General Safety Regulations

Roof work

 

12. Every employer shall provide, and cause to be used, suitable roof ladders or duck-boards or crawling-boards for persons required to work on any roof that has an unsafe pitch or surface, or that is covered or is to be covered with material through which a person could fall: Provided that suitable safety belts attached to the structure or any similar effective equipment may be used in place of roof-ladders, duck-boards or crawling boards on pitched roofs covered with non-fragile material.

Demolition and excavation

 

13. Every employer who performs building work shall, with respect to any such work in connection with the demolition of a structure or the making of an excavation --

(a) with regard to a structure being demolished, take steps to ensure that --

(i) no floor, roof or other part of the structure is so overloaded with debris or material as to render it unsafe;

(ii) all practicable precautions are taken to avoid the danger of the structure collapsing when any part of the framing of a framed or partly framed building is removed, or when reinforced concrete is cut; and

(iii) precautions are taken in the form of adequate shoring or such other means as may be necessary to prevent the accidental collapse of any part of the structure or of any adjoining structure;

(b) not require or permit any person to, and no person shall, work under unsupported overhanging material or in an excavation which is more than 1.5 m deep and which has not been adequately shored or braced if there is a danger of the overhanging material or the sides of the excavation collapsing:

(c) take steps to ensure that any support, shoring or bracing contemplated in paragraph (b), is designed and constructed so that it is strong enough to support the overhanging material or the sides of the excavation in question;

(d) where the stability of an adjoining building, structure or road is likely to be affected by demolition work on a building or the making of an excavation, take such steps as may be necessary to ensure the stability of such building, structure or road and the safety of persons;

(e) ascertain as far as is practicable the location and nature of electricity, water, gas or other similar services which may in some way be affected by the work to be performed, and shall before the commencement of such work that may in this way affect any such service, take such steps as may be necessary under the circumstances to render all persons involved safe;

(f) cause convenient and safe means of access to be provided to every excavation in which persons are required to work and which is more than 1.5 m deep: Provided that, in the case of an excavation which is more than 50 m in length, a safe means of access shall be provided at intervals of not more than 50 m;

(g) cause every excavation which is more than 1.5 m deep, including all bracing and shoring, to be inspected by a person who is competent to pronounce on the safety thereof, at least once before every shift and before the commencement of work after rain, to ensure the safety of persons; and

(h) cause every excavation which is accessible to the public or which is adjacent to public roads or thoroughfares, or whereby the safety of persons may be endangered, to be--

(i) adequately protected by a barrier or fence at least one metre high and as close to the excavation as is practicable; and

(ii) provided with red warning lights or any other clearly visible boundary indicators at night or when visibility conditions are poor.

Ladders

 

13A (1) An employee shall ensure that every ladder is constructed of sound material and is suitable for the purpose for which it is used, and -

(a) is fitted with non-skid devices at the bottom ends and hooks or similar devices at the upper ends of the stiles which shall ensure the stability of the ladder during normal use; or

(b) is so lashed, held or secured whilst being used as to ensure the stability of the ladder under all conditions and at all times.

(2) No employer shall use a ladder, or permit it to be used, if it -

(a) (i) has rungs fastened to the stiles only by means of nails, screws, spikes or in like manner; or

(ii) has rungs which have not been properly let into the stiles: Provided that in the case of welded ladder or ladders of which the rungs are bolted or riveted to the stiles, the rungs need not be let into the sides; or

(b) has damaged stiles, or damaged or missing rungs.

(3) No employer may permit that -

(a) a ladder which is required to be leaned against an object for support be used which is longer than 9 m; and

(b) except with the approval of an inspector, the reach of a ladder be extended by fastening together two or more ladders: Provided that the provisions of this subregulation shall not apply to extension of free-standing ladders.

(4) In the case of wooden ladders the employer shall ensure that -

(a) the ladders are constructed of straight grained wood, free from defects, and with the grain running in the length of the stiles and rungs; and

(b) the ladders are not painted or covered in any manner, unless it has been established that there are no cracks or other inherent weaknesses: Provided that ladders may be treated with oil or covered with clear varnish or wood preservative.

(5) When work is done from a ladder, the employer shall -

(a) take special precautionary measures to prevent articles from falling off; and

(b) provide suitable sheaths or receptacles in which hand tools shall be kept when not being used.

(6) An employer shall ensure that a fixed ladder which exceeds 5 m in length and is attached to a vertical structure with an inclination to the horizontal level of 75 or more -

(a) has its rungs at least 150 mm away from the structure to which the ladder is attached; and

(b) is provided with a cage which -

(i) extends from a point not exceeding 2.5 m from the lower level to a height of at least 900 mm above the top level served by the ladder; and

(ii) shall afford firm support along its whole length for the back of the person climbing the ladder, and for which purpose no part of the cage shall be more than 700 mm away from the level of the rungs:

Provided that the foregoing provisions of paragraph (b) shall nor apply if platforms, which are spaced not more than 8 m apart and suitable for persons to rest on, are provided.

Ramps

 

13B.(1) An employer shall ensure that every ramp -

(a) is constructed in accordance with accepted technical standards;

(b) has a safety factor of at least two with respect to the load it is expected to carry: Provided that the design makes sufficient provision for the load on the ramp as a result of the turning, braking and acceleration of vehicles, if the ramp is used for vehicles; and

(c) has an inclination to the horizontal level of not more than 34° or one vertical to one and one half horizontal.

(2) An employer shall ensure that every ramp -

(a) the inclination of which renders additional foothold necessary, in every case where the inclination is more than 14° or one vertical to four horizontal, is provided with stepping laths which -

(i) are placed at suitable intervals; and

(ii) extend the full width of the ramp: Provided that the stepping laths may be interrupted over a width not exceeding 230 mm to facilitate the movement of barrows; and

(b) which is higher than 2 m and is provided on both sides with -

(i) substantial guard rails which are at least 900 mm and not exceeding 1 000 mm in height, and

(ii) toe-boards which are at least 150 mm high and so affixed that no open space exists between the toe-board and the ramp.

Boatswain's Chairs

 

13C. An employer shall ensure that every boatswain's chair or similar device is securely suspended and is so constructed as to prevent any occupant from falling therefrom.

Scaffold framework

 

13D.(1) An employer shall ensure that -

(a) Scaffold standards are properly propped against displacement and are secured vertically on firm foundations: Provided that putlog scaffolds shall incline slightly towards the structure;

(b) (i) steel scaffold standards with 'heavy', 'medium', 'light', or 'very light', platform loadings which shall not exceed 320, 240, 160 and 80 kg/m2 respectively, are spaced not more than 1.8 m, 2 m, 2.5 m and 3 m apart, respectively; and

(ii) wooden scaffold standards are spaced not more than 3 m apart;

(c) ladders are spaced vertically not more than 2.1 m apart;

(d) putlogs or transoms --

(i) which do not support a platform, are spaced at the same distances as the distances prescribed in paragraph (b) in respect of scaffold standards.

(ii) which support a platform, are spaced not more than 1.25 m apart if the platform is constructed of solid timber boards; and

(e) every part of a wooden scaffold frame has a diameter of at least 75 mm or a section of similar strength.

(2) No employer shall use a scaffold, or permit it to be used unless it -

(a) is securely and effectively braced to ensure stability in all directions;

(b) is secured at suitable vertical and horizontal distances to the structure to which work is being done, unless it is designed to be completely free-standing;

(c) is so constructed that it has a throughout factor of safety of at least two; and

(d) is inspected at least once a week and every time after bad weather by a person who has adequate experience in the erection and maintenance of scaffolds, and all findings are recorded in a register or report book.

(3) No employer shall require or permit that -

(a) a scaffold with a supporting wooden framework exceeds a height of 10 m; and

(b) a scaffold is erected, altered or dismantled by or under the supervision of a person other than a person who has had the necessary training and experience of such work and who has been appointed by the employer in writing for this purpose.

Scaffold platforms

 

13E.(1) An employer shall ensure that -

(a) every plank of a solid wooden scaffold platform is at least 275 mm wide and 38 mm thick;

(b) every plank which forms part of a scaffold platform is supported at distances not exceeding 1.25 m, and its ends are projected not less than 70 mm and not more than 200 mm beyond the last prop;

(c) every plank of a scaffold platform is firmly secured to prevent its displacement; and

(d) every platform is so constructed as to prevent materials and tools from falling through.

(2) An employer shall ensure that every scaffold platform-

(a) with 'heavy' 'medium', 'light' or 'very light' platform loadings as referred to in regulation 13D (1) (b) (i) is not less than 1 125 mm and not more than 1 380 mm, not less than 1 125 mm and not more than 1 150 mm, not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 150 mm, and not less than 675 mm and not more than 1 150 mm, respectively, wide: Provided that where a platform is used only as a gangway, a platform width of 450 mm shall be sufficient;

(b) which is more than 2 m above the ground is on all sides, except the side facing the structure, provided with-

(i) substantial guard rails of at least 900 mm and not exceeding 1 000 mm in height; and

(ii) toe-boards which are at least 150 mm high from the level of the scaffold platform and so affixed that no open space exists between the toe-boards and the scaffold platform: Provided that if the toe-boards are constructed of timber, they shall be at least 25 mm thick;

(c) is not more than 75 mm from the structure: Provided that where workmen must sit to work, this distance may be in creased to not more than 300 mm; and

(d) is kept free of waste, projecting nails or any other obstructions, and is kept in a non-slip state.

(3) No employer shall require or permit that a working platform which is higher than 600 mm be supported on a scaffold platform, and shall provide an additional guard rail of at least 900 mm and not exceeding 1000 mm in height above every such working platform.

(4) An employer shall ensure that convenient and safe access is provided to every scaffold platform, and where the access is a ladder, the ladder shall project at least 900 mm beyond the top of the platform.

Suspended scaffolds

 

13F. (1) An employer shall ensure that the outriggers of each suspended scaffold -

(a) are constructed of steel or any other material of similar strength and have a factor of safety of at least four with respect to the load it is to carry;

(b) have an overhang of not more than 1.8 m beyond the edge of the structure and are of such length that the counteracting length can be anchored securely:

(c) are, otherwise than by means of weights at the inner-ends, properly propped, suitably spaced and firmly anchored: Provided that an inspector may grant permission that outriggers may be anchored by means of weights; and

(d) are provided with stop or other effective devices at the outer-ends to prevent the displacement of ropes.

(2) An employer shall ensure that the working platform of every suspended scaffold is suspended by:

(a) pulley-blocks, sheaves, winches or hoists of the correct size for the ropes being used;

(b) at least two independent steel wire ropes in the case of a working platform which is not wider than 912 mm, and at least four independent steel wire ropes in the case of a working platform which is 912 mm and wider; and

(c) steel wire ropes of which the factor of safety is at least ten with respect to the maximum load which each rope is to carry.

(3) An employer shall ensure that -

(a) the hand or power-driven machinery used for the lifting or lowering of the working platform of a suspended scaffold is so constructed and maintained that an uncontrolled movement of the working platform cannot occur;

(b) the machinery referred to in paragraph (a) is so situated that it is easily accessible for inspection;

(c) the rope connections to the outriggers are vertically above the connections to the working platform; and

(d) in the case of a working platform suspended by two ropes only, the connections of the ropes to the working platform are of such height above the level of the working platform as to ensure the stability of the working platform.

(4) An employer shall ensure that the working platform of every suspended scaffold -

(a) is at least 456 mm and not exceeding 1.8 m in width;

(b) is suspended as near as possible to the structure to which work is being done and, except when light work is being done, is secured at every working position to prevent horizontal movement between the working platform and the structure;

(c) is on all sides, except the side facing the structure, provided with substantial guard rails of at least 900 mm and not exceeding 1000 mm in height above the level of the working platform: Provided that in the case of a working platform suspended by two ropes only, the guard rails shall be on all sides; and

(d) is on an sides provided with toe-boards which are at least 150 mm high from the level of the working platform and so affixed that no open space exists between the toe-boards and the working platform: Provided that if the toe-boards are constructed of timber, they shall be at least 25 mm thick.

Trestle scaffolds

 

13G.(1) No employer shall use a trestle scaffold, or permit it to be used, unless -

(a) it is soundly constructed of solid material, and

(b) all reasonable precautionary measures have been taken to prevent the unexpected spreading of its supporting legs when it is in use.

(2) No employer shall use a trestle scaffold or permit it to be used, if it -

(a) is higher than 3 m; or

(b) consists of more than two tiers.

Offences and penalties

 

14. Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of regulation 2(1), 2(2), 2(4), 2(5), 2(6), 2A, 2C, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8(1), 8(2), 8(3), 8(4), 9, 10(1), 10(2), 10(3), 10(4), 11(1), 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, or 13G shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months and, in the case of a continuous offence, to an additional fine of R200 for each day on which the offence continues, or to additional imprisonment of one day for each day on which the offence continues: Provided that the period of such additional imprisonment shall in no case exceed 90 days.

Withdrawal of Regulations

 

15. The following regulations are hereby repealed:

(a) regulations B.6, B.12 and B.14, published under Government Notice R. 929 of 28 June 1963;

(b) regulations C. 14, C.16, C.17, C.20, C.47, C.48 and C.50, published under Government Notice R. 929 of 28 June 1963, as amended by Government Notices R. 3475 of 9 October 1969 and R. 109 of 26 January 1973;

(c) regulation C.13A, published under Government Notice R. 109 of 26 January 1973; and

(d) regulations D.3, D.5, D.13, D.14 and D.16, published under Government Notice R. 1934 of 13 December 1963, as amended by Government Notices R. 3475 of 9 October 1969, R. 1336 of 21 August 1970 and R. 109 of 26 January 1973.

Short title
16. These regulations shall be called the General Safety Regulations.

Annexure

Government Notice R.2245 of 7 August 1992

Minimum contents of a First Aid Box

 

In the case of shops and offices, the quantities stated under items 1, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, and 18 may be reduced by half.

Item 1	Wound cleaner / antiseptic (100ml)
Item 2	Swabs for cleaning wounds
Item 3	Cotton wool for padding (100g)
Item 4	Sterile gauze (minimum quantity 10)
Item 5	1 pair of forceps (for splinters)
Item 6	1 pair of scissors (minimum size 100mm)
Item 7	1 set of safety pins
Item 8	4 triangular bandages
Item 9	4 roller bandages (75mm x 5m)
Item 10	4 roller bandages (100mm x 5m)
Item 11	1 roll of elastic adhesive (25mm x 3m)
Item 12	1 Non-allergenic adhesive strip (25mm x 3m)
Item 13	1 Packet of adhesive dressing strips (minimum quantity 10 assorted sizes)
Item 14	4 First aid dressing (75mm x 100mm)
Item 15	4 First aid dressings (150mm x 200mm)
Item 16	2 Straight splints
Item 17	2 Pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable latex gloves
Item 18	2 CPR mouth pieces or similar devices

General Notice R.283 of 28 March 1988

Incorporation of Safety Standards

Under the powers vested in me by section 36(1) of the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act, 1983 (Act 6 of 1983), I, Eli van der Merwe Louw, Minister of Manpower, hereby incorporate into the General Safety Regulations, 1986, as amended, the safety standards specified in the Schedule hereto.

E van der M. Louw

Minister of Manpower

SCHEDULE

 

1. Regulation 9(1)(e)

British Standard specifications BS 6158 entitled “Specification for Safety Devices for Fuel Gases and Oxygen or Compressed Air for Welding, Cutting and Related Processes”.

DIN Standard specifications DIN 8521 entitled “Safety Devices against Flashback Backflow in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes - Safety Requirements, Testing”.

International Standards Organisation specification ISO 5175 entitled “Equipment Used in Gas Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes - Safety Devices of Fuel Gases and Oxygen or Compressed Air- General Specifications, Requirements and Tests”.

 

2. Regulation 13B

The South African Bureau of Standards Code of Practice SABS 085 entitled “The Design, Erection, Use and Inspection of Access Scaffolding”.

 

3. Regulation 13C

The South African Bureau of Standards Code of Practice SABS 087 entitled “Handling, Storage and Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas in Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Installations”.

Part I: “Consumer Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cylinder Installations”.

Part II: “Installations in Mobile Units and Small Non-Permanent Buildings”.

Part III: “Bulk Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage and Allied Facilities at Consumer's Premises”.

Part IV: “Transportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas in Bulk by Road”.

Part V: “Liquefied Petroleum Gas as Engine Fuel”.

Part VII: “Retail outlet and similar Liquefied Petroleum Gas Filling Sites for Small Containers”.

Part VIII: “The Fuelling of Fork Lift Trucks and Other Liquefied Petroleum Gas Operated Vehicles”.

 

Government Notice No. R.736 of 1 September 2001

Withdrawal of Government Notice No. R. 1847 and incorporation of Health and Safety Standard: General Safety Regulations

 

Under section 44 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993). I, Membathisi Mphumzi Shepherd Mdladlana, Minister of Labour, after consultation with the Advisory Council for Occupational Health and Safety, hereby-

(1) Withdraw Government Notice No. R. 1847 as published on 16 September 1988;

(2) Incorporate the South African Bureau of Standard’s code of Practice SABS 0338:1999 entitled "Homologation of Respiratory Equipment" into the General Safety Regulation as amended by Government Notice No. R. 2245 of 7 August 1992; and

(3) Require that as from 1 September 2001 all respiratory protective equipment shall be submitted to the South African Bureau of Standards, Pretoria, for homologation.