Fire Safety (FSM) Regulations

All Public or Industrial Buildings which satisfy at least one of the following conditions, are required to appoint a fire safety manager:

1. A public building that —

• has 9 storeys or more (including any basement);
• has an occupant load of 1,000 persons or more; or
• has a floor area of 5,000 square metres or more,

excluding any building specified in paragraph 3 of the Fire Safety (Fire Certificate — Designated Buildings) Notification 2020 (G.N. No. S [000] /2020).

2.  An industrial building that —

• has an occupant load of 1,000 persons or more; or
• has a floor area or site area of 5,000 square metres or more.     

3.  A foreign employee dormitory that —

• has an occupant load of 1,000 persons or more; or
• has a floor area or site area of 5,000 square metres or more.

4.  A hospital

The general duties of fire safety manager is stipulated under the Fire Safety (Fire Safety Managers) Regulations, PART III. DUTIES OF FIRE SAFETY MANAGERS

General duties of fire safety manager

7.—(1) It shall be the duty of a fire safety manager appointed for any specified premises to assist the owner or occupier of the premises to —

(a)ensure at all times that fire safety requirements contained in the Emergency Response Plan are complied with;

[S 542/2013 wef 01/09/2013]

(b)supervise the maintenance of all fire safety works in the premises;

(c)ensure at all times that the occupant load of any part of any building does not exceed the capacity prescribed under the Fire Code;

(d)conduct daily checks within the premises and remove or cause to be removed any fire hazard that is found within the premises;

(e)prepare and execute the Emergency Response Plan for the premises and distribute the Emergency Response Plan to the occupants of the premises;

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(ea)conduct fire drills for the occupants of the premises at least twice in every calendar year or on such occasion as may be directed by the Commissioner;

[S 542/2013 wef 01/09/2013]

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(f)ensure that all occupants are familiar with the means of escape located within the premises;

(g)prepare fire safety guidebooks for the occupants of the premises;

(ga)train, co-ordinate and supervise the Company Emergency Response Team for the premises in first-aid, fire-fighting and evacuation in the event of fire or other related emergencies;

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(h)train the occupants in the premises in first aid, fire fighting and evacuation in the event of fire or other related emergencies;

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(i)co-ordinate and supervise the occupants within the premises in fire fighting and in evacuation in the event of fire or other related emergencies;

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(j)supervise the operation of the Fire Command Centre in the event of fire or other related emergencies;

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(k)conduct at least 2 Table-Top Exercises within the premises each year and to evaluate, together with the Fire Safety Committee, the effectiveness of the Arson Prevention Plan and the Emergency Response Plan for those premises;

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(l)prepare and implement the Arson Prevention Plan for the premises;

(m)notify the Commissioner immediately upon the occurrence of any fire incident in the premises;

(n)organise campaigns, training courses, competitions, contests and other activities which will develop and maintain the interest of the occupants within the premises in establishing a fire safe environment; and

(o)carry out such other duties as the Commissioner may require.

[S 407/2015 wef 01/07/2015]

(2) In addition to the duties under paragraph (1), it is the duty of a fire safety manager appointed for any specified complex premises to assist the owner or occupier of the premises —

(a)to carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises —

(i)at least once in every 3 years;

(ii)whenever the fire safety manager becomes aware of any change in work processes or work activities at the premises which is likely to increase the fire risk at the premises; and

(iii)whenever the Commissioner directs a fire risk assessment to be carried out; and

(b)to perform checks to ensure that any fire safety works using alternative solutions meet the requirements set out in the operations and maintenance manual, if any.

[S 407/2015 wef 01/07/2015]

Fire safety report

8.—(1) Every fire safety manager shall in the month of December of each year prepare and submit to the owner or occupier of the specified premises by whom he is appointed a report containing the particulars set out in paragraph (2) and in such form as the Commissioner may require.

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(2) The particulars mentioned in paragraph (1) are —

(a)the measures, if any, taken by him to train the occupants in fire fighting skills and to maintain their interest in establishing a fire safe environment within the last 12 months and the particulars of the activities which were conducted for the occupants for the last 12 months;

(b)his recommendations on how the structure and the layout of the specified premises with regard to the fire safety of its occupants could be improved;

(c)the number of fire evacuation drills conducted within the specified premises over the last 12 months and the effectiveness of such drills;

(d)the measures, if any, taken to ensure the fire safety of the persons within the specified premises;

(e)a list of activities relating to fire safety scheduled for the next 12 months;

(f)the number of Table-Top Exercises conducted within the premises over the preceding 12 months and the effectiveness of the Arson Prevention Plan and the Emergency Response Plan for those premises;

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(g)the status of the implementation of the Arson Prevention Plan for those premises;

(h)any matter arising from the previous report; and

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(ha)in the case of specified complex premises, when the fire risk assessment and checks of the premises were last carried out for the purposes of regulation 7(2).

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(i)[Deleted by S 771/2020 wef 14/09/2020]

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(3) The owner or occupier of the specified premises to whom the report is submitted under paragraph (1) shall, not later than one month after the receipt of the fire safety report, discuss the report with the fire safety manager and take such action or measures as the owner or occupier thinks fit.

PART IV
QUALIFICATIONS OF FIRE SAFETY MANAGERS

Appointment of fire safety managers

9.The owner or occupier of specified premises must not appoint any person as a fire safety manager for his premises without first obtaining proof that the person is certified by the Commissioner —

(a)under regulation 10(5) or (5A), if the premises are specified non-complex premises; or

(b)under regulation 10(5A), if the premises are specified complex premises.

[S 407/2015 wef 01/07/2015]

Certification of fire safety managers by Commissioner

10.—(1) No person may carry out any duty of a fire safety manager —

(a)for specified non-complex premises, unless that person is certified by the Commissioner under paragraph (5) or (5A); or

(b)for specified complex premises, unless that person is certified by the Commissioner under paragraph (5A).

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(2)  Any certification as a fire safety manager shall only be valid for the duration of such training cycle as may be specified in the certification.

(3) An application to be certified as a fire safety manager must be —

(a)made to the Commissioner in such form and manner as the Commissioner may determine; and

(b)accompanied by such documentary evidence of the applicant’s qualifications or experience as a fire safety manager as the Commissioner may require.

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(4) [Deleted by S 407/2015 wef 01/07/2015]

(5) The Commissioner may, with or without conditions, certify a person as a fire safety manager for specified non-complex premises upon an application under paragraph (3) if that person —

(a)holds such qualification in fire safety which in the opinion of the Commissioner is adequate to enable him to carry out his duties as a fire safety manager for specified non-complex premises; and

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(b)is, in the opinion of the Commissioner, a fit and proper person to be appointed as a fire safety manager for specified non-complex premises.

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(5A) The Commissioner may, with or without conditions, certify a person as a fire safety manager for specified complex premises (commonly known as a senior fire safety manager) upon an application under paragraph (3) if that person —

(a)has at least 3 years of working experience as a fire safety manager appointed for specified non-complex premises;

(b)holds such qualification in fire safety which in the opinion of the Commissioner is adequate to enable that person to carry out his duties as a fire safety manager for specified complex premises; and

(c)is, in the opinion of the Commissioner, a fit and proper person to be appointed as a fire safety manager for specified complex premises.

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(6) Subject to paragraph (7), a certified fire safety manager may not continue to be certified as a fire safety manager for any subsequent training cycle unless he has, during the training cycle immediately preceding, obtained the requisite minimum number of points as may be determined by the Commissioner under regulation 11(3).

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(7) The Commissioner may, upon application by a fire safety manager who has failed to accumulate the requisite minimum number of points as required by paragraph (6), certify him as a fire safety manager for the next training cycle if he gives an undertaking that he will make up for the shortfall in the requisite minimum number of points within such time in that training cycle as the Commissioner may specify.

(8)  [Deleted by S 771/2020 wef 14/09/2020]

(9)  Any such number of points obtained by the person under paragraph (7) to make up a shortfall in one training cycle shall be disregarded for the purposes of computing the requisite minimum number of points which he is required to obtain under paragraph (6) for certification as a fire safety manager for the next training cycle.

(10)  Notwithstanding paragraphs (6) and (7), the Commissioner may, in such special circumstances as he may determine, certify a person to act as a fire safety manager even though the person has failed to obtain the requisite minimum number of points as required by paragraph (6).

Continuing Professional Development Programme

11.—(1)  [Deleted by S 771/2020 wef 14/09/2020]

(2) The Programme shall consist of such courses as are approved by the Commissioner.

(3)  The Commissioner must specify —

(a)the minimum number of points a fire safety manager must obtain for each training cycle for the purposes of regulation 10(6); and

(b)the number of points that may be obtained for successfully completing an approved course under the Programme.

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(4) The Commissioner may, on application by any fire safety manager, approve any other course to be included in the Programme.

(5) Where —

(a)a person is certified as a fire safety manager for any training cycle for the first time; and

(b)he applies under regulation 10(3) to continue to be certified as a fire safety manager for the next training cycle immediately following that training cycle,

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then for the purpose of computing the requisite minimum number of points that he has to obtain during the training cycle for which he is first certified, the Commissioner may compute, on a pro-rata basis, the requisite minimum number of points having regard to the date the person is first certified.

(6) The Commissioner may differentiate between fire safety managers certified under regulation 10(5) and (5A) in respect of —

(a)the requisite minimum number of points required for the purpose of paragraph (3)(a); and

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(b) the courses approved under paragraph (2) or (4).

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Training courses for fire safety manager

12.—(1)  The Commissioner may require a fire safety manager appointed under these Regulations to attend such courses of instruction or receive such training relevant to the work of a fire safety manager as the Commissioner may determine.

(2)  This regulation shall not apply to any person appointed to act in the absence of a fire safety manager under regulation 6.

(3)  A fire safety manager mentioned in paragraph (1) must attend the course of instruction or training required, and within the time specified, by the Commissioner.

[S 771/2020 wef 14/09/2020]

Person not to be appointed or act as fire safety manager for more than one building

13.  Except with the prior approval of the Commissioner in writing, no person shall be appointed or act as a fire safety manager for more than one building.

Suspension or revocation of certification

14.—(1) The Commissioner may, at any time, suspend for a period not exceeding 12 months, or revoke, the certification of any fire safety manager under regulation 10(5) or (5A) if —

(a)during the training cycle for which the fire safety manager is certified, the fire safety manager is under investigation for, or has been charged with or convicted of —

(i)an offence under the Act or any regulations made under the Act; or

(ii)an offence involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, whether in Singapore or elsewhere;

(b)during the training cycle for which the fire safety manager is certified, the Commissioner compounds an offence under the Act committed by the fire safety manager;

(c) the fire safety manager had submitted an application under regulation 10(3) that contains a statement or information that is untrue, or misleading (including as a result of any omission), in any material particular; or

(d) the fire safety manager fails to make up for the shortfall in the requisite minimum number of points within such time as may be specified by the Commissioner under regulation 10(7).

(2)  Any decision of the Commissioner under paragraph (1) in relation to a fire safety manager does not take effect until the 15th day after the date the fire safety manager is notified of the Commissioner’s decision.

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Appeal to Minister

15.  Any person who is aggrieved by the Commissioner’s decision to —

(a) reject the person’s application for certification under regulation 10(3); or

(b) suspend or revoke the person’s certification under regulation 14,

may appeal to the Minister within 14 days after being notified of the Commissioner’s decision.

[S 771/2020 wef 14/09/2020]

Offences

16.  Any person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes regulation 3, 5, 6, 7, 8(1) or (3), 9, 10(1), 12(3) or 13 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

IAP WSH Recommendations

The eighth International Advisory Panel (IAP) on Workplace Safety and Health was convened from 17 to 19 January 2023 and the deliverable was a report outlining the eight key recommendations aim to reduce workplace incidents, mitigate the WSH risks arising from climate change and green technology, and guide the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and our stakeholders towards achieving our WSH 2028 goals

WSH Challenges in Singapore

Year 2022 saw a spate of workplace fatalities largely due to basic safety lapses, such as inadequate safety planning and control measures, and non-compliance with safety measures. We need to prevent such workplace incidents from happening. In the longer term, Singapore also needs to better support our ageing workforce and be prepared for potential WSH hazards[3] that may arise with new technologies.

Key Recommendations

To attain a sustainable WSH culture, stakeholders must have both the motivation – be it commercial, reputational or personal interests – as well as the knowledge to do so. To generate stronger motivation for companies and workers to embrace WSH, the IAP recommended the following (for full list of recommendations, visit go.gov.sg/8IAPWSH):

• Placing strong emphasis on top management’s responsibility for WSH. Top management must foster a safe operations culture where safety considerations are embedded into all aspects.
• Extending WSH oversight to contractors in the whole supply chain.
• Bring interest of business into greater alignment with WSH.
• Building workplaces where workers feel safe to speak up.

At the same time, the IAP recognised the need to strengthen the knowledge and awareness of stakeholders to better manage WSH risks. It also recommended:

• Inculcating a more pervasive training culture, beyond foundational training and level up WSH practices.
• Improving WSH know-how of small-to-medium enterprises.
• Promoting age-friendly workplace safety practices and designs.
• Pre-emptively addressing WSH risks arising from climate change and green technology.

WSH as a Priority

Having accepted the IAP's recommendations, MOM will study the details and work with stakeholders as well as sectoral agencies to implement appropriate measures to ensure that WSH remains a priority for employers and workers. We will continue our commitment to our WSH 2028 goals of building safer workplaces for workers, and a more productive workforce for businesses.

[1] These include sustained reduction in workplace injury rates, minimising hazards that lead to occupational disease, promoting good workforce health and pervasive adoption of the Vision Zero culture. Read more here: https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/wsh-reports-and-statistics

[2] The MAST comprises representatives from Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Trade and Industry.

[3] For example, installation of solar panels exposes more workers to working at height risks. Adoption of other green technologies such as converting waste into alternative energy sources may also pose hazards such as combustible dust. Servicing, repair, maintenance and recovery of electric and hybrid vehicles can put workers at risk of unfamiliar hazards such as electric shocks, fires & explosions from storage of energy fuels and release of liquids and gases from damaged batteries.

WSH Guidelines - Management and Removal of Asbestos

Introduction

What is WSH Guideline 
WSH Guidelines showcased workplace safety and health best practices and WSH program for controlling workplace hazards and improving occupational health for various industry and program 

Check out the free WSH Guidelines - Management and Removal of Asbestos to improve your organization WSH practices. For the latest WSH Guidelines update, refer to Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Council Website.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos had been widely used in buildings, plants and ships due to its excellent fire, heat and chemical resistance properties. However, exposure to asbestos, such as through inhalation of asbestos fibres, can lead to serious diseases. 

In response to these health risks, the use of asbestos in buildings was banned in Singapore in 1988 by the Building Control Division (now the Building and Construction Authority [BCA]). Many old buildings in Singapore still contain asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

These asbestos and ACMs can be released into the air when disturbed, affecting building occupants. It is therefore important to manage asbestos in buildings and workplaces to prevent harmful exposure.

Precaution and care must be taken when conducting work activities involving ACMs. These activities include building structural works (e.g., repair, dismantling, demolition, renovation, maintenance and alteration) and other related operations (e.g., handling, sawing, cutting, grinding, drilling, lagging and delagging).

WSH Guidelines - Management and Removal of Asbestos was developed to provide guidance on the proper management of ACMs and how to work with them safely.

It is primarily aimed at contractors, occupiers and building owners, especially those in the construction sector, shipyards and petrochemical facilities. 

The guidelines will first discuss some health effects of asbestos exposure and list examples of ACMs. It will then elaborate on the management of ACMs and good industry practices. This is followed by a description of the various aspects of asbestos-removal work. Salient points on air monitoring, training and medical surveillance will also be covered. 

Here's what you will learnt 

After reading this guide, contractors, occupiers and building owners should be able to: 

• identify ACMs in workplaces; 

• understand the health risks of work involving asbestos; and 

• manage the risk of ACMs through appropriate controls.

To learn more click

EPM Regulation -Hazardous Substance Transporation

The legal requirement for the transportation of hazardous substances on Singapore roads is stipulated in the Environmental Protection and Management Regulations.

Under the Singapore Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations PART II TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Application of this Part

3. This Part shall apply to the transport or consigning for transport of any hazardous substance exceeding the quantities specified in the Schedule.

Consignor’s responsibility for safe consignment

4.—(1) A person shall not consign for transport of any hazardous substance unless —

(a)he has obtained the approval in writing of the Director-General in regard to the proposed transport of such substance; and

(b)the container, tank container, freight container or road tanker to be used for the transport of the hazardous substance is designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with a code of practice approved by the Director-General.

(2) It shall not be lawful for any person to transport or consign for transport of any hazardous substance unless the transport or consignment of the hazardous substance is effected in accordance with the provisions of the approval issued to him under paragraph (1) and with any condition specified therein.

Carrier to obtain information on consignment

5.—(1) No carrier shall transport any hazardous substance unless he has been given a statement provided under regulation 6(1) as will enable him to comply with the requirements of these Regulations and to be aware of the risks created by the hazardous substance to the health or safety of any person.

(2)The statement shall be supplied by the consignor or owner of the consignment of the hazardous substance to the carrier at the latest when the transport order is given, so as to enable the carrier to take all necessary steps to ensure that the driver of the vehicle used to transport the hazardous substance is aware of the instructions contained in the statement and is capable of carrying them out effectively.

(3)For the purpose of this regulation, it shall be the duty of the consignor or owner of any consignment of hazardous substance who supplies any statement relating to a hazardous substance to a carrier to ensure that the information contained therein is accurate and sufficient.

Transport documents

6.—(1)The consignor or owner of any consignment of a hazardous substance shall provide, in the transport documents relating to the hazardous substance, a statement regarding the safety requirements and the actions that must be taken by the carrier which shall include the following instructions:

(a)supplementary operational requirements for loading, transport, storage, unloading, handling and stowage or a statement that no supplementary operational requirements are necessary;

(b)restrictions, if any, on the mode of transport and any necessary routing instructions;

(c)emergency action plan as established in accordance to regulation 22; and

(d)an indication of the general nature of risk and safety precautions when handling the hazardous substance.

(2)The consignor or owner of any consignment of a hazardous substance shall include in the transport documents for the consignment of the hazardous substance —

(a)the designation and quantity of the hazardous substance;

(b)the approval of the Director-General in regard to the transport of the hazardous substance;

(c)an acknowledgment of receipt to be signed by the consignee or his assigns; and

(d)a declaration that the contents of the consignment are properly described by name and are properly packaged, marked and labelled and are in a proper condition for transport.

(3) The declaration made under paragraph (2)(d) shall —

(a)contain the original or stamped facsimile signature of the consignor or owner of the consignment of the hazardous substance, as the case may be, together with the date; and

(b)be substantially in such form as may be determined by the Director-General.

Instructions for drivers

7. Before any hazardous substance is transported, the carrier shall —

(a)give the driver of the vehicle used to transport the hazardous substance a copy of the statement referred to in regulation 5(1) relating to the substance being transported; and

(b)ensure that the driver is adequately trained to carry out the instructions contained in the statement.

Responsibilities of drivers

8. The driver of a vehicle used to transport any hazardous substance shall —

(a)keep in the cab of the vehicle a copy of the statement given to him under regulation 7 where the information will be available at all times while the substance to which it relates is being transported; and

(b)comply with all instructions contained in the copy of the statement given to him under regulation 7.

Transport routes

9. The carrier shall not transport any hazardous substance except at the times and along the routes as determined by the Director-General.

Hazard warning panels and labels

10.—(1)Where a hazardous substance is being transported in a road tanker, a freight container, a tank container or other vehicle, the carrier shall ensure that the appropriate hazard warning panel or label as prescribed in the code of labelling specified by the Director-General is displayed on the road tanker, freight container, tank container or other vehicle.

(2) The hazard warning panel or label shall be —

(a)weather resistant and be indelibly marked;

(b)either rigid or fixed to be rigid;

(c)marked on or securely attached to the road tanker, freight container, tank container or other vehicle in a substantially vertical plane, and if the means of attachment is by a frame, that frame shall carry no other hazard warning panels or labels; and

(d)kept clean and free from obstruction, except that a rear panel or label may be mounted behind a ladder of light construction which does not prevent the information on the panel or label from being easily read.

(3) Where a multi-load is transported in a road tanker, in separate tanks or in compartments of a tank, or in a compartmented tank container, the carrier shall ensure that each such tank or compartment which contains a hazardous substance is provided with and displays the appropriate hazard warning panel or label prescribed in the code of labelling specified by the Director-General and the requirements of paragraph (2) shall apply to such panels or labels.

(4) The carrier shall ensure that the hazard warning panel or label is —

(a)displayed on the road tanker, freight container, tank container or other vehicle at all times when a hazardous substance is being transported; and

(b)removed when the road tanker, freight container, tank container or other vehicle is not used for transporting any hazardous substance.

Precaution against fire or explosion

11.—(1) The consignor or owner of any consignment of a hazardous substance, the carrier and the driver shall ensure that —

(a)adequate precautionary measures are taken to prevent the hazardous substances from spilling, dropping, or being released during transportation; and

(b)all precautions necessary for preventing a fire or an explosion are being observed.

(2) The consignor or owner of any consignment of a hazardous substance, the carrier and the driver shall ensure that suitable and efficient fire extinguishers are carried in an easily accessible position on every vehicle transporting any hazardous substance.

Prohibition against overfill

12. The consignor or owner of any consignment of a hazardous substance shall ensure that any carrying tank of a road tanker, tank container or any other container in which the hazardous substance is transported is not overfilled at the time of consigning for transport.

Prohibition against carriage of multi-loads of hazardous substances

13. No person shall transport a multi-load of hazardous substances except in accordance with a code of practice approved by the Director-General.

Supervision of vehicles carrying hazardous substances

14.—(1) The driver of a vehicle used to transport any hazardous substance shall ensure that the vehicle when not driven is —

(a)parked in a safe place; or

(b)supervised at all times by him or by some other competent person above the age of 18 years.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply where any carrying tank of a road tanker, tank container or compartment thereof which had contained a hazardous substance is nominally empty.

(3) In paragraph (2), “nominally empty”, in relation to a carrying tank of a road tanker, tank container or compartment thereof, means —

(a)that as much of the hazardous substance as is reasonably practicable has been discharged or unloaded from it; and

(b)that such hazardous substance remaining within the carrying tank of the road tanker, tank container or compartment thereof is not sufficient to create a risk to the health and safety of any person.

For the renewal of Hazardous Substance Transport permit, The TERP should follow the information & format requirements in the guide TERP FOR HSTA_SAMPLE AND INSTRUCTIONS_211021

• To highlight in the document any notable changes, such new hazardous substance(s), new route(s), new client(s), increase/decrease in quantities or others; that we should be aware of in the renewal. 

For HSTA Renewal Applications:

HSTA Renewal Applications can be submitted 90 days before the expiry of the HSTA & 33 days after the expiry date of the HSTA.

HSTA & HSL Renewal Applications may be submitted concurrently, however do note that HSTA Renewal Applications can only be approved when the HSL Renewal Application has been “Approved With Payment”.

For status of HSL Renewal Applications, please clarify with our colleagues at LEAD via NEA_HSlicence@nea.gov.sg.

For HSTA Application Processing:

Processing of HSTA Applications may take up to 7 working days, subject to complete supporting documents.

Upon approval of HSTA Applications, Tradenet update will take up to 1 working day.

HSTA Applications without supporting documents may be rejected or withdrawn by us.  

NEA will not be responsible for losses incurred due to delays in processing of applications.

WSH Alert -Worker Dies Falling From Ledge

 

Worker dies after falling from a ledge

On 12 January 2023, a worker was carrying out façade painting works at a condominium using a suspended scaffold (gondola). He stepped out of the gondola at level 3 and climbed over the parapet wall to use the stairs to reach level 4. He then climbed onto the open ledge on level 4. While working on the ledge, he fell and landed in the basement. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The worker was wearing a body harness but it was not anchored.

Facade painting or cleaning works are high-risk activities commonly carried out using gondolas and rope access. The WSH Council calls on all companies involved in facade painting or cleaning wort to undertake an urgent assessment of their safety measures to prevent falls from height

What companies should do

Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:

• Safe use of gondolas: Instruct workers never to climb in or out of the gondola unless it is at rest, on the ground, or at a level that allows safe entry or exit. While in the gondola, each worker must put on a safety harness secured to an independent vertical lifeline.

• Safe working on ledges: Confirm with the building occupier or principal that the ledges are load bearing and able to support the weight of workers and their equipment Check for fragile surfaces and openings on the ledge. Install temporary edge protection (e.g. guardrails) at all open sides. If this is not possible, implement a fall prevention plan and permit-to-work system for all work at height activities where a worker could fall more than three metres. Provide anchor points or lifelines to which fall arrest equipment or travel restraints can be secured.

• Competent workers: Deploy only workers who have received adequate WSH training for working at height Emphasise to workers the importance of achieving 100% tie-off at all times whenever there is a risk of falling from height

• Hazard communication: Employers must communicate to workers (e.g. during daily toolbox meetings) the hazards in the designated work area and the risk controls in place before starting work.

MCSTs of residential and commercial properties are also expected to check that contractors doing works at height (such as painting works) within their properties implement the above measures. In addition, MCSTs should adopt the following:

• Hazard communication: The building occupier or principal must brief contractors on the worksite hazards and verify that risk controls have been implemented effectively before allowing contractors to start work.

• Use of technology: Consider the use of robots for facade painting or cleaning works to eliminate the need for works at height.

For more information, refer to the WSH (Scaffolds)Regulations 2011, and the WSH Council’s Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights, WSH Guidelines on Anchorages,Lifelines and Temporary Edge Protection Systems, and WSH Guide for Management Corporation Strata Title

Under the WSH Act, first-time corporate offenders may be sentenced to the maximum fine of $500,000 whilst individuals can either be sentenced to the maximum fine of $200,000 and/or an imprisonment not exceeding 2 years. Read more on the WSH Act penalties.

Relevant parties such as MCSTs, managing agents and contractors may be liable for prosecution under the WSH Act if they have breached any of their duties under the Act.

During the Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023), the Ministry of

Manpower will impose severe actions for serious WSH lapses, which include:

• Debarment from hiring new work pass holders

• Company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications

• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes , Relevant parties such as MCSTs, managing agents and contractors may be liable for prosecution under the WSH Act if they have breached any of their duties under the Act.

During the Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023), the Ministry of Manpower will impose severe actions for serious WSH lapses, which include:

• Debarment from hiring new work pass holders

• Company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications

• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes

CP Work Safely At Height

Scope

This Code of Practice shall apply to all work at heights activities across all industry sectors.

The Code provides guidance for the practitioner to manage work at heights activities through:

• Risk management framework;

• Development and implementation of a Fall Prevention Plan; and

• Permit-to-work system.

Purpose

This Code of Practice has been prepared to enhance the standard of work at heights safety at workplaces.

The Code illustrates a variety of fall control measures and work practices that can be adopted when the risk of falling from heights, or into depth, is present. The control measures outlined in this Code do not represent the only acceptable means of achieving the standard to which the Code refers.

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WSH Alert- Worker struck by crane boom

 

Worker struck by crane boom

On 13 December 2022, a worker was on the bed of a lorry crane assisting in the unloading of steel bars from the lorry crane when the crane boom suddenly fell and struck him. The worker died at the scene.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the crane boom fell when it was lifting some steel bars. The lifting operation was not carried out by a proper lifting team and there was no lifting plan.

Recommendations

Lorry cranes are used extensively in Singapore. Lifting operations involving lorry cranes are highrisk activities, especially if they are not carried out properly. A few other accidents involving lorry cranes have happened this year, with the two most recent ones occurring on 26 August and 7 December 2022. To prevent such accidents, consider the following measures:

• Safe lifting operation: Ensure that a competent lifting team (typically comprising a crane operator, lifting supervisor, rigger, and signalman) is deployed and a lifting plan is developed, before a lifting operation commences, including those conducted by sub-contractors. The liking plan must be supported with a site-specific risk assessment, safe lifting procedures, and authorised via a permit-to-work system. Brief the lifting team thoroughly on the lifting plan before each lifting operation.

• Safe work position: Instruct workers never to stand under a suspended load and the crane's boom. Crane operators should not proceed with the lifting operation if there are workers located under the load or boom.

• Test and examination: Ensure that lorry cranes are tested and examined by an Authorised Examiner (AE) according to MOM's requirements. More frequent checks may be necessary for lorry cranes with high usage or used in harsh conditions. An example of a standard checklist for mobile crane examination is given in Annex I of the SS 536: 2008. Do not allow cranes with an expired AE certificate to be used.

• Regular maintenance: Place lorry cranes on a planned maintenance schedule according to the manufacturers recommendation, and additional attention is to be given to critical parts of the lorry crane. Ensure that maintenance works are carried out by competent persons.

• Pre-use inspection: Require and ensure lorry crane operators conduct daily pre-use checks before each work day/shift. Daily checks include operating the crane through all its motions without loads and verifying that safety devices are in proper working condition. Any problem areas or defects spotted must be raised and the use of the crane suspended until all issues are addressed. A sample pre-use checklist for lorry cranes can be found in Annex 2 of WSH Guidelines on Safe Use of Lorry Cranes.

Weekly inspection is also recommended so that a more detailed inspection can be carried out.

WSH Alert -Worker Pinned Under Toppled Machine

Unsafe use of forklift: Worker pinned under toppled machine 

On 27 December 2022, a worker was guiding a forklift to position its forks under a machine. However, the machine toppled onto the worker. He was sent to the hospital where he passed away.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the forks of the forklift were raised before they were fully inserted under the machine. The lifting of the partially-inserted forks caused the machine to topple.

In 2022, there were six cases of forklift-related fatal workplace accidents. Two cases involved workers being crushed under forklifts that toppled from unbalanced loads, another two cases involved workers being run over or crushed by moving forklifts, and the remaining two, including this case, involved forklift forks toppling objects onto workers. Read more on these cases and other forklift related resources. 

As forklift accidents can lead to serious injuries and death, the WSH Council calls on all companies using forklifts to undertake an urgent assessment of their safety measures in the use of forklifts.

What companies should do

Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:

● Competent forklift operator: Allow only competent and authorised persons to operate forklifts. Ensure all forklift operators have completed the necessary certifications such as the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Operate Forklift Course. Require forklift operators to attend refresher training at least once every three years.

● Safe Work Procedure (SWP): Implement a SWP for moving heavy equipment/machines. Consult the manufacturer for advice on how specific equipment/machines can be moved safely.

● Safe forking operation: Instruct forklift operators to carry out the following when using forks to pick up a load, and ensure that the operator has a clear view of the lifting operation:

•  Check that the spread of the forks is suitable for the width of the load.
•  Insert the forks under the load fully or as far as possible.
•  Raise the forks slightly to check that the load is stable on the forks.
•  Tilt back the forks slightly to prevent slippage before moving off with the load.

Wherever possible, loads ought to be placed on pallets as pallets enable safer load handling. Loads that may topple or fall and endanger a worker must be properly secured onto the pallet before being moved.

● Safe work zone: Require forklift operators to confirm all workers are in a safe position before starting operations. When picking up a load, the operator must only raise the forks when there is no one in the danger zone# should the load topple. Authorise operators to stop forklift operations once anyone comes into an unsafe position.  

# “danger zone”: refers to an area where one can get injured 

 ● Hazard communication and work supervision: Communicate to workers the possible on-site hazards and risk controls in place before allowing forklift operations to begin. Deploy a supervisor to oversee operations and ensure that the work is carried out as per SWP.

For more information, refer to the Singapore Standard SS 573: 2012 Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Powered Counterbalanced Forklifts, and WSH Council’s WSH Guidelines on Safe Operation of Forklifts and Forklift Safety Pack.

Under the WSH Act, first-time corporate offenders may be sentenced to the maximum fine of $500,000 whilst individuals can either be sentenced to the maximum fine of $200,000 and/or an imprisonment not exceeding 2 years. Read more on the WSH Act penalties.

During the Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023), the Ministry of Manpower will impose severe actions for serious WSH lapses, which include:

• Debarment from hiring new work pass holders 
• Company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications
• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes

* Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at 3 January 2023. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please also note that the recommendations provided here are not exhaustive and they are meant to enhance workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information and recommendations provided are not to be construed as implying liability on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.

Amendment to Fire Code

IMPLEMENTATION OF SS 578:2019 – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

The SS 578:2019 – Code of Practice for the Use and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers, formerly known as SS 578:2012, was published online by Enterprise Singapore on 16 July 2019. This standard covers the requirements and procedures on the selection, installation, inspection, servicing, maintenance and recharging of portable fire extinguishers used in buildings. It is intended to complement the SS EN 3 series of standards of portable fire extinguishers and provide guidance to persons who need to use and/or maintain portable fire extinguishers.

2. The main changes made in this revision are as follows:

(a) The definitions have been updated.

(b) Selection of fire extinguishers for Class A hazards has been simplified to be in line with British and European standards.

(c) More detailed requirements/recommendations are given for selecting extinguishers for Class B, C, D and F fire hazards.

(d) Prohibition in appointing third party organisation or persons to act on behalf of the certified organisation in the inspection, maintenance, recharging and issuance of maintenance service labels for the fire extinguishers.

(e) Issuance of control tags by the certification body for the yearly maintenance service labels.

(f) All labels and tags for the fire extinguishers shall have adequate security features to protect against theft and counterfeiting.

3. The implementation of this revised standard takes effect on 1 Jan 2020. The grace period is to give the building industry sufficient lead time to plan ahead for any new building projects.

Any proposed plans of fire safety works for new buildings / premises or alteration / alteration works to existing buildings / premises that are submitted to SCDF for approval on or after the effective date will be subjected to the new standard. Notwithstanding the above, SCDF has no objection to the immediate adoption of the revised standard.

4. SCDF would like to draw reference to SCDF’s Circular dated 24 Jan 2013:

IMPLEMENTATION OF SS EN 3-7 TO SS EN 3-10:2012 – TESTING STANDARDS FOR PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS and 25 Jan 2013: IMPLEMENTATION OF SS 578:2012 – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR USE AND MAINTENANCE OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS and remind industry professionals that portable fire extinguishers (FEs) should only display markings for the categories of fires they have been certified for. FEs which are not certified to fight Class C fires (which refer to fires involving flammable gases, according to SS 578:2012 and SS 578:2019) should not be labelled with the Class C markings when used in projects, buildings and premises in Singapore. This requirement is applicable to FEs certified or renewed from 1 May 2013 onwards.

5. Please convey the contents of this circular to members of your Board/ Institution/ Association. 

Legal Register

It is essential for organization to determine what are the relevant WSH legislation and the amendments applicable to their organization, taking into account of the organization’s activities, products, services, premises and size, etc. In addition organization need to determine how the legal requirements and the amendments impact on them and what are the required actions to meet the applicable legal requirements and ensure compliance and this is usually done through the compilation of a WSH legal register

The WSH legal register is a document that contain information on the legal obligations pertaining to the organization context and its people , specific activity or product or service, as well as relevant to the organization occupational safety and health hazards and its environmental aspects and the management of information to assist with achieving the legal compliance

In summary, a legal register should include:

• List of legal and other requirements applicable to the organization

• Organization activities, products, services for which the requirements apply

• Indication of currency of the register, such as date of review

In addition an organization shall also identify what are the local government agency advisory resources for WSH legal and other requirements which are applicable to the organization because they are legal binding, meaning that the organization can be prosecuted or compounded for failure to comply with required applicable WSH legal and other legal requirements

Organization can make use of external sources to help them identify what are the relevant applicable OH &S legislative or other requirements applicable to their context and this include:

• Online resources
• Regulatory bodies
• Trade associations
• Paid legal services
• OH &S institutes
• OH&S consultants
• Singapore Standards eshop

In Singapore you can search the Workplace Safety and Health Council or REACH website for free updates on advisory resources for WSH legal and other requirements

When the WSH advisory resources have been identified, organization shall collect information relevant to their context, compile and document the legal register that list the applicable WSH legal requirements in accordance with the organizational procedures

Following the identification of the relevant WSH Regulations and other legal requirements, the organization have to include them in it’s compliance obligation procedure on how it can access the legal or other requirement. Ensure changes are identified that affect the applicability of legal or other requirements relevant to it’s OH&S hazards.

Organization also need to establish procedure to identify who should receive information on legal or other requirements, and ensure that relevant information is communicated to them through either the monthly safety committee meeting or during board of directors meeting.

Flammable Transportation

Flammable Transportation Requirement in Singapore

Petroleum and flammable materials (P&FM) can pose fire risks and endanger life and property in the event of fire. Given the current security climate, it is also important that such materials do not fall into the hands of terrorists or their collaborators and be used as weapons for mass destruction. There is thus the need for the licensing control and to step up the safety measures for the movement and distribution of P&FM in Singapore. 

The Fire Safety Act (FSA) regulates the transportation of petroleum and flammable materials. The petroleum and flammable materials transportation licence is to ensure that the transportation is carried out in a safe manner and that proper fire safety measures / procedures are undertaken by the licensee to ensure safety environment. In general, the FSA requires the transportation vehicle used to be certified, the transportation emergency response plan been approved and the drivers of road vehicles transporting any class of petroleum and flammable materials to hold a valid Hazardous Material Transportation Driver Permit (HTDP) to drive the vehicle.

Any person who wishes to transport petroleum or flammable materials must obtain a licence for each vehicle that is used for such transportation. The transportation of petroleum and flammable materials is to be carried out within approved hours and along approved routes.

Exemption for Transport Licence

The transportation of petroleum and flammable materials in the following quantities are exempted from licensing:

Petroleum

Less than 130 kg (gross weight) in not more than 2 cylinders;

Less than 20 litres of Class I petroleum; or

Less than 200 litres of Class II and Class III petroleum.

Flammable Materials

Less than 130 kg (gross weight) in not more than 2 cylinders of flammable gases;

Less than 20 litres of flammable liquids; or

Less than 10kg of flammable solids.

Requirements on Road Transportation of Hazardous Materials (HazMat)

Transportation Hours

Transportation of petroleum and flammable materials in packages or in bulk can only be carried out during 7.00 am - 7.00 pm

A dealer of LPG for household delivery may transport Class 0 petroleum in cylinders during 7.00 am - 9.00 pm

License Validity Period

Applicant may choose to apply for a licence validity period of either 1 or 2 years.

(For local registered lorry (Package) transporting P&FM product less than 3 metric tonnes only.)

Documents to be Submitted

For Package Transportation (capacity of individual packaging is less than 250 litres water capacity)

A certificate of Inspection in accordance to Regulation 5 of the Fire Safety (Petroleum/Flammable Materials) Regulations 2013;

Roadworthiness certificate issued by JIC Inspection Services or Malaysian Puspakom[2] for vehicle;

A copy of vehicle registration card; Supplier's letter of authorization [for transporting LPG only];

 A copy of Hazardous Materials Transport Driver Permit (HTDP)

A copy of the acknowledgement letter for the Transport Emergency Response Plan (TERP)

 Astrata Certificate for Annual Inspection (for vehicle transporting for vehicle transporting total net quantity 3 metric tonnes(MT) or more)

Consent letter from vehicle owner (if vehicle does not belong to applicant)

For Bulk Transportation (capacity of individual packaging is more than 250 litres water capacity; road tanker)

A certificate of Inspection in accordance to Regulation 5 of the Fire Safety (Petroleum/Flammable Materials) Regulations 2013;

Roadworthiness certificate issued by JIC Inspection Services or Malaysian Puspakom for both prime mover and trailer;

A Copy of Manufacturer's report[3]  & Tanker drawing* endorsed by PE [ in original / certified true  copy ];

A copy of vehicle registration card;

A copy of Hazardous Materials Transport Driver Permit (HTDP)

A copy of the acknowledgement letter for the Transport Emergency Response Plan (TERP)

A copy of  vehicle photos (including licence plate)

Astrata Certificate for Annual Inspection (for vehicle transporting for vehicle transporting total net quantity 3 metric tonnes(MT) or more / tube trailer)

Hydrostatics test report(once every 5 years) [ in original / certified true  copy ];

Radiographic test report (once every 10 years) [ in original / certified true  copy ];

Test Report for ISO Tank or BLC  from third party's

TQRA (if required)

Consent letter from vehicle owner (if vehicle does not belong to applicant) 

For more details on the requirements for the types of transport, please download P&FM Transport Checklist 

Guidelines for Transport Emergency Response Plan (TERP)

For SCDF's regulated Petroleum and Flammable Material (P&FM)

Instructions for Submission of P&FM TERP 2020 ( 38.00 KB )

For Package Transportation

Package TERP Plan 

For Bulk Transportation

Bulk TERP Plan 

Transportation of Hazardous Substances

Transportation of Hazardous Substances

A hazardous substance transport approval (HSTA) is required for the transportation of hazardous substances in quantities exceeding those stipulated in the Schedule of the EPM (HS) Regulations (Table 2)  . The licence holder can submit an application for a Hazardous Substances Transport Approval by clicking here: https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/licences. 

Application for a transport approval shall be accompanied by a transportation emergency response plan (TERP) that has been prepared in accordance to SCDF’s format.

For transportation using road tankers or tank containers or other bulk packagings (equal or less than 450kg in capacity), certified true copies of the tanker/tank container inspection certificates issued by an approved third party inspection body shall be attached together with drawing details to the application.

Approved routes and timings

Transportation shall be carried out using the approved routes and timings specified in the transport approval.

The recommended routes for transportation are as indicated in the following map 

The recommended timings for transportation are between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Saturday. No transportation is allowed on Sundays and public holidays.

Transportation outside office hours

Road transportation of hazardous substances that are beyond approved transportation hours are subject to NEA's approval on a case by case basis. Such transportation, if approved, shall be escorted in a separate vehicle by trained emergency response personnel, the HS Licence holder, or a competent person appointed by him.

WSH Guidelines-Process Safety Performance Indicators

What is WSH Guidelines

WSH Guidelines showcased workplace safety and health best practices and WSH program for controlling workplace hazards and improving occupational health for various industry and program.

Check out the free WSH Guidelines-Process Safety Performance Indicators to improve your organization WSH practices. For the latest WSH Guidelines update, refer to Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Council Website.

WSH Guidelines-Process Safety Performance Indicators Scope

This set of guidelines aims to introduce the concept of process safety performance indicators, with a greater focus on leading indicators in performance monitoring for process safety management. It provides guidance on the development of process safety performance indicators, and how these indicators can contribute to better safety and health outcomes in the process industry.

This set of guidelines is intended to assist the middle-to-senior management and WSH personnel of companies in the process industry, including the SMEs and plants of smaller operation scale. It will help these stakeholders to identify any possible risks arising from their work processes, and take steps to rectify them before the risks manifest into undesired consequences. With more knowledgeable and responsible management and employers, the process industry can achieve improved safety and health standards.

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