Workplace Safety And Health ,WSH Safety Resources Blog

Monday, January 23, 2023

WSH (COVID-19 Safe Workplace) Regulations 2021

Workplace Safety and Health (COVID-19 Safe Workplace) Regulations 2021

Scope of Regulations

2.—(1) These Regulations do not apply to or in relation to any place of residence of any of the following:

(a) a self‑employed person, an employer or a principal when and at which he or she is carrying on his or her trade, business, profession or undertaking;

(b) an employee of an employer when and at which the employee performs work in connection with his or her employer’s trade, business, profession or undertaking;

(c) a worker of a principal when and at which the worker performs work in connection with his or her principal’s trade, business, profession or undertaking.

(2) These Regulations do not apply to or in relation to any of the following whose work premises are defined premises:

(a) any employer, and any employee of an employer;

(b) any principal, and any worker of a principal;

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), defined premises are any of the following:

(a) a hospital or clinic, or other healthcare institution or facility for the reception, lodging, treatment or care of individuals requiring medical treatment;

(b) an early childhood development centre specified in a licence granted under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act 2017 to operate the early childhood development centre;

(d) a school specified in paragraph 2 of the Schedule to the Compulsory Education (Exemption) Order (O 1);

(e) a school specified in Part II of the Schedule to the Education Endowment and Savings Schemes (Edusave Pupils Fund) Regulations (Rg 1);

(f) any of the following universities:

(i) National University of Singapore;

(ii) Nanyang Technological University;

(iii) Singapore Institute of Technology;

(iv) Singapore Management University;

(v) Singapore University of Social Sciences;

(vi) Singapore University of Technology and Design.

(4) To avoid doubt, these Regulations do not apply to prevent or restrict —

(a) the Government or any public body doing or omitting to do anything in the performance of any function, the exercise of any power or the discharge of any duty of the Government or public body (as the case may be) under law; or

(b) any individual acting under the authority or direction of the Government or any public body in the performance of any function, the exercise of any power or the discharge of any duty of the Government or public body (as the case may be) under law.

(5) To avoid doubt, nothing in regulations 17A and 18 derogates from the effect of any other written law requiring the wearing of a face covering for the purpose of ensuring food hygiene.

[S 701/2022 wef 29/08/2022]

Definitions

3.—(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires —

“approved test” means any of the following tests carried out in Singapore in relation to an individual, the purpose of which is to test for the presence of SARS‑CoV‑2 in that individual:

(a) a PCR test;

(b) an antigen rapid test;

[Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

[Deleted by S 182/2022 wef 15/03/2022]

[Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

“Control Order” means any of the following subsidiary legislation:

(a) the COVID‑19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 (G.N. No. S 254/2020);

(b) the COVID‑19 (Temporary Measures) (Foreign Employee Dormitories — Control Order) Regulations 2020 (G.N. No. S 781/2020);

[S 182/2022 wef 15/03/2022]

(d) [Deleted by S 182/2022 wef 15/03/2022]

(e) [Deleted by S 182/2022 wef 15/03/2022]

(f) [Deleted by S 182/2022 wef 15/03/2022]

“COVID‑19” means the infectious disease known as Coronavirus Disease 2019;

“mask-on zone” has the meaning given by regulation 2 of the COVID‑19 (Temporary Measures) (Reopening — Control Order) Regulations 2022;

[S 701/2022 wef 29/08/2022]

“movement control measure” has the meaning given by paragraph (2);

“occupy”, in relation to any premises or part of any premises, includes the use, temporarily or otherwise, of the premises or part thereof for the purpose of any trade, business, profession or undertaking of the occupier;

“open-air area” has the meaning given by regulation 2(1) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Reopening — Control Order) Regulations 2022;

[S 227/2022 wef 29/03/2022]

“PCR test” means a polymerase chain reaction test carried out in Singapore in relation to an individual, the purpose of which is to test for the presence of SARS‑CoV‑2 in that individual;

“place of residence”, for an individual, means —

(a) a house or flat in Singapore that is the individual’s home in Singapore; or

(b) any other premises in Singapore that the individual is ordinarily resident at when in Singapore, such as a room, or a partitioned‑off space for sleeping, that is —

(i) in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse, serviced apartment or student dormitory in Singapore; or

(ii) in any other premises in Singapore that provides sleeping facilities and residential accommodation (whether or not other accommodation is also provided),

but not any of the following premises:

(d) any boarding premises that is the subject of a licence under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act 2015 or is providing accommodation to 7 or more foreign employees, including any place converted (temporarily or otherwise) for use as accommodation for 7 or more foreign employees;

(e) any prison where an individual is incarcerated to serve a sentence of imprisonment, any other place where a prisoner may serve his or her sentence of imprisonment outside of a prison;

(f) any premises for the purposes of detaining individuals serving orders of detention under any written law, whether or not for their rehabilitation or safety;

[Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

“work premises”, in relation to an employer, a principal or a self‑employed person, means any premises —

(a) that the employer, principal or self‑employed person (as the case may be) occupies for the purpose of any trade, business, profession or undertaking of the employer, principal or self‑employed person, as the case may be; or

(b) in which an employee of the employer or a worker of the principal, or the self‑employed person (as the case may be) ordinarily performs or carries out work for the purpose of any trade, business, profession or undertaking of the employer, principal or self‑employed person,

and includes any canteen or recreational facility which is comprised in or adjacent to the work premises and is provided for use solely by employees or workers or both, and no others;

“worker”, in relation to a principal, means an individual who is —

(a) a contractor engaged by the principal otherwise than under a contract of service;

(b) a direct or an indirect subcontractor engaged by a contractor mentioned in paragraph (a); or

when working under the direction of the principal as to the manner in which the work is carried out.

(2) In these Regulations, an individual is regarded as subject to a movement control measure if the individual is subject to a requirement that the individual must not leave any place because of —

(a) an order made under regulation 3(1) of the Infectious Diseases (COVID‑19 — Stay Orders) Regulations 2020 (G.N. No. S 182/2020); or

[S 79/2022 wef 07/02/2022]

(b) [Deleted by S 79/2022 wef 07/02/2022]

(3) [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(4) [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(5) In reckoning a period for the purposes of these Regulations, days must be counted consecutively, whether or not a public holiday.

(6) [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

4. [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

5. [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

PART 4
WORKPLACE SAFE MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Division 1 — Employees’ and workers’ duties

Notice to employer or principal of becoming diagnosed person

16.—(1) An employee, or a worker of a principal, who becomes a diagnosed person must take all reasonably practical steps to notify, without delay after becoming aware that he or she is a diagnosed person, his or her employer or the principal (as the case may be) of any work premises which the employee or worker has attended in the relevant period about all notifiable matters relating to the employee or worker.

(2) For the purposes of this regulation and regulation 24, an individual is or becomes a diagnosed person if the individual is informed, at any time on or after 1 January 2022, that he or she —

(a) is or becomes subject to a movement control measure;

(b) tests positive for SARS‑CoV‑2 upon undergoing an approved test in Singapore, whether or not the individual is or has been given an order under section 15(1) or (2) of the Infectious Diseases Act 1976 relating to COVID‑19; or

(c) is diagnosed as having a COVID‑19 infection, whether or not the individual is or has been given an order under section 15(1) or (2) of the Infectious Diseases Act 1976 relating to COVID‑19.

(3) The notifiable matters relating to an employee or a worker for the purposes of paragraph (1) are as follows:

(a) the full name and identification number of the employee or worker who is or has become a diagnosed person;

(b) the date that the employee or worker —

(i) became subject to a movement control measure;

(ii) tested positive for SARS‑CoV‑2 upon undergoing a PCR test or an antigen rapid test in Singapore; or

(iii) was diagnosed as having a COVID‑19 infection,

whichever is applicable;

(i) tested positive for SARS‑CoV‑2 upon undergoing a PCR test in Singapore; or

(ii) was diagnosed as having a COVID‑19 infection.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation and regulation 24, the relevant period applicable to an employee or a worker who becomes a diagnosed person means —

(a) in the case where he or she is a diagnosed person because of having been tested positive for SARS‑CoV‑2 upon undergoing a PCR test in Singapore — a period of 7 days before the date on which he or she so tested positive for SARS‑CoV‑2 and ending on the day that he or she so tested positive for SARS‑CoV‑2; or

(b) in the case where he or she is a diagnosed person because of having been diagnosed as having a COVID‑19 infection — a period of 7 days before the date on which he or she was so diagnosed and ending on the day he or she was so diagnosed.

(5) To avoid doubt —

(a) paragraph (1) applies even if a PCR test result or an antigen rapid test result is or may be subsequently determined to be an atypical finding for SARS‑CoV‑2; and

(b) a relevant period can consist of any time falling before 1 January 2022.

Extended meaning of “employee”, etc., for regulation 16 notice

17. Where an employer or a principal is a partnership or an unincorporated association (other than a partnership), any reference in regulation 16 —

(a) to an employee or a worker includes a reference (as the case may be) to —

(i) a partner of the partnership; or

(ii) the president, secretary or any member of the committee of the unincorporated association; and

(b) to the employer or principal includes a reference (as the case may be) to —

(i) any other partner of the partnership; or

(ii) any other member of the committee of the unincorporated association.

Mask wearing by individuals

17A.—(1) An individual (whether or not he or she is an employer or employee, a worker, principal or self-employed) must wear a mask when performing work or carrying out any undertaking at a workplace that is a mask‑on zone and is neither —

(a) the individual’s place of residence; nor

(b) an open-air area.

[S 701/2022 wef 29/08/2022]

(2) However, paragraph (1) does not apply in any of the following circumstances:

(a) where the nature of the individual’s work is such that wearing a mask creates a risk to his or her health and safety;

(b) when the individual —

(i) is in an area of the workplace which is not used and not likely to be used by any customer or prospective customer of the employer or principal, or any other individual who is not an employee or worker at work (or any of them in combination), or by any of those individuals to move through the workplace; and

(ii) is not interacting in person with another individual present in that area;

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

Division 2 — Employers’ and principals’ duties

Mask wearing

18.—(1) An employer and a principal must each take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary to ensure that every employee of the employer, and every worker of the principal, respectively, wears a mask when at work in any of the employer’s or principal’s work premises that is a mask‑on zone and is not an open-air area unless —

(a) the nature of the employee’s work or worker’s work (as the case may be) is such that wearing a mask creates a risk to his or her health and safety;

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(b) the employee or worker (as the case may be) is authorised under any Control Order to not wear a mask; or

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(i) in an area of the work premises which is not used and not likely to be used by any customer or prospective customer of the employer or principal, or any other individual who is not an employee or worker at work (or any of them in combination), or by any of those individuals to move through the work premises; and

(ii) not interacting in person with another individual present in that area.

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

[S 227/2022 wef 29/03/2022]

[S 701/2022 wef 29/08/2022]

(2) An occupier of any work premises must take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary to ensure that every individual who —

(a) enters or remains in the work premises in connection with any trade, business, profession or undertaking the occupier is carrying on at those work premises; but

(b) is not a customer or prospective customer of the occupier of the work premises,

wears a mask when at work in any of the principal’s work premises that is a mask‑on zone and is not an open-air area unless the individual is authorised under any Control Order to not wear a mask.

[S 227/2022 wef 29/03/2022]

[S 701/2022 wef 29/08/2022]

19. [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

20. [Deleted by S 227/2022 wef 29/03/2022]

21. [Deleted by S 182/2022 wef 15/03/2022]

Contact tracing and entry controls

22.—(1) [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(2) [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(3) An employer or a principal must refuse entry to, and must not allow to remain in, any workplace that is in the work premises of the employer or principal (as the case may be) —

(a) any employee of the employer whom the employer reasonably believes to be subject to a movement control measure; or

(b) any worker of the principal whom the principal reasonably believes to be subject to a movement control measure.

(4) [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

23. [Deleted by S 182/2022 wef 15/03/2022]

Responding to case of infection in work premises

24. As soon as practicable after becoming aware that —

(a) an employee or a worker is a diagnosed person; and

(b) the employee or worker has attended any work premises of the employer or principal in the relevant period, the employer of the employee or the principal of the worker (as the case may be) must take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary to manage the risk posed by the diagnosed person with respect to individuals present in, and to reduce the risk of spreading SARS‑CoV‑2 at, those work premises.

Policies and procedures to ensure compliance at work premises

25. An employer and a principal must each take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary —

(a) to establish and apply appropriate internal policies and procedures and adequate controls —

(i) to monitor and ensure the compliance by the employer or principal and their respective employees and workers with the requirements in these Regulations and the Control Orders and to remedy without delay any instances of such non-compliance; and

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(ii) to regularly assess and identify the risks of transmission of COVID-19 that may arise in relation to all activities engaged in by customers, prospective customers, employees and workers at the work premises of the employer or principal, and to mitigate that risk from those activities identified as presenting a higher risk of the transmission of COVID-19; and

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(b) to appoint at least one individual as a Safe Management Officer (with such assistants as may be needed) to effectively perform the duties mentioned in paragraph (a).

Communication to employees and workers

26. An employer and a principal must each take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary, to ensure that all their employees and workers are aware of —

(a) the arrangements, steps or other measures (which may include training) adopted and applied by the employer or principal —

(i) to comply with these Regulations; and

(ii) to address the health and safety issues arising from COVID‑19 at the work premises of the employer or principal; and

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(b) the duties mentioned in regulations 16, 17 and 17A.

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

Application to sole proprietors, partners, etc.

27. Where an employer or a principal is a sole proprietor or a partnership, a corporation or an unincorporated association (other than a partnership), this Part applies, with the necessary modifications, to each of the following individuals when at work, whether or not in the work premises of the employer or principal, as if he or she were an employee of the employer or a worker of the principal:

(a) the sole proprietor and every partner of the partnership, whether or not he or she is also a visitor to the work premises;

(b) every director, partner, chief executive, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the corporation, whether or not he or she is also a visitor to the work premises;

(c) the president, the secretary, or any member of the committee of the unincorporated association, whether or not he or she is also a visitor to the work premises

PART 5
OFFENCES
Offence concerning non-reporting by diagnosed person

28.—(1) Where any notice which is required by regulation 16 to be given by an employee or a worker to his or her employer or principal is not given within the time delimited under that regulation, the employee or worker in default shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $4,000.

(2) This regulation does not apply if the employee or worker concerned has a reasonable excuse.

29. [Deleted by S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

Offence of non-compliance with safe management measures

30.—(1) An individual who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes regulation 17A(1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —

(a) to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both; or

(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(2) An employer or a principal who fails to comply with regulation 18(1), 24, 25 or 26 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —

(a) to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both; or

(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

[S 182/2022 wef 15/03/2022]

[S 227/2022 wef 29/03/2022]

[S 328/2022 wef 26/04/2022]

(3) An occupier who fails to comply with regulation 18(2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —

(a) to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both; or

(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

These are just some of the COVID19 safe workplace legal requirement. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statues Online and update your organization compliance obligation procedure

WSH (Noise) Regulations 2011

Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations 2011
PART II
NOISE CONTROL

Measures to reduce or control noise

4.—(1) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to reduce or control the noise from any machinery or equipment used, so that no person at work in the workplace is exposed or is likely to be exposed to excessive noise.

(2) It shall be the duty of the responsible person to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to reduce or control the noise from any process, operation or work carried on by him in a workplace, so that no person at work in the workplace is exposed or is likely to be exposed to excessive noise.

(3) The measures referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) may include one or more of the following:

(a)replacing noisy machinery, equipment, processes, operation or work with less noisy machinery, equipment, processes, operation or work;

(b)locating noise sources away from hard walls or corners;

(c)isolating noise sources, so as to minimise the number of persons at work in the workplace who are exposed to the noise;

(d)constructing suitable acoustic enclosures to contain noise emitted by machinery, equipment, processes, operation or work;

(e)erecting an effective noise barrier larger in size than the noise source to provide acoustic shielding;

(f)operating pneumatic machinery, equipment or tools at optimum air pressure to minimise noise emission and installing suitable pneumatic silencers at pneumatic line outlets;

(g)installing mufflers at intake and exhaust openings that emit noise;

(h)mounting vibrating machinery on vibration isolators or separate foundations;

(i)isolating persons at work in the workplace in an acoustically shielded room or enclosure, where reduction of noise at the noise source is not practicable;

(j)lining hard surfaces with acoustically absorbent materials to reduce noise reverberation;

(k)isolating or reducing the size and vibration of vibrating surfaces or applying damping materials to vibrating surfaces;

(l)reducing the height from which objects are allowed to fall or applying a resilient material at the point of impact or at the point of interaction of moving objects;

(m)maintaining machinery and equipment at regular intervals to reduce noise emission.

(4) Where it is not practicable to reduce the noise, it shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace or the responsible person to limit the duration of time persons at work in the workplace are exposed to the noise so that such persons are not exposed to excessive noise.

(5) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1), (2) or (4) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable —

(a)on conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000; and

(b)in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

Appointment of competent person to advise on noise control

5.—(1) Where there are 50 or more relevant persons employed or working in a workplace, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to appoint a competent person to advise on all proper noise control measures.

(2) It shall be the duty of the competent person to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures as are necessary to ensure that his advice on the noise control measures is adequate, suitable and effective.

(3) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace to, so far as is reasonably practicable, implement such measures as advised by the competent person.

(4) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

(5) Any competent person who contravenes paragraph (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

(6) Any person who contravenes paragraph (3) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable —

(a)on conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000; and

(b)in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

Duty of manufacturers and suppliers of noisy machinery or equipment

6.—(1) It shall be the duty of any person who manufactures or supplies, for use in any workplace, any machinery or equipment which is likely to expose any person to excessive noise to —

(a)furnish, to the person to whom the machinery or equipment is supplied, such information as the Commissioner may require concerning the sound level which is likely to be generated by the machinery or equipment; and

(b)indicate, by means of a sign or label on the machinery or equipment —

(i)the need to wear hearing protectors when exposed to the noise from the machinery or equipment; and

(ii)such other information as the Commissioner may require.

(2) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

PART III
NOISE MONITORING, HEARING PROTECTORS AND TRAINING

Noise monitoring

7.—(1) Where there are 10 or more relevant persons employed or working in a workplace, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to cause noise monitoring to be carried out at least once every 3 years, or earlier if any change in machinery, equipment, process, operation, work, control or other condition is likely to cause any such person to be exposed to excessive noise.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commissioner may require the occupier of the workplace to cause noise monitoring to be carried out at such other intervals as the Commissioner may determine.

(3) For the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to —

(a)appoint a competent person to carry out noise monitoring;

(b)not later than 14 days after receiving the report referred to in paragraph (4)(c) from the competent person, communicate the contents of the report to all relevant persons;

(c)not later than 30 days after the carrying out of the noise monitoring, submit a copy of the report referred to in paragraph (4)(c) to the Commissioner; and

(d)keep the report available for at least 10 years.

(4) It shall be the duty of the competent person referred to in paragraph (3)(a) to —

(a)carry out noise monitoring using —

(i)recognised methods;

(ii)accepted standard procedures; and

(iii)suitable equipment which is properly calibrated to ensure accuracy;

(b)properly interpret the results of noise monitoring;

(c)prepare a report of the results of noise monitoring; and

(d)submit the report to the occupier of the workplace not later than 14 days after the carrying out of noise monitoring.

(5) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1) or (3) or fails to comply with the requirement of the Commissioner referred to in paragraph (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

(6) Any competent person who contravenes paragraph (4) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

Hearing protectors

8.—(1) It shall be the duty of the responsible person to provide suitable hearing protectors to every relevant person.

(2) It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that any hearing protectors provided under paragraph (1) shall —

(a)correctly fit the user;

(b)attenuate the exposure of the user to sound pressure levels below 85 dB(A);

(c)be compatible with the job requirements of the user; and

(d)not prejudice the health and safety of the user.

(3) It shall be the duty of the responsible person to establish and implement procedures to ensure that —

(a)hearing protectors are properly issued and maintained; and

(b)every relevant person —

(i)uses hearing protectors; and

(ii)is instructed in the proper use of the hearing protectors.

(4) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace to ensure that warning signs that comply with paragraph (5) are posted at all entrances to or at the periphery of all areas of the workplace in which any person is exposed or is likely to be exposed to excessive noise.

(5) Every warning sign referred to in paragraph (4) shall clearly indicate that hearing protectors must be worn in the areas referred to in paragraph (4).

(6) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1), (2), (3) or (4) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

Training programme

9.—(1)It shall be the duty of the responsible person to institute a training programme for every relevant person.

(2) It shall be the duty of the responsible person to ensure that the training programme includes instruction in the following:

(a)the relevant provisions of the Act and these Regulations;

(b)the effects of noise on hearing;

(c)the purpose of hearing protectors;

(d)the advantages, disadvantages and attenuation of various types of hearing protectors;

(e)the selection, fitting, use and care of hearing protectors; and

(f)the purpose of hearing tests and the appropriate procedures and requirements of such tests.

(3) It shall be the duty of the responsible person to conduct the training programme for every relevant person —

(a)within 3 months of that person first commencing work in the workplace; and

(b)at least once every 12 months.

(4) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1), (2) or (3) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

These are just some of the workplace noise control legal requirement. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statues Online and update your organization compliance obligation procedure

WSH (Design for Safety) Regulations 2015

Workplace Safety and Health (Design for Safety) Regulations 2015
PART 2
DUTIES OF DEVELOPER

Design of structure for safety and health of affected persons

4.—(1) The developer of a project must, as far as it is reasonably practicable, ensure that all foreseeable design risks in the project are eliminated.

(2)Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate a foreseeable design risk, the developer must ensure that the design risk is reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable, taking into account the following factors as far as reasonably practicable:

(a)the design risk must be reduced at its source;

(b)collective protective measures must be used instead of individual protective measures.

Developer’s duties in respect of designers and contractors

5.—(1)The developer of a project may appoint a person as —

(a)a designer for a structure required in the project only if the developer reasonably believes that the person is competent to perform the duties of a designer under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act; or

(b)a contractor for a structure required in the project only if the developer reasonably believes that the person is competent to perform the duties of a contractor under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act.

(2)The developer must plan and manage the project in a manner that ensures that all designers and contractors appointed under paragraph (1) for the project have sufficient time and resources to perform their duties under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act.

(3)The developer must ensure that all relevant information is given to every designer and contractor appointed under paragraph (1) to enable the designer or contractor, as the case may be, to perform the duties of a designer or contractor, as the case may be, under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act.

Design‑for‑safety review meeting

6.—(1)The developer of a project must convene such design‑for‑safety review meetings as are necessary to —

(a)identify all foreseeable design risks in the project; and

(b)discuss how each of the foreseeable design risks can be eliminated or reduced.

(2)A developer must ensure that each design‑for‑safety review meeting is attended by all the relevant designers and contractors appointed under regulation 5(1), 9(6)(a) or 10(2)(a) or (3)(a).

Design‑for‑safety register

7.—(1)The developer of a project must keep a design‑for‑safety register containing information and records on —

(a)every design‑for‑safety review meeting convened under regulation 6; and

(b)every residual design risk in the project.

(2)The developer —

(a)must ensure that the design‑for‑safety register is kept up to date;

(b)must ensure that all the designers and contractors appointed under regulation 5(1), 9(6)(a) or 10(2)(a) or (3)(a) for the project have access to the design‑for‑safety register; and

(c)must make the design‑for‑safety register available for inspection by an inspector upon the inspector’s request.

(3)Where a developer disposes of the developer’s interest in any structure for which the project is undertaken, the developer —

(a)must ensure that the design‑for‑safety register is given to —

(i)the person who acquires the developer’s interest in the structure; or

(ii)where the structure is a subdivided building, the subsidiary management corporation of the subdivided building; and

(b)must inform the person who next acquires the developer’s interest in the structure or the subsidiary management corporation, as the case may be, of the nature and purpose of the design‑for‑safety register.

(4) It shall be an offence for a developer to contravene paragraph (2)(c) and the developer shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

Delegation of developer’s duties

8.—(1)A developer may delegate any of the developer’s duties under regulations 6 and 7(1) and (2) to a person whom the developer reasonably believes is competent to perform those duties (called in this regulation the design‑for‑safety professional).

(2) A developer must provide the design‑for‑safety professional with all the information necessary for the performance of the duties delegated to the design‑for‑safety professional under paragraph (1).

(3) Where the developer’s duties under regulation 6 are delegated to the design‑for‑safety professional, the design‑for‑safety professional must, as soon as reasonably practicable after each design‑for‑safety review meeting, provide the developer with all relevant information on each foreseeable design risk identified at the meeting and how each design risk can be eliminated or reduced.

(4)Where the developer’s duties under regulation 7(1) or (2) are delegated to the design‑for‑safety professional, the design‑for‑safety professional must, as soon as reasonably practicable after any information or record is added to the design‑for‑safety register, provide the developer with an updated copy of the design‑for‑safety register.

(5)A developer who delegates a duty under regulation 6 or 7(1) or (2) is not liable for the performance of that duty.

PART 3
DUTIES OF DESIGNER AND CONTRACTOR
Duties of designer

9.—(1)The designer of a structure must, as far as it is reasonably practicable, prepare a design plan for the structure that eliminates all foreseeable design risks.

(2)Where it is not reasonably practicable for the designer preparing a design plan to eliminate a foreseeable design risk posed by the structure, the designer must propose to the person who appointed the designer, a modification to the design plan that reduces the design risk to as low as is reasonably practicable, taking into account the following factors as far as reasonably practicable:

(a)the design risk must be reduced at its source;

(b)collective protective measures must be used instead of individual protective measures.

(3) The designer must provide all the information relevant to the design, construction or maintenance of the structure to the person who appointed the designer.

(4) The designer of a structure must, where required by the developer of the project in which the structure is required, attend a design‑for‑safety review meeting.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4), any reference to the developer includes a reference to the person to whom the developer’s duties under regulation 6 has been delegated.

(6) The designer —

(a)may appoint a person as a designer (called in this regulation the delegated designer) for the structure only if the designer reasonably believes that the delegated designer is competent to perform the duties of a designer under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act; and

(b)must provide the delegated designer all relevant information to enable the delegated designer to perform the duties of a designer under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act.

(7)To avoid doubt —

(a)any reference to a designer in this regulation includes a reference to a delegated designer and a designer appointed under regulation 10(2)(a); and

(b)a designer who appoints a delegated designer to prepare a design plan for a structure under paragraph (6)(a) remains liable for the performance of any duty under paragraph (1) or (2) in relation to the design plan.

Duties of contractor

10.—(1) The contractor of a structure must, as soon as practicable, inform the person who appointed the contractor of any foreseeable design risk that the contractor knows the structure poses or will pose to an affected person.

(2) The contractor —

(a)may appoint a person to design a structure only if the contractor reasonably believes that the person is competent to perform the duties of a designer under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act; and

(b)must provide the designer appointed under sub‑paragraph (a) all relevant information to enable the designer to perform the duties of a designer under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act.

(3)The contractor —

(a)may appoint a person to be a contractor of a structure (called in this regulation the subcontractor) only if the contractor reasonably believes that the subcontractor is competent to perform the duties of a contractor under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act; and

(b)must provide the subcontractor appointed under sub‑paragraph (a) all relevant information to enable the subcontractor to perform the duties of a contractor under these Regulations and any other regulation made under section 65 of the Act.

(4) A contractor of a structure must, where required by the developer of the project in which the structure is required, attend a design‑for‑safety review meeting.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4), any reference to the developer includes a reference to the person to whom the developer’s duties under regulation 6 has been delegated.

(6) To avoid doubt, any reference to a contractor in this regulation includes a reference to a subcontractor.

PART 4
MISCELLANEOUS
Duty of registered proprietors and subsidiary management corporations

11.—(1)Where a design‑for‑safety register has been kept under regulation 7(1) for a structure that is not a subdivided building, the registered proprietor of the structure must —

(a)ensure that the design‑for‑safety register is available for inspection by an inspector upon the inspector’s request; and

(b)where the registered proprietor disposes of the registered proprietor’s interest in the structure —

(i)ensure that the design‑for‑safety register is given to the person who next acquires the interest in the structure; and

(ii)inform the person who next acquires the interest in the structure of the nature and purpose of the design‑for‑safety register.

(2) Where a design‑for‑safety register has been kept under regulation 7(1) for a subdivided building, the subsidiary management corporation of the subdivided building must ensure that the design‑for‑safety register is available for inspection by an inspector upon the inspector’s request.

(3)It shall be an offence for a registered proprietor to contravene paragraph (1)(a) or a subsidiary management corporation to contravene paragraph (2) and the registered proprietor or subsidiary management corporation, as the case may be, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

Offences

12.Except as otherwise provided in these Regulations, it shall be an offence for a person to contravene any provision of these Regulations, and the person shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

These are just some of the legal requirement pertaining to the duties of the project developer designer and contractor. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statues Online and update your organization compliance obligation procedure

WSH (Major Hazard Installations) Regulations 2017

Workplace Safety and Health (Major Hazard Installations) Regulations 2017
PART 2
KEEPING, MAINTENANCE AND IMPLEMENTATIONOF SAFETY CASE

Application of this Part

3. This Part applies to every major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation, whether or not registered.

Duty to reduce risk of major accidents

4. The occupier of a major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation must take all measures necessary to reduce the risk of major accidents to as low as is reasonably practicable and to limit the consequences of major accidents.

Keeping and maintenance of safety case

5.Subject to regulation 11(4), the occupier of a major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation must keep and maintain a safety case in respect of the major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation.

Implementation of safety case

6.Subject to regulation 11(4), the occupier of a major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation must implement the safety case for the major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation by doing all of the following:

(a)implement the major accident prevention policy for the major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation;

(b)ensure that the person mentioned in paragraph 1(b) of Part 2 of the Third Schedule carries out the roles and responsibilities specified in that paragraph;

(c)implement the plan mentioned in paragraph 1(d) of Part 2 of the Third Schedule;

(d)implement the safety and health management system in accordance with the Workplace Safety and Health (Safety and Health Management System and Auditing) Regulations 2009 (G.N. No. S 607/2009);

(e)ensure that the necessary resources, mentioned in paragraph 3 of Part 2 of the Third Schedule, are available for implementing the major accident prevention policy;

(f)implement the preventive measures mentioned in paragraph 5(a) of Part 2 of the Third Schedule;

(g)ensure that the processes carried out in the major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation are carried out in accordance with the description in paragraph 5(b) of Part 2 of the Third Schedule;

(h)operate the major hazard installation or deemed major hazard installation in accordance with the description mentioned in paragraph 6(f) of Part 2 of the Third Schedule;

(i)implement the measures mentioned in paragraph 7 of Part 2 of the Third Schedule

REGISTRATION OF PREMISES AS MAJOR HAZARD INSTALLATION

Register

7.—(1) The Commissioner must cause a register of major hazard installations to be kept and maintained in such form as the Commissioner may determine.

(2) The register must contain the building names (if any) and addresses of all registered major hazard installations and such other particulars of the major hazard installations as the Commissioner may determine.

Application to register major hazard installation

8.—(1) An application to register any premises described in the Second Schedule as a major hazard installation must be made to the Commissioner.

(2) An application under paragraph (1) must —

(a)be in the form and manner that the Commissioner requires for the application;

(b)be accompanied by such other particulars, information, statements and documents as the Commissioner may require; and

(c)be made at least 6 months before the premises are occupied or used as a major hazard installation or by such other date as the Commissioner may allow in any particular case.

Registration of major hazard installation

9.—(1) After considering an application for registration, the Commissioner may —

(a)on payment of the appropriate registration fee specified in the Fourth Schedule —

(i)register the premises as a major hazard installation subject to such conditions as the Commissioner thinks fit to impose;

(ii)enter in the register of registered major hazard installations such particulars pertaining to the occupier of the premises and the major hazard installation as the Commissioner thinks fit; and

(iiiissue to the applicant a certificate of registration; or

(b)refuse to register the premises.

(2) Where the Commissioner refuses to register the premises in respect of which an application for registration has been made, the Commissioner must notify the applicant of the reasons for the Commissioner’s refusal.

Duration of registration and renewal

10.—(1) Subject to regulation 15(4), the registration of a registered major hazard installation is valid for a period of 5 years, or for such other period as the Commissioner may determine in a particular case, unless the registration is earlier revoked, suspended or cancelled in accordance with these Regulations.

(2) The Commissioner may, on the application by the occupier of a registered major hazard installation to renew the registration —

(a)renew the registration on payment of the appropriate renewal fee specified in the Fourth Schedule; or

(b)refuse to renew the registration.

(3) An application to renew the registration must be made not later than 6 months before the date of expiry of the registration, unless otherwise allowed by the Commissioner in any particular case.

(4) An application to renew a registration must be accompanied by the particulars, information, statements and documents that the Commissioner requires for the application.

(5) A registration may be renewed under paragraph (2)(a) for 5 years or such other period as the Commissioner may determine in a particular case, unless the registration is earlier revoked, suspended or cancelled in accordance with these Regulations.

Power to require registration in certain circumstances

11.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), where the Commissioner is satisfied that any factory not falling within the description of a major hazard installation in the Second Schedule is operating in such a manner as to pose, or is likely to pose, a significant risk to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work within or around the premises, the Commissioner may issue a direction to the occupier of the factory —

(a)specifying a date by which the factory must be registered as a major hazard installation; and

(b)specifying the period mentioned in paragraph (4).

(2) The Commissioner may issue a direction under paragraph (1) only if the Commissioner has given the occupier of the factory concerned an opportunity to show cause as to why the factory should not be required to be registered as a major hazard installation.

(3) Regulations 8(2), 9 and 10 apply to an application to register any factory as a major hazard installation in compliance with the Commissioner’s direction under paragraph (1).

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), regulations 5 and 6 do not apply to a deemed major hazard installation for the period that the Commissioner may determine.

(5) The occupier of a deemed major hazard installation must, by the end of the period mentioned in paragraph (4), submit to the Commissioner the safety case for the deemed major hazard installation.

Change in relation to occupation, use or particulars of registered major hazard installation

12.—(1) The occupier of a registered major hazard installation must —

(a)where there is a change in any of the particulars of the registered major hazard installation entered in the register of major hazard installations, furnish particulars of the change to the Commissioner in the form and manner that the Commissioner requires, not later than 14 days after the change occurs; or

(b)where a change is to be made to the type of work carried out in the registered major hazard installation, inform the Commissioner of the proposed change and provide the Commissioner with the relevant documents pertaining to the change and such other information as the Commissioner may require, not less than one month before the change is to be made.

(2) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1)(a) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

(3) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1)(b) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000.

Duty to notify of stoppage, etc.

13.—(1) The occupier of a registered major hazard installation must notify the Commissioner, in the form and manner that the Commissioner requires, if —

(a)the occupier intends to permanently decrease the quantity of a dangerous substance present or likely to be present in the premises of the registered major hazard installation such that the premises no longer fall within the description of a major hazard installation in the Second Schedule, not less than 14 days before decreasing the quantity of the dangerous substance; or

(b)the occupier intends to cease occupation or use of the premises as a major hazard installation, not less than 14 days before ceasing to occupy or use the premises.

(2) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

Revocation, suspension or cancellation of registration

14.—(1) The Commissioner may direct the occupier of a registered major hazard installation to comply with the requirements that the Commissioner specifies in the direction, if the premises of the registered major hazard installation become unfit for occupation or use as a major hazard installation because of —

(a)a failure by the occupier of the registered major hazard installation to ensure that the works carried out in the registered major hazard installation are carried out safely;

(b)a structural change to the premises of the registered major hazard installation or any change in the layout of the premises; or

(c)a fact or circumstance not present when the major hazard installation was registered.

(2) The Commissioner may revoke the registration of a registered major hazard installation if —

(a)the occupier of the registered major hazard installation to whom a direction under paragraph (1) is given fails to comply with the direction;

(b)the Commissioner is satisfied that the occupier of the registered major hazard installation has contravened a condition of registration; or

(c)the Commissioner is satisfied that the occupier of the registered major hazard installation has ceased occupation or use of the premises as a major hazard installation.

(3) However, the Commissioner may, in lieu of revoking the registration of a registered major hazard installation under paragraph (2), suspend the registration for such period as the Commissioner thinks fit.

(4) The Commissioner may cancel the registration of a registered major hazard installation on the application of the occupier of the registered major hazard installation.

(5) The Commissioner must, before revoking or suspending the registration of the registered major hazard installation under paragraph (2) or (3), give to the occupier of the registered major hazard installation —

(a)notice of the Commissioner’s intention to revoke or suspend the registration; and

(b)a reasonable opportunity to submit reasons as to why the registration should not be revoked or suspended.

(6) Where the Commissioner has decided, under this regulation, to revoke or suspend the registration of the registered major hazard installation, the Commissioner must give notice of the decision to the occupier of that registered major hazard installation.

(7) The revocation or suspension of the registration of a registered major hazard installation under paragraph (2) or (3) does not take effect —

(a)until the expiration of 21 days after the date on which notice of the Commissioner’s decision to revoke or suspend the registration was given to the occupier of the registered major hazard installation under paragraph (6); or

(b)Where an appeal against the decision is made to the Minister under regulation 15, until the appeal has been determined or withdrawn.

(8) The Commissioner may, at any time, and for any reason that the Commissioner considers sufficient, shorten the period for which the registration of a registered major hazard installation is suspended.

Appeals to Minister

15.—(1) An applicant who is aggrieved by the Commissioner’s refusal —

(a)to register any premises as a major hazard installation; or

(b)to renew the registration of any premises as a major hazard installation,

may, within 21 days after the date the applicant is notified of the decision, appeal to the Minister in the form and manner that the Minister requires for the appeal.

(2) The occupier of a registered major hazard installation who is aggrieved by the Commissioner’s decision to revoke or suspend the registration of the registered major hazard installation under regulation 14(2) or (3) may, within 21 days after the date the occupier is notified of the revocation or suspension, appeal to the Minister in the form and manner that the Minister requires for the appeal.

(3) The occupier of any premises who is aggrieved by any direction of the Commissioner under regulation 11(1) or 14(1) may, within 7 days after the date the occupier is notified of the direction, appeal to the Minister in the form and manner that the Minister requires for the appeal.

(4)Where an appeal is made under paragraph (1)(b), the registration of the major hazard installation concerned may continue to remain in force until the appeal has been determined or withdrawn, as the case may be.

(5)Where an appeal is made under paragraph (3), the direction appealed against does not take effect until the appeal has been determined or withdrawn, as the case may be.

(6) The Minister may determine an appeal under this regulation —

(a)by confirming the refusal, decision or direction of the Commissioner; or

(b)by substituting that refusal, decision or direction with the Minister’s decision in the appeal.

(7) The decision of the Minister in an appeal under this regulation is final.

Waiver or refund of fees

16.The Commissioner may waive or refund the whole or any part of any fee paid or payable under these Regulations.

These are just some of the Major Hazard Installation legal requirement. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statues Online and update your organization compliance obligation procedure

WSH (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations 2009

Workplace Safety and Health (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations 2009

PART II

GENERAL PROVISIONS

General duty on employer or principal

4. It shall be the duty of —

(a) the employer of a person who uses a tool; or

(b) the principal under whose direction a person uses a tool,

to ensure that the requirements of regulations 5 to 9 are complied with in relation to the tool and any projectile or charge to be used in or with the tool.

Protective shield or device

5. Where a tool is a direct acting tool, it shall have a protective shield or device attached to its muzzle end in such a manner —

(a) as to effectively arrest the escape of any stray projectile and any other object or particle liberated by the discharge of the tool; and

(b) that the outer edge of the shield or device is not at any point closer to the centre of the muzzle end of the barrel than a distance of 50 millimetres, except where the tool is used in the circumstances described in regulation 23.

General requirements for tools

6. No tool shall be used unless —

(a) it is of good construction, sound material and adequate strength, is free from patent defects and is in accordance with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner;

(b) a projectile cannot be discharged from it if it is dropped onto a surface from a height of 3 metres or more;

(d) where it is a direct acting tool, it can only be discharged —

(i) if a force of 110 newtons or more is applied by its operator to the springs of the breech and firing mechanisms; and

(ii) if the axis of its barrel or barrel extension does not deviate by more than 7 degrees from a right angle formed by the barrel and the surface into which a projectile is to be fired from it.

Projectiles to meet requirements

7. No projectile shall be used in a tool unless —

(a) in the case of a smooth shanked projectile, the projectile can be bent through an angle of 40 degrees;

(b) in the case of a knurled shanked projectile, the projectile can be bent through an angle of 30 degrees; and

(c) the projectile, in a bend test for ductility, is able to bend about a pin with a diameter equal to the diameter of the shank of the projectile.

Projectiles and charges to be compatible with tools

8. No projectile or charge shall be used with a tool unless it is of a standard or quality that is compatible with the specifications of the manufacturer of the tool.

Colour to indicate strength of charge

9. No charge shall be used in a tool unless the charge is marked, either at the top or at the bottom, with a colour indicating the strength of the charge in accordance with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner.

Record of tools

10. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace to keep and maintain a record of —

(a) the type and serial number of every tool in use in the workplace; and

(b) the names and addresses of each of the respective owners and users of the tools.

Information to be engraved, embossed, printed or placed on tools

11. It shall be the duty of the owner of a tool to ensure that —

(a) the following notice is permanently embossed, printed or placed on the tool:

“DO NOT REMOVE THIS TOOL FROM THE WORK SURFACE FOR AT LEAST 10 SECONDS AFTER IT HAS FAILED TO FIRE.”; and

(b) the serial number and model identification of the tool are permanently and legibly engraved or embossed upon the tool.

PART III

OPERATION AND SAFE USE OF TOOL

General duty on employer or principal

12. It shall be the duty of —

(a) the employer of a person who uses a tool; or

(b) the principal under whose direction a person uses a tool,

to ensure that the requirements of regulations 17(1), 18, 20 and 27 are complied with in relation to the tool and any projectile or charge to be used in or with the tool.

Only operator to use tool

13. It shall be the duty of —

(a) the employer of a person who uses a tool; or

(b) the principal under whose direction a person uses a tool,

to ensure that the person is qualified to be an operator.

Inspection of tools

14.—(1) It shall be the duty of the owner of a tool to ensure that the tool is not used unless —

(a) it has been inspected, examined and maintained by an authorised person in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations;

(b) it is free from any patent defect; and

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

(2) It shall be the duty of the operator of a tool to inspect the tool in accordance with its manufacturer’s instructions before use.

Repair of tools

15.—(1) No person, other than an authorised person, shall repair a tool.

(2) It shall be the duty of the owner of a tool —

(a) to ensure that he does not employ, cause or permit any person, other than an authorised person, to repair the tool;

(b) knowing that the tool has been repaired by a person other than an authorised person, to ensure that he does not use and does not employ, cause or permit any other person to use the tool; and

(c) to ensure that he does not, at any time, repair or modify the tool in such a way that it does not conform with its manufacturer’s specifications.

(3) If an inspector has reason to believe any tool is unsafe, he may direct the owner, purchaser or operator of the tool not to use or not to employ, cause or permit any person to use the tool until —

(a) the tool has been repaired; and

(b) a certificate certifying that the tool is safe for use has been issued by a recognised testing body or an authorised person.

Personal protective equipment

16. It shall be the duty of —

(a) the employer of a person who uses a tool in a workplace; or

(b) the principal under whose direction a person uses a tool in a workplace,

to ensure that —

(i) the person;

(ii) any other person who assists in the use of the tool; and

(iii) any other person in the workplace who is subject to the risk of injury from the tool,

are provided with suitable eye protection, suitable head protection and such other personal protective equipment or devices as are capable of protecting a person from injury.

Defective tools, projectiles and charges not to be used

17.—(1) No tool, projectile or charge shall be used unless it complies with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner.

(2) It shall be the duty of any person who knows that a tool, projectile or charge is defective to ensure that he does not use, and that he does not cause or permit any other person to use, that tool, projectile or charge.

Projectiles, charges, etc., to be suited to tool

18.—(1) No projectile, charge, breech plug, barrel extension or adaptor shall be used with a tool unless it is of a type suitable for use with the tool.

(2) No tool shall be used for any purpose other than that for which it was made, adapted or intended.

Compliance with manufacturer’s instructions

19. It shall be the duty of both the owner of a tool and the operator of the tool to comply with any instruction, advice or recommendation which appears on the tool or its container, or in any document supplied by the manufacturer of the tool, unless such instruction, advice or recommendation is contrary to these Regulations.

Barrel extensions

20. No barrel extension shall be used on a direct acting tool unless there is attached to the extension a protective shield or device referred to in regulation 5.

Limitation on use of charges

21.—(1) It shall be the duty of any person who loads a charge in a tool to ensure that the charge is not any charge that he knows, or ought reasonably to know from testing, to be —

(a) in excess of that necessary for the purpose for which the tool is to be used; or

(b) of such strength as will cause the whole of the projectile to pass through the substance on which the tool is to be used.

(2) Paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply where the substance is backed by a material that is capable of absorbing the energy of the projectile fully.

Use of tools in dangerous environment

22. It shall be the duty of any person who uses a tool to ensure that the tool is not used —

(a) in the presence of any explosive or flammable gas, dust or vapour;

(b) in any compressed air environment; or

Use of tools on roof

23. It shall be the duty of any person who uses a tool to ensure that the tool is not used on any roof unless the area beneath the person —

(a) has been cleared; and

(b) is kept clear for a distance of 6 metres in every direction from the spot beneath the place where the person is working.

Handling of tools

24. It shall be the duty of any person who uses, carries or handles a loaded tool to —

(a) keep every part of his body clear of the muzzle end of the tool;

(b) keep the muzzle end of the tool pointed away from any other person; and

Discharging of tools

25.—(1) It shall be the duty of any person who uses a tool to ensure that the tool is not discharged unless —

(a) he is in a safe, well-balanced position that will prevent tilting or misalignment of the tool at the time of firing; and

(b) the tool is placed on the substance into which a projectile is to be driven in such a manner that the protective shield or device referred to in regulation 5 will effectively arrest the escape of stray projectiles and any other object or particle discharged by the firing of the tool.

(2) It shall be the duty of any person who uses a direct acting tool that is fitted with an interchangeable or adjustable protective shield or device referred to in regulation 5 to ensure that the distance between any part of the outer edge of that shield or device and the centre of the muzzle end of the barrel is less than 50 millimetres, unless the escape of a projectile into any area outside the shield but within a radius of less than 50 millimetres from the centre of the barrel will effectively be arrested by other surrounding material.

Free flying projectile prohibited

26. It shall be the duty of any person who uses a tool to ensure that the tool is not fired in such a manner as to cause a projectile to fly free.

Firing into certain materials forbidden

27. No tool shall be used for driving a projectile —

(a) into high tensile steel, steel hardened by heat treatment, cast iron or any other substance of a hardness that a projectile is not designed to penetrate;

(b) into tiles, terracotta, glazed brick, glass, marble, granite, thin slate or any other substance that is readily shattered;

(c) into concrete or reinforced concrete, where any initial trial has shown that the aggregate is of such hardness, or the reinforcing is so positioned, that the use of the tool is unsafe;

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

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

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

Tools to be kept clean

28. It shall be the duty of any person who uses a tool to ensure that after each firing of the tool, he carefully examines it and removes from it any piece of projectile or explosive charge and any other foreign matter that may be present.

Procedure in case of misfire

29. It shall be the duty of any person who fires a tool to ensure that where the charge fails to explode —

(a) he continues to hold the tool in the firing position for at least 10 seconds; and

(b) if the charge does not explode within that time, he unloads the tool or places it in such a position as to eliminate the possibility of a person being injured in the event of the charge exploding subsequently.

PART IV
CARE AND STORAGE OF TOOLS AND EXPLOSIVE CHARGES
Storage of tools

30.—(1) It shall be the duty of the owner of a tool to ensure that the tool is kept in a securely locked container at all times, unless the tool is required for use, inspection or repair.

(2) No person shall take a tool out of its container unless —

(a) the tool is required for use, inspection or repair by him; or

(b) the tool is required for use, inspection or repair by another person, and he is taking the tool out of its container for delivery by him to that person.

(3) It shall be the duty of any person who uses, inspects or repairs a tool to ensure that —

(a) the tool is kept in its container after he has used, inspected or repaired it;

(b) while the tool is being used, inspected or repaired, the tool is not left unattended, unless effective precautions are taken to ensure that it will not be removed, handled or used by any other person; and

(c) any charge intended for use in the tool is not left unattended, unless effective precautions are taken to ensure that the charge will not be removed, handled or used by any other person.

Loading and carrying of tools

31. It shall be the duty of —

(a) the employer of a person who uses a tool; or

(b) the principal under whose direction a person uses a tool,

to ensure that —

(i) the tool is not loaded other than at the place where it is to be used; and

(ii) the tool is not carried from place to place while it is loaded, unless the tool cannot be unloaded by reason of any mechanical failure or misfire.

Storage of charges

32.—(1) It shall be the duty of the owner of any charge intended for use in a tool to ensure that —

(a) the charge is kept in a securely locked container provided for that purpose; and

(b) the container referred to in sub-paragraph (a) is clearly marked with —

(i) the words “EXPLOSIVE CHARGES”; or

(ii) any other markings in accordance with a standard or specification acceptable to the Commissioner.

(2) It shall be the duty of any person who has custody of any charge intended for use in a tool to ensure that —

(a) every container in which any charge in his custody is kept is securely locked, except when any charge is being kept in or removed from the container;

(b) he does not permit any person, other than a person using or assisting in the use of a tool, to open any container in which any charge in his custody is kept; and

(c) he does not use, or permit any other person to use, any container in which any charge in his custody is kept for any purpose other than the storage of charges.

These are just some of the legal requirement for handling or working with explosive powered tools. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statues Online and update your organization compliance obligation procedure

WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations

Workplace Safety and Health (Incident Reporting) Regulations

PART II

NOTIFICATION AND REPORTING OF DEATHS AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES

Duty to notify and report accident leading to death

4.—(1)Where any accident at a workplace occurs which leads to the death of any employee, the employer of that employee shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the Commissioner of the accident.

(2)Where any accident at a workplace occurs which leads to the death of any person who is not at work or of any self-employed person, the occupier of the workplace shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the Commissioner of the accident.

(3)The employer or occupier, as the case may be, shall thereafter, but not later than 10 days after the accident, submit a report to the Commissioner.

Duty to notify and report dangerous occurrence

5.—(1)Where any dangerous occurrence occurs at a workplace, the occupier of the workplace shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the Commissioner of the occurrence.

(2)The occupier shall thereafter, but not later than 10 days after the occurrence, submit a report to the Commissioner.

PART III

REPORTING OF INJURIES AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES

Duty to report accident leading to injury

6.—(1) Subject to paragraph (1A), where —

(a)an employee meets with an accident at a workplace on or after 1 September 2020; and

(b)the employee is certified by a registered medical practitioner or registered dentist to be unfit for work, or to require hospitalisation or to be placed on light duties, on account of the accident,

the employer of that employee must submit a report to the Commissioner of the accident within 10 days after the date the employer first has notice of the accident.

[S 735/2020 wef 01/09/2020]

(1A) Paragraph (1) does not apply if, before the expiry of the period specified in paragraph (1) —

(a)the employer has notified the Commissioner of the accident under regulation 4(1); and

(b)a report of the accident (containing information that the accident has led to the death of the employee) has been submitted to the Commissioner under regulation 4(3).

[S 735/2020 wef 01/09/2020]

(2) Where an employee meets with an accident at a workplace which is reported under paragraph (1), and subsequently dies as a result of the injury, the employer of that employee shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the Commissioner of the death.

(3) Where any person who is not at work or any self-employed person meets with an accident at a workplace which requires him to be taken to a hospital for treatment in respect of that injury, the occupier of the workplace shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the Commissioner of the accident.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation, an employer has notice of an accident when either of the following events occurs:

(a)the employee informs any of the following persons of the date and place of the accident and the cause of the injury:

(i)the employer;

(ii)the foreman or any other person under whose supervision the employee was employed at the time of the accident;

(iii)any person designated by the employer pursuant to section 35(2)(a)(iii) of the Work Injury Compensation Act 2019 (Act 27 of 2019);

(b)the employer has knowledge of the accident by any other means.

[S 735/2020 wef 01/09/2020]

Duty to report occupational disease

7.—(1) Where an employee contracts an occupational disease specified in the Second Schedule to the Act at a workplace, the employer of that employee must submit a report to the Commissioner within 10 days after the date the employer first has notice that the employee is suffering from the occupational disease.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), the employer has notice that the employee is suffering from an occupational disease when the employer has knowledge that a registered medical practitioner or registered dentist has certified that, in the opinion of the registered medical practitioner or registered dentist, the employee is suffering from the occupational disease.

(3) A registered medical practitioner or registered dentist (P) who certifies that an employee, in P’s opinion, has contracted an occupational disease specified in the Second Schedule to the Act must, within 10 days after the date P so certifies the employee, submit a report to the Commissioner.

[S 735/2020 wef 01/09/2020]

These are just some of the legal requirement for reporting workplace incidents. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statues Online and update your organization compliance obligation procedure

WSH (First-Aid) Regulations

Workplace Safety and Health (First-Aid) Regulations

Provision of first-aid boxes

4.—(1) Every workplace shall be provided with a sufficient number of first-aid boxes.

[S 514/2011 wef 10/09/2011]

(2) Where a workplace is located in a building, each floor of the building shall be provided with a sufficient number of first-aid boxes.

[S 514/2011 wef 10/09/2011]

(3) Every first-aid box provided in a workplace shall —

(a)be adequately equipped;

(b)be properly maintained;

(c)be checked frequently to ensure that it is adequately equipped and that all the items in it are usable;

(d)be clearly identified as a first-aid box;

(e)be placed in a location that is well-lit and accessible; and

(f)be under the charge of a person appointed by the occupier of the workplace.

[S 514/2011 wef 10/09/2011]

(4) Nothing except appliances or requisites for first-aid shall be kept in a first-aid box.

First-aiders

5.—(1)Where more than 25 persons are employed in a workplace, there shall be appointed in the workplace as first-aiders who shall be readily available during working hours such number of persons as complies with the ratio of one first-aider for every 100 persons employed in the workplace or part thereof.

[S 514/2011 wef 10/09/2011]

(2) Every person appointed as a first-aider under paragraph (1) shall —

(a)have successfully completed a training course acceptable to the Commissioner; and

[S 514/2011 wef 10/09/2011]

(b)undergo such subsequent re-training in first-aid treatment as the Commissioner may require.

(3) Where there is a shift work schedule in a workplace, the ratio of the number of first-aiders available on each shift to the number of persons employed at work on that shift shall comply with the ratio specified in paragraph (1).

[S 514/2011 wef 10/09/2011]

(4)Every first-aider shall maintain a record of all treatment rendered by him.

(5)A notice shall be affixed in every workplace stating the names of the first-aiders appointed under paragraph (1).

First-aid room

6.Unless otherwise permitted by the Commissioner in writing, where there are more than 500 persons at work in a workplace, there shall be provided and maintained a first-aid room of such standard as may be approved by the Commissioner.

First-aid for exposure to toxic or corrosive substances

7.—(1)Where any person in a workplace may be exposed to toxic or corrosive substances, the occupier of the workplace shall make provision for the emergency treatment of the person if so required by the Commissioner.

(2)Where the eyes or body of any person in a workplace may come into contact with toxic or corrosive substances, the occupier of the workplace shall ensure that suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body are provided and properly maintained within the work area for emergency use.

Offences

8.Any —

(a)occupier of a workplace who fails to ensure that regulation 4, 5(1), (2), (3) or (5), 6 or 7 is complied with in relation to the workplace; or

(b)first-aider who contravenes regulation 5(4),

shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

[G.N. No. S 137/2006]

These are just some of the workplace first aid legal requirement. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statues Online and update your organization compliance obligation procedure

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