Joint Circular on Nail Salon Safety

 Protecting Employees’ and Customers’ Health from Chemicals in Nail Salons

This circular provides guidance to nail salons on measures that can protect employees’ and customers’ health by minimising exposure to harmful chemicals.

Nail care products such as nail polishes, fingernail glues, and nail polish removers contain chemicals, some of which can be harmful to the health of nail salon employees and customers1. These products are regulated as cosmetic products under the Health Products

Act and must meet safety requirements specified in Act, as well as the Health Products (Cosmetic Products – ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations. To assist nail salons with

compliance, the safety requirements are set out in this Circular.

Use products that comply with safety requirements

a. Check that nail care products have been notified with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), by checking HSA’s infosearch. Ensure that nail care products used do not contain prohibited chemicals and that restricted chemicals are used within the specified conditions

of use by referring to the Third Schedule of the cosmetic products regulation. For example:

▪ Formaldehyde is not allowed to be added as an ingredient into all cosmetic products, including nail care products.

▪ Toluene is only permitted in nail care products up to a maximum

concentration of 25%.

o A cosmetic product containing prohibited chemicals or using restricted chemicals not within the specified conditions of use would be considered an unwholesome health product. A person who manufactures, imports, or supplies an unwholesome

A person who manufactures, imports, or supplies an unwholesome health product is liable to a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years.

If the product cannot be found on HSA’s infosearch, inform your nail care product supplier to submit a notification via HSA’s website. A person who supplies an un-notified cosmetic product is liable to a fine of up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months.

b. Ensure that nail care products used comply with labelling requirements, including listing all ingredients on the product labels.

o Inform your nail care product supplier to add a warning label of “Contains formaldehyde”, if their products contain permitted preservatives that can release formaldehyde2 exceeding 0.05%.

o A person who supplies a cosmetic product that does not comply with this labelling requirement is liable to a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years.

Choose safer products

c. Minimise chemical exposures by using products that are water-based or have a low content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs, such as formaldehyde, toluene, xylene).

Follow safe work practices

d. Communicate to employees the hazards of handling nail care products, and encourage them to adopt safe work practices such as:

o Good housekeeping, e.g. keep dispenser bottles closed when not in use, clean up spills immediately.

o When applying nail care products, use only the amount needed to minimise chemical emissions into the air.

o Dispose of waste containing nail care products in sealed bags or keep wastebins covered. Empty wastebins frequently.

o Where needed, use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles to protect employees’ skin and eyes. Nail salon operators should refer to the information in product labels or information sheets and provide the appropriate PPEs where necessary.

Ensure good ventilation and indoor air quality

e. Ventilate the space within the nail salon. If the salon has an air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation system that provides

outdoor air, check that the system is in good working condition.

o In air-conditioned spaces with no outdoor air supply, consider opening doors and windows to facilitate air exchange when feasible. Additionally, consider using local exhaust systems such as portable ventilation machines or ventilated tables to minimise exposure to VOCs emitted.

f. To maintain good indoor air quality for the wellbeing of customers and employees, operators may also refer to the advisory limits of specific VOCs in the Singapore Standard SS554: Code Of Practice For Indoor Air Quality For Air-Conditioned Buildings.

Useful resources

1. Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures – a Guide for Nail Salon Workers, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2012, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3542nail-salon-workers-guide.pdf

2. Controlling Chemical Hazards During the Application of Artificial Fingernails, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1999, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-112/default.html

3. Information Sheet: Taking care of your chemical health and safety in nail bars and salons, Health and Safety Authority, Ireland.

https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Chemical_and_ Hazardous_Substances/Nail_Bars_Info_Sheet.pdf

Note 1 Exposure to chemicals in nail care products may occur via three routes: (1) inhaling volatile organic compounds

(VOCs such as formaldehyde, toluene, xylene) emitted from the products; (2) getting the products on skin or in eyes; or (3) ingesting the products that have come in contact with food or drinks. For example, exposure to formaldehyde can be through inhalation and this may lead to respiratory irritations, allergic reactions, and even

long-term serious health effects such as cancer

Phasing Out Fire Protection Foams

 PHASING OUT OF FIRE-FIGHTING FOAMS CONTAINING PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) CHEMICALS LISTED UNDER THE STOCKHOLM CONVENTION

Singapore is a Party to the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate and/or restrict production and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Three Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals are listed in the Stockholm Convention, with time-limited exemptions for usage in fire-fighting foams for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and related compounds and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and related compounds. The exemptions under the Stockholm Convention will expire in Dec 2025. There is no exemption under the Stockholm

Convention for usage of Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and related compounds in fire-fighting foams.

2 Therefore, with effect from 1 Jan 2026, Singapore will phase out the import and use of firefighting foams containing PFOA and PFOS, including their salts and related compounds.

Companies are allowed to continue using their fire-fighting foams after 1 Jan 2026 if the concentrations of the trace contaminants within the foams are below the respective threshold limits as shown.

(a) PFOA, its salts and related compounds: 25 ppb

(b) PFOS, its salts and related compounds: 10,000 ppb

(c) PFHxS, its salts and related compounds: 100 ppb

3 Companies storing or using fire-fighting foams containing PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, their salts and related compounds at or above their respective threshold concentrations are required to engage NEA licensed Toxic Industrial Waste Collectors (TIWCs) that are capable of collecting and disposing of such fire-fighting foams.

Harmonized System (“HS”) and Product Codes

4 The list of HS and Product Codes of the affected materials are listed in ANNEX A. 

With effect from 1 Jan 2026, traders are required to use the appropriate HS and Product Codes when declaring their import and export in TradeNet® permit applications. All such TradeNet® permit applications will be subject to Chemical Control and Management Department (CCMD)’s processing and approval.

5 For further enquiries, you may email them to Ms Nikki Lee at <Nikki_Lee@nea.gov.sg>.

Annex A

WSH Guidelines Construction Procurement

 Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines on Procurement in the Construction Industry

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 on Procurement in the Construction industry to improve your organization WSH practices. For the latest WSH Guidelines update, refer to Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Council Website.

Developers can demonstrate strong WSH ownership by incorporating WSH principles into their procurement process. Eliminating tenderers who may struggle to cope with WSH risks improves WSH performance across the construction industry.

 

1.1 Role of Procurement in Strengthening WSH Outcomes

Developers, as the apex pay masters in the construction industry value chain, exert strong influence over strengthening WSH practices and culture across main and sub-contractors

through their procurement contracts.

Principle 2 of the Code of Practice on Chief Executives’ and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties (ACOP) states that company directors can demonstrate leadership in improving WSH performance and management by continuously building a strong WSH culture, setting the tone, and demonstrating visible leadership in embodying and communicating highly effective WSH standards.

One of the ways CEOs and Board directors can adopt this principle is by setting and demanding effective WSH standards and performance from their vendors and partners. 

These guidelines give details and examples on how construction companies, particularly developers, should design their procurement practices in support of Principle 2 of the ACOP

To learn more click WSH Guidelines For Construction Procurement

New Lorry Crane Stability System

 New Lorry Crane Stability Control System Requirement Effective 2025

SINGAPORE: Newly registered lorry cranes shall be installed with a stability control system effective from 2025 onward, to eliminate the risk of the heavy vehicles toppling over.

According to the Ministry of Manpower, over the past decade, 63 per cent of all dangerous occurrences involving lorry cranes could have been prevented with a stability control system,

There were a total of 14 dangerous occurrences involving lorry cranes between 2020 and 2024, resulting in two deaths.

Lorry cranes are used to load and unload material and equipment, and are frequently used near public areas, said MOM.

"If the crane topples, it can have a severe impact on workers and it can potentially even impact and affect members of the public," 

Lorry cranes have stabilisers in the form of outriggers that extend from the vehicle chassis

But in some environments where space is constrained, the stabilisers cannot extend fully. This can compromise the safety of lifting operations, said MOM.

A stability control system detects the deployment and extension of each stabiliser, and also takes into account the load being carried by the lorry crane.

The system then calculates and restricts crane manoeuvres within a safe lifting zone.

To learn more click Lorry Crane Stability Control System

WSH Circular Airconditioning Condenser Installation

MOM & BCA Joint Circular on Safety Considerations in Installation and Maintenance of Airconditioning Condensing Units and their Structural-Supporting System

1. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) are jointly issuing this circular to remind all stakeholders responsible for the installation and maintenance of air-conditioning condensing units ("air-con units") and their structural supporting systems.

2. Working on externally mounted air-con units are high-risk work at height (“WAH”) activities. In August 2023, an air-con technician tragically fell to his death while maintaining an air-con unit mounted on the exterior of a building. In February 2024, another air-con technician also lost his balance when the structural supporting system of the air-con unit he was working on gave way, narrowly escaping a fatal fall. 

3. However, incidents of Fall from Height (“FFH”) can be easily prevented with the establishment and implementation of safety measures. This circular emphasises the duty of stakeholders to take all reasonably practicable measures to ensure the safety of workers at work and the safety of members of the public who may be affected by the work.

Pre-requisites

4. Only Trained Air-con Unit Installers (“TAIs”) who have successfully completed the training course on the installation of a structural supporting system to support an air-con unit required by BCA can install air-con unit on the exterior of any building. TAIs must comply with requirements in Part IVA of the Building Control Regulations 2003 (“BC Regs”) and ensure that the installed structural support systems (existing or replacement) comply with specifications listed under Part I, II, III or IV of the Seventh Schedule of the BC Regs. For Housing and Development Board (“HDB”) properties, the specifications and general conditions found in HDB’s InfoWEB must also be complied with.

Site Preparation and Risk Assessment

5. Before air-con servicing workers or TAIs commence any work, perform a site specific risk assessment to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and determine appropriate risk control measures. Implement these measures and ensure that all workers are briefed and familiar with them. Measures must be adopted to ensure that the structural supporting systems would not be overloaded during work.

6. Air-con servicing workers must look out for obvious signs of deterioration (such as loosened bolts and nuts, badly corroded brackets and misalignment or dislodgement) on the structural supporting systems. If any of such signs is observed, TAIs must be engaged to inspect and rectify or replace the structural supporting systems before air-con servicing work can be carried out. Please refer to Appendix 2 for examples of deterioration.

7. Establish cordons around all work zones and affected areas at ground level to restrict access to individuals not involved in the works. This includes areas where objects have the potential to fall and cause injury. For examples of area cordoning, please refer to Appendix 3.

Fall Prevention Management

8. Whenever possible, do not carry out WAH activities on top of the air-con units and/or its structural supporting systems.

9. When WAH is unavoidable, it is essential to consider fall arrest measures for workers. Ensure that secure anchor devices are installed. For examples of fall arrest measures, please refer to the information provided in Appendix 4.

10. In addition to having the necessary physical controls, it is crucial to ensure that workers carrying out WAH activities receive adequate training and supervision:

a) Deploy only trained workers who have received trade-specific training and have successfully completed the relevant WAH courses acceptable to MOM. You may refer to Appendix 5 for information on accredited WSH courses and training providers.

b) Appoint a competent person to provide thorough supervision for the workers, ensuring they are not exposed to hazards and that all necessary precautions are taken in situations where there is a risk of falling; and

c) Ensure adequate supervision especially when workers are new, inexperienced, and unfamiliar with the working environment

Post-installation

11. TAIs must submit a report of the installation works no later than 14 days after completion to the Commissioner of Building Control:

a) For private properties, submit Form AC-01 to BCA; or

b) For HDB properties, submit Form AC-02 to HDB via e-feedback form at

www.hdb.gov.sg/efeedback .

The forementioned forms with submission instructions can be retrieved from BCA’s webpage on air-con units safety indicated in Appendix 5.

12. Please refer to informative references in Appendix 5. Should you need further information, please contact:

a) MOM at 6438 5122 for information on workplace safety and health; or

b) BCA at 1800 3425 222 for issues relating to structural supporting systems of air-con units.

Construction Site Fatal Accident

 Worker dies after steel bars fell on him at RTS Link station worksite

SINGAPORE: Construction site workplace fatal accident involving a construction worker died and another was injured after an incident at the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station worksite on Thursday (Jun 27).

Both workers were struck by steel bars when performing steel reinforcement works for a pilecap at the RTS Link Woodlands North station worksite, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) told CNA on Friday.

The pilecap is part of the foundation system supporting the station. 

At around 9.30am, the steel bars "swayed and fell onto two workers", said LTA.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force and the police said in response to CNA's queries that they received a call for assistance at about 9.50am.

The 48-year-old Bangladeshi worker was brought to Woodlands Health Campus Hospital unconscious, where he subsequently died.

His 49-year-old co-worker, who was conveyed conscious to the same hospital, sustained minor injuries and has been discharged

A safety time-out has been called to review and further enhance the safety process, said LTA.

The authority added that it is assisting the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the police with their investigations.

LTA is also working with the main contractor and sub-contractor involved to assist the family of the deceased.

Penta-Ocean Construction Company is the occupier and main contractor of the worksite and it engaged Interno Engineering as a sub-contractor to perform the work, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in response to CNA's query on Friday.

The employer of the deceased is Maranatha Contractors and the developer for the project is LTA.

"As a general safety measure, a suitable propping system should be designed and installed to support steel reinforcements for tall structures," said MOM.

"The required sequence of propping should be briefed and followed by all workers involved," it added.

MOM has instructed Penta-Ocean Construction to stop all steel reinforcement works in the worksite while investigations are ongoing.

Penta-Ocean was awarded a contract worth S$932.8 million (US$687.7 million) in 2020 for the construction of the RTS Link Woodlands North station, tunnels and the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) building in Singapore.

WSH Excellence Through Maximum Fines

Entrenching WSH Excellence with Increase in Maximum Fines and Mandatory Video Surveillance

To maintain the workplace fatal and major injury rates in 2023 (excluding 2020 when COVID-19 disrupted work) and entrench a culture of workplace safety and health (WSH) excellence, the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce earlier announced two significant measures that will be implemented from 1 June 2024 onwards which include :

• Increase in maximum fines for safety breaches under the WSH Act’s Subsidiary Legislation, and 
• Mandatory installation of Video Surveillance System (VSS) at construction sites with a contract sum of $5 million and above. 

Increase in maximum fines for safety breaches

2 The Ministry of Manpower will be increasing the maximum fines from $20,000 to $50,000 as a stronger deterrence against breaches of the WSH Act Subsidiary Legislation that could result in death, serious bodily injury or dangerous occurrence (i.e. serious harm). The maximum fines are reviewed based on principles such as severity of the offence i.e. whether it was a major cause or contributing factor of serious harm. The increase in maximum fines is a proactive step towards strengthening ownership and accountability of WSH, particularly among senior company leadership who are responsible for shaping the safety culture at the workplace. More details on the increase in maximum fines can be found in Annex A. 

Mandatory installation of Video Surveillance System (VSS)

3The Construction sector remained a top contributor of fatal and major injuries across sectors in 2023, although there were improvements over the previous year. To push for further improvements in the sector, all construction sites with a contract sum of $5 million and above will be required to install the VSS at worksite locations where high-risk work activities are conducted. By enabling remote monitoring and video capture, the VSS acts as a deterrent for unsafe workplace behaviours, provides valuable training resources for companies, and offers insights for investigations of safety incidents and near-misses. This will foster a proactive approach to WSH management, and promote a culture of incident prevention in workplaces. 

4WSH is a collective responsibility, and all stakeholders must continue playing an active role in building a culture of WSH excellence in Singapore for workers and workplaces to thrive.

Annex A

MOM reviewed the provisions across 21 WSH Act Subsidiary Legislation, based on the following principles to determine the proposed maximum penalties for the first conviction:

Workplace Safety and Health Advisory

 WSH Advisory for Fatal Accidents in Second Half of 2023

The Ministry of Manpower has released the WSH statistics for 2023. Singapore’s workplace fatality rate for 2023 has reduced to a record low of 0.99 per 100,000 workers, and we need all stakeholders to remain committed and unwavering in our efforts to sustain our low fatality rate.  

In the spirit of prevention, the WSH Council has prepared a WSH Advisory based on the fatalities occurred in the second half of 2023. In this Advisory, we have grouped the fatalities based on incident types (e.g. fall from height). The recommendations within the Advisory are also tailored to address the incident types. 

We want employers, supervisors and workers to learn from these past incidents and adopt the recommendations to prevent the next incident from occurring.

To learn more of the following workplace categories and its associated recommendation and corrective click on the respective accident category

Electrocution 

Fall from height

Environmental Factors

Forklift Related

Lifting related

Struck by Object

Vehicular Related

Heat Stress Management

Managing heat stress as Singapore gets warmer

2023 was Singapore’s fourth-hottest year1, with a sweltering high of 37°C in May 2023. In the Third National Climate Change Study2, Singapore’s climate is projected to become warmer, with very hot days becoming more frequent by the end of this century.

The rise in temperatures put workers, especially those working outdoors, at an increased risk of heat stress. For work to continue in a safe manner, employers will need to do more to protect outdoor workers.

In the upcoming months, the Ministry of Manpower will be conducting workplace inspections in the construction, shipyards and process industries, to check the effectiveness of heat stress measures for outdoor work.

Figure 1: Workers at a construction site working under direct sun.

Implementing an Effective Heat Stress Management Programme

To protect workers and increase resilience to rising temperatures, employers are required to implement enhanced heat stress measures for outdoor work3. Workplaces are to ensure effective implementation of the following protective measures: 

Figure 2: Example of a portable WBGT monitor.

Other Heat Stress Protective Measures

• Adequate ventilation: Cool rest and work areas with fans or air coolers.

• Light-coloured clothes: Provide breathable, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing for outdoor workers to wear.

• Work rescheduling: Carry out physical work during cooler parts of the day.

• Mechanical assistance: Reduce physical exertion with mechanical aids, like manual handling equipment and powered tools.

Early recognition of signs and symptoms: Implement a buddy system to aid early recognition of heat-related signs, symptoms and illnesses (e.g. fainting spells, disoriented behaviours) for prompt interventions.

Heat-related illnesses may affect workplace safety or lead to a workplace accident. The WSH Council urges employers to partner workers and manage heat stress effectively, for a safe and healthy workplace.

1 The Straits Times (29 Jan 2024): 2023 was Singapore’s 4th hottest year, based on records kept from 1929 onwards.

2 Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s Joint Media Release on Singapore’s Third National Climate Change Study (5 Jan 2024).

3 Ministry of Manpower’s Press Release on Enhanced Measures to Reduce Heat Stress for Outdoor Workers (Oct 2023).

4 Workers who are vulnerable to heat stress includes those who are newly assigned to outdoor work; unacclimatised to working in hot environments (e.g. new or returning from countries with a cold climate); returning from long leave of more than a week; recovering from prolonged illness; and have personal factors (e.g. chronic diseases, medication use, history of heat injury or pregnant).

5 Refer to Page 17 of WSH Guidelines on Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace for an example of how to gradually increase a worker’s daily heat exposure.

For more information: 

Ministry of Manpower

Enhanced Heat Stress Measures for Outdoor Work

FAQs on Heat Stress Measures for Outdoor Work

National Environment Agency

Heat Stress Advisory

Workplace Safety and Health Institute

OWLinks Issue 79 – Heat Stress in the Workplace

Workplace Safety and Health Council

WSH Guidelines on Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace

Heat Stress Management Compliance Checklist

Specifications for WBGT Meters for Workplace Measurement

Monitor and Manage Heat Stress Poster

MOM & SCDF Joint Circular

Joint Circular issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

SAFE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES

Background

1 On 7 March 2023, an explosion followed by a fire occurred in a room that served a motor workshop, causing parts of the building’s walls to collapse. Investigations revealed that the fire was likely due to the ignition of accumulated flammable vapours from a waste oil collection tank within the room.

2 Days later, another fire incident occurred on 13 March 2023. The fire engulfed an industrial building and caused minor injuries to two workers. Investigations indicated that uncontrolled electrostatic discharge had ignited flammable vapours generated during a dispensing process. Both incidents were dangerous occurrences that could have caused fatalities.

Storage of Flammable Liquids

3 To prevent similar fires, occupiers shall ensure that flammable liquids are kept away from all sources of heat or ignition such as hot surfaces, open flames and even equipment that are not suitably enclosed to prevent internal sparks from igniting any flammables in the surrounding (see Annex A for examples); and stored in containers made of non-combustible materials of sound integrity, labelled, and covered to prevent accidental spills and accumulation of flammable vapours in the workplace (see Annex B for examples).

4 Effective controls shall also be implemented to mitigate electrostatic discharge. This includes the installation of grounding and bonding systems as well as the conduct of annual continuity tests, both by competent persons1

 1 Such as licensed electrical workers (LEWs).

Management of Flammable Wastes

5 Flammable liquid wastes, such as petrol collected from vehicle repair/servicing activities, can cause fires and explosions. Motor workshop operators, for example, shall identify and ensure that liquid wastes containing such flammable liquids are stored separately from non-flammable liquid wastes, before collection by licenced toxic industrial waste collectors (TIWCs). Mixtures of flammable liquid waste and liquids shall be treated as flammable liquids unless they have been laboratory-tested as non-flammable and may therefore be subjected to licensing requirements by the SCDF

6 TIWCs licensed by National Environment Agency shall be engaged to dispose flammable liquid waste or mixtures. A list of TIWCs can be found here or via the QR code.

Other Control Measures to Prevent Fires and Explosions

7 There are other control measures for flammable substances that are required to prevent fires and explosions in the workplace. Occupiers can refer to the resources listed below, for information and practical guidance. Occupiers can also refer to SCDF’s website on Information of Petroleum and Flammable Material (P&FM) Storage Licence

Resources

o WSH Guidelines on Flammable Materials, published by the WSH Council

o Environment Public Health (Toxic Industrial Waste) Regulations

o Fire Safety Act and Fire Safety (Petroleum and Flammable Materials) Regulations

o WSH (Risk Management) Regulations

o SS 532: Code of Practice for the Storage of Flammable Liquids

o SS 586-1: Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous

Goods – Part 1: Transport and Storage of Dangerous Goods

o SS 586-2: Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous

Goods – Part 2: Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

o SS 603: Code of Practice for Hazardous Waste Management

Annex A – Store Flammables away from Heat and Ignition Sources

The lack of an effective bonding and grounding system can lead to unintended discharge of accumulated electrostatic charges during the transfer of flammable liquids.

Unsealed containers holding flammable liquids are capable of emitting flammable vapours into the work environment

When flammable vapours meet heat or ignition sources, fires and explosions can occur. Some heat or ignition sources include:

• Open flames, such as welding, candles;

• Sparks and excessive heat from machinery moving parts;

• Overloaded power sockets, exposed electrical wires and circuitry.

Annex B – Suitable Storage for Flammable Liquids

Cabinets for flammable substances

Sealed metal drums

Metal jerry cans

Safe Storage and Handling of Flammable

Joint Circular issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

SAFE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES

Background

1 On 7 March 2023, an explosion followed by a fire occurred in a room that served a motor workshop, causing parts of the building’s walls to collapse. Investigations revealed that the fire was likely due to the ignition of accumulated flammable vapours from a waste oil collection tank within the room.

2 Days later, another fire incident occurred on 13 March 2023. The fire engulfed an industrial building and caused minor injuries to two workers. Investigations indicated that uncontrolled electrostatic discharge had ignited flammable vapours generated during a dispensing process. Both incidents were dangerous occurrences that could have caused fatalities.

Storage of Flammable Liquids

3 To prevent similar fires, occupiers shall ensure that flammable liquids are kept away from all sources of heat or ignition such as hot surfaces, open flames and even equipment that are not suitably enclosed to prevent internal sparks from igniting any flammables in the surrounding (see Annex A for examples); and stored in containers made of non-combustible materials of sound integrity, labelled, and covered to prevent accidental spills and accumulation of flammable vapours in the workplace (see Annex B for examples).

4 Effective controls shall also be implemented to mitigate electrostatic discharge. This includes the installation of grounding and bonding systems as well as the conduct of annual continuity tests, both by competent persons.

Management of Flammable Wastes

5 Flammable liquid wastes, such as petrol collected from vehicle repair/servicing activities, can cause fires and explosions. Motor workshop operators, for example, shall identify and ensure that liquid wastes containing such flammable liquids are stored separately from non-flammable liquid wastes, before collection by licenced toxic industrial waste collectors (TIWCs). Mixtures of flammable liquid waste and liquids shall be treated as flammable liquids unless they have been laboratory-tested as non-flammable and may therefore be subjected to licensing requirements by the SCDF

6 TIWCs licensed by National Environment Agency shall be engaged to dispose flammable liquid waste or mixtures. A list of TIWCs can be found here or via the QR code.

Other Control Measures to Prevent Fires and Explosions

7 There are other control measures for flammable substances that are required to prevent fires and explosions in the workplace. Occupiers can refer to the resources listed below, for information and practical guidance. Occupiers can also refer to SCDF’s website on Information of Petroleum and Flammable Material (P&FM) Storage Licence.

Resources

WSH Guidelines on Flammable Materials, published by the WSH Council

Environment Public Health (Toxic Industrial Waste) Regulations

Fire Safety Act and Fire Safety (Petroleum and Flammable Materials) Regulations

WSH (Risk Management) Regulations

SS 532: Code of Practice for the Storage of Flammable Liquids

SS 586-1: Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous .Goods – Part 1: Transport and Storage of Dangerous Goods

SS 586-2: Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous.Goods – Part 2: Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

SS 603: Code of Practice for Hazardous Waste Management

Construction Work Permit Requirement

Construction sector: Work Permit requirements

To employ migrant workers for the construction sector, you will have to meet specific requirements for worker's source country or region, quota and levy.

These requirements are additional and specific to the construction sector. You should also refer to the general Work Permit conditions and requirements.

Migrant worker eligibility

You can only hire migrant workers who satisfy the conditions for source countries or regions, age when applying and maximum period of employment.

Successful workers will also need to meet vaccination requirements to get their pass issued.

Source countries or regions

You can employ migrant workers from these countries or regions:

• Malaysia
• People’s Republic of China (PRC)
• Non-traditional sources (NTS):
• India
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Bangladesh
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• North Asian sources (NAS):
• Hong Kong (HKSAR passport)
• Macau
• South Korea
• Taiwan

Age when applying

The minimum age for all non-domestic migrant workers is 18 years old.

When applying for a Work Permit:

Malaysian workers must be below 58 years old.

Non-Malaysian workers must be below 50 years old.

Maximum period of employment

For the construction sector, the maximum number of years a worker can work in Singapore on a Work Permit is as follows:

Note: All workers can only work up to 60 years of age.

Quota and levy

Companies with project contracts that were awarded or had the tender called on or before 18 February 2022 may use the awarded man-year entitlement (MYE) quotas to hire NTS or PRC workers till 31 December 2024 or the project completion date (whichever is earlier).

For companies with contracts that were awarded or had tender called after 18 February 2022, they do not need MYEs or prior approvals (PAs) to hire NTS or PRC workers. Companies can hire NTS or PRC workers as long as it is within their quota.

The number of Work Permit holders that you can hire is limited by quota (or dependency ratio ceiling) and subject to a levy.

Under the construction sector quota, you can employ 5 Work Permit holders for every local employee who earns the Local Qualifying Salary.

From 1 January 2024, the levy rate is as follows:

Companies with project contracts that were awarded or had the tender called on or before 18 February 2022, may use the awarded MYE quotas to hire NTS workers at a lower levy rate. The levy rates for these NTS workers are as follows:

To learn more click MOM Construction Sector Work Permit Requirement

Prevent Falls from Open Sides Guide

Open sides without proper barricades and lack of safe access are common safety lapses leading to fall-from-height incidents, where workers have suffered serious injuries or even lost their lives.

In the upcoming months, the Ministry of Manpower will be conducting inspections targeting work-at-height infringements in the construction, marine, and transport and storage industries.

Protect your workers from falling over open sides by including the following measures adopted by many companies, into your fall prevention plan: 

• Conduct a toolbox briefing before starting work. Alert workers to onsite risks and remind them how they can work safely at heights. New workers are to complete work-at-height training and a site orientation before being deployed to work at height.
• Close off all open sides. Install guardrails and/or barricades along the perimeter of open sides. The edge protection must be able to withstand a weight of 100kg applied in any direction. Refer to Figure 1 for the required dimensions for edge protection.

Figure 1:  Required dimensions for edge protection. 

• Install a travel-restraint system. This restricts the movement of workers and keeps them at a safe distance from any open sides if edge protection is not feasible.

• Equip workers with fall-arrest equipment. If a travel restraint system is not feasible, each worker must wear a full-body harness with connecting lanyards OR a self-retracting lifeline.

• Secure anchor points. Identify and/or provide suitable anchor points for each worker to hook their lanyards on to while they work at height. Never deploy workers to work at height at sites where there are no suitable anchor points. Refer to Figures 2, 3 and 4 on the various types of secure anchor points.

Figure 2:  Bolt anchor point. 

Figure 3:  Horizontal lifeline

Figure 4:  Anchor sling around a structural element.

• Ensure 100% tie-off. Provide workers with a twin-tailed double lanyard (refer to Figure 5) and train workers how to use the double lanyard such that they are hooked to at least one anchor point or lifeline at any time.

Figure 5: Twin-tailed double lanyard. 

• Maintain good workplace housekeeping. Ensure work areas and designated walkways are clear of obstructions. Store loose tools and materials away from open sides as these can fall and strike persons below, or cause workers working near an open side to trip and fall.

Figure 6: Keep area near open sides clear. 

• Implement a permit-to-work (PTW) system. Implement a PTW for work-at-height activities where a worker could fall more than three metres. This ensures onsite checks are carried out to confirm risk controls are in place and effective before the work is authorised to proceed.