Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Noise Control

If you haven't know yet, 

Employers may apply for the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Noise Control, a tax incentive scheme to recover the cost of implementing noise control measures in a one-year period.
The scheme covers the following:

1. Low-decibel machines, equipment or systems with in-built noise control features such as:
   1. Concrete crusher or splitter;
   2. Plastic granulator or crusher;
   3. Automatic sawing machine;
   4. Metal press or stamping machine;
   5. Machine with active noise control feature;
   6. Laser cutting machine;
   7. Pressure blast machine;
   8. Remote controlled demolition machine; or
   9. Any other machine, equipment or system certified by PSB Corporation or the National University of Singapore;
2. Noise control devices to supplement any new or existing machine, equipment or system, such as:
   1. Acoustic enclosure;
   2. Acoustic silencer or muffler;
   3. Vibration absorption, isolation or damping device; or
   4. Active noise control device; or
3. Engineering noise control measures for any existing machine, equipment or process, such as:
   1. Detachable personnel acoustic enclosure;
   2. Acoustic barrier or shield;
   3. Acoustic absorption device to reduce noise reverberation; or
   4. Modification to minimise noise emission.
   * Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and is subject to change.
   You can refer to the Income Tax Act, Chapter 134, Sections 7 and 19(A) at Singapore Statutes Online. for more details on the scheme’s legislation.
   
   

Workplace Safety And Health Resources|Workplace Safety And Health Blog|: How to Apply -Accelerated Depreciation Allowance f...

Workplace Safety And Health Resources|Workplace Safety And Health Blog|: How to Apply -Accelerated Depreciation Allowance f...: How to Apply Step 1 Engage a Certifying Agency to: Conduct noise assessment; Compile an Evaluation Report certifyi...

How to Apply -Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Noise Control

How to Apply

Step 1

Engage a Certifying Agency to:

• Conduct noise assessment;
• Compile an Evaluation Report certifying that the applicant qualifies for the scheme; and
• Prepare the Application/Certification Form.

To facilitate the preparation of the Application/Certification Form, applicants should submit the Applicant's Particulars Form to the Certifying Agency.

Step 2

Submit these documents to the Ministry of Manpower's Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHD):

• A copy of the Application/Certification Form;
• A copy of the Evaluation Report;
• Layout plan; and/or
• Product brochures/illustrations.

Please ensure that the required documents are duly completed. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected.

Step 3

Upon approval by OSHD, submit these documents to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore along with the tax returns:

• Application/Certification Form;
• Evaluation Report; and/or
• Relevant supporting documents e.g. receipts.

Workplace Safety And Health Resources|Workplace Safety And Health Blog|: Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Noise Contr...

Workplace Safety And Health Resources|Workplace Safety And Health Blog|: Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Noise Contr...: How to Qualify In order to qualify for the accelerated depreciation allowance, the implemented noise control measures (e.g. ...

Workplace Safety And Health Resources|Workplace Safety And Health Blog|: Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Noise Contr...

Workplace Safety And Health Resources|Workplace Safety And Health Blog|: Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Noise Contr...: If you haven't know yet,  you can claim tax incentive for noise control improvement projects undertaken on your existing machinery/equipmen...

Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Noise Control - How to Qualify

How to Qualify

In order to qualify for the accelerated depreciation allowance, the implemented noise control measures (e.g. machines, equipment, systems or devices) must:

• Be new (used or reconditioned items are not eligible);
• Belong to the applicant (rented items are not eligible);
• Not carry other health risks e.g. excessive chemical exposure; and
• Not have received financial grants from other Government agencies.

The measures should also reduce the noise levels at the actual work location on a normal workday to 82 dB(A) or less. The reading should take into account not just the noise generated by the implemented measures but also any noise caused by other sources in the vicinity, as well as at the workplace location itself, both indoors and outdoors.
A Certifying Agency must be engaged to take the readings.
The noise level readings will be taken as follows:

• For machines, equipment or systems with in-built noise control features:
  
  The reading should be taken either from 1m away or at the operator's location, whichever is nearer; or
• For machines, equipment, systems or processes with noise control devices or measures installed/implemented:
  
  Readings should be taken both before and after installation/implementation, while all other acoustic conditions remain the same. The reading should be above 85 dB(A) before installation/implementation.
  
  The readings should be taken either from 1m away or at the operator's location, whichever is nearer. An exception to this is when enclosures/sound barriers have been installed, in which case, the readings should be made at the boundary of the enclosure/barrier. Workers who enter the enclosure/barrier must also be adequately protected from the noise.

To ensure the effectiveness of the noise control measures implemented, a competent noise control agency or consultant should be engaged.

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Certification & Registration

Before any organization undertake high risk activities in the workplace, they may be required to obtain a licence or certificate of competency, or register with the Ministry of Manpower.

Organization need to appoint authorised officers to perform electronic transactions on its behalf before they can use the e-services here.


MOM provides the following licensing and renewal services:

Factory Notification & Registration Licensing for Equipment Licensing for Equipment Operators

Licensing for Safety Professionals Licensing for Service Providers Nomination of eService Account Administrator and eService User

Factory Notification & Registration

Factory Notification

Factory owners are required to either notify or register their premises with MOM before operations begin. Factories with lower risk activities requires only a one-time notification to MOM before commencing operations. This notification is inclusive of a Risk Management (RM) Declaration with the Commissioner for WSH. 

Factory Registration (Group A, Group B)

Factory owners are required to either notify or register their premises with MOM before operations begin. Factories with higher-risk activities are required to register with MOM before beginning operations, subject to renewals if they fall under certain categories. 

Licensing for Equipment

Lifting Equipment

Lifting equipment such as cranes, lifts, hoists, and any cage or work platform used for carrying persons must be registered with the Occupational Safety and Health Division. Registration can only be conducted by an MOM Authorised Examiner  

Pressure Vessels

Pressure vessels must be registered with the Occupational Safety and Health Division. They must be examined on a periodic basis by an Authorised Examiner.  

Licensing of Equipment Operators

Crane Contractors

Under the Factories (Operation of Cranes) Regulations, no person shall install, repair, alter or dismantle a mobile crane or tower crane unless he is an approved crane contractor in writing by the Commissioner. 

Crane Operators

Crane operators must pass relevant courses conducted by the Accredited Training Provider (ATP) before they can be licensed to operate a crane. The licence is renewable every two years. 

Crane Erectors

Approved crane erectors are required in the installation, alteration and dismantling of cranes. Contractors must deploy teams comprising approved crane erectors and sufficient crane assistants to set up and dismantle cranes safely. 

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Driver (1st Class, 2nd Class)

Individuals must be certified by MOM before they can operate an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Driver. To qualify as a 2nd Class ICE Driver, applicant must have at least 2 years relevant working experience as ICE Driver in charge of an internal combustion engine, as well as pass an oral examination conducted by MOM. To be a 1st Class ICE Driver, applicants must have at least 18 months relevant working experience after obtaining the 2nd Class certificate.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Engineer (1st Grade, 2nd Grade)

To be certified as a 2nd Grade ICE Engineer, applicants must have at least 12 months relevant experience in operational charge or as an assistant in operational charge of Internal Combustion Engines. They have to attend and pass the interview by the Board of Examiners. After 12 months of obtaining his 2nd Grade ICE Engineer certificate, an individual may apply to become a 1st Grade ICE Engineer.

Steam Boiler Attendant (1st Class, 2nd Class)

Applicant must have at least 2 years relevant working experience assisting in operational charge of a steam engine/steam boiler or hold a valid equivalent Certificate of Competency (COC) issued by a recognised authority. Holders of the 2nd Class certificate may apply to become a 1st Class boiler attendant after 18 months' relevant working experience.

Steam Engineer (1st Grade, 2nd Grade)

Applicants to become a 2nd Grade Steam Engineer must have at least 12 months relevant working experience assisting in operational charge of a steam engine or steam boiler. Applicants without the Engineering Knowledge II (2nd Grade) certificate awarded by Singapore Polytechnic has to attend and pass the interview by the Board of Examiners. Steam Engineers who have 12 months' relevant working experience after obtaining their 2nd Grade certificate can apply for a 1st Grade certificate.

Licensing for Safety Professionals

Authorised Examiner (Lifting equipment)

Authorised Examiners must be Registered Professional Engineers in the relevant field with a valid Practising Certificate. They must have at least 5 years of relevant experience in the design, commissioning, operation, maintenance and inspection or any related experience in the lifting equipment applied for. They must be also familiar with the relevant codes and standards on the inspection criteria related to the lifting equipment applied for. 

Authorised Examiner (Pressure vessel)

To be an Authorised Examiner of Pressure Vessels, applicants must be a registered Professional Engineer in the relevant field with a valid Practising Certificate issued by Professional Engineers Board, Singapore. They should have at least 5 years relevant experience in design, commissioning, operation, maintenance and inspection or any related experience of the pressure vessels applied for. Applicant must be familiar with the relevant codes and standards on the inspection criteria of the pressure vessels applied for. 

Designated Factory Doctor

Designated factory doctors must be registered medical practitioners with the Singapore Medical Council.They must also hold relevant approved Postgraduate Occupational Health Qualifications. 

Workplace Safety & Health Professional

Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Professionals must hold one of the prescribed WSH-related qualifications, and have at least 2 years' relevant working experience (documentary proof from employer is required). 

Licensing for Service Providers

Crane Contractors

Under the Factories (Operation of Cranes) Regulations, no person shall install, repair, alter or dismantle a mobile crane or tower crane unless he is an approved crane contractor in writing by the Commissioner. 

Risk Consultant

Risk Consultants assist the company to train staff on risk assessment and guides them through risk assessment of work processes and the implementation of risk control measures. They play a critical role in ensuring that capability in risk assessment is heightened, and a risk management system is established within the company.

Scaffold Contractor

Only approved scaffold contractors are allowed to erect, install, re-position, altered or dismantle scaffolds (other than tower and trestle scaffolds or any scaffold with a height less than 4m). 

Accredited Training Provider (ATP)

Training providers are required to submit course/teaching materials and examination questions/answers for accreditation by MOM. Individuals are not eligible to apply for approval to be accredited as an Accredited Training Provider (ATP). 

Inspection Agency (Pressure vessels & Lifting equipment)

Third Party Inspection Agencies for Lifting Equipment and Pressure Vessels must be approved by MOM. 

Workplace Safety & Health auditing organisation

Audits of safety and health management systems must be carried out in accordance to the relevant legislation and guidelines set out for each industry. To ensure that workplace safety and health audits are carried out in an acceptable manner, all approved workplace safety and health auditing organisations and auditors are required to adhere to MOM's guidelines. 

Authorisation of eService Account Administrator and Nomination of eService user

Before using Workplace Safety & Health online eServices, an organisation needs to authorise officers to perform electronic transactions on its behalf.

eService Account Administrator

Every Workplace or Competent Organisation registered with MOM needs to authorise (only) one staff member to be an eService Account Adminstrator. The roles of an eService Account Administrator are as follows:

1. Nominate eService User(s) for each Workplace or Competent Organisation record;
2. Maintain eService User account(s) i.e. Update or Remove the eService User record(s). 

Staff authorised to be eService Account Administrator needs to 

1. Use his/her SingPass to log in to either of the eServices listed below;
2. Complete the online form;
3. Upload the authorisation letter printed on company letterhead , indicating clearly the Personal Identification Number (ie. NRIC No. or FIN No.), full name and contact details of the nominee.

eService User

An eService User is nominated by an organisation’s eService Account Administrator or an Authorised Examiner (who has subscribed to Workplace Safety and Health online eServices) to perform electronic transactions on its behalf. The eService Account Adminstrator or the Authorised Examiner need s to log in to the eService listed below using his SingPass, fill in the Workplace Number/Competent Organisation Reference number (if applicable) as well as contact details of the nominee.

The eService can also be used to enquire on the eService Account User(s) that have been registered to act on behalf of the organisation or the Authorised Examiner.

Refer to Singapore Ministry of Manpower website for latest update and requirement of certification and registration

Managing Chemicals in the Workplace

Managing Chemicals in Workplaces

Chemicals are used extensively in workplaces. Many useful products such as paints, plastics, adhesives, detergents and pharmaceuticals are derived from chemicals. For many toxic chemicals, the health effects may take a long period of time to develop. 

Hazardous chemicals in the workplace can generally be categorised into three different types viz physical hazards (e.g. flammable, explosive, and reactive), health hazards (e.g. toxic, corrosive, narcotic, irritating and carcinogenic) and environmental hazards (e.g. aquatic toxicity and ozone depleting).

In Singapore, the more hazardous chemicals are regulated or licensed by relevant authorities. For example, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has licensing control over some 121 hazardous substances, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) regulates petroleum and flammable substances and the Singapore Police Force regulates the explosive precursors.

MOM administers the WSH Act and its subsidiary regulations relating to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work in workplaces. The WSH (General Provisions) Regulations has a number of provisions for protecting workers and employed persons against hazardous chemicals. These include container labelling and safety data sheets, prevention and control of airborne contaminants, regular workplace monitoring, and competent persons to take charge of hazardous chemicals.  The WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations requires compulsory medical examinations for workers exposed to 17 prescribed toxic chemicals.

The exposure to chemicals at work may result in occupational disease over time. Please refer to Ministry of Manpower website on occupational disease statistics 

Hence, a comprehensive and effective programme for workplace using hazardous chemicals is necessary for early risk detection and intervention.

Management of Hazardous Chemicals Programme
The Management of Hazardous Chemicals Programme (MHCP) is initiated under the Workplace Health Strategy to enhance chemical management at workplace, and to prevent or control chemical hazards as well as to protect persons at work against such hazards. Its objective is to prevent occupational diseases, injuries and fatalities from hazardous chemicals.

Accidents or incidents involving hazardous chemicals can happen at any stage of the life cycle of the chemicals viz manufacturing, transportation, storage, handling, usage, and disposal if these chemicals are not properly managed.  Accidents may happen because of inadequacy of safety and supervisory measures and/or lack of information and training concerning the hazards associated with the chemicals and the processes. For instance, exposure to chemicals handled or manufactured at workplace can result in the excessive absorption of chemicals and chemical poisoning. There has been a rise in fatalities from 0 to 4 due to exposure or contact with harmful substances from 2008 to 2009 and recorded zero fatality in 2010.

Occupational diseases arising from chemical exposure in workplace over time highlight the importance of hygiene and medical monitoring as well as good management of the chemicals at workplace. A monitoring programme via medical surveillance and hygiene monitoring can help to identify high risk processes or operations. Upon identification, the company can implement control measures and monitor workers’ exposure to specific hazards.

For more information on managing hazardous chemicals in your workplace, refer to Ministry of Manpower website

Singapore Competent Authorities on Chemical Management
There are several agencies which regulates hazardous chemicals with specific inherent properties and at different stages of their life cycle.

1. The Minisitry of Manpower regulates the exposure to chemicals at workplaces; please refer to the MOM website for more information.

2. The National Environment Agency (NEA) regulates hazardous substances which are highly toxic and/or generates toxic wastes. For more information refer to Hazardous Substances Control programme in NEA

3. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) regulates the storing and transportation of flammable materials including petroleum. For more information about the Fire Safety Licensing and Enforcement refer to SCDF website.

4. Singapore Police Force (SPF) regulates the manufacture and storage of explosive precursors.  For the list of chemical precursors regulated and the requirements to hold a license to deal with these chemicals refer SPF website

NEA Safety Audit Guidelines

1 The Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the National Environment Agency licenses the import, sale, storage, transportation and use of hazardous chemicals. These chemicals are listed and controlled under the Environmental Protection and Management Act and its Regulations
.

2 Besides having stringent regulatory controls, it is equally imperative that companies have adequate and effective systems in place to ensure safe management of hazardous chemicals.

3 The Safety Audit Scheme is, therefore, to spur companies to systematically identify and rectify weaknesses in their management systems and practices of handling hazardous chemicals once every two years.

4 Companies under the Scheme can either conduct their own safety audit studies in-house or engage accredited consultants to do so on their behalf. Companies that are going to be conducting safety audits for the first time are advised to engage an NEA accredited consultant.

5 Companies shall seek prior approval from PCD should they decide to use an in-house audit team. When appointing the in-house audit team, the companies shall ensure that :

1. the team leader should not feel inhibited from disclosing strengths and weaknesses and in the management of hazardous substances and in recommending necessary actions,
2. the team and team leader's skills and experience are appropriate,
3. top management submits a letter to PCD stating that it has confidence in the skills and experience of the team and team leader and that it will act on their recommendations (where practicable).

6 To ensure compliance with the recommendations, a follow-up action plan with the date of compliance shall be included in the Safety Audit Report.  Our officer will arrange with the company for an inspection upon the compliance.

7 The elements to be audited under the Scheme are in Annex 1.

8 The list of accredited consultants is in Annex 2.. Refer to NEA website

9 The guideline for the safety audit report is in Annex 3.

Guideline on Safety Audit Annex 4  REFERENCE READING MATERIAL  *Environmental Audit Handbook Ministry of the Environment and National Council on the Environment ICC Guide to Effective Environmental Auditing International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) *Environmental Auditing United Nations Environment Programme *Environmental Auditing An Introduction and Practical Guide British Library ISO 14000 Standards 14001 - Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Specification 14004 - EMS - General 14010 - Environmental (Env) Auditing - General 14011 - Env Auditing Procedures 14012 - Env Auditors Safety Audit for the Safe Handling of Hazardous Chemicals ISO 14000 Guide Complete Guide to ISO 14000 NB: * - These references are available at the Woodland Regional Library. If your company is going to conduct safety audits for the first time, it is advisable that you engage a consultant accredited by NEA. INDUSTRIES UNDER MINISTRY OF MANPOWER'S SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND NEA'S SAFETY AUDIT SCHEME As of 1st Mar 2001, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has extended its Safety Management System (SMS) scheme to cover oil and petrochemical industries and wafer fabrication plants. As NEA's Safety Audit elements are covered under MOM's SMS scheme, there shall not be a need for industries covered under both schemes to carry out a separate safety audit for NEA subject to the following procedures: Industries engage 3rd party auditors registered with both MOM and NEA or 2nd party auditors from their companies' corporate HQs with the approval of both MOM and NEA to carry out MOM-SMS once every 2 years; and The SMS reports shall be submitted to MOM with a copy to NEA. NEA will accept MOM-SMS as NEA-SA.

Guide line on Safety Audit ANNEX 3

GUIDELINES ON THE SAFETY AUDIT REPORT

 1 GENERAL
1.1 The report shall be structured as follows:
Chapt1 Executive summary
Chapt2 Introduction
Chapt3 Overview
Chapt4 Assessment
Chapt5 Findings / Recommendations
Chapt6 Certification
1.2 The report shall be bound in A4-size. 1 copy shall be submitted to PCD and 1 copy to each of the following agencies for information:

1. National Environment Agency
   Pollution Control Department
   Chemical Control Section
   40 Scotts Road, Environment Building #12-00
   Singapore 228231
   Attn: Mr Martinn Ho
   
2. Director
   Singapore Civil Defence Force
   HAZMAT Department
   91 Ubi Ave 4, S(408827)
   Attn: LTC Teong How Hwa
   
   
3. Occupational Safety and Health Division
   18 Havelock Rd, #05-01, S(059764)
   Attn: Mr Yeong Chark Sung
   
   

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1 The audit's scope, schedule, methodology and rationale for the choice of methodology used in the audit shall be outlined.
2.2 The findings of the audit and recommendations for improving the safe management of hazardous substances in the facilities shall be outlined.
3 INTRODUCTION
3.1 General description of the company and its activities.
3.2 The audit's scope, schedule, methodology and rationale for the choice of methodology used in the audit shall be elaborated.
3.3 The audit team leader and members are to be introduced. Their qualifications and experience should be listed.
4 OVERVIEW OF USE/HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
4.1 This section should present a description of the storage sites, processes and operations in which hazardous substances are involved and an overview of the likely hazards present.
4.2 Maps, sketches and a list of the types/quantities of hazardous chemicals stored should be included. The list should also state each substance's UN Hazard Class, PSA DG Group and NFPA Hazard Rating, if available.
5 ASSESSMENT
5.1 This section shall present the assessment of the management of hazardous substances in the facility with respect to the prescribed eleven (11) audit elements.
6 FINDINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The key findings of the audit and recommendations to improve the safe management of hazardous substances in the facility shall be presented in detail along with their underlying rationale and an action plan for their implementation.
6.2 Factors that could result in a hazardous / catastrophic event, the likelihood and consequences of such an event and the control measures at the facility should be discussed.
7 CERTIFICATION
7.1 Certification by audit team leader (or consultant) and senior management that:

1. the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals at the site comply with the provisions / sections of the EPMA,
2. all reasonable professional skill, care and diligence had been taken in preparing the audit report and that the contents are a true representation of the facts,
3. the site conforms generally to guidelines pertaining to the safe management of hazardous chemicals stated in the (SEMI international standards/specifications or FM loss prevention engineering guidelines or equivalent (only for wafer fabrication plants)
4. the maintenance of fire alarm and protection systems and other fire safety works conform to the requirements stated in the NFPA, UFC or UBC codes or any code of practice established by PSB and FSB. (for sites storing and handling flammable and combustible substances)
5. after the implementation of recommendations, the occurrence of a hazardous substance spill/release at the site, with off-site impacts, in unlikely.

_______________________ Name Lead Auditor Name of Safety Audit Firm Date: _____________	_______________________ Name Auditor Name of Safety Audit Firm Date: _____________
_______________________ Name Designation of management in charge of FM or EHS Name of Company Audited Date: _____________	_______________________ Name Designation of senior management (e.g CEO, MD, GM or Plant Manager) Name of Company Audited Date: _____________

Safety Audit Guideline Annex 1

 

ELEMENT TO BE AUDITED UNDER THE SAFETY AUDIT SCHEME 

SAFETY POLICY

The audit shall ascertain whether the installation has a written safety policy endorsed by top management in which safe management of hazardous chemicals are adequately covered.

SAFETY INFORMATION

The audit shall ascertain whether the management of the company has set up and maintained a comprehensive set of written safety information to enable all its staff to handle and store chemicals safely. The information shall cover those items normally reflected in the material safety data sheets of the chemicals, which include identification and understanding the potential hazards of chemicals, safe working procedures and emergency actions to take in case of emergency.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

The audit shall ascertain whether safe work procedures have been established to ensure the safe handling, including transportation, loading and unloading, storage and use of hazardous chemicals by plant employees as well as contract workers. Identification of all hazardous chemicals and their hazards used in the plant, a work authorisation system and compliance of standards and regulatory requirements should be part of the safe work procedures.

MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE

The audit shall ascertain whether the installation has developed and instituted a system including use of proper written procedures to manage changes to handling of hazardous chemicals. It shall also ascertain whether the plant staff have been informed of and adequately trained to safely manage such changes.

MAINTENANCE OF FACILITIES

The audit shall ascertain whether a maintenance system to ensure that all facilities used for the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, including storage containers, are maintained in sound and good working order at all times.

TRAINING

The audit shall ascertain whether training provided to staff responsible for the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals is effective and that such training adequately covers the safety information and safe work practices. The training shall ensure staff are kept up to date on changes to the types and work procedures in the handling of the hazardous chemicals.

INCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS

The audit shall ascertain whether the installation has established a system to investigate every incident in the workplace involving the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, and to promptly address the investigation's findings and to implement the recommendations.

GENERAL PLANT INSPECTION/REVIEWS

The audit shall ascertain whether regular inspections and reviews on handling and storage of hazardous substances have been conducted, and procedures for reporting potential hazardous conditions and monitoring the remedial actions established.

HAZARD ANALYSIS

The audit shall check on whether the company has an established programme to carry out hazard analysis on the handling of hazardous chemicals so as to identify, assess and evaluate potential hazards, especially when new hazardous chemicals or a significant increase in the quantities of hazardous chemicals are handled. The audit shall also ascertained whether the company has an established procedure to record these hazards and develop and implement means to eliminate the hazards or reduce the hazards to an acceptable level of risk.

EMERGENCY PLANNING AND RESPONSE

The audit shall ascertain whether the on-site emergency action plan established by the installation can deal with all accidental releases and/or fires of hazardous chemicals and whether there are adequate emergency equipment stored on standby and maintained in good working order.

The audit shall also ascertain whether regular rehearsals of all or part of the emergency action plan were carried out and documented. It shall also ascertain whether the lessons learnt from these rehearsals were recorded and used during updates of the plan.

CONTRACTOR SAFETY

The audit shall ascertain whether contractors engaged to handle hazardous chemicals, including transportation, have been carefully selected, informed of their safety responsibilities and adequately trained to handle hazardous chemicals safely and to respond to emergency.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

The audit shall ascertain if the site conforms generally to guidelines pertaining to the safe management of hazardous chemicals stated in the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) international standards/specifications or Factory Mutual (FM) loss prevention engineering guidelines or equivalent (only for wafer fabrication plants)
The audit shall ascertain if the maintenance of fire alarm and protection systems and other fire safety works conform to the requirements stated in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code or Uniform Fire Code (UFC) or Uniform Building Code (UBC) or any code of practice established by PSB and FSB. (for sites storing or handling flammable or combustible substances)

Hazardous Substances Safety Audit Guidelines

1 The Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the National Environment Agency licenses the import, sale, storage, transportation and use of hazardous chemicals. These chemicals are listed and controlled under the Environmental Protection and Management Act and its Regulations.

2 Besides having stringent regulatory controls, it is equally imperative that companies have adequate and effective systems in place to ensure safe management of hazardous chemicals.

3 The Safety Audit Scheme is, therefore, to spur companies to systematically identify and rectify weaknesses in their management systems and practices of handling hazardous chemicals once every two years.

4 Companies under the Scheme can either conduct their own safety audit studies in-house or engage accredited consultants to do so on their behalf. Companies that are going to be conducting safety audits for the first time are advised to engage an NEA accredited consultant.

5 Companies shall seek prior approval from PCD should they decide to use an in-house audit team. When appointing the in-house audit team, the companies shall ensure that :

1. the team leader should not feel inhibited from disclosing strengths and weaknesses and in the management of hazardous substances and in recommending necessary actions,
2. the team and team leader's skills and experience are appropriate,
3. top management submits a letter to PCD stating that it has confidence in the skills and experience of the team and team leader and that it will act on their recommendations (where practicable).

6 To ensure compliance with the recommendations, a follow-up action plan with the date of compliance shall be included in the Safety Audit Report.  Our officer will arrange with the company for an inspection upon the compliance.

7 The elements to be audited under the Scheme are in Annex 1.

8 The list of accredited consultants is in Annex 2.

9 The guideline for the safety audit report is in Annex 3.

10 A list of reference reading material is in Annex 4.

Guideline for Emergency Response Plan for the storage of Hazardous Substances

Guideline for Emergency Response Plan for the storage of Hazardous Substances

Hazardous chemicals have the potential to seriously endanger life and pollute the environment. Such chemicals have to be carefully managed at all time to prevent any accidental release. The successful implementation of a chemical safety programme requires co-operation from the industries to manage their hazardous chemicals properly and the support of the general public.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Notwithstanding the controls and precautions taken, one cannot rule out the possibility of spillages and accidental releases of hazardous substances during transportation. With well drawn up emergency plans and proper training, such releases can be effectively contained and the damage to the environment and dangers to the health and safety of public minimised.

As a condition for granting licences and transport approvals, companies are required to put up emergency response plans.

The plan must be comprehensive and should contain the following key elements :-

• notification procedures; (persons and authorities to contact and how to contact)
• emergency procedures to contain and decontaminate spills; (immediate actions to be taken by driver/ground staff and actions to be taken by the company upon being informed)
• emergency equipment to be carried on the vehicle and at base such as personal protection equipment, absorbents, neutralising solutions and salvage drums;
• Material Safety Data Sheets of the hazardous substances transported.

The emergency response plan (ERP) shall be vetted and approved by SCDF before a Transport Approval may be issued.

Under the provisions of The Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations, in the event of a chemical fire / release, the licence holders\transport approval holders are required to:

• block off the area contaminated by the hazardous substance;
• notify SCDF and the PCD;
• take immediate action to have the area decontaminated and return the situation to normal.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (ERP) FOR THE STORAGE/USE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

The key elements of the ERP are briefly as follows: 

Introduction

 

1 Introduce the activities of your company and its need for the storage/use of hazardous substances.
2 Include maps/diagrams of the site and storage areas.
3 Include the inventory of hazardous substances stored as follows:

Name of Substance	UN Hazard Class	PSA Dangerous Goods Class	Unit Capacity of Container/Packaging	Max Qty Stored at Any One Time

  
Hazard Assessment 
 
4 Describe the hazards of the substances being stored (e.g. flammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive)

5 Describe the possible spill/release scenarios involving the hazardous substances stored including a quantitative estimation of the hazard zones. The worst case scenario is to be highlighted.

 Support/Training 
 
6 List the fire protection and pollution prevention/mitigation equipment at your site.

7 Indicate the type/s of training received by your staff and/or your emergency response team.

8 Include a schedule to exercise, review and test the ERP so as to keep current and operational.

Response
 
9 Describe the specific actions that will be taken by your staff and/or your emergency response team in the event of a spill/release of hazardous substances.


For information/assistance, please consult the MSDS, your hazardous substances supplier

Scheduling of Mandatory Training

Scheduling of Mandatory Training Program for Relevant personnel

Prior to scheduling  relevant personnel for the mandatory training program,
organization need to conduct training needs analysis first before Identifying and
planning for the mandatory WSH training for the relevant personnel because
training needs analysis is based on the logical sequence of comparing  a person's
skills level with the demands of his or her job and hence the identification of the
person actual skills shortfalls

Organization shall establish procedures to identify the training needs of managers,
supervisory staff and workers so as to provide them with comprehensive training
On in-house safety rules and regulations, statutory requirements, safe work
Practices, and other relevant occupational safety and health related training
       

Training for different personnel at various organisation level.

Training for Management Personnel

All relevant management staff should undergo safety training and be equipped
with the proper understanding of the safety management system, safety policy and
organisation, statutory requirements on safety, and their duties and responsibilities
in safety and health

The training should also provide the relevant management staff with the tools and
techniques needed for managing safety and health effectively at the workplace.                        

Training for Supervisory Personnel

All direct and contractors’ supervisory personnel should undergo the necessary
training to achieve a better understanding of the safety aspect of the work
operations to ensure tasks are carried out safely. All supervisory personnel
should also be trained in the skills and methods required to perform their tasks
competently and safely, and to lead workers in safe work practices.

Training for Workers

All new direct and contractors’ workers should undergo the organization in-house
safety orientation training programme before they are allowed to commence work.
The organization should ensure that no worker is assigned to carry out any high
risk or hazardous job unless he has been provided with the necessary training.

The safety orientation training for workers should cover the relevant safe work practices,
in-house safety rules and regulations, hazard identification in work areas and the response
emergency. Safety training programme should be conducted in languages understood by
the workers.

(4) Mandatory Training

The Factories ( Safety Training Order) Regulations requires the workers
,supervisor and managers working in a construction sector or working in a certain
industrial premises to attend a mandatory safety training course designed for their
job.

An organization can in fact check if an employee has attended the following courses and
if they will be issued with certificates valid for two or four years (for CSOC and SSIC
only) based on their period of employment in Singapore by navigating to the MOM
website Check Worker’s Training Records

· Building Construction Supervisors Safety Course (BCSS)

· Construction Safety Orientation Course (General Trade) (CSOC)

· Shipyard Supervisors Safety Course (SSSC)

· Shipyard Safety Instruction Course (General Trade) (SSIC)
               

Maintenance of training records

Organization shall ensure that they document and maintain records of all safety
training received by all the workers. The safety training records kept should include
the date of training, topics covered in the training programmes, trainers conducting
the training and examination results of the training.

Factories ( Safety Training Order) Regulations

Factories ( Safety Training Courses) Order 2001 and the WSH ( Construction)
Regulations  2007, regulation 9, comes into effect in June 2001 which enforced
the requirements for mandatory training for certain categories of persons employed
in the construction work site and in certain industrial  premises. This is an integral
part of the Ministry’s strategy to curb accidents through education

Under the Factories ( Safety Training Order) Regulations, it requires the following
categories of workers to attend a mandatory safety training course designed for their
job and they are:

•  Workers level 

• Supervisor level

• OSH personnel    

• Managerial level

To administer the mandatory training in WSH for the relevant personnel at the
workplace  would require the  organization to consider the need to plan for and
administer the mandatory training through the following steps

• ·  Identification of mandatory training program

• ·  Identify the accredited training providers

• ·  Scheduling of mandatory training programs

•   Maintenance of training records

Information on the Mandatory WSH training for the construction industries Vis-a-vis the
worker level, supervisor level and the manager level as well as the accredited training
providers can be gathered from the Ministry of Manpower Websites