CP Risk Management

As Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Risk Management (“RM”) gains momentum in Singapore, more duty holders are beginning to recognise the value and benefits of Risk Assessment (“RA”) in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Duty holders and employees alike are seeking greater clarity on the implementation of RA. To address this and provide useful guidance, the WSH Council formed an industry-led RM Work Group with members from major industry sectors to develop the Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management (herein referred to as “Risk Management Code of Practice” or “RMCP”).

The RMCP advises duty holders on their obligations under the Workplace Safety and Health Act (“WSH Act”) and the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations. It also provides guidance on a systematic process for implementing RM, from the identification of hazards, and the evaluation of associated risks, to the implementation of relevant risk controls.

Much consideration has been given to make the RMCP applicable to large and small companies across industries, as the risk profiles and needs of workplaces and their methods of RM deployment differ significantly. Large companies tend to have a dedicated RM Team to oversee the consistent deployment of RM throughout the organisation. At the same time, it is also usual for these companies to have multiple RA Teams to look at specific risks or work processes. The RMCP offers clarity in the roles of the different teams and/or individuals.

Smaller companies, on the other hand, often need specific guidance in implementing RM. To assist this segment, the RMCP defines stakeholders’ responsibilities and provides information on RM implementation. The RMCP also recommends the 5x5 risk matrix for risk evaluation; however, it does not restrict companies to their choice of RA methodologies and risk matrices.

In the second revision, the principles of RM were introduced so that companies can implement RM more effectively. Human and cultural factors (referred to as “personal health risks and organisation factors” in the third revision) influence RAs and should be considered when companies conduct RAs. The revised RMCP also recommends some possible roles that a human resource manager could play to complement those other duty holders for a holistic RM.

In view of a heightened awareness of occupational health hazards in the industry, the risk evaluation of health hazards is included to enhance the overall assessment of workplace hazards. Upstream risk controls in the hierarchy of control, for example, from elimination and substitution to engineering controls, are emphasised for their relative importance in managing workplace risks.

In the third revision, considerations of our workplaces’ preparedness for terrorism threats, disease outbreaks, and mental well-being are introduced. The threat of terrorism is real and present. Included in this RMCP is the Singapore WSH Community’s response to this threat that Singapore faces and is a requirement under WSHC’s bizSAFE programme. Living with COVID-19 has also reinforced the need to mitigate infectious disease transmission risk in the workplace. The growing risk to mental well-being, already present in pre-COVID times but now exacerbated by the pandemic, also behoves companies to update their RM processes to account for mental health.

To download click CP Risk Management 3rd edition 

Code of Practice for Vector Control Operators, Technician and Worker

 Introduction

The vector control industry plays an important role in safeguarding public health, mitigating vector borne diseases and food borne illnesses. It also helps protect properties and businesses from costly damages and improves our quality of life by eliminating nuisance pests.

One of the contributing factors for vector propagation is insufficient and/or poor standards of vector control. Coupled with improper refuse management, poor housekeeping and lack of structural maintenance, issues of vector infestation cannot be resolved satisfactorily and expeditiously.

To carry out vector control works, vector control personnel will need to don an appropriate set of personal protective equipment. Besides protecting oneself, there is also a need to ensure that pesticides are applied with caution and non-target animals are not accidentally poisoned. There is therefore a need to maintain high standard of professionalism within the vector control industry. Therefore, this Code of Practice is developed to meet the following objectives:

i    provide a guide to persons working in the vector control
     industry;

ii   promote safe and professional practices when carrying out vector
     control work;

iii  minimise detrimental effects to humans, animals and the
     environment arising from vector control work;
iv  define best practices of a professional vector control programme.
 

This Code of Practice will assist practitioners to comply with the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act and its subsidiary legislation. It spells out the role of the vector control operator and its personnel (vector control technician, vector control worker), their responsibilities and what is expected of them

To download a copy click Code of Practice for Vector Control Operators, Technician and Worker

For the latest updates refer to NEA website

Code of Practice for Licensed General Waste Collectors

 Introduction

To protect the health of Singaporeans, our waste must be collected safely and without harm to the environment. Licensed general waste collectors have an important role to play. They provide an essential service in Singapore by collecting and transporting waste to proper disposal facilities. In order to safeguard public health, waste collectors should maintain high service standards and conduct their operations professionally. Only through professionalism and quality service can we improve standards of waste collection and enhance the quality of life for Singaporeans. 

This Code of Practice provides guidelines on what is good practice in the waste collection business. Adhering to these guidelines is the first step licensed general waste collectors must take towards improving the standards of their operations. To respond to changing circumstances and needs, amendments and revisions will be made to these guidelines from time to time. National Environment Agency (NEA) will keep waste collectors updated so that we can work together in our continuing efforts to improve public health standards in Singapore.

To download a copy click Code of Practice for Licensed General Waste Collectors

For the latest update refer to NEA website.

CP Environmental Health

 

Introduction 

The Code of Practice on Environmental Health (COPEH) provides the guidelines to address environmental health concerns in the design of buildings. The Code spells out the objectives to be met and stipulates only the minimum basic design criteria. In this way, Qualified Persons (QPs: Architects or Professional Engineers) may exercise flexibility and creativity in the design to meet the stated requirements without compromising functional and maintenance needs. So long as design outcomes satisfy the stated objectives, the building plans will be deemed to have complied with the COPEH. Notwithstanding this, the QP shall be fully responsible for safety, effectiveness and all other aspects of the design

To download a copy click Code of Practice on Environmental Health (COPEH). 

For latest update refer too NEA website 

Permit To Work

OBJECTIVE

The permit-to-work system aims to:

• Ensure a systematic and tiered authorisation for hazardous work;
• Enable responsible persons to be aware of all hazardous work conducted, their locations in the workplace and when the work cease;
• Establish a standardised approach with clear individual responsibilities to take all reasonably practicable measures to ensure the task can be carried out safely;
• Enhance supervision of hazardous work with routine monitoring of the work; and
• Provide a visual display (of permit) to clearly identify locations of approved tasks and task durations.

SCOPE

• Applicable to all work carried out by anyone who is not an employee of the organisation’s manufacturing division.  This applies to employees of the organisation’s other business units.
• Applicable to hot-work, hazardous work-at-heights (where a person could fall from a height of more than 3 meters) and confined space entry by any employee of the organisation’s manufacturing division.

For work at heights where risks of falling more than 3 metres have been mitigated through adequate and effective edge protection, a permit-to-work may not be required unless the responsible person deemed it should not be exempted

Such work at heights includes:

• Working on a flat roof with a perimeter parapet wall of at least 1 metre in height, and no openings or open sides where a person may fall;
• Working on a mezzanine with safe and proper stair access and effective barricade around the mezzanine perimeter to prevent falls; and
• Working on a mobile elevated work platform with the appropriate PPE anchored to designated anchor points at all times.

RESPONSIBILITY

Authorised Manager is responsible for 

• Ensuring the risk assessment has been conducted, reviewed by the internally and finally submitted to EHS for final review;
• Ascertaining that the precautionary or control measures have indeed been implemented as stated in the relevant permit-to-work record before approving the PTW presented by the Supervisor 

Contractors / workers are responsible for

• Highlighting any potential hazards to their Supervisors during the application of the PTW.  
• Executing the work in accordance to control measures listed in the Risk Assessment and the PTW after the PTW is authorised.

EHS Officer (Safety Assessor) is responsible for 

• Developing, implementing and maintaining the PTW system.  
• Evaluates the PTW application as a Safety Assessor and conducts site survey within the scope of the PTW system.

Supervisor is responsible for 

• reviewing the risk assessment prior to application of the PTW and the work
• initiate the PTW application through the different authorisation levels
• implementing the control measures described in the RA and PTW
• communicate potential hazards and such control measures to the workers

Management is responsible for

• Providing adequate training for all levels of persons involved in the PTW system.
• Appointing suitable and competent persons to carry out their duties in the different levels of authorisation of the PTW system.

DEFINITION

Authorised Manager – the Manager or Supervisor appointed as the competent person to carry out duties of an authorised manager for the PTW system.

PTW (Permit to Work) – a document routed through the permit-to-work system to be endorsed by authorised persons and displayed at the area where the approved work is carried out.  

Supervisor – The person who submits the PTW application. He/She directs the work to be undertaken to the workers. 

Responsible person – The EHS Officer or the Manager of the person who is supposed to carry out the work.  In case of contractors, that person is the EHS Officer or Project Manager of Fujifilm.  

Safety Assessor – Usually the EHS Officer, or any such persons deemed to have the competence required to check and verify the safety measures put in place, and whether such measures are sufficient.

Workman – Person performing the work described in the PTW.

PROCEDURE

The RA team shall always consider whether hazardous work can be eliminated first (QEHS-SP-12 Risk Management). 

The PTW can only be valid for a maximum of 7 work days, provided the hazards remain the same.  A new permit application has to be made after that.

Relevant documents shall be attached as part of the PTW application (e.g., Risk Assessments, relevant course certificates, test certificates, maintenance records, etc). 

There must be evidence of competence of persons involved in supervising, evaluating, and carrying out the work in the PTW application.

Any persons involved in the PTW have the right to STOP WORK immediately if in doubt or when they feel that conditions in the workplace have changed and that it has no longer become safe to continue to carry on working.

Department Managers / Supervisors shall ensure that the PTW is properly closed and retained as part of documented information.

Where hazardous work is involved, other PTW forms must be applied together with the main PTW form (QEHS-SP-17 Appendix A, ):

Appendix A1: Permit-to-work Form.

CP Environmental Control Officers for Specified Construction Sites

Construction sites may be located near residential and built-up areas. To ensure that residents are not subject to nuisances or public health hazards, occupiers of such construction sites must pay great attention to environmental health issues that may arise from their worksites

To help occupiers of such construction sites identify and rectify these problems before work commences and as the construction work progresses, the National Environment Agency (NEA) launched the Environmental Control Officers (ECO) Scheme for Specified Construction Sites (SCS) on 1 April 2000. Under the ECO (SCS) scheme, qualified personnel are trained to handle matters relating to environmental management, focusing on areas such as vector control, noise control, food hygiene and waste management.

This Code of Practice for Environmental Control Officers for Specified Construction Sites spells out the roles and responsibilities of ECOs(SCS) and occupiers and provides a reference to guide them in their daily work.

To download a copy click Code of Practice for Environmental Control Officers for Specified Construction Site

For the latest updates, refer to NEA website

Forklift Safety

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this procedure is to describe the actions and responsibilities involved in the operation, maintenance and inspection of forklifts.

SCOPE 

This procedure is applicable to all forklift operators in the company. Contractors shall not be permitted to operate forklift trucks in the plant.

RESPONSIBILITY

Management is responsible in ensuring adequate resources are allocated to maintaining competency levels of forklift operators, such as training, etc.  

HODs and Supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that only competent persons in their departments operate forklifts in the company.

DEFINITIONS

Competent Persons – refers to persons who have completed and passed the training course for operators of forklift trucks in an Accredited Training Institute.

PROCEDURE

The following procedures must be followed by forklift operators:

1) Battery charging procedures

• Sweep away dusts accumulated on the floor around battery charging area.
• Wipe off dusts accumulated on the battery chargers.
• Eye or face protection must be worn when connecting a charger to a battery.
• Chargers must be turned off when leads are being connected or disconnected.
• All leads and cables must be checked and in good condition.
• When charging batteries and when moving batteries, vent caps must be kept firmly in place to avoid electrolyte splashing. Care must be taken to assure vent caps are functioning.
• If charging is to be conducted on a battery in a mobile piece of equipment, the battery compartment cover must be left open to dissipate heat and explosive gases.
• Any additional safety requirements or operating procedures specified by the manufacturer of the forklift, battery or charging system must be followed.
• No smoking near charging areas.

2) Housekeeping in battery charging area

There are fire and explosion risks associated with battery charging of forklift trucks. Hydrogen gas is released when the batteries are being re-charged. The following MUST be strictly adhered to. 

• No Hot work is allowed within 11 meters of where the batteries of lift trucks are being recharged.
• No flame, burning cigarette is allowed in the area.
• No storage of combustibles, such as cardboard, paper wood pallets, around the battery charging area is allowed.
• No storage of cleaning agents such as WD-40 is allowed. This includes spray cans with the ‘flammable’ hazard symbol located on the can.
• Excessive dust must not be allowed to accumulate on the floor in the vicinity of the battery charging areas as well as the battery chargers itself.

3) Pre operating procedures

• Start and warm up the engine for 3-5 minutes.
• Check the forklift based on Appendix A – Daily Forklift Inspection Form, and fill them up before starting to operate forklift.
• If there are defects discovered, inform his/her Supervisor immediately and not operate the forklift unless it is safe to do so.

4) Moving Procedures

• Check that the forward-reverse lever is in the neutral position.
• Raise all lowered attachments just clear of ground (200 – 300 mm).
• Release park brake and select forward or reverse.
• Check that the direction of travel is clear.
• On entering or leaving a confined space, sound the warning device to warn any personnel of the machine movement.
• Test brakes and steering for correct operation before moving off.

5) After operation procedures

• Park the forklift properly
• Lower the fork to let it rest on the floor.
• Switch off the engine and return the key

6) Safety

• Put on head protection (e.g., bumpcaps, hard hats, etc)
• Ensure seatbelt is worn
• No speeding.
• No stacked load is allowed.
• No more than one operator is allowed on the forklift.
• Always look at blind spots when reversing.
• Always lower the fork before moving off with a load.
• Always tilt the fork with a load towards the driver.
• Always switch on the headlights when the visibility is limited.

7) General maintenance

• Lubricate forklift’s chains with grease.
• Lubricate all moveable parts with grease.
• Always keep the forklift clean after use.
• Inspect the forklift periodically.

8) Guidelines for safe operation

• Always be conscious about stability while operating forklift.
• Look out for overhead obstruction, side clearance and on-coming people and traffic.
• When forward vision is a problem, drive in reverse.
• Slow down at blind corners and horn.
• Slow down on wet and slippery surfaces.
• When negotiating sharp bends, keep close to inner side.
• Keep hands and feet away from mast assembly.
• Park safely with forks centred on ground level.
• Report to Supervisor/ EHS officer in case of any incidents/accidents.
• Don’t drive with wet or oily hands.
• Don’t operate the control levels haphazardly.
• Don’t use the forks as pokes.
• Don’t run over objects or holes.
• Don’t indulge in stunts or horseplay.
• Don’t drive in parallel along with others.
• Don’t follow too closely.
• Don’t use forklift for transporting personnel.
• Don’t stop suddenly and don’t park in front of emergency equipment.
• Don’t leave the forklift unattended with engine running. 

9) Guidelines for loading /unloading

• Inspect the size, shape and weight of the cargo before loading.
• When working with long length cargo, use forklift with wide carriage and ensure that the forks are centralised to give equal balance. Space the forks apart for securing maximum stability.
• Keep forks low to whilst moving with load to avoid side tipping.
• Use the load backrest extension and overhead guard for high stacking.
• Keep load on uphill side.
• Ensure chassis brakes are set and wheels locked prior to loading and unloading.  
• Ensure that the floor is capable of carrying the combined weight of load and forklift.
• Ensure that the load has been set and balanced before withdrawing forks.
• Don’t overload beyond the load indicator/ rated capacity marked on the forklift.
• Don’t carry unstable loads or loose loads.
• Don’t allow anyone to stand or walk under the forks.
• Don’t try to steady loads while the forklift is moving.
• Don’t carry defective pallets.
• Don’t unload in front of fire-fighting equipment or alarms.

10)Refresher Training

Forklift operator to attend refresher training once in every 3 years as recommended by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.

Forklift operators shall ensure they complete Appendix A Daily Forklift Inspection Checklist

Department Supervisors shall ensure forklifts under their charge are serviced and maintained on a periodic basis.  This can be through achieved through means such as service contract arrangements with external parties.

11) Training 

All in-house forklift operators must have completed and passed the training course for operators of forklift trucks conducted by an Accredited Training Institute

Annex A Forklift Inspection Checklist

PPE Program

OBJECTIVE

To protect employees from the risk of injury by creating a barrier against workplace hazards. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to be used in conjunction with engineering or administrative controls or good work practices.  

SCOPE 

This procedure is applicable to all activities in the company.

RESPONSIBILITY

Management shall be responsible in ensuring resources are provided to provide and replace adequate and suitable PPE for employees in work areas where such PPE are required by legal requirements and/or recommended by HODs, Supervisors, or EHS Officer.

Company representative in charge of their visitors, suppliers and contractors are responsible for ensuring that they adhere to mandatory PPE signs put up in the organisation.

Supervisors are responsible for implementing the PPE program in their work area. This involves

• Providing appropriate PPE and making it available to employees.
• Ensuring employees are trained in the proper use, care and cleaning of PPE.
• Maintaining PPE issuance records
• Supervising staff to ensure that employees properly use and care for PPE.
• Participate and contribute to risk assessments 
• Notify and consult EHS when new hazards are introduced or identified or when processes are added or changed
• Ensure defective or damaged PPE is immediately replaced.

Employees are responsible for: 

• Wearing PPE as required, including in areas where mandatory PPE signs are put up.
• Attending required training on PPE;
• Caring for, cleaning and maintaining PPE as required;
• Informing their Supervisors of the need to repair or replace PPE.

EHS Manager / Officer shall be responsible for:

• Working with Supervisors to conduct risk assessments to determine the presence of hazards which necessitates the use of PPE.
• Providing recommendation to Supervisors for the selection and purchase of approved PPE for required tasks. 
• Providing / arrange training and technical assistance to supervisors on PPE use and care.
• Submit training records to the Human Resource
• Periodically review and update this program for overall effectiveness
• Retain training records related to PPE training 

HR Department shall be responsible for:

• Ensuring adequate stock and iissuance of safety shoes to all employees and retaining such records for at least 5 years.
• Manage and retain records of PPE training (whether in-house or external) in the appropriate files as required.

Contractors are responsible for:

• Providing and wearing their own PPE as identified in the risk assessment for that work / activity or as required by the organisation.  
• Ensuring that their sub-contractors adhere to the same requirements

DEFINITIONS

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

PROCEDURE

1)Requirements for PPE 

Hazards exist in the workplace in many different forms: sharp edges, falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, noise and a myriad of other potentially dangerous situations. Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees.

The Hierarchy for Hazard Control includes:

• Elimination
• Engineering Controls
• Substitution of raw materials 
• Work practice control (Changing the way in which employees work)
• Substitution of tools 
• Administrative controls
• PPE

When engineering, work practice and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide enough protection, PPE is provided to the employees to be worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Therefore PPE is the last line of defence. 

2)Selecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  

HODs, Supervisors and the EHS Officer shall consider the following during the selection of PPE. 

• Nature of Work during Exposure
• Nature of the hazards (physical, gaseous, liquid, vapour, etc.)
• Severity of exposure – acute, chronic effects 
• Frequency and duration of exposure
• Parts of the body exposed and the manner of exposure 
• The organisation’s compliance obligations (legal requirements, Codes of Practice, etc)

Types of PPE

• Head protection – safety helmets, bump caps
• Hearing protection – ear plugs, ear muffs
• Eye protection – safety goggles, safety glasses
• Face protection – face shields, hoods
• Respiratory System Protection – air purifying & air supplied respirators
• Free-fall hazard protection – safety belts, life-lines
• Body protection – clothing, apron and gloves
• Feet and legs protection – safety boots, safety shoes

3)Issue of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Basing on the above criteria, HODs, Supervisors and the EHS Officer shall establish the type of PPE that the worker needs and issue to them accordingly.

Contractors are to provide their own PPE. If they do not have the appropriate PPE, they are not to commence work. 

Records of PPE issued are to be maintained and kept by the Department Supervisors 

4)Training

EHS Manager / Officer shall provide in-house training or arrange for vendor training for all employees on the proper use, care for and limitations of PPE.

Training records shall be submitted to HR and kept for a minimum of 5 years.

HODs and Supervisors shall continuously encourage/enforce the worker to use PPE through toolbox meeting, safety talks etc.

5)Using PPE

PPE PROTECTS DIFFERENTLY FOR EACH HAZARD!    

It does not provide protection against all hazards. Choose appropriate PPE depending on the hazard and task you are performing. Remember:  USING THE WRONG PPE MAYBE AS BAD AS USING NO PPE!

PPE DOES NOT ELIMINATE THE HAZARD! 

Know the limitations of PPE.  Follow SAFETY PRECAUTIONS while working.

USE AND MAINTAIN PPE PROPERLY TO ENSURE ITS PERFORMANCE

Having safety goggles does no good if it's resting on your head.

BE AWARE THAT THERE MAY BE HAZARDS WITH USING PPE

Talk to your Supervisor or the EHS Officer before using PPE.

PPE DOES NOT PROTECT WORKERS THE SAME WAY!

PPE should be properly sized and fitted to ensure its adequacy.

WEAR MORE THAN THE MINIMUM PPE!

TAKE OFF YOUR JEWELRY (i.e. rings and watches).

This reduces chemical seepage and contact with electrical sources.

5)Monitoring & non-conformance

HODs, Supervisors and the EHS Manager / Officer shall monitor and enforce the use of PPE in required areas in the plant.

In the event that anyone is found to be intentionally working without the appropriate PPE in the plant, the EHS Manager / Officer shall note down his/her employee code or IC or work permit number for contractors, and report the misconduct to his immediate superior.  

In the case of recalcitrant misconduct/ non-conformance of safety rules, the EHS Manager / Officer shall inform the HOD and the HR Section Head, who may decide on appropriate action to take against the worker based on requirements spelt out in organization’s Employee Code of Conduct

PPE Issuance Record

bizSAFE -What is bizSAFE

bizSAFE is a nationally recognised capability building programme designed to help companies build workplace safety and health capabilities.bizSAFE is a five-step programme that assists companies to build up their WSH capabilities so that they can achieve superior improvements in safety and health standards at the workplace.

To kick start the journey, your top management must demonstrate its commitment towards WSH.

bizSAFE certification is not a mandatory or legal requirement. but companies are strongly encouraged to participate in bizSAFE. In the process of attaining bizSAFE certification, companies will also benefit by acquiring WSH capabilities and be able to implement a Risk Management System or WSH Management System

bizSAFE consultant (Level 1 to STAR) bizSAFE is a five-step programme that assists companies to build up their WSH capabilities so that they can achieve superior improvements in safety and health standards at the workplace. To kick start the journey, your top management must demonstrate its commitment towards WSH

The bizSAFE Level 1 workshop for CEOs/Top Management would help top management in your organisation understand the importance of being committed to workplace safety and health as well as align with current the code of practice. The workshop will enable top management to understand WSH protocols from all working levels

bizSAFE level 2

Your company must nominate a Risk Management (RM) Champion to attend the level 2 course on “Develop and Implement a Risk Management Plan”. The duration of the course is 2 days. At the end of the course, the RM Champion will be able to understand the concept of Risk Management and legal requirements under WSH (Risk Management) Regulations. The participant will attain a “Statement of Attainment” when they have fully completed the course.

bizSAFE level 3

All workplaces covered under the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) must conduct risk assessments for every work activity and process carried out at their workplaces.

This is an important step towards complying with the requirements in the WSHA all related legislations. In order to attain bizSAFE Level 3 status, your enterprise must engage an MOM Approved WSH Auditor to assess your company’s implementation of the RM.

bizSAFE level 4

In attaining bizSAFE level 4, your company must select a Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS) Programme Lead to attend the 4 day bizSAFE level 4 course on WSHMS. After completing the WSHMS Plan, your business may apply for bizSAFE Level 4 status.

bizSAFE STAR

Lastly, to achieve bizSAFE STAR status, your company must obtain SS506 Certification issued by SAC accredited certification bodies OR BS OHSAS 18001 or other equivalent certification accompanied by a RM Implementation Audit Report by MOM Approved WSH Auditor.

Benefits of the bizSAFE audit and Certifications

Create a safer and healthier work environment for all employees

Increase business competitive edge

Increased company branding and image

Company name will be listed on WSH Council website

Gain recognition by Partners and industry

Compliance to WSH (Risk Management) Regulations

Awarded with a bizSAFE level 3 certificate bearing company name

Awarded with bizSAFE audit logo to be reflected in name card, letterhead, collaterals, etc.

Compliance to various tender and contracts specifications from government and private sectors

Potential reduction of insurance premiums with some participating financial institution

Who May Apply
You may apply for bizSAFE if your company is a registered business in Singapore.

If you are an overseas company, you must engage an Accredited Auditing Organisation (AAO) to conduct the bizSAFE Level 3 Risk Management (RM) Implementation Audit at your overseas workplace or site office.

Why You Should Apply
bizSAFE helps you to ensure that your company complies with risk management regulations and increases your company's competitive edge. Please refer to our full list of benefits for more information

WSH Guidelines -Toxic Industrial Waste Treatment

 What is WSH Guideline 

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

Check out the free WSH Guidelines -Toxic Industrial Waste Treatment to improve your organization WSH practices. For the latest WSH Guidelines update, refer to Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Council Website.

WSH Guideline -Toxic Industrial Waste Treatment Scope

The primary objective of this document is to provide guidance on minimising workplace safety and health risks in the waste treatment industry.

The scope of the guidelines covers workplace safety and health in waste treatment facilities that store, treat and dispose of toxic industrial waste commercially.

The guidelines should be read together with the Singapore Standard CP 100: 2004 “Code of Practice on Hazardous Waste Management”* as well as MOM’s Guidelines on “Prevention and Control of Chemical Hazards”

Improper storing, handling, treating or disposing of industrial waste can jeopardise workplace safety and health; these translate into costs in terms of compensation, clean-up and lost time due to illnesses and accidents.

These guidelines are not meant for facilities that treat biological and/or radioactive waste. Please refer to the website of the National Environment Agency (NEA)‡ for details on the proper treatment and disposal of biological and radioactive waste.

To learn more click

CP ECO for Construction Sites

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OFFICERS FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES [ ECOs (CS) ]

1 Introduction
1.1 This Code of Practice (COP) is intended to guide Environmental Control Officers for Construction Sites [ECOs (CS)] and Occupiers in carrying out works in compliance with the Environmental Public Health (Registration of Environmental Control Officers) Regulations.

1.2 The COP can be downloaded on NEA website. For clarifications on the COP, please enquire via the NEA online feedback form at www.nea.gov.sg.

2 Definitions

 2.1 In this Code, unless otherwise specified: -

 2.1.1 "works", in relation to a construction site, means-

(a) the erection, construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of buildings, structures or roads;

(b) the breaking up or opening of, or boring under, any road or adjacent land in connection with the construction, inspection, maintenance or removal of works;

(c) demolition or dredging works; or

(d) any other work of engineering construction.

2.1.2 "Full-time Environmental Control Officer for Construction Site" means an ECO (CS) employed on a full-time basis in the construction site for which he or she is employed for at least 40 hours per week.

2.1.3 "Part-time Environmental Control Officer for Construction Site" means an ECO (CS) employed on a part-time basis in the construction site for which he or she is employed for at least 15 hours per week.

 2.1.4 "Contract sum", in relation to a construction site, means the total value of the works to be carried out on the construction site as stated in the applicable contract.

 2.1.5 Pointers under Section 5 and 6, which are marked with " # " refer to mandatory duties of an ECO (CS) or Occupier under the Environmental Public Health (Registration of Environmental Control Officers) Regulations. Other legal obligations under Control of Vector Pesticide Act and Environmental Protection and Management Act are also to be complied with.

3 Construction sites requiring ECO (CS)

3.1 Occupiers of construction sites are required to employ either a part-time or fulltime ECO (CS) depending on the contract sum of the construction works as shown in the table below:

4 Registration of ECO (CS)

4.1 Applicant with the requisite qualifications must complete a training course and pass the exam for ECOs before he can be registered as an ECO (CS).

4.2 Registration and renewal of registration shall be made via the Whole-of Government business licensing portal GoBusiness, at https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/licences, and accompanied with a licence fee. A Certificate for Registration for ECO (CS) (Appendix 1), which is valid for a stipulated licence period, will be issued upon approval.

4.3 It is an offence under the Environmental Public Health (Registration of Environmental Control Officers) Regulations for the Occupier of a construction site to employ an ECO (CS) who does not have a valid Certificate of Registration. Likewise, it is an offence for an ECO (CS) to work in a construction site if he does not possess a valid Certificate of Registration.

4.4 An ECO(CS) shall produce his/her Environmental Control Officer Certificate of Registration for inspection, when required by authorized officers.

 5 Role and Duties of ECO (CS)

 5.1 In general, the role of an ECO (CS) is to work with the Premises Manager (PM)/ Occupier of the construction site to comply with environmental laws, advise PM/ Occupier on environmental remediation measures, carry out site inspections and to engage workers and stakeholders on maintaining good environmental health standards.

 5.2 The environmental issues which the ECO (CS) are required to pay attention to are:

 1 Vector Control

2 Food Hygiene

 3 Waste Management

4 Noise Management

5 Air Pollution and Dust Abatement

 6 Earth Littering

7 Water Pollution and Earth Control

8 Sanitary Facilities Management

5.3 The duties of an ECO (CS) shall include the following:

 (a) Work with the PM/ Occupier of the construction site to draw up, implement and monitor effective environmental management plans, including reviewing them when necessary: • Prepare and submit to the PM/ Occupier of the construction site, the Site Environmental Control Programme (SECP) in accordance to the format in Appendix 2, before work commences at the worksite. The SECP shall outline the environmental management plans to be executed; and # • Prepare and submit to the PM/ Occupier of the construction site, the Site Environmental Control Report (SECR) in accordance to the format in Appendix 3 once every two weeks. The ECO shall assess the environmental efforts carried out, and review the effectiveness of these measures.

(b) Inspect the construction site to ensure all facilities, equipment and operations do not pose any environmental health hazard;

 (c) Inspect the on-site canteen, if any, and dining areas to ensure that good hygiene practices are being observed, and the areas are well maintained with good housekeeping. #

(d) Identify and discuss environmental health irregularities or potential lapses with the Occupier of the construction site, and recommend corresponding measures to prevent or rectify such concerns;

 (e) Attend to all feedback on any irregularities and inform the Occupier of the construction site accordingly;

f) Assist the authorities to investigate outbreaks of infectious, vector-borne or food-borne diseases at the construction site; and

 (g) Organise campaigns, training courses and other activities, where required, to develop and sustain the interest of workers in maintaining good environmental health standards.

6 Duties of Occupier of Construction Site

6.1 The PM/ Occupier is responsible for all irregularities and violations at his work site and shall carry out the following: Site Environmental Control Programme (SECP) and Report (SECR)

 (a) Submit the SECP prepared by the ECO (CS) to the Director-General of Public Health (DGPH) before work commences at the worksite;

(b) Countersign the SECR prepared by the ECO (CS), file and make the reports available for inspection by the DGPH or any public health officer at any time; and to

(c) Work with the ECO (CS) to implement the recommendations made under the SECP and SECR. # Notification of Employment of ECO (CS)

(d) Notify the DGPH on any changes in employment in ECO (CS) on the construction site via a partial re-submission of the SECP [change in ECO(CS)];

(e) Notify the DGPH in writing within 14 days of termination of employment of ECO (CS) #

(f) Employ another ECO (CS) within 14 days upon termination of employment, suspension or cancellation of registration of the ECO (CS) employed for the construction site; and

(g) Employ a temporary ECO (CS) for the construction site when the existing ECO (CS) working at the construction site is on leave or absent for more than 5 days. #

Others

(i) Work with the ECO (CS) in maintaining good environmental health standards at the worksite;

(j) Facilitate the work of the ECO (CS) by providing the necessary resources including facilities, equipment and information necessary to carry out environmental management work effectively and efficiently; #

(k) Permit ECO (CS) to attend courses, seminars, conferences and meetings as and when required by the DGPH and to reimburse them as required under the law; and

 (l) Require every personnel employed on the construction site to observe good environmental health practices.

7 Penalties

7.1 The ECO scheme is regulated under the Environmental Public Health Act. It is an offence for the ECO (CS), or PM/ Occupier of the construction site, to contravene or fail to comply with any of the clauses stated in the Act or its subsidiary legislations. The various offences that are relevant to the ECO (CS) and the PM/ Occupier of the construction site, are as shown in Appendix 4.

8 Guide on Recommended Practices in Construction Sites

 1 The following are recommended practices in construction sites to keep the worksite free from environmental health hazards. ECO (CS) should apply suitable measures for their construction sites and ensure compliance with any other relevant Code of Practices and legal requirements for the respective environmental issues.

8.1 Vector Control

8.1.1 The ECO (CS) and PM/ Occupier should identify high-risk areas and operations, throughout each stage of the construction project, that may result in breeding of vectors. The ECO (CS) and PM/ Occupier shall draw up and implement an effective vector control programme, which outlines vector surveillance and control measures to eliminate, reduce and/or manage such risks.

8.1.2 Comprehensive vector control services must be engaged from the start of the project and carried out at least once a week. The Occupier must engage a competent NEA-registered Vector Control Operator (VCO) from the list of registered VCOs on https://nea.gov.sg/our-services/pest-control/pest-controloperators. The scope of work and responsibilities of the VCO should be spelled out in the contract. A template contract “Specifications for mosquito and rodent surveillance and control at construction sites” is available at https://nea.gov.sg/our-services/pest-control/rodent-control.

8.1.3 The PM/ Occupier should maintain good records of the vector control programme and vector control service reports from the VCO.

8.1.4 The performance of the VCO should be evaluated regularly. If the VCO service is unsatisfactory, the PM/ Occupier should terminate the contract and engage another VCO.

8.1.5 It is recommended that the worksite is divided into zones based on the number of workdays in a week (e.g., a maximum of 6 zones assuming a 6-days work week or 7 zones for a 7-days work week). The in-house Environmental Control Team should then be deployed to cover one zone per day to ensure good surveillance and housekeeping weekly

. 9 Mosquito Control

 • Regular checks should be conducted at least once a week at all areas, as part of source reduction measure to detect the stagnation of water and mosquito breeding.

 • Good housekeeping should be maintained to prevent stagnation of water among receptacles and litter

. • High-risk areas and operations, as well as appropriate preventive and control measures, are further outlined in detail in Appendix 5.

 • Sand granular insecticide should be applied to water collected in perforated bricks. Exposed brick holes should be sealed up with cement.

 • Anti-mosquito oil or NEA registered larvicide should be applied to stagnant water at least once a week. The application should be repeated after wet weather as the oil and insecticides would be washed away by the rain.

• Thermal fogging should only be carried out by licensed VCO, using a suitable NEA registered insecticide. Fogging should only be carried out when the adult mosquito population is high or when there are mosquitoborne diseases transmission near construction sites. Routine thermal fogging as a preventive measure is not encouraged.

 • If the site is situated in a malaria-sensitive area, the licensed VCO should carry out quarterly residual-spraying at the foreign workers quarters and site offices for the inner walls and at least once a month for the outer walls Control of Rodents, Flies and Cockroaches

 • Good housekeeping is achieved by keeping worksite litter-free and eliminating all harborage grounds.

 • Refuse bins should always be covered and emptied at the end of each day

• Food are properly stored, and organic wastes are properly disposed in covered refuse bins, so that vectors do not have access to them.

• The canteen, dining areas and workers quarters are kept free from pests by ensuring good food handling and storage, and good housekeeping.

• Regular checks for burrows should be conducted. The ECO (CS) and Occupier should work with the VCO to ensure active burrows undergo proper treatment until the rat population is wiped out, and then sealed properly.

• Check and seal potential rat entry points by using wire mesh, metal guards, etc.

 • Should sludge be used for landscaping, the sludge should be covered with a layer of topsoil at least 5 cm thick to prevent breeding of flies. 10 Control of Infectious Disease

 • Temperature checks for fever should be conducted daily for staff and visitors entering the construction site during dengue/ chikungunya/ zika outbreak periods or if there are cases in or in the vicinity of the site.

 • Staff and visitors displaying symptoms of infectious diseases i.e. fever, should not be allowed to enter and/or work in the construction site.

 • The PM/ Occupier should maintain records of all workers working at the construction site, including its employees and workers of sub-contractors. All foreign workers should be screened for history of malaria and blood films taken to exclude parasite carriers.

• The PM/ Occupier should monitor workers after their discharge from infectious diseases (e.g. period of one month for P. falciparum, and period of six months for P. vivax).

8.2 Food Hygiene

 8.2.1 On-site canteens (if any) must obtain a licence from the Singapore Food Agency prior to its operation and the licence is to be renewed regularly. Operators have to comply with all related requirements and regulations. They may refer to the following link for more information on licensing: https://www.sfa.gov.sg/food-retail/licensing-permits/food-shop-licence

8.2.2 All food handlers working at the on-site canteen must attend and pass the Basic Food Hygiene Course and register with the Singapore Food Agency.

8.2.3 Food sold on the worksite should be prepared within the licensed premises or obtained from licensed sources. Only potable Public Utilities Board (PUB) water can be used for all food preparation.

8.2.4 All liquid food wastes must be drained into the sewerage system and not into open drains. Food handling and storage

8.2.5 All ready-to-eat cooked food must be handled with tongs or other suitable utensils. In the event when tongs or suitable utensils are not suitable for use, food handlers are required to wear disposable gloves while handling cooked or ready-to-eat food. The disposable gloves must not be reused and should be disposed of after each use.

8.2.6 Food must not be prepared or stored in or near toilets or on the floor.

8.2.7 All refrigerators/freezers/chillers must be maintained in good working order and provided with temperature gauges. Food should be stored in chillers that are maintained between 0oC and 4oC, and in freezers that are maintained at 12oC and below.

8.2.8 Food products or food ingredients must be kept in clean covered containers and stored at appropriate temperatures.

 8.2.9 Food displayed for sale must be adequately covered. 11 Personal hygiene

8.2.10 Food handlers must not place their fingers to their mouth, eye, ear, nose or scalp when preparing or handling food; they must also not eat, chew, smoke, spit, cough, sneeze or comb their hair when preparing or handling food.

8.2.11 Food handlers must wash their hands thoroughly and frequently before and after preparing food and after visiting the toilets. This is necessary even when the food handler wears gloves for food handling.

8.2.12 Food handlers must protect any open wound or lesion on their hands with waterproof dressings.

8.2.13 Food handlers must not prepare or handle food if they feel unwell (for e.g. vomiting, diarrhea or fever) or if they have infected wounds, skin infections or sores. Equipment

8.2.14 All equipment, crockery and utensils must be kept clean and properly maintained at all times. Defective equipment/ utensils/ crockery that are chipped and cracked should not be used.

8.2.15 Separate chopping boards, tongs, scoops, forks, gloves or other utensils should be used for handling raw, ready-to-eat and cooked food to prevent cross contamination.

8.2.16 Exhaust fans and grease filters should be serviced regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. Cooking hoods should be clean and free from oil drips, hardened grease and soot stains.

8.3 Waste Management

 8.3.1 Engage only licensed general waste collector for the collection and disposal of waste generated. Ensure a valid written agreement for the waste collection services and invoices are available for reference when required. The construction waste/debris should be sent to a licensed general waste disposal facility for further processing.

8.3.2 All designated waste collection points must be easily accessible by the waste collection vehicle.

8.3.3 Use dedicated bins to store recyclables, non-incinerable waste, incinerable waste and putrefiable waste. The bins shall be of a shape, size and design as may be approved by the DGPH from time to time.

8.3.4 The number of bins provided for each type of waste must be adequate. There should be no spillage of waste around any bin at any time.

8.3.5 Putrefiable waste should be removed daily to prevent any environmental health issue. All putrefiable waste should be bagged before disposal into bins. All bins for putrefiable waste should be of SS EN 840 standard wheeled bin with maximum size of 660 litres and properly covered when not in use.

8.3.6 Construction wastes/ debris should be stored in skips placed at a location easily accessible to waste removal vehicles. 12

8.4 Noise Control

8.4.1 Advise the occupier to reduce noise generated at the worksites by taking the following measures: i. use quieter equipment and methods to reduce noise generated from the construction site; ii. restrict noisier activities like piling, concreting and demolition to day-time; iii. use pre-cast concrete panels; iv. use noise barrier and noise curtains to help reduce the noise generated; v. use electricity supply from SP Power Grid instead of generators, where possible. If generators are used, they should be of the silent type and be sited away from residential areas; vi. maintain and service all equipment and machinery regularly to reduce noise and smoke emission; vii. engage affected residents of the construction work and keep them informed of impending noisy construction works, especially at night. Wherever possible, avoid noisy activities late at night;

8.4.2 Construction works are prohibited from being carried out on Sundays and Public Holidays for sites that are located within 150m from noise sensitive premises, unless it is for safety reasons or for emergency works;

8.4.3 The main contractor of the construction site must also ensure that their subcontractors comply with the noise limits

8.4.4 Occupiers must update NEA when there are changes to the key personnel on site (i.e. Project Manager, ECO (CS), Safety Officer etc.)

8.4.5 Make arrangements to set up noise monitoring meters to continuously measure and record the noise levels over a period of 12 hours, 1 hour and 5 minutes in dBA.

8.4.6 The type of noise meters to be installed and the permissible noise limits are as follows:

 

8.4.7 Occupiers using standalone noise meters are required to submit the noise monitoring charts on a weekly basis to the Pollution Control 2 Division. Occupiers using real time noise meters are required to submit to PCD the username and password.

8.4.8 Occupiers using real time noise meters are required to be familiar with predictive readings to ensure compliance to the noise limits

8.4.9 It is the occupier’s responsibility to ensure that the noise meters are monitoring the noise levels continuously and are in working condition at all times.

* Leq 12 hours, Leq 1 hour and Leq 5 min are the equivalent continuous noise levels over a period of 5 minutes, 1 hour and 12 hours respectively

8.5 Air pollution and Dust Nuisance

8.5.1 Open burning of construction and other wastes are not allowed at the worksite as this is an offence under the Environmental Pollution and Management Act.

8.5.2 Effective measures such as water sprinklers/spray, shielding, netting, covers/hoarding for aggregate and sand storage should be taken to minimise dust pollution caused by construction or demolition works. The netting or barriers on the scaffolding of the construction site shall be of suitable height for effective containment of dust and debris.

8.5.3 All construction debris should be properly stored and removed for disposal quickly. They should not be left to accumulate at the site.

8.5.4 Debris chutes to transfer construction debris efficiently from higher floors to the ground floor should be provided to prevent dust nuisance. The internal of the chutes shall also be lined with suitable material to prevent noise pollution. 8.5.5 Construction sites with concrete batching plants must have a Written Permission (WP) from the Director, Pollution Control 1 Division to occupy and operate as a Scheduled Premises. The occupier operating the concrete batching plant must comply with all the conditions stipulated in the WP. 14

8.5.6 All construction equipment and machinery must be well maintained and should not emit dark smoke.

8.5.7 The use of generators should be minimised by setting up permanent power supply with the electricity provider. Generators should be sited at locations that minimise the smell and noise nuisance affecting nearby residential premises or other sensitive receptors.

8.6 Earth littering

8.6.1 Lorries should not be overloaded while transporting earth, debris, etc. as this may lead to spillage and littering of roads.

8.6.2 All vehicles carrying refuse, sand, earth, gravel, clay, stone, or any other similar material must be completely and adequately covered as stipulated in Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations 14(2) and Road Traffic Rules (R18), before they leave the construction site.

8.6.3 A paved wash bay is to be provided for washing of vehicles (e.g. lorry tyres and undercarriages) before they leave the worksite. All washings from the wash bay should be channeled to a silt trap.

8.7 Earth Control Measures

8.7.1 The site operator/owner shall submit a detailed Earth Control Measures (ECM) proposal, endorsed by a Qualified Erosion Control Professional (QECP) to the relevant authorities for an approval.

8.7.2 A system of ECM including silty water treatment plant, holding pond, temporary perimeter lined cut-off drains, silt fences and silt traps is to be implemented within the worksite in accordance with the approved ECM plan before commencement of any earthworks or construction works to prevent the wash down of silt, earth, and debris from the worksite into the public drains and adjacent premises.

8.7.3 Water run-off from the worksite is to be channeled to the holding pond and silty water treatment plant for treatment and is not to be discharged directly into the public drains.

8.7.4 Earth control measures including the silty water treatment plants, holding pond, temporary perimeter lined cut-off drains, silt fences and silt traps are to be maintained and desilted regularly.

8.7.5 Earth surfaces or slopes adjacent to any drain shall be closed turfed, paved or covered with appropriate materials.

8.7.6 Minimise the extent and duration of any exposed bare erodible surface in construction site by adopting proper construction staging and work sequencing. Bare surfaces shall be covered up with appropriate materials before rain and daily works should be halted to reduce the volume of silty water to be contained and treated. As a good practice, all bare surfaces should also be covered up at the end of each work day in anticipation of any rain event after working hours.

8.7.7 The treatment of silty water shall be closely monitored, and the treatment shall be stopped immediately if silty water is being discharged to the public drain.

8.7.8 Drains in the vicinity of the worksite shall not be silted, altered or obstructed due to the construction works.

8.7.9 The discharge from any construction sites into public drains shall not contain Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in concentration greater than the prescribed legal limits.

8.7.10 The ECM shall not be removed before the completion of work. The site operator/owner shall inform the relevant authority prior to removal of the ECM on completion of the project.

8.8 Prevention of Water Pollution

8.8.1 All wastewater generated at the construction site must be properly treated and disposed of. No discharge of sewage or other untreated wastewater into drain or land is allowed.

8.8.2 Oil and chemical in drums, carboys, containers, etc. shall be stored in a designated storage area within a building or covered shed with concrete floors and facilities to contain any leak or spillage.

8.8.3 Waste oil and chemicals generated from site activities shall only be sent to a licensed toxic industrial waste collector for proper disposal.

8.8.4 A full containment bund wall should be provided for bulk storage oil tanks, including skid tanks. A collection sump should be provided to collect any spillage. All leaks and spillages in the storage area or construction site shall be collected and sent to a licensed toxic waste collector for proper disposal.

8.8.5 Any repair or servicing of vehicle, which requires waste oil to be disposed of should only be carried out if there are facilities to contain the waste oil.

8.8.6 Soil treatment is to be carried out only by trained operators of registered pest control companies. The operators shall comply fully with the water pollution control requirements for the use of termiticides in anti-termite soil treatment issued to the companies by the Pollution Control 1 Division, National Environment Agency.

8.9 Sanitary Facilities

8.9.1 All toilet facilities are to be connected to sewer or holding tank/ temporary septic tank approved by the Sewerage Department, Public Utilities Board. Where septic tank(s)/ holding tank(s) and/ or chemical/ portable toilet(s) are provided, they are to be regularly maintained. There should be no discharge of wastewater from the holding tank into the watercourse or controlled watercourse.

8.9.2 Ensure good drainage is provided for all temporary structures and connect drains to a proper outlet to prevent water ponding in the toilet facilities.

8.9.3 Toilets must be provided with amenities such as toilet paper, soap, litter bins and hand dryer and be kept clean at all times. They must not be used for storage purpose.

8.9.4 Adequate and proper sanitary facilities in working condition should be provided at the worksite and discharge points to be connected to septic tanks for disposal. The number of sanitary facilities required can be found in the Code of Practice on Environmental Health available at NEA Website