.". Workplace Safety And Health ,WSH Safety Resources Blog

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SCDF Circular on PFM Licence

TRANSITION TO GOBUSINESS PORTAL FOR PETROLEUM AND FLAMMABLE MATERIALS (P&FM) STORAGE AND TRANSPORT LICENCES APPLICATIONS To All Petroleu...

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Safety Case Refresher Workshop

SCIC Safety Case Refresher Workshop (Instructor led eLearning)



This 1-day training course will cover the most important aspects of Safety Case in Singapore.

Participants should expect to receive an update on the new Safety Case guidelines published by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), key findings from MHD’s review of the first round of Safety Case submissions (2017 – present) and a summary of the most important Implementation Plan items issued to MHIs that require addressing in the second round of Safety Case submissions.

In addition, this course will provide further information on how to implement these new guidelines to help participants prepare their MHI for the next round of Safety Case submissions

The training course will cover the following topics:

Session 1 – Guidelines for single scenario risk targets and ALARP demonstration

MOM has published new guidelines focusing on the adequacy of preventive and mitigation barriers, to assist MHIs demonstrate that the risks of their identified scenarios are reduced to ALARP.

In this session we will walk through those new guidelines and specifically cover the use of the single scenario risk target, accepted practices for assessing risks and developing a sound ALARP demonstration.

Session 2 – Human Factors

MOM has published new guidelines on Managing Human Factors in Major Hazard Installations to provide guidance to MHIs on Human Factor elements outlined in Appendix 5B of the Safety Case Technical Guide.

In this session we will cover the process for integrating human factors into the risk assessment process, so that risks are reduced to ALARP. We will outline how to approach the practical implementation of Human Reliability Analysis (HRAs) for both operational and maintenance activities.

Sessions 3 & 4 – Key findings from MHD review of safety cases in the period 2017 – present

Since implementing the Safety Case regime in September 2017, key findings from Intervention Plan (IP) items issued to MHIs by MHD can be summarised in three focus areas:

a) Process Safety,

b) Electrical, Controls & Instrumentation, and

c) Mechanical.

In these sessions, each of the key findings will be covered in detail to highlight how to demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of protective measures that have been put in place on the MHI.

For process safety we will cover:

• Demonstrating adequacy and sufficiency of pressure relief; and

• Demonstrating the basis of safety for reactors and safety of reaction chemistry.

For Electrical, Control & Instrumentation we will cover:

Demonstrating how necessary instrumented safety functions are identified and the required integrity level is determined;

• Demonstrating the management of functional safety system is in accordance with current relevant good practice; and

• Demonstrating the adequacy of the maintenance regime for safety critical EC&I systems to prevent major accidents or reduce the loss of containment in event of such accidents.

For Mechanical we will cover:

• Demonstrating that an appropriate maintenance regime is established for plant and systems to prevent major accidents or reduce the LOC in the event of such accidents; and

• Demonstrating that systems are in place to ensure that safety critical equipment and systems are examined at appropriate intervals by a competent person.

Who Should Attend

MHI personnel who have completed the 4-days Safety Case Practitioner Training course and wishes to update their knowledge on the new guidelines.

MHIs involved in revising a Safety Case for re-submission or second-round submission.

MHI Leadership team members who want to understand the key areas of focus for MHD.

HSE, Process Safety, Risk Assessment, Process Engineers, EC&I Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Maintenance personnel, Operations personnel working on a Major Hazard Installation.

Note: The Safety Case Practitioners Workshop is only open to personnel from MHIs

Administrative Details

Date: 28 September 2023, Thursday

Time: 9 am to 5 pm (Registration will commence at 8.30 am)

Venue: Zoom

*The web link will be provided later*

How to Register

Registration Fee (inclusive of GST):

SCIC Member: $432 per participant

Non-member: $594 per participant

** Fee is inclusive of the e-copy materials for the 1-days training.

Participants are required to complete the online registration form via www.scic.sg. Upon confirmation of your registration and payment, a unique login will be provided to the participant via email.

Should you require further assistance, please contact the SCIC Secretariat office at 6267 8891 or email us at secretariat1@scic.sg.

Note: Registration would be on a first-come-first-serve basis

Monday, August 21, 2023

Fire -Certificate SCDF

Fire-Certificate-SCDF

Under the Fire Safety Act Section 35, the owner or occupier of any public buildings such as offices, hospitals, shopping complexes, industrial buildings and private residential buildings that fall within the following criteria is required to apply and obtain a Fire Certificate-

Criteria

The FC Scheme ensures the proper maintenance and good working condition of fire safety systems. These systems should be tested in accordance with the relevant codes of practice.

The Section 35 of the Fire Safety Act 1993 contains the following definitions:

Public Building1 (except for a residential building) that has an occupant load of more than 200 persons, other than a serviced apartment with external corridors that comply with the requirements specified in Chapter 2 of the Fire Code;

  • a standalone carpark that complies with the requirements specified in Chapter 2 of the Fire Code; and
  • a hawker centre or wet market that is not fully enclosed on all sides. 

An industrial building that

  • Has an occupant load of 1,000 persons or more;
  • Has a floor area of site area2 of 5,000 square metres or more; or
  • Has a habitable height of more than 24 metres.

A foreign dormitory that

  • Has an occupant load of 1,000 persons or more;
  • Has a floor area of site area2 of 5,000 square metres or more; or
  • Has a habitable height of more than 24 metres.

A hospital

A residential building that

  • Has a habitable height of more than 24 metres;

Is installed with

  • An automatic fire alarm system;
  • A sprinkler system; or
  • A wet riser system; and

Is not used or intended to be used as an HDB flat

An engineered timber building (except a building that is used or intended to be used as an HDB flat) that is installed with any of the following:

  • An automatic fire alarm system;
  • An automatic sprinkler system;
  • An automatic smoke control system;

Any other automatic fire detection or suppression system intended to detect or control a fire automatically.

A fully automated mechanized car park that is installed with a fire protection system and meets any of the following conditions:

The total floor area of the car parking decks in the fully automated mechanized car park is more than 200 square metres;

The cubical extent of the fully automated mechanized car park (calculated in the manner prescribed in Chapter 9 of the Fire Code) is more than 1,400 cubic metres;

The parking height of the fully automated mechanized car park above ground (measured in the manner prescribed in Chapter 9 of the Fire Code) is more than 10 metres;

Where any part of the parking levels is below ground, the total parking height of the fully automated mechanized car park (measured in the manner prescribed in Chapter 9 of the Fire Code) is more than 14 metres;

There are more than 2 parking levels below ground.

1 "Public Building" means a building to which the public or a section of the public has access as of right, or by virtue of express or implied permission with or without payment of a fee.

2 Refers to the statistical gross floor area within the same development/premises.

Application

Application for the issue of FC must be made within twelve (12) months after the date on which the certificate of statutory completion or temporary occupation permit is issued, whichever is earlier. 

For new FC applications, owners or occupiers are required to first complete and email the “Information on Fire Certificate” form to SCDF. 

For premises which are renewing their FC, applications shall be made at least two months before the expiry of the existing FC.

Fire Certificate (FC) applications shall be made via GoBusiness Portal from 14 Auguest 2023.

Here is the quick infogude




Friday, August 18, 2023

Incident Sharing Of IBC Flash Fire

INCIDENT SHARING – FLASH FIRES INVOLVING INTERMEDIATE BULK CONTAINERS

CASE ONE: FLASH FIRE DURING TRANSFER OF FLAMMABLE LIQUID

A worker was using a flexible metallic hose to transfer flammable liquid into a plastic Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), when a flash fire broke out at the top. The fire spread to the floor and subsequently into the drains, causing large drain fires around the workplace.

Electrostatic discharge, or the release of static electricity buildup, is believed to have ignited the flammable vapours which had accumulated at the top of the IBC during the liquid transfer process.

Further investigations revealed that the plastic IBC used by the company was not suitable for handling flammable liquids as it could not dissipate the electrostatic charges generated during the liquid transfer process.


CASE TWO: FLASH FIRE WHILE CLEANING AN IBC

A worker was cleaning an IBC using flammable solvent and a high-pressure water spray when a flash fire occurred, causing burn injuries on the worker.

In general, when working with an IBC and a flammable substance, you should:

• Be familiar with the hazards posed by the flammable substance;

• Be aware that plastic IBCs cannot dissipate the electrostatic charges that may be generated and thus should eliminate the use of the flammable substance where possible e.g., by replacing it with a non-flammable substance;

• Work in an area away from heat and ignition sources;

• Work in well-ventilated area or under a local exhaust ventilation system that can remove flammable vapours effectively;

• Equip yourself with a personal flammable gas detector;

• Wear suitable personal protection equipment such as a face shield, fire-retardant coveralls,respirator, gloves, and safety boots, to protect yourself against fire and contact with the flammable substance; and

• Be familiar with the emergency procedures, including firefighting procedure, and escape routes.

For transfer of flammable liquid, it is important to:

• Confirm with your supervisor that a suitable container (for example metal IBC) will be used for transferring the flammable liquid before you proceed with the work;

• Use only conductive hoses for transferring flammable liquids;

• Ground and bond all conductive components, the source container as well as the hose before transferring the flammable liquid;

• Ensure that firefighting equipment are readily available around the vicinity where flammable liquid transfers are being carried out;

• Ensure that warning labels on the IBC, such as GHS labels, are clearly visible. Report any missing, damaged, or difficult-to-read labels; and

• Be trained on spill clean-up procedures and clean up any spill immediately.


Monday, August 14, 2023

Vascular Dementia Health Risk

Introduction

Vascular dementia is one of the most common forms of dementia in Singapore, however, it is not a normal part of ageing. You can reduce your risks by taking the necessary steps as early as possible. Take charge of your health now by learning more about the actions you can take below!

Don't let Vascular Dementia Take Control of Your Life

Vascular Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Take necessary steps as early as possible to reduce your risk.

Facts

Did you know that almost half (45.5%) of dementia cases in Singapore are vascular dementia? Hence, let’s take the necessary steps as early as possible to lower your risk of getting vascular dementia.

So, keep reading and let's demystify this disease together.

Facts about Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is a common type of dementia, which is an illness that affects the brain, leading to progressive memory loss, decline in intellectual ability and personality changes. It affects a person’s ability to think, learn and make decisions.

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced supply of blood to the brain due to damaged blood vessels, depriving brain cells of vital oxygen and nutrients.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Other than vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease is another common type of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive illness in which the nerve cells of the brain are destroyed and the brain substance shrinks. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood but it’s likely a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.

Are You At Risk of getting Vascular Dementia?

There are many factors that can increase the chances of damage to blood vessels in your brain, which in effect, increase your risk of getting vascular dementia:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Stroke

10 Common Signs of Vascular Dementia:


How can you Reduce Your Risk?

Take control of your health today as the risk of developing vascular dementia and its key contributing factor, chronic diseases, can both be reduced. Adopt a healthy lifestyle with these 5 habits to lower your risk.

Habit 1: Staying physically active

Physical activity improves blood circulation and supports growth of new brain cells.

  • Engage in 150 - 300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week.
  • Get moving through fun activities. Join our free workouts.

Habit 2: Eating healthily

Have a healthy balanced diet, and avoid food high in fat, sugar, and sodium which increases risk of cardio-pulmonary diseases.

  • Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with wholegrains and a quarter with protein-rich food such as meat, fish and tofu.
  • Get cooking with these delicious and healthy recipes.

Habit 3: Staying mentally active

Learning new things and challenging the brain can increase our mental strength and capabilities. So read, play games, learn a language or pick up a new skill.

Visit your nearest community centre or check out SkillsFuture for interesting courses.

Habit 4: Being socially engaged

Having strong relationships can buffer the effects of stress, stimulate the mind and make you a happier person.

  • Keep in touch with family and friends.

Habit 5: Taking control of your health

Manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure and go for regular health checkups.

  • Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
  • Learn more about recommended health screening tests and subsidies here.
How To Care For People with Vascular Dementia?

Caring for someone with vascular dementia can be intensive and challenging. To provide the best care for your loved ones, you have to start by looking after yourself. Having a good support system makes a big difference too.

Here are some quick tips on being a better caregiver:

  • Know the progression of the disease to manage the symptoms
  • Take up a training course for dementia care
  • Join a caregiver support group
  • Be aware of your needs and ask for help
To learn more check out Healthhub - Let’s talk about Vascular Dementia




Friday, August 11, 2023

WSH Council’s Programmes and Resources.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) calls on all employers to step up their vigilance to ensure workplace safety. Our preliminary investigations into recent workplace fatalities revealed that deficient risk control measures and individual negligence were the primary causes. MOM will not hesitate to hold responsible employers and individuals accountable, including through prosecution. 

For example, the lack of control measures at a demolition worksite led to the collapse of a wall which killed a worker. In a separate case, a driver was fatally struck by a reversing wheel loader. Had the right safety measures been in place, and had greater care been taken to ensure a safe work environment, these fatalities could have been prevented. 

MOM has introduced tougher actions to penalise companies for such lapses, including doubling the composition fines for each lapse, requiring Chief Executives to personally account for lapses following serious or fatal workplace incidents, and requiring companies with major injuries and Stop Work Orders to engage external auditors to conduct a thorough review of their workplace safety and health processes. MOM will continue to strictly enforce these measures, and step up inspections.  

“Each fatality serves as reminder of the severe consequences when workplace safety and health are not prioritised. We must not have a repeat of the spate of accidents in 2022. MOM will hold responsible parties fully accountable if they fail to protect the safety and well-being of workers,” said Mr Silas Sng, Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, Ministry of Manpower.

MOM has warned that it will be ramping up its inspection tempo.  

WSH Council echoes MOM’s call for companies to stay vigilant in preventing workplace incidents.  To help companies comply with WSH laws, WSH Council Chairman Abu Bakar Mohd Nor invites all companies to take advantage of WSH Council’s programmes and resources. 

We encourage companies, especially SMEs, that want to start building or to enhance their WSH capability, to: 

1. Check out our newly-revised Start Guide for SMEs with simple checklists and templates to set up a WSH management system at 

https://www.tal.sg/.../guide.../start-guide-for-smes-english

2. Tap on the StartSAFE programme (free for SMEs!) where an external WSH consultant can offer you on-site advice on spotting and preventing hazards at 

https://www.tal.sg/wshc/programmes/startsafe

3. Subscribe to our free WSH Bulletin to be alerted on learnings from recent incidents and new resources and guides at https://www.tal.sg/wshc/newsletters  

4. Download the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Chief Executives’ and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties at

https://www.tal.sg/.../code-of-practice-on-chief...

Watch the ACOP video guide at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uOCOowAQIc

Preventing workplace incidents is possible, and need not be complex nor expensive.  Take the above steps in keeping your workers safe and healthy!

Monday, August 7, 2023

Company Directors WSH Duties Video

The WSH Council has produced a video summarising key objectives and principles of the Code of Practice on Chief Executives’ and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties (ACOP). The ACOP was developed in October 2022 to provide clarity for top executives on their roles and duties relating to workplace safety and health.  The video condenses the objectives and principles of the ACOP, making it easier to understand and share. Chief Executives and Board Directors may attend the Top Executive WSH Programme for a more in-depth induction.



The video lists resources that supports the ACOP measures:


ACOP Measure Resource
Description
6 and 15
Reporting incidents
Top executives can foster a culture of trust in the organisation and encourage proactive reporting to keep employees safe at the workplace.
7Top Executive WSH Programme
This programme is designed for chief executives and board directors who want to deepen their understanding and knowledge of workplace safety and health.
7 and 14
WSH Bulletin
Subscribe to this free e-newsletter to stay informed on:
 Latest WSH news and regulatory announcements
 Accident notifications and advisories
 Events and programmes
 Campaigns and awards
8
iWorkHealth
A free online survey tool that helps employers find out their workforce’s overall state of mental well-being, and the key workplace stressors affecting their employees’ mental well-being.
9bizSAFE
This programme is designed to help companies build workplace safety and health capabilities.
9CheckSAFE
Check and compare companies’ WSH performance, including injury and enforcement data, and past awards. Make informed choices of service providers or partners based on their WSH performance.
11Code of Practice on Risk Management
This Code of Practice advises duty holders on their obligations under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act and the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations. It also provides guidance on a systematic process for implementing a risk management system.

Friday, August 4, 2023

MOM Circular - New WSH e-Services

MOM Circular: New WSH e-Services System with Enhanced Features for Management of Lifting Equipment and Pressure Vessels

MOM/OSHD/2023-05

To: Owners of Lifting Equipment and Pressure Vessels
      Authorised Examiners (Lifting Equipment and Pressure Vessel)
      All Interested Parties

NEW WSH E-SERVICES SYSTEM WITH ENHANCED FEATURES FOR MANAGEMENT OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND PRESSURE VESSELS

A new WSH e-Services system with enhanced features for the management of lifting equipment (LEs)1 and pressure vessels (PVs) (collectively referred to as “statutory equipment”) will be launched on Fri, 11 Aug 2023 at 10:00 AM.

REGISTRATION SUMMARY FOR STATUTORY EQUIPMENT

2 With the new system, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be introducing a Registration Summary for statutory equipment. The Registration Summary (Annex A) which is unique to each statutory equipment provides identification, current registration status and information on safe operating limits.

3 The Registration Summary also includes a quick response (QR) code to MOM’s webpage (Annex B) that provides the current registration status of the statutory equipment and more information. The Registration Summary will replace inspection stickers or “silver stickers” (Annex C) that are currently being used to identify statutory equipment.

4 The Registration Summary will remain unchanged so long as there is no change in ownership of the statutory equipment. If there is a change in the ownership, the Registration Summary must be replaced after the statutory equipment has been re-registered to the new owner by an Authorised Examiner (AE).

DIGITAL SIGNATURES AND ENCRYPTED CERTIFICATES AND REPORTS

5 The certificate of test and examination for LEs (Annex D) and report of examination for PVs (Annex E) will be enhanced.

(a) Certificates and reports will be digitally signed off by AEs without the need for wet-ink signatures or company/personal stamps.

(b) Hardcopy documents will be replaced with electronic version of original certificates and reports that are encrypted to prevent unauthorised amendments.

6 For transition purposes, certificates and reports that were issued before 11 Aug 2023 will remain valid until its expiration dates.

1 Lifting equipment herein this circular refers to any lift, lifting appliance and lifting machine as defined in the Workplace Safety and Health Act. There will be no change to the manner for identification and certification of lifting gears i.e. appropriate tagging for effective identification by owner and issuance of wet-ink signed certificate of test and examination by AE.

SINGLE LOGIN FOR WSH E-SERVICES LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND PRESSURE VESSEL PORTALS

7 As part of the system enhancement, owners and AEs do not have to access different LE and PV portals to manage statutory equipment. They are now able to easily switch between the LE and PV tabs in the single system. The new system can be accessed from either MOM’s “Register and manage Lifting Equipment” or “Register and manage Pressure Vessels” webpages.

ONLINE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS AND REQUESTS

8 The following applications and requests, previously submitted to MOM through manual processes, can now be submitted electronically through the new system.

(a) Requests for PV repairs – Owners intending to carry out repair works on their PVs can do so by performing a search for the PV and trigger the repair request. Owners will also be able to receive updates on the outcome of their requests through the system.

(b) Notification for use of tower cranes at workplaces – MOM will no longer require the Notification Form for Use of Tower Crane in Workplace to be submitted in hardcopies. Instead, it will be electronically uploaded by AEs when a registration or examination record for use of a tower crane at the workplace is submitted through the new system.

ACTIONS REQUIRED BY OWNERS

9 Owners are required to download a copy of the Registration Summary for each of their statutory equipment from the new system and affix the Registration Summary at a visible location on their statutory equipment. Whilst the Registration Summary could be printed in any suitable size, owners shall ensure that:

(c) Registration Summary is affixed as a whole and not cropped to retain only certain sections such as the QR code;

(d) Content is legible; and

(e) QR code could be effectively scanned for information.

10 With the push towards electronic transactions, all system-generated notifications and letters will be sent to owners’ e-mail addresses extracted from the Business Filing Portal of ACRA (BizFile). Hence, all statutory equipment owners are required to update their e-mail address in BizFile by 31 Aug 2024. Owners without a valid e-mail address will not be able to receive certificates or reports from 1 Sep 2024 onwards.

FURTHER INFORMATION

11 Owners, AEs and relevant interested parties are required to exercise all due diligence in performing any transaction through the WSH e-Services system and managing the use of statutory equipment as stipulated in the Workplace Safety and Health Act and its subsidiary legislation.

12 For queries and clarifications, please contact the MOM Contact Centre at 6438 5122 or mom_oshd@mom.gov.sg.







Thursday, August 3, 2023

Healthier SG

What is the healthier SG Strategy

What is Healthier SG? Healthier SG is a national initiative by the Ministry of Health (MOH) focusing on preventive health. Singaporeans can take proactive steps to manage their health, prevent the onset of chronic diseases and have strong support to lead healthier lifestyles.

Why should I enrol in Healthier SG?

As people get older, they are more likely to fall sick and suffer disabilities.

The prevalence of chronic diseases increases as you age, and that causes significant health, emotional, financial burden on individuals & families.

But healthy habits and preventive care can help older people to stay active and maintain a good quality of life. For those with diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels, managing these well will reduce the risks of developing serious health problems like kidney failure and stroke.



Enrolling in Healthier SG offers you:

  • Support to keep healthy and prevent diseases, from a family doctor who has a trusted relationship with you.
  • Enhanced subsidies for preventive health.
  • Personalised Health Plan with goals, advice and treatment.
  • Connection to a wide range of healthy lifestyle activities to stay healthy and active.
  • Seniors Health Check

What benefits can I enjoy from Healthier SG?



  • Create a free personalised Health Plan^ with your family doctor for a healthy lifestyle, regular health screenings and vaccinations.
  • Earn $20 worth of Healthpoints after your first Health Plan consultation.
  • Get fully-subsidised nationally-recommended screenings and vaccinations (for Singapore Citizens).

For list of screenings and eligibility, please click here.

For list of vaccinations and eligibility, please click here.

^ Your first Health Plan discussion with your first enrolled clinic is fully subsidised. For services outside of Healthier SG scope, prevailing fees will apply.

From early 2024:

Healthier SG Chronic Tier: CHAS, Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation patients with high medication needs can opt for this alternative subsidy tier, allowing them to enjoy common chronic drugs from their enrolled Healthier SG GP clinics at prices comparable to polyclinics.

Use MediSave without requirement for cash co-payment for the treatment of chronic conditions.

Still have questions? Refer to the FAQs on Benefits.

You can learn more about the benefits of Healthier SG by listening to this CNA podcast.

Proper Life Jacket Use and Selection


Life jackets are essential personal protective equipment for workers exposed to the risk of falling into water and drowning. Persons working near water must put on suitable life jackets as they significantly increase the chances of survival should one fall into the water.  

In February 2021, a worker drowned after falling into the sea while descending the pilot ladder of a marine vessel. The worker was wearing an inflatable life jacket, but it failed to keep him afloat. 

A similar case occurred in May 2022 where another worker also fell into the sea while transferring between vessels. The worker was wearing a manual inflatable life jacket but he did not activate it after falling into the water. He drowned as a result. 

Life jackets are essential personal protective equipment for workers exposed to the risk of falling into water and drowning. Persons working near water must put on suitable life jackets as they significantly increase the chances of survival should one fall into the water. 

Regulation 23(11) of the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations specifies the duty of an employer to provide suitable life jackets or other flotation equipment to all persons exposed to the risk of falling into water and of drowning. 

To ensure that life jackets will work as intended in an emergency, employers are advised to carry out the following:

  • Provide workers with a suitable life jacket of the right performance level; 
  • Familiarise workers on the proper use of life jackets; and 
  • Periodically inspect and maintain life jackets as part of a preventive maintenance programme. 

Selecting appropriate life jackets for work activity There are two common types of life jackets — foam life jackets and inflatable life jackets. The type of work activity and water conditions must be considered before selecting a suitable life jacket. 

Companies must decide on the type most suited for the intended work activity. For work at the open sea (where the shore is not visible), ISO 12402 recommends the use of life jackets with a performance level at least 150 and above. 

ISO 12402 Performance Levels 

Level 100 • For use in calm waters when the shore is visible. • Not suitable for rough conditions. • Ideal for situations where waiting for rescue may be necessary. 

Level 150 • Suitable for coastal and offshore waters. • Helps to turn the user (conscious or otherwise) face up and into a safe position onto their back. This keeps users' airways clear and reduces the risk of drowning. • Automatic activation of life jacket which ensures inflation regardless of user's condition. 

Level 275 • For use in offshore or rough weather conditions. • Helps to keep the user's face up and above water, even when wearing bulky clothing or carrying heavy items. This keep users' airways clear and reduces the risk of drowning. • Automatic activation of life jacket which ensures inflation regardless of user's condition. 

The MPA Guidelines for Safe Transfer of Persons between Vessels at Anchorages recommends the use of a working SOLAS type-approved life jacket or a life jacket meeting ISO 12402 Personal Flotation Devices performance level 100 or higher. 

Life jacket inspection and maintenance Life jackets need to be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their reliability and effectiveness during an emergency. The records of purchase and maintenance of the life jackets should be kept along with other maintenance records. 

Foam life jackets  

Inspect foam life jackets for any sign of damage or wear and tear before each use, and ensure that the securing straps can be properly fastened. Inspect foam life jackets that are not often used at least once a year. 

Inflatable life jackets  

Inspect inflatable life jackets for any sign of damage or wear and tear before each use, and ensure that the securing straps can be properly fastened. Send inflatable life jackets for functionality inspections/maintenance checks by the manufacturer or its certified agent at least once a year. Functionality inspection includes leak tests, checking and replacing defective or expired components, as well as checking the inflation mechanism(s), harness, buckles and bladder cover. 

Proper selection and maintenance of life jackets are necessary to ensure the safety of persons working near water. The WSH Council urges all employers to implement robust WSH policies and procedures on the selection and use of life jackets and their maintenance. 

Further Information 

1 Workplace Safety and Health Act 

2 Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations  

3. Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations  

4. WSH Council's Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management  

5 International Convention for the Safety of Iife at Sea (501 AS). 1974  

6. ISO 12402 - 2 to 10: 7070 Personal Flotation Devices 

7. Maritime And Port Authority's Guidelines for Safe Transfer of Persons Between Vessels at Anchorages 

8. WSH Council's Guide to WSH for Service Providers on Safe Working on Ships at Anchorages  

9 WSH Council's Case Studies on Working in and Around Water  



Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Use of National Flag Regulation

SINGAPORE: Rules on how to use the Singapore flag will soon be eased under the National Symbols Act and Regulations, which comes into effect on Tuesday (Aug 1).



The National Symbols Act and Regulations, which provides a framework to promote the appropriate use of the national and presidential symbols, comes into effect on Tuesday.

Key changes under the regulations include stronger safeguards to protect the national symbols from being misused and more clarity on the respectful use of the symbols, said the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) in a media release on Monday.

The National Symbols Act and its Regulations will replace the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem (SAFNA) Act, which was enacted in 1959 to govern the use of Singapore's state crest, national flag and national anthem.

The new Act aims to provide a framework to promote appropriate use of the national and presidential symbols, while allowing for wider use of some symbols for Singaporeans to express national pride and solidarity, said the ministry.

Here are the key changes to rules governing the use of the Singapore flag:

DISPLAY

The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth may now allow the national flag to be displayed outside the National Day period - July to September - without a flagpole and illumination at night.

Under the SAFNA Act and Rules, any changes to the display period required the legislation to be amended.

“This change is in response to calls from Singaporeans to fly the national flag from their homes on occasions of national significance beyond National Day, as an expression of national pride and solidarity,” said MCCY.

Those who wish to use the national flag or its image for commercial or decorative purposes during the National Day period will no longer have to seek approval from the minister.

Additionally, the flag can now also be displayed or carried flat or horizontally. When displayed against a vertical wall or flat surface, the flag should be placed with the crescent and stars on the top position as seen by a person facing it from the outside of the building.

It should also not be obscured or overlapped by footwear or laundry.

The national flag should also not be flown or displayed upside-down. It should always be displayed with the crescent moon and five stars at the corner of the upper left red section of the flag near the pole, except where military or international aviation and naval protocol prescribe otherwise, said MCCY.

ATTIRE

Under the changes, the national flag and its image can be used on attire for non-commercial purposes all year round without needing permission from the minister, as long as it is used respectfully.

When the image of the national flag is used on clothing, it should be positioned above the waist. The image should not be on attire considered inappropriate such as undergarments or at areas intended to be dirtied, such as across the front of a face mask.

If the image of the national flag is used in attire for the purpose of representing the country, it should be positioned near the top and not covering areas deemed inappropriate or intended to be dirtied.

The flag should also not be used on items meant to be dirtied, such as flip-flops.

DESIGN FOR MODERN USE

With recent technological advances facilitating the use of digital copies of the national symbols, the new regulations will broaden the scope to cover digital and other types of reproduction of symbols and to provide guidance on their respectful use, said MCCY.

The production and display of flags with modified or distorted designs of the national flag will be prohibited.

Images of the national flag or elements can be incorporated into other creative illustrations. However, the depiction of the flag should not deviate greatly from the original design. This includes changing the colour of the national flag or depicting images of torn, broken or tattered flags.

The Singapore flag image should also not be used on items that would be torn or thrown away, such as plastic packaging, paper napkins and trash bags.

It should also not be used on products or on parts of products that are meant to be dirtied, like tablecloths, doormats or car tyres.

It is also inappropriate to use the image of the national flag for items used at funerals and related events and as false endorsement of products and services.

STOP ORDER

A new stop order power will be instituted for disrespectful use of the national flag, including images of the flag, and distorted or modified but still recognisable elements of the flag. Failure to comply with a stop order will constitute an offence.

The stop order power will also apply to disrespectful use of the national anthem and national pledge.

The stop order mechanism will provide clarity on what is disrespectful use and will give users a chance to correct their actions before further action is taken, MCCY said in the media release. Those served with the stop order may appeal to the minister.

PENALTIES 

The regulations further calibrate the maximum penalties for various categories of offences depending on their severity.

The new maximum penalty is similar to existing penalties for defacing a national monument under the Preservation of Monuments Act 2009.

A high-severity offence involves misuse of the national symbols and disrespectful use of the national flag. For the offence, a person will face the maximum penalty of half a year in prison, a S$30,000 fine or both.

Those who do not comply with the stop orders on disrespectful use of the national flag, national pledge and national anthem may be jailed for up to six months, fined a maximum of S$20,000 or both.

The maximum penalty for the commercial misuse of the national flag, national anthem and national pledge, distortion or modification of Singapore flag design, and knowing display of damaged national flags is S$10,000 fine or six months' imprisonment term or both.

Meanwhile, anyone who fails to abide by the protocols on how to display the national flag and by regulations governing the use of the national anthem and national pledge may be fined up to S$5,000.

The regulations will also retain the existing regime for composition of offences, with a maximum composition sum of S$2,000.

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