wsh (work at heights) regulations 2013

22
1 S 223/2013 First published in the Government Gazette, Electronic Edition, on 15th April 2013 at 5.00 pm. No. S 223 WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT (CHAPTER 354A) WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH (WORK AT HEIGHTS) REGULATIONS 2013 ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS PART I PRELIMINARY Regulation 1. Citation and commencement 2. Definitions 3. Application PART II GENERAL PROVISIONS 4. Avoidance of work at height 5. Fall prevention plan 6. Training for persons at work 7. Supervision of work at height 8. Open sides and openings 9. Cover, guard-rail and barrier to prevent fall 10. Travel restraint system 11. Fall arrest system 12. Inspection 13. Staircases 14. Safe means of access and egress between different working levels in building or structures 15. Teagle openings 16. Work on roofs 17. Fragile surfaces 18. Ladders

Upload: 88san

Post on 30-Sep-2015

42 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

DESCRIPTION

WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013

TRANSCRIPT

  • 1 S 223/2013

    First published in the Government Gazette, Electronic Edition, on 15th April 2013 at 5.00 pm.

    No. S 223

    WORKPLACESAFETYANDHEALTHACT(CHAPTER354A)

    WORKPLACESAFETYANDHEALTH (WORKATHEIGHTS)REGULATIONS2013

    ARRANGEMENTOFREGULATIONS

    PARTI

    PRELIMINARY

    Regulation

    1. Citationand commencement

    2. Definitions

    3. Application

    PARTII

    GENERALPROVISIONS

    4. Avoidanceofworkatheight

    5. Fallpreventionplan

    6. Training forpersonsatwork

    7. Supervisionofworkatheight

    8. Open sidesandopenings

    9. Cover, guard-rail andbarrier toprevent fall

    10. Travel restraint system

    11. Fall arrest system

    12. Inspection

    13. Staircases

    14. Safe means of access and egress between different working levels inbuildingor structures

    15. Teagleopenings

    16. Workon roofs

    17. Fragile surfaces

    18. Ladders

  • S 223/2013 2

    PARTIII

    PERMIT-TO-WORKSYSTEMFORHAZARDOUSWORKATHEIGHT

    Regulation

    19. Applicationof thisPart

    20. Implementationofpermit-to-work system

    21. Nohazardousworkatheightwithoutpermit-to-work

    22. Application forpermit-to-work

    23. Evaluationof application

    24. Issueofpermit-to-work

    25. Postingofpermit-to-workand supervisorsduty

    26. Monitoringofwork

    27. Duty to report incompatiblework

    28. Daily reviewand revocationofpermit-to-work

    PARTIV

    INDUSTRIALROPEACCESSSYSTEM

    29. Industrial ropeaccess equipmentandpersonalprotectiveequipment

    30. Designand inspection

    PARTV

    MISCELLANEOUS

    31. Offence

    TheSchedule

    Inexerciseofthepowersconferredbysection65oftheWorkplaceSafetyandHealthAct,MrTanChuan-Jin,SeniorMinisterofState,charged with the responsibility of the Minister for Manpower,herebymakes the followingRegulations:

    PARTI

    PRELIMINARY

    Citation and commencement

    1. TheseRegulationsmay be cited as theWorkplace Safety andHealth (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013 and shall come intooperationon1stMay2013.

  • 3 S 223/2013

    Definitions

    2. In theseRegulations,unless the contextotherwise requires

    anchorage means a place, a fixing or a fixture to which ananchorage lineor lanyard is connected;

    anchorage linemeans any flexible or rigid line connected atleast at one end to a secure anchorage toprovide ameansof support or restraint for a person wearing a full-bodyharnessor restraint belt in combinationwithotherdevices,and includesa life line;

    competentpersonmeansapersonwhohassufficientexperienceand training to perform the work required to be carriedout,andhaspassedsuchcoursesas theCommissionermayrequire for thatwork;

    fall arrest systemmeansa system (a) designed to prevent or reduce the severity of injury

    toaperson in theeventof a fall; and (b) consistingofequipmentormaterialoracombination

    thereof, suchas (butnot limited to) (i) a safetynet; (ii) a full-bodyharness; (iii) anenergyabsorbingdevice; (iv) a lanyard;or (v) ananchorage lineandananchorage,

    butdoesnot includea restraintbelt;

    fall prevention plan means a documented site-specific planprepared for the purpose of eliminating or reducing therisk of falls by ensuring that all reasonable fall preventionmeasuresandmethodshavebeenimplemented,priortothecommencementofwork;

    fixed ladder means a ladder that cannot be readily movedor carried because it is an integral part of a building orstructure;

    fragile surfacemeans a surfacewhichwouldbe liable to failifanyreasonablyforeseeable loadingweretobeappliedtoit;

  • S 223/2013 4

    guard-rail means a horizontal rail secured to uprights orstructures and erected along an open or exposed side ofany structure topreventpersons from falling;

    hazardousworkatheightmeanswork (a) inoronanelevatedworkplace fromwhich aperson

    could fall; (b) in thevicinityofanopening throughwhichaperson

    could fall; (c) in the vicinityof an edgeoverwhich aperson could

    fall; (d) ona surface throughwhichaperson could fall; or (e) inanyotherplace (whetheraboveorbelowground)

    fromwhichaperson could fall,adistanceofmore than3metres;

    industrial rope access system means a system designed forthe purpose of performingwork on a building or structurebyapersonand consistsof

    (a) equipmentthatenablesapersontomanuallyraiseorlowerhimself inaharnesssupportedbyoneormoreropes; and

    (b) equipmentused toanchor the ropes;

    professional engineer means a person registered as aprofessional engineer and who has in force a practisingcertificate issued under the Professional Engineers Act(Cap. 253);

    responsibleperson,inrelationtoapersonwhocarriesoutoris to carryoutanyworkatheight,means

    (a) his employer;or (b) theprincipalunderwhosedirectionhecarriesoutor

    is to carryoutany suchwork;

    safety line, in relation to an industrial rope access system,means an anchorage line provided and used to protect apersonagainst fall if theworking line fails;

    scaffoldmeansany temporary structure (a) on or from which any person performs work in any

    workplace;or

  • 5 S 223/2013

    (b) which enables any person to obtain access to orwhich enables anymaterial to be taken to anyplaceatwhich suchwork isperformed,

    and includes any suspended scaffold, hanging scaffold,tubularscaffold,trestlescaffold,gangway,runandtoe-boards,butdoesnotincludealiftingappliance,aliftingmachineora structure used merely to support such an appliance orsuchamachineor to supportotherplantor equipment;

    shipyard means any yard (including any dock, wharf, jetty,quay and the precincts thereof) where the construction,reconstruction, repair, refitting, finishing or breaking up ofshipsiscarriedout,andincludesthewatersadjacenttoanysuch yard where the construction, reconstruction, repair,refitting, finishing or breaking up of ships is carried out byoronbehalfof theoccupierof that yard;

    travelrestraintsystemmeansasystemconsistingofafull-bodyharness or restraint belt, attached tooneormore lanyards,eachofwhichisattachedtoananchoragelineoranchoragepoint, designed to restrict the travelling range of a personwearing the full-body harness or restraint belt so that theperson cannot get into a position where the person couldfalloff anedgeof a surfaceor througha surface;

    workatheightmeanswork (a) inoronanelevatedworkplace fromwhich aperson

    could fall; (b) in thevicinityofanopening throughwhichaperson

    could fall; (c) in the vicinityof an edgeoverwhich aperson could

    fall; (d) ona surface throughwhichaperson could fall; or (e) inanyotherplace (whetheraboveorbelowground)

    fromwhichaperson could fall,from one level to another and it is reasonably likely thatthepersonoranyotherpersonwouldbeinjuredduetothedistanceof the fall;

    working line, in relation to an industrial rope access system,meansananchoragelineusedprimarilyforworkpositioningincludingdescendingandascending;

  • S 223/2013 6

    work platform means a platform which is used to supportanypersonormaterials;

    worksite means any premises where any building operationorworksofengineeringconstructionisorarebeingcarriedout, whether or not by or on behalf of the Governmentor a statutory body, and includes any line or siding (notformingpartofarailway)which isused inconnectionwiththebuildingoperationorworksofengineeringconstruction.

    Application

    3.(1) During theperiodbetween1stMay2013and30thApril2014 (both dates inclusive), these Regulations shall apply only toeveryworkplacewhich is a factory.

    (2) From 1st May 2014, these Regulations shall apply to everyworkplace,whetherornota factory.

    PARTII

    GENERALPROVISIONS

    Avoidance of work at height

    4. It shall be the duty of the responsible person of any personwhocarriesoutoristocarryoutanyworkatheighttoensurethatnowork at height is carried outwhere it is reasonably practicableto carryout thework safelyotherwise thanatheight.

    Fall prevention plan

    5.(1) It shall be the duty of the occupier of every workplacespecifiedintheSchedule,andinwhichworkatheightiscarriedout,toestablishand implementa fallpreventionplan.

    (2) Thefallpreventionplanreferredto inparagraph(1)shallbeestablished and implemented in accordance with the requirementsoftheapprovedcodeofpracticerelatingtosafeandsoundpracticesfor fallprevention.

    (3) It shall be the duty of the occupier of every workplacespecified in the Schedule to ensure that the fall prevention planreferred to in paragraph (1) ismade available for inspection uponrequestbyany inspector.

  • 7 S 223/2013

    (4) Any occupier of a workplace specified in the Schedule whocontravenesparagraph(3)shallbeguiltyofanoffenceandshallbeliableon conviction toafinenotexceeding$10,000.

    (5) Thisregulationshallapplyonlytoworkatheightcarriedoutonorafter 1stMay2014.

    Training for persons at work

    6. It shall be the duty of the responsible person of any personwho carries out or is to carry out any work at height to ensurethat the person shall work at height in a workplace only after hehasfirst receivedadequate safety andhealth training to familiarisehimself with the hazards associated with work at height and theprecautions tobeobserved.

    Supervision of work at height

    7. It shall be the duty of the responsible person of any personwhocarriesoutoristocarryoutanyworkatheighttoensurethatthepersonshallworkatheightinaworkplaceundertheimmediatesupervisionof a competentperson for thatwork.

    Open sides and openings

    8.(1) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace tocomplywithparagraphs (2), (4) and (5).

    (2) Subjecttoparagraphs(3)and(5),everyopensideoropeningintoor throughwhichaperson is liable to fallmore than2metresshall be covered or guarded by effective guard-rails or barriers toprevent fall.

    (3) The cover, guard-rail or barrier referred to in paragraph (2)maybe removedwhere freeaccess is required forworkactually inprogress atornear theopen sideoropening.

    (4) Everycover,guard-railorbarrierreferredtoinparagraph(2)whichisremovedunderparagraph(3)shallbereinstatedorreplacedimmediately when access of persons or movement of materials isnot takingplaceatornear theopen sideoropening.

    (5)Where it is not reasonably practicable to comply withparagraph (2), or where a cover, guard-rail or barrier is removedunderparagraph(3),orduringtheinstallation,alterationorremovalof the covers, guard-railsorbarriers

  • S 223/2013 8

    (a) a travel restraint system shall beused toprevent a personfalling into or through the open side or opening referredto inparagraph (2);or

    (b) where it is not reasonably practicable to comply withsub-paragraph (a), a fall arrest system shallbeused.

    Cover, guard-rail and barrier to prevent fall

    9.(1) Thisregulationdoesnotapplytoanyworkplaceinwhichany scaffold is, is being or is to be constructed, erected, installed,used, re-positioned, altered,maintained, repairedordismantled.

    (2)Where a cover is provided in a workplace to prevent anyperson from falling, it shall be the duty of the occupier of theworkplace toensure that the cover (a) is of good construction, sound material and adequate

    strengthtowithstandtheimpactduringthecourseofworkin theworkplace; and

    (b) issecurelyfixedinplacetopreventaccidentaldisplacement.

    (3)Whereanyguard-railorbarrierisprovidedinaworkplacetopreventanypersonfromfalling, itshallbethedutyoftheoccupierof theworkplace toensure that (a) everyguard-railorbarrier (i) isofgoodconstruction,soundmaterialandadequate

    strength to withstand the impact during the courseofwork in theworkplace;

    (ii) is placed on the inside of the uprights or structuresandsecuredsoastopreventaccidentaldisplacement;and

    (iii) is soplaced soas toprevent the fallof anyperson; (b) thetopguard-railorthebarrierisatleastonemeterabove

    theworkplatformorworkingplacefromwhichanypersonatwork is liable to fall; and

    (c) theverticaldistance (i) betweenany2adjacentguard-railsprovided;or (ii) between any work platform or working place and

    theguard-rail immediatelyabove it,doesnotexceed600millimetres.

  • 9 S 223/2013

    Travel restraint system

    10. Whereatravelrestraintsystemisusedinaworkplace,itshallbe the duty of the responsible person of a personwho carries outor is to carryoutanyworkatheight toensure that (a) the travel restraint system (i) isofgoodconstruction,soundmaterialandadequate

    strength; (ii) is free frompatentdefects; and (iii) is suitable and safe for the purpose for which it is

    intended; and (b) everypersonusing the travel restraint system is trained in

    the safeand correctuseof the system.

    Fall arrest system

    11.(1)Whereafallarrestsystemisusedinaworkplace,itshallbethedutyoftheresponsiblepersonofanypersonwhocarriesoutor is to carry out at that workplace any work at height to ensurethat (a) the fall arrest system (i) isofgoodconstruction,soundmaterialandadequate

    strength; (ii) is free frompatentdefects; and (iii) is suitable and safe for the purpose for which it is

    intended; (b) every person using the fall arrest system is trained in the

    safeand correctuseof the system;and (c) no part of the fall arrest system comes into contact with

    anything that couldaffect the safeuseof the system.

    (2)Where a fall arrest system using a full-body harness is usedin a workplace, it shall be the duty of the responsible person ofanypersonwhocarriesoutor istocarryoutatthatworkplaceanyworkatheight toensure that (a) the system incorporates a suitable means of absorbing

    energy and limiting the forces applied to the users body;and

  • S 223/2013 10

    (b) intheeventofafall,thereisenoughfallclearanceavailableto prevent the user from hitting an object, the ground orother surfaces.

    Inspection

    12.(1)Where any travel restraint system or any fall arrestsystem is to be used in a workplace, it shall be the duty of theresponsiblepersonofapersonwhocarriesoutor is tocarryoutatthe workplace any work at height to appoint a competent personfor the purpose of inspecting the anchorage and anchorage line ofthe travel restraint systemor fall arrest system.

    (2) It shall be thedutyof the competent person appointedby aresponsiblepersonunderparagraph (1) (a) to inspect the anchorage and anchorage line of the travel

    restraint system or fall arrest system at the start of everyworkshifttoensurethattheyareingoodworkingconditionandare safe foruse;

    (b) toimmediatelyremovefromserviceanysuchanchorageoranchorage linewhich is found tobedefective;

    (c) to immediately enter the results of every inspectionreferred to in sub-paragraph (a) into a register containingsuchdetailsasmaybe requiredby theCommissioner;and

    (d) toprovidetheregistertotheresponsiblepersonbeforetheendof thework shift.

    (3) It shall be the duty of the responsible person referred to inparagraph (1) (a) to keep each entry in the register referred to in

    paragraph (2)(c) fornot less than2 years from thedate itismade; and

    (b) to produce for inspection, upon request by any inspector,any entry in the register which is so requested to beinspected.

    (4) Any responsiblepersonwho contravenesparagraph (3) shallbe guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a finenotexceeding$2,000.

  • 11 S 223/2013

    Staircases

    13. It shallbe thedutyof theoccupierofaworkplace toensurethat every staircase in the workplace or every staircase whichaffords ameans of exit from the workplace shall be provided andmaintained with a substantial handrail and lower rail or otherbarrier topreventanyperson falling,which (a) if the staircasehasanopen side, shallbeon that side;or (b) if the staircasehas2open sides, shallbeonboth sides.

    Safe means of access and egress between different working levels in building or structures

    14. Whereinaworkplaceanypersonisrequiredtocarryoutanyworkatheight (a) in or on an elevated place from which the person could

    fall; (b) in the vicinity of an opening through which the person

    could fall; (c) in thevicinityofanedgeoverwhichthepersoncouldfall; (d) ona surface throughwhich theperson could fall; or (e) inanyotherplace (whetheraboveorbelowground) from

    which theperson could fall,it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to take, sofar as is reasonably practicable, suchmeasures as are necessary toensure safe means of access to and egress from any area in theworkplace referred to inparagraph (a), (b), (c), (d)or (e).

    Teagle openings

    15.(1) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplaceto ensure that every teagle opening or similar doorway used forhoisting or lowering goods ormaterials in the workplace, whetherbymechanicalpowerorotherwise (a) is securely fenced; and (b) is provided with a secure handhold on each side of the

    openingordoorway.

    (2) Itshallbethedutyoftheoccupieroftheworkplacetoensurethat every fencing referred to inparagraph (1) shall

  • S 223/2013 12

    (a) beproperlymaintained; and (b) be kept in position, except when goods or materials are

    beinghoistedor loweredat theopeningordoorway.

    Work on roofs

    16.Where in a workplace any person carries out any work onanyroof fromwhichhe is liable to falloffor throughadistanceofmore than 2metres, it shall be the duty of the responsible personof thatperson (a) toprovideandmaintain (i) protectionofthepersonagainstanyslidingorfalling

    from the roof (whichmay include crawlerboardsorroofbrackets); and

    (ii) sufficient and secured anchorage for the attachmentofa full-bodyharnessora restraintbelt,as thecasemaybe, in the courseof thepersonswork; and

    (b) toensurethatthepersonwhocarriesoutsuchworkinthatworkplaceusestheprotectionandanchoragereferredtoinparagraph (a).

    Fragile surfaces

    17.(1) Subject to paragraph (2), it shall be the duty of theresponsible person of a person who carries out or is to carry outworkatheight toensure that thepersonatwork (a) shallnotpass acrossorneara fragile surface; and (b) shallnotworkon, fromorneara fragile surface,where it is reasonably practicable to carry out the work withouthimdoing so.

    (2)Where it is not reasonably practicable to carry out work atheightsafelywithoutpassingacrossornear,orworkingon,fromornear,afragilesurface, itshallbethedutyoftheresponsiblepersonofapersonwhocarriesoutor is tocarryoutworkatheight to, sofar as is reasonably practicable, provide andmaintain suitable andsufficient platforms, covers, guard-rails or similarmeans of supportor protection so that any foreseeable loading is supported by suchsupportsorborneby suchprotection.

  • 13 S 223/2013

    (3)Where any person carrying out work at height may passacross or near, or work on, from or near, a fragile surface, it shallbe thedutyof the responsiblepersonof thatperson toensure (a) thatprominentwarningnoticesareaffixedattheapproach

    to theplacewhere the fragile surface is situated;or (b) where it is not reasonably practicable to comply with

    sub-paragraph (a), that the person atwork ismade awareof itbyothermeans.

    Ladders

    18.(1)Where a ladder is being used to carry out anywork atheightinaworkplace,itshallbethedutyoftheresponsiblepersonof the person who is carrying out or is to carry out the work toensure that the requirements inparagraphs (2) to (6)are compliedwith.

    (2) Every ladder inaworkplace shall (a) be of good construction, sound material and adequate

    strength; (b) be free frompatentdefects; and (c) besuitableandsafeforthepurposeforwhichitisintended.

    (3) Thesurfaceuponwhichanyladder(exceptforfixedladders)restsorbearsuponwhenusedbyaperson shall (a) be stable; (b) be level andfirm;and (c) be of sufficient strength to safely support the ladder and

    anypersonand load intended tobeplacedon it.

    (4) Every ladder in a workplace shall be so positioned as toensure its stabilityduringuse.

    (5) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), every ladder which leansagainst a wall, building or structure during use shall be securelyfixed or lashed, or is firmly held by a person stationed at the footof the ladder toprevent the ladder fromslipping.

    (6)Where a ladder is used for access or as aworking place, theladdershallrise,oradequatehandholdshallbeprovided,toaheightof at leastonemetreabove (a) theplaceof landing;or

  • S 223/2013 14

    (b) the highest rung to be reached by the feet of any personworkingon the ladder.

    (7)Where a fixed vertical ladder is used in aworkplace, it shallbe the duty of the occupier of the workplace to ensure that therequirements inparagraphs (8), (9) and (10)are compliedwith.

    (8) Every fixed vertical ladder or run of fixed vertical laddersused by any person carrying out any work which rises a verticaldistance of over 9metres shall, if practicable, be providedwith anintermediatelandingplacesothattheverticaldistancebetweenany2 successive landingplacesdoesnotexceed9metres.

    (9) Every landing place referred to in paragraph (8) shall beprovided with sufficient and suitable guard-rails or barriers toprevent falls.

    (10)Where a fixed vertical ladder used by any person carryingout anywork in aworkplace rises a verticaldistanceofmore than3metres, there shallbeprovideda safety cageorotherpracticablemeasures toprevent fallof theperson.

    PARTIII

    PERMIT-TO-WORKSYSTEMFORHAZARDOUSWORKATHEIGHT

    Application of this Part

    19. ThisPartshallapplyonlytohazardousworkatheightcarriedoutonorafter 1stMay2014.

    Implementation of permit-to-work system

    20.(1)Where any hazardous work at height is or is to becarriedoutataworkplaceonorafter1stMay2014, it shallbe thedutyof (a) in the case of a workplace specified in the Schedule, the

    occupierof thatworkplace;or (b) in the case of a workplace that is not specified in the

    Schedule,theresponsiblepersonofanypersonwhocarriesoutor is tocarryout thehazardousworkatheight in thatworkplace,

    to complywith the requirements inparagraph (2).

  • 15 S 223/2013

    (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), the occupier of theworkplaceor the responsiblepersonofanypersonwhocarriesoutoristocarryoutthehazardousworkatheightintheworkplace(asthe casemaybe) shall (a) appoint a competent person for the hazardous work at

    height at the workplace to carry out the duties of anauthorisedmanager for thehazardousworkatheight;

    (b) appointanothercompetentpersonfor thehazardousworkat height at the workplace to carry out the duties of awork-at-height safety assessor for the hazardous work atheight; and

    (c) ensure that a permit-to-work system in accordance withthisPartisimplementedforthathazardousworkatheight.

    (3) The permit-to-work system referred to in paragraph (2)(c)shallprovide that (a) thehazardousworkatheightiscarriedoutwithdueregard

    to the safetyandhealthofpersons carryingout thework; (b) such persons are informed of the hazards associated with

    the hazardous work at height and the precautions theyhave to take; and

    (c) the necessary safety precautions are taken and enforcedwhen thehazardousworkatheight isbeing carriedout.

    No hazardous work at height without permit-to-work

    21.(1) Subjecttoparagraph(2),anypersonwhocarriesout,onorafter1stMay2014,anyhazardousworkatheightinaworkplacewithout apermit-to-workfirst issuedby theauthorisedmanager inrespectofthathazardousworkatheightshallbeguiltyofanoffenceand shallbe liableon conviction toafinenotexceeding$20,000.

    (2) Nothing in paragraph (1) shall operate to interfere with orrender unlawful any rescue work or other work necessary for thegeneral safetyof lifeorproperty.

    Application for permit-to-work

    22. An application for a permit-to-work to carry out anyhazardousworkatheight shall (a) be made by the supervisor of the person who is to carry

    out thehazardousworkatheight;

  • S 223/2013 16

    (b) bemade in such formandmanner asmaybe requiredbytheauthorisedmanager;

    (c) statethemeasureswhichwillbetakentoensurethesafetyandhealthofthepersonwhoistocarryoutthehazardousworkatheight; and

    (d) be addressed to the authorisedmanager and submitted tothe work-at-height safety assessor where the hazardousworkatheight is tobe carriedout.

    Evaluation of application

    23.(1) On receipt of the application for a permit-to-work, thework-at-height safetyassessor shall (a) assess whether all reasonably practicable measures have

    been taken to ensure the safety and health of the personwhowillbecarryingoutthehazardousworkatheight;and

    (b) inspect the site (including its surroundings) where thehazardousworkatheightistobecarriedouttogetherwiththe supervisorof thepersonwho is to carryout thework,toensurethatthehazardousworkatheightcanbecarriedoutwithdueregard to thesafetyandhealthof thepersonand any other person at work in the workplace whomaybeaffected.

    (2) If the work-at-height safety assessor is satisfied that thehazardousworkatheightcanbecarriedout in theworkplacewithdueregardtothesafetyandhealthofpersonswhoaretocarryoutthe hazardouswork at height and of other persons atwork in theworkplace who may be affected, he shall endorse the applicationforthepermit-to-workandforwardtheendorsedapplicationtotheauthorisedmanager.

    (3) It shall be the duty of the work-at-height safety assessorto exercise all due diligence when performing his functions inrelation to the evaluation and endorsement of an application for apermit-to-workunderparagraphs (1) and (2).

    Issue of permit-to-work

    24.(1) The authorised manager for any hazardous work atheight at a workplace may issue a permit-to-work in relation toanyhazardousworkatheightwhichistobecarriedoutonorafter

  • 17 S 223/2013

    1stMay2014intheworkplaceiftheauthorisedmanagerissatisfiedthat (a) therehasbeenaproperevaluationoftherisksandhazards

    involved in the carrying out of the work based on theavailable information;

    (b) no incompatibleworkwhichmayposea risk to the safetyandhealthof otherpersons atwork in theworkplacewillbecarriedoutat thesametime in thesamevicinityas thehazardousworkatheight;

    (c) allreasonablypracticablemeasureswillorhavebeentakento ensure the safety and health of the persons who carryoutorare to carryout thehazardousworkatheight; and

    (d) all persons who are to carry out the hazardous work atheight are informedof thehazardsassociatedwith it.

    (2) An authorised manager who issues a permit-to-work inrespect of any hazardouswork at height shall retain a copy of thepermit-to-work.

    (3) It shall be the duty of the authorised manager to exerciseall due diligence when performing his function in relation to theissuanceof apermit-to-workunderparagraph (1).

    (4) Subject to regulation 28, a permit-to-work shall be valid forthe period stated therein, and if the hazardous work at height forwhich the permit-to-work is issued is not completed within thevalidityperiod,afreshapplicationshallbemadeinaccordancewithregulation22.

    Posting of permit-to-work and supervisors duty

    25. It shall be the duty of the supervisor of any person whocarriesoutonor after 1stMay2014anyhazardousworkatheightinaworkplace (a) toclearlypost,at theworkareawhere thework is carried

    out, a copyof thepermit-to-work issued in respectof thathazardous work at height, including (where reasonablypracticable) a sketch of any area where the hazardousworkatheight ispermitted; and

    (b) to ensure that the copy is not removed until the date ofexpiry or date of revocation of the permit-to-work, or on

  • S 223/2013 18

    completion of the hazardous work at height, whichever istheearlier.

    Monitoring of work

    26.(1) It shall be the duty of the authorisedmanager for anyhazardouswork at height at aworkplace to continually review theprogress of all hazardous work at height being carried out on orafter 1stMay 2014 in the workplace to ensure that the hazardouswork at height is carried out with due regard to the safety andhealthof thepersons carryingout thehazardousworkatheight intheworkplace.

    (2) It shall be the duty of the supervisor of any person whocarriesout anyhazardousworkatheight inaworkplace (a) toensure that themeasuresnecessary toensure the safety

    and health of the person at work are taken and are inplace at all timesduring the validityperiodof thepermit-to-work; and

    (b) to inform the authorisedmanagerupon completionof thehazardousworkatheight.

    Duty to report incompatible work

    27.(1) It shall be the duty of any personwho is aware of anywork being carried out on or after 1st May 2014 in a workplacewhich is incompatible with any hazardous work at height beingcarriedoutatthatworkplacetoimmediatelyreporttheincompatiblework tohis supervisor, theworkplace safety andhealthofficer, theworkplacesafetyandhealthco-ordinatorortheauthorisedmanagerfor thathazardousworkatheight.

    (2) In this regulation, anywork in a workplacewhich is carriedoutator inthevicinityofanyhazardousworkatheightandwhichis likelytoposearisktothesafetyorhealthofpersonsatwork intheworkplace shallbe treatedas incompatiblework.

    Daily review and revocation of permit-to-work

    28.(1) It shall be the duty of the authorisedmanager for anyhazardous work at height at a workplace to review and assess theneedtocontinuethehazardousworkatheightonadailybasis,andto revoke the permit-to-work issued in respect of the hazardousworkatheight ifhe thinksfit todo so.

  • 19 S 223/2013

    (2) If after issuing apermit-to-work in respectof anyhazardouswork at height at a workplace, the authorised manager is of theview that the carrying out of the hazardous work at height posesor is likely toposearisk to thesafetyandhealthof thepersonsatwork in theworkplace,hemayorder thehazardousworkatheightto cease immediatelyand revoke thepermit-to-work.

    PARTIV

    INDUSTRIALROPEACCESSSYSTEM

    Industrial rope access equipment and personal protective equipment

    29.(1)Where any industrial rope access system is used in aworkplace,itshallbethedutyoftheresponsiblepersonofapersonwhocarriesoutor is tocarryoutworkatheightataworkplace toensure that (a) it comprises at least 2 independent anchorage lines, of

    which one is the working line and the other is the safetyline;

    (b) the person who uses the industrial rope access system isprovidedwithasuitableharnessconnected to theworkinglineand the safety line;

    (c) theworkinglineisequippedwithsafemeansofascentanddescent and has a self-locking system to prevent the userfrom falling shouldhe lose controlofhismovements; and

    (d) no part of the system comes into contact with anythingthat couldaffect the safeuseof the system.

    (2) It shall be the duty of the responsible person of a personwhocarriesoutor is tocarryoutworkatheightataworkplace toensure that every equipment of the industrial rope access systemused in theworkplace (a) is of good construction, sound material and adequate

    strength; (b) is free frompatentdefects; (c) isproperlymaintained; and (d) carries a unique marking to allow traceability to a test

    inspection, thorough examination or a certificate ofconformity.

  • S 223/2013 20

    Design and inspection

    30.(1) Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and 7(a)(ii) shall not apply inrespect of an industrial rope assess system used for tree-cutting orpruning.

    (2)Whereanindustrialropeaccesssystemisusedinaworkplace,itshallbethedutyoftheresponsiblepersonofapersonwhocarriesoutor is to carryoutworkatheight inaworkplace toensure thatevery anchorage and anchorage line of the industrial rope accesssystem is installed inaccordancewith thedesignanddrawingsofaprofessional engineer.

    (3) It shall be the duty of a professional engineer who designsany anchorage and anchorage line of an industrial rope accesssystem referred to inparagraph (2) (a) to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, suchmeasures

    to ensure that his design can be executed safely by anyperson who installs or uses the industrial rope accesssystemaccording tohisdesign; and

    (b) to provide to any person who installs or is to install theindustrial rope access system, all design documentation(including all relevant calculations, drawings andconstruction procedures) as is necessary to facilitate theproper installation of the industrial rope access systemaccording tohisdesign.

    (4) Itshallbethedutyoftheresponsiblepersonofapersonwhocarriesoutoristocarryoutworkatheightinaworkplacetoensurethatnoindustrialropeaccesssystemisusedattheworkplaceunlessthe design and drawings certified by the professional engineer arekeptavailableat theworkplace.

    (5) It shall be the duty of the responsible person of a personwho carries out or is to carry out work at height in a workplaceto appoint a competent person for any work at any workplace atwhich an industrial rope access system is used for the purpose ofinspecting the industrial ropeaccess system.

    (6) It shall be the duty of the competent person referred to inparagraph (5) (a) to inspect the industrial rope access system at the start

    of every work shift to ensure that it is in good workingconditionand is safe foruse;

  • 21 S 223/2013

    (b) to immediately remove fromserviceanyequipmentof theindustrialropeaccesssystemwhichisfoundtobedefective;

    (c) to immediately enter the results of every inspectionreferred to in sub-paragraph (a) into a register containingsuchdetailsasmaybe requiredby theCommissioner;and

    (d) toprovidetheregistertotheresponsiblepersonbeforetheendof thework shift.

    (7) It shall be the duty of the responsible person of any personwhocarriesoutor is to carryoutanyworkatheight (a) tokeep (i) eachentryintheregisterreferredtoinparagraph(6);

    and (ii) thedesigndocumentationreferredtoinparagraphs(3)

    and (4),fornot less than2years from thedate itwasmade; and

    (b) toproduceforinspection,uponrequestbyaninspector,anyentry in theregisterwhich is so requested tobe inspected.

    (8) Any responsiblepersonwho contravenesparagraph (7) shallbe guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a finenotexceeding$2,000.

    PARTV

    MISCELLANEOUS

    Offence

    31. Anypersonwhocontravenesregulation4,5(1),6,7,8(1),9(2)or(3),10,11(1)or(2),12(1)or(2),13,14,15(1)or(2),16,17(1),(2)or(3),18(1)or(7),20(1),23(3),24(3),25,26(1)or(2),27(1),28(1),29(1)or(2)or30(2),(3),(4),(5)or(6)shallbeguiltyofanoffenceandshallbe liableonconvictiontoafinenotexceeding$20,000orto imprisonment fora termnotexceeding2yearsor toboth.

  • S 223/2013 22

    THESCHEDULERegulations5(1), (3)

    and (4)and20(1)

    WORKPLACESREQUIREDTOHAVEAFALLPREVENTIONPLAN

    1. Anyworksite.

    2. Any shipyard.

    3. Any factory engaged in the processing or manufacturing of petroleum,petroleumproducts,petrochemicalsorpetrochemicalproducts.

    4. Any premises where the bulk storage of toxic or flammable liquid iscarried on by way of trade or for the purpose of gain and which has a storagecapacityof 5,000ormore cubicmetres for such toxicorflammable liquid.

    5. Any factoryengaged in themanufacturingof

    (a) fluorine, chlorine,hydrogenfluorideor carbonmonoxide;or

    (b) syntheticpolymers.

    6. Any factory engaged in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical productsor their intermediates.

    7. Any factoryengaged in themanufacturingof semiconductorwafers.

    8. Anyfactorynotfallingwithinanyoftheclassesofworkplacesdescribedinparagraphs1 to7, and inwhich50ormorepersonsareemployed.

    Made this 15thdayofApril 2013.

    LOHKHUMYEANPermanent Secretary,Ministry of Manpower,

    Singapore.

    [C010-048-00016;AG/LLRD/SL/354A/2010/11Vol. 2]

    (To be presented to Parliament under section 65(8) of theWorkplaceSafetyandHealthAct).