiry or date of revocation of the permit-to-work or on completion of the work, whichever is the earlier. R 17 - Monitoring of work The project manager shall continually review the progress of all high-risk construction work being carried out to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the persons carrying out the work. The supervisor shall ensure that the measures necessary to ensure the safety and health of the person at work are taken and are in place at all times during the validity period of the permit-to-work and inform the project manager upon completion of the work. R 18 - Duty to report incompatible work Any work which is carried out at or in the vicinity of any high-risk construction work and which is likely to pose a risk to the safety or health of persons at work shall be treated as incompatible work. Any person who is aware of any incompatible work shall immediately report to his supervisor, the workplace safety and health officer, the workplace safety and health co-ordinator or the project manager. R 19 - Revocation of permit-to-work If the project manager of a worksite who, after issuing a permit-to-work in respect of any high-risk construction work, is of the view that the carrying out of the high-risk construction work poses or is likely to pose a risk to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work in the worksite, he may order the high-risk construction work to cease immediately and revoke the permit-to-work.

Part IV – General Provisions R 20 - Structures and supports Every supporting structure including its foundation, shall be of sound design, good construction in accordance with the design, and of adequate strength for its intended purpose. It shall be properly maintained and checked periodically for excessive corrosion, erosion, physical deterioration or alteration so that its stability is not affected and that it is suitable and adequate to perform the function for which it is intended. Every partially constructed or fully constructed supporting structure including its foundation, shall be able to safely withstand any foreseeable load likely to be imposed on it during the construction or dismantling of the structure which the supporting structure supports. Where a supporting structure or its foundation will eventually form an integral part of the permanent structure designed by a professional engineer, it shall be the duty of the professional engineer who designed the permanent structure to ensure that the design of the supporting structure or its foundation is safe for its intended use and to endorse the design of the supporting structure or its foundation as safe for its intended use.

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R 21 - Stability of structures No wall, chimney or other structure or part of a structure shall be left unsecured or unshored in such condition that it may fall, collapse or weaken due to wind pressure, vibration or any work being carried out or in the vicinity. R 32 - Lighting Sufficient and suitable lighting, whether natural or artificial shall be provided and maintained in every part of the worksite in which persons are at work or passing. Emergency lighting for use in the event of a power failure affecting the general lighting shall be provided and maintained. The level of illumination provided by the emergency lighting shall be sufficient in intensity and distribution to allow for the safe evacuation or rescue of persons. R 33 - Personal Protective Equipment The employer or the principal carrying out any work which requires any protection shall provide and maintain the appropriate personal protective equipment to the person such as

• eye protection; • fall protection; • foot protection; • hand protection; • head protection; • hearing protection; and • respiratory protection.

WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations

The WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations came into operation on 10

th September 2011 and apply

to every workplace in which any scaffold is, is being or is to be constructed, erected, installed, used, re-positioned, altered, maintained, repaired or dismantled. It consists of the following parts:

• Part I Preliminary • Part II General Provisions • Part III Metal Scaffolds • Part IV Timber Scaffolds • Part V Suspended Scaffolds • Part VI Other Scaffolds • Part VII Approved Scaffold Contractors • Part VIII Miscellaneous

Other legislation related to WSH WSH is also covered in other legislation and its subsidiary legislation such as Fire Safety Act and its subsidiary legislations Fire Safety Act and its subsidiary legislation regulates fire safety standards. Fire Safety (Petroleum & Flammable Materials) Regulations 2005 regulates the licensing requirements for flammable substances. Radiation Protection Act and its subsidiary legislations These Act and Regulations regulates by means of licensing, import, export, use and disposal of radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus Work Injury Compensation Act and its subsidiary legislations Work Injury Compensation Act regulates workmen’s rights to compensation in the event of injury, death or occupational diseases contracted during employment.

Approved Codes of Practices

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Deleted: <#>Medical expenses incurred within one year from the date of the accident, or up to a cap of $25,000, whichever is reached earlier.¶<#>These include (a) full pay up to 14 days for outpatient medical leave; and (b) full pay up to 60 days for hospitalization leave.¶<#>Beyond the abovementioned periods, 2/3 salary is payable up to a maximum period of one year following the date of accident. Public holidays, rest days and non-working days should be excluded from the number of days of medical leave granted to the employee.¶<#>The permanent incapacity maximum compensation is $180,000 ¶<#>The maximum compensation amount payable to the dependents of a deceased employee is $140,000.¶

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In accordance with section 40B(3) of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, the Workplace Safety and Health Council has approved a new list of Codes of Practice with effect from 15th February 2011. The Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) is intended to be used as a yardstick to assess whether reasonable practical measures have been taken in regards to the upkeep of safety and health standards at the workplace. The following ACOP are applicable to the construction industry 1. Code of Practice for Working Safely at Height 2009 2. Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management 2011 3. SS 98: Industrial safety helmets 2005 4. SS 473 – 1: Personal eye-protectors — general requirements 1999 5. SS 473 – 2: Personal eye-protectors — selection, use and maintenance 1999 6. SS 508 – 1: Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Design principles

for safety signs in workplaces and public areas 2004 7. SS 508 – 3: Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Safety signs used

in workplaces and public areas 2004 8. SS 510: Code of Practice for safety in welding and cutting (and other operations

involving the use of heat) 2005 9. SS 511: Code of Practice for Diving Work 2010 10. SS 513 – 1: Personal protective equipment — Footwear — Safety footwear 2005 11. SS 513 – 2: 2005 Personal protective equipment — Footwear — Test methods for

footwear 2005 12. SS 531: Part 1: Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places, Indoor 2006 13. SS 531: Part 2: Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places, Outdoor 2008 14. SS 531: Part 3: Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places, Lighting requirements for

safety and security of outdoor work places 2008 15. SS 536: Code of Practice for the safe use of mobile cranes (Formerly CP 37:2000)

2008 16. SS 537: Code of Practice for Safe Use of Machinery Part 1: General requirements 2008 17. SS 537: Code of Practice for Safe Use of Machinery Part 2: Woodworking machinery

2009 18. SS 548: Code of Practice for Selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective

devices (Formerly CP 74:1998) 2009 19. SS 549: Code of Practice for Selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing

protectors (Formerly CP 76:1999) 2009 20. SS 550: Code of Practice for Installation, operation and maintenance of electric

passenger and goods lift (Formerly CP 2) 2009 21. SS 553: Code of Practice for Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation in Buildings

(Formerly CP 13) 22. SS 554: Code of Practice for Indoor air quality for air-conditioned buildings 2009 23. SS 557: Code of Practice for Demolition (Formerly CP 11) 2010 24. SS 559:2010: Code of Practice for the safe use of tower cranes (Formerly CP62) 25. SS 562: Code of Practice for Safety in trenches, pits and other excavated areas 26. SS 567: Code of Practice for factory layout — safety, health and welfare considerations

2011 (Formerly CP 27) 27. SS 568: Code of Practice for confined spaces 2011 (Formerly CP 84) 28. SS 571: Code of Practice for energy lockout and tagout 2011 29. SS 586 : Hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods Part 1:

Transport and storage of dangerous goods 2008 30. SS 586 : Hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods Part 2:

Globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals — Singapore’s adaptations

31. CP 14: Code of Practice for Scaffolds 1996 32. CP 20: Code of Practice for suspended scaffolds 1999 33. CP 23: Code of Practice for formwork 2000 34. CP 63: Code of Practice for the lifting of persons in work platforms suspended from

cranes 1996 (2005) 35. CP 79: Code of Practice for safety management system for construction worksites 1999 36. CP 88 – 1: Code of Practice for temporary electrical installations — Construction and

building sites 2001

Deleted: <#>CP 27: Code of Practice for factory layout — safety, health and welfare considerations 1999¶

Deleted: <#>CP 84: Code of Practice for entry into and safe working in confined spaces 2000¶

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37. CP 101: Code of Practice for safe use of powered counterbalanced forklifts 2004 Other Requirements SS506 Occupational safety and health (OSH) management system Under the WSH subsidiary legislations, Construction worksites are required to implement a safety and health management system. SS506 standards provide generic advice on the requirements and implementation of OSH management system, to enable an organisation to control its OSH risks and improve its OSH performance. • SS 506: Part 1: 2009, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Management System –

Specification (equivalent to BS OHSAS 18001:2007). • SS 506 : Part 2 : 2009, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Management Systems –

Guidelines for the implementation of SS 506: Part 1: 2009 (equivalent to BS 18002 : 2008)

Fire Code, Singapore Civil Defence Force The Fire Code 2002 is issued by SCDF provides guidelines on fire safety requirements for temporary buildings in construction sites, Industrial standards and practices Industrial standards and the practices are defined as best practices which may not be a mandatory requirement but to improve and adopt the industrial practice based on the various commercial interests of all the employees. These are standards and code of practices issued by the WSH Council. For e.g, “Code of Practice for Working Safely at Height 2009” has been approved an ACoP. Other materials such as Technical Advisories and Guidelines provide useful references on recommended WSH practices. Organisational internal WSH guidelines and requirements Organizational guidelines refer to instructions to employees on policy, safe work procedures which are documented and available in the workplace. These requirements are not limited with legislative requirements, Singapore Standards and approved code of practice. These guidelines meet with specific requirements for each work, organizational quality requirements, etc.

Deleted: <#>CP 91: Code of Practice for lockout procedure 2001¶

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Learning Activity 1

Group Exercise - 20 minutes

Identify the applicable Acts, legislation and Singapore Standards associated with the

following activities / items within the organization

S/No Activities /

items

Applicable Acts / Regulations / Standards

1. Forklift

2. Confined

Space

3. Acetylene

4. Demolition

5. Hot works

6. Scaffolding

7. Lifting

8. Excavation

9. Formwork

10. Noise

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17

2. Communicating WSH legal and other requirements This lesson is made up of 1 unit. The objective of this unit is to ‘Communicate legal and other requirements for construction industries to relevant stakeholders’. Construction work is a systemic process (see diagram below) involving a wide spectrum of industry players. It starts with architects, developers and engineers designing and financing the project upstream. Downstream processes include contractors and workers executing the actual construction work before the handover and maintenance of completed works. In a construction industry where WSH is an integral part of business, all stakeholders play a role in reducing safety and health risks.

Stakeholder is any person or party who is affected by the Workplace Safety and Health Act. Based on the domains over which the various stakeholders have control, the Workplace Safety and Health Act aims to define areas to which they should pay attention in ensuring workplace safety. It is possible for a person to have multiple obligations. For instance, a person can be an occupier, an employer and a principal at the same time in the same workplace. Organisation

Manufacturer Or Supplier Manufacturer Or Supplier is any person who manufactures or supplies machinery, equipment or hazardous substances used at work in the workplace. The Manufacturer Or Supplier shall ensure that any machinery, equipment or substances provided are safe for use. They are required to • provide proper information on the safe use of the machinery, equipment or hazardous

substance; • ensure that the machinery, equipment or hazardous substance is safe for use; • ensure that the machinery, equipment or hazardous substance has been tested and

examined so that it is safe for use. Machinery and Equipment That Manufacturers And Suppliers Have Duties To Ensure Are Safe For Use

• Bar-benders • Equipment or piping intended for operation under pressure, including all statutory

pressure vessels • Equipment or piping intended to contain corrosive, toxic or flammable substances • Equipment used for abrasive blasting, including any accessory, apparatus or fitting

necessary to enable its use and operation Deleted: _



18

• Explosive powered tools • Forklifts • Lifting equipment • Materials or components used for the construction of support structures • Power presses • Scaffolds and any materials or components used to erect them • Welding equipment, including any accessory, apparatus or fitting necessary to

enable its use Substances That Manufacturers And Suppliers Have Duties to Ensure Are Safe For Use

• Carcinogens • Corrosive substances • Explosives • Flammable substances • Gases under pressure • Irritants • Mutagens • Organic peroxides • Oxidising substances • Pyrophoric substances • Self-heating substances • Self-reactive substances • Sensitizers • Substances hazardous to aquatic environment. • Substances which in contact with water, emit flammable gases • Teratogens • Toxic substances

Installer Or Erector Of Machinery Installer Or Erector Of Machinery is any person who installs or erects machinery, equipment, the building itself or any item for use in the workplace. They are required to take measures, as far as reasonably practicable, the machinery or equipment erected, installed or modified is safe and without health risks when properly used.

Clients The client is the owner of the premises for which the construction development is carried out. Developers In the construction value chain, the developers are intimately involved in the construction project from acquisition through arranging financing to construction and ultimate sale or management of the property. As financiers of construction projects, developers have a big influence over the behaviour of downstream stakeholders. Developers can factor in WSH performance when selecting bidding contractors to compel them to improve WSH capabilities and performance. Developers can play an active role by addressing WSH risks during the construction phase through regular checks and dialogue sessions with their contractors. Developers should ensure that tenders are awarded to contractors who have the capacity and resources to deliver their projects within the stipulated time without taking shortcuts. Designer consultants Designer consultant is a team of specialist consultant in the development being carried out and may include civil engineer, architects, etc. Contractor Contractor is any person engaged by another person or organization under a contract for service for the supply of labour or conduct of work at the workplace. Deleted: _



19

Employer / Principal Employer - Any person who employs another person to perform work under a contract of service. Principal - Any person who engages another person or organization to supply labour or perform work under some arrangement other than a contract of service. Employers / Principals are required to take measures, as far as reasonably practicable, protect the safety and health of employees or workers working under their direct control and all who may be affected by their work. This includes: • conducting risk assessments to remove or control risks to workers at the workplace; • maintaining safe work facilities and arrangements for the workers at work; • ensuring safety in machinery, equipment, plant, articles, substances and work

processes at the workplace; • developing and putting into practice control measures for dealing with emergencies; • providing workers with adequate instruction, information, training and supervision. Occupier In workplaces registered as a factory, the occupier is the person who is the holder of the certificate of registration or factory permit. In all other workplaces, the occupier is the person who has control of the premises regardless of whether he is the owner of those premises. The occupier is required to take measures, as far as reasonably practicable, ensure the following are safe and without risks to the health of any person within those premises, even if the person is not one of your employees. • the workplace; • all entrances to or exits from the workplace; • any machinery, equipment, plant, article or substance kept on the workplace. The occupier may also be responsible for the common areas used by their employees and contractors. In particular, the following items, if they are used by persons working at their workplace, are their responsibility. • electric generators and motors located in the common area; • hoists and lifts, lifting gear, lifting appliances and lifting machines located in the

common area; • means of entry to or exit from the common area; • any machinery or plant located in the common area. Individual Worker Worker is any person at work, including an employee, i.e. one employed under a contract of service, volunteer or any other person training or working under the employer such as an industrial attachment student. • Adhere to safe working procedures and principles introduced at the workplace. • Do not endanger oneself or others through unsafe behaviour. • Do not tamper with any safety device or undertake any wilful or reckless acts. • Correctly use any personal protective equipment provided at work. Supervisors The supervisor is the key man in any program to create and maintain interest in safety & health because he is directly responsible for translating management’s policies into action and for promoting safety activities among the employees. Foreman The foreman is the person who exercises control over workers

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20

Engineers To play their part in WSH adequately, resident engineers and clerk of works have to highlight WSH issues that would or have the potential to pose imminent dangers so that they can be adequately addressed promptly. Architect To reduce WSH risks during the construction and maintenance phases of the construction process, designers and architects need to work closely with contractors and other stakeholders to identify potential construction and maintenance hazards, and mitigate risks at the design stage. The residual risks must then be communicated to contractors so that these can be jointly managed. Managers Project managers play a particularly important role in the management of WSH at their projects as they are overall in charge of the running of a construction project. As such, it is essential for project managers to have a good grasp of WSH to better comprehend and manage the WSH issues that their projects may encounter. Self-Employed Person Self-Employed Person is any person who works but is not under a contract of service. Self-Employed Person is required to take measures, as far as reasonably practicable, to ensure the safety and health of others such as members of the public. Enforcement measures to ensure compliance

The Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, assisted by Deputy Commissioners and appointed inspectors, ensures that workplaces comply with safety and health regulations. The following are some measures that may be used to ensure compliance.

Workplace Inspections Inspectors are empowered to enter, inspect and examine any workplace at any time to ensure workplace safety. In order to do so, an inspector may: • inspect, examine and make copies of any workplace documents; • take samples of any material or substance found in, or being discharged from, any

workplace for the purpose of analysis or test; • take photographs or video recordings to record the conditions and the processes

carried out in the workplace; • take into custody any article in the workplace which is required for the purpose of an

investigation or inquiry under the Act.

Investigations Into A Workplace Accident Or Incident The Commissioner may order an investigation into any workplace accident or incident. In the course of investigations, the inspector may inspect the accident scene and workplace. The inspector may also interview and record statements of persons about the accident or incident. These persons are bound to state the truth and assist in the investigations. Suspension Of Certificates When necessary, the Commissioner may suspend any certificate. Examples of certificates issued under the Act include Certificates of Factory Registration and certificates issued to authorised examiners.

Remedial Orders And Stop Work Orders The Commissioner may issue a Remedial Order to require an employer or occupier or any other person to remove any workplace risk or to comply with a safe work practice whether or not there is any immediate danger. This will be the primary tool that the Commissioner will use to require employers to improve their management of safety and health and the quality of risk assessment. The Commissioner may issue a Stop Work Order to require the specified work to cease until measures have been taken to ensure that the work can be carried out safely. A Stop

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21

Work Order will be used in instances where severe lapses in safety and health conditions may cause immediate danger to the workers. Failure to comply with either a Remedial Order or Stop Work Order is considered an offence. The penalty is as shown below: Category of Offender Maximum Fine Maximum

Imprisonment Conditions

Person who fails to comply with a Remedial Order If offence is continued after conviction

$50,000 Additional of $5,000 for each day the offence continues

12 months Either or both

Person who fails to comply with a Stop Work Order If offence is continued after conviction



Composition Fines Composition fines are offered for offences at the Commissioner’s discretion. Offences may be compounded to a sum not more than half the maximum fine prescribed for the offence or $5,000, whichever is lower. Prosecution action may be taken if payment is not received within a specified period. Prosecution The Commissioner may prosecute any offender for violation under the Act. If charged with an offence under the Act, duty to show to the courts: • compliance with the Act and/or its relevant subsidiary legislation; • or compliance with the relevant approved code of practice or guidelines; • or taken reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence where there was no

specific legislation or guidelines; • or the offence was due to causes beyond control, i.e. it was not reasonably practicable

to prevent the contravention or accident. Where in any proceedings for an offence under any provision in this Act, the onus is on the person to prove that it was not reasonably practicable to do more than what was in fact done to satisfy that duty or there was no better practicable means than was in fact used to satisfy that duty. General penalties for offences The Workplace Safety and Health Act states a general maximum penalty for offences for which no penalty is prescribed under the Act. The penalties are shown in the tables below.

Category of offender 1st Offence Repeat offenders

Individual persons $200,000 fine and /or 2

years jail

$400,000 fine and /or 2

years jail

Corporate body $500,000 $1 million

Workers $1,000

$30,000 and / or 2 years

jail (for negligence)

$2,000

Deleted: ¶Category of offender

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... [4]



22

Communication Legal and other requirements may be communicated to the various stakeholders through the following mode of communication: WSH committee meetings Under the WSH (WSH Committees) Regulations, the occupier of a worksite, in which 50 or more persons are ordinarily at work is required to form a WSH Committee. The WSH committee shall meet atleast once a month. The committee shall include appointment of: • chairman who shall be a competent person on site; • secretary who shall be the safety officer (if available) or a person; and • members who are representatives of persons at work and management staff. The functions of safety committee are as follows: • To inspect the factory at least once a month • To inspect the factory after accident or dangerous occurrence • to assist in organising activities to promote safe conduct of work in factory The minutes of the meetings shall be properly recorded and maintained. All decisions and follow-up actions shall be documented. Site coordination meeting Under WSH(Construction) Regs, It shall be the duty of the occupier of a worksite to convene such site coordination meetings as are necessary with due regard to the progress of the works which are, or are to be, carried out in the worksite for the purpose of coordinating such works so as to ensure the safety, health and welfare of persons at work in the worksite. Every meeting is should be presided by the project manager of the worksite; and attended by every person (being a supervisor, an engineer, a workplace safety and health co-ordinator or a workplace safety and health officer) who is involved in any work or process being co-ordinated in the worksite and any other person who oversees any such work or process. Briefings Briefings / tool box meetings are defined as giving detailed instructions. The occupier shall ensure tool box meetings are conducted at stipulated intervals within work groups to effectively communicate and coordinate work instructions and to promote safe conduct of work. Safety briefings shall also be carried out regularly for larger cohorts. Awareness sessions Awareness sessions are more of promotional programmes aimed to create a general awareness among the employees. Training sessions The legal requirements can be communicated to the respective stakeholder through external training such as mandatory training or internal training such as induction or task specific training. Training means more than providing information. It requires a practical demonstration that each employee has acquired the skill or knowledge related to the job. Personnel can be trained in the following areas: • WSH competency required at each function and level in the organization • WSH induction programme • On-going training for employees • Training in local WSH arrangements • Specific mandatory training

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23

3. Mandatory training for construction industries This lesson is made up of 1 unit. The objective of this unit is to ‘Manage the mandatory training requirements in construction industries’. Under the WSH Act, • Employers and principals are required to ensure that the person at work has adequate

instruction, information, training and supervision as is necessary for that person to perform his work.

• Employers, self-employed persons and principals give to persons (not being his employees) the prescribed information about such aspects of the way in which he conducts his undertaking as might affect their safety or health while those persons are at his workplace.

Training needs identification

Training needs help to identify and remedy any shortfalls between the competency level currently possessed by the stakeholders and the required WSH competency required in order to achieve the organizations goals and objectives. To meet the identified training needs, suitable training programmes have to be identified. Training can be conducted in-house or externally depending on the learning outcomes, need of the learners and resources available within the organization. In-house training This type of training is conducted in-house. Examples of in-house training include: • WSH induction • On the Job training • Ongoing training • Training for managers, supervisors and workers • Training and awareness programmes for contractors, temporary workers, visitors External training MOM accredits training providers (ATP) to ensure that the quality of the WSH training is maintained at all times. The ATP’s conducts mandatory WSH training programmes and non-accredited WSH courses. Examples of external training include • Training in local WSH arrangements • Mandatory training • Training for managers, supervisors and workers. Training schedule Scheduling of mandatory training programs may involve the following • Scheduling dates for training considering the release from trainee’s dept, work

exigencies and workplace peak periods • Arranging for training registration such as coordination with the training institute /

trainers and trainee • Applying for Skills Development Fund (SDF) • Arranging for participants presence such as replacement / rescheduling for any last

minute change in the trainee’s schedule and sending reminders to the trainees to attend the scheduled training

Training providers The address, webpage, email and contact particulars of the ATPs for the various courses can be identified from the MOM’s website. Some of the other training providers include the following: • Singapore Environment Institute • Singapore Civil Defense Academy • Singapore Aviation Academy

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Note: Only courses conducted by selected ATPs have been listed. For full list of ATPs, refer to MOM website. Classes or description of persons Mandatory

Training courses Reference

ATP (e.g)

Workplace Safety and Health Auditors: Any person who is appointed to conduct audit on safety and health management system, risk assessment, work processes or workplace

Workshop for Safety Auditors OR Graduate Certificate in WSH

Criteria to be approved as an auditor

Singapore Polytechnic / Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Workplace Safety and Health Officers: Any person who is appointed to conduct audit on safety and health management system, risk assessment, work processes or workplace

Safety Officer Training Course OR Specialist Diploma in WSH

WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Reg 3(a)(i),

NTUC LearningHub Pte Ltd

Workplace Safety and Health Coordinators: Any person who is appointed to conduct audit on safety and health management system, risk assessment, work processes or workplace

Safety Coordinators Course OR Advance Certificate in WSH

WSH (Construction) Reg R6(3)


Audiometric Examiner: Any person who carries out audiometric examination of others

Industrial Audiometry Course

WSH (Medical Examination) Reg R6(2)

Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd

Noise Monitoring Officer: Any person who is appointed to conduct noise monitoring at a workplace

Noise Monitoring Course

WSH (Noise) Reg R7(3)


Noise Control Officer: Any person who is appointed to advise the occupier of a workplace on noise control measures

Industrial Noise Control Course


Nanyang Technological University

Manhole Safety Assessors: Any person who is appointed to assess whether the manhole is safe for entry

Manhole Safety Assessor Course

WSH (Confined Space) Reg R9(b)


Confined Space Safety Assessors: Any person who is appointed to assess whether the confined space is safe for entry

Confined Space Safety Assessor Course



Explosive Powered Tools Operators: Any persons who operates an explosive power tool

Explosive Powered Tools Operators' Course

WSH (Explosive Powered Tools) Reg 13

BCA Academy / SCAL Academy

First-Aider: Any person who is appointed as a first-aider in a workplace

Occupational First Aid Course

WSH (First-Aid) Reg R5(2)


Forklift Operators: Any person who drives or operates a forklift truck

Forklift Driver’s Training Course

Factories (Safety Training Courses) Order


Lifting Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a lifting supervisor for any lifting operation by a mobile or tower crane

Lifting Supervisors Safety Course

WSH (Operation of Cranes) Reg R17(1)


Deleted: Factories

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: 6

Deleted: 2

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: 4

Deleted: 5

Deleted: General Provision

Deleted: 25

Deleted: WSH (General Provision) Reg R25¶

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: 20

Deleted: 2

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25

Classes or description of persons Mandatory Training courses

Reference

ATP (e.g)

Riggers: Any person who is appointed as a rigger for any lifting operation by a mobile or tower crane

Rigger Course



Signalman: Any person who is appointed as a signalman for any lifting operation by a mobile or tower crane

Signalmen Course



Scaffold Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a scaffold supervisor to supervise the erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration or dismantling of a scaffold

Supervision of Metal Scaffold Erection Course

WSH (Scaffolds) Reg R6(1)


Suspended Scaffold Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a suspended scaffold supervisor to supervise the erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration or dismantling of a suspended scaffold

Suspended Scaffold Supervisors' Course


SCAL Academy

Scaffold Erectors: Any person who is appointed as a scaffold erector to erect, install, re-position, alter or dismantle a scaffold

Metal Scaffold Erection Course

WSH (Scaffolds) Reg R5


Suspended Scaffold Erectors: Any person who is appointed as a suspended scaffold erector to erect, install, re-position, alter or dismantle a suspended scaffold

Suspended Scaffold Riggers' Course


SCAL Academy

Construction Workers: Any worker employed in manual work in the worksite

Construction Safety Orientation Course (in various languages)



Construction Supervisors: Any supervisor employed in the worksite

Building Construction Supervisors Safety Course

WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007 reg. 9 (2b)


Formwork Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a formwork supervisor to supervise the construction, erection, alteration or dismantling of any formwork structure in a worksite

Formwork Safety Course for Supervisors



Tunnelling Workers: Any person carries out any work in a tunnel in a worksite

Safety Orientation Course (Tunnelling) for Workers

WSH (Construction) Reg R88(b)


Construction Supervisors (Tunnelling): Any person carries out any work in a tunnel in a worksite

Building Construction Supervisors Safety Course (Tunnelling)


SCAL Academy

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: 3

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: 2

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: 8(4)

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: 7(1)

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26


Reference

ATP (e.g)

Man Lock / Medical Lock Attendant: Any person performing the role of a Man Lock / Medical Lock Attendant

Compressed Air Works Course (Man Lock and Medical Lock Attendant)

WSH (Construction) Reg R108(3)(c)

Advanced Marine Pte Ltd

Project Managers: Any person who is appointed as a project manager to be in charge of all construction activities in building and engineering construction worksites of a contract sum of $10 million or more

Construction Safety Course for Project Managers



Manhole Workers: Any worker who is carrying out work in manholes or confined spaces in building and engineering construction worksites

Safety Orientation Course (Manhole)



Manhole Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a manhole supervisor to supervise work carried out in manholes or confined spaces in building and engineering construction worksites

Safety Instruction Course (Manhole)



Top Management Workshop for CEO / Top Management

bizSAFE level 1


Risk Management Champion Risk Management Course

bizSAFE level 2


Workplace Safety & Health Management System Program Lead

Workplace Safety & Health Management System Course

bizSAFE level 4


Training records Training records help to document the training arrangements and should be maintained in accordance to the organizational procedures. Some of the records that can be maintained are: • Duration of training - The total hours of the training course. • Schedule of training - The dates and times of various topics that were covered under

the training • Sequence of training - The sequence in which the topics were conducted, for example

theory and practical, lesson plan • Type of training - Whether the training was conducted internally or externally • Training providers - The name of the training providers

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27

Learning Activity 2


Identify the mandatory training required for the following activities.

S/No Activities Personnel Training Course

1. Forklift

operation

2. Confined

Space

3. Scaffolding

4. Lifting

5. Formwork

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28

4. Monitoring of WSH legal compliance issues This lesson is made up of 2 units. The objective of this units is to ‘Check daily workplace activities against legal and other requirements for construction industries’ and to ‘Monitor and manage compliance issues with WSH legal and other requirements’. Inspections Inspection is the act or process of inspecting or looking at carefully. The objective of inspections is to verify that safety provisions and practices conform to workplace rules and regulations and relevant statutory requirements. It is one of the tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk controls in place. The scope of the inspection can include Equipment and processes, Workplace environment and Workplace practices using suitable checklists. Some of the mandatory inspection requirements are stipulated below:

Inspection By Item to be inspected Frequency

WSH Coordinator Site inspection As required

WSH Officer Site inspection As required

PTW Assessor High risk construction activity Prior to endorsing the PTW

WSH Committee Site inspection Monthly

Scaffold Supervisor

Scaffold After erection / Weekly / inclement weather

Formwork Supervisor / P.E

Formwork shoring Before / During / After Casting

Formwork Supervisor

Reshoring After installing

Confined space assessor

Confined space Before entry & 4 hourly

Designated person Excavation After rain storm or other hazard-increasing occurrence

First Aider First aid facilities Monthly

Designated person Cantilevered / Material platform Weekly

Designated person Piling equipment Daily

Designated person Ground Before advancing a piling frame

Competent person Crane, Employee lift or material handling machinery

Before putting it into service for the first time

Compliance audit Audit is a systematic examination to determine whether activities and related results conform to planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable for achieving the organisation’s policy and objectives. There are various types of audits such as • Management system audits - OHSAS18001, SS506, etc. • Compliance audits - to verify compliance with legislation • Corporate audit – internal audits to verify corporate compliance • Specific purpose audits – insurance audits, client audits, etc. Under the WSH (Safety and Health Management System and Auditing) Regulations 2009, Where the contract sum of the any worksite is $30 million or more, the occupier to appoint a

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29

workplace safety and health auditor to audit the safety and health management system of the worksite at least once every 6 months. The process for compliance audit includes: • Preparing compliance checklist - Checklists can be with respect to a single activity or

for the whole facility and prepared by competent personnel who has adequate knowledge on the legal requirements. The Construction Safety Audit Scoring System (ConSASS) is an audit tool which provides an independent assessment of the safety and health management system at a worksite. ConSASS provides a profile of the development status of each element of a worksite’s safety and health management system. The helps management to better strategise the resources in order to elevate the standard and improve the effectiveness in managing a worksite’s safety and health risks. As an assessment tool, ConSASS can be used for cross comparison between worksites in term of their effectiveness in managing workplace safety and health risks.

• Arranging for competent auditor - The auditor should be qualified in terms of the subject

and the auditing process.

• Arranging for the audit schedule - The schedule such as the date and time of the audit has to take into account the availability of all the stakeholders.

• Opening audit meetings - The Audit Team Member shall have a formal opening meeting with the Auditee's representative prior to commencement of the audit, stating the scope of audit as tabulated in the “Audit Plan” and explain how the audit will operate. The Audit Plan shall be acknowledged by the Auditee.

• Conduct of audit - With the use of the compliance checklist, the audit members carries out the inspection, interview and document review process to establish verification of compliance.

• Post-Audit Meeting - At the end of the audit, the Audit Team Member should hold a meeting with the Auditee's management to present audit findings. In this meeting, the attendees have to agree on the course of corrective action to be taken and timescale for implementation.

• Follow up on audit report and corrective/ preventive actions - The Audit Team Member should issue the "Audit Corrective Action Request" to the Auditee during the post-audit meeting. The Auditee must take action on the reported non conformances and complete by the stipulated date (e.g. response due date). All Audits Corrective Action Request issued should be updated in the "Audit Corrective Action Request Status Log" by the Audit Team Member. A copy to be given to the Audit Team Leader for his monitoring purposes. Auditee should be informed of the next visit to follow-up on the corrective action issued.

Tracking of new and amendment to legal requirements An organisation may incur significant liabilities for WSH legal non-compliance. The penalties for violating amended or new WSH legal and other requirements are extremely serious. The first step in proactive approach to potential legal issues is to obtain the legal updates. Procedures have to be established for identification of new or amended legal and other requirements. These can be obtained by the following means: • Subscription on update service - Subscription to legal update services such as

Singapore law watch and RIET allows the organization to keep track of legal updates. • Electronic notification - WSH Bulletin is a free electronic newsletter published by the

Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council. Emailed to subscribers 2 to 3 times weekly, the WSH Bulletin keeps WSH professional and interested stakeholders updated on recent WSH-related and developments, including the roll-out of new laws and regulations, guidelines, advisories and Codes of Practices. SPRING Singapore notifies through email service on issue of new Singapore standards. Deleted: _



30

• Media - Any changes in the legislation are also reflected in the Newspaper, television and radio.

• Relevant websites - Government agencies, Industrial Associations and Professional Bodies

• Competent personnel / organization - WSH Officers, WSH Auditors, WSH Service providers such as training providers, consultants, etc

Advising on actions to stay in compliance The organization has to comply with all the applicable legal requirements to avoid non-compliance. This can be achieved only if all the stakeholders within the organization know exactly what they are supposed to do in order to comply with legal requirements. The compliance status should be communicated to the stakeholders and the non-compliance items are expected to be rectified promptly. Information on the progress of the compliance program should be provided and the stakeholders should be informed of the changes made to comply with the regulation. Advice on necessary actions needed to comply with new or amended WSH legal and other requirements may include: • Gather WSH legal and other requirements • Conduct gap analysis • Suggestion solutions • Follow-up on compliance status An action plan should be detailing the required actions, time line and persons’ responsible. Actions would include some of the following: • Reviewing and amending the affected documents • Reviewing and modifying workplace practices • Allocating resources such as manpower, etc • Training personnel • Registration / licensing of material, equipment, etc • Awareness campaign

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31

2. Control and manage risks in

construction industries

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32

5. Main types of trades and working environment in construction industries This Lesson is made up of 1 unit. The objective of this unit is to ‘Establish the main types of trades and working environment that are related to construction industries’. The main trades in construction industries may be classified as shown below.

• Architectural and Finishing Works • Civil and structural works • Mechanical and Electrical Works • Equipment and special services Architectural and Finishing Works Wall and partition The wall may be constructed using brick, stone, glass block or concrete block. The materials are stacked up and bound together with mortar and cementing it. Interior partitions support floor, ceiling or roof loads. Ceiling Ceiling refers to the upper interior of a room. The ceiling may comprise of reinforced concrete, glass, PVC, aluminium and may incorporate Overhead interior decoration Curtain wall / cladding A curtain wall is an outer non-structural wall that carries no vertical load made of lightweight material. Cladding is the application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer intended to control the infiltration of weather elements, or for aesthetic purposes. Drain Laying / pavement and kerb construction Drains remove surface and sub-surface water from an area and incorporate geotextile filters that retain and prevent fine grains of soil from passing into and clogging the drain. Drains are constructed either by precast or cast in situ method. Pavement is a paved footpath for pedestrians and has kerbs at the edge. Windows and doors Windows and door are prefabricated offsite and installed from the floor level. Joinery Joinery involves making interior and exterior wooden doors, windows, stairs, tables, bookshelves, etc. Metal work Fabrication of metal structures such as metal grills, fencing, etc. Painting and road marking Painting involves application of paints, pigments, colour or other medium to a surface. The paints are water based or solvent based. Application is by brush, roller or spray. Road marking also involves painting and writing on the roads using paints. Plastering Plastering involves the application of plaster on interior walls or ceilings for decorative purpose. Plaster is a mixture of lime or gypsum with sand and water. Roofing Roofing is the protective covering that forms the top of the building and may use different types of materials such as ceramic tiles, concrete, metal, etc. Deleted: _



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Flooring Flooring refers to the permanent covering on the floor and may use materials such as tiles, marble or stone finishes, etc. Waterproofing Applying or laying of material to waterproof any basement, foundation, roof, wet area or walls in the interior or on the exterior of a building. Horticulture and landscape Planting of tree, plants, flower, garden, etc. Additions, alterations, repair and interior decoration Modification to the existing structure which may use any of the trades listed. Interior decoration is the decoration of the inside of the rooms such as décor and furnishings. Civil and structural works

Road works, pipe and cable installation, road reinstatement and maintenance Road works involves construction of roads, opening of roads for pipe or cable installation, reinstating the roads after the work is completed and maintaining the roads periodically. Concrete repair and surface works Concrete repair and surface works involves placing, finishing, protecting and repairing concrete. Concrete is used directly from the concrete pump or wheelbarrow and spread using shovels and rakes, and the surface is smoothened using either a hand masonry trowel, a long handed “bull float” or powered floats. Concreting Concreting involves casting of structure into required shape using concrete which is a construction material composed of cement, aggregate and water. The concrete is pumped using concrete pumps or using excavator buckets and vibrated. Metal scaffolding Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. It is also used to provide access. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes or tubes. Metal formwork and supporting systems Metal formwork and supporting structures are constructed to hold the concrete to be poured into the required shape. Piling Piling is the process of installing piles to form the foundation of the structure. Piles can be driven using piling machine or cast in situ method using bored piling. Sheet piling are used to form a retaining structure for excavation. Steel reinforcement Steel reinforcement is positioning and securing steel reinforcing bars, also known as rebar for the reinforced concrete works. The rebars are cut and bend to the desired shape, tied together with wire. Structural steel works Structural steel works involves fabrication, fitting, welding and erection of steel members or components to form an integral part of any structural system of a building. Timber formwork and support systems Timber formwork and support systems are constructed to hold the concrete to be poured into the required shape.

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Demolition Demolition is the tearing down of buildings or structures. Soil investigation, stabilisation and earthwork services Soil investigation is the investigation the soil profile before the commencement of the construction activities. Stabilisation and earthwork services involves moving, loosening, depositing, shaping, compacting and stabilising soil and rock from collapse. Precast erectors Precast involves installation of precast components such as columns, beams, walls, etc. Mechanical and Electrical Works Air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation works Air conditioning involved installation of air-conditioning equipment, refrigeration system, cooling towers, ventilation fans and its related ducting. Electrical engineering works Installation of any wiring, cable, conduit, trunking, isolators, switch socket outlets, power switches or any other fittings for transmission of electricity for lighting, heating, cooling or other similar purposes in a building. Fire protection works Fire protection works involves installation of fire fighting equipments such as sprinklers, extinguishers, hydrants, fire alarms, hose reels, etc. Plumbing, sanitary and gas piping and sewerage works Installation of any gas, water and sanitary pipings, or any associated fittings for conveyance of gas, water distribution, soil and waste water disposal in a building. Lift escalator installation This involves installation of lift doors, cars, cables, etc. Building automation, industrial and process control system Building automation is a programmed, computerised, intelligent network system to reduce energy and maintenance costs. This involves installation of machines and equipment for process automation. Equipment and special services Construction plant and equipment services Construction plant and equipment services involves the supply, installation and maintenance of plant and equipment such as cranes, excavators, piling rigs, bull dozers, excavator loaders, telescopic handlers, generators, etc. Corrosion protection services Corrosion protection involves application of specialised coatings for metallic components to prevent corrosion. Cleaning and housekeeping services Cleaning and housekeeping services involves cleaning the worksite on a day to day basis, which is normally done by the main contractor. This involves manual cleaning and vacuuming using industrial vacuum pumps. Desilting services The soiled water from the construction site is collected and desilted using water filtration system before being discharged into the public drain. This is done in-house by the main contractor. Alternatively for smaller sites, silt removal contractor are engaged to remove the silted water.

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Waste removal and recycling services Construction waste accumulated at the worksite are collected and stored at the construction skips. These are removed by general waste collectors on a periodic basis. Some of the construction waste such as iron, sand, aggregate are recycled by the main contractor or sold to other companies who use them as raw materials. Pest control services During the construction, pest control services are engaged to control pests such as rodents, mosquitoes, flies, etc. Working environments The construction sector has seen a rise in its contribution of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), total contract value and in employment rate. Construction is a very dynamic process which involves working in different physical settings such as • Working at height • Working with tools, machinery and equipment • Working in confined space • Working in hot conditions • Excavation • Demolition • Piling • Formwork • Working with hazardous materials • Material handling Typical workplace organisation Subcontractors Subcontracting is a prevalent feature of the Singapore construction industry where it is quite common for contractors to engage subcontractors. Subcontractors take various forms but they may be conveniently divided into two categories. The first is commonly termed “trade subcontractor”. They are, in fact, groups of tradesmen and workhands and are usually employed by the main contractor to undertake labour intensive work as formwork construction and finishing work. The second category of subcontractors performs specialist work on site such as the construction of sheetpiles and installation of the air-conditioning or lift systems. The system of contracting can be divided into the direct labour system and the subcontracting system. Under the subcontracting system, the subcontractor may supply materials only, labour only or both. Domestic subcontractors refer to those to whom the main contractor sublets part of the work entirely at his own discretion. In Singapore, domestic subcontractors are commonly engaged in labour-intensive trades such as formwork, roofing, tiling, and painting. They are also employed in trades where a large portion of their work requires special machinery and plant for a short duration, for example, excavation and piling. The subcontractors may be nominated or named, depending on the means by which the employer exercises his selection rights. Nominated subcontractors are in trades such as piling, plumbing, air-conditioning, lifts, fire fighting and prevention, and other specialized works. Workplace Safety and Health Officers Under the Second Schedule of the WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations 2007, worksites of contract sum of $10 million or more are required to appoint WSHO. The primary role of the WSH Officer is to assist their employers to discharge their statutory duties, particularly in the area of identification of workplace safety and health risks and in recommending control measures. The phrase “to assist” used in regulation 7 could refer to advice, suggestions, or conducting the risk assessment as instructed by the Deleted: _



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occupier. It could also include training other employees on risks assessment or the control measures. The WSH Officer is expected to exercise due diligence in the assessment of risks and recommendation of appropriate control measures particularly for blatant safety and health risks. While the WSH Officers can assist in the implementation of the control measures, the occupier ought to provide him with the corresponding authority and resources for him to carry out his work properly. Workplace safety and health co-ordinator Under the WSH (Construction) Regulation, the occupier of a worksite shall appoint a workplace safety and health co-ordinator where the contract sum of the building operation or works of engineering construction carried out therein is less than $10 million. It shall be the duty of a workplace safety and health co-ordinator to assist the occupier of the worksite to identify any unsafe condition in the worksite or unsafe work practice and to recommend reasonably practicable measures to remedy the unsafe condition or unsafe work practice and assist to implement such reasonably practicable measures. Other duty holders This has been covered under CE1.

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WSH Management System SHMS is a systematic process for managing workplace safety and health. SHMS provides for goal setting, planning and measuring performance. It sets out clear management commitments, direction and approaches for workplace safety and health. Safety and health management adds value to businesses by helping to improve overall performance. Thus, it is not surprising that an increasing number of organisations are implementing SHMS, and placing as much emphasis on achieving quality SHMS as they do in other key aspects of their business activities. Under the WSH (Safety and Health Management System and Auditing) Regulations 2009, which came into operation on 1st March 2010, it shall be the duty of the occupier of a construction site to implement a SHMS for the purpose of ensuring the safety and health of persons at work in the workplace. Prior to that, it was regulated under the WSH(Construction) Regulation. The SHMS shall be implemented in accordance with any relevant Singapore Standard relating to SHMS or such other standards, codes of practice or guidance issued or approved by the WSH Council. SHMS for worksites can be prepared based on • CP 79 : Code of Practice for Safety Management System in Construction Worksite; • SS506 / OHSAS 18001 standards • Safety Management Certification (SMC) for Small and Medium Enterprise. CP79 The elements of CP 79 are as follows:

1. Safety and Health Policy 2. Safe Work Practices 3. Safety Training 4. Group Meetings 5. Incident Investigation and Analysis 6. In-house Safety Rules & Regulations 7. Safety Promotion 8. Evaluation, Selection & Control of Contractors 9. Safety Inspections 10. Maintenance Regime 11. Risk Assessment 12. Control of Movement & Use of Hazardous Chemicals 13. Occupational Health Programmes 14. Emergency Preparedness

OSHMS Contractors with a registration grade of A1, A2, B1 and B2 in BCA's Contractors Registry undertaking general building, civil engineering and piling works are required to be certified to ISO 9000 – Quality Management System, ISO 14000 - Environmental Management System and OSHMS. This has prompted the industry to integrate all the three management system into one as Integrated Management System (IMS) as all of adopt the Plan – Do – Check – Act cycle. Companies can also choose to have integrated audits with the following benefits - • Time savings as number of audit visits will not increase. • Resource savings as common elements such as policy, document control, records

management, internal audit and management review can be audited together. Upon successful audit, certificate will be issued, which is valid for three years. During the validity period of the certificate, surveillance audits will be conducted to ensure that the certified firm continues to comply with the requirements of OHSAS 18001. The specifications used for OSHMS certification is OHSAS 18001, which consists of 5 basic sections: • OSH Policy • Planning Deleted: _



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o Hazard identification, risk assessment and determining controls o Legal and other requirement o Objectives and programmes

• Implementation and Operation o Resources, roles, responsibility, accountability and authority o Competence, training and awareness o Communication, participation and consultation o Documentation o Control of documents o Operation control o Emergency preparedness and response

• Checking o Performance measurement and monitoring o Evaluation of compliance o Incident investigation, nonconformity, corrective action and preventive action o Control of records o Internal audit

• Management Review SMC In line with the Joint MND-MOM Review Committee on Construction Safety to extend safety awareness and promote safety culture in small and medium construction firms, BCA has introduced a simplified version of the OHSMS Management system called the ‘Safety Management Certification System for Small and Medium Construction Firms (SMC). The SMC was developed to help the small and medium contractors to plan for safety and manage their construction operations in a simple and systematic manner. The SMC enable firms to have clear assignment of responsibilities for their project staff and workers. Firms are required to formulate standard safety procedures on site including regular site and work areas inspections, emergency preparedness, safety training and awareness. Contractors registered under BCA Contractors Registry grades C1 and C2, and under CR08 (Piling), CR10 (Precast Concrete Products) or CR12 (Soil Investigation & Stabilization) with grades L2 and above are required to obtain the BCA SMC certification to remain in these grades. Companies that are already certified with a valid OHSAS 18001 in either CW01 or CW02 are exempted from the SMC certification. SMC consists of 5 basic requirements: • Occupational Health & Safety Policy • Planning

o Planning for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control o Legal and other requirement

• Implementation and Operation o Structure and responsibility o Training, awareness and competence o Document control o Operation control o Emergency preparedness and response

• Checking and Corrective Action o Performance monitoring o Accidents, incidents, non conformances and prevention

Upon successful audit, certificate will be issued for three years. During the validity period of the certificate, surveillance audits will be conducted to ensure that the certified firm continues to comply with the requirements of SMC. Deleted: _



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Workplace and WSH Cultural Settings Accident statistics in the construction sector Workplace Fatalities

Although the construction sector continues to be an important sector of the Singapore economy, it is also one of the more hazardous and riskier workplaces. Over the past three years, the sector accounted for more than one third of all workplace fatalities, with a fatality rate of 8.1 per 100,000 workers in 2009. In 2009, a total of 31 people were killed in incidents involving construction work. A significant proportion of these incidents were a result of falls from height, mainly from inadequate protection from hazards such as open sides and floor openings at worksites. Struck by falling objects was the second highest incident type. Reflecting the risks associated with working beneath cranes and scaffolds, or where overhead work is being performed, struck by falling objects accounted for nearly one-third of the total construction fatalities in 2009.

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The number of injuries in the construction sector is the highest compared to other sectors. In 2009, 2,853 injuries occurred in the construction sector. This represents an injury rate of 741 per 100,000 workers, which is above the national average of 446 and is one of the highest among all sectors.

Occupational Disease In 2009, 31 confirmed Occupational Diseases (ODs) were reported in the construction sector, a decrease of 25 cases when compared to the previous year. Of the reported cases in 2009, 14 were confirmed Noise-Induced Deafness (NID) cases, a decrease of 19 cases when compared to 33 cases in 2008. However, 15 cases of confirmed Occupational Skin Diseases (OSD) were reported, up from 10 cases in the previous year.

WSH2018 for the Construction Sector Long-term goal is to achieve a safe and healthy workplace with a vibrant WSH culture and zero injury in the construction sector. Immediate goals for the construction sector are: • A workplace fatality rate of less than 3.4 fatalities per 100,000 workers by 2013 and

less than 1.8 fatalities per 100,000 by 2018. • Workplace injury rate of less than 390 injuries per 100,000 workers by 2013 and less

than 200 injuries per 100,000 workers by 2018. Strategies for the Construction Sector

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Strategy 1: Building Strong Capabilities to Better Manage WSH • Individual Level

o Management o Workers and Supervisors o WSH Professionals o Designers and Architects

• Corporate Level o Self Investigation o Managing Main and Sub Contractors o Enhancing Risk Management (RM) o Cultivating WSH Culture

Strategy 2: Creating a self-regulatory framework in order to promote greater industry ownership • Include Designers and Developers in the Regulatory Framework • Improved Management of Workplace Health Self Regulation • Setting Industry Standards Strategy 3: Promoting the Benefits of WSH and Integrating WSH into Business • Driving Improvements through Large Organizations • Assessment of Safety and Health Management Systems • Business Case Strategy 4: Creating / Building Partnerships • Coordination of Work • Industry-led Taskforces Refer to the WSH Council for the full document.

Business under Surveillance Programme The objective of the Business under Surveillance (BUS) Programme is to engage companies through systemic interventions so as to prevent accidents, occupational diseases and improve the company's safety and health management and performance. Under this programme, companies that trigger the following events will first be placed under assessment: • Fatal accidents; • 19 Demerit Points or at the Warning Stage under the Demerit Point System; or • Demonstrated poor management of Workplace Safety and Health, e.g. poor site

conditions resulting in Stop Work Order The assessment will review the implementation of the risk management as well as the strength of the management system. If the company failed the assessment, it will be placed into the BUS Programme and be subjected to close surveillance. During the surveillance phase, the company will be held accountable to an Action Plan and be subjected to frequent inspections and engagements to ensure that the plan is implemented accordingly. The company will exit from BUS upon fulfillment of Action Plan and having shown improvement in its safety and health performance and management. Demerit Points Scheme for the Construction Industry The demerit point scheme was introduced in 2000 as a means to encourage construction contractors with poor Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) records to improve on their performance. From 1 April 2007, the scheme has been calibrated in consultation with the industry-led Workplace Safety and Health Construction Advisory Sub-Committee to further raise WSH standards and allow companies committed to improving WSH performance sufficient opportunities to do so.

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Under the scheme, construction main contractors and sub-contractors will be issued with demerit points for breaches under the WSH Act and relevant subsidiary legislation. The number of demerit points awarded will depend on the severity of the infringement. A contractor that has received more than 18 demerit points within a 12-month period will receive a formal warning from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), while the continued accumulation of demerit points will result in more stringent corrective actions. For example, if a worksite of a main contractor accumulates more than 18 demerit points, the worksite will have limited access to work permit holders for 6 months. If a contractor does not make improvements and continues to commit workplace safety and health offences, applications from the company for new and renewal of all types of work passes for all foreign employees will be rejected by MOM. A contractor that has been issued with demerit point(s) will be informed in writing by the Ministry. Each demerit point is valid for 12 months. The List of Construction Companies with Demerit Points is also available online.

Severity Scenarios Demerit Points

First Stage a) No demerit points for first 5 fines in each inspection b) 1 point per fine from the 6

th fine

onwards Composition Fines

Second Stage a) No demerit points for first 3 fines in each inspection b) 1 point per fine from the 4

th fine

onwards Stop Work Order (Partial) 5

Potential Harm

Stop Work Order (Full) 10

Accident that led to serious injuries to any person

8 Harm

Dangerous occurrence 8

Accident that led to death of one person

12 Severe Harm

Accident that led to death of more than one person

18

Application to Main Contractors First Stage:

A warning letter will be issued to the main contractor if the total points accumulated by the company exceed 18 demerit points within a 12-month rolling period.

Second Stage:

The following will apply to an individual worksite if the total points accumulated by the worksite exceed 18 demerit points: · 6-month MYE freeze for 1

st occurrence;

· 12-month MYE freeze for 2nd

occurrence (within 12 months of the 1st

occurrence); and · 24-month MYE freeze for 3

rd or subsequent occurrences (within 12 months

of the previous occurrence) A main contractor will have its records cleared when all its worksites do not accumulate any demerit points for a rolling period of 12 months.

Post Second Stage:

A 24-month MYE freeze will be extended to all worksites under the company if 3 of its worksites have each accumulated more than 18 demerit points within any 12-month period i.e. the company's MYE has been frozen three times within a year. Applications from the company for new and renewal of all types of work passes for all foreign employees will also be rejected.

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Note: When the Man-Year Entitlement (MYE) allocated to a worksite is frozen, the MYE cannot be used by the company or its subcontractors for the employment of new non-traditional source (NTS) workers and the renewal of existing NTS workers. Application to Sub-Contractors First Stage:

A warning letter will be issued to the sub-contractor if the total points accumulated by the company exceed 18 demerit points within a 12-month rolling period.

Second Stage:

The Ministry will reject applications from the company for new and renewal of all types of work passes for all foreign employees if the total points accumulated by the sub-contractor exceed 18 demerit points: · 6 months for 1

st occurrence;

· 12 months for 2nd


infringement); and · 24 months for 3

rd or subsequent occurrences (within 12 months of the

previous occurrence). A sub-contractor will have its records cleared when it does not accumulate any demerit points for a rolling period of 12 months.

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6. Hazards and control measures for construction works This lesson is made up of 4 units. The objective of this unit is to • Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for architectural

and finishing works • Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for civil and

structural works. • Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for Mechanical

and Electrical works. • Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for equipment

and services works. 6.1 RISK MANAGEMENT In the new framework for occupational safety and health in Singapore, one of the major means of reducing risks at the workplace is by making stakeholders accountable for managing the risks they create. Risk assessment is a key instrument to reduce risk at the workplace. Employers, self-employed persons and principals (including contractors and sub-contractors) have the responsibility of identifying safety and health hazards at the workplace and taking appropriate actions to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks associated with the hazards. These requirements are specified in the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations which took effect on 1 September 2006. Any employer, self-employed person or principal (including contractor and sub-contractor) under the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations is required to:

• Conduct a risk assessment for all work in the workplace. • Take reasonably practicable measures to eliminate or reduce safety and health

risks. • Establish safe work procedures if the risks cannot be eliminated. • Specify the roles and responsibilities of persons involved in the implementation of

risk control measures and safe work procedures. • Keep records of risk assessment. • Inform employees of the nature of the risks involved and any risk control measures

or safe work procedures implemented. • Review or revise risk assessment.

RM Process Risk assessment is the process of identifying safety and health hazards associated with work, assessing the level of risks involved, and prioritizing measures to control the hazards and reduce the risks. Risk management, like risk assessment, involves assessment of risks associated with any work activity or trade. However, it also includes control and monitoring of such risks, as well as communicating these risks. Risk assessment is never a one man show; it should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team who have a thorough knowledge of the work to be undertaken. Team members should include management staff, process or facility engineers, technical personnel, supervisors, production operators, maintenance staff and safety personnel if available. The risk assessment team should also include contractors/suppliers personnel who are involved with the work, whenever necessary. Unless the workplace or worksite is not ready, the risk assessment team should visit the workplace or worksite to ensure that all work areas are covered, including routine and non-routine operations. Routine operations include activities such as preparatory and troubleshooting work activities. Non-routine operations include commissioning, repair and maintenance of plants. The team should also consider various environmental situations, e.g., weather and soil conditions, where these operations are carried out. Deleted: _



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Preparation Preparation involves gathering all the following information before start doing the risk assessment. � Plant layout plan � Process flowchart � List of work activities in the process† � List of chemicals, machinery and / or tools used � Records of past incidents and accidents � Relevant legislation, codes of practice or specifications � Observations and interviews � Inspection records � Details of existing risk controls � Health and safety audit reports � Feedback from staff, clients, suppliers or other stakeholders � Safe work procedures (SWPs) � Other information such as safety data sheets (SDSs), manufacturer’s instruction

manual � Copies of any relevant previous risk assessments

Inventory Form

Hazard Identification A ‘hazard’ is something that may cause harm or injury. Workplace hazards include physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical or ergonomic hazards. Based on the information gathered on the process, hazards can be identified for each work activity. Hazard identification is perhaps the most important step in risk assessment because hazards can only be controlled if they are identified. Hazard identification involves identifying the hazards associated with each work activity and the type of potential accidents/incidents that can result from the hazards.

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Hazard identification is then repeated for all work activities of the process. The aim is to spot hazards, brainstorm on all the possible types of accidents, incidents and/or ill-health that can occur due to the hazard(s), and identify potential victims or persons-at-risk. Typical types of accidents are: � Fall from height � Hit by falling object � Slip / Trip / Falls � Electrocution � Asphyxiation � Drowning � OH diseases/illnesses (NID, dermatitis) � Fire and explosion � Struck by / hit against object � Collapse of structure � Soft tissue damage (sprains, strains)

Persons at risks are those who are directly involved in operation, indirectly involved in the operation, visitors and members of the public. Risk Evaluation Risk is the likelihood that death, injury or illness might result because of the hazard. For example, if a person works at a 40 m height on a platform without any railing and safety harness, the risk of falling and getting killed is high. Risk evaluation is the process of estimating the risk levels of the identified hazards and if the risks can be accepted. This is used as a basis for prioritising actions to control identified hazards and thereby, minimising safety and health risks. Risk evaluation consists of: (1) Identifying existing risk control measures The presence of existing control measures should first be identified for each work activity of the process. By considering the effectiveness of the existing controls and the consequences that can occur should these controls fail; the risk of the activity can be assessed. Examples of risk control measures include engineering controls, SWPs and personal protective equipment (PPE). (2) Assessing potential severity of identified hazards Severity is the degree or extent of injury or harm caused by accidents/incidents arising from workplace hazards.

As the severity of the hazard refers to the intrinsic or inherent nature of the adverse effect (e.g. cancer, amputation or fatal injury) that may result from the hazard, it does not depend

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on the controls in place. Therefore, in assigning the severity level, the existing controls should not be taken into account. (3) Determining likelihood of occurrence of accidents, incidents and/or ill health arising from identified hazards

To minimise the subjectivity of estimating likelihood, in addition to looking at existing controls, the following sources of information should be considered:

• Past incident and accident records • Industry practice and experience • Relevant published literature

(4) Assessing risk levels based on the severity and likelihood The risk level may be classified as low, medium or high and depends on the combination of severity and likelihood. To determine the risk level, select the appropriate row for Severity and the appropriate column for Likelihood; the cell where they intersect indicates the Risk Level. Risk Matrix

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Based on the risk level determined in the risk evaluation step, risk controls should be selected to reduce the risk level to an acceptable level. This can be done by reducing the Severity and/or Likelihood. As indicated in the risk matrix, when the risk level is High, effective and practicable risk controls must be implemented to reduce High Risk to at least Medium Risk. Table 4 shows the acceptability of risk and recommended actions for different risk levels, which can be used to guide the selection of risk controls.

Hierarchy of risk controls The control of hazards and reduction of risks can be accomplished by following the Hierarchy of Control Measures. These control measures are not usually mutually exclusive e.g. engineering controls can be implemented together with administrative controls like training and SWPs.

Elimination - Elimination of hazards refers to the total removal of the hazards and hence effectively making all the identified possible accidents, incidents and ill health impossible. This is a permanent solution and should be attempted in the first instance. If the hazard is eliminated, the risk associated of the hazard will be eliminated. E.g. Asbestos has been eliminated by ban from use due to its cancerous effects. Substitution - This involves replacing the hazard by one that presents a lower risk. E.g. Asbestos can be substituted with non-asbestos materials. Deleted: _



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Engineering Controls - Engineering controls are physical means that limit the hazard. These include structural changes to the work environment or work processes, erecting a barrier to interrupt the transmission path between the worker and the hazard. E.g. Isolation or containment of hazards, machine guarding, manual handling devices/equipment etc. Administrative Controls - These reduce or eliminate exposure to a hazard by adherence to procedures or instructions. Documentation should emphasise all the steps to be taken and the controls to be used in carrying out the activity safely. E.g. Permit-to-work systems, Training, SWP, Inspection, scheduling of incompatible works etc.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - This should be used only as a last resort, after all other control measures have been considered, or as a short term contingency during emergency / maintenance / repair or as an additional protective measure. The success of this control depends critically on the protective equipment being chosen correctly, fitted correctly, worn at all times and maintained properly.

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Risk Assessment Form

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6.2 WORKING AT HEIGHT Work is performed at the edge of the building or near opening of the building. In addition work at height equipment such as ladders, metal scaffolds, timber scaffolds, suspended scaffolds and mobile elevated work platforms. The working at height hazards exists in all the construction trades. There are two main hazards while working at height namely falling from height hazards and falling objects hazards. 6.2.1 FALLING OBJECT HAZARDS While working at heights, the risk of struck by falling objects is very common. Injuries, especially on the head, are usually severe. Common objects falling from height are tools, containers, pieces of concrete wastes, timber and metal parts. Objects do not fall off by themselves. Objects fall due to the following reasons:- • Losing grip of the tool • Collision of the tool with other objects • Leaving objects lying loosely • Objects was not secured properly • Throwing objects down from height • Storing materials very close to the edge or opening. • Overloading of debris

Legal requirements WSH (Construction) Regulations R 24 - Storage and placement of materials and equipment Storing, stacking or placing materials or equipment in a worksite should not be so close to any opening or edge of a floor, scaffold, platform or structure as to endanger persons below the opening or edge. R 25 - Protection against falling objects Adequate overhead protection should be provided in the worksite against objects that could fall on or otherwise hit persons. R 30 - Entry into building under construction Where a building under construction in the worksite is more than 2 storeys high, designated entry and access at the ground floor with adequate overhead protective cover for persons entering or leaving the building should be provided. Reasonably practicable measures should be taken to prevent any person from entering or leaving the worksite by or through other means of entry and access. R 50 – Accumulation of debris Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate so as to constitute a hazard in the worksite. R 51 – Method of removal of debris Any debris, brick or other materials in the worksite shall be removed by means of chutes, buckets, hoists or any other method which will not endanger any person in the worksite. R 52 – Floor openings for debris removal Every opening used for the removal of debris on every floor in the worksite which is not closed to access, except the top or working floor, is provided with an enclosure from floor to ceiling. Where it is impracticable to provide an enclosure, the opening is so barricaded that no person has access to within a horizontal distance of 6 metres from any opening above through which debris is being dropped. R 53 – Chutes Any chute provided for the removal of materials in a worksite is entirely enclosed on all sides, except at openings used for the receiving or discharging of material; and any opening of any chute (except the top opening) in the worksite is closed when not in use.

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R 54 – Construction of chutes Every chute in the worksite is of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and rigidly supported throughout its length. R 55 – Debris collection area The discharge end of every chute shall be directed to a designated debris collection area. The distance between the discharge end of the chute and the floor of the designated debris collection area shall not be more than 3 metres. A warning notice indicating the hazard of falling debris shall be placed in a conspicuous position at the debris collection area. The debris collection area shall be within an enclosure fitted with a gate to effectively protect persons from the hazard of falling debris. • The enclosure for the debris collection area shall be constructed of materials of

adequate strength up to a height of at least 2 metres. • The gate provided shall be kept closed unless removal of debris is taking place at the

area. • Shall not apply where a skip or container with sides extending to height of at least 2

metres is placed directly below the chute as a debris collection area to collect the debris being discharged.

R 56 – Design of chute by professional engineer Any chute exceeding 12 metres in height for use in the worksite is constructed, installed or repositioned in accordance with the design and drawings of the professional engineer who designed the chute; and no person shall use any such chute unless a certificate has been issued in respect of it. Risk Control Engineering control • overhead shelters • Cordoning areas where objects may fall • Toe-boards

• Safety nets

• Securing tools by means of a lanyard • Rubbish chutes

• Skips Administrative Control • Good housekeeping • Warning signs Personal Protective Equipment • Safety helmet • Safety shoes 6.2.2 FALLING HAZARDS

Statistics have shown that 1 out of 3 fatalities at the workplace are attributed to workers falling from height. Many more workers sustain serious injuries as a result of falls from height every year. With the increased need for work activities to be carried out at height, the exposure of workers to falling hazards also increases. Common sources of hazards: • Scaffolds; • Floor and lift shaft openings; • Ladders and stairs; • Open sides of floors; • Formworks; and • Working platforms.

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Work Environments that Pose a Fall from Height Risk • Raised work surfaces such as slopes; • Slippery work surfaces (wet, oily, dusty or glazed); • Uneven work surfaces (for example, broken ground or profiled roof sheeting); • Cramped work surfaces; • Work surfaces cluttered with tools, work materials and debris – step on objects; • Workers working in adverse weather conditions – for example in rain, strong or gusty

winds, extreme heat or high humidity, or very cold conditions; • Unprotected edges; • Building materials, large tools, or equipment that need to be manually carried; • Overloading of working platform, which may lead to collapse; • Struck by moving object or equipment e.g. load from lifting operation. The risk of falls due to tripping and slipping can be reduced by proper planning for material storage and good housekeeping. Such good practices not only result in a cleaner and safer workplace, it can also improve productivity. Legal Requirements

WSH (General Provision) Regulations R 23 - Measures to be taken to prevent falls

• All openings in floors shall be securely covered or fenced unless the nature of the work renders such covering or fencing impracticable.

• For every staircase which affords a means of exit from the workplace, a substantial handrail shall be provided and maintained, which — (a) if the staircase has an open side, shall be on that side; and (b) if the staircase has 2 open sides, shall be on both sides.

• Any open side of a staircase shall be guarded by the provision and maintenance of a lower rail or other effective means.

• Every teagle opening or similar doorway used for hoisting or lowering goods or materials, whether by mechanical power or otherwise, shall be securely fenced and provided with a secure handhold on each side of the opening or doorway.

• Any fencing shall be properly maintained and be kept in position except when goods or materials are being hoisted or lowered at the opening or doorway.

• Any person who would be liable to fall a distance of more than 2 metres or into any substance which is likely to cause drowning or asphyxiation, shall be provided with a secure foothold and handhold at the place for ensuring his safety. Where it is not reasonably practicable, other suitable means such as a safety harness or safety belt shall be provided for ensuring the safety of the person. Where a safety harness or safety belt is provided, there shall be sufficient and secured anchorage, by means of a life line or otherwise for the safety harness or safety belt; and the anchorage shall not be lower than the level of the working position of the person wearing the safety harness or safety belt.

WSH (Construction) Regulations R 22 - Falling hazards Every open side or opening into or through which a person is liable to fall more than 2 metres shall be covered or guarded by effective guard-rails, barriers or other equally effective means to prevent fall. Every guard-rail, barrier or other similar means of fall prevention shall be • of good construction, sound material and adequate strength to withstand the impact

during the course of work; • be placed on the inside of the uprights and secured so as to prevent accidental

displacement; and • be placed so as to prevent the fall of any person.

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Every guard-rail, barrier or other similar means of fall prevention may be removed where free access is required for work actually in progress in the worksite. Every guard-rail, barrier or other similar means of fall prevention which are removed shall be reinstated or replaced immediately when access of persons or movement of materials is not taking place at the open side or opening. . R 26 - Slipping hazards Any passageway or on any scaffold, platform or other elevated working surface shall be kept free from slipping hazards. R 31 - Safe means of access and egress between different working levels in building or structures Where work is carried out by persons required to work between different levels of a building or structure, safe means of access to and egress from the different levels of the building or structure shall be ensured at all times. R 27 - Hazards arising from protruding objects All passageways, stairs, platforms and other means of access or places of work are kept free from debris or protruding objects or any other obstruction that could cause tripping and any sharp projection which is present in any passageway, stair, platform and other means of access or place of work and which may injure any person is removed or otherwise made safe. Risk Control Elimination • Prefabricating wall frames horizontally before standing them up; • Using precast tilt-up concrete construction instead of concrete walls constructed in situ;

and • Using paint rollers with extendable handles rather than working on a ladder. Substitution • Using mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) instead of ladders for reaching high

places. Engineering Control • Provision of slip resistant surfaces • Provision of perimeter guardrails for open sides and staircases • Guardrails for openings. • Physical barrier to prevent unauthorised access. • Drainage to drain the surface water • Gradient surface to let the water flow. Administrative Controls • Prohibition of access - Marking out an area can be effective in making sure that people

are not exposed to fall hazards. • Adequate signages to warn against access to the hazardous area. • Provide relevant information to employees • Adequate supervision to ensure that no worker enters a “No Entry” area. • Implementing a fall protection plan • Maintain the floor in a dry condition. • Designated walkway • Proper housekeeping Personal Protective Equipment • Travel restraint systems • Individual fall arrest systems • Anti-slip footwear

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6.2.3 SCAFFOLD HAZARDS Scaffolds are used extensively in the construction industry for work at heights. Trade Types of scaffolds

Architectural and Finishing Works

Suspended scaffolds, Metal scaffolds, Tower scaffolds and Timber Scaffolds

Civil and Structural Works Metal scaffold, Tower scaffolds and Cantilever scaffolds Mechanical and Electrical Works

Tower scaffolds

Scaffold means any temporary structure — (a) on or from which persons perform work in any workplace; or (b) which enables persons to obtain access to or which enables materials to be taken to any place at which such work is performed, and includes any suspended scaffold, hanging scaffold, tubular scaffold, trestle scaffold, work platform, gangway, run, ladder or step-ladder (other than an independent ladder or step-ladder which does not form part of such a structure) together with any guard-rail, toe-board or other safeguards and all fixings, but does not include a lifting appliance, a lifting machine or a structure used merely to support such an appliance or such a machine or to support other plant or equipment; Hazards of scaffolds • Unqualified erectors • Improper sequence of erection • Inadequate fall protection • Improper erection • Inadequate design • Soft ground • Uneven ground • Defective components • Poor housekeeping • Overloading • Inadequate ties • Inadequate bracing • Not levelled • Open sides • Debris on platforms • Electrical cables The potential accidents that could occur would be • Falling from height • Falling objects • Collapse of scaffolds. • Electrocution Legal requirements WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations R 2 Definitions "timber scaffold" means any scaffold which uses a timber roller as any of its member or component; "trestle scaffold" means a scaffold in which the supports for the platform are any of the following which are self-supporting split heads, folding step-ladders, tripods or other similar movable contrivances.

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"frame or modular scaffold" means a scaffold manufactured in such a way that the geometry of the scaffold is pre-determined and the relative spacings of the principal members are fixed; "independent tied scaffold" means a scaffold, the work platform of which is supported from the base by 2 or more rows of standards and which, apart from the necessary ties, stands completely free of any building or other structure; "base plate" , in relation to a metal scaffold, means a plate for distributing the load from a standard; "bay" , in relation to a scaffold, means the portion of the scaffold between vertical supports (whether standards or supports from which that portion is suspended) which are adjacent longitudinally; “brace” or “bracing” means a member incorporated in a scaffold for stability;

Metal Scaffold

"ledger" means a member which spans horizontally and ties a scaffold longitudinally and which acts as a support for putlogs or transoms; "lift" , in relation to any scaffold, means — • the vertical distance between the base of a scaffold and its first ledger; or any 2

consecutive ledgers; or • any level at which a platform is constructed; "putlog" means a horizontal member on which the board, plank or decking of a work platform is laid; "sole plate" means a member used to distribute the load from the base plate or the standard of a scaffold to the supporting surface; "standard" means a member used as a vertical support or column in the construction of a scaffold which transmits a load to the ground or any other solid construction; "tie" means an assembly used to connect a scaffold to a rigid anchorage; "toe-board" means a member fastened above a work platform or workplace to prevent persons or materials from falling from the work platform or workplace; Deleted: _



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"transom" means a member placed horizontally and used to tie one ledger transversely to another, or one standard to another, in an independent tied scaffold; "tubular scaffold" means a scaffold constructed from tubes and couplers; "climber" means a lifting equipment through which a suspension wire rope, the lower end of which is not anchored, passes and which is controlled either by friction grips or by turns of the rope around drums within the equipment;

Mast climber

"suspended scaffold" means a scaffold suspended by means of ropes or chains and capable of being raised or lowered but does not include a boatswain’s chair or other similar appliance;

R 3 - Application These Regulations shall apply to every workplace in which any scaffold is, is being or is to be constructed, erected, installed, used, re-positioned, altered, maintained, repaired or

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dismantled, whether such work or use of the scaffold commences before, on or after 10th September 2011. R 4 - Only approved scaffold contractor to construct, erect, install, re-position, alter, maintain, repair or dismantle certain scaffolds No person shall construct, erect, install, re-position, alter, maintain, repair or dismantle any scaffold, not being an excluded scaffold, in any workplace unless he is an approved scaffold contractor. “Excluded scaffold” means a tower scaffold; a trestle scaffold; or a scaffold (other than a suspended scaffold, hanging scaffold or a scaffold erected on cantilever or jib supports) which, when completed and excluding the handrails and their supports at the uppermost lift of the scaffold, is less than 4 metres in height. R 5 - Scaffold erectors It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that no person is involved in the construction, erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration, maintenance, repair or dismantling of a scaffold in a workplace unless he has successfully completed a training course acceptable to the Commissioner, to equip him to perform the work of a scaffold erector. R 6 - Scaffold Supervisor It shall be the duty of the responsible person to appoint a scaffold supervisor before any construction, erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration, maintenance, repair or dismantling of a scaffold in a workplace. The responsible person shall not appoint any person as a scaffold supervisor unless the person is one who has successfully completed a training course acceptable to the Commissioner, to equip him to be a scaffold supervisor; and whom the responsible person reasonably believes is competent to perform the functions and duties of a scaffold supervisor. R 7 - Personal protective equipment for scaffold erectors It shall be the duty of the responsible person to provide to every scaffold erector involved in the construction, erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration, maintenance, repair or dismantling of any scaffold in a workplace a safety harness attached with a shock absorbing device; and sufficient & secured anchorage by means of an independent life line or other equally effective means. The scaffold erector who is involved in any work is to use the safety harness attached with a shock absorbing device provided to him. Any person who contravenes paragraph (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 8 - Supervision of construction, erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration, maintenance, repair or dismantling of scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that no scaffold is constructed, erected, installed, re-positioned, altered, maintained, repaired or dismantled in a workplace except under the immediate supervision of a scaffold supervisor. R 9 - Construction and materials It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every scaffold, and every member or component thereof, in a workplace shall be of sound material, good construction and adequate strength; free from patent defects; and suitable & for the purpose for which it is intended. The occupier shall ensure that every scaffold erected at a building under construction, so far as is reasonably practicable, be erected such that it precedes the construction of the uppermost permanent floor of the building by not less than one metre above that floor. Where the height of the scaffold extends beyond the uppermost permanent floor by 2 metres or more, the occupier shall ensure that the scaffold shall be adequately supported to prevent its collapse R 10 - Foundation of scaffolds Every scaffold in a workplace shall be constructed, erected or installed on structures or

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foundations of adequate strength. Where a scaffold in a workplace is to be founded on soil, the soil shall be adequately consolidated. In the case of a scaffold in a workplace exceeding 15 metres in height or being erected on poorly drained soil, base plates shall bear upon sole plates that are of strength not less than 670 kgf per square metre; and of a length suitable to distribute the load. There shall be no cavity under the sole plate immediately below any standard of a scaffold in a workplace. R 11 - Scaffolds supported by buildings, ships or other structures No part of a building, ship or other structure shall be used as support for any part of a scaffold in a workplace unless it is sufficiently stable, and of sound material and adequate strength to afford safe support. Overhanging eaves gutters shall not be used as supports for any part of a scaffold in a workplace unless they have been specially designed as walkways and are of adequate strength. R 12 - Designated access point for scaffolds It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace where a scaffold is constructed, erected or installed to ensure that every scaffold shall have at least one designated access point from which a person may gain access onto the scaffold. The occupier shall ensure that every designated access point is clearly marked with a sign or label; and made safe for use by any person. R 13 - Stairs and ladders It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that stairs or ladders are provided to enable persons to gain access from one level of any scaffold in a workplace to another level; and so far as is reasonably practicable, are installed within the scaffold. R 14 - Standards and ledgers It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that the standards of a scaffold in a workplace shall be plumb where practicable; fixed sufficiently close together to secure the stability of the scaffold, having regard to all the circumstances. In the case of a timber scaffold, spaced not more than 1.5 metres apart; and No metal scaffold with standards spaced more than 2.5 metres apart shall be constructed or erected in a workplace unless it has been approved in writing by the Commissioner. A standard of a scaffold in a workplace shall be placed on an adequate and secured sole plate in order that the foot of the standard does not rest directly on the ground or supporting surface, so as to prevent any vertical displacement of the foot. Where the floor or supporting structure is of sufficient rigidity to evenly distribute the load imposed upon it by the standard without causing any vertical displacement of the standard, the provision of a sole plate under the standard shall not be necessary. The foot of a standard of any frame or modular scaffold in a workplace shall be secured to a base plate so that it does not rest directly on the ground or supporting surface. The ledgers of a metal scaffold in a workplace shall be spaced at vertical intervals of not more than 2 metres. The ledgers of a timber scaffold in a workplace shall as far as possible, be horizontal; be spaced at vertical intervals of not more than 1.8 metres; and be securely fastened to the standards. R 15 - Transoms It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that transoms are located at or near the intersections of standards and ledgers of a scaffold in a workplace. R 16 - Bracing It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that Every scaffold in a workplace shall be effectively braced by means of longitudinal and transverse bracing systems which shall extend from the base to the top of the scaffold. The joints in bracing members shall be lapped or spliced. Longitudinal bracing members shall be continuous and fixed at approximately 45° to the horizontal. Each lift shall be crossed by at least one longitudinal bracing member in every 10 metres length of the scaffold. A transverse bracing system shall be provided at each end of the scaffold and at intervals of not more than 10 bays. (A transverse bracing system need not be provided where vertical transverse frames are provided for the full height of the scaffold and at each pair of standards; and the frames are

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type-tested by a recognised testing body in accordance with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner. Every frame scaffold in a workplace shall be provided with horizontal bracings or lacings at intervals of not more than every 5 lifts. R 17 - Gear for suspension of scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every chain, rope and lifting gear used for the suspension of a scaffold in a workplace shall be of sound material, adequate strength and suitable quality, and in good condition. Any chain, rope and metal tube used for the suspension of a scaffold in a workplace, other than a suspended scaffold, shall be properly and securely fastened to safe anchorage points and to the scaffold ledgers or other main supporting members; positioned so as to ensure stability of the scaffold; approximately vertical; and kept taut. Every scaffold in a workplace that is suspended by means of chains or ropes shall be secured to prevent undue horizontal movement while it is used as a work platform. R 18 - Work platforms It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that Work platforms in a workplace shall be provided at any place of work which does not afford a proper and secure foothold; and in the case of a building under construction, around the edge of the building at every uppermost permanent floor which is under construction. Work platforms shall be provided at intervals of not less than every alternate lift of any scaffold, except a tower scaffold or a trestle scaffold, used in any premises where building operations are being carried on; and unless approval is given in writing by the Commissioner, the vertical distance between any 2 work platforms shall not exceed 4 metres. Every work platform provided shall cover the lift of a scaffold throughout its entire length. Every work platform provided under this regulation shall be closely boarded, planked or decked. It must be at least 500 millimeters wide; and not have any opening except to allow access to that work platform. The distance between a work platform and any building, ship or other structure shall be as narrow as is reasonably practicable and shall not exceed 300 millimetres. R 19 - Loading requirements for scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that signboards stating the maximum permissible weight of tools and materials and the maximum number of persons permissible on each bay are prominently displayed at suitable locations on the scaffold in a workplace. The occupier of the workplace is to ensure that signboards are displayed at all times until the scaffold is dismantled. A scaffold in a workplace shall not be overloaded and, so far as is reasonably practicable, the load thereon shall be evenly distributed. When any material is transferred to or from a scaffold ing, the material shall be moved or deposited without imposing any violent shock. The maximum loading for persons and materials allowed on any work platform in any bay of a scaffold in a workplace shall be in the case of a timber scaffold, 75 kgf per square metre; or in any other case, 220 kgf per square metre. The maximum number of persons allowed on any work platform in any bay of a timber or metal scaffold in a workplace shall be in the case of a timber scaffold, not more than 2 persons; and in the case of a metal scaffold, not more than 4 persons. The maximum number of persons allowed in any bay of a timber or metal scaffold in a workplace shall be in the case of a timber scaffold, not more than 4 persons; and in the case of a metal scaffold, not more than 8 persons. R 20 - Design by professional engineer It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that a work platform and any support thereof in a workplace shall be constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer where the work platform is used to provide footing for more than 2 persons in each bay; or to support tools or materials exceeding 25 kgf in each bay. Where a metal scaffold is used in a workplace to support more than 4 persons in any bay, the scaffold shall be constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. It shall be the duty of a professional engineer who designs any work platform or support to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that his design can be executed safely by any person who constructs or uses the work platform, support or metal scaffold according to his design; and provide to any person who constructs or is to construct the work platform, support or metal scaffold, all design

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documentation (including all relevant calculations, drawings and construction procedures) as is necessary to facilitate the proper construction of the work platform, support or metal scaffold according to his design. It shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace in which a scaffold is erected or installed to ensure that no work platform or support is used unless the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer are kept available at the workplace for inspection by an inspector. Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 21 - Boards, planks and decking It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that all boards, planks or decking used in the construction of work platforms in a workplace shall be of uniform thickness; be capable of supporting a load of 670 kgf per square metre with due regard to the spacing of the supports; and be flushed along their lengths and effectively secured to prevent tipping or uplift. Any metal decking which forms part of a work platform in a workplace shall be provided with non-skid surfaces. Any board or plank which forms part of a work platform in a workplace shall project beyond its end support to a distance of not less than 50 millimetres and not more than 4 times the thickness of the board or plank. R 22 - Toe-boards and guard-rails It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every side of a work platform or workplace from which a person is liable to fall more than 2 metres shall be provided with toe-boards and 2 or more guard-rails. The toe-boards and guard-rails provided shall be of sound material, good construction and adequate strength to withstand the impact during the course of work; be placed on the inside of the uprights and secured so as to prevent any accidental displacement; be placed so as to prevent the fall of any person or material. The uppermost guard-rail provided shall be at least one metre above the work platform or workplace for which the guard-rail is provided. The height of toe-boards provided shall not be less than 90 millimetres. The vertical distance between any 2 adjacent guard-rails and between any work platform or workplace and the guard-rail immediately above it shall not exceed 600 millimetres. R 23 - Overlay and screening nets It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that overlay or screening nets shall be used to envelope any timber or metal scaffold in a workplace which is erected on the outside of a building. R 24 - Scaffolds to be free of material which endanger safety It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a scaffold is constructed, erected or installed to remove any material, including waste material or debris, from the scaffold which may endanger the safety of any person. R 25 - Measures against electrical hazards It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to any scaffold in the workplace, to ensure that all practicable measures shall be taken to protect the person from electric shock by electrical wires or equipment when using the scaffold. R 26 - Inspection of scaffolds It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a scaffold is constructed, erected or installed to ensure that no scaffold is used unless it has been inspected by a scaffold supervisor upon completion of its construction, erection or installation; thereafter, at intervals of not more than 7 days immediately following the date of the last inspection by the scaffold supervisor; and after exposure to weather conditions likely to have affected its strength or stability or to have displaced any part. It shall be the duty of the scaffold supervisor to enter the results of every inspection into a register containing such details as may be required by the Commissioner; and provide the register to the occupier of the workplace. The occupier of the workplace in which a scaffold is constructed, erected or installed is to keep the register at the workplace; and produce the register for inspection upon request by an inspector. This regulation shall not apply to a trestle scaffold; or a

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scaffold, from no part of which a person is liable to fall more than 2 metres. Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 27 - Labelling of scaffolds after inspection It shall be the duty of the scaffold supervisor who carries out the inspection of a scaffold immediately after such inspection, display a notice or label indicating whether the scaffold is safe for use or otherwise. The notice or label be in a form readily understood by the persons employed in the workplace; and be displayed at every designated access point. R 28 - Construction, erection, maintenance, repair and dismantling of scaffolds It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a scaffold is, or is being, constructed, erected or installed to ensure that No scaffold or part thereof which is partially constructed, erected, installed or dismantled shall be allowed to be used unless it is made safe. Where any scaffold is unsafe for use, a prominent warning notice or signs in a form readily understood by all persons indicating that the scaffold or part thereof is not to be used shall be affixed near any point at which the scaffold or part, as the case may be, is liable to be approached for the purpose of use. Every scaffold shall be properly maintained and every part thereof shall be fixed, secured or placed in position so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any accidental displacement. Any scaffold, and any member or component thereof, that has been damaged or weakened shall be repaired as soon as reasonably practicable. No person shall be permitted on a scaffold that is damaged or weakened except a scaffold erector who is carrying out the repair of the scaffold. Where ties of a scaffold to a permanent structure have to be removed, the portion of the scaffold from which the ties are removed shall be dismantled unless adequate measures are taken to ensure the stability of the scaffold. R 29 - Approved metal scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that no metal scaffold shall be erected or installed in a workplace unless it has been type-tested by a recognised testing body in accordance with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner; and it complies with such conditions as the Commissioner may think fit to impose. R30 - Design of certain metal scaffolds by professional engineer It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every metal scaffold exceeding 15 metres in height in any shipyard; or exceeding 30 metres in height in any workplace other than in a shipyard, be erected or installed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. It shall be the duty of a professional engineer who designs any metal scaffold take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that his design can be executed safely by any person who erects, installs or uses the scaffold according to his design; and provide to any person who erects or installs or is to erect or install the scaffold, all design documentation (including all relevant calculations, drawings and construction procedures) as is necessary to facilitate the proper erection or installation of the scaffold according to his design. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a metal scaffold is erected or installed to ensure the scaffold is not used unless the scaffold has been examined by the professional engineer after its erection or installation, and a certificate stating that the scaffold is safe for use has been obtained from the professional engineer; the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer and the certificate are kept available at the workplace for inspection by an inspector; and the scaffold has been inspected by a professional engineer at least once every 3 months to ensure that it is safe for use. It shall be the duty of the professional engineer, when he discovers any defect in a metal scaffold in the course of his examination or inspection , to immediately inform the occupier of the workplace in which the scaffold is erected or installed. It shall be the duty of the occupier upon being informed of any defect in a scaffold to immediately take action to rectify the defect before the scaffold is used.

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Any person who contravenes paragraph (3)(b) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 31 - Ties for metal scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every alternate lift and every uppermost lift of an independent tied metal scaffold in a workplace shall be effectively tied to the building or structure by means of ties. Ties shall be located no further than one bay from the ends of the independent tied metal scaffold and thereafter, at intermediate spacing of not more than 3 bays or 7.5 metres apart, whichever is the lesser. Ties other than tie tubes and couplers shall not be used without the approval in writing of the Commissioner. Every tie shall conform with the following: Tie tubes shall be attached by right angle couplers to the outside ledger or standard or, in the case of an independent scaffold, to both the inside and outside standards as close as possible to the junction of the standards and ledgers; and the ends of the tie tubes shall be attached to the building or structure by one of the following methods:

• the tie tubes shall form part of a yoke constructed of tubes and couplers which passes around and bears hard against the sides of a column, pier, beam or similar structural members;

• each tie tube shall pass through the wall and be secured with 2 pieces of tube of minimum length of 300 millimetres and shall be attached one on each side of, and bear hard against, the wall;

• each tie tube shall be attached to a reveal tie not greater than 1.5 metres in length but reveal ties shall not be used where a horizontal diagonal plan bracing is used; or

• each tie tube shall pass through ring bolts which shall be secured by casting in or being anchored in the wall.

Every tie tube shall be perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the scaffold and, where this is not practicable, the deviation from the perpendicular shall not exceed 15°. Every tie shall be capable of withstanding a force of 1,000 kgf applied in either direction along the length of the tie. R 32 - Transoms for modular or tube-and-coupler scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every modular scaffold or tube-and-coupler scaffold in a workplace is provided with transverse horizontal members or transoms for each lift. R 33 - Spigots, jointpins or sleeves It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that Spigots, jointpins or sleeves shall be used to connect one standard of a metal scaffold in a workplace to another standard. Where spigots, jointpins or sleeves are used to locate and connect one standard to another, such spigots, jointpins or sleeves shall permit full bearing over the whole bearing area at the ends of the standards; and have such external or internal dimensions that the maximum difference of mating diameters in any part between the spigot, jointpin or sleeve and the other standard does not exceed 1.6 millimetres. Spigots and jointpins shall engage in the ends of the standards by at least 70 millimetres. Sleeves shall cover the end of the standard by at least 70 millimetres. The standards shall be securely held if they are connected by the spigots, jointpins or sleeves. R 34 - Adjustable base plates Where an adjustable base plate is used on a standard of a metal scaffold in a workplace and the adjustment exceeds 150 millimetres, it shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that the standard is tied longitudinally to the adjacent standard or standards at a height of not more than 460 millimetres above the supporting surface by right angle or swivel couplers. R 35 - Frame or modular scaffolds to be erected in one plane It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every frame or modular scaffold in a workplace is erected such that every lift is horizontal and in one plane.

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R 36 - Cross brace not to be used as means of access or egress It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any frame scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to use any frame scaffold in a workplace, to ensure that no cross brace on the frame scaffold shall be used as a means of access or egress by the person. R 37 - Timber scaffolds not to be used in shipyards It shall be the duty of the occupier of a shipyard to ensure that no timber scaffold shall be used in the shipyard. R 38 - Materials for timber scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that the Timber used for any scaffold in a workplace shall be of a suitable quality; shall be in good condition; shall have the bark completely stripped off; and shall not be painted or treated in any way such that defects in the wood cannot be seen easily. Timber used for any scaffold in a workplace shall comprise of Bintangor rollers; or other species of timber rollers which are of similar strength, durability and resilience as Bintangor rollers and which are approved in writing by the Commissioner. Every standard of a timber scaffold in a workplace shall have a diameter of at least 50 millimetres throughout its length. Every timber roller used as a ledger or horizontal bracing, transom or putlog in a scaffold in a workplace shall have a diameter of at least 38 millimetres at the tip. The members or components of a timber scaffold in a workplace shall be lashed using rattan strips or other material approved in writing by the Commissioner. The lashing required shall be done with strips not less than 1.8 metres in length with a minimum of 6 turns per strip. R 39 - Construction of timber scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every timber scaffold in a workplace shall not exceed 15 metres in height. No timber scaffold with a single row of standards shall be erected in a workplace. Every timber scaffold in a workplace shall be securely tied and braced at the corners; and rigidly anchored to the building or other structure at regular close intervals. Transverse and longitudinal braces of a timber scaffold in a workplace shall be securely placed and lashed to the standards. R 40 - Ties for timber scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that a timber scaffold in a workplace shall be tied to a building or other structure by horizontal ties. Each tie shall pass through an opening or hole in the wall in the building or structure; and be secured at a right angle to another pole which shall be fixed firmly inside the building or structure. Where it is not practicable to install any tie, the timber scaffold shall be tied to a building or other structure using ties which are constructed and installed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer; or by such other means which are approved in writing by the Commissioner. Ties made up of wires shall not be used. It shall be the duty of a professional engineer who designs any tie of a timber scaffold take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that his design can be executed safely by any person who constructs, installs or uses the tie according to his design; and provide to any person who constructs or installs or is to construct or install the tie of the timber scaffold, all design documentation (including all relevant calculations, drawings and construction procedures) as is necessary to facilitate the proper construction or installation of the tie according to his design. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a timber scaffold is erected to ensure that no scaffold with ties is used unless the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer are kept available at the workplace for inspection by an inspector. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

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R 41 - Duration of use of timber scaffolds It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a timber scaffold is erected to ensure that the timber scaffold shall be dismantled within a period of 9 months after its erection. R 42 - Suspended scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that no suspended scaffold shall be erected or installed in a workplace unless the outriggers or other supports are of adequate length and strength; properly installed and supported; securely fixed to a building, ship or other structure by anchor bolts or other similar means, or where such fixing is not reasonably practicable, adequately and securely anchored at the inner ends; and provided with rope guards of adequate strength at the outer ends to prevent the ropes from being displaced from the outriggers; the points of suspension are at adequate horizontal distances from the building face, the hull of the ship or any other structure; The suspension ropes are of galvanised wire ropes; of sound material, good construction and adequate strength, and free from patent defects; securely attached to the outriggers or other supports and, if winch drums are used, to the winch drums; and of such length that the platform is capable of being lowered to the ground or floor, and in the case of winches, that there are at least 2 turns of the rope remaining on each winch drum. The above paragraph shall not apply when the primary suspension wire-ropes are suspended from the outer end of the outriggers or other supports by means which preclude the displacement of the wire-rope from its point of suspension. It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any suspended scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to use any suspended scaffold in a workplace, to ensure that no person shall enter or leave the cradle of a suspended scaffold unless it is at rest on the ground or at any level which affords a safe means of access or egress. It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any suspended scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to use any suspended scaffold in a workplace, to ensure that no person shall enter or leave the cradle of a suspended scaffold unless it is at rest on the ground or at any level which affords a safe means of access or egress. R 43 - Suspended scaffolds raised or lowered by climbers, winches or powered device It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that No suspended scaffold that is raised or lowered by climbers, winches or any powered device shall be erected or installed in a workplace unless the suspended scaffold has been designed and constructed in accordance with a standard or code acceptable to the Commissioner; the climbers, winches or device is properly maintained; the climbers, winches or device is opened for inspection and servicing at least once in every 12 months to ensure that the drive mechanisms are in safe working order; and records of such inspection and servicing are kept for each climber, winch and device. The outriggers or overhead supports shall be spaced not more than 3.2 metres apart measured from the longitudinal centre line of one outrigger or support to such centre line of the adjacent outrigger or support, unless the prior approval in writing of the Commissioner has been obtained. Wire ropes used to suspend the work platform shall be vertical and taut. The climbers, winches or device shall be synchronised so that the work platform of the suspended scaffold is maintained level at all times. In the case of a suspended scaffold manufactured outside Singapore, the design of the suspended scaffold shall be certified by a professional engineer or a third-party inspection agency approved in writing by the Commissioner. Where the work platform of a suspended scaffold is supported by wire ropes, the outriggers or other overhead supports for the suspended scaffold shall be constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. It shall be the duty of a professional engineer who designs any outrigger or overhead support for the suspended scaffold to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that his design can be executed safely by any person who constructs or uses the outrigger or other overhead support for the suspended scaffold according to his design; and

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provide to any person who constructs or is to construct the outrigger or other overhead support for the suspended scaffold, all design documentation (including all relevant calculations, drawings and construction procedures) as is necessary to facilitate the proper construction of the outrigger or other overhead support for the suspended scaffold according to his design. Where a suspended scaffold has been re-positioned or shifted from one location to another within the same workplace, the suspended scaffold and its attachments shall be erected or installed in accordance with the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a suspended scaffold is erected or installed to ensure that no suspended scaffold shall be used unless the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer are kept available at the workplace for inspection by an inspector. Any person who contravenes paragraph (10) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 44 - Safety device for suspended scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that every suspended scaffold in a workplace that is raised or lowered by climbers, winches or a powered device shall be provided at each suspension point with a safety rope with an automatic safety device mounted on it. The safety rope with the automatic safety device shall be capable of supporting the platform in the event of a failure of the primary suspension rope, winch, climber or any part of the device or mechanism used for raising or lowering the suspended scaffold. This shall not apply if the platform is supported on 2 independent suspension wire ropes at or near each end such that, in the event of a failure of one suspension wire rope, the other wire rope is capable of sustaining the weight of the platform and its load and preventing it from tilting; or a system is incorporated which operates automatically to support the platform and its load in the event of a failure of the primary suspension rope. R 45 - Prohibition of overloading of suspended scaffolds It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a suspended scaffold is erected or installed to ensure that the suspended scaffold shall not at any time be loaded beyond the safe working load except in a test in the presence of an inspector or authorised examiner. R 46 - Suspended scaffolds counter-balanced by counter-weights It shall be the duty of the responsible person to in relation to a scaffold in a workplace, water or other liquids, earth, clay, sand, chippings or other aggregates shall not be used as counter-weights. Every portable counter-weight shall have its weight permanently and distinctly stamped, engraved or embossed thereon. Every counter-weight shall be securely attached at the inner end of the outriggers to prevent any accidental displacement or tampering by any person. The counter-balancing weight on any outrigger shall not be less than 3 times the weight necessary to balance the load on the projecting part of the outrigger when the suspended scaffold in a workplace is fully loaded. R 47 - Prevention of sway It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that the work platform of a suspended scaffold in a workplace shall be securely fastened to the building or other structure in such a manner and at such intervals as to prevent the platform from swaying. R48 - Age limit of operator It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any suspended scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to use any suspended scaffold in a workplace, to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary to ensure that no person below the age of 18 years operates a climber, winch, powered device or mechanism used for raising or lowering a suspended scaffold.

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R49 - Personal protective equipment for users of suspended scaffolds It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any suspended scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to use any suspended scaffold in a workplace, to provide to the person a safety harness attached with a shock absorbing device; and sufficient and secured anchorage by means of an independent life line or other equally effective means. It shall be the duty of the person who uses any suspended scaffold in a workplace to use the safety harness attached with a shock absorbing device provided to him. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 50 - Notice to be displayed in suspended scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to prominently display a notice in the cradle of a suspended scaffold in a workplace that is in a form readily understood by any person stating the safe working load of the suspended scaffold; stating the maximum number of persons allowed to be in the suspended scaffold; and reminding the person to attach his safety harness to a secured anchorage at all times. It shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to ensure that the notice is displayed at all times until the suspended scaffold is dismantled. R 51 - Tower scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that the height of a tower scaffold erected or installed on board a ship in a shipyard shall not exceed 4 times the lesser of the base dimensions of the scaffold. The height of a tower scaffold in a workplace, shall not exceed 8 times the lesser of the base dimensions of the scaffold. Where the height of a tower scaffold in a workplace, excluding the handrails and their supports at the uppermost lift of the scaffold, exceeds 3 times the lesser of the base dimensions of the scaffold, the scaffold shall be effectively tied to the building or a rigid structure so as to prevent toppling. Any tower scaffold which can be moved on casters shall be constructed with due regard to its stability and, if necessary, adequately weighted at the base; be used only on a firm and even surface; and be provided with a positive locking device on each caster to hold the scaffold in position. It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any tower scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to use any tower scaffold in a workplace, to ensure that no more than 2 work platforms shall be used on a tower scaffold in the workplace at any one time. It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any tower scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to use any tower scaffold in a workplace, to ensure that no tower scaffold is moved except by applying force at or near the base; the casters are locked to hold the tower scaffold in position while the person is on the tower scaffold; and no person remains on the tower scaffold when it is being moved. R 52 - Scaffolds and work platforms erected on cantilever or jib supports It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that a scaffold in a workplace that is erected on cantilever or jib supports shall be adequately supported, fixed and anchored on the supports to prevent displacement. The cantilever or jib supports used to support the scaffold shall have outriggers of adequate length and cross section; and be constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. Where a work platform in a workplace rests on bearers that let into a wall at one end and it does not have other support, the bearers shall pass through the wall; be of adequate strength; and be securely fastened on the other side of the wall. “cantilever or jib support” includes any structure, including a bracket or beam, that projects beyond a fulcrum or point of attachment and that is not supported directly from the ground or floor below. Design of cantilever or jib supports by professional engineer R 53 – Design of cantilever or jib supports by professional engineer

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It shall be the duty of a professional engineer who designs a cantilever or jib support, to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that his design can be executed safely by any person who constructs or uses the cantilever or jib support according to his design; and provide to any person who constructs or is to construct the cantilever or jib support, all design documentation (including all relevant calculations, drawings and construction procedures) as is necessary to facilitate the proper construction of the cantilever or jib support according to his design. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a scaffold is erected on cantilever or jib supports to ensure that the scaffold is not used unless the scaffold (including the cantilever or jib support) has been examined by the professional engineer after its erection or installation, and a certificate stating that the scaffold is safe for use has been obtained from the professional engineer; the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer and the certificate are kept available at the workplace for inspection by an inspector; and the scaffold has been inspected by a professional engineer at least once every 3 months to ensure that it is safe for use. It shall be the duty of the professional engineer, when he discovers any defect in a scaffold in the course of his examination or inspection to immediately inform the occupier of the workplace in which the scaffold is erected or installed. It shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace upon being informed of any defect in a scaffold to immediately take action to rectify the defect before the scaffold is used. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 54 - Hanging scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that a hanging scaffold in a workplace shall be constructed before being hung into position on a building, ship or other structure; securely anchored to the hull or any other part of the building, ship or structure to prevent lateral movement or sway; constructed so that the work platform is in a horizontal plane; and provided with safe means of access to and egress from its platform by means of stairs or ladders. Stairs or ladders shall be placed in such a manner as to prevent any person from falling; and shall not rise to a vertical distance of more than 3 metres between landings. A hanging scaffold from which a person may fall more than 2 metres shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. It shall be the duty of a professional engineer who designs a hanging scaffold to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that his design can be executed safely by any person who constructs, installs or uses the hanging scaffold according to his design; and provide to any person who is constructs or installs or is to construct or install the hanging scaffold, all design documentation (including all relevant calculations, drawings and construction procedures) as is necessary to facilitate the proper construction or installation of the hanging scaffold according to his design. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a hanging scaffold is constructed or installed to ensure that no hanging scaffold is used unless the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer are kept available at the workplace for inspection by an inspector. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 55 - Personal protective equipment for users of hanging scaffolds It shall be the duty of the employer of any person who uses or is to use any hanging scaffold in a workplace; or the principal under whose direction any person uses or is to use any hanging scaffold in a workplace, to provide to the person a safety harness attached with a shock absorbing device; and sufficient and secured anchorage by means of an independent life line or other equally effective means. It shall be the duty of the person who uses any hanging scaffold in a workplace to use the safety harness attached with a shock absorbing device provided to him.

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Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 56 - Trestle scaffolds It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that no trestle scaffold in a workplace shall be constructed with more than 3 tiers; or have a work platform more than 4.5 metres above the ground or floor or other surfaces upon which the scaffold is erected. It shall be the duty of a professional engineer who designs a trestle scaffold to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that his design can be executed safely by any person who constructs or uses the trestle scaffold according to his design; and provide to any person who is constructs or is to construct the trestle scaffold, all design documentation (including all relevant calculations, drawings and construction procedures) as is necessary to facilitate the proper construction of the trestle scaffold according to his design. No trestle scaffold shall be erected on a scaffold platform unless the width of the platform is such as to leave sufficient clear space for the transport of materials; and the trestles or uprights are firmly attached to the platform and adequately braced to prevent displacement. No trestle scaffold shall be erected on a suspended scaffold. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a trestle scaffold is constructed or erected to ensure that no trestle scaffold used unless the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer are kept available at the workplace for inspection by an inspector. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 57 - Application for approval to be approved scaffold contractor A firm or company may apply to the Commissioner for his approval to act as an approved scaffold contractor. An application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $150; be in such form and manner as the Commissioner may require; and be accompanied by such particulars, information, statements and documents as the Commissioner may require. R 58 - Certificate of approval On receipt of an application the Commissioner may issue to the applicant a certificate of approval, subject to such conditions as the Commissioner may think fit to impose; or refuse to approve the application. Where the Commissioner refuses to approve the applicant to act as an approved scaffold contractor, he shall give the applicant notice in writing of the reasons for his refusal. The Commissioner may at any time vary or revoke any of the conditions of a certificate of approval or impose new conditions. A certificate of approval shall not be transferable. R 59 - Production of certificate of approval It shall be the duty of any approved scaffold contractor to produce his certificate of approval for inspection upon request by an inspector. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000. R 60 - Suspension or cancellation of certificate The Commissioner may suspend or cancel the certificate of approval of any approved scaffold contractor if the Commissioner is satisfied that the approved scaffold contractor has obtained the certificate of approval by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact; or is contravening or has contravened any condition of the certificate of approval. Where a certificate of approval is suspended the firm or company to which the certificate of approval was issued shall, during the period of suspension, cease to be, and cease to act as, an approved scaffold contractor. Where a certificate of approval is cancelled, the firm or company to which the certificate of approval was issued shall immediately cease to be, and cease to act as, an approved scaffold contractor.

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R 61 - Notice of suspension or cancellation of certificate When the Commissioner has suspended or cancelled the certificate of approval, the Commissioner shall inform the approved scaffold contractor concerned by notice in writing of such suspension or cancellation. An approved scaffold contractor whose certificate of approval has been suspended or cancelled by the Commissioner under regulation 60 may, within 21 days of the date of the service of the notice of suspension or cancellation, appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final. The suspension or cancellation of the certificate of approval shall take effect 21 days after the date of the service of the notice on the approved scaffold contractor or, if an appeal against the suspension or cancellation of the certificate of approval has been made to the Minister on the date the Minister dismisses the appeal. Notwithstanding that the suspension or cancellation has not taken effect, any approved scaffold contractor whose certificate of approval is suspended or cancelled by the Commissioner shall not, between the date of the service of the notice of suspension or cancellation and the date the suspension or cancellation takes effect (both dates inclusive), construct, erect, install, re-position, alter, maintain, repair or dismantle any scaffold referred to in a workplace. A notice of suspension or cancellation may be served on any firm or company by leaving it at, or sending it by registered post to, the last known business address. R 62 - Offence Any person who contravenes regulation 4(1), or any provision of these Regulations which imposes a duty on him for which no penalty is expressly provided, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.

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Risk Control Elimination • Eliminate the need to work at height by working from the ground.

Substitution • Use mobile elevated work platform Engineering control • All the components of the scaffold such as guardrails, toe-boards, bracings, ties, sole

plates, base plates, screen nets

• Barricades during erection / dismantling Administrative Control • Erected by a qualified erectors • Safe work procedure • Comply with legal requirements • Inspected by scaffold supervisor • P. E design requirement • Signage – SWL, access, safe to use • Permit to work • Stop work during adverse weather • Good housekeeping • Suspend cables on non insulated materials • Work in pairs • Erect according to safe sequence. • P.E inspection before usage • Supervision by scaffold supervisor Personal Protective Equipment • Safety harness • Safety helmet • Safety shoes 6.2.4 MOBILE ELEVATED WORK PLATFORM (MEWP) HAZARDS A mobile elevated work platform is any telescoping, scissor or articulating equipment used to position personnel, materials or equipment at height. Mobile elevated work platforms consist of a platform surrounded by an edge protection system. The protected platform is used to position persons at work areas. Mobile elevated work platforms are available in a wide variety of types and sizes. They include scissor lifts and boom lifts as shown below. There are battery powered and internal combustion engine types. Some are designed for hard flat surfaces only, while others are designed for operation on rough terrain. Hazards of MEWP • Untrained operator • Uneven ground surface • Unclear controls • Adverse weather conditions • Defective equipment • Contact with overhead structures / electrical lines • Vehicular hazards The potential accidents that could occur would be falling from height, falling objects and collapse of MEWP, caught in between structures, electrocution, struck by moving vehicles

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Deleted: Other scaffolds¶¶R 57 Scaffold and work platform erected on cantilever or jib support“cantilever or jib support” includes any structure, including a bracket or beam, that projects beyond a fulcrum or point of attachment and that is not supported directly from the ground or floor below. ¶¶No cantilever or jib support shall be used unless — ¶<#>the scaffold is adequately supported, fixed and anchored on the support to prevent displacement; and ¶<#>the cantilever or jib support has outriggers of adequate length and cross section and is constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. ¶¶No work platform resting on bearers let into a wall at one end and which does not have other support shall be used unless the bearers pass through the wall and are of adequate strength and securely fastened on the other side of the wall. ¶¶R 58 Scaffold supported by buildings or other structuresNo part of a building or other structure shall be used as support for any part

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Risk Control Engineering Control • Cordoning of work area • installation of truck mounted attenuator (TMA) while working on roads more than

70km/h Administrative Control • Inspected by an Authorised Examiner at once in every 6 months. • Marked with a safe working load limit or maximum rate capacity notice • Operators of boom lifts should be properly trained and competent for the job. • Sufficient clearance should be maintained between structures and electrical lines. • Should not be used in high wind conditions or where there is risk of lightning. • Should only be used on a solid level surface • A pre-operation inspection must be performed by the operator before usage. • There must be no unauthorised alteration or modification of the mobile elevated work

platform or any of its safety devices or functions. • The use of planks, ladders or any other devices on the work platforms for the purpose

of achieving additional height or reach is strictly prohibited. • Follow the Land Transport Authority (LTA) - Code of Practice for Traffic Control at Work

Zone while working on the roads - re-directing of traffic flow, placement of warning lights, signage and traffic controllers

Personal Protective Equipment • Operators working in boom lifts should wear a suitably anchored safety harness.

Anchoring to nearby poles or equipment outside the work platform is prohibited. Personnel required to climb out of an elevated boom lift onto an elevated facility structure shall utilise 100 percent tie-off procedures during the transition from the boom lift cage to the elevated work location, (i.e. personnel must anchor to a fall rated facility anchorage point prior to disconnecting their lanyard attached to the aerial boom lift cage).

• Luminous vests to enhance visibility while working near roads

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6.2.5 SUSPENDED CAGE HAZARDS Suspended cages are personnel carrying devices, designed for attachment to a crane, to provide a working area for a person who is elevated by, and works from the cage. Suspended cages consist of a platform surrounded by an edge protection system. Hazards • Inadequate cage design • Movement of crane • Not wearing harness • Adverse weather conditions • Contact with overhead structures / electrical lines • Vehicular hazards The potential accidents that could occur would be falling from height. For detailed guidance on the use of suspended cages, please refer to Approved Code of Practice Singapore Standard CP 63: 1996 (2005) – Code of Practice for the Lifting of Persons in Work Platforms Suspended from Cranes. Risk Control Engineering Control • Design and construction of the work platform shall be in accordance to CP63. • Mobile cranes should be blocked at all times when using a suspended cage. • Tag lines shall be used where practical. • cordoning of work area • installation of truck mounted attenuator (TMA) while working on roads more than

70km/h Administrative Control • Inspected by an Authorised Examiner at once in every 6 months. • Marked with a safe working load limit or maximum rate capacity notice • Total weight of loaded platform shall not > 50% of the rated capacity for the radius and

configuration of the crane • No. of personnel allowed on the platform shall not exceed 2. Personnel shall be

considered as weighing 100 kg (including tools) each. • Persons should only access the suspended cage when the suspended cage is not

suspended and the surrounding area has space to provide access to or from the suspended cage.

• People using the suspended cage should only be allowed to enter or leave the suspended cage from the ground or solid construction.

• The crane’s free fall facility should not be operated in the hoist motion while the crane is supporting a suspended cage carrying people.

• Lifting and lowering speed shall not exceed 0.5 m/s. Crane operator to remain at control at all times when personnel are in the platform.

• The suspended cage and crane should only be accessed by qualified personnel. • Communication shall be maintained with personnel throughout the lifting operation. • Sufficient clearance should be maintained between structures and electrical lines. • Should not be used in high wind conditions or where there is risk of lightning. • Should only be used on a solid level surface • Follow the Land Transport Authority (LTA) - Code of Practice for Traffic Control at Work


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6.2.6 LADDER HAZARDS Ladders are used in most of the trades. The hazards of ladders are as follows: • Uneven ground surface • Defective ladders • Unstable ladders • Unsecured ladders • Wrong method of climbing • Carrying materials while climbing • Performing heavy duty works • Standing on top rung The potential accidents that could occur would be falling from height. Legislation

WSH (Construction) Regulations R 43 - Construction Ensure that the ladder is of good construction, sound material and adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used. R 44 - Resting surface and prevention against slipping The surface upon which any ladder rests or bears upon when used by a person using a ladder to carry out any work in a worksite shall be stable; level and firm; and of sufficient strength to safely support the ladder and any person or load intended to be placed on it. Every ladder in a worksite shall be positioned and securely fixed when used by any person carrying out any work so as to prevent slipping, swaying or sagging. If such fixing is impracticable, the ladder shall be held in place by a person. R 45 - Landing place Every ladder or run of ladders used by any person carrying out any work which rises a vertical distance of over 9 metres shall, if practicable, be provided with an intermediate landing place so that the vertical distance between any 2 successive landing places shall not exceed 9 metres. Every landing place shall be provided with sufficient and suitable guard-rails to prevent falls. Where a vertical ladder used by any person carrying out any work in a worksite rises a vertical distance of more than 3 metres, there shall be provided a safety cage or other practicable measures to prevent fall of persons. Risk Control Elimination • Use mobile elevated work platforms. Substitution • A step platform is a safer alternative to a step ladder. Engineering control • Securing the ladder at the top and / or bottom Administrative control • Another person to hold the ladder • Safe work procedure • Inspection programme • Proper angle of placement - approximately a quarter of the vertical height of the ladder. • atleast one meter above the place of landing • maintain three points of contact at all times, e.g. two feet and one hand or two hands

and one foot.

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• Step and trestle ladders should only be used when they are in the fully open position. • Use a 2-person team to transport ladders that are greater than 2m in height Personal Protective Equipment • Anti- slip resistant footwear 6.2.7 ROOF WORK HAZARDS The hazards for working on roofs are as follows: • fragile and brittle roofs constructed from moulded or fabricated materials such as

cellulose cement roof sheets; glass; fiberglass; acrylic or other similar synthetic materials.

• Sloping roofs • Deteriorated materials • Inadequate access • Adverse weather • Unprotected edges

The potential accidents that could occur would be falling from height and falling objects resulting in injuries and fatalities.

Legislation WSH (Construction) Regulations R23 - Work on roofs Where any person carries out any work on any roof from which he is liable to fall off or through a distance of more than 2 metres, sufficient and secured anchorage for the attachment of safety harness in the course of the person's work shall be provided. Person shall be protected against any sliding or fall from the roof. The person shall use the protection provided against sliding or fall from the roof. Risk Control Engineering Control • Provision of a safe means of access for getting to and from the roof before commencing

work by means of ladder access tower, hoist or staircase. • Work is carried out from a working platform that is located and constructed to allow

work to be performed safely • Provision of anchorage points • Catch platforms

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Administrative Control • Before the roofing work is carried out, the brittle or fragile areas are identified and the

stability of the structure and soundness of the roof is assessed; • The worker is informed that it is a fragile or brittle roofing; • There is another person present at all times when work is being performed on a brittle

roof in case there is an emergency; • Training and instruction has been provided to workers on precautions to be taken; • Training in rescue techniques has been provided and rescue equipment is readily

available for use at the workplace; • Warning signs are displayed at access points to any work area where fragile material is

present; • Warning signs are fixed securely in a position where they will be clearly visible to

persons Personal Protective Equipment • An adequate fall arrest system is installed and used 6.2.8 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM HAZARDS

Travel Restraint Systems A travel restraint system is a system that: • Consists of a safety harness or belt, attached to one or more lanyards, each of which is

attached to a static line or anchorage point; and • Is designed to restrict the travelling range of a person wearing the safety harness or

belt so that the person cannot get into a position where the person could fall off an edge of a surface or through a surface.

Travel restraint systems are generally only suitable for work such as the following: • Roof inspection (not on fragile roofs); • Installation and removal of perimeter guard-rail systems; • Minor repair work, including replacement of some isolated parts of the roof; • Painting and cleaning; • Installations of skylights and ventilation fixtures; • Pointing up tiles or fitting ridge capping metal roofs; and • Installation and removal of television aerials and other similar communication

equipment. The anchorage points must be able to withstand the full weight of the person using it without failure. Anchorage points should be designed for additional loading should more than one person be using the system. If the system consists of ropes that require their effective length to be adjusted to prevent a fall occurring, the method of adjusting the rope length should be by means of a lockable cam device or similar; if there is a possibility of the rope grab (or similar) coming off the end of the rope, the rope should be suitably terminated. Deleted: _



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Individual Fall Arrest Systems Individual fall arrest systems are intended to safely stop a worker from falling an uncontrolled distance and to reduce the impact of the fall. They can be used where workers are required to carry out their work near an unprotected edge such as rigging and dismantling. They may also be used where the working platform is not stable, for example in suspended scaffolds. Individual fall arrest systems are an assembly of interconnected components consisting of a harness connected to an anchorage point or anchorage system either directly or by means of a lanyard. A fall arrest harness is an assembly of interconnected shoulder and leg straps with or without a body belt designed to spread the load over the body and to prevent the wearer from falling out of the assembly. A lanyard is a line used, usually as part of a lanyard assembly, to connect a fall arrest harness to an anchorage point or static line. A lanyard assembly should be as short as reasonably practicable.

A fall arrest static line is a horizontal or vertical line of a fall arrest system. The line is connected to a fixed anchorage point at each end, to which a lanyard can be attached. The line can be made of metal tube, metal rod, steel wire rope, synthetic webbing or synthetic rope. A personal energy absorber is used in conjunction with a fall arrest harness and lanyard to reduce the deceleration force imposed by a suddenly arrested fall and correspondingly reduces loading on the anchorage. The energy absorber may be a separate item or manufactured into the lanyard. Hazards of Fall Arrest Systems ‘Swing back’ – In a fall, particularly from a perpendicular edge, the worker will swing back into the building structure and collide with any obstructions in the path of the swing. If there is a risk of a swing back occurring, the use of an individual fall arrest system should be reassessed. ‘Swing down’ – In a swing down, the arrest line extends diagonally from the anchor point, following the perimeter edge of the roof. If the worker falls, the fall arrest line will slide back along the perimeter until it is at a right angle with the edge of the roof. If the arrest line is too long, the worker will drop and hit the ground or the arrest line may break when contacting the edge of the roof and result in the worker hitting the ground.

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Height clearance - For a person falling from height, the combined length of the lanyard, sag in life line and the shock absorber fully extended may be more than 5m in total. This 5m might be more than the actual height of the fall. The allowable free fall distance for individual fall arrest systems should be limited to not more than 1.8m. Safety distance is usually taken as 1m. Therefore, when working in areas where falls over short distances are possible, a short lanyard or retractable fall arrest block should be considered.

Anchoring of lanyards to guard-rails of scaffolding should be avoided where possible, unless the guard-rail is designed to be able to withstand the force generated by a falling person (about 22.2kN per person attached). The inspection of fall arrest systems by a competent person should be conducted periodically. Once a fall arrest system has been used to arrest a fall, it must be removed from service and not used again; In the event of a fall, the worker must be rescued as soon as possible(if possible, in less than 10mins). This is necessary to prevent further injury. A person should not use a fall arrest system unless there is at least one other person present on site who is trained to conduct rescue operations in the event of a fall. It is

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6.3 WORKING WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Hazardous substances are used extensively in most of the trades as shown below: Trade Hazardous substances

Architectural Cement, sealants, paints, plastering, water proofing chemicals, paints, grouting materials, abrasives, adhesives, solvents, asphalt, pesticides, LPG, acids, diesel, welding fumes, silica

Civil Cement, adhesives, bentonite, oxygen, acetylene, solvents, asphalt, formwork oil, diesel, petrol, blasting chemicals, asbestos, welding fumes, silica

M& E Refrigerants, fire fighting gases, welding fumes Equipment & Special services Anti-termite, pesticides, hydraulic oil, grease, welding

fumes Legislation WSH (General Provisions) Regulations R 41 – Hazardous Substances Occupier shall ensure that hazardous substances are placed under the control of a competent person who has adequate knowledge of their properties and their dangers. Adequate warning notices in languages understood by all persons specifying the nature of the danger should be placed at entrances to any workroom and appropriate locations. Persons at work in a workplace who are liable to be exposed should be warned of hazards involved and precautionary measures to take. All hazardous substances should be kept, stored, used, handled or disposed without any risk to others.

R 42 - Warning Labels Warning labels shall be affixed one or more labels on containers of hazardous substances that conforms with SS or WSH Council CP.

R 43 - Safety Data Sheet Where any hazardous substance is used, handled or stored, occupier shall obtain MSDS, assess information and take precautionary measures and make it available to workers. Supplier shall provide SDS with accurate and adequate information. Where any hazardous substance is sold to any person for use in a workplace, it shall be the duty of the seller or any agent of the seller who caused or procured the sale to provide the buyer with a SDS for the substance that gives accurate and adequate information on the substance; and conforms with any SS relating to safety data sheets or such other standards, CP or guidance as is issued or approved by the Council. The above shall not apply in respect of the use, handling or storage in a workplace, or the sale for use in a workplace, of any hazardous substance that is in a consumer package and that is intended for retail sale. “consumer package” means a container that is intended for retail display and sale to households or offices, and includes a container that is transported or distributed as part of a larger consolidated container that consists of a number of identical consumer packages; “container” means anything in or by which substances are or have been wholly or partly encased, covered or packed. Hazards To assess the hazard potential of a chemical, one must know the inherent properties of chemicals which depends on the following: • Chemical and physical properties • Frequency of usage • Amount of materials used • Physical state – Solid, Liquid, Gas

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There are 2 types of hazards associated with hazardous substances. They are: • Physical hazards • Health hazards 6.3.1 PHYSICAL HAZARDS Gases under Pressure Gases under pressure / compressed gases are commonly used in cylinders. The 3 major groups of compressed gases are • Liquefied - LPG • Non-liquefied - oxygen • Dissolved gases - acetylene Tubing and containers may explode if put under high pressure. Compressed gas cylinders are heavy and awkward to handle. A falling cylinder can cause serious injury and if the valve is knocked off, the cylinder can become a rocket Explosive Explosive chemicals create immediate threats to the health and safety. Even many detections show that such chemical also cause disorders of living hormones. Explosive chemicals are further classified into high and low explosive as per the rates of decomposition. Flammable gases The gas can easily form a flammable mixture with air. Other than fire and explosion hazards, some flammable gases can also pose health hazards and be reactive. Flammable gases can displace air. An undetected leak in a confined area could displace enough air to suffocate a person e.g LPG, acetylene Flammable Liquids Flammable Liquids are having a flashpoint of not more than 93C. It is classified according to flashpoint and initial boiling point. At normal room temperatures, flammable liquids can give off enough vapour to form burnable mixtures with air. As a result, they can be a serious fire hazard. Flammable liquid fires burn very fast. Many undergo dangerous chemical reactions if they contact incompatible chemicals such as oxidizing materials, or if they are stored improperly. E.g paints, water proofing chemicals, adhesives, solvents, diesel, petrol, hydraulic oil. Oxidizing Gases Oxidizing gases are gases that may, generally by providing oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material more than air does. E,g oxygen Fire is a complex set of chemical reactions in which fuel combines with oxygen and an ignition source to produce heat. In order for fire to occur, the 3 key elements must be present – Fuel, Oxygen and, Ignition source. Fires tend to release energy slowly and the rate is controlled by the diffusion rate of either the fuel or oxygen. On the other hand, explosions release energy very rapidly typically in the order of microseconds. Explosions also result in a rapid release of pressure or shock waves. Apart from heat generation, fires also produce smoke and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide which is odourless and a chemical asphyxiant.

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Fire Triangle

HEAT

Welding, cutting, grinding, naked flames,

smoking, overheated electrical

equipment, electrical arcs

Flammable and Combustible

Paints, thinners, asphalt, petrol,

diesel, tar, acetylene, timber,

wood, paper, plastics, rubber,

cardboards

Air

Chain reaction

Legislation WSH (General Provisions) Regulations R 22 - Precautions with regard to explosive or flammable dust, gas, vapour substance Where any process in a plant used in a workplace gives rise to dust, gas, vapour or substance that may escape into any place of work and the dust, gas, vapour or substance that may escape is of such a character and is to such an extent as to be liable to explode on ignition, all reasonably practical steps shall be taken to prevent such an explosion — • by enclosure of the plant used in the process; • by removal or prevention of accumulation of the dust, gas, vapour or substance; • by exclusion or effective enclosure of possible sources of ignition; or • by the use of suitable flame-proof equipment No plant, tank or vessel in a workplace that contains, or has contained, any explosive or flammable substance shall be subjected to — • any welding, brazing or soldering operation; • any cutting operation which involves the application of heat; or • any operation involving the application of heat for the purpose of taking apart or

removing the plant, tank or vessel or any part of it, until all reasonably practicable steps have been taken to remove the substance and any fumes arising from it, or to render the substance and fumes non-explosive and non-flammable and inspection and certification by a competent person. No explosive or flammable substance shall be allowed to enter the plant, tank or vessel until the metal has cooled sufficiently to prevent any risk of igniting the substance. R 37 Prevention of Fire All reasonably practical steps shall be taken to keep sources of heat or ignition separate from flammable materials in the workplace or any process carried on at the workplace that

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gives rise to any flammable gas or vapour. There shall be provided and maintained in a workplace means of extinguishing fire which shall — • be readily accessible; • be adequate and suitable having regard to the circumstances of each case; and • be tested by a competent person at such regular intervals as the Commissioner may

determine. R 38 - Safety Provisions in the case of fire There shall be provided in a workplace such means of escape in case of fire for the persons at work in the workplace as may be reasonably required in the circumstances of each case and which shall be properly maintained and kept free from obstruction. The contents of any room in which persons are at work shall be so arranged or disposed that there is a free passageway for all persons at work in the room to a means of escape in case of fire. All exit doors from the workplace, any room in the workplace or any building or enclosure in which the workplace is situated shall only be locked or fastened in such a manner that the door can easily and immediately be opened from the inside. Except in the case of sliding doors, all exit doors shall be constructed to open outwards. Every exit affording means of escape in case of fire or giving access to such means of escape shall be conspicuously marked with an exit sign of an adequate size. Effective steps shall be taken to ensure that all the persons at work in the workplace are familiar with the means of escape in case of fire and their use and the routine to be followed in case of fire. There shall be effective warning devices that — • are capable of being operated without exposing any person to undue risk; • are maintained and tested at least once every month; • give warning in case of fire; and • are clearly audible throughout the workplace. Risk Control The basic fire prevention is to prevent the three components of the fire triangle from coming together. Elimination • Eliminate the use of the chemicals. • Eliminate ignition sources Substitution • Use substance that is not flammable such as water based paint instead of solvent

based paint. • Use high flash point chemicals instead of low flash point chemicals. • Use brush or roller for solvent painting instead of spraying. Engineering Control • Maximise natural ventilation through doors and windows, • Use forced ventilation e.g. by blowers if necessary • Use fire safety containers. • Use safety cabinets for storage. • Chain up cylinders • Grounding • Provision of fire resistant partition. • Use spark proof or non-sparking tools and materials should be used where flammable

materials are likely to be present. • Bond and ground to minimise static electricity build-up. Administrative Control • Apply controls from safety data sheets. • Separate incompatible chemicals • Label all containers

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• Implement safe work procedures • Proper inspection before usage. • Provision of fire fighting appliances • Designated storage area • Prohibit or control smoking • Signage at the storage areas. • Gas detection in confined spaces • Training on use of hazardous materials • Provision of fire alarms • Follow legal requirements • Apply hot work permit • Store cylinders upright. • Keep the quantity of materials to a minimum. Personal Protective Equipment • Use fire resistant clothing, gloves, safety shoes. 6.3.2 HEALTH HAZARDS The following are the health hazards arising from construction chemicals: Corrosive A corrosive substance is one that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. e.g hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, etc. Irritant An irritant is not corrosive but causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Usually, an irritant can cause inflammation of the skin, eye irritation or irritation to the respiratory system, e.g most of the grouting compounds, waterproofing compounds, curing agents, sealants, hardeners, solvents, etc. Sensitiser A sensitiser can cause a proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the substance. Some of the irritants are also sensitisers. e.g some of the hardeners, paints, epoxy, etc Carcinogen A substance is considered to be carcinogen if it has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and found to cause cancer or suspected to cause cancer, e.g. certain paints, sealant and primer. Asphyxiant An asphyxiant can deprive a living organism, its tissues and cells of oxygen leading to loss of consciousness and even death e.g carbon monoxide, acetylene, certain surface retarder, etc Lung Damage These are caused by chemical dust particle such as silica and asbestos. Asbestos is present in old buildings and are encountered during demolition works. Silica is dust from hacking, polishing, grinding, demolition, sweeping and cleaning and leads to Silicosis. Chemicals enter the body through 3 main routes of entry. They are: • Inhalation – Respiratory system is the most important route for chemical vapours,

gases and dusts. Particles less than 5 microns enter lungs. • Skin – Liquid chemicals enters the body through contact. It may have no effect,

Irritation, sensitisation or enter blood vessel and transported to the various parts of the body.

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• Ingestion – Solids and liquid chemical can enter the body through contaminated food and utensils.

The effects of Toxic Substances are as follows: • Acute effects – effects within a short duration due to high concentration and may cause

illness, disease or death • Chronic effects – effects over a longer duration due to low concentration exposure

frequently in excess of Permissible exposure levels. It may cause irreversible damage and can be identified by medical screening

• Reversible Effect – effects that are temporary and disappears if exposure to the chemical ceases e.g. exposure to irritants

• Irreversible Effect – effects that are permanent and lasting, damaging effect on the body, even if exposure to the chemical ceases e.g. exposure to corrosive chemicals such as acid

• Local Effect – effects that causes harm at the point of contact or entry • Systemic Effect – the chemicals enters the body, is absorbed and transported to the

various targeted organs of the body where harm is effected Legislation WSH (General Provisions) Regulations R 39 - Toxic dust, fumes or other contaminants Toxic dust, fumes and other contaminants should be prevented from accumulation. Employees should be protected against inhalation of dust, fume or contaminants. Control measures include • isolate work or process from workers • enclose work or process to prevent workers’ contact • provide ventilation to dilute contaminants • conduct work or process wet • provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to remove contaminants at source of emission All toxic dust and waste accumulation shall be washed or vacuum clean to prevent airborne. No stationary internal combustion engine is allowed unless exhaust gas is conducted out. The atmosphere of any workplace in which toxic substances are manufactured, handled, used or given off shall be tested by a competent person at sufficient intervals to ensure that toxic or irritating dusts, fumes, gases, fibres, mists or vapours are not present in quantities liable to injure the health of persons employed. Competent person to exercise due diligence in carrying out the test and records of tests shall be kept for 5 years Commissioner may require workplace occupier to engage competent person to monitor, test or assess the environment of any workplace for potential health hazards and to take air samples in the breathing zone of the persons exposed to dust, fume or other contaminants by using personal sampling equipment Requirements in this section shall not apply if impracticable, or suitable air-supplied breathing apparatus is provided. Air-supplied breathing apparatus shall be supplied with air • of comfortable temperature and humidity for breathing • suitably treated to remove any material, oil mist, vapour, odour, carbon monoxide and

carbon dioxide. R 40 – Permissible exposure levels of toxic substances No person in the workplace is exposed to toxic substances in excess of the permissible exposure levels (PEL) specified in the first schedule, where PELs for more than 600 substances are specified. PEL (Long Term) is for 8 hr exposure & 40 hr work week, whereas PEL (Short Term) - 15 min exposure during any work day

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WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations These regulations apply to workplaces in which persons are employed in any occupation involving: • the use or handling or exposure to the fumes,dust or vapour of arsenic, cadmium, lead,

manganese,mercury, organophosphates or any of their compounds;

• the use or handling of or exposure to the liquid, fumes or vapour of benzene, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, organophosphates or vinyl chloride monomer;

• the use or handling of or exposure to tar, pitch, bitumen or creosote;

• the use or handling of or exposure to the dust of asbestos, raw cotton or silica;

• exposure to excessive noise; or • any work in a compressed air environment No person shall be employed unless certified fit by a designated workplace doctor (DWD) not later than 3 months after commencing work and 3 days before work in compressed air. Every person to be periodically examined on the types & frequency of examination are specified in the 1st Schedule. Employer must arrange for medical examinations & workers must submit themselves for examinations. DWD to report results of medical examinations to employer, employer must keep the records for > 5 yr & submit records to commissioner when required. Employer must keep registers of workers. DWD may recommend suspension from work temporarily or permanently. Employer must facilitate DWD’s visit. Commissioner may exempt factories or persons from the requirements of regulations WSH Act 3

rd Schedule

The following occupational diseases requires to be reported:

1. Aniline poisoning 2. Anthrax 3. Arsenical poisoning 4. Asbestosis 5. Barotrauma 6. Beryllium poisoning 7. Byssinosis 8. Cadmium poisoning 9. Carbamate poisoning 10. Compressed air illness or its sequelae, including dysbaric osteonecrosis 11. Cyanide poisoning 12. Diseases caused by ionizing radiation 13. Diseases caused by excessive heat 14. Hydrogen Sulphide poisoning 15. Lead poisoning 16. Leptospirosis 17. Liver angiosarcoma 18. Manganese poisoning 19. Mercurial poisoning 20. Mesothelioma 21. Noise-induced deafness 22. Occupational asthma 23. Occupational skin cancers 24. Occupational skin diseases 25. Organophosphate poisoning 26. Phosphorus poisoning 27. Poisoning by benzene or a homologue of benzene 28. Poisoning by carbon monoxide gas 29. Poisoning by carbon disulphide 30. Poisoning by oxides of nitrogen 31. Poisoning from halogen derivatives of hydrocarbon compounds


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32. Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb 33. Silicosis 34. Toxic anaemia 35. Toxic hepatitis.

Risk Control

Elimination • Asbestos has been eliminated. • Use premix concrete to eliminate dust Substitution • Asbestos has been substituted with fibre glass. • Solvent based paints can be substituted with water based paints. Engineering Control • Enclosure or isolation of the process or person. • Maximise natural ventilation through doors and windows, • Provide forced / local exhaust ventilation • Wetting method for asbestos and cement • Use tools to reduce contact • Use appropriate containers. Administrative Control • Apply controls from safety data sheets. • Separate incompatible chemicals • Wash with water when contact with skin • Implement safe work procedures • Designated storage area • Signage at the storage areas. • Gas testing • Training on use of hazardous materials • Follow legal requirements • Medical examination • Housekeeping • Prohibition of eating and drinking at the work areas. • Implement a permit to work system. • Reduce exposure time by rest breaks or job rotation. • Education and training • Proper dilution technique – add acid to water. Personal Protective Equipment • Use chemical resistant PPE such as apron, safety glass, safety gloves, safety shoes

and respirators.

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Learning Activity 3


• Select an architectural trade. • Choose any 1 process in that trade and list all the work activities. • Choose any 1 activity and identify atleast 2 hazards. • Recommend appropriate controls for each of the hazards identified. • Identify the type of controls. • Use the RA form.

Process

Work Activities

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6.4 WORKING WITH TOOLS, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT 6.4.1 HAND TOOL HAZARDS Hand tools are used at all times for most of the construction works such planers, hammers, crowbars, chisels, screwdrivers, shovels, pliers, knives, etc. The hazards are • Improper maintenance - Tools may shatter during use, Defective handles or blunt tools • Using the wrong tools – screw driver instead of chisel • Using tools incorrectly • Using modified tools • Unaware of hazards • Tools left lying on the floor – step on objects The potential accidents that may arise are as follows: • tools flying off and falling onto other workers • tools slipping from the operational point and striking the user. • tripping hazard falling on the same level Risk Control Engineering control • Store tools in containers Administrative control • Select the right tool • Inspection and maintenance • Supervision • Training Personal Protective Equipment • Safety goggles • Safety gloves 6.4.2 EXPLOSIVE POWERED TOOL HAZARDS Explosive powered tools are used to fasten projectiles onto surfaces. The hazards are as follows: • Projectiles escaping from the surface • Substandard tools • Substandard projectiles • Incompatible projectiles • Incompatible charges • Wrong charges used • Unqualified operator • Unauthorised repair • Use in dangerous environment • Use on wrong materials • Unsafe operation • Misfires • Unsafe storage of charges • Defective tools The accidents would be ‘Struck by projectiles’ resulting in injuries and fatality.

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Legislation Workplace Safety and Health (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations R 2 - Definitions

• “charge” means an explosive charge; • “direct acting tool” means a tool in which the driving force on the projectile comes

directly from compressed gases from a charge; • “indirect acting tool” means a tool in which the driving force from a charge is transmitted

indirectly onto the projectile via a piston; • “projectile” means any stud, pin, dowel, screw, rivet, spike, nail or other object driven

against, into or through any substance by means of a tool; • “tool” means any explosive powered tool from which a projectile may be driven against,

into or through any substance by means of a charge, and includes every attachment or accessory used, adapted or intended to be used with the device, but does not include a firearm within the meaning of the Arms and Explosives Act (Cap. 13) or a side wall coring gun used in exploratory bore hole work

R 5 - Protective shield or device Where a tool is a direct acting tool, it shall have a protective shield or device attached to its muzzle end in such a manner to effectively arrest the escape of ant stray projectile and any other object or particle liberated by the discharge end of the tool. The outer edge of the shield or device is not at any point closer to the centre of the muzzle end of the barrel than a distance of 50 mm. R 6 - General requirements for tools No tool shall be used unless it is of good construction, sound material and adequate strength, is free from patent defects and is in accordance with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner. R 8 - Projectiles and charges to be compatible with tools No projectile or charge shall be used with tool unless it is of a standard or quality that compatible with the specification of the manufacturer of the tool. R 9 - Colour to indicate strength of charge No charge shall be used in a tool unless the charge is marked, either at the top or at the bottom, with a colour indicating the strength of the charge in accordance with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner. R 10 - Record of tools A record of the type and serial number of every tool, names and addresses of each of the respective owners and users of the tools shall be kept and maintained. R 11 - Information to be engraved, embossed, printed or placed on tools The following notice is permanently embossed, printed or placed on tools “DO NOT REMOVE THIS TOOL FROM THE WORK SURFACE FOR AT LEAST 10 SECONDS AFTER IT HAS FAILED TO FIRE”. The serial number and model identification of the tool are permanently and legibly engraved or embossed upon the tool. R 13 - Only operator to use tool The person who uses the tool shall be qualified to be an operator. R 14 - Inspection of tools The tool is not used unless • It has been inspected, examined and maintained by an authorised person (a

manufacturer of tools, projectiles or charges for use in a tool; or any person authorised by the manufacturer of a tool to repair the tool) in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations;

• It is free from any patent defect;

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• It has been inspected and tested by a recognised testing body, in accordance with a standard acceptable to the Commissioner, at least once in every 3 years.

• The operator has inspected the tool in accordance with its manufacturer’s instructions before use.

R 15 - Repair of tools No person, other than an authorised person, shall repair a tool. Repairing shall conform to manufacturer’s specifications. R 16 - Personal protective equipment The person, any other person who assists in the use of the tool and any other person who are subjected to the risk of injury from the tool shall be provided with suitable eye protection, suitable head protection and such other personal protective equipment or devices as are capable of protecting a person from injury. R 17 - Defective tools, projectiles and charges not to be used No tool, projectile or charge shall be used unless it complies with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner. R 18 - Projectiles, charges, etc., to be suited to tool No projectile, charge, breech plug, barrel extension or adaptor shall be used with a tool unless it is of a type suited for use with the tool. No tool shall be used for any purpose other than that for which it was made, adapted or intended. R 19 - Compliance with manufacturer’s instructions The use of the tool shall comply with any instruction, advice or recommendation which appears on the tool or its container, or in any document supplied by the manufacturer of the tool, unless such are contrary to these Regulations. R 20 - Barrel extensions No barrel extension shall be used on a direct acting tool unless there is protective shield or device attached to the extension. R 21 - Limitation on use of charges The charge shall not be in excess of that necessary and of such strength which will cause the whole of the projectile to pass through the substance on which the tool is to be used. R 22 - Use of tools in dangerous environment The tool shall not be used • In the presence of any explosive or flammable gas, dust or vapour • In any compressed air environment • In any place where the charge is likely to be explode or be rendered dangerous by the

presence of heat. R 23 - Use of tools on roof The tool shall not be used on any roof unless the area beneath the person has been cleared and is kept clear of a distance of 6 metres in every direction from the spot beneath the place where the person is working. R 24 - Handling of tools The muzzle end of the tool shall be pointed away from the operator and any other persons. Utmost care shall be exercised to avoid injury. R 25 - Discharging of tools The tool shall not be discharged unless • The operator is in a safe, well-balanced position that will prevent tilting or misalignment

of the tool at the time of firing • The tool is placed on the substance into which a projectile is driven in such a manner

that the protective shield or device will effectively arrest the escape of stray particles and any other object or particle discharged by the firing of the tool. Deleted: _



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The distance between any part of the outer edge of the shield or device and the centre of the muzzle end of the barrel shall be less than 50mm. R 26 - Free flying projectile prohibited The tool shall not be fired in such a manner as to cause a projectile to fly free. R 27 - Firing into certain materials forbidden No tool shall be used for driving a projectile — • into high tensile steel, steel hardened by heat treatment, cast iron or any other

substance of a hardness that a projectile is not designed to penetrate; • into tiles, terracotta, glazed brick, glass, marble, granite, thin slate or any other

substance that is readily shattered; • into concrete or reinforced concrete, where any initial trial has shown that the aggregate

is of such hardness, or the reinforcing is so positioned, that the use of the tool is unsafe;

• so close to the edge of any substance, or to any hole in the substance, as either to risk cracking or breaking the substance or to risk the escape of the projectile from the substance;

• within 15 millimetres, in the case of a direct acting tool, or within 10 millimetres, in the case of an indirect acting tool, of the edge of any exposed steel reinforcement; or

• into any brick, concrete or similar substance that is within 75 millimetres, in the case of a direct acting tool, or within 50 millimetres, in the case of an indirect acting tool, of an edge of a structure of which the brick, concrete or substance forms a part.

R 28 - Tools to be kept clean After each firing of the tool, the tool shall be carefully examined to remove any piece of projectile or explosive charge and any other foreign matter that may be present. R 29 - Procedure in case of misfire Where the charge fails to explode, the tool shall be held in the firing position for at least 10 seconds. If the charge does not explode within that time, the tool shall be unloaded or placed in such a position as to eliminate the possibility of a person being injured in the event of the charge exploding subsequently. R 30 - Storage of tools Tool shall be kept in a securely locked container at all times, unless the tool is required for use, inspection or repair. R 31 - Loading and carrying of tools The tool shall not be loaded other than at the place where it is to be used. The tool shall not be carried from place to place while it is loaded, unless the tool cannot be unloaded by reason of any mechanical failure or misfire. R 32 - Storage of charges The charge shall be kept in a securely locked container marked with the words “EXPLOSIVE CHARGES”; or any other markings in accordance with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner. Risk Control

Elimination / Substitution • Substitute with alternate equipment and tools such as pneumatic tools with electrical

tools. Engineering Control • Protective shield • Barricades to prevent unauthorised entry Administrative Control • MOM approved tools Deleted: _



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• Coloured charges to indicate varying strengths • Record of tools • Inspection of tools • Repair only by authorised agency • Evaluation of the surface on which the tool is to be used • Use in accordance to operation manual • Qualified operators • Implement safe work procedures • Training on safe work procedure • Follow legal requirements • Maintenance of the equipment and tools • Supervision on safe use • Enforcement on safe use • Warning sign on the tools • Proper storage Personal Protective Equipment • Safety gloves • Safety helmet 6.4.3 MECHANICAL HAZARDS Some of the machinery used in construction are bar benders, bar cutters, compactors, pumps, generators, compressors, ventilation fans, mixers, spray painting equipment, Industrial vacuum and lifting appliances. Powered tools on the other hand operate on electricity and pneumatic as shown below: • Electrical – radial saws, table saws, drills, chippers, grinders, sanders, vibrators, chain

saw, jack hammers, • Pneumatic – breakers, vibrators The following mechanical hazards exist in construction tools and machinery: • Crushing • Shearing • Cutting • Entanglement • Drawing in • Impact • Stabbing and puncture • Friction and abrasion • High pressure fluid injection • Struck by materials ejected from the machinery • Struck by ejected parts of the machinery The hazards may be attributed to the following: • Using the wrong tools • Using tools and equipment incorrectly • Unaware of hazards • Using tools without authorisation • Improperly maintained tools • Running of hoses and cables The injuries may be amputations, cuts, punctures, sprains, fractures and crush injuries.

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Legislation WSH (General Provisions) Regulations R 2 Definitions Transmission machinery means every shaft, wheel, drum, pulley, system of fast and loose pulleys, coupling, clutch, driving-belt or other device by which the motion of a prime mover is transmitted to or received by any machine or appliance. Prime mover” means every engine, motor or other appliance which provides mechanical energy derived from steam, water, wind, electricity, the combustion of fuel or other source of energy. Electrical equipment means any machine, appliance, apparatus or lighting fitting which consumes or utilises electricity in its operation or use; and includes any cable, wire and other device necessary to enable it to be connected to a source of electricity supply. R 11 Prime movers Every flywheel connected to a prime mover and every moving part of the prime mover is securely fenced. R 12 Electric generator, motor, transmission machinery etc Every dangerous part (including any flywheel) of any electric generator, motor, transmission machinery or other machinery in the workplace is securely fenced unless the dangerous parts is safe to every person or made safe by effective means. Efficient devices or appliances shall be provided and maintained to promptly cut off power from the transmission machinery. R 13 Removal of fencing from machinery Fencing or other effective devices may be removed while the part of machinery is in motion for any examination of the machinery or part of the machinery or any lubrication or adjustment. Such works shall be carried out by a person who is 20 years of age, trained, acquainted with the dangers of moving machinery and wears clothing with no loose ends. Another person, instructed as to the steps to be taken in case of an emergency, is immediately available within sight or hearing of the person carrying out such works. Any ladder or work platform in use for the carrying out such works is securely fixed or lashed, or is firmly held by a person stationed at the foot of the ladder. R 15 Construction and maintenance of fencing or other safeguards All fencing or other safeguards shall be of substantial construction, properly maintained and kept in position and properly adjusted to render the machinery safe for any person while the parts required to be fenced or safeguarded are in motion or in use. R 16 Lock-out procedures Lock-out procedures means a set of procedures to— • ensure that all energy sources to the relevant plant, machinery, equipment or electrical

installation are isolated, disconnected or discharged; and • prevent any part of the plant, machinery, equipment or electrical installation from being

inadvertently activated or energised. Lock-out procedures shall be established and implemented relating to the inspection, cleaning, repair or maintenance of any plant, machinery, equipment or electrical installation, if inadvertently activated or energised, is liable to cause bodily injury to any person. Every person carrying out any inspection, cleaning, repair or maintenance of any plant, machinery, equipment or electrical installation in the workplace is fully instructed on the lock-out procedures for that work before commencing that work. R 31 Air receivers Every air receiver shall be • of sound construction and properly maintained. • conspicuously marked with its safe working pressure; • constructed to withstand the maximum pressure obtained from the compressor

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• fitted with a suitable safety valve so adjusted as to permit the air to escape as soon as the safe working pressure is exceeded;

• fitted with an accurate pressure gauge indicating the pressure in the receiver; • examined by an authorised examiner at least once every 2 years. Risk Control

Substitution • Substitute with alternate machinery and tools such as pneumatic tools with electrical

tools. Engineering Control • Machine guarding • Barricades around the machine to prevent unauthorised entry

• Locking the machinery to prevent unauthorised operation • Lock out procedures

• Dead man’s switch on powered tools. • Use hand tools such as push sticks for circular saw. • Whip lashes arrestor for air hoses. Administrative Control • Use in accordance to operation manual • Trained and authorised operators • Implement safe work procedures • Training on safe work procedure • Periodic Maintenance • Supervision on safe use • Enforcement on safe use • Warning sign on the tools and machinery • Drawing the tools and keys only by authorised operators • Proper laying of cables / hoses Personal Protective Equipment • Gloves • Goggles 6.4.4 VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT HAZARDS Workplace traffic is an integral part of operations for the construction industry. Various types of vehicles and equipment are used at the worksite such as: • Earth moving equipment - Scrapers, graders, bulldozers, shovel loader, excavators,

trucks, dumpers • Demolition equipment – Crushers, breakers, • Material handling equipment – tower crane, mobile crane, lorry loader, trucks, forklifts,

bob cat, hoists, telescopic handlers • Compaction equipment - rollers, compactors • Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) - scissor lifts and boom lifts. • Unregistered passenger vehicles used within construction sites ; and • Other equipment - Piling equipment, Concrete pumps The hazards related to vehicles / equipment operations are • Unauthorised operation; • Untrained operators • Lifting of persons on the equipment; • Moving parts of the equipment; • Speeding; • Pedestrians in the vicinity of the equipment;

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• Travelling on gradients; • Obstruction in the path e.g. overhead obstruction and blind corners; • Poor ground conditions e.g. slippery and uneven ground and potholes; • Tyres in bad condition e.g. without thread markings; • Falling loads; • Overloading; and • Electrocution (Battery operated). • Blind spot • Poor lighting

If not managed well, workplace traffic can pose high risks to persons in the workplace. Workers are struck by equipment and vehicles while performing work with the potential to cause fatalities or serious injuries. Legislation WSH (Construction) Regulations R 28 Vehicular hazards Where any work is performed over, on or in close proximity to a street, public road or any other place where public vehicular traffic may cause danger to any person who carries out the work, the worksite shall be barricaded. Suitable warning signs and warning lights shall be set up to direct traffic away from the worksite and where necessary, the traffic is specially controlled by designated persons. Any vehicle used shall be of good construction and roadworthy. No person shall drive a vehicle of any class or description in a worksite unless he has obtained the authorisation of the occupier of the worksite to do so. The person does not drive the vehicle unless he has been fully instructed as to the dangers likely to arise in connection therewith and the precautions to be observed and has received sufficient training to operate or drive the vehicle. R 29 Runways and ramps Every runway and ramp in the worksite is adequately constructed and securely braced and supported in relation to the span. Every runway and ramp for motor vehicles in the worksite is constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. No person in the worksite shall use any such runway or ramp for motor vehicles in the worksite unless a certificate has been issued in respect of it. Risk Control Elimination • Implement one way traffic Substitution • Use alternate access for pedestrians Engineering Control • Locking the equipment to prevent unauthorised operation • Loose goods should be properly secured by suitable means to ensure that the goods

do not topple in the process. • Adequate lighting should be provided for all workplaces such as along internal roads,

junctions, pedestrian walkways, loading/unloading bays, etc. • Provision of ramps of adequate width, strength, gradient and traction; • Proper securing mechanism is in place if a mobile ramp is being used. • Keep pedestrians out of the path of transport vehicles by setting up physical barriers to

barricade the workplace

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Administrative Control • Trained operators • Authorisation of operators • Implement workplace traffic layout/routes • Maintain a safe distance from transport vehicles during use • Enhance visibility by minimising intersections, traffic cross-flows and blind spots. • Convex mirrors should also be erected for blind corners • Erect speed limit signs and boundary lines • Provide and maintain adequate lighting and • Maintain good ground conditions along internal roads • Provide highly visible markings and/or signage to warn against any obstruction, low

height, doorways, edges or drains at workplaces; and • Provide pedestrian crossings. • Implement workplace traffic rules and regulations

• Pre-operation checks on their transport vehicles. • Briefing for drivers on site traffic rules. • Implement no reversing • Provision of qualified Banksman/Signaller. • Use in accordance to operation manual • Implement safe work procedures • Training on safe work procedure • Maintenance of the equipment • Supervision on safe use • Enforcement on safe use • Drawing keys only by authorised operators • Designated parking areas • Removal of keys when not in operation • Display warning lights • Horns Personal Protective Equipment • Highly visible reflective vests • Safety shoes • Additional personal protective equipment 6.4.5 ELECTRICAL HAZARDS Electricity is a serious workplace hazard which can lead to serious consequences such as severe injuries and death. Workers are exposed to electrical dangers during electrical installations or when operating machineries and power tools. Types of electrical incidents include:

• Electric shock; • Electrocution; • Electrical burns; • Fire/explosions; • Damage to machineries.

Types of electrical hazards include:

• Improper wiring • Defective equipment; • Damaged electrical cords; • Exposed wire; • Overloaded circuits, plugs or extension cords; • Wet/damp conditions • Misuse of electrical equipment • Unauthorised repairs. Deleted: _



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Legal requirements WSH (General Provisions) Regulations R 14 Electrical installation and equipment Every electrical installation and electrical equipment shall be of good construction, sound material and free from defects. It shall be used and maintained in such manner so that it is safe to use. All reasonably practicable measures are taken to protect any person against the risks of electric shock arising from or in connection with the use at work of any electrical installation or equipment. WSH (Construction) Regulations R 34 Electrical power circuits Before any work is carried out, the worksite shall be inspected to ascertain whether there is

• any electrical power circuit which any person may come into contact with in the course of his work and

• any tool or machine which is connected to any electrical power circuit and which any person may come into contact with in the course of his work.

Where there is any such electrical power circuit, tool or machine, appropriate warning signs understood by the persons carrying out the work shall be clearly posted and maintained at the place where the circuit, tool or machine is located. No person shall be permitted to work where he may come into contact with any part of an electrical power circuit unless —

• he has been advised of the location of the electrical power circuit, the hazards involved and the protective measures to be taken; and

• he is protected against electric shock by de-energizing the circuit and earthing or by guarding it with effective insulation or other means.

R 35 Installation of electric wiring and power lines All electric wiring in a worksite shall be supported on proper insulators and not be looped over nails or brackets. Except for flexible cables, no electric wiring or cable shall be left or laid on the ground or the floor unless it is —

• of the weather-proof type; • provided with adequate protection to withstand the wear and tear to which it may be

subjected; and • maintained in good and safe working order.

All elevated power lines shall have a sufficient vertical clearance where they cross highways, access roads or areas travelled by trucks, cranes, shovels or other similar equipment and be at least 5 metres above the ground level. R 36 Bare wires and exposed live conductors Electrical installation shall be effectively earthed where these have provisions made for earthing. Any exposed metal part of the electrical installation, other than the current carrying part, which is liable to become energised in the event of a failure in the insulation shall be effectively earthed. No bare wires or other uninsulated live conductors are located at any place where a person may work or pass, unless such wires or conductors are effectively insulated or guarded by a fence or other barrier or the person working or passing is an electrical worker licensed to carry out such electrical works on the wires or conductors. Electrical appliance or current carrying equipment shall be effectively earthed where these have provisions made for earthing. Any exposed metal part of the electrical appliance or current carrying equipment, other than the current carrying part, which is liable to become energised in the event of a failure in the insulation shall be effectively earthed. Deleted: _



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R 37 Residual current circuit breakers and overcurrent protective devices Effective residual current circuit breakers are installed for all temporary electrical installations to provide earth leakage protection. Overcurrent protective devices with the appropriate ratings are installed in the distribution board to provide overcurrent or short-circuit protection. R 38 Prohibition on use of fuse No fuse shall be used in the final circuit of any electrical installation. R 39 Welding sets Alternating current welding sets shall be fitted with an effective voltage limiting device or shock preventor. R 40 Industrial plug and socket-outlet Plug and socket-outlet used for connecting any electrical equipment to a temporary electrical installation shall be of heavy duty industrial type. R 41 Distribution board and socket-outlet assembly Circuit breakers used for the final circuits of any distribution board and socket-outlet assembly in the worksite shall be housed in an enclosure. The enclosure is constructed so as —

• to fully enclose all live electrical parts within the enclosure; • to allow any of the circuit breakers to be switched on or off without having to open

the enclosure; and • to be of weather-proof construction.

R 42 Electrical installations and equipment used underground or in confined space Where any lighting, electric hand-held tools and inspection lamps and lights are used underground or in a confined space —

• the electricity supply for lighting and electric hand-held tools shall be provided by means of a step-down transformer having a secondary voltage not exceeding 110 volts centre point earthed; and

• the electric hand-held tools and inspection lamps and lights shall be operated at a voltage not exceeding 55 volts between the conductor and earth.

Risk Control Substitution • Substitute with alternate equipment and tools such as electrical tools with pneumatic

tools. Engineering • Proper grounding for electrical equipment • Barricades around the machine to prevent unauthorised entry

• Lock out procedures

• Dead man’s switch on powered tools. • Provision of residual current circuit breaker • Provision of fuses • Reduced voltage supply • Use of flame proof equipment • Lock the distribution boards to prevent unauthorised tampering. • Design of incompatible plugs and socket for different voltages • Use of reduced voltage • Using double insulated tools • Using low voltage shock preventor on ac welding equipment Administrative Control • Monthly inspection of electrical equipment and installation by a licensed electrical

worker. • Use in accordance to operation manual

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• Trained and authorised operators • Implement safe work procedures • Training on safe work procedure • Follow legal requirements • Periodic maintenance of the equipment and tools • Maintenance carried out by qualified electricians • Supervision on safe use • Enforcement on safe use • Warning sign on the equipment, tools and environment • Drawing the tools and keys only by authorised operators • Colour coding for different voltages – 55V White, 110V yellow, 230V Blue, 400V red • Provide adequate distribution boards • Pre-use inspection

Personal Protective Equipment • Electrical resistant gloves • Electrical resistant safety shoes 6.4.6 NOISE HAZARD Noise is the number one Occupational disease in Singapore. The sources of noise include Piling machine, Compressor, Generator, Bar-bending machine, Pneumatic chipper, Concrete vibrator, Heavy vehicle, Grinding and drilling machine, High pressure water jet, Metal formworks, etc. The effects of noise include annoyance, interference, temporary hearing loss and permanent hearing loss.

The WSH (Noise) Regulations stipulates a Permissible Exposure Levels for noise as follows:

Sound pressure level, dB(A) Maximum duration per day

85 8 hours

88 4 hours

91 2 hours

94 1 hour

Risk Control

Substitution • Replacing noisy machinery with less noisier ones. • Electrical tools instead of pneumatic tools. • Bored piling instead of impact type of piling • Precasting instead of concreting • PUB power instead of portable generator • Electric diamond cutter instead of pneumatic breaker • Use automated machine instead of using jack hammer. Engineering Control • Isolate noise sources • Construct acoustical enclosures to contain the noise • Erect noise barriers to contain noise • Install mufflers at intake and exhaust opening Administrative Control • Locate noisy sources away • Operate pneumatic tools at optimum air pressure

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• Reduce exposure time • Maintain machinery e.g. tighten loose parts, replace worn parts, • Lubricate moving parts • Reduce kinetic energy and potential energy • Warning sign on the equipment, tools and environment • Implement hearing conservation programme • Training of workers • Enforcement Personal Protective Equipment • Hearing protectors 6.4.7 VIBRATION HAZARDS Vibration can be categorized as • Low frequency (whole body), 3 to 14 cycles per second e.g. trucks and tractors • High frequency (hand and arm), 16 to 10,000 cycles per second e.g. pneumatic drill or

chisel The effects of vibration include tiredness, irritation, giddy, dizzy and nausea. It may develop into vibration white fingers, where numbness, swelling and bluish fingers may occur. Legislation WSH (General Provisions) Regulations R 9 Reduction of vibration Where persons are at work in any process or operation which involves exposure to vibration which may constitute a risk to their health, to provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, effective means to reduce the vibration. Risk Control Elimination • Use mechanical equipment instead of tools Substitution • Use a lower vibration tool Engineering Control • Vibration isolators • Ergonomic designed tools

Administrative Control • Optimum hand grip force • Reduce driving force • Maintain machinery e.g. balancing of rotating parts, sharpening of cutting tools • Limit the duration of exposure by job rotation or rest periods • Operate tools at optimum speed • Maintain machinery e.g. tighten loose parts, replace worn parts, • Lubricate moving parts • Training of workers • Enforcement

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Learning Activity 4


• Select an equipment and services trade. • Choose any 1 process in that trade and list all the work activities. • Choose any 1 activity and identify atleast 2 hazards. • Recommend appropriate controls for each of the hazards identified. • Identify the type of controls. • Use the RA form.

Process

Work Activities

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Suggested Answers

Answers can vary depending on the trade selected.

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6.5 MATERIAL HANDLING The following materials are handled in the various trades: Trade Materials

Architectural bricks, hollow blocks, ceiling boards cladding materials, insulation, precast drains, kerbs, windows , doors, glass, plywood, nails, grills, gates, brush, rollers, roofing sheets, vinyl sheets, granite, tiles, marbles, Plants, trees, grass, soil, Tar, aggregate, Pipes, cables, fibre glass

Civil Metal & Timber Scaffolding materials, Metal formworks, pipes, couplers, ladders, jacks, Pre-cast piles, steel casing, concrete blocks, rebars, Steel beams and columns, Precast panels

M& E Equipment for Air con, refrigeration and ventilation, duct sheets Equipment for Electrical works - generators, switch gears, distribution boards, cables, switches, sockets Fire protection – extinguishers, fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, hydrants Plumbing materials - PVC / metal pipes Lifts, steel cables, Control panels,

Equipment & Special services

Brooms, Wastes, skips, soil, waste water, sludge, sewage, debris Material handling – lifting gears Material handling aides – wheel barrow, trolley, pallet jack, Others - barricades, tapes, bolts & nuts, fixtures, mancage, Biological agents – sewage

Materials are moved using the following methods: • Hoists and lifts

• Material handling machinery such as forklifts, bobcats and excavators

• Lifting equipment such as lifting machine and appliances • Cantilevered work platforms • Manual lifting

Legislation

WSH (Construction) Regulations. R 134 Strength and stability Crane, employee's lift or material handling machinery shall be of good construction, sound material and adequate strength, free from patent defects and properly maintained. Crane or material handling machinery, as the case may be, shall be positioned and operated as to be stable. R 135 Capacity chart Where the capacity of the crane used in a worksite is variable, a capacity chart shall be provided. The capacity chart shall —

• be posted and maintained in the crane which is clearly visible to the operator; • set out the safe loads for various lengths of jib at various angles and radial

distances; and • be prepared and certified by an authorised examiner, unless it is furnished by the

manufacturer or builder of the crane. Where outriggers are provided, the safe loads with and without the use of outriggers shall be specified. R 136 Thorough examination and inspection Before any crane, employee's lift or material handling machinery is put into service for the first time in the worksite it shall be thoroughly examined and inspected by a competent

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person. In the case of a crane or an employee's lift, such examination and test shall be conducted by an authorised examiner. R 137 Handling of suspended loads Reasonably practicable measures shall be taken to ensure that suspended load from crane or material handling machinery is not moved over any person. For lifting operations loads that have a tendency to swing or turn freely during hoisting shall be controlled by tag-lines. R 138 Prohibition on riding on loads No person shall ride on the loads, buckets, skips, cars, slings or hooks of the any crane, hoisting machinery, material handling machinery or excavating machinery. R 138 Cranes or machinery at rest No load shall be left suspended on the crane or material handling machinery when it is not in use.

6.5.1 HOISTS AND LIFTS HAZARDS Hoists and lifts are constructed during the civil phase for access to the building and also to transfer building materials to higher levels. The main hazards associated with hoists and lifts are as follows:

• Overloading leading to collapse of the hoists and lifts • Falling from height during access • Falling materials • Wrong operation

Legislation WSH (General Provision) Regulations R 19 Hoists and lifts Hoist or lift shall be tested and examined after installation and thoroughly examined by an authorized examiner once every six months. The safe working load (SWL) of the hoist or lift must be conspicuously showed on the hoist and shall not be exceeded. Every hoistway and liftway shall be efficiently protected by a substantial enclosure fitted with interlocking gates, such that when the gates are shut, it prevent any person falling down the way or coming into contact with any moving parts of the hoist or lift. The gates cannot be opened except when the cage or platform is at the landing and the cage or platform cannot be moved away from the landing until the gate is closed. Every hoist or lift and every enclosure shall be so constructed as to prevent any part of any person or any goods carried in the hoist or lift being trapped between any part of the hoist or lift and any fixed structure or the counterbalance weight and any other moving part of the hoist or lift. Efficient automatic devices shall be provide and maintained to prevent the cage or platform from over-running. Every cage shall, on each side from which access is afforded to a landing, be fitted with a gate with efficient devices to ensure that, when persons or goods are in the cage, the cage cannot be raised or lowered unless all the gates are closed; and will come to rest when a gate is opened. Where the cage or platform of the lift is suspended by rope or chain the cage or platform shall be separately connected with at least 2 ropes or chains, each rope or chain and its attachments being capable of carrying the whole weight of the cage or platform and its maximum working load and efficient devices shall be provided and maintained which will support the cage or platform with its maximum working load in the event of a breakage of the ropes or chains or any of their attachments.

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WSH (Construction) Regulations. R 140 Operators of employee's lift No employee's lift is operated in the worksite unless it is in the charge of a designated person stationed in the car as its attendant. No person other than the lift car attendant moves the car of the employee's lift or opens the car door or gate of the employee's lift. Risk Control

Engineering Control • Enclosure • Interlocked gates • Automatic devices to prevent over running • Provision of 2 ropes.

Administrative Control • Certification by authorised examiner • Signage on safe working load • Designated operator

6.5.2 LIFTING EQUIPMENT HAZARDS Lifting operations are considered to be a high-risk activity that requires careful planning prior to commencement of work. The common misconception is that the risk involved is directly proportional to the weight or size of the load being lifted. However past cases had proven otherwise. Serious injuries can be inflicted even during execution of lifting operations involving light or small loads. The hazards are: • Wrong lifting gears • Defective lifting gears • Improper rigging method • Uneven ground • Soft ground • Unsafe lifting operations • Overloading of crane • Defective limit switches • Over derricking • Over hoisting • Swinging load • Adverse weather The potential accidents would be struck by the load and collapse of crane. Legislation WSH (General Provision) Regulations R 20 Lifting Gears Every lifting gear except fibre ropes or fibre rope slings must be examined by an authorized examiner at least once every 12 months. Lifting gear shall not be loaded beyond its safe working load. Lifting gear must be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from patent defect and properly maintained. R 21 Lifting appliances and lifting machine Every lifting appliance and lifting machine must be examined by an authorized examiner at least once every 12 months. Every crane, crab and winch shall be provided with a readily accessible and efficient brake or other safety device which will prevent the fall of the suspended load and by which the load can be effectively controlled while being lowered.

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Every hand winch shall be fitted with an efficient pawl capable of sustaining the safe working load. Every lifting appliance and lifting machine shall be conspicuously marked with its safe working load or loads and a distinctive number or other means of identification. In the case of a jib crane so constructed that the safe working load may be varied by the raising or lowering of the jib, shall have an accurate indicator, which must be placed so as to be clearly visible to the driver of the jib crane, that shows the radius of the jib at any time and the safe working load corresponding to that radius. No lifting appliance or lifting machine shall be loaded beyond its safe working load except by an authorised examiner or an inspector for the purpose of testing such lifting appliance or lifting machine. Every lifting appliance and lifting machine shall be adequately and securely supported. Every rope, chain or wire; every part of a stage, framework or other structure; and every mast, beam, pole or other article of plant supporting any part of the lifting appliance or lifting machine, shall be of good construction, sound material and adequate strength, having regard to the nature of the lifting appliance, its lifting and reaching capacity and the circumstances of its use. All rails on which a travelling crane moves, and every track on which the carriage of a transporter or runway moves shall — • be of proper size and adequate strength; • have an even running surface; • be properly laid, adequately supported or suspended; and • be properly maintained. If any person at work at any place in a workplace is on or near the wheel tracks of an overhead travelling crane where he would be liable to be struck by the crane, effective measures shall be taken to ensure that the crane does not approach within 6 metres of that place. If any person at work in a workplace is not on or near the wheel tracks of an overhead travelling crane but is in a place above floor level where he would be liable to be struck by an overhead travelling crane, or by any load carried by the crane, effective measures shall be taken to warn him of the approach of the crane unless the work of the person is so connected with or dependent on the movements of the crane as to make the warning unnecessary. A lifting machine shall not be operated except by a person trained and competent to operate that machine or a person under training who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person. No person below the age of 18 years shall be at work operating any lifting machine driven by mechanical power or giving signals to the operator of any lifting machine. Lifting appliance or lifting machine shall be of good mechanical construction, sound material and adequate strength and properly maintained. R 22 Register of lifting gears A register of lifting gears, lifting appliances and lifting machines shall be kept. Worksites using crane for lifting must be properly co-ordinated to prevent unnecessary mishaps. WSH (Operation of Cranes) Regulations R 2 - Definitions “approved crane contractor” means any firm or company which is the holder of a valid certificate of approval issued by the Commissioner under regulation 22; “crane” means a machine incorporating an elevated structural member or jib beneath which suspended loads may be moved vertically (whether upwards or downwards) or horizontally or both, either by slewing the machine or derricking the jib, or by any other means not solely involving a travelling motion of the crane;

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“lorry loader” means a lorry incorporating an articulator arm mounted on the lorry which is used for loading, unloading and lifting of materials or goods; “mobile crane” means a crane mounted on a truck, crawler or on wheels and includes any crane of a type shown in the First Schedule; “registered crane operator” means any person who is the holder of a valid certificate of registration issued by the Commissioner under regulation 6; “responsible person”, in relation to a workplace where a crane is, or is to be, operated by a person means — (a) the employer of the person; or (b) the principal under whose direction the person operates the crane; “tower crane” means a crane which has a vertical or near vertical tower designed to be free standing up to a height specified by the Commissioner and includes any crane of a type shown in the Second Schedule. R 3 - Application These Regulations shall apply to any workplace in which a crane is in use. R 4 – Lifting Plan Where any lifting operation involving the use of any crane is carried out in a workplace by a crane operator, it shall be the duty of the responsible person to establish and implement a lifting plan which shall be in accordance with the generally accepted principles of safe and sound practice. It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that the lifting plan is made available for inspection upon request by an inspector. R 5 - Only registered crane operator to operate a mobile crane and tower crane No person shall operate a mobile crane (not being a lorry loader) or tower crane in a workplace unless he is a registered crane operator. It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that no person, other than a registered crane operator, is employed, permitted or made to operate a mobile crane (not being a lorry loader) or tower crane in a workplace. A person, whether or not he is also a registered crane operator, may drive a mobile crane in a workplace if he is the holder of a driving licence issued under the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276) authorising him to drive a mobile crane of a class or description permitted by the licence, but he shall not operate the mobile crane unless he he is the holder of a driving licence issued under the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276) authorising him to drive a mobile crane of a class or description permitted by the licence. No person shall operate a lorry loader unless he has successfully completed a training course, acceptable to the Commissioner, on the operation of a lorry loader. If required by the Commissioner, he attends re-training on the operation of a lorry loader and successfully completes such re-training; and produces a current medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner certifying that he is medically fit to operate a lorry loader

R 6 - Application for registration to be crane operator A person may apply to the Commissioner for his approval to register as a crane operator. An application shall be in such form and manner as the Commissioner may determine; and accompanied by the appropriate fee and such fee shall not be refundable. Upon receiving an application, the Commissioner may, issue the person with a certificate of registration to act as a crane operator subject to such conditions as the Commissioner may think fit to impose; or refuse to approve the application. R 7 - Requirements for registration as crane operator A person may register as a crane operator if he satisfies the Commissioner that he has successfully completed a training course acceptable to the Commissioner on the operation of a mobile crane or tower crane; he has, in the opinion of the Commissioner, sufficient experience in operating a mobile crane or tower crane and has passed a proficiency test acceptable to the Commissioner; or he possesses any other equivalent qualification




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acceptable to the Commissioner. The Commissioner may require an applicant to produce a current medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner which certifies that the applicant is medically fit to operate a mobile crane or tower crane. The Commissioner shall not register an applicant who has been certified by a registered medical practitioner to be unfit to operate a mobile crane or tower crane. R 8 - Certificate of registration A certificate of registration to act as a crane operator shall, unless the registration is earlier cancelled, be valid for a period of 2 years from the date of registration or for such shorter period as the Commissioner may specify in the certificate of registration. A certificate of registration shall not be transferable. Where a certificate of registration is lost, destroyed or defaced, the holder of the certificate may apply to the Commissioner for a replacement certificate on payment of the appropriate fee. An application to the Commissioner shall be supported by such documentary proof that the certificate of registration issued earlier is lost, destroyed or defaced. R 9 - Register of crane operators The Commissioner shall keep an up-to-date register of all persons registered as crane operators. R 10 - Production of certificate of registration upon request It shall be the duty of a registered crane operator to produce his certificate of registration for inspection upon request by an inspector. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 11 - Renewal of registration An application by a person for the renewal of his certificate of registration to act as a crane operator shall be made in such form and manner as the Commissioner may determine, and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Any renewal fee paid shall not be refundable. Upon receiving an application for the renewal of registration the Commissioner may renew the certificate of registration to act as a crane operator for a period of 2 years or for such shorter period as the Commissioner may specify in the certificate of registration; or refuse the application for renewal if the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is no longer a fit and proper person to be registered as a crane operator. R 12 - Conditions for renewal of registration as crane operator The Commissioner may impose such conditions for the renewal of registration as a crane operator as he thinks fit. The conditions referred to may include any one or all of the following: requiring an applicant to attend a refresher course acceptable to the Commissioner on the operation of a mobile crane or a tower crane; requiring an applicant to pass a proficiency test acceptable to the Commissioner for crane operation; requiring an applicant to produce a current medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner which certifies that the applicant is medically fit to operate a mobile crane or tower crane. R 13 - Suspension and cancellation of registration The Commissioner may suspend or cancel the registration of any registered crane operator if the Commissioner is satisfied that the registered crane operator has obtained his registration under these Regulations by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact; has been certified by a registered medical practitioner to be unfit to operate a mobile crane or a tower crane; or has failed to comply with any of the duties set out in these Regulations. It shall be the duty of a registered crane operator upon becoming aware of any medical condition which may render him unfit to operate a mobile crane or a tower crane to inform the Commissioner of such medical condition without undue delay.

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Any person who contravenes this shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000. R 14 - Notice of suspension and cancellation of registration When the Commissioner has suspended or cancelled the registration of a registered crane operator, the Commissioner shall inform the registered crane operator concerned by notice in writing of such suspension or cancellation. The suspension or cancellation shall take effect 21 days after the date of the service of the notice on the registered crane operator or, if an appeal against the suspension or cancellation of registration has been made to the Minister, on the date the Minister dismisses the appeal. Notwithstanding that the suspension or cancellation has not taken effect, any registered crane operator whose registration is suspended or cancelled by the Commissioner shall not, between the date of the service of the notice of suspension or cancellation and the date the suspension or cancellation takes effect (both dates inclusive), operate a mobile crane (not being a lorry loader) or a tower crane. A registered crane operator whose registration has been suspended or cancelled by the Commissioner may, within 21 days of the date of the service of the notice of suspension or cancellation, appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final. The notice of suspension or cancellation may be served on any person by delivering it to him, or by leaving it at, or sending it by registered post to, his last known residential address. R 15 - Surrender of certificate A registered crane operator shall immediately surrender to the Commissioner his certificate of registration when the suspension or cancellation takes effect. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. R 16 - Duties of crane operator It shall be the duty of a crane operator

• before the start of every workshift, to carry out operational tests on all limiting and indicating devices under no load conditions before any lifting operation is carried out and shall enter the results of such tests in a log book or log-sheet;

• to ascertain whether the ground conditions, in particular the ground surface on which a mobile crane is to be operated, are safe for travel or any lifting operation; and if he is of the opinion that it is not safe for travel or any lifting operation, he shall report this to the lifting supervisor;

• to ensure that any outrigger when it is required is fully extended and secured; • not to carry out any lifting operation unless he has been briefed by the lifting

supervisor on the lifting plan; • not to hoist any object if he is unable to ascertain the weight of the load; not to hoist

any load unless he has received a clear signal from a signalman; • not to engage in any act or manoeuvre which is not in accordance with safe and

sound practice; • not to hoist any load if there is any obstruction in the path of manoeuvre and if there

is any such obstruction, he shall report this immediately to the lifting supervisor; • not to manoeuvre or hold any suspended load over any public road or public area

unless that road or area has been cordoned off; • not to operate a mobile crane or a tower crane within 3 metres of any live overhead

power line; • not to use the crane for any operation for which it is not intended, including pulling

or dragging a load; • to ensure that any stationary truck mounted or wheel mounted crane is adequately

and securely blocked while it is on a slope; and

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• to report any failure or malfunction of the crane to the lifting supervisor and to make an appropriate entry of the failure or malfunction in the log book or log-sheet of the crane.

R 17 - Appointment and duties of lifting supervisor It shall be the duty of the responsible person to appoint a lifting supervisor before any lifting operation involving the use of any crane is carried out in a workplace. It shall be the duty of the responsible person not to appoint any person as a lifting supervisor for any lifting operation involving the use of a crane in a workplace unless the person is one who has successfully completed a training course acceptable to the Commissioner to equip him to become a lifting supervisor; and has, in the opinion of the responsible person, such relevant experience in lifting operations for a period of not less than one year before the appointment as a lifting supervisor. It shall be the duty of the lifting supervisor

• to co-ordinate all lifting activities; to supervise all lifting operation by a mobile crane or tower crane in accordance with the lifting plan;

• to ensure that only registered crane operators, appointed riggers and appointed signalmen participate in any lifting operation involving the use of a mobile crane or a tower crane;

• to ensure that the ground conditions are safe for any lifting operation to be performed by any mobile crane; to brief all crane operators, riggers and signalmen on the lifting plan; and

• if any unsatisfactory or unsafe conditions are reported to him by any crane operator or rigger, take such measures to rectify the unsatisfactory or unsafe condition or otherwise ensure that any lifting operation is carried out safely.

R 18 - Appointment and duties of rigger It shall be the duty of the responsible person to appoint a rigger before any lifting operation involving the use of any mobile crane or tower crane is carried out in the workplace by a crane operator. It shall be the duty of the responsible person not to appoint any person as a rigger in a workplace unless the person has successfully completed a training course acceptable to the Commissioner to equip him to be a rigger; and to ensure that the rigger who is appointed is attired in such a way as would distinctively identify him as a rigger. No person shall rig up loads for any lifting operation by a mobile crane or tower crane unless he is a rigger. It shall be the duty of a rigger appointed to

• check the slings to be used for slinging the loads to ensure that the slings are of good construction, sound and suitable material, adequate strength and free from patent defect;

• ensure that an adequate number of legs of the sling are used and that the slinging angle is correct so as to prevent the sling from being overloaded during the hoisting;

• ascertain the weight of the load which is to be lifted and inform the crane operator of the weight of the load; ensure that only proper lifting gears are used in conjunction with the sling;

• ensure that the load to be lifted is secure, stable and balanced; • ensure that any loose load (which includes any stone, brick or tile) is placed in a

receptacle to prevent the load or part thereof from falling during the lifting operation; • place adequate padding at the edges of the load which come in contact with the

sling so as to prevent the sling from being damaged; and report any defect in the lifting gear to the lifting supervisor.

R 19 - Appointment and duties of signalman It shall be the duty of the responsible person to appoint a signalman before any lifting operation involving the use of any mobile crane or tower crane is carried out in a workplace by a crane operator. It shall be the duty of the responsible person not to appoint any person as a signalman in a workplace unless the person has successfully completed a training





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course acceptable to the Commissioner to equip him to be a signalman; and to ensure that the signalman who is appointed is attired in such a way as would distinctively identify him as a signalman. No person shall give signal to the crane operator unless he is an appointed signalman. It shall be the duty of the signalman to ensure or verify with the rigger that the load is properly rigged up before he gives a clear signal to the crane operator to lift the load; and give correct and clear signals to guide the crane operator in the manoeuvre of the load safely to its destination R 20 - Only approved crane contractor to install, repair, alter or dismantle mobile crane or tower crane No person shall install, repair, alter or dismantle a mobile crane or tower crane unless he is an approved crane contractor. This paragraph shall not apply to the installation or dismantling of a fly jib; and to the repair of any non-load bearing part of a crane, unless the repair affects the safe operation of the crane. R 21 - Application for approval to be approved crane contractor A firm or company may apply to the Commissioner for approval to act as an approved crane contractor. An application shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee and such fee shall not be refundable; in such form and manner as the Commissioner may require; and accompanied by such particulars, information, statements and documents as the Commissioner may require. R 22 - Certificate of approval On receipt of an application, the Commissioner may issue to the applicant a certificate of approval, subject to such conditions as the Commissioner may think fit to impose; or refuse to approve the application. Where the Commissioner refuses to approve the applicant to act as an approved crane contractor, he shall give the applicant notice in writing of the reasons for his refusal. The Commissioner may at any time vary or revoke any of the existing conditions imposed or impose new conditions. A certificate of approval for a firm or company to act as an approved crane contractor shall, unless the approval for the firm or company to act as an approved crane contractor is earlier cancelled, be valid for a period of 2 years from the date of the approval or for such shorter period as the Commissioner may specify in the certificate of approval. A certificate of approval may, on payment of the renewal fee, be renewed by the Commissioner for such period as the Commissioner may determine, from the date immediately following that on which, but for its renewal, the certificate of approval would have expired. R 23 - Production of certificate of approval upon request It shall be the duty of an approved crane contractor to produce his certificate of approval for inspection upon request by an inspector. Any person who contravenes this paragraph shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000. R 24 - Suspension or cancellation of certificate The Commissioner may suspend or cancel the certificate of approval issued to any approved crane contractor if the Commissioner is satisfied that the approved crane contractor has obtained the certificate of approval under these Regulations by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact; or is contravening or has contravened any condition subject to which the certificate was issued. R 25 - Notice of suspension or cancellation of certificate When the Commissioner has suspended or cancelled the certificate of approval the Commissioner shall inform the approved crane contractor concerned by notice in writing of such suspension or cancellation. The suspension or cancellation shall take effect 21 days after the date of the service of the notice on the approved crane contractor or, if an appeal against the suspension or cancellation of the certificate of approval has been made to the Minister, on the date the Minister dismisses the appeal. Notwithstanding that the

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suspension or cancellation has not taken effect, any approved crane contractor whose certificate of approval is suspended or cancelled by the Commissioner shall not, between the date of the service of the notice of suspension or cancellation and the date the suspension or cancellation takes effect (both dates inclusive), install, repair, alter or dismantle a mobile crane or tower crane. An approved crane contractor whose certificate of approval has been suspended or cancelled by the Commissioner may, within 21 days of the date of the service of the notice of suspension or cancellation, appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final. A notice of suspension or cancellation may be served on any firm or company by leaving it at, or sending it by registered post to, the last known business address. R 26 - Duties of approved crane contractor It shall be the duty of an approved crane contractor to obtain a manufacturer’s manual which contains instructions on the safe procedures for the installation, repair, alteration and dismantling of the mobile crane or tower crane, before he installs, repairs, alters or dismantles any mobile crane or tower crane; and ensure that the crane is installed, repaired, altered or dismantled in accordance with the instructions contained in such manual. Where the manual referred to is not available, it shall be the duty of the approved crane contractor to ensure that the installation, repair, alteration or dismantling of any mobile crane or tower crane is under the immediate supervision of an authorised examiner. R 27 - Duties of owner of mobile crane and tower crane It shall be the duty of the owner of any mobile crane or tower crane to ensure that after every installation, repair, alteration and dismantling of a mobile crane or tower crane the crane is tested and certified safe by an authorised examiner for the operations for which it is intended; and the crane is not used unless it has been tested and certified.

R 28 – Offence Any person who contravenes regulation 4(1) or (2), 5(1), (2) (4) or (5), 14(3), 16, 17(1), (2) or (3), 18(1), (2), (3) or (4), 19(1), (2), (3) or (4), 20(1), 25(3), 26(1) or (2) or 27 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both. Risk Control Elimination • Stopping the lifting operation during adverse weather condition and poor lighting

condition. Substitution • Use alternative material handling equipment such as forklift. Engineering Control • Cordon off the lifting area. • Provision of steel plates, hard core and timber mats for crane footing. • Tagline for controlling the swing of the load. • Deployment of outrigger fully to distribute the load. • Provision of limit switches for overloading, overhoisting and over derricking. • Loose materials (e.g. bricks, bolts, etc.) should be placed inside a container, or are

properly secured by other means (e.g. pallets, nets, etc.). Administrative Control • Certification for lifting gears, appliances and machine. • Appointment of lifting supervisor, rigger and signal man. • Training for lifting supervisor, rigger and signal man. • Application of permit to work for lifting • Implement a lifting plan – generic for frequent or routine lifting operations and specific

for complex lifting

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• Implement safe work procedures • Briefing on the lifting plan, safe work practices. • Inspection by crane operator using operator checklist and recording in log book. • Pre-use checks on lifting gears. • Maintenance programme on all lifting equipment. • Ground assessment and soil investigation reports. • Ascertain the weight of the load prior to lifting. • Supervision by lifting supervisor. • Use of walkie-talkie for communication. • Approval from LTA for work near MRT. Personal Protective Equipment • High visibility vest for signalman and rigger. • Different coloured helmet 6.5.3 CANTILEVERED AND MATERIAL PLATFORMS HAZARDS Cantilever and material platforms are constructed for transferring building material to the intermediate floors by means of crane. The main hazards are as follows:

• Overloading leading to collapse of the platform • Falling from height during access • Falling materials

Legislation

WSH (Construction) Regulations R 46 Cantilevered and material platform The requirements shall apply to any cantilevered platform erected for the purposes of loading and unloading of any material or equipment and any material platform which is used for the purposes of loading and unloading of any material or equipment and is subjected to a load weighing 1,000 kilogrammes or more. Any cantilevered platform or material platform shall be designed such that it is capable of bearing a load of at least twice its safe working load and constructed, installed or repositioned in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer who designed the platform. No person shall use any such cantilevered platform or material platform in the worksite unless a certificate has been issued in respect of it. Sign boards showing the safe working load of a cantilevered platform or material platform used shall be prominently displayed at suitable locations at the platform.

The cantilevered platform or material platform used in a worksite shall not be loaded beyond its safe working load except by an inspector or a professional engineer when testing the platform. Materials or equipment shall not remain on a cantilevered platform or material platform used in a worksite for a period longer than is necessary for loading or unloading. R 47 Guard-rails and toe-boards Every open side of a cantilevered platform or material platform used in a worksite from which any person could fall more than 2 metres shall be provided with guard-rails and toe-boards. Where any gate is provided in place of guard-rails at the outer edge of a cantilevered platform or material platform used in a worksite, it shall be constructed to open inwards to the platform.

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R 48 Use of wire rope No wire rope shall be used as a load bearing element in a cantilevered platform unless it is terminated with eyes that have been fitted with thimbles. Wire rope clips shall not be used for terminating such rope. R 49 Inspection by designated person Every cantilevered platform or material platform shall be inspected by a designated person at least once every 7 days. Any unsafe condition discovered during the inspection shall be rectified immediately. The result of the inspection shall be entered by the designated person into a register. Risk Control Engineering Control • Guardrails • Toe-boards Administrative Control • Adequate design • Certification by authorised examiner • Signage on safe working load 6.5.4 MANUAL HANDLING HAZARDS Material movement that cannot be done by machines, as in tight areas or within a floor under construction, has to be done manually. The hazards of manual handling are as follows: • Improper manual handling • Improper posture • Heavy objects • Carrying long distances • Sharp edges on the load • Slippery objects • Long objects • Loads without handles • Obstruction by the load Accidents related to manual material handling can result in a variety of injuries such as spinal injuries, muscle injuries, muscular hernia, sprains, fractures, back injuries, upper limb disorders, bruises and cuts. Risk Control Elimination • Use mechanical methods such as forklifts and cranes to eliminate manual handling Substitution • Use mechanical aids to minimise manual handling. Engineering Control • Provide lighting • Reduce the load into smaller sizes. • Attach handles to get a better grasp • Level the floor Administrative Control • Rearrange the storage to minimise bending.

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• Use additional workers to assist in carrying the load. • Introduce rest breaks • Introduce job rotation. • Clear the pathway • Limit the weight that can be carried. • Training • Safe work procedure • Training Personal Protective Equipment • Gloves, hand leathers, or other hand protectors must be used to prevent hand injuries. 6.6 WORKING IN HOT ENVIRONMENT

Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Apart from the hot weather outdoors, workers are also exposed to ultra violet radiations. The hazards for heat stress are

• Lack of heat acclimatisation for workers coming from cold countries. • Dehydration • Medically ill workers or recovering from illnesses or on certain medications. • Personal factors such as older age, obesity, alcohol consumption • Heavy work load • Fast rate of work (fast or slow) • Strenuous type of work (strenuous or sedentary) • Heavy clothing • High temperature • High humidity • inadequate ventilation Heat stress can result in heat disorders such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps. Heat Cramps Heat cramps is one of the earliest signs of heat stress. The most common symptom is the tonic contraction of muscles (“cramping”) which usually happens in the legs. It is often the result of doing heavy physical work resulting in fluid and electrolyte losses caused by heavy sweating. This can be treated by rest, replacement of the fluid and electrolytes (through drinking water or isotonic “sports drinks”) and massaging the affected muscles. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion occurs when the loss of water and electrolytes from the body is so high, that it affects the blood flow to vital organs. It commonly presents as a sensation of “feeling weak”, dizziness or fainting. Other symptoms include headaches, blurring of vision and abdominal pain. The worker would be sweating heavily and his body temperature would usually be higher than normal. Treatment is through cessation of physical activity, cooling of the body and active replacement of fluids and electrolytes. Transfer the worker to a shady or air-conditioned area (if available), remove extra layers of clothing and sponge the person down with a wet towel or cloth while fanning him. Restore circulation by laying him down and elevating the legs about 30 cm (1 foot) above ground. Replacement of fluids by drinking may not be adequate and intravenous administration of fluids (in a hospital) may be necessary. Heat Stroke When the body is unable to remove extra heat, the core temperature may continue to increase to cause heat stroke. The affected person may be incoherent or unable to talk clearly, unconscious and lose control of his bladder and bowel functions. In some cases, the sweating mechanism may also fail, resulting in a “hot body” that is not sweating. As the

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body temperature rises, damage will occur to the vital organs of the body, such as the brain, kidney and liver. If not treated quickly, death will occur. First aiders and workers themselves must be alert to the early signs and symptoms of heat stress. Workers who feel unwell, dizzy, or have headaches, and painful cramps, should seek immediate attention. Heat stroke must be suspected as one of the causes if a worker collapses at the workplace, without signs of external injury. In the treatment of heat stroke, the first important step is to cool the body. Transfer the worker to a shady or air-conditioned area (if available), remove extra layers of clothing and sponge him down with a wet towel or cloth while fanning him. If the worker is conscious and if it is possible, he should be encouraged to drink water. Restore circulation by laying him down and elevating the legs about 30cm (1 foot) above ground. As the above is being done, arrangement should be made to call for an ambulance and evacuate the worker to a hospital. The signs and symptoms of heat stress can change in a worker. First aiders should not use absence or presence of sweating as a guide to diagnosis and initiate treatment. They should always attempt to cool the body as long as there is the slightest suspicion that the worker is suffering from heat stress.ports drinks”) and massaging the affected muscles. Legislation WSH (General Provisions) Regulations R 10 Protection against excessive heat or cold and harmful radiation. Reasonable practicable measures have to be taken by the occupier to ensure that persons at work in the workplace are protected from excessive temperatures and harmful radiations. WSH (Construction) Regulations R 98 Temperature and humidity In a compressed air environment (e.g., during tunnelling works), specify that the temperature in any working chamber, man-lock or medical lock in a worksite shall not exceed 29ºC and the relative humidity shall not exceed 85%. Risk Control Substitution • Mechanical aids (e.g., lifting equipment and power tools) should be used to reduce

physical workload, where possible. Engineering Control • Shaded areas (e.g., temporary shelters) should be provided for workers who have to

spend a significant amount of time under the sun. • Cool shaded rest areas should be provided for workers to have their breaks away from

heat. • Use blowers to provide ventilation. Administrative Control • Heat Acclimatisation for new workers - increasing from 2 hours per day to the full work

duration over 14 days. • Worksites can implement daily checks for symptoms of flu and cold such as blocked

nose, cough, sore throat, headache, and so on. Workers with these symptoms should seek medical attention.

• Workers returning from prolonged illness should consult a doctor before going back to work;

• Workers who are ill should report to their supervisors and see a doctor before starting work to assess their fitness to work.

• Heavy physical work or work under the sun should be scheduled to the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon) where possible.

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• Alternate work and rest periods, for example, 5 minutes of rest with every 25 minutes of work should be adopted under moderately hot conditions. Under severe conditions, the duration of rest period must be increased.

• Cool drinking water should also be provided at the rest areas. • All workers must be educated on the dangers of complacency, risk factors, symptoms

and seriousness of heat-related disorders, the preventive measures they can take and the importance of immediate reporting to their supervisors and seeing a doctor, if they or their fellow workers feel unwell.

• Workers should work with their fellow workers as buddies and watch out for symptoms of heat stroke for each other.

• Workers should also be encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet with sufficient intake of nutrients and vitamins in their diets, adequate sleep and exercise. Workers should avoid the excessive intake of coffee and alcohol.

Personal Protective Equipment • Workers should wear loose-fitting light-coloured clothing while working in the hot

environment and hats can be used, if appropriate.

6.7 CONFINED SPACE People enter a confined space for cleaning, inspection, maintenance, repair, construction or rescue. A “confined space” is any chamber, tank, manhole, vat, silo, pit, pipe, flue or any other enclosed space. These spaces are not primarily designed or intended for human occupancy and often have a restricted entrance or exit by way of location, size or means. Working in confined spaces is more hazardous than working in other workplaces because: • The entrances/exits of confined spaces might not allow the entrant to evacuate

effectively if there is a flood or collapse of free-flowing material; • Self-rescue by entrant is more difficult; • Rescue of the victim is more difficult. The interior configuration of a confined space

often restricts the movement of people or equipment within it; • Natural ventilation alone is often not sufficient to maintain breathable quality air

because the interior configuration of some confined spaces does not allow air movement to circulate;

• Conditions can change very quickly; • The space outside the confined space can impact on the conditions inside the confined

space and vice versa; or • Work activities may introduce hazards not present initially. Chemical Hazards include conditions such as fumes and dust which affect the air in the confined space and can be flammable, toxic, corrosive, or asphyxiating. Physical Hazards include conditions such as mechanised equipment, loose materials, excessive noise, extreme temperatures, humidity, low illumination, and access difficulty. The types of injuries relevant to confined space accidents include: • Injuries arising from fire and explosion, physical contact with moving or rotating parts

and falling. • Loss of consciousness or asphyxiation arising from harmful gases, vapours or fumes,

free flowing solids or lack of oxygen; • Drowning arising from an increase in level of liquid; • Heat-related disorders; • Electrocution Legislation

Workplace Safety and Health (Confined Spaces) Regulations R 2 Definitions

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“Authorised manager” means an authorised manager appointed under regulation 9 and includes any other person appointed to perform the duties of an authorised manager by the responsible person; “Competent person” means a person who has sufficient experience and training to perform the work required to be carried out; “Confined space” means any chamber, tank, manhole, vat, silo, pit, pipe, flue or other enclosed space, in which — • dangerous gases, vapours or fumes are liable to be present to such an extent as to

involve a risk of fire or explosion, or persons being overcome thereby; • the supply of air is inadequate, or is likely to be reduced to be inadequate, for

sustaining life; or • there is a risk of engulfment by material;

“Entry” means ingress by a person into a confined space which occurs when the person’s head passes through an opening into the confined space; “Hazardous atmosphere” means an atmosphere where — • the level of oxygen in the atmosphere is not within the range of 19.5% to 23.5% by

volume; • the level of flammable gas or vapour in the atmosphere is 10% or more of its lower

explosive limit; or • the levels of toxic substances in the atmosphere exceed the permissible exposure

levels as specified in the First Schedule to the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations (Rg 1);

“Responsible person”, in relation to a person entering or working in a confined space, means his employer or the principal under whose direction he enters or works in the confined space. R 3 Application These Regulations shall apply in relation to confined spaces in workplaces. R 4 Record of confined spaces in workplace Where a fixed and stationary confined space is sited in a workplace, description and location of the confined space shall be recorded and informed to persons who are liable to be exposed to the hazards of the confined space, of the existence and hazards of the confined space. R 5 Access to and egress from confined space Reasonably practicable measures shall be taken to ensure that the means of entry into and egress from any confined space are safe and without risks to the health of every person entering or leaving the same. R 6 Opening of entrance cover of confined space If a confined space which contains any substance under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, the entrance cover of the confined space shall not be removed unless the confined space is depressurised and rendered safe for opening. When such entrance cover is removed, the opening to the confined space shall be barricaded or guarded by railings or other effective means, to prevent any person or object from falling into the confined space. R 7 Lighting in confined space Sufficient and suitable lighting shall be ensured for entry into or work in the confined space. R 8 Ventilation in confined space Adequate and effective ventilation shall be maintained in the confined space for the purposes of entry into and work in the confined space. The air supply for the ventilation shall be from a source free from contaminants; and directed to the area where a person is or will be present in the confined space. Where exhaust ventilation is used, the exhaust air

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from the ventilation system shall be exhausted to a location outside the confined space where it does not present a hazard to any person. R 9 Implementation of confined space entry permit Authorised manager, confined space safety assessor and confined space attendant for the confined space shall be appointed. A confined space entry permit shall be issued which specifies the description, location, the purpose of entry, the results of the gas testing; and its period of validity. R 10 No entry into or work in confined space without evaluation and confined space entry permit No person shall enter or work in a confined space without a permit. This shall not apply if the person — • is wearing a suitable breathing apparatus; • has been authorised to enter or work in the confined space by the authorised manager

for the confined space; and • where reasonably practicable, is wearing a safety harness with a rope securely

attached and there is a confined space attendant keeping watch outside the confined space who is provided with the means to pull such person out of the confined space in an emergency.

R 11 Application for confined space entry permit for all confined space works An application for a confined space entry permit shall be made in such form and manner as may be required by the authorised manager. It shall state the measures which will be taken to ensure the safety and health of persons who enter or carry out the work in the confined space and addressed to the authorised manager and submitted to the confined space safety assessor. R 12 Evaluation of confined space entry permit On receipt of the application for a confined space entry permit, the confined space safety assessor shall test the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry by any person into the confined space. He shall — • use a suitable and properly calibrated instrument; • conduct the test in the following sequence: oxygen, flammable gas or vapour; and toxic

gas or vapour, where applicable; • conduct the test in a manner that will not endanger himself or others; and • record the results of the test in the confined space entry permit. If satisfied that entry into or work in a confined space can be carried out with due regard to the safety and health of persons, he shall endorse the application for the confined space entry permit and forward the endorsed application to the authorised manager for the confined space. He shall exercise due diligence. R 13 Issue of confined space entry permit The authorised manager may issue a confined space entry permit in respect of entry into or work in the confined space if the authorised manager is satisfied that — • there is no hazardous atmosphere present • the confined space is adequately ventilated; • effective steps have been taken to prevent any ingress of dangerous gases, vapours or

any other dangerous substances into the confined space; • all reasonably practicable measures have been taken to ensure the safety and health of

persons who will be entering or working in the confined space. If the authorised manager issues the permit, he shall retain a copy of the issued permit. He shall exercise due diligence. If the confined space work is not completed within the validity of the permit, a fresh application shall be made. R 14 Posting of confined space entry permit The supervisor shall clearly post a copy of the permit at the entrance to the confined space, including where reasonably practicable, a sketch of the area within the confined space Deleted: _



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where the entry is to be made or work is to be conducted. He shall ensure that the copy of the permit is not removed until the — • date of expiry of the permit; • revocation of the permit; or • person entering or working in the confined space has left the confined space after

achieving the purpose of the entry or completing the work, as the case may be, whichever is the earliest.

R 15 Monitoring to ensure safety and health of worker during entry into or work in confined space The responsible person and the authorised manager shall ensure that all measures necessary to ensure his safety and health are taken and in place at all times during his entry into, stay or work in the confined space. The responsible person shall inform the authorised manager when the person entering or working in the confined space has left the confined space after achieving the purpose of the entry or completing the work, as the case may be. R 16 Periodic testing of atmosphere The atmosphere in the confined space shall be tested by a confined space safety assessor at such intervals as is necessary to evaluate the safety and health of the person entering or working in the confined space. If there are 2 or more persons present in the confined space, at least one of them continuously monitors the atmosphere in the confined space with a suitable gas detector and if a hazardous atmosphere in a confined space is detected by the tests or continuous monitoring — • all persons in the confined space shall vacate the confined space immediately; • an evaluation is made to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed; and • no person re-enters the confined space until a new confined space entry permit is

issued by the authorised manager. The confined space safety assessor shall record the results of the tests. All records shall be kept for not less than 2 years from the date it is made. R 17 Duty to report incompatible work Any person who is aware of any work which is incompatible to the confined space work shall report to his supervisor, the workplace safety and health officer, the workplace safety and health coordinator or the authorised manager for the confined space. “Incompatible work” means work which is carried out at or in the vicinity of any work carried out in the confined space and which is likely to pose a risk to the safety and health of persons present in the confined space. R 18 Review and revocation of confined space entry permit The authorised manager shall review and assess the need for entry into or work in the confined space on a daily basis and revoke the permit if he thinks fit to do so. He shall order all persons to leave the confined space immediately and all work in the confined space to cease immediately, and revoke the confined space entry permit, if the work is likely to pose a risk to the safety and health of persons entering or working in the confined space. He may revoke a confined space entry permit in respect of a confined space if he is satisfied that the confined space work has been completed or cannot be continued for a significant period of time. R 19 Warning sign The occupier shall clearly post a notice at the entrance to the confined space to warn persons of the hazards of the confined space unless a copy of the confined space entry permit is posted there or there is no entrance which persons may use to enter the confined space. R 20 Display of name or identification badge The person entering a confined space shall display his name and identification badge- at the entrance to the confined space. The responsible person shall ensure that he does the same.

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R 21 Training of workers and supervisors The responsible person shall ensure that workers and supervisors have first receive adequate safety and health training prior to confined space entry. R 22 Appointment and duties of confined space attendant The responsible person shall appoint a confined space attendant. The confined space attendant shall remain outside the confined space in order to — • monitor persons entering into and working in the confined space; • maintain regular contact with the persons in the confined space and when necessary

assist them to evacuate should the need arise; and • alert the persons appointed to carry out rescue work in the event of an emergency.

R 23 Rescue operation The responsible person shall • establish a written rescue plan for the purpose of rescuing persons in the confined

space in the event of an emergency; • appoint persons to carry out rescue work and ensure that such persons have first

received adequate training in rescue operation including first-aid and the proper use of personal protective equipment and other equipment necessary for carrying out a rescue operation in the confined space; and

• ensure that there is sufficient supply of suitable breathing apparatus, safety harness and ropes, suitable rescue equipment and suitable reviving apparatus which are kept readily available; properly maintained; and thoroughly examined by a competent person (a person who has sufficient experience and training to perform the work required to be carried out) at least once a month or at such other intervals as the Commissioner may require.

The competent person shall exercise all due diligence when making the examination and to record every examination. The responsible person shall ensure that such records are kept for at least 2 years from the date it is made. Risk Control Elimination / Substitution • Use a vacuum machine and an extended hose to suck out the sludge instead of having

workers enter the confined space to manually remove it. Engineering Control • Lockout & Tagout (LOTO) • Forced ventilation • Exhaust ventilation • Lighting • Barricades to cordon off the space. Administrative Control • Removal of sludge • Gas testing • Continuous monitoring of the atmosphere • Establish safe work procedures • Implementation of confined space entry permit • Mandatory Training for workers, supervisors and confined space assessors • Inhouse training for confined space attendants, entrants, permit applicants, authorised

managers, responsible persons, rescuers • Supervision • Warning sign posted at the confined space • Posting of permit • Control of entrants • Inspection of the confined space • Maintenance of equipment

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Personal Protective Equipment • Respiratory protection • Other protection as deemed by the nature of the works. • Rescue equipment Learning Activity 5


• Select a mechanical and electrical trade. • Choose any 1 process in that trade and list all the work activities. • Choose any 1 activity and identify atleast 2 hazards. • Recommend appropriate controls for each of the hazards identified. • Identify the type of controls. • Use the RA form.

Process

Work Activities

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6.8 PILING The hazards of piling are: • Inadequate access on the piling frame • Presence of underground utilities • Unqualified operator • Noise • Ground vibration • Soft ground • Presence of workers in the operational zone • Unsafe pile testing The potential accidents that may arise are: • Falling from height • Damage to utilities • Noise induced hearing loss • Damage to adjacent structures • Collapse of piling rig • Struck by piles / hammer • Collapse of kentlege Legislation WSH (Construction) Regulations R 129 - Stability of adjacent structures Before carrying out any piling work which may affect the stability of any structure within the worksite, the structure shall be adequately supported by underpinning, sheet piling, bracing or other means of shoring in accordance with the design of a professional engineer and a certificate has been issued stating that it is safe for its intended use. The professional engineer who designs the underpinning, sheet piling, bracing or other means of shoring to support any structure shall ensure that his design can be executed safely, provide all design documentation. The professional engineer who oversees its construction shall ensure that it is constructed in accordance with the design and issue a certificate stating that the underpinning, sheet piling, bracing or other means of shoring is safe for its intended use. R 130 - Inspection Piling equipment shall be inspected daily by a designated person before the start of any piling work for the day and that every defect is corrected before the piling equipment is used.

R 131 - Pile driver not in use When the pile driver is not in use, the hammer shall be choked or blocked in the leads or lowered to the ground. R 132 - Pile testing The testing of piles in a worksite shall be conducted under the direct supervision of a designated person. Reasonably practicable measures shall be taken to warn persons not to approach the pile test area in a worksite. No person shall be allowed to approach a pile test area while the process of increasing or decreasing test loading is being carried out. If the pile testing system is in a stable condition and is safe for approach, person shall be allowed to approach a pile test area while the process of increasing or decreasing test loading is not in progress under the specific instruction of the designated person. R 132 - Footing Before placing or advancing a piling frame, the ground of the worksite shall be inspected by a designated person; and made firm and level by suitable means where necessary. After

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placing or advancing a piling frame, an inspection and correction of the footing shall be carried out to ensure stability. Risk Control Engineering control • Steel plates for the piling rig • Proper ladder for access • Use of tagline Administrative control • Vibration monitoring • Certification of piling rig by authorised examiner • Qualified operator • Supervision • Permit to work • Inspection by designated person • Control of access into the operational area. Personal protective Equipment • Hearing protection

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6.9 FORMWORK STRUCTURES The hazards of formwork structures are

• Open sides • inadequate access • Inadequate design • Unsafe sequence of erection & dismantling • overloading • Exposure to concrete • Nails from stripped formworks – step on objects The potential accidents would be falling from elevated work surfaces, skin disease and collapse of formwork Legislation WSH (Construction) Regulations R 58 General requirement Every formwork structure shall be —

• of sound material, good construction and adequate strength; • free from patent defect; • suitable and safe for the purpose for which it is intended; and • properly braced or tied together so as to maintain position and shape. Every formwork structure shall be capable of sustaining the total dead, live and impact loads imposed on the structure with a minimum safety factor of 2. Where a formwork structure in a worksite is of 2 or more tiers, frames or shores — • the tiers, frames or shores shall be securely and effectively connected vertically; • safe means of access to and around the formwork structure shall be provided for the

purpose of inspection; and • every designated access point shall be clearly marked with a sign or label; and be

made safe for use by any person using the access point. All reasonably practicable measures shall be taken to ensure that any new or existing formwork structure or any part of such a structure which may become unstable or is in temporary state of weakness or instability due to the carrying out of construction or erection work, does not collapse. No load is to be applied to unsecured structures except as permitted by the design documentation, and no part of the formwork structure shall be loaded as to render it unsafe to any person. R 59 Supports and shores Horizontal and diagonal bracing shall be provided in both longitudinal and transverse directions, as may be necessary to provide stability and rigidity to any formwork structure unless the formwork structure has been designed to be stable and rigid without the bracing. Shores shall be properly seated top and bottom and shall be secured in place to prevent displacement. Where the shores rest upon the ground, sole plates shall be provided. All shores for the formwork structure shall be of adequate size and spacing. R 60 Appointment of formwork supervisor A formwork supervisor shall be appointed to supervise the construction, erection, alteration or dismantling of any formwork structure in a worksite. No person shall be appointed as a formwork supervisor unless he has received adequate safety and health training to familiarise him with the hazards associated with the construction, erection, alteration or dismantling of the formwork structure and the precautions to be observed. No formwork structure shall be constructed, erected, altered or dismantled in a worksite except under the immediate supervision of a formwork supervisor.

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R 61 Duties of formwork supervisor It shall be the duty of a formwork supervisor — • to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary to ensure

that during the erection of a formwork structure, all the components of the formwork structure are properly erected, seated, connected, braced and tied so as to maintain its position and shape;

• to make an inspection of the formwork structure upon the completion of the formwork structure to ensure that the formwork structure is in accordance with the design and drawings for that formwork structure; and

• to immediately notify the occupier of the worksite upon discovering any unsafe condition during any inspection.

R 62 Register It shall be the duty of the formwork supervisor to enter the results of every inspection into a register and to keep the register of such inspections. R 63 Design and construction of formwork structure Formwork structure to be P.E designed, when it — • exceeds 9 metres in height; • consists of any formwork which is supported by shores constructed in 2 or more tiers;

or • consists of any formwork where the thickness of the slab or beam to be cast in the

formwork exceeds 300 millimetres, P.E design / drawings kept at the worksite and produced for inspection upon request by an inspector. No P.E designed formwork structure shall be used unless certified by the P.E. Alterations on a P.E designed formwork to be reviewed and endorsed by a P.E R 64 Duties of professional engineer on formwork structure The professional engineer who designs a formwork structure shall ensure that his design can be executed safely by any person who constructs or uses the formwork structure and provides all design documentation. The professional engineer who oversees the construction of a formwork structure shall ensure that the formwork structure is constructed in accordance with the design and issues a certificate stating that the formwork structure is safe for its intended use. R 65 Concrete work Placement of concrete shall not be carried out in such manner as to affect the stability of the formwork structure. Where a formwork structure is designed by a professional engineer, placement of concrete shall not commence unless the formwork structure, including any alteration thereto, has been inspected and certified by the professional engineer. No person shall be in the vicinity of a formwork structure in a worksite during the placement of concrete unless his presence is incidental to the concrete work in progress. The formwork supervisor shall regularly inspect a formwork structure in a worksite during the placement of concrete to monitor the stability and soundness of the formwork structure. R 66 Dismantling Dismantling of a formwork structure shall not commence until the concrete is set. Materials dismantled from the formwork structure shall be removed promptly or stock-piled in areas where persons are not required to work or pass. Protruding nails, wire ties and other form of accessories not necessary to subsequent work shall be pulled, cut or otherwise made safe. R 67 Steel reinforcement Steel reinforcement for any column, wall, floor or any other structure shall be adequately supported to prevent collapse.

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R 68 Reshoring Reshoring shall be provided when necessary to safely support slabs and beams after a formwork structure is dismantled, or where such slabs or beams are subjected to any superimposed load due to any construction work above. The reshoring shall be properly seated top and bottom and shall be secured in place to prevent displacement. Where the reshores rest upon the ground, sole plates shall be provided. The reshoring shall be inspected by the formwork supervisor and the results of the inspection shall be entered by the formwork supervisor into a register. Risk Control Elimination / Substitution • Use precast components Engineering control • Provision of shores and reshores • Provision of access • Provision of supports for vertical columns Administrative control • Design, inspection and certification by P.E • Inspection and supervision by formwork supervisor • Adopt proper sequence of work to prevent falling hazard • Removing nails from the stripped formwork Personal Protective Equipment • Safety harness

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6.10 DEMOLITION Improper handling of demolition of buildings or structures gives rise to many hazards. These hazards include: • Inadequate lighting • Open sides • Electrical lines • Unsafe debris handling • Confined space • Instability to structural members due to improper removal of bracing members,

weaknesses in building materials and overloading • Presence of asbestos-containing materials • Dust • Step on objects The potential accidents would be • Falling from elevated work surfaces • Electrocution • Falling objects injuring workers and public • Collapse of workers • collapse of any part of the building or structure • Asbestosis • Silicosis Legal requirements WSH (Construction) Regulations R 70 Preparation of demolition work Before commencing any demolition work in a worksite all glass and claddings on the exterior of the building to be demolished shall be removed; and all gas, electric, water, steam and other supply lines shall be shut off and capped. Where it is necessary to maintain any power, water, gas or electric lines during demolition in a worksite, such lines shall be so re-located or protected with substantial coverings so as to protect them from damage and to afford safety to every person. R 71 Protection of adjacent structures Before and during the demolition of any structure in a worksite, the stability of the walls, ceilings, slabs, beams and all other structures adjacent to the structure which are to be demolished shall be determined. Where there is a possibility that an adjacent structure is unsafe or will become unsafe because of demolition operations in a worksite, no demolition shall be performed unless sheet piling, shoring, bracing or such other means as may be necessary to ensure the stability of the adjacent structure and to prevent the structure or other property from collapsing is provided. R 72 Removal of load bearing structures Where any demolition work in a worksite involves the removal of any column, beam, floor or other load bearing structure, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the worksite to ensure that the work is carried out with due regard to the integrity of the remaining structure; and in accordance with the method statement prepared by a professional engineer. R 73 Demolition of walls, partitions, etc. Demolition of walls and partitions in a worksite shall proceed in a systematic manner and all work above each tier of floor beams shall be completed before the safety of its supports is impaired. Masonry shall neither be loosened nor permitted to fall in a worksite in such masses as to endanger the structural stability of any floor or structural support. No wall, chimney or other structure or part of a structure which is being demolished in a worksite shall be left in such a condition that it may fall or collapse inadvertently; or be weakened

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due to wind pressure, vibration or other causes. Where any demolition work in a worksite is carried out with the use of hand-tools safe footing in the form of sound flooring or scaffolds shall be provided for persons working on an exterior wall; and walls or partitions shall not be left standing more than one storey above the uppermost floor on which persons are working. R 74 Access to floor There shall be provided at all times safe access to and egress from every building in the worksite in the course of demolition by means of entrances, hallways, stairways or ladder runs which shall be so protected as to safeguard the persons using them from falling material. R 75 Barricades, catch platforms and warning signs Where demolition operations are being carried out in a worksite, a substantial barricade with signs to warn persons from unauthorised entry into the worksite shall be erected along every sidewalk or thoroughfare bordering the demolition operations. During the demolition of an exterior masonry wall or a roof in a worksite, catch platforms shall be provided and maintained except where an exterior built-up scaffold provides equivalent protection. R 76 Mechanical method of demolition Where a swinging weight is used in demolition operations in a worksite the building or structure or remaining portion thereof shall be not more than 24 metres in height; and a zone of demolition having a radius of at least one and a half times the height of the structure or portion thereof being so demolished shall be maintained around the points of impact. Where a clamshell bucket is being used for the demolition work in a worksite, a zone of demolition shall be maintained within 8 metres of the line of travel of the bucket. Where other mechanical contrivances are being used for the demolition work in a worksite, there shall be maintained in the area into which affected persons may fall an adequate zone of demolition to ensure the safety of the person. No person other than any person essential to the demolition work in a worksite shall be permitted to enter a zone of demolition which shall be provided with substantial barricades. Risk Control Substitution • Wetting the surface to be demolished to control dust.

Engineering Control • Hoardings and covered walkways should be provided in conjunction with catch

platforms to guide pedestrian flow and protect pedestrian traffic against falling debris. • Services / utilities should be capped, diverted or protected prior to the commencement

of any demolition works. • Adequate shores and/or braces should be installed to support unstable structures. • Catch platforms should be provided where exterior walls or roofs are being demolished. • All open sides or openings, where persons are liable to fall more than 2 meters, should

be guarded by effective guardrails, barriers, etc. • Proper ramps of appropriate design (e.g. steel ramps) should be used for floor to floor

movement of machinery. • Machinery can also be lowered by means of a mobile crane or other methods proposed

by a Professional Engineer • Proper working platforms and footholds should be provided for manual demolition. • Sufficient lighting should be provided where persons are at work. Average luminance at

passageways should be a minimum of 50lux.

Administrative Control • Engineering surveys should be carried out prior to commencement of demolition work.

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accumulation, weight of machinery and/or other anticipated dead and live loads, should be determined by a Professional Engineer. Caution should be taken to ensure that floors are not loaded up to a level which exceeds the SWL

• To verify if asbestos-containing materials are present in the building(s) /structure(s) to be demolished. If unsure, it should be assumed that asbestos-containing materials are present, or an asbestos survey can be conducted to ascertain that the building/structure to be demolished does not contain asbestos

• As-built drawings to indicate the structural members • Planning for demolition work and selecting appropriate method(s) of demolition and

equipment to be used; • The method statement for demolition works should clearly indicate the sequence of

demolition, approach to demolition and elements that require specialised methods of removal.

• A debris management system indicating the method of disposal, movement of debris from floor to floor and to the holding area and transportation of debris should be prepared.

• Maintaining the security of the site. No unauthorised entry should be permitted. • Appropriate warning signs should be posted. • A permit to work system should be implemented for the demolition works, typically

issued at a per floor basis, to ensure that every floor is adequately inspected prior to commencement of demolition.

• Glass and cladding on external walls should be removed prior to commencement of any demolition works.

• Safe means of access and egress should be provided from different levels of buildings or structures.

• Appointing a competent person experienced in demolition work to assess and inspect the structure to be demolished during the course of the demolition work;

• Limiting the level of accumulation of debris

• All demolition equipment should be operated by competent persons with appropriate training.

• Workers involved in demolition works must be provided with appropriate training and instructions to carry out demolition works safely.

• Operators and staff involved in the demolition works should be well informed and well versed with how works are to be carried out, the sequence of such works and the safety precautions to be taken prior to the commencement of works.

• Supervision is needed to ensure that only those workers who have received training and instructions are authorised to carry out the work.

• Comply with scaffolding and asbestos safety requirements. Personal Protective Equipment • Safety boots • Safety helmets. • Goggles • Hearing protection devices • Safety harness • Gloves • Appropriate respirators for dust or chemicals • Protective clothing 6.10.1 ASBESTOS HAZARDS Asbestos means crocidolite, amosite, chrysotile, fibrous anthophyllite or a mixture containing any of those minerals. Asbestos was used widely in a variety of building materials including floor tiles, ceiling tiles, asbestos-cement pipes or sheets, refuse chutes and fire resistant structures. The use of asbestos has been banned in Singapore buildings since 1989. However during removal, repair, dismantling, demolition, renovation, maintenance and alteration works, workers are exposed to asbestos. Deleted: _



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Asbestos fibres enter the body by inhalation of airborne dust or by ingestion and become embedded in the tissues of the respiratory or digestive systems. Exposure to asbestos causes occupational diseases such as Asbestosis (scarring and fibrosis of the lung tissues), Mesothelioma (cancer of the thin membrane lining of the chest, abdomen and gastrointestinal cancer) and Lung cancer. The symptoms generally appear after 20 years of exposure. Legislation Factories (Asbestos) Regulations R 3 Application These Regulations shall apply to every process involving asbestos or any article composed wholly or partly of asbestos, except a process in connection with which asbestos dust cannot be given off. R 4 Obligations under Regulations Every contractor and every employer who is undertaking any process involving asbestos shall comply with the requirements of these Regulations. R 5 Contractor, employer, etc, to ascertain whether process in factory involves asbestos Every contractor, employer, occupier and person shall take reasonable steps to ascertain whether any process undertaken in the factory involves asbestos or any article composed wholly or partly of asbestos. The steps to be taken shall include, where necessary, the analysis and examination of materials or articles involved in the process undertaken. R 6 Notifications Before a person first begins to undertake any process involving asbestos in a factory, he shall give not less than 28 days’ notice of the process or such shorter notice to MOM. R 7 Exhaust ventilation Exhaust ventilation equipment shall be

• provided except if it is safe for persons working in the factory • kept in use to produce an exhaust draught which prevents the entry into the air of

any workplace of asbestos dust. • well maintained and inspected at least once a month, • thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person at least once in every 12

months; The results of every such examination and test shall be signed by the person making or responsible and kept available for a period of two years after it is made.

R 8 Protective equipment Where it is impracticable to provide exhaust ventilation, there shall be provided for each person suitable respiratory protective equipment; and protective clothing. All respiratory protective equipment and protective clothing provided shall

• be properly maintained. • be used by the persons for whom they are provided • be provided for the use of another person unless it has been thoroughly cleaned

and disinfected since last being worn. The user shall be fully instructed in the proper use of that equipment. R 9 Duty to keep clean All machinery, apparatuses, work benches, other plant and equipment, all external surfaces of exhaust ventilation equipment, all floors, inside walls, partitions, ceilings, ledges and other internal surfaces of any part of a factory shall, so far as is practicable, be kept in a clean state and free from asbestos waste and dust.

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R 10 Cleaning by dustless method The cleaning shall be by means of vacuum cleaning equipment so designed and constructed and so used; or by some other suitable method so, that asbestos dust neither escapes nor is discharged into the air of a workplace. R11 Cleaning where cleaning by dustless method is impracticable Protective clothing and suitable respiratory protective equipment

• shall be provided for and used. • Shall be provided for the use of another person unless it has been thoroughly

cleaned and disinfected since last being worn. • Person shall be fully instructed in the proper use of that equipment.

Any surface on which asbestos waste or dust is deposited as a result of the carrying out of cleaning, not being a surface of the cleaning equipment used, shall be cleaned forthwith. R 12 Cleaning equipment All cleaning equipment used for cleaning shall be properly maintained and have all external surfaces kept in a clean state and free from asbestos waste and dust.

R 13 Storage All loose asbestos in a factory shall, when not in use, be kept in a room separated from any workplace in suitably closed receptacles, which prevent the escape of asbestos dust therefrom; and all asbestos waste in a factory shall, when stored, be kept in such receptacles. R14 Distribution, etc No loose asbestos or asbestos waste shall be despatched from or, as far as is practicable, received into a factory except in suitably closed receptacles, which prevent the escape of asbestos dust therefrom, or shall be distributed within a factory except in such receptacles or in a totally enclosed system of conveyance. R 15 Marking of receptacles All such receptacles shall be clearly and boldly marked with the words “Asbestos — do not inhale dust” or with other words in other languages having the same meaning and readily understood by those persons handling the receptacles or working in the factory. R 16 Accommodation for, and use of, protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment Suitable and separate accommodation in a conveniently accessible location shall be provided for the use of employees when putting on or taking off respiratory protective equipment and protective clothing provided and for the storage of such equipment and clothing when they are not in use. All protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment which have been provided for the use of employees shall, when not required for use, be kept in accommodation for storage provided except when it is necessary for them to be removed for cleaning or replacement. So far as is practicable, the same protective clothing shall (until it becomes necessary to replace it) be available for use by an employee on each occasion on which he requires to wear it. R 17 Cleaning of protective clothing All protective clothing provided shall be washed and cleaned at suitable intervals. Adequate and suitable facilities shall be provided and maintained for the washing and cleaning of all protective clothing. The washing and cleaning of all protective clothing shall be carried out at the facilities provided. R 18 Restriction on employment of young persons No person under the age of 18 years shall be employed in any process or in a part of a factory into which asbestos dust from any such process carried on in the factory would otherwise be liable to escape; and in carrying out any cleaning.

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Risk Control

Elimination • Asbestos has been eliminated from use. It can be found only in existing structures

when it is being demolished.

Substitution • Substitution of asbestos with other materials such as fibre glass. Engineering Control • Barricades to prevent unauthorised entry into the work area. • Enclose the work area and seal off all outlets. • Wet the surface to prevent release of fibres. • Exhaust ventilation provided to prevent entry of asbestos dust into the workplace,

maintained • All loose asbestos to be kept in separate room • Dispatched only in closed receptacles or in a totally enclosed system of transfer • Keep factory clean and free from asbestos waste and dust by vacuum cleaning

equipment or other methods preventing dust from escaping or discharged into the air • Suitable & separate accommodation for putting on and taking off protective clothing &

respiratory protection equipment Administrative Control • Notification / Declaration of asbestos containing material during worksite registration

when demolition, repair or re-decoration is carried out • Information regarding the presence or absence of asbestos can be obtained from

existing building plans. • In case of doubt, suspected materials, such as roofing, ceiling, acoustic, fireproofing

and insulation materials, should be sent to a competent laboratory for identification of asbestos.

• Medical examination of workers • Remove non asbestos material from the work area to prevent contamination. • Implement safe work procedures • Training on safe work procedure, respirators, RA • Follow legal requirements • Exhaust ventilation to be inspected monthly and thoroughly examined by competent

person every 12 months • All receptacles shall be clearly and boldly marked with “Asbestos - do not inhale dust” • Storage of used protective equipment and clothing • All protective clothing must be regularly cleaned in adequate and suitable facilities • No worker under the age of 18 years • Establish asbestos work area • Only workers who are doing the work are allowed to enter • No eating and drinking in the work area. • Warning sign • Provision of shower facilities • Housekeeping Personal Protective Equipment • Wear respirators with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. • Full body protective clothing • Goggles

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6.10.2 EXPLOSIVE HAZARDS Explosives are used for minor demolition works under controlled conditions. The hazards are • Mishandling of explosives • Open lights • Smoking • Unsafe opening of packages • Drilling onto unexploded explosives • Forcing cartridges into holes • Presence of personnel during blasting • Inadequate supervision • Misfires • Adverse weather • Inadequate warning before the blast The potential accident would be explosion resulting in injuries and fatalities. Legislation WSH (Construction) Regulations R 115 General duty on employer and principal It shall be the duty of the employer or the principal carrying out work in a worksite which involves the handling or use of explosives, to comply with requirements 116, 117 and 118. R 116 Handling of explosives Explosives shall not be handled or used except in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and by or under the immediate control of a designated person with adequate knowledge of the dangers connected with their use. Reasonably practicable steps shall be taken to ensure that, when a charge is fired in a worksite, all persons are in such positions which do not expose them to risk of injury from the explosion or from flying materials caused by the explosion. R 117 Smoking, open lights, etc. Smoking, open lights and flame or spark producing devices shall be prohibited in or around the explosive magazine or storage enclosure. Appropriate warning signs of the prohibitions, understood by persons involved in the work relating to the handling or use of explosives, shall be posted and maintained at every place where the explosives are kept or stored. R 118 Opening packages Packages of explosives shall not be opened at any point less than 15.5 metres distance from any explosive magazine. Metallic instruments shall not be used for opening packages of explosives in a worksite. R 119 Deepening holes No drilling of holes shall be carried out if the hole has at any time contained explosives. R 120 Size of holes Any drilled hole to hold any cartridge of explosives shall be of sufficient size. Cartridges of explosives of the proper size shall be selected so that every cartridge can be easily inserted to the bottom of the drilled hole without forcing or ramming. R 121 Removing cartridge wrappers Dynamites are not removed from their original wrappers before being loaded into the bored holes. Deleted: _



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R 122 Loading near other operations The loading of holes with explosives shall be carried out under the direct supervision of a blaster. It shall not be carried out within dangerous proximity to drilling or any other operations in the worksite. R 123 Loading and tamping Only a hardwood rod free from any metal part is used for loading and tamping of explosives. R 125 Warning and retreat Before the firing of any blast, a warning distinctly audible to all persons shall be sounded within the danger zone. No blast shall be fired while any person is in the danger zone. When the warning is sounded, all persons within the danger zone shall retire to a safe distance or to a safe shelter. R 126 Return to blast area No person shall return from such safe distance or safe shelter until permitted to do so by the blaster as announced by audible or visible signal. R 127 Misfires When there is a misfire of any blast, every person in the danger zone shall retire to a safe distance or a safe shelter. No person, other than a person appointed to dispose misfired charges, shall enter the danger zone until the misfired charge is disposed of. The blaster who fired the blast shall examine the blast area for evidence of misfired charges immediately following the blast; and to immediately report any misfire to the designated person. The designated person shall appoint the necessary personnel to dispose of the misfired charge; and determine the safe and proper method of its disposal. R 128 Operations during thunderstorm In the event of a thunderstorm, any handling or use of explosives shall be stopped immediately; and there shall be immediate evacuation of all persons in the area where the explosives are being handled or used to a place of safety in a proper location as determined by the designated person. Risk control Elimination / Substitution • Use alternate methods of demolition Engineering Control • Cordon off the area Administrative Control • Control of open lights and smoking • Safe work procedure • Audible warning prior to blast • Inspection by blaster for misfires. • Comply with legal requirements

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6.11 EXCAVATION The hazards of excavation are • Open sides / Inadequate access • Unsupported sides / Inadequate shoring • Presence of underground utilities / Unqualified operator • Presence of hazardous atmosphere • Presence of ground water / Raining / Rupture of underground water pipes • Presence of adjacent structures • Materials stored near to the edge of the excavation • Presence of workers in the operational zone of the excavator / Unqualified operator • Vehicles / Equipment close to the edge of the excavation The potential accident would be • Falling into the excavation • Collapse of excavation • Damage to utilities • Collapse of person • Flooding • Collapse of structures • Falling objects • Struck by excavator • Vehicles / Equipment topple

Legislation WSH (Construction) Regulations R 77 General requirements on excavation work Where the depth of any excavation in a worksite exceeds 1.5 metres or where the banks are undercut, adequate shoring (by underpinning, sheet piling, bracing or other means of shoring) shall be provided to prevent collapse of the excavation, or any structures adjoining or over areas to be excavated. No shoring shall be required if the excavation in the worksite has been examined and certified by a professional engineer to be safe without any shoring. Where the depth of any excavation in a worksite exceeds 4 metres, adequate shoring shall be made or erected in accordance with the design of a professional engineer to prevent collapse of the excavation, or any structures adjoining or over areas to be excavated. Where the depth of any excavation in a worksite exceeds 4 metres, no work (other than excavation or shoring operations) shall be carried out inside the excavation until after a certificate has been issued in respect of the shoring for that excavation. During any excavation work in a worksite, all reasonably practicable measures shall be taken • to prevent any person being trapped by the collapse of the excavation; • to prevent any person being struck by an object, such as an excavating machine or by

any material dislodged by the machine; • to prevent any person falling into the excavation; and • to prevent any person inhaling, or otherwise being exposed to, carbon monoxide or

another impurity of the air in the excavation. Excavated material or other superimposed loads shall be so placed away from the edge of the excavation in a worksite to prevent the materials or other loads from falling into the excavation, or cause the banks to slip or cause the upheaval of the excavation bed. The open side of any excavation in a worksite which exceeds 2 metres in depth shall be provided with adequate guard-rails to prevent persons from falling into the excavation.

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Notices shall be put up at appropriate and conspicuous positions to warn persons about the excavation in a worksite. The excavation in a worksite and its vicinity shall be inspected by a designated person after every rain storm or other hazard-increasing occurrence. Where any inspection reveals that the excavation in the worksite is not safe for entry, the designated person shall immediately inform the project manager of the worksite of the unsafe condition. Upon being informed, the project manager of the worksite may order that all works within the excavation cease immediately and revoke any permit-to-work issued for such work. It shall be the duty of the designated person to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary to ensure that any inspection carried out is conducted properly. R 78 Duties of professional engineers on excavation The professional engineer who designs the shoring for an excavation shall ensure that his design can be executed safely and provide all design documentations. The professional engineer who oversee the construction of the shoring shall ensure that the shoring is constructed in accordance with the design and issue a certificate stating that the shoring is safe for its intended use. R 79 Access and egress from excavation where any excavation work is carried out to ensure that safe access to and egress from the excavation in the worksite is provided where persons are required to work in the excavation; and the access or egress is sufficient in numbers and installed in such locations so as to be readily accessible. Risk Control Engineering Control • Provide shoring for the excavation • Provide shoring for adjacent structures • Provide barricades • Cordon off the operational area to prevent entry by unauthorised personnel. • Provide staircase for access • Provide stoppers for vehicles / equipment. • Provision of water pumps. Administrative Control • Engage a Licensed Cable Detection Worker (LCDW) to check for the presence of

underground electricity cables, telecommunication cables, water mains, sewers and gas pipes

• Obtain relevant services layout plans • Dig trial holes manually to ascertain the layout • Apply permit to work for excavation/trench that exceeds 1.5m depth. • Place materials away from the edge of the excavation. • Inspection by designated person • Provision of banksman to direct the operation and control access. • Provide signage to warn pedestrians and vehicles. • Walkie talkie for banksman • Brief personnel on the location of services • Provide ground markers above the services. • Gas testing for hazardous atmospheres. Personal Protective Equipment • Safety helmet for all personnel • High visibility vest for banksman

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6.11.1 TUNNELLING HAZARDS The hazards of tunnelling are: • Inadequate access • Inadequate shoring • Presence of underground utilities • Presence of hazardous atmosphere • Presence of ground water / Raining / Rupture of underground water pipes • Presence of adjacent structures • Presence of workers in the operational zone of the tunnel equipment The potential accident would be • Falling into the shaft • Collapse of tunnel • Damage to utilities • Collapse of person • Flooding • Collapse of structures • Struck by tunnel equipment Legislation WSH (Construction) Regulations R 81 Stability of tunnelling work All reasonably practicable measures such as shoring, shot-creting, supports by means of rock bolts, segments or steel sets, or other measures, shall be taken to ensure the stability of the tunnel; and to prevent any person being trapped by the collapse of the tunnel or being struck by an object falling into the tunnel. The roof, face and walls of the work area in the tunnel shall be examined and tested before the start of the tunnelling works and thereafter at regular intervals to ensure that it is safe for persons at work in the tunnel. Adequate clearance or refuge area shall be provided and maintained to prevent workers from being caught in between or struck by any part of any vehicle, fixture or equipment within the tunnel. All tunnels or shafts in a worksite shall be properly designed and constructed to prevent the collapse of the shaft or surrounding earth; and to prevent flooding. R 82 Ventilation All work areas in a free air tunnel shall be provided with appropriate ventilation system to ensure adequate supply of fresh air. All reasonably practicable measures shall be taken to ensure that the air in the tunnel where a person has to work is free from flammable gases and vapours and contains at least 19.5% oxygen by volume; and not more than 23.5% oxygen by volume. Air that has passed through any underground oil or fuel storage areas shall not be used for ventilation in the tunnel. R 83 Illumination level All areas in the tunnel shall be adequately illuminated. Emergency generators are provided to ensure adequate illumination of the tunnels and work areas in the event of a failure in the power supply. R 84 Access to and egress from tunnel or shafts Safe access to and egress from any tunnel shall be provided. Where persons have to descend in a shaft, an alternate means of egress from the shaft shall be provided for emergency purposes. Where the shaft in a worksite exceeds 24 metres in depth, a lift shall be provided for the transport of men and materials. All combustible materials shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, be kept away from such lift and access way.

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Proper control of ingress and egress of persons to and from any tunnel under construction in the worksite shall be exercised. A chart listing the names of persons working in the tunnel and their location of work shall be displayed at the main entrance to the tunnel and be regularly updated. Notices to warn persons against unauthorised entry shall be displayed at all points of entry to the tunnel.

R 85 Plant and ancillary equipment

• All plant and ancillary equipment necessary for the conduct of work in any excavation or within a tunnel in the worksite shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be of appropriate design and construction, sufficient capacity, safe and without risks to health and adequately maintained.

• All supply lines to pneumatic tools used within a tunnel in the worksite shall be fitted with water traps and where appropriate, safety chains or wires.

• Hydraulic oils with flashpoints which are lower than the working temperatures in the tunnel shall not be used in the worksite.

• Only high pressure hydraulic hoses and coupling shall be used in the tunnel and such hoses shall be properly protected.

• Only fire resistant hydraulic hoses shall be used in hydraulically activated machinery and equipment used in the tunnel.

• All hydraulic lines shall be protected by insulation or other screening where there is a risk of burning through human contact.

• Only flameproof equipment shall be used whenever there is danger of the presence of flammable or explosive gases.

• No petrol driven internal combustion engine shall be used in a tunnel; • No diesel engine shall be used in a tunnel unless it is so constructed that no air enters

the engine without first being cleaned, and no fumes or sparks shall be emitted by the engine.

• Oil, grease or fuel stored in the tunnel shall be kept in tightly sealed containers in fire resistant areas at safe distances from explosives, magazines, electrical installations and away from the bottom of shafts.

• Gasoline or liquefied petroleum gases or other highly flammable substances shall not be used in the tunnel without the approval of the project manager of the worksite; and

• All gasoline or liquefied petroleum gases or highly flammable substances used in the tunnel shall be removed immediately after use.

R 86 Means of communications Effective and reliable means of communication, such as a telephone network, shall be provided at intervals of 100 metres along the tunne including outside the portal or at the top of the shaft and maintained at all times. Any code of audio and visual signals used shall be conspicuously displayed near the entrances to the worksite and such other locations as may be necessary to bring it to the attention of all persons concerned. R 87 Tampering with fittings Appropriate control measures shall be implemented to prevent any unauthorised person from tampering with fittings, valves or other controls regulating air supply, lighting, electricity or any monitoring system used in connection with any work in the tunnels in the worksite. R 88 Training Any person who carries out any work in a tunnel shall receive adequate safety and health training to familiarise himself with the hazards associated with such work and the precautions to be observed. R 89 Rescue team Where 25 or more persons have to work underground at any one time, at least 5 such persons shall be trained in rescue procedures, resuscitation, the use, care and limitations of breathing apparatus and the use and maintenance of fire fighting equipment. Where more than 4 but not more than 24 persons have to work underground at any time, at least 2 such persons shall possess the training. Sufficient suitable breathing apparatus shall be provided and maintained for use by persons employed to work in a tunnel.

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R 90 Fire-fighting facilities and procedure Adequate and appropriate fire-fighting facilities including a fire alarm system connected to the ground level shall be provided. At least one joint exercise for fire and rescue purposes together with the Singapore Civil Defence Force shall be conducted, in consultation with Singapore Civil Defence Force. The procedure that is to be followed in the event of an outbreak of fire shall be displayed at prominent positions both inside and outside every tunnel. Every person employed in the tunnel shall receive instruction on the procedure. A fire drill shall be held at least once in every 3 months. Risk Control

Substitution • Use open excavation method Engineering Control • Provision of shoring • Provision of alternate ventilation system • Provision of lighting with emergency lighting • Provision of access • Use of fire resistant materials • Provision of alternate power source • Segregated access for personnel in the tunnel Administrative Control • Implement Safe system of work • Warning notices • Maintenance of plant and ancillary equipment • Means of communications • Maintenance of records • Training of personnel • Comply with legal requirements • Implement permit to work system • Provision of rescue team 6.11.2 COMPRESSED AIR ENVIRONMENT HAZARDS Compressed air is used in the construction of a tunnel to prevent entry of ground water into the tunnel. It may be used in the working space in front of the TBM to allow maintenance work to be carried out on the machine face or allow workers to manually remove obstructions, for example, boulders or old piles. Workers would be exposed to compressed air which can be intermittent in such cases. Compressed air may also be used in the tunnel itself where there are workers working and conventional TBM are being used. In this case, more workers would be exposed to the compressed air and its associated health risks. Access to the compressed air portion of the tunnel is through a chamber called the ‘man-lock’. Once inside the man-lock, the air pressure can be slowly increased to the desired pressure inside the compressed air portion of the tunnel (compression procedure). When the desired pressure is reached, workers can then enter the compressed air tunnel. When coming out of the compressed air tunnel, workers would be required to enter the man-lock again where the air pressure would be slowly reduced in stages to atmospheric pressure before they are allowed out of the man-lock (decompression procedure). Working in a compressed air environment may result in diseases related to the changes in the air pressure. The factors below may be associated with a higher risk of developing compressed air illness: • Medical unfitness, for example, obese and older workers may be at higher risk • High pressures exceeding one bar (greater risk with higher pressures) • Long working hours in compressed air, for example, those working for more than four

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• Failure to follow proper decompression procedure • Multiple entries for supervisors and engineers • Lack of acclimatisation for new workers • Lack of adequate rest between shifts The risk of working in compressed air would be compressed air illness and barotrauma. Compressed Air Illness At normal atmospheric pressure (1kg/cm2), the body tissues and blood are fully saturated with air. When the body is subjected to increased air pressure, more of the gases in the air (mainly nitrogen and oxygen) get dissolved into the blood and tissues. When the ambient air pressure is reduced too fast, these gases are released in the form of bubbles. The oxygen is readily utilised by the body, however, the nitrogen gas can accumulate within the body. Compressed air illness is a result of obstruction or effects due to gas bubbles formed in the blood stream giving rise to the symptoms of decompression sickness. Barotrauma The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat (where it is open to the atmosphere). During compression, it is essential that the pressure on either side of the ear drum be equalised by performing the Valsalva manoeuvre of blowing against the pinched nose and swallowing. If the eustachian tubes are too small or blocked as a result of infection such as flu or allergy, a person would be unable to clear during compression which may rupture the ear drum resulting in pain, discharge and deafness. This is called barotrauma where the tissue is damaged resulting from contraction or expansion of gas containing spaces within the body due to the changing pressures. Barotrauma may also affect the sinuses (air passages) or more seriously the lungs. It is commonly encountered during compression. Legislation WSH (Construction) Regulations R 91 Safe system of work No person shall enter, work in or leave the compressed air environment in the worksite except in accordance with a safe system of work which, so far as is reasonably practicable, is safe and without risk to health. R 93 Safe system of work A notice shall be displayed at the entrance to the compressed air environment warning persons against unauthorised entry into the compressed air environment. The notice shall also inform persons of —

• the danger of not undergoing proper compression and decompression;

• fire and explosion hazards; and

• the evacuation procedure in case of an emergency. R 94 Use of bulkhead No bulkhead for retaining compressed air within a tunnel shall be used unless it has been approved by the Commissioner. This shall not apply to a bulkhead which forms an integral part of a tunnelling or boring machine. R 95 Plant and ancillary equipment Every plant and ancillary equipment necessary for the conduct of work in the compressed air environment shall be —

• of appropriate design and construction;

• of sufficient capacity;

• safe and without risk to health; and

• adequately maintained. No oxy-acetylene shall be used in the compressed air environment.

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R 96 Supply of air There shall be an adequate supply of compressed air to a working chamber. A reserve supply of compressed air shall be made available at all times for every man-lock and medical lock. The air intake for all air compressors of the air supply shall be located, as far as is reasonably practicable, at a place where there are no fumes, exhaust gases or other air contaminants. Instrumentation or gauges indicating the pressure in a working chamber shall be provided near the air compressor and at the site office. In a compressed air environment — • all high and low pressure air supply lines shall be equipped with check valves; • low pressure air shall be maintained and regulated automatically; and • low pressure air shall be provided with manually operated control valves. The total capacity of the low pressure air compressors shall be sufficient to maintain the pressure in the air locks and working chambers to cater for emergencies. Every air main supplying the working chamber or air lock shall be protected against accidental damage and where it is not practicable to provide such protection, an additional air main shall be provided. At least 2 low pressure feedlines with regulating valves shall be provided for every working chamber and at least one of them shall extend to within 30 metres of the working face of the tunnel. The concentrations of toxic airborne contaminants in a compressed air environment in a worksite shall not exceed the permissible exposure levels in parts per million specified in the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations (Rg 1). Where measurements are made to determine the concentrations of toxic airborne contaminants in a compressed air environment, the measured concentrations in parts per million shall be corrected to the atmospheric pressure, and the corrected concentrations shall not exceed the permissible exposure levels specified in the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations. R 97 Power source Every low pressure air compressor shall be provided with at least 2 independent and separate sources of power supply which shall be capable of supplying power to operate the air compressor and its ancillary systems automatically when one source of power supply fails. Alternate use from one independent source of power supply to the other shall be made once fortnightly to ensure that the equipment may be operated from either source of supply. No transformer shall be used in a compressed air environment unless the transformer is of the dry type. R 98 Temperature and humidity The temperature in any working chamber, man-lock or medical lock shall not exceed 29°C and the relative humidity shall not exceed 85%. A wet and dry bulb thermometer, in good working order, shall be provided in every working chamber. A lock attendant shall be appointed to record the readings of the thermometer at least once in every 4 hours in the lock attendant's register. R 99 Means of communications Effective and reliable means of communication, such as a telephone network, shall be maintained at all times and such means of communication shall connect the following locations: • the working chamber at the face of an excavation; • the working chamber side of the man-lock near the door; • the interior of each chamber of the man-lock; • the man and medical lock attendants' station; • the compressor plant; and • the first-aid station. R 100 Appointment of competent person for compressed air works Sufficient number of competent persons shall be present on site to supervise the execution of work in a compressed air environment at all times when such work is being Deleted: _



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carried out. Suitably qualified and experienced persons shall be appointed who shall at all times be in control of the air supply plant and be in attendance at the site when any person is employed in the compressed air environment. Competent persons shall be appointed as gauge attendants who shall at all times be in control of the control valve plant and be in attendance at the site when any person is employed in the compressed air environment. No gauge attendant shall take charge of the air control valves of more than one heading unless they are in the same location. The air controls of each caisson shall be under the charge of a gauge attendant. R 101 Identification badges Identification badges containing relevant particulars shall be issued to any person who is employed in the compressed air environment for the guidance of others should the person be taken ill after leaving work. Every person who has been issued an identification badge shall wear the badge at all times while at work. R 102 Conditions for person working in compressed air environment Every person who is employed in a compressed air environment in the worksite shall spend not less than 12 consecutive hours at atmospheric pressure in any 24-hour period. A person who has never worked in a compressed air environment before shall not be employed in compressed air work unless he is accompanied by a person who had previously worked in a compressed air environment. A person who has not carried out any work in a compressed air environment for more than 14 consecutive days shall not carry out such work in a compressed air environment exceeding one bar for more than 4 hours in one day. The total period of time in a day which the person spends in a compressed air environment shall not in any subsequent day be increased by more than one hour on each subsequent day. No person shall carry out any work in a compressed air environment at a pressure exceeding 3.5 bars except in an emergency. No person suffering from a cold, chest infection, sore throat or ear ache shall carry out any work in a compressed air environment unless the person has been medically examined and certified fit by a medical practitioner. The period of time a person spends in a compressed air environment shall include the time spent by the person in the man-lock for compression and decompression. R 103 Condition for multiple entries in compressed air environment No person who has undergone 3 decompressions from a pressure exceeding one bar in any 24-hour period preceding the time he is to enter a compressed air environment shall carry out any work in compressed air except for the purpose of carrying out rescue work. This regulation shall not apply to any person who is a supervisor of works being carried out in a compressed air environment or who is engaged in maintenance work in a compressed air environment provided that — • the person shall not be so employed on more than 5 occasions in any 24-hour period; • the employment is not for more than half an hour on any one occasion; • there is an interval of not less than 11/2 hours between each such employment; and • the maximum pressure at which that person is so employed does not exceed 2 bars. R 104 Prohibition on consumption of alcohol and smoking Where work in a compressed air environment is carried out — • no person shall consume alcohol or smoke while at work in the compressed air

environment; • no person shall carry cigarettes, cigarette lighters, matches or other sources of ignition

into the compressed air environment; and • no person who has consumed alcohol shall be allowed to undergo compression in any

lock in the worksite other than in a medical lock. R 105 Man-locks Where work is carried out in any compressed air tunnel, a suitably constructed and equipped man-lock shall be provided for each tunnel. The man-locks shall be Deleted: _



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sufficiently strong to withstand any air pressure, internal or external, to which the structure may be subjected whilst in use and in an emergency. The man-lock shall be of adequate size to accommodate all persons likely to use the lock at any one time. The man-lock shall be maintained in working order and in a clean state at all times. Provision shall be made to enable any person inside the man-lock or working chamber to control the doors of the man-lock or working chamber in order to leave the man-lock or working chamber in the case of an emergency. Except in the case of an emergency, no person shall operate the controls for the opening and closing of the doors of the man-lock and working chamber unless he has been authorised by the lock attendant. A notice which can be easily read and understood by any person employed to work in the man-lock shall be affixed in each man-lock to indicate — • the precautions to be taken during his compression or decompression and after

decompression; and • the maximum number of persons who may be accommodated in the man-lock. R 106 Compression and decompression procedure and use of man-lock Except in an emergency, compression of persons before they enter a working chamber in a worksite and decompression of persons who are leaving a working chamber shall be carried out only in a man-lock. In an emergency, a materials lock may be used for the compression and decompression of persons and a record of such use and particulars of the emergency shall be made. Compression and decompression of persons working in a compressed air environment shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures approved by the Commissioner. A man-lock shall not be used for any purpose other than for the compression or decompression of persons. R 107 Medical locks Where more than 100 persons are employed in a compressed air environment exceeding one bar, a suitably constructed and equipped medical lock shall be provided for every 100 persons or less and maintained. Every medical lock shall be — • situated as near as possible to the man-lock; • of an appropriate size and shall comprise at least 2 compartments so that one of the

compartments can be entered into whilst the other is under pressure; • equipped with such facilities and medicines in readiness for use at any time; and • maintained in working order and in a clean state at all times, including any ancillary

equipment in the medical lock. A medical lock shall not be used for any purpose other than for a therapeutic purpose and for the training and testing of persons for fitness to work in a compressed air environment. R 108 Man-lock and medical lock attendants Every man-lock and medical lock shall be under the charge of a lock attendant. No person shall be employed as a man-lock or medical lock attendant for more than 12 consecutive hours in any period of 24 hours. No person shall be employed as a man-lock or medical lock attendant unless he has — • been certified to be medically fit by a medical practitioner; • been trained in first-aid; and • received adequate training to familiarise him with the hazards associated with

compression, decompression and compressed air illness and with the keeping of records.

R 109 Attendance at man-lock A man-lock attendant shall be in attendance at a man-lock at all times when any person is in the man-lock or in a working chamber to which the man-lock affords direct or indirect access. Each man-lock attendant station shall be provided with a first-aid box. The man-lock attendant shall — • maintain a lock attendant's register; and • carry out the compression and decompression of persons in a compressed air

environment in accordance with the approved procedures. Deleted: _



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R 110 Attendance at medical lock A medical lock attendant shall be in attendance at the medical lock — • when any person is employed in a compressed air environment at a pressure

exceeding one bar; • when any person is being treated in the medical lock; and • during the period of 24 hours immediately after the last decompression of a person in a

man-lock from a pressure exceeding one bar has taken place. Arrangements shall be made to ensure that all records of pressures and other relevant information regarding conditions in the man-lock and working chamber are accessible to the medical lock attendant at any time when the records and information are required by him. R 111 Appointment of medical practitioner Where any work is carried out in a compressed air environment, a medical practitioner shall be appointed for the purpose of supervising medical lock attendants and attending to and treating persons suffering from compressed air illness and other conditions arising from work in a compressed air environment at all times. No medical practitioner shall be appointed unless the medical practitioner is suitably qualified and familiar with the problems associated with work in a compressed air environment and the medical aspects of that work and has been registered with the Commissioner as a designated workplace doctor. R 112 Resting facilities and first-aid room Where persons employed in a compressed air environment are required to remain at the worksite for one hour or more after decompression from pressures exceeding one bar, adequate and suitable facilities shall be provided for the persons to rest in the worksite. A first-aid room shall be provided and readily available at the worksite. R 113 Maintenance of records A register showing the name, identity card number, passport number, work permit number, date of birth, nationality, home address and occupation of each employee employed in a compressed air environment shall be prepared and kept. A copy of every lock attendant's register maintained shall be kept for a period of 3 years after its making. R 114 Training of personnel Any person who carries out any work in a compressed air environment shall receive adequate safety and health training to familiarise himself with the hazards associated with such work and the precautions to be observed. Risk Control Elimination • Prohibition on consumption of alcohol and smoking Engineering Control • Provision of alternate ventilation system • Provision of lighting with emergency lighting • Use of fire resistant materials • Provision of alternate power source • Provision of resting facilities and first-aid room Administrative Control • Implement Safe system of work • Warning notices • Maintenance of plant and ancillary equipment • Measuring and Monitoring temperature, humidity, air quality • Means of communications

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• Appointment of competent person for compressed air works • Provision of identification badges • Implementing proper compression and decompression procedure • Maintenance of records • Training of personnel • Comply with legal requirements • Medical surveillance • Medical fitness • Close monitoring • Reporting of illnesses to the supervisors • Log books to record entry • Implement permit to work system

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Learning Activity 6


• Select a civil and structural trade. • Choose any 1 process in that trade and list all the work activities. • Choose any 1 activity and identify atleast 2 hazards. • Recommend appropriate controls for each of the hazards identified. • Identify the type of controls. • Use the RA form.

Process

Work Activities

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7. Managing implementation of control measures This Lesson is made up of 5 units. The objective of this unit is to • Communicate and raise attention to the stakeholders on the hazards in accordance

with organisational procedures. • Present proposed control measures to relevant stakeholders for formulation of

implementation plan. • Communicate the control measures and implementation plan to the relevant

stakeholders. • Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of control measures. • Report to management on status of implementation of control measurement Implementation

Residual risks are the remaining risks after implementation of risk controls. The risk assessment team should ensure that residual risks are acceptable and manageable and highlight the residual risks of each of the controls. For example, if the risk control involves the use of safety harnesses and lanyards (a type of PPE), one of the residual risks is that the workers may not anchor the lanyards to protect themselves. In this case, the risk assessment team may highlight training (administrative control) as a further measure to ensure that residual risks are further minimised. Once all the risk controls are selected, the risk assessment team needs to identify the action officers and follow-up dates. The results of risk assessment must be approved and endorsed by the top management. The employer should as far as is practicable, implement the recommended risk control measures as soon as possible. Arising from the risk assessment, SWPs for work which may pose safety and health risks should be established and implemented. The SWPs should include the safety precautions to be taken in the course of work and during an emergency, as well as the provision of PPE. A written description of the risk assessment must be kept for reference for 3 years. The Risk Assessment Form can be used for record keeping, training and reviewing. All risk assessment records should be concise and kept in a register. The records should include the following information: • Names and designations of risk assessment team members • Inventory of work activities by process or location, associated with machinery,

equipment and chemical; • Hazards identification for each work activity, and possible types of accident or incident • Existing risk control measures • Risk level for each hazard • Recommendations on additional risk controls required • Persons involved in implementing the measures on risk reduction • Signatures, date and designations of the persons conducting risk assessment • Signature, date and designation of management approving or endorsing the

assessment

Communication Throughout the risk management process, communication amongst stakeholders at every step is essential. Every employer, self-employed person and principal (including contractor and sub-contractor) must take all reasonably practicable steps to inform his employees or any other persons at the workplace who may be exposed to safety and health risk. They should be informed of the following: • the nature of the risk involved, • the measures implemented to control the risk, • applicable safe work procedures. Deleted: _



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Whenever the risk assessment is revised, or when there is a significant change in work practices or procedures, the employees or other persons who may be at risk must be informed accordingly. The stakeholders have been covered in earlier topics. Communication of control measures to relevant stakeholders, which may include: Organisation such as • Suppliers • Clients • Developers • Designer consultants • Contractors Individual such as • Workers • Supervisors • Foreman • Engineers • Architect • Managers The mode of communication can be through the following: WSH committee meetings One of the key functions of the WSH committee meetings is to promote safe conduct of work. The results of the risk assessment can be shared in these meetings, Relevant parties feedback sessions Feedback sessions help to gather feedback from the employees on the control measures implemented. Employees can provide suggestions about how to solve WSH problems. Employee participation enables the employee to contribute on how the work can be undertaken safely. Employees should be encouraged to: • Ask questions. • Raise safety concerns. • Make safety recommendations. • Be a part of the problem-solving process. Small group meetings Meeting is an assembly of individuals to debate certain issues and take decisions. It allows for dialogue between the members. Examples of meetings include WSH committee meetings, coordination meetings, team meetings, etc. These meeting would be appropriate to tackle specific work groups or trades. One-on-one discussions This is a briefing conducted by the immediate supervisor to his subordinate. This would be appropriate when the supervisor wants to coach his subordinates on the safe method of work and on the job training. Reports and email Internal safety circulars and bulletins can be notified through intranet & email to reach the target audience in the shortest time. The disadvantage could be the literacy level of the employees and the availability of time and resources such as computers to access them.

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Monitoring The implementation of the control measures should be monitored through one of the following: Schedule of implementation An action plan should be prepared to implement the measures. The plan should include a time line of implementation and responsibilities of persons implementing the safety and health control measures. Resources needed Management should ensure that adequate resources are available for the implementation of the risk controls. The resources needed would be. • Manpower - allocating necessary competent persons to assist in the implementation

such as trainers, WSH professionals, etc • Financial - setting aside a budget for safety to acquire the necessary manpower, space,

equipment, etc. • Equipment and tools allocation - e.g getting the necessary equipment such as training

equipment, instruments, etc. • Space allocation - e.g getting the necessary space for training, first aid, demonstration,

evacuation, etc. • Time - the availability of time in terms of implementation with respect to the production

schedule considering the allocated resources. Resources can be considered adequate if they are sufficient to carry out the risk control programmes and activities, including performance measurement and monitoring. For organizations with established WSH management systems, the adequacy of resources can be at least partially evaluated by comparing the planned achievement of WSH objectives with actual results. Work in progress The plan should be monitored regularly until all the measures are implemented. This can be done by maintaining an updated list of daily activities on site. Evaluation Regular auditing is required to ensure that risk control measures are functioning effectively. Regular review of the risk assessment plan is critical. While employers are required to review their plans every three years, a review should take place whenever: • New information on safety and health risks surfaces; • There are changes to the area of work and / or • After any accident / incident. The risk assessment team should undertake the same 3 steps (hazard identification, risk evaluation and risk control) when conducting a risk assessment review. The effectiveness of the control measures should be evaluated using the following criteria: Reduced WSH risks The implementation of the corrective and preventive action would translate to better risk controls bringing about a reduction in risk levels. The new risk levels should be evaluated and the risk assessments updated accordingly. For example from a medium risk to a low risk level. Robustness This indicates whether the corrective and preventive actions would be strong enough to withstand the shortcomings.

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Reliability This indicates whether the corrective and preventive actions would fail from the required norms due to certain factors such as environmental conditions, etc. e.g. Operator could be missing one step under the SOPs. Reproducibility This indicates whether the actions can be repeated at other areas with the same robustness and reliability. Ease of use This indicates whether the actions are user friendly and thereby resulting in better compliance levels. Any side-effects • Interference with productivity – This evaluates if the actions reduces the productivity

level and cause a loss in business, which the organisation may not prefer. • Creating hazards elsewhere – This evaluates whether the actions may bring down the

risk level but may pose as a hazards somewhere else. Reporting The management should be updated on the status of implementation of control measurement, which may include: Tracking the implementation of corrective / preventive actions The implementation of corrective / preventive actions can be tracked using appropriate action items tracking methods which include computer programmes e.g Microsoft Access, Outlook, etc or manual e.g through records. The closure of actions items can be informed by person in charge through one-on-one basis or through the consultation and communication process. This can be further be verified through inspection and document reviews. Persons affected by the non-conformances or audit findings Persons responsible for taking corrective and/or preventive actions - Depending on the area of control such as process and physical areas, relevant personnel should be assigned to close the corrective / preventive actions. The time frame for the completion of the corrective / preventive actions should be agreed as well. This would reflect the outstanding action items and the corresponding action officer. Risk assessment register – The non-conformances would require a review in the risk assessments and hence require to be updated. The risk assessment register would reflect the update. Safe work procedures – Changes in risk assessment would require a review in the safe work procedures and hence require to be updated. The list of safe work procedures would reflect the update. Training records – Employees have to be trained upon changes to risk assessments. The training records would indicate the number of persons trained, the duration of training, types of training attended, effectiveness of training, etc. This would reflect the company’s training status. The records would indicate the number of personnel trained in a particular training programme and how many more have to be trained.

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Learning Activity 7


Choose any 10 risk controls and identify how would you communicate the following to the

various stakeholders?

S/No Risk Controls Communication

Ways to monitor Evaluate

effectiveness

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

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References Texts

• Reese, Charles D. (1999). Handbook of OSHA Construction Safety and Health. Lewis Publishers. ISBN 1566702976.

Websites

• Ministry of Manpower – http://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-health/Pages/default.aspx

• Workplace Safety and Health Council - https://www.wshc.sg/wps/portal/resources?action=infoStopHome&openMenu=-1

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[1] Deleted Kader 5/16/2012 4:09:00 PM

Title Applicable to


Factories

WSH (General Provisions) Regulations 2006

Factories and owners of pressure vessels

WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007

All worksites

WSH (First Aid) Regulations 2006

Factories, laboratories, ship in harbour, premises within airport


WSH (Risk Management) Regulations 2006

Workplaces covered under the First Schedule of the Act




-



Factories

WSH (Abrasive Blasting) Regulations 2008 Workplaces covered under the First Schedule of the Act

WSH (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations 2009 Workplaces covered under the First Schedule of the Act

WSH (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2009 Workplaces covered under the First Schedule of the Act


Factories

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Factories (Medical Examinations) Regulations Factories with exposure to certain chemicals, excessive noise, compressed air

Factories (Noise) Regulations Factories with excessive noise Factories (Operations of Cranes) Regulations Factories involving crane, mobile

crane and tower crane Factories (Persons-In-Charge) Regulations Factories with steam boiler, steam

engine or internal combustion engine


Factories (Scaffolds) Regulations 2004 Factories with scaffolds


Category of offender Maximum Fine Maximum


Individual persons $200,000 2 years Either or both

Category of offender Maximum Fine Maximum Imprisonment

Conditions

Corporate body $500,000 Workers For failure to use personal protective equipment or misuse of any safety appliance

1st conviction -

$1,000 2

nd or subsequent

conviction - $2,000

Individual $400,000 2 years Either or both

Repeat offenders For a 2

nd or

subsequent conviction for the same offence that causes the death of another person Corporate

body $1 million


R 63 - Revocation The Factories (Scaffolds) Regulations 2004 (G.N. No. S 19/2004) are revoked. R 64 - Savings and transitional provision Notwithstanding the revocation of the Factories (Scaffolds) Regulations 2004, every person who, immediately before 10th September 2011, is registered as an approved scaffold contractor shall be deemed to be an approved scaffold contractor under these Regulations; and cease to be an approved scaffold contractor on the expiry of its registration as an approved scaffold contractor as if these Regulations had not been made

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R 3 Application Apply to any factoryworkplace in which any scaffold is erected, installed, used, re-positioned, altered, maintained, repaired or dismantled. R 4 Obligation under Regulations The occupier shall ensure that the scaffold is erected, installed, re-positioned, altered or dismantled by an approved scaffold contractor and in accordance with these Regulations. The approved scaffold contractor and every person who engages an approved scaffold contractor shall ensure that the requirements of these Regulations relating to the erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration or dismantling of the scaffold are complied with. The employer, whose employee uses any scaffold or part of a scaffold to perform work, to shall ensure that the scaffold is used by the employee in accordance with these Regulations. Every person employed or engaged in connection with the erection, installation, use, re-positioning, alteration or dismantling of any scaffold shall — ensure that every provision of these Regulations relating to his role is complied with; and co-operate with the occupier and the person who employs or engages him in ensuring that

the requirements of these Regulations are complied with.

R 5 Approved scaffold contractor No scaffold (other than a tower scaffold and a trestle scaffold) shall be erected, installed, re-positioned, altered or dismantled except by an approved scaffold contractor. This does not apply to a scaffold which, when completed and excluding the handrails and their supports at the uppermost lift of the scaffold, is less than 4 metres in height. An approved scaffold contractor shall employ or engage only qualified scaffold supervisors, scaffold erectors and suspended scaffold riggers. R 6 Scaffold supervisor The scaffold supervisor shall be a qualified person and ensure that the scaffold is erected, installed, re-positioned, altered or dismantled in accordance with these Regulations. R 7 Scaffold erectors and suspended scaffold riggers Every suspended scaffold shall be erected, installed, re-positioned, altered or dismantled by a qualified suspended scaffold rigger. Every scaffold erector and suspended scaffold rigger shall be provided with a safety harness attached to a shock absorbing device and use the safety harness provided. R 8 Construction and materials Every scaffold and every member or component thereof shall be of sound material, good construction and adequate strength; free from patent defects; and suitable and safe for the purpose for which it is intended. No scaffold exceeding 4 metres or suspended scaffold shall be erected, installed, re-positioned, altered or dismantled except under the immediate supervision of a scaffold supervisor. Every scaffold exceeding 4 metres shall be erected, installed, re-positioned, altered or dismantled by a qualified scaffold erector. Every scaffold shall be properly maintained and every part thereof shall be fixed, secured or placed in position so as to prevent, as far as practicable, any accidental displacement. R 9 Scaffold to precede permanent floor Every scaffold erected at a building under construction shall, as far as practicable, be erected such that it precedes the construction of the uppermost permanent floor of the building by not less than 1 metre above that floor. Where the height of the scaffold extends beyond the uppermost permanent floor by 2 metres or more, the scaffold shall be adequately supported to prevent collapse. R 10 Work platforms Work platforms shall be provided at any place of work which does not afford a proper and secure foothold and in the case of a building under construction, around the edge of the building at every uppermost permanent floor which is under construction. Work platforms shall be provided at intervals of not less than every alternate lift of any scaffold, except a tower scaffold or a trestle scaffold. The vertical distance between any 2 work platforms shall not exceed 4 metres. Every work platform provided shall cover the lift of a scaffold throughout its entire length. Every work platform shall be closely boarded, planked or decked and if it is used to provide footing for not more than 3 persons and support tools and materials not exceeding 25 kgf per bay of a scaffold, at least 500 millimetres wide. A work platform and any support thereof shall be constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer where the work platform is used to provide footing for more than 2 persons in each bay or to support tools or materials exceeding 25 kgf in each bay. The maximum loading for persons and materials on any work platform in any bay of a scaffold shall be in the case of a timber scaffold, 75 kgf per square metre or in any other case, 220 kgf per square metre. In the case of a timber scaffold, not more than 2 persons shall work on a work platform in

any bay. In the case of a metal scaffold, not more than 4 persons shall work on a work platform in any bay. Signboards stating the maximum permissible weight of tools and materials and the maximum number of persons permissible on each bay shall be prominently displayed at suitable locations on the work platforms. The distance between a work platform and any building or other structure shall be as narrow as practicable and shall not exceed 300 millimetres. R 11 Boards, planks and decking All boards, planks or decking used in the construction of work platforms shall — be of uniform thickness; be capable of supporting a load of 670 kgf per square metre with due regard to the spacing of

the supports; and be flushed along their lengths and secured. Any metal decking which forms part of a work platform shall be provided with non-skid surfaces. Any board or plank which forms part of a work platform shall project beyond its end support to a distance of not less than 50 millimetres and not more than 4 times the thickness of the board or plank unless it is effectively secured to prevent tipping or uplift. R 12 Number of persons allowed in each bay In the case of a timber scaffold, not more than 4 persons shall be allowed in any bay. In the case of a metal scaffold, not more than 8 persons shall be allowed in any bay. Where a metal scaffold is used to support more than 4 persons in any bay, the scaffold shall be constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. R 13 Scaffold to be free of substances which endanger safety Any material, including concrete waste or other debris, which may endanger the safety of any person shall be removed from the scaffold. R 14 Work at end of wall or work area Where work has to be done at the end of a wall or work area, the work platform at such wall or work area shall, where practicable, extend at least 600 millimetres beyond the end of the wall or work area. R 15 Repair of damaged scaffold Any scaffold and any member or component thereof that has been damaged or weakened shall be immediately repaired. No person shall be permitted on a scaffold that is damaged or weakened except for a scaffold erector who is carrying out repairs thereto. Adequate safety measures shall be taken to ensure the safety of the scaffold erector carrying out the repairs. R 16 Opening only for access There shall be no opening in any work platform except to allow access to that work platform. R 17 Stairs and ladders Stairs or ladders shall be provided to enable persons to gain access from one level of any scaffold to another. Stairs or ladders provided shall, as far as practicable, be installed within the scaffold. R 18 Toe-boards and guard-rails Every side of a work platform or workplace from which a person is liable to fall more than 2 metres shall be provided with toe-boards and 2 or more guard-rails. The toe-boards and guard-rails provided shall be — of good construction, sound material and adequate strength to withstand the impact during

the course of work; placed on the inside of the uprights and secured so as to prevent accidental displacement;

and

placed so as to prevent the fall of any person or material. The uppermost guard-rail shall be at least one metre above the work platform or workplace for which the guard-rail is provided. The height of toe-boards shall not be less than 90 millimetres. The vertical distance between any 2 adjacent guard-rails or any work platform or workplace and the guard-rail immediately above it shall not exceed 600 millimetres. R 19 Standards and ledgers The standards of a scaffold shall be — plumb where practicable; fixed sufficiently close together to secure the stability of the scaffold, having regard to all the

circumstances; spaced not more than 1.5 metres apart in the case of a timber scaffold; and spaced not more than 2.5 metres apart in the case of a metal scaffold. No metal scaffold with standards spaced more than 2.5 metres apart shall be used unless its use has been approved by the MOM in writing. A standard shall be placed on an adequate and secured sole plate in order that the foot of the standard does not rest directly on the ground or supporting surface so as to prevent any vertical displacement of the foot. Where the floor or supporting structure is of sufficient rigidity to evenly distribute the load imposed upon it by the standard without causing any vertical displacement of the standard, the provision of a sole plate under the standard shall not be necessary. The foot of a standard of any frame or modular scaffold shall be secured to a base plate so that it does not rest directly on the ground or supporting surface. The ledgers of a metal scaffold shall be spaced at vertical intervals of not more than 2 metres. The ledgers of a timber scaffold shall be — as far as possible, horizontal; spaced at vertical intervals of not more than 1.8 metres; and securely fastened to the standards. R 20 Bracing Every scaffold shall be effectively braced by means of longitudinal and transverse bracing systems which shall extend from the base to the top of the scaffold. The joints in bracing members shall be lapped or spliced. Longitudinal bracing members shall be continuous and fixed at approximately 45° to the horizontal. Every lift shall be crossed by at least one longitudinal bracing member in every 10 metres length of the scaffold. A transverse bracing system shall be provided at each end of the scaffold and at intervals of not more than 10 bays. Transverse bracing system may be omitted where vertical transverse frames are provided for the full height of the scaffold and at each pair of standards and the frames are of a type approved by MOM. Every frame scaffold shall be provided with horizontal bracings or lacings at intervals of not more than every 5 lifts. R 21 Transoms Transoms shall be located at or near the intersections of standards and ledgers. R 22 Foundation of scaffold A scaffold shall be constructed on structures or foundations of adequate strength. Where a scaffold is to be founded on soil, the soil shall be well-consolidated. In the case of a scaffold exceeding 15 metres in height or being erected on poorly drained soil, base plates shall bear upon sole plates of strength not less than 670 kgf per square metre and of a length suitable to distribute the load. There shall be no cavity under the sole plate immediately below any standard. R 23 Scaffold not to be overloaded A scaffold shall not be overloaded and, as far as practicable, the load thereon shall be evenly

distributed. When any material is transferred to or from a scaffold, the material shall be moved or deposited without imposing any violent shock. R 24 Scaffold used by persons employed by different employers Where a scaffold or part thereof is to be used by or on behalf of an employer other than the employer for whose employee it was first erected, the first-mentioned employer shall, before such use, and without prejudice to any such obligations imposed upon him by these Regulations, take immediate steps to satisfy himself that the provisions of these Regulations have been complied with. When any defect on a scaffold is discovered by the first-mentioned employer, he shall notify the occupier of the factoryworkplace in which the scaffold is installed and the occupier shall take immediate steps to rectify the defect. R 25 Designated access point for scaffold Every scaffold shall have at least one designated access point from which a person may gain access onto the scaffold. All designated access points shall be clearly marked with a sign or label and made safe for use by any person. R 26 Measures against electrical hazards All practicable measures shall be taken to protect any person working on a scaffold from electric shock by electrical wires or equipment. R 27 Inspection of scaffold Except for trestle scaffold, scaffold shall be inspected by a scaffold supervisor — within the 7 days immediately preceding the use of the scaffold; and since exposure to weather conditions likely to have affected its strength or stability or to have

displaced any part. The scaffold supervisor shall enter the results of any inspection into a register. R 28 Labelling and marking of scaffold The scaffold supervisor who carries out the inspection of a scaffold shall, immediately after such inspection, display a notice or label indicating whether the scaffold is safe for use or otherwise. The notice or label shall be in languages or signs easily understood by the persons and displayed at every designated access point. No person shall use any scaffold unless a notice or label is displayed at the designated access point indicating that the scaffold is safe for use with the exception of scaffold erector who is carrying out any repair on a scaffold or a scaffold supervisor who is carrying out any inspection of a scaffold. R 29 Overlay and screening nets Overlay or screening nets shall be used to envelope any timber or metal scaffold which is erected on the outside of a building. This shall not apply to a tower scaffold. R 30 Erection and dismantling No scaffold or part thereof which is partly erected or dismantled shall be allowed to remain in such a condition that it is capable of being used unless — the scaffold complies with these Regulations; or a prominent warning notice in languages or signs understood by all persons indicating that

the scaffold or part thereof is not to be used is affixed near any point at which the scaffold or part, as the case may be, is liable to be approached for the purpose of use.

Where ties of a scaffold to a permanent structure have to be removed, the portion from which the ties are removed shall be dismantled unless adequate measures are taken to ensure the stability of the scaffold.

R 31 Scaffold and other supports designed by professional engineer No scaffold or support designed by a professional engineer shall be used unless — the scaffold or support, as the case may be, has been examined after installation by the

professional engineer and a certificate stating that the scaffold or support is safe for use has been obtained from the professional engineer;

a copy of the design and drawings certified by the professional engineer and the certificate are kept available at the factoryworkplace; and

the scaffold or support, as the case may be, has been inspected by a professional engineer at least once every 3 months to ensure that it is safe for use.

When the professional engineer discovers any defect in a scaffold or support, he shall immediately inform the occupier of the factoryworkplace in which the scaffold or support is installed. The occupier shall take action to rectify the defect before the scaffold or support is used. Metal Scaffolds R 32 Approved metal scaffold No metal scaffold shall be used unless it is of a type approved by MOM. R 33 Metal scaffold to be constructed in accordance with design and drawings of professional engineer Every metal scaffold exceeding 30 metres in height in any factoryworkplace other than in a shipyard shall be constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. R 34 Ties for metal scaffold Every alternate lift and every uppermost lift of an independent tied metal scaffold shall be effectively tied to the building or structure by means of ties. Ties shall be located no further than one bay from the ends of the scaffold and thereafter, at intermediate spacing of not more than 3 bays or 7.5 metres apart, whichever is the lesser. Ties other than tie tubes and couplers shall not be used. Every tie tube shall be perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the scaffold and where this is not practicable, the deviation from the perpendicular shall not exceed 15°. Every tie shall be capable of withstanding a force of 1,000 kgf applied in either direction along the length of the tie. R 35 Transoms for modular or tube-and-coupler scaffolds A modular scaffold or tube-and-coupler scaffold shall be provided with transverse horizontal members or transoms for each lift. R 36 Spigots, jointpins or sleeves Spigots, jointpins or sleeves shall be used to connect one standard to another. Where spigots, jointpins or sleeves are used to locate and connect one standard to another, such spigots, jointpins or sleeves shall permit full bearing over the whole bearing area at the ends of the standards and have such external or internal dimensions that the maximum difference of mating diameters in any part between the spigot, jointpin or sleeve and the other standard does not exceed 1.6 millimetres. Spigots and jointpins shall engage in the ends of the standards by at least 70 millimetres. Sleeves shall cover the end of the standard by at least 70 millimetres. The standards shall be securely held if they are connected by the spigots, jointpins or sleeves. R 37 Adjustable base plates Where an adjustable base plate is used on a standard and the adjustment exceeds 150 millimetres, the standard shall be tied longitudinally to the adjacent standard or standards at a

height of not more than 460 millimetres above the supporting surface by right angle or swivel couplers. R 38 Frame or modular scaffolds to be erected in one plane Frame or modular scaffolds shall be erected such that lifts are horizontal and in one plane. R 39 Cross brace not to be used as means of access or egress No cross brace on a frame scaffold shall be used as a means of access or egress. Timber Scaffolds R 41 Timber scaffold Timber used for any scaffold — shall be of a suitable quality; shall be in good condition; shall have the bark completely stripped off; and shall not be painted or treated in any way so that defects in the wood cannot be seen easily. Timber used for any scaffold shall comprise Bintangor rollers or other species of timber rollers which are of similar strength, durability and resilience as Bintangor rollers. Every standard shall be at least 50 millimetres diameter throughout its length. Every timber roller used as a ledger or horizontal bracing, transom or putlog shall be at least 38 millimetres diameter at the tip. The members or components of a timber scaffold shall be lashed using rattan strips or other material not less than 1.8 metres in length with a minimum of 6 turns per strip. R 42 Construction of timber scaffold Every timber scaffold shall not exceed 15 metres in height. No timber scaffold with a single row of standards shall be erected or used. Every timber scaffold shall be securely tied and braced at the corners and rigidly anchored to the building at regular close intervals. Transverse and longitudinal braces of timber scaffold shall be securely placed and lashed to the standards. R 43 Ties for timber scaffold A timber scaffold shall be tied to a building by horizontal ties. Each tie shall pass through an opening or hole in the wall in the building and be secured at a right angle to another pole which shall be fixed firmly inside the building. Where it is impracticable to install any tie, the timber scaffold shall be tied to a building using ties which are constructed and installed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. Ties made up of wires shall not be used. R 44 Dismantling of timber scaffold A timber scaffold shall be dismantled within a period of 9 months after erection. Suspended scaffold R 45 Suspended scaffold The outriggers or other supports are — of adequate length and strength; properly installed and supported; securely fixed to a building, ship or other structure by anchor bolts or other similar means, or

where such fixing is not reasonably practicable, adequately and securely anchored at the inner ends; and

provided with rope guards of adequate strength at the outer ends to prevent the ropes from being displaced from the outriggers except when the primary suspension ropes are suspended from the outer end of the outriggers or other supports by means which preclude the displacement of the ropes from their points of suspension

The points of suspension are at adequate horizontal distances from the building face or any other structure. The suspension ropes are galvanised wires of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from patent defects. Ropes are securely attached to the outriggers or other supports and if winch drums are used, to the winch drums. Ropes shall be capable of being lowered to the ground or floor, and in the case of winches, there are at least 2 turns of the rope remaining on each winch drum. The platform is at least 500 millimetres and not more than 750 millimetres in width unless measures have been taken to prevent transverse tilting of the platform. The edge of the platform is as close as practicable to the work area and in no case shall the distance between the platform and the work area be more than 460 millimetres. Boards, planks or decking used as platforms are capable of supporting a load of 670 kgf per square metre with due regard to the spacing of the supports. R 46 Suspended scaffold raised or lowered by winches or climbers No suspended scaffold raised or lowered by winches or climbers shall be used unless: It has been designed and constructed in accordance with a Standard or Code acceptable to

the Ministry of Manpower; It has been tested by an authorized examiner after installation (thereafter it is tested by an

authorized examiner at least once in every period of six months); The climber or winches have been properly maintained; The climbers or winches have been opened for inspection and servicing at least once every

12 months to ensure that the drive mechanisms are in safe working order; and records of such inspection and servicing shall be kept for each climber and winch. In the case of a suspended scaffold manufactured outside Singapore, the design of the suspended scaffold shall be endorsed by a professional engineer or a third party inspection agency approved by the Ministry of Manpower. Where wire ropes are used for supporting the work platform of a suspended scaffold, the outriggers or other overhead supports should be constructed in accordance with the design of a professional engineer. The outriggers or overhead supports shall be spaced at not more than 3.2 metres apart measured from the longitudinal centre line of one outrigger or support to such centre of the adjacent outrigger or support, unless prior written approval has been obtained form the Ministry of Manpower. Wire ropes used to suspend the work platform shall be vertical and taut. The winches or climbers shall be synchronised so that the work platform of the suspended scaffold is maintained level at all times. Where a suspended scaffold has been re-positioned or shifted from one location to another within the same factoryworkplace, the suspended scaffold and its attachments shall be installed in accordance to the design and drawings endorsed by a professional engineer. R 47 Gear for suspension of scaffold Every chain, rope or lifting gear used for the suspension of a scaffold shall be of sound material, adequate strength, suitable quality and in good condition. Any chain, rope or metal tube used for the suspension of a scaffold other than a suspended scaffold shall be — properly and securely fastened to safe anchorage points and to the scaffold ledgers or other

main supporting members; positioned so as to ensure stability of the scaffold; approximately vertical; and kept taut. Every scaffold suspended by means of chains or ropes shall be secured to prevent undue horizontal movement while it is used as a work platform. R 48 Overloading of suspended scaffold

A suspended scaffold shall not be loaded beyond the safe working load at any time unless during testing by authorized examiner. R 49 Suspended scaffold counter-balanced by counter-weights Water or other liquids, earth, clay, sand, chippings or other aggregates should riot be used as counter-weights. Every portable counter-weight shall have its weight permanently and distinctly stamped, engraved or embossed. Every counter-weight shall be securely attached at the inner end of the outrigger to prevent any accidental displacement or tampering by any person. R 50 Weight of counter-balance Counter-weight should be at least 3 times the weight required to balance the weight of the suspended scaffold when fully loaded plus the load of the projecting part of the outriggers and suspending ropes. R 51 Prevention of sway The work platform of a suspended scaffold shall be securely fastened to the building or structure in such a manner and at such intervals so as to prevent the platform from swaying. R 52 Age limit of operator No person under the age of 18 years shall operate a climber, winch or mechanism used for raising or lowering a suspended scaffold. No person shall permit, instruct or direct any person under 18 years of age to operate the suspended scaffold R 53 Duties of persons in suspended scaffold Every person in a suspended scaffold shall wear a safety harness, which shall be attached to a secure anchorage at all times. No person shall enter or leave the cradle of a suspended scaffold unless it is at rest on the ground or at any level, which affords a safe means of access or egress. R 54 Notice in suspended scaffold There shall be prominently displayed in the cradle of every suspended scaffold, a notice in languages or signs understood by any person in the cradle: The safe working load of the suspended scaffold; The maximum number of persons which is allowed to be in the suspended scaffold; and Notice of the above to include a reminder to the persons in the cradle to attach their safety

harnesses to secure anchorage at all times. R 55 Safety device for suspended scaffold Suspended scaffold should be provided with automatic safety device mounted on safety wire rope at each suspension point. This shall not apply if the platform is supported on 2 independent suspension wire ropes at or near each end such

that in the event of a failure of one suspension wire rope, the other wire rope is capable of sustaining the weight of the platform and its load and preventing it from tilting; or

a system is incorporated which operates automatically to support the platform and its load in the event of a failure of the primary suspension rope.

The safety device should be able to support the platform in the event of the failure of the suspension rope, winch, climber or any part of the mechanism. Tower Scaffolds R 56 Tower scaffold The height of a tower scaffold shall not exceed 8 times the lesser of the base dimensions of the scaffold. Where the height of a tower scaffold, excluding the handrails and their supports at the

uppermost lift of the scaffold, exceeds 3 times the lesser of the base dimensions of the scaffold, the scaffold shall be effectively tied to the building or a rigid structure so as to prevent toppling. No more than 2 work platforms shall be used on a tower scaffold at any time. Any tower scaffold which can be moved on casters shall be — constructed with due regard to its stability and, if necessary, adequately weighted at the

base; used only on a firm and even surface; and provided with casters having a positive locking device to hold the scaffold in position. No tower scaffold shall be moved except by applying force at or near the base. No person shall remain on a tower scaffold when it is being moved.

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Other scaffolds R 57 Scaffold and work platform erected on cantilever or jib support “cantilever or jib support” includes any structure, including a bracket or beam, that projects beyond a fulcrum or point of attachment and that is not supported directly from the ground or floor below. No cantilever or jib support shall be used unless — the scaffold is adequately supported, fixed and anchored on the support to prevent

displacement; and the cantilever or jib support has outriggers of adequate length and cross section and is

constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer. No work platform resting on bearers let into a wall at one end and which does not have other support shall be used unless the bearers pass through the wall and are of adequate strength and securely fastened on the other side of the wall. R 58 Scaffold supported by buildings or other structures No part of a building or other structure shall be used as support for any part of a scaffold unless it is sufficiently stable and of sound material and sufficient strength to afford safe support. Overhanging eaves gutters shall not be used as supports for any part of a scaffold unless they have been specially designed as walkways and are of adequate strength. R 60 Trestle scaffold Unless constructed in accordance with the design and drawings of a professional engineer, no trestle scaffold shall be constructed with more than 3 tiers or used if it has a work platform more than 4.5 metres above the ground or floor or other surfaces upon which the scaffold is erected. No trestle scaffold shall be erected on a scaffold platform unless the width of the platform is such as to leave sufficient clear space for the transport of materials and the trestles or uprights are firmly attached to the platform and adequately braced to prevent displacement. No trestle scaffold shall be erected on a suspended scaffold.

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The Factories (Operation of Cranes) Regulations (Cap. 104, Rg 10) are revoked. R 29 - Savings and transitional provision Every person who, immediately before 10th September 2011, is a crane operator registered under the repealed Factories (Operation of Cranes) Regulations (Cap. 104, Rg 10); or an approved crane contractor approved under the repealed Factories (Operation of Cranes) Regulations, shall be deemed to be registered or approved under regulations 7 and 22 of these Regulations respectively, and such registration or approval shall expire on the day it would have expired if these Regulations had not been enacted

R 2 Definitions "crane" means a machine incorporating an elevated structural member or jib beneath which suspended loads may be moved vertically (whether upwards or downwards) or horizontally or both, either by slewing the machine, derricking the jib or by any other means not solely involving a travelling motion of the crane; "mobile crane" means a crane mounted on a truck, crawler or on wheels and includes any crane of a type shown in the First Schedule; "tower crane" means a crane which has a vertical or near vertical tower designed to be free standing up to a height and includes any crane of a type shown in the Second Schedule.

R 3 Application These Regulations shall apply to any


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in which a crane, mobile crane or tower crane is employed.

R 4 Registration of crane operators No person shall operate a mobile crane or tower crane unless he is registered as a crane operator and is the holder of a valid certificate. A person may drive a mobile crane in a

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if he is the holder of a driving licence issued under the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276) authorising him to drive a mobile crane of a class or description permitted by the licence. A person may operate a lorry loader comprising of an articulator arm fitted onto a lorry which is used primarily for the purpose of transporting materials or goods. R 16 Duties of crane operator Any person operating a crane -- shall not carry out any lifting operation unless a lifting supervisor is present or has approved the carrying out of such operation; shall not engage in any act or manoeuvre which is not in accordance with safe and sound practice; shall ascertain whether the ground conditions, in particular the ground surface on which a mobile crane is to be operated, are safe for travel or any lifting operation, and if he is of the opinion that it is not safe for travel or any lifting operation, he shall report this to the lifting supervisor; shall not use the crane for any operation for which it is not intended, including pulling or dragging a load; shall not manoeuvre or hold any suspended load over any public road or public area unless that road or area has been cordoned off; shall ensure that any outrigger when it is required is fully extended and secured; shall before the start of every workshift, carry out operational tests on all limit switches under no load conditions before any lifting operation is carried out and shall enter the results of such tests in a log-book or log-sheet; shall report any failure or malfunction of the crane to the lifting supervisor and shall make an appropriate entry in the log-book or log-sheet of the crane;

shall ensure that any stationary truck mounted or wheel mounted crane is adequately and securely blocked while it is on a slope; shall not hoist any object if he is unable to ascertain the weight of the object; shall not hoist any load if there is any obstruction in the path of manoeuvre and if there is any such obstruction, he shall report this immediately to the lifting supervisor; shall not hoist any load unless he has received a clear signal from a signalman when this is required under regulation 19; and shall not operate a mobile crane or a tower crane within 3 metres of any live overhead power line. R 17 Installation, repair, alteration, testing and dismantling of mobile crane or tower crane No person shall install, repair, alter or dismantle a mobile crane or a tower crane unless he is an approved crane contractor. This shall not apply to the installation or dismantling of a fly jib and to the repair of any non-load bearing part of a crane, unless the repair affects the safe operation of the crane. An approved crane contractor shall obtain a manufacturer's manual which contains instructions on the safe procedures for the installation, repair, alteration and dismantling of the mobile crane or tower crane and ensure that the crane is installed, repaired, altered or dismantled in accordance with the instructions contained in such manual. Where the manual is not available, an approved crane contractor shall install, repair, alter or dismantle any mobile crane or tower crane under the immediate supervision of an authorised examiner. The owner of any mobile crane or tower crane shall ensure that the crane is tested and certified safe by an authorised examiner for the operations for which it is intended before use. R 18 Appointment and duties of rigger No person shall rig up loads for any lifting operation by a mobile crane or tower crane unless he is a rigger appointed by an occupier. An occupier shall appoint a rigger before any lifting operation involving the use of any mobile crane or tower crane is carried out. No person shall be appointed as a rigger unless he has successfully completed an approved training course. A rigger shall be attired in such a way as would distinctively identify him as a rigger. A rigger shall -- check the slings to be used for slinging the loads to ensure that the slings are of good construction, sound and suitable material, adequate strength and free from patent defect; ensure that an adequate number of legs of the sling are used and that the slinging angle is correct so as to prevent the sling from being overloaded during the hoisting; ascertain the weight of the load which is to be lifted and inform the crane operator of the weight of the load; ensure that only proper lifting gears are used in conjunction with the sling; ensure that the load to be lifted is secure, stable and balanced; ensure that any loose load including stones, bricks or tiles, is placed in a receptacle to prevent the load or part thereof from falling during the lifting operation; place adequate padding at the edges of the load which come in contact with the sling so as to prevent the sling from being damaged; and report any defect in the lifting gear to the lifting supervisor. R 19 Appointment and duties of signalman An occupier shall appoint a signalman before any lifting operation involving the use of any mobile crane or tower crane is carried out. No person shall be appointed as a signalman unless he has successfully completed an approved training course. A signalman shall be attired in such a way as would distinctively identify him as a signalman. A signalman shall --

ensure or verify with the rigger that the load is properly rigged up before he gives a clear signal to the crane operator to lift the load; and give correct and clear signals to guide the crane operator in the manoeuvre of the load safely to its destination. R 20 Appointment and duties of lifting supervisor An occupier shall appoint a lifting supervisor before any lifting operation involving the use of any crane, mobile crane or tower crane is carried out. No person shall be appointed as a lifting supervisor for any lifting operation involving the use of a mobile crane or tower crane unless he has successfully completed an approved training course and relevant experience in lifting operations for at least one year. A lifting supervisor shall -- co-ordinate all lifting activities; ensure that only registered crane operators, appointed riggers and appointed signalmen participate in any lifting operation involving the use of a mobile crane or a tower crane; ensure that the ground conditions are safe for any lifting operation to be performed by any mobile crane; unless he is present to supervise a lifting operation, ensure that there is a set of safe lifting procedures for any lifting operation by a mobile crane or a tower crane; brief all crane operators, riggers and signalmen on the safe lifting procedures referred to in sub-paragraph (d); and if any unsatisfactory or unsafe conditions are reported to him by any crane operator or rigger, take such measures to rectify the unsatisfactory or unsafe condition or otherwise ensure that any lifting operation is carried out safely.


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Manage WSH Risks In Construction

Industries

LEARNER'S GUIDE

Copyright 2012 © NTUC LearningHub Pte Ltd All rights reserved. This document is provided for the explicit use and guidance of parties approved by NTUC LearningHub Pte Ltd as information resource only. Any other use of this document or parts thereof, including reproduction, publication, distribution, transmission, re-transmission or storage in a retrieval system in any form, electronic or otherwise, for purposes other than that expressly stated above with the express permission of NTUC LearningHub Pte Ltd is strictly prohibited. Printed in Singapore.

LHUB_WSH_Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries_v2.0


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Table of Contents

Title of Topic Page

Overview of Learner’s Guide 2

Manage compliance issues in construction industries 6

1. WSH legal and other requirements relevant to construction industries 8


2. Communicating WSH legal and other requirements 17

3. Mandatory training for construction industries 23


4. Monitoring of WSH legal compliance issues 28

Control and manage risks in construction industries 31

5. Main types of trades and working environment in construction industries 32

6. Hazards and control measures for construction works 44

6.1 Risk Management 44

6.2 Working at height 51

6.3 Working with hazardous substances 79


6.4 Working with tools, machinery and equipment 89


6.5 Material handling 104

6.6 Working in hot environment 116

6.7 Confined space 118


6.8 Piling 125

6.9 Formwork structures 127

6.10 Demolition 130

6.11 Excavation 138


7. Managing implementation of control measures 151


References 156

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Overview of Learner’s Guide

The work of WSH professionals revolve around managing the WSH risks and preventing harm to persons at the workplace. The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Professionals Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) aims to professionalise the WSH workforce by incorporating the world’s best practices and providing career upgrading pathways that are based on the competency requirements of different job levels. There are four (4) full qualifications in the WSH Professionals WSQ. These are: • Graduate Certificate in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) • Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) �� You are here

• Advanced Certificate in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) • Certificate in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) The WSH Professionals WSQ is a national Continuing Education & Training (CET) framework jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the industry. The WSQ and the relevant competency standards have been validated by more than 360 industry representatives. The WSH Professionals WSQ Framework is based on typical WSH management system structure and model of Plan-Do-Check-Act. The competencies are grouped into the following categories: • Plan and review of WSH • Implement Operational Control of WSH • Check and take corrective/ preventive actions for WSH For further information in WSH professionals WSQ, refer to WDA website at: http://wsq.wda.gov.sg/GenericSkills/WSH+Professionals/ Specialist Diploma in WSH This qualification is one of the requirements necessary for registration as a WSH Officer under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. Upon registration, one can then practice as a WSH Officer as mentioned in the Act. After completing this level, you can move on to the next level, Graduate Certificate in WSH. Graduate Certificate in WSH - Persons at this level are at a professional and/or managerial level of practice, providing services either as an external third party to the company or within a company. They may be engaged as an independent party to evaluate WSH systems and performance that are not implemented and maintained by them. WSH is most likely their full-time responsibility. Manage WSH Risks in the Construction Industries This WSQ Level 5 Competency Unit is an elective unit of the following qualification/s: Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety and Health. This unit covers the specific competency requirements for the WSH Professionals in construction industry. It would complement the core units in the WSH Professionals Framework that cover the general knowledge and skill in WSH legal and other requirements and risk control and management. This competency enables the learners to have the knowledge and skills to manage WSH risks in the construction industry. It focuses on imparting knowledge and skills in managing compliance issues in WSH legal and other requirements and the control and management of WSH risks in the construction industry.

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This Learner’s Guide is developed for ‘Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries’. This Guide presents the required duration, activities and resources needed to deliver each topic to meet the requirements stipulated in the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) Curriculum, Training and Assessment Guide (CTAG) for ‘Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries’. Target Audience Potential participants of this ‘Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries’ could be WSH Officer / Professional / Advisor / Specialist / Manager / Engineer / Executive This elective competency unit in the WSH Professionals Framework covers the knowledge and skills in controls and management of WSH risks in the construction industry. Learners who would like to learn about more general knowledge and skills for coverage of wide range of WSH hazards and risks may find the core units such “Advise on WSH Legal Compliance Issues”, “Identify WSH Hazards and Assess WSH Risks”, and “Control WSH Risks” useful. There are also competency units in other WSQ frameworks which cover control of WSH risks in certain specific industries and trades. While these modules are designed for people occupying managerial roles, or roles with substantial organizational responsibilities, they are also relevant for small businesses operations and self-employed people. Assumed Skills and Knowledge Learners are assumed to: • Be able to listen, read, speak and write English at a proficiency level equivalent to the

Employability Skills System (ESS) Workplace Literacy level 6; • Be able to manipulate numbers at a proficiency level equivalent to ESS Workplace

Numeracy level 6 • Possess IT skills such as use of internet, use of basic word processing and

presentation software. • Have basic knowledge of workplace processes, activities, practices procedures,

including those during normal conditions and emergency. • Possess basic knowledge and skills on WSH hazard identification, risk assessment and

risk control

Course Objectives At the end of this course, participants will be able to: 1. Manage compliance issues in construction industries 2. Control and manage WSH risks in construction industries Course component This course will be delivered via presentation, discussions, observations, role play, written exercises, case studies and workplace delivery / practices. There will be group activities designed for peer learning. The course duration is 19 hours and 30 minutes of training hours + 30 minutes of assessment. Participants who have completed this module ‘Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries’ are required to undertake and successfully complete each of the assessment activities listed for the competency unit. As part of the assessments, candidates are

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required to submit a written report as part of the summative assessment followed by an interview session and oral questioning,

Assessment method(s) Duration

Oral Questions 10 minutes

Work Assignment – Interview

(Work Assignment to be submitted not later 2 weeks from the date

of last training session.

20 minutes

Total time 30 minutes

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Unit of Competency Manage WSH Risks in Construction Industries A competent individual must be able to successfully perform the following: 1. Manage compliance issues in construction industries

1.1 Check daily workplace activities against legal and other requirements for construction industries.

1.2 Apply legal and other requirements for construction industries in formulating control measures of WSH risks on site.

1.3 Communicate legal and other requirements for construction industries to relevant stakeholders.

1.4 Manage the mandatory training requirements in construction industries. 1.5 Monitor and manage compliance issues with WSH legal and other requirements. 2. Control and manage WSH risks in construction industries

2.1 Establish the main types of trades and working environment that are related to

construction industries. 2.2 Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for

architectural and finishing works. 2.3 Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for civil and

structural works. 2.4 Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for

Mechanical and Electrical works. 2.5 Identify and evaluate WSH hazards and recommend control measures for

equipment and services works. 2.6 Communicate and raise attention to the stakeholders on the hazards in accordance

with organisational procedures. 2.7 Present proposed control measures to relevant stakeholders for formulation of

implementation plan. 2.8 Communicate the control measures and implementation plan to the relevant

stakeholders. 2.9 Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of control measures. 2.10 Report to management on status of implementation of control measurement

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1. Manage compliance issues in construction industries

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Introduction Over the past few decades, Singapore has achieved significant improvements in Workplace safety and health (WSH). Since 2000, our industrial accident rate has been stagnating at around 2.2 accidents per million man-hours worked. In 2004, around 5 out of every 100,000 workers were killed locally in workplace accidents; making our fatality rate more than double that of the more developed countries. Although the construction industry continues to be an important sector of the Singapore economy, it remains one of the riskier workplaces. The collapse of Nicoll Highway along with two other major industrial accidents in 2004, which claimed a total of 13 lives, is a stern reminder that more needs to be done to protect our workers. A fundamental reform to the existing WSH framework was required to reach the standards of the developed countries. Hence, On 10 March 2005, the Minister for Manpower announced in Parliament the adoption of a new WSH framework to improve WSH standards and safety outcomes for Singapore, setting a target to halve the number of work-related fatalities to 2.5 per 100,000 workers by 2015. This new framework is designed to engender a paradigm shift in mindset where the focus is on reducing the risks and not just compliance to prescriptive rules. This is enshrined in the three key principles of the new framework: � Reducing risks at source by requiring all stakeholders to eliminate or minimize the

risks they create. � Greater industry ownership of WSH outcomes. � Preventing accidents through higher penalties for poor safety management system.

In April 2008, based on the progress made since 2004, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a new reduced target for workplace fatalities to 1.8 per 100,000 workers by 2018. This would allow Singapore to have one of the best workplace records in the world.

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1. WSH legal and other requirements relevant to construction industries This lesson is made up of 1 unit. The objective of this unit is to ‘Apply legal and other requirements for construction industries in formulating control measures of WSH risks on site’. WSH Act To support the new WSH framework, the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) was enacted on 1 March 2006 replacing the Factories Act. The new Act also marks a shift from a prescriptive legislative approach to a performance based liability regime. The coverage of the WSH Act is as shown in the table below: Phase Effective date Workplaces 1 1

st March

2006 Factories, Construction, Shipyards, Ship in harbour, Airport, Docks, Wharfs, Laboratories

2 1st March

2008 Healthcare, Veterinary, Hotels & Restaurants, Water Supply, Sewerage and Waste Management, Landscape care & Maintenance Services, Services allied to the Transportation of goods

3 1st September

2011 Education, Public Administration, Business Services, Agriculture & Fishing, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Finance & Insurance Activities, Information & Communications, Arts, Entertainment & Recreation

To accommodate the coverage of all workplaces, the WSH Act will be amended tentatively by 1

st September 2011. A workplace includes any premises where people carry out work

and includes a factory. Factory means any premises within which workers are involved in: • Making of any article/part of any article • Alteration, repair, cleaning or breaking up of any article • Adaptation of any article for sale for the purpose of trade or gain

Among other premises, it also includes any premises where building operations or any work of engineering construction are carried on. Building operation means —

• Construction, structural alteration, repair or maintenance of a building (including the re-wiring of any electrical installation, the replacement of any lift, air-conditioning plant and ancillary ducting of a building, and the re-pointing, redecoration and external cleaning of the structure);

• Demolition of a building; or • Preparation of the site for, and the laying of foundation of, an intended building,

Work of Engineering Construction means -

1. The construction of any railway line or siding. 2. The construction, structural alteration or repair (including re-pointing and

repainting) or the demolition of any dock, harbour, inland navigation, tunnel, bridge, viaduct, waterworks, reservoir, pipe-line, aqueduct, sewer, sewerage works or gasholder.

3. The construction, laying, structural alteration, inspection, maintenance, repair, demolition or removal of —

• any pipe-line for the conveyance of water, gas or any other thing; • any drain, whether open or covered, except open drains situated in domestic

premises; or • any underground electrical cable and communication cable.

4. The inspection, repair or maintenance of any manhole, sump, inspection chamber, valve chamber, and any other similar confined structure providing access to pipe-lines or underground electrical cables and communication cables.

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9

5. The construction of any road or car park. 6. The reclamation of any land.

WSH subsidiary legislations The following are the subsidiary legislations issued under the WSH Act that is applicable to the construction industry:

Title Applicable to


Factories

WSH (General Provisions) Regulations 2006 All Workplaces

WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007 All worksites

WSH (First Aid) Regulations All Workplaces


WSH (Risk Management) Regulations 2006 All Workplaces




-



Factories

WSH (Abrasive Blasting) Regulations 2008 All Workplaces

WSH (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations 2009 All Workplaces

WSH (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2009 All Workplaces


Factories

WSH (Noise) Regulation 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Operations of Cranes) Regulations 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations 2011 All workplaces

Factories Act subsidiary legislations

Formatted Table


Formatted Table



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10

Even though the Factories Act had been repealed, under section 67(14) of the WSH Act, "Any subsidiary legislation made under the repealed Act and in force immediately before the appointed day shall, so far as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, continue in force in factories as if made under this Act until it is revoked or repealed." The following Factories subsidiary legislation will be reviewed tentatively by 1

st September 2011

and promulgated as new Workplace Safety and Health subsidiary legislation. Title Applicable to Factories (Asbestos) Regulations Factories involving asbestos Factories (Registration and Other Services - Fees and Forms) Regulations

Factories

Factories (Safety Training Courses) Order Factories WSH (Registration of Factories) Regulations Occupiers of construction worksites must apply to the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health for one time factory registration of their worksites before commencement of operations. The application for registration must be made through the Online Business Licensing System (OBLS). Companies should declare that they have implemented risk management at the point of registration. From 1 March 2010 onwards, newly registered factories are also required to conduct Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) Audit / Review within 2 months from the commencement of operations. Upon successful registration, certificate of registration will be issued. Under Section 46 of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, any person who occupies or uses any premises as a factory without a valid certificate of registration of a factory or a factory permit is guilty of offence and is liable on conviction to the following:

• A fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both;

• In the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $500 or to further imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 days or both for every day or part of the day during which the offence continues after conviction.

An administrator is needed to renew, update or terminate registration via OBLS. To do so, the administrator must have a SingPass. The administrator can nominate up to two proxies to assist with OBLS transactions. Nomination of the proxies can be done via OSHD Online. When the administrator leaves the company, a new administrator must be nominated and OSHD must be informed in writing. All factories must keep their registration/notification particulars up to date. The information includes the particulars of factory such as factory address, number of workers and contact details and the type of work carried out in the factory. Factories that cease operations must file for a termination of Registration / Notification. WSH (Construction) Regulations The WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007 came into operation on 1

st January 2008 and is

applicable to all worksites. It replaces ‘The Factories (Building Operations and Work of Engineering Construction) Regulations’. The regulations have the following parts which will be covered in other topics.

• Part I Preliminary • Part II Safety and Health Management Arrangement • Part III Permit-to-Work System • Part IV General Provisions • Part V Electrical Safety • Part VI Ladders • Part VII Cantilevered and Material Platforms • Part VIII Disposal of Materials • Part IX Formwork Structures

Formatted Table

Deleted: Factories (Medical Examinations) Regulations

Deleted: Factories (Scaffolds) Regulations 2004

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... [2]

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11

• Part X Demolition • Part XI Excavation and Tunnelling Works • Part XII Compressed Air Environment • Part XIII Explosives • Part XIV Piling • Part XV Cranes, Employee’s Lifts and Material Handling Machinery • Part XVI Miscellaneous

Part III - Permit to work system R 10 – Application Applies only to the following types of work that form part of any building operation or works of engineering construction (referred to as high-risk construction work):

• Demolition work; • Excavation and trenching work in a tunnel or hole in the ground exceeding 1.5

metres depth; • Lifting operations involving tower, mobile or crawler crane; • Piling work; • Tunnelling work; • Work on a scaffold where a person could fall more than 2 metres; and • Work involving entry into a confined space.

R 11 - Implementation of permit-to-work Occupier shall appoint a project manager (Project manager means the person who is stationed at a worksite and who has overall control of all the works carried out in the worksite, and includes any competent person appointed by the occupier in the event that the project manager is unable to perform his duties under these Regulations) and a safety assessor (Person appointed as a safety assessor shall be competent to perform the functions and duties, either a workplace health and safety officer or a competent person). Occupier shall implement a permit-to-work system with due regard to the safety and health of persons carrying out the work. Persons are informed of the hazards associated with the work and the precautions they have to take. Occupier shall ensure that the necessary safety precautions are taken and enforced when the work is being carried out. R 12 - No high-risk construction work without permit-to-work Any person who carries out any high-risk construction work without a issued permit-to-work shall be guilty of an offence. This shall not operate to interfere with or render unlawful any rescue work or other work necessary for the general safety of life or property. R 13 - Application for permit-to-work An application for a permit-to-work shall be made by the supervisor of a person who is to carry out the work in such form and manner as may be required by the project manager. It shall state the measures which will be taken to ensure the safety and health of persons who carry out the work and addressed to the project manager and submitted to the safety assessor. R 14 - Evaluation of permit-to-work On receipt of the application for a permit-to-work, the safety assessor shall assess whether all reasonably practicable measures have been taken and inspect the site (including its surroundings) where the work is to be carried out together with the supervisor of the person. If the safety assessor is satisfied, he shall endorse the application for the permit-to-work and forward the endorsed application to the project manager. Safety assessor shall exercise all due diligence when performing his functions. R 15 - Issue of permit-to-work The project manager may issue a permit-to-work if he is satisfied that —

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12

• there has been a proper evaluation of the risks and hazards involved in the carrying out of the work based on the available information;

• no incompatible work which may pose a risk to the safety and health of other persons at work will be carried out at the same time in the same vicinity;

• all reasonably practicable measures will or have been taken to ensure the safety and health of the persons who carry out or are to carry out the work; and

• all persons who are to carry out the work are informed of the hazards associated with it.

The project manager shall retain a copy of the permit-to-work. The project manager shall exercise all due diligence when performing his function. Unless revoked, a permit-to-work shall be valid for the period stated therein, and if the work for which the permit-to-work is issued is not completed within the validity period, a fresh application shall be made. R 16 - Posting of permit-to-work and supervisor's duty The supervisor shall clearly post a copy of the permit-to-work, including where reasonably practicable, a sketch of any area at the work area where the work is carried out and ensure that the copy is not removed until the date of expiry or date of revocation of the permit-to-work or on completion of the work, whichever is the earlier. R 17 - Monitoring of work The project manager shall continually review the progress of all high-risk construction work being carried out to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the persons carrying out the work. The supervisor shall ensure that the measures necessary to ensure the safety and health of the person at work are taken and are in place at all times during the validity period of the permit-to-work and inform the project manager upon completion of the work. R 18 - Duty to report incompatible work Any work which is carried out at or in the vicinity of any high-risk construction work and which is likely to pose a risk to the safety or health of persons at work shall be treated as incompatible work. Any person who is aware of any incompatible work shall immediately report to his supervisor, the workplace safety and health officer, the workplace safety and health co-ordinator or the project manager. R 19 - Revocation of permit-to-work If the project manager of a worksite who, after issuing a permit-to-work in respect of any high-risk construction work, is of the view that the carrying out of the high-risk construction work poses or is likely to pose a risk to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work in the worksite, he may order the high-risk construction work to cease immediately and revoke the permit-to-work.

Part IV – General Provisions R 20 - Structures and supports Every supporting structure including its foundation, shall be of sound design, good construction in accordance with the design, and of adequate strength for its intended purpose. It shall be properly maintained and checked periodically for excessive corrosion, erosion, physical deterioration or alteration so that its stability is not affected and that it is suitable and adequate to perform the function for which it is intended. Every partially constructed or fully constructed supporting structure including its foundation, shall be able to safely withstand any foreseeable load likely to be imposed on it during the construction or dismantling of the structure which the supporting structure supports. Where a supporting structure or its foundation will eventually form an integral part of the permanent structure designed by a professional engineer, it shall be the duty of the professional engineer who designed the permanent structure to ensure that the design of the supporting structure or its foundation is safe for its intended use and to endorse the design of the supporting structure or its foundation as safe for its intended use.

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13

R 21 - Stability of structures No wall, chimney or other structure or part of a structure shall be left unsecured or unshored in such condition that it may fall, collapse or weaken due to wind pressure, vibration or any work being carried out or in the vicinity. R 32 - Lighting Sufficient and suitable lighting, whether natural or artificial shall be provided and maintained in every part of the worksite in which persons are at work or passing. Emergency lighting for use in the event of a power failure affecting the general lighting shall be provided and maintained. The level of illumination provided by the emergency lighting shall be sufficient in intensity and distribution to allow for the safe evacuation or rescue of persons. R 33 - Personal Protective Equipment The employer or the principal carrying out any work which requires any protection shall provide and maintain the appropriate personal protective equipment to the person such as

• eye protection; • fall protection; • foot protection; • hand protection; • head protection; • hearing protection; and • respiratory protection.

WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations

The WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations came into operation on 10

th September 2011 and apply

to every workplace in which any scaffold is, is being or is to be constructed, erected, installed, used, re-positioned, altered, maintained, repaired or dismantled. It consists of the following parts:

• Part I Preliminary • Part II General Provisions • Part III Metal Scaffolds • Part IV Timber Scaffolds • Part V Suspended Scaffolds • Part VI Other Scaffolds • Part VII Approved Scaffold Contractors • Part VIII Miscellaneous

Other legislation related to WSH WSH is also covered in other legislation and its subsidiary legislation such as Fire Safety Act and its subsidiary legislations Fire Safety Act and its subsidiary legislation regulates fire safety standards. Fire Safety (Petroleum & Flammable Materials) Regulations 2005 regulates the licensing requirements for flammable substances. Radiation Protection Act and its subsidiary legislations These Act and Regulations regulates by means of licensing, import, export, use and disposal of radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus Work Injury Compensation Act and its subsidiary legislations Work Injury Compensation Act regulates workmen’s rights to compensation in the event of injury, death or occupational diseases contracted during employment.

Approved Codes of Practices

Formatted: Superscript

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: Factories

Deleted: st May

Deleted: 04

Deleted: any

Deleted: factory

Deleted: Approved Scaffold Contractor and Personnel

Deleted: General Provisions

Deleted: <#>Medical expenses incurred within one year from the date of the accident, or up to a cap of $25,000, whichever is reached earlier.¶<#>These include (a) full pay up to 14 days for outpatient medical leave; and (b) full pay up to 60 days for hospitalization leave.¶<#>Beyond the abovementioned periods, 2/3 salary is payable up to a maximum period of one year following the date of accident. Public holidays, rest days and non-working days should be excluded from the number of days of medical leave granted to the employee.¶<#>The permanent incapacity maximum compensation is $180,000 ¶<#>The maximum compensation amount payable to the dependents of a deceased employee is $140,000.¶

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14

In accordance with section 40B(3) of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, the Workplace Safety and Health Council has approved a new list of Codes of Practice with effect from 15th February 2011. The Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) is intended to be used as a yardstick to assess whether reasonable practical measures have been taken in regards to the upkeep of safety and health standards at the workplace. The following ACOP are applicable to the construction industry 1. Code of Practice for Working Safely at Height 2009 2. Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management 2011 3. SS 98: Industrial safety helmets 2005 4. SS 473 – 1: Personal eye-protectors — general requirements 1999 5. SS 473 – 2: Personal eye-protectors — selection, use and maintenance 1999 6. SS 508 – 1: Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Design principles

for safety signs in workplaces and public areas 2004 7. SS 508 – 3: Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Safety signs used

in workplaces and public areas 2004 8. SS 510: Code of Practice for safety in welding and cutting (and other operations

involving the use of heat) 2005 9. SS 511: Code of Practice for Diving Work 2010 10. SS 513 – 1: Personal protective equipment — Footwear — Safety footwear 2005 11. SS 513 – 2: 2005 Personal protective equipment — Footwear — Test methods for

footwear 2005 12. SS 531: Part 1: Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places, Indoor 2006 13. SS 531: Part 2: Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places, Outdoor 2008 14. SS 531: Part 3: Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places, Lighting requirements for

safety and security of outdoor work places 2008 15. SS 536: Code of Practice for the safe use of mobile cranes (Formerly CP 37:2000)

2008 16. SS 537: Code of Practice for Safe Use of Machinery Part 1: General requirements 2008 17. SS 537: Code of Practice for Safe Use of Machinery Part 2: Woodworking machinery

2009 18. SS 548: Code of Practice for Selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective

devices (Formerly CP 74:1998) 2009 19. SS 549: Code of Practice for Selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing

protectors (Formerly CP 76:1999) 2009 20. SS 550: Code of Practice for Installation, operation and maintenance of electric

passenger and goods lift (Formerly CP 2) 2009 21. SS 553: Code of Practice for Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation in Buildings

(Formerly CP 13) 22. SS 554: Code of Practice for Indoor air quality for air-conditioned buildings 2009 23. SS 557: Code of Practice for Demolition (Formerly CP 11) 2010 24. SS 559:2010: Code of Practice for the safe use of tower cranes (Formerly CP62) 25. SS 562: Code of Practice for Safety in trenches, pits and other excavated areas 26. SS 567: Code of Practice for factory layout — safety, health and welfare considerations

2011 (Formerly CP 27) 27. SS 568: Code of Practice for confined spaces 2011 (Formerly CP 84) 28. SS 571: Code of Practice for energy lockout and tagout 2011 29. SS 586 : Hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods Part 1:

Transport and storage of dangerous goods 2008 30. SS 586 : Hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods Part 2:

Globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals — Singapore’s adaptations

31. CP 14: Code of Practice for Scaffolds 1996 32. CP 20: Code of Practice for suspended scaffolds 1999 33. CP 23: Code of Practice for formwork 2000 34. CP 63: Code of Practice for the lifting of persons in work platforms suspended from

cranes 1996 (2005) 35. CP 79: Code of Practice for safety management system for construction worksites 1999 36. CP 88 – 1: Code of Practice for temporary electrical installations — Construction and

building sites 2001

Deleted: <#>CP 27: Code of Practice for factory layout — safety, health and welfare considerations 1999¶

Deleted: <#>CP 84: Code of Practice for entry into and safe working in confined spaces 2000¶

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15

37. CP 101: Code of Practice for safe use of powered counterbalanced forklifts 2004 Other Requirements SS506 Occupational safety and health (OSH) management system Under the WSH subsidiary legislations, Construction worksites are required to implement a safety and health management system. SS506 standards provide generic advice on the requirements and implementation of OSH management system, to enable an organisation to control its OSH risks and improve its OSH performance. • SS 506: Part 1: 2009, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Management System –

Specification (equivalent to BS OHSAS 18001:2007). • SS 506 : Part 2 : 2009, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Management Systems –

Guidelines for the implementation of SS 506: Part 1: 2009 (equivalent to BS 18002 : 2008)

Fire Code, Singapore Civil Defence Force The Fire Code 2002 is issued by SCDF provides guidelines on fire safety requirements for temporary buildings in construction sites, Industrial standards and practices Industrial standards and the practices are defined as best practices which may not be a mandatory requirement but to improve and adopt the industrial practice based on the various commercial interests of all the employees. These are standards and code of practices issued by the WSH Council. For e.g, “Code of Practice for Working Safely at Height 2009” has been approved an ACoP. Other materials such as Technical Advisories and Guidelines provide useful references on recommended WSH practices. Organisational internal WSH guidelines and requirements Organizational guidelines refer to instructions to employees on policy, safe work procedures which are documented and available in the workplace. These requirements are not limited with legislative requirements, Singapore Standards and approved code of practice. These guidelines meet with specific requirements for each work, organizational quality requirements, etc.

Deleted: <#>CP 91: Code of Practice for lockout procedure 2001¶

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16

Learning Activity 1


Identify the applicable Acts, legislation and Singapore Standards associated with the

following activities / items within the organization

S/No Activities /

items

Applicable Acts / Regulations / Standards

1. Forklift

2. Confined

Space

3. Acetylene

4. Demolition

5. Hot works

6. Scaffolding

7. Lifting

8. Excavation

9. Formwork

10. Noise

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2. Communicating WSH legal and other requirements This lesson is made up of 1 unit. The objective of this unit is to ‘Communicate legal and other requirements for construction industries to relevant stakeholders’. Construction work is a systemic process (see diagram below) involving a wide spectrum of industry players. It starts with architects, developers and engineers designing and financing the project upstream. Downstream processes include contractors and workers executing the actual construction work before the handover and maintenance of completed works. In a construction industry where WSH is an integral part of business, all stakeholders play a role in reducing safety and health risks.

Stakeholder is any person or party who is affected by the Workplace Safety and Health Act. Based on the domains over which the various stakeholders have control, the Workplace Safety and Health Act aims to define areas to which they should pay attention in ensuring workplace safety. It is possible for a person to have multiple obligations. For instance, a person can be an occupier, an employer and a principal at the same time in the same workplace. Organisation

Manufacturer Or Supplier Manufacturer Or Supplier is any person who manufactures or supplies machinery, equipment or hazardous substances used at work in the workplace. The Manufacturer Or Supplier shall ensure that any machinery, equipment or substances provided are safe for use. They are required to • provide proper information on the safe use of the machinery, equipment or hazardous

substance; • ensure that the machinery, equipment or hazardous substance is safe for use; • ensure that the machinery, equipment or hazardous substance has been tested and

examined so that it is safe for use. Machinery and Equipment That Manufacturers And Suppliers Have Duties To Ensure Are Safe For Use

• Bar-benders • Equipment or piping intended for operation under pressure, including all statutory

pressure vessels • Equipment or piping intended to contain corrosive, toxic or flammable substances • Equipment used for abrasive blasting, including any accessory, apparatus or fitting

necessary to enable its use and operation Deleted: _



18

• Explosive powered tools • Forklifts • Lifting equipment • Materials or components used for the construction of support structures • Power presses • Scaffolds and any materials or components used to erect them • Welding equipment, including any accessory, apparatus or fitting necessary to

enable its use Substances That Manufacturers And Suppliers Have Duties to Ensure Are Safe For Use

• Carcinogens • Corrosive substances • Explosives • Flammable substances • Gases under pressure • Irritants • Mutagens • Organic peroxides • Oxidising substances • Pyrophoric substances • Self-heating substances • Self-reactive substances • Sensitizers • Substances hazardous to aquatic environment. • Substances which in contact with water, emit flammable gases • Teratogens • Toxic substances

Installer Or Erector Of Machinery Installer Or Erector Of Machinery is any person who installs or erects machinery, equipment, the building itself or any item for use in the workplace. They are required to take measures, as far as reasonably practicable, the machinery or equipment erected, installed or modified is safe and without health risks when properly used.

Clients The client is the owner of the premises for which the construction development is carried out. Developers In the construction value chain, the developers are intimately involved in the construction project from acquisition through arranging financing to construction and ultimate sale or management of the property. As financiers of construction projects, developers have a big influence over the behaviour of downstream stakeholders. Developers can factor in WSH performance when selecting bidding contractors to compel them to improve WSH capabilities and performance. Developers can play an active role by addressing WSH risks during the construction phase through regular checks and dialogue sessions with their contractors. Developers should ensure that tenders are awarded to contractors who have the capacity and resources to deliver their projects within the stipulated time without taking shortcuts. Designer consultants Designer consultant is a team of specialist consultant in the development being carried out and may include civil engineer, architects, etc. Contractor Contractor is any person engaged by another person or organization under a contract for service for the supply of labour or conduct of work at the workplace. Deleted: _



19

Employer / Principal Employer - Any person who employs another person to perform work under a contract of service. Principal - Any person who engages another person or organization to supply labour or perform work under some arrangement other than a contract of service. Employers / Principals are required to take measures, as far as reasonably practicable, protect the safety and health of employees or workers working under their direct control and all who may be affected by their work. This includes: • conducting risk assessments to remove or control risks to workers at the workplace; • maintaining safe work facilities and arrangements for the workers at work; • ensuring safety in machinery, equipment, plant, articles, substances and work

processes at the workplace; • developing and putting into practice control measures for dealing with emergencies; • providing workers with adequate instruction, information, training and supervision. Occupier In workplaces registered as a factory, the occupier is the person who is the holder of the certificate of registration or factory permit. In all other workplaces, the occupier is the person who has control of the premises regardless of whether he is the owner of those premises. The occupier is required to take measures, as far as reasonably practicable, ensure the following are safe and without risks to the health of any person within those premises, even if the person is not one of your employees. • the workplace; • all entrances to or exits from the workplace; • any machinery, equipment, plant, article or substance kept on the workplace. The occupier may also be responsible for the common areas used by their employees and contractors. In particular, the following items, if they are used by persons working at their workplace, are their responsibility. • electric generators and motors located in the common area; • hoists and lifts, lifting gear, lifting appliances and lifting machines located in the

common area; • means of entry to or exit from the common area; • any machinery or plant located in the common area. Individual Worker Worker is any person at work, including an employee, i.e. one employed under a contract of service, volunteer or any other person training or working under the employer such as an industrial attachment student. • Adhere to safe working procedures and principles introduced at the workplace. • Do not endanger oneself or others through unsafe behaviour. • Do not tamper with any safety device or undertake any wilful or reckless acts. • Correctly use any personal protective equipment provided at work. Supervisors The supervisor is the key man in any program to create and maintain interest in safety & health because he is directly responsible for translating management’s policies into action and for promoting safety activities among the employees. Foreman The foreman is the person who exercises control over workers

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Engineers To play their part in WSH adequately, resident engineers and clerk of works have to highlight WSH issues that would or have the potential to pose imminent dangers so that they can be adequately addressed promptly. Architect To reduce WSH risks during the construction and maintenance phases of the construction process, designers and architects need to work closely with contractors and other stakeholders to identify potential construction and maintenance hazards, and mitigate risks at the design stage. The residual risks must then be communicated to contractors so that these can be jointly managed. Managers Project managers play a particularly important role in the management of WSH at their projects as they are overall in charge of the running of a construction project. As such, it is essential for project managers to have a good grasp of WSH to better comprehend and manage the WSH issues that their projects may encounter. Self-Employed Person Self-Employed Person is any person who works but is not under a contract of service. Self-Employed Person is required to take measures, as far as reasonably practicable, to ensure the safety and health of others such as members of the public. Enforcement measures to ensure compliance

The Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, assisted by Deputy Commissioners and appointed inspectors, ensures that workplaces comply with safety and health regulations. The following are some measures that may be used to ensure compliance.

Workplace Inspections Inspectors are empowered to enter, inspect and examine any workplace at any time to ensure workplace safety. In order to do so, an inspector may: • inspect, examine and make copies of any workplace documents; • take samples of any material or substance found in, or being discharged from, any

workplace for the purpose of analysis or test; • take photographs or video recordings to record the conditions and the processes

carried out in the workplace; • take into custody any article in the workplace which is required for the purpose of an

investigation or inquiry under the Act.

Investigations Into A Workplace Accident Or Incident The Commissioner may order an investigation into any workplace accident or incident. In the course of investigations, the inspector may inspect the accident scene and workplace. The inspector may also interview and record statements of persons about the accident or incident. These persons are bound to state the truth and assist in the investigations. Suspension Of Certificates When necessary, the Commissioner may suspend any certificate. Examples of certificates issued under the Act include Certificates of Factory Registration and certificates issued to authorised examiners.

Remedial Orders And Stop Work Orders The Commissioner may issue a Remedial Order to require an employer or occupier or any other person to remove any workplace risk or to comply with a safe work practice whether or not there is any immediate danger. This will be the primary tool that the Commissioner will use to require employers to improve their management of safety and health and the quality of risk assessment. The Commissioner may issue a Stop Work Order to require the specified work to cease until measures have been taken to ensure that the work can be carried out safely. A Stop

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21

Work Order will be used in instances where severe lapses in safety and health conditions may cause immediate danger to the workers. Failure to comply with either a Remedial Order or Stop Work Order is considered an offence. The penalty is as shown below: Category of Offender Maximum Fine Maximum


Person who fails to comply with a Remedial Order If offence is continued after conviction



Person who fails to comply with a Stop Work Order If offence is continued after conviction



Composition Fines Composition fines are offered for offences at the Commissioner’s discretion. Offences may be compounded to a sum not more than half the maximum fine prescribed for the offence or $5,000, whichever is lower. Prosecution action may be taken if payment is not received within a specified period. Prosecution The Commissioner may prosecute any offender for violation under the Act. If charged with an offence under the Act, duty to show to the courts: • compliance with the Act and/or its relevant subsidiary legislation; • or compliance with the relevant approved code of practice or guidelines; • or taken reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence where there was no

specific legislation or guidelines; • or the offence was due to causes beyond control, i.e. it was not reasonably practicable

to prevent the contravention or accident. Where in any proceedings for an offence under any provision in this Act, the onus is on the person to prove that it was not reasonably practicable to do more than what was in fact done to satisfy that duty or there was no better practicable means than was in fact used to satisfy that duty. General penalties for offences The Workplace Safety and Health Act states a general maximum penalty for offences for which no penalty is prescribed under the Act. The penalties are shown in the tables below.

Category of offender 1st Offence Repeat offenders

Individual persons $200,000 fine and /or 2

years jail

$400,000 fine and /or 2

years jail

Corporate body $500,000 $1 million

Workers $1,000

$30,000 and / or 2 years

jail (for negligence)

$2,000

Deleted: ¶Category of offender

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Communication Legal and other requirements may be communicated to the various stakeholders through the following mode of communication: WSH committee meetings Under the WSH (WSH Committees) Regulations, the occupier of a worksite, in which 50 or more persons are ordinarily at work is required to form a WSH Committee. The WSH committee shall meet atleast once a month. The committee shall include appointment of: • chairman who shall be a competent person on site; • secretary who shall be the safety officer (if available) or a person; and • members who are representatives of persons at work and management staff. The functions of safety committee are as follows: • To inspect the factory at least once a month • To inspect the factory after accident or dangerous occurrence • to assist in organising activities to promote safe conduct of work in factory The minutes of the meetings shall be properly recorded and maintained. All decisions and follow-up actions shall be documented. Site coordination meeting Under WSH(Construction) Regs, It shall be the duty of the occupier of a worksite to convene such site coordination meetings as are necessary with due regard to the progress of the works which are, or are to be, carried out in the worksite for the purpose of coordinating such works so as to ensure the safety, health and welfare of persons at work in the worksite. Every meeting is should be presided by the project manager of the worksite; and attended by every person (being a supervisor, an engineer, a workplace safety and health co-ordinator or a workplace safety and health officer) who is involved in any work or process being co-ordinated in the worksite and any other person who oversees any such work or process. Briefings Briefings / tool box meetings are defined as giving detailed instructions. The occupier shall ensure tool box meetings are conducted at stipulated intervals within work groups to effectively communicate and coordinate work instructions and to promote safe conduct of work. Safety briefings shall also be carried out regularly for larger cohorts. Awareness sessions Awareness sessions are more of promotional programmes aimed to create a general awareness among the employees. Training sessions The legal requirements can be communicated to the respective stakeholder through external training such as mandatory training or internal training such as induction or task specific training. Training means more than providing information. It requires a practical demonstration that each employee has acquired the skill or knowledge related to the job. Personnel can be trained in the following areas: • WSH competency required at each function and level in the organization • WSH induction programme • On-going training for employees • Training in local WSH arrangements • Specific mandatory training

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3. Mandatory training for construction industries This lesson is made up of 1 unit. The objective of this unit is to ‘Manage the mandatory training requirements in construction industries’. Under the WSH Act, • Employers and principals are required to ensure that the person at work has adequate

instruction, information, training and supervision as is necessary for that person to perform his work.

• Employers, self-employed persons and principals give to persons (not being his employees) the prescribed information about such aspects of the way in which he conducts his undertaking as might affect their safety or health while those persons are at his workplace.

Training needs identification

Training needs help to identify and remedy any shortfalls between the competency level currently possessed by the stakeholders and the required WSH competency required in order to achieve the organizations goals and objectives. To meet the identified training needs, suitable training programmes have to be identified. Training can be conducted in-house or externally depending on the learning outcomes, need of the learners and resources available within the organization. In-house training This type of training is conducted in-house. Examples of in-house training include: • WSH induction • On the Job training • Ongoing training • Training for managers, supervisors and workers • Training and awareness programmes for contractors, temporary workers, visitors External training MOM accredits training providers (ATP) to ensure that the quality of the WSH training is maintained at all times. The ATP’s conducts mandatory WSH training programmes and non-accredited WSH courses. Examples of external training include • Training in local WSH arrangements • Mandatory training • Training for managers, supervisors and workers. Training schedule Scheduling of mandatory training programs may involve the following • Scheduling dates for training considering the release from trainee’s dept, work

exigencies and workplace peak periods • Arranging for training registration such as coordination with the training institute /

trainers and trainee • Applying for Skills Development Fund (SDF) • Arranging for participants presence such as replacement / rescheduling for any last

minute change in the trainee’s schedule and sending reminders to the trainees to attend the scheduled training

Training providers The address, webpage, email and contact particulars of the ATPs for the various courses can be identified from the MOM’s website. Some of the other training providers include the following: • Singapore Environment Institute • Singapore Civil Defense Academy • Singapore Aviation Academy

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Note: Only courses conducted by selected ATPs have been listed. For full list of ATPs, refer to MOM website. Classes or description of persons Mandatory

Training courses Reference

ATP (e.g)

Workplace Safety and Health Auditors: Any person who is appointed to conduct audit on safety and health management system, risk assessment, work processes or workplace

Workshop for Safety Auditors OR Graduate Certificate in WSH

Criteria to be approved as an auditor

Singapore Polytechnic / Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Workplace Safety and Health Officers: Any person who is appointed to conduct audit on safety and health management system, risk assessment, work processes or workplace

Safety Officer Training Course OR Specialist Diploma in WSH

WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Reg 3(a)(i),


Workplace Safety and Health Coordinators: Any person who is appointed to conduct audit on safety and health management system, risk assessment, work processes or workplace

Safety Coordinators Course OR Advance Certificate in WSH



Audiometric Examiner: Any person who carries out audiometric examination of others

Industrial Audiometry Course

WSH (Medical Examination) Reg R6(2)

Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd

Noise Monitoring Officer: Any person who is appointed to conduct noise monitoring at a workplace

Noise Monitoring Course



Noise Control Officer: Any person who is appointed to advise the occupier of a workplace on noise control measures

Industrial Noise Control Course


Nanyang Technological University

Manhole Safety Assessors: Any person who is appointed to assess whether the manhole is safe for entry

Manhole Safety Assessor Course



Confined Space Safety Assessors: Any person who is appointed to assess whether the confined space is safe for entry

Confined Space Safety Assessor Course



Explosive Powered Tools Operators: Any persons who operates an explosive power tool

Explosive Powered Tools Operators' Course

WSH (Explosive Powered Tools) Reg 13


First-Aider: Any person who is appointed as a first-aider in a workplace

Occupational First Aid Course

WSH (First-Aid) Reg R5(2)


Forklift Operators: Any person who drives or operates a forklift truck

Forklift Driver’s Training Course



Lifting Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a lifting supervisor for any lifting operation by a mobile or tower crane

Lifting Supervisors Safety Course



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Reference

ATP (e.g)

Riggers: Any person who is appointed as a rigger for any lifting operation by a mobile or tower crane

Rigger Course



Signalman: Any person who is appointed as a signalman for any lifting operation by a mobile or tower crane

Signalmen Course



Scaffold Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a scaffold supervisor to supervise the erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration or dismantling of a scaffold

Supervision of Metal Scaffold Erection Course



Suspended Scaffold Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a suspended scaffold supervisor to supervise the erection, installation, re-positioning, alteration or dismantling of a suspended scaffold

Suspended Scaffold Supervisors' Course


SCAL Academy

Scaffold Erectors: Any person who is appointed as a scaffold erector to erect, install, re-position, alter or dismantle a scaffold

Metal Scaffold Erection Course



Suspended Scaffold Erectors: Any person who is appointed as a suspended scaffold erector to erect, install, re-position, alter or dismantle a suspended scaffold

Suspended Scaffold Riggers' Course


SCAL Academy

Construction Workers: Any worker employed in manual work in the worksite

Construction Safety Orientation Course (in various languages)



Construction Supervisors: Any supervisor employed in the worksite

Building Construction Supervisors Safety Course

WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007 reg. 9 (2b)


Formwork Supervisors: Any person who is appointed as a formwork supervisor to supervise the construction, erection, alteration or dismantling of any formwork structure in a worksite

Formwork Safety Course for Supervisors



Tunnelling Workers: Any person carries out any work in a tunnel in a worksite

Safety Orientation Course (Tunnelling) for Workers



Construction Supervisors (Tunnelling): Any person carries out any work in a tunnel in a worksite

Building Construction Supervisors Safety Course (Tunnelling)


SCAL Academy

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