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10 WHAT’S NEW WHAT’S NEW 11
Latest WSH INITIATIVES
IMPORTANT UPDATES IN
WSH (WORK AT HEIGHTS) REGULATIONS
UPDATE ON WSH (WORK AT HEIGHTS) REGULATIONS 2013
The WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations have been gazetted and are in effect from 1 May 2013. Currently
applicable only to factories, coverage will be expanded to all workplaces in May 2014. Key provisions
in the new Regulations include implementation of a fall prevention plan (FPP), permit-to-work (PTW)
system, training of WAH personnel, safety provisions for working on roofs and fragile surfaces and
emphasis on using industrial rope access systems.
The scope of coverage of the proposed Regulations is in two phases:
1 May 2013 Regulations in effect and applicable only to factories
1 May 2014 • Coverage will be expanded to all workplaces;
• Establishment and implementation of FPP for specified workplaces; and
• Implementation of PTW system for work at heights where a person could
fall from a height of more than 3 metres.
The WSH (Construction) Regulations have also been amended to delete those replica provisions in the new
WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations via the WSH (Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.
RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE FOR THE INDUSTRY
To help industry get ready for the upcoming Regulations, the WSH Council has rolled out various capability
building initiatives such as a revised Approved Code of Practice on Working Safely at Heights and an enhanced
Construction Safety Orientation Course. To keep trainers up-to-mark on WAH fundamentals and ensure that
they are competent to train others effectively, a new WAH Train-the-Trainer course was also developed. The
increase from the current pool of 10 WAH accredited training providers in the coming months will translate to
some 130,000 training places equipped to conduct the various WAH courses.
REPEAL OF THE FACTORIES (PIC) AND
FACTORIES (COC) REGULATIONS
The Ministry of Manpower has two specific regulations to govern the operational safety of internal combustion
engines (ICEs) and steam boilers (SBs); these regulations legislate the requirements of competent persons
operating these machinery. Over the years, manual operations have advanced to using automation and
monitoring devices to ensure that ICEs and SBs operate within safe limits. Taking into consideration
advancement in technology and the performance-based WSH Act, the Factories (Persons-in-Charge) Regulations
and Factories (Certificate of Competency-Examination) Regulations will be revoked from 18 March 2013. The
current WSH Act and its subsidiary legislation in place will ensure oversight on the safe operation of ICEs and
SBs at workplaces.
NEW
Publications
The WSH Council recently issued five publications – the revised Approved Code of Practice on Working Safely at Heights, and
Activity Based Checklists. To view these publications in full, visit www.wshc.sg
Code of Practice for
Working Safely at Heights
Safe Storage of Chemicals
Improper and unsafe storage of chemicals can be hazardous to you and your workers. Use this basic checklist + as a guide to keep
you and your workers safe. For more information on how you can keep your workplace safe, go to www.wshc.sg
Name of Company Process/ Location
Checked by (Name/ Designation) Date
Chemicals are kept in
closed containers when
not in use.
Safety Checks
Chemicals and their
containers are correctly
labelled.
Chemicals and their
containers are stored
properly (e.g., racks
and cabinets) in wellventilated
areas.
Safety data sheets (SDS)
are available for all the
chemicals stored.
Workers are prohibited
from smoking in areas
where flammable
chemicals are stored.
Containment materials
such as absorbents are
available.
Fire extinguishers on site
are not expired.
Combustibles (e.g.,
papers and cloths) are
removed or stored away
from the chemical storage
area.
+ This checklist may not cover a l aspects of work activities in your workplace. You should review the checklist when there are changes in any work activity.
* NA – Not applicable
Please tick ( 3)
Yes No NA*
If no, action required by:
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Revised Approved Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights
To support industry’s compliance of the new Work at Heights Regulations 2013,
this revised edition of the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Working Safely
at Heights now includes guidance on implementing fall prevention plans
and permit-to-work systems for working at heights, and provides further
elaboration of key statutory requirements. This ACOP applies to work at
heights activities across all industry sectors.
Activity Based Checklists
Designed as a simple and practical safety guide for use onsite, the
checklists can be used by workers and supervisors to help keep all parties
safe. The checklists include various work activities such as “Safe Storage of
Chemicals”, “Working Safely at Heights”, “Working Safely with Machines”
and “Working Safely with Non-powered Hand Tools”.
Openings into or
through which a person
may fall are covered or
guarded with effective
barriers.
Working Safely at Heights
Falls from heights are a major cause of work-related fatalities and injuries. It is important to ensure and maintain a safe work
environment for working at heights. Use this checklist + as a guide to keep you and your workers safe. For more information on
how you can keep your workplace safe, go to www.wshc.sg
Safety Checks
There are handrails and
lower rails at open sides
of staircases.
Guardrails are put in place
to prevent people from
falling over the edge.
Working platforms used
are certified, of sound
construction and are
able to support the
worker’s weight.
Safe means of access and
egress are provided.
Workers are provided
with personal fall arrest
systems with sufficient
and secured anchorages.
Good housekeeping
is practised to prevent
falls from heights due to
tripping hazards.
An appointed and
competent supervisor
oversees workers working
at heights.
+ This checklist may not cover a l aspects of work activities in your workplace. You should review the checklist when there are changes in any work activity.
* NA – Not applicable
Please tick ( 3)
Yes No NA*
Name of Company Process/ Location
Checked by (Name/ Designation) Date
If no, action required by:
Name :
Date :
Name :
Date :
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Working Safely with Machines
Working with machines will expose you and your workers to risks which can lead to serious bodily injuries. Use this basic checklist +
as a guide to keep you and your workers safe. For more information on how you can keep your workplace safe, go to www.wshc.sg
Name of Company Process/ Location
Checked by (Name/ Designation) Date
Safety Checks
Emergency shutdown
switch for each machine
is within operator’s reach.
Machine guard is
installed on moving
parts of machine.
Workers check for
irregularities on machine
before operation.
Workers are briefed on
the hazards and risks of
working with machines.
Workers wear earplugs
when working with
noisy machines.
Workers’ clothes are fitted
and their long hair is tied
to prevent either from
being caught in machines.
Good housekeeping is
maintained in machine
area.
Work area is well-lit.
+ This checklist may not cover a l aspects of work activities in your workplace. You should review the checklist when there are changes in any work activity.
* NA – Not applicable
Please tick ( 3)
Yes No NA*
If no, action required by:
Name :
Date :
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Working Safely with
Non-powered Hand Tools
Using the wrong tools or the correc tools incorrectly to perform a task can cause injuries. Use this basic checklist + as a guide to
keep you and your workers safe. For more information on how you can keep your workplace safe, go to www.wshc.sg
Name of Company Process/ Location
Checked by (Name/ Designation) Date
Damaged tools are
replaced.
Safety Checks
Workers keep tools and
hands clean and free
from grease.
Workers are briefed on
the hazards and risks of
the job.
Workers are trained to
use tools correctly.
Workers wear safety
goggles to protect
their eyes from flying
particles.
Workers wear safety
shoes.
Tools are stored properly
in their correct places.
+ This checklist may not cover a l aspects of work activities in your workplace. You should review the checklist when there are changes in any work activity.
* NA – Not applicable
Please tick ( 3)
Yes No NA*
If no, action required by:
Name :
Date :
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