Environmental Management Framework
For
Bhutan : Improving Resilience to Seismic Risk
April 12, 20131

Acronyms
BHU

Basic Health Unit

BUDP-II

Bhutan Urban Development Project - IICA

Competent Authority

DES

Department of Engineering Services

DPR

Detailed Project Report

EA

Environmental Assessment

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EMF

Environmental Management Framework

EMP

Environmental Management Plan

EPR

Environmental Protection Rules

RGoB

Royal Government of Bhutan

IRSR

Improving Resilience to Seismic Risk

MoWHS

Ministry of Works and Human Settlement

2Table of Contents

1

Background : The Bhutan – Improving Resilience to Seismic Risk Project. ......................... 4

2

Relevant legislations, rules and regulations ............................................................................ 4
2.1

Environmental Management ............................................................................................ 4

2.1.1

Environmental Assessment Act 2000 (EAA). .......................................................... 4

2.1.2

Regulation for Strategic Environmental Assessment 2002. ..................................... 5

2.1.3

Environmental Codes of Practice (ECOP). ............................................................... 5

2.2

Environmental Monitoring ............................................................................................... 5

2.3

Occupational Health and Safety ....................................................................................... 6

2.3.1

Regulations on Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (MoLHR) ...................... 6

2.3.2
Regulations on Occupational Health and Safety for Construction Industry(MoLHR) ................................................................................................................................ 6
3

Environmental Management Framework ............................................................................... 6
3.1

Methodology Used to Prepare EMF................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.2

An Overview of Environmental Steps ............................................................................. 7

3.3

Environmental Assessment (EAs).................................................................................... 7

3.4

Mitigation ......................................................................................................................... 9

3.5

Implementation of Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 11

3.6

Capacity Development ................................................................................................... 13

3.7

Integration of EMF into regular programs: .................................................................... 14

3.8

Disclosure ....................................................................................................................... 14

3

1

Background : The Bhutan – Improving Resilience to Seismic Risk Project.

The Royal Government of Bhutan proposes to implement a Project, “Improving Resilience to
Seismic Risk in Bhutan. The Project would be funded by a PHRD Grant in the amount of US$
1.2855 million. The project’s goal is to improve Bhutan’s resilience to seismic risk and is aimedat 1) improving the understanding of earthquake hazard in the country; 2) strengthening thecapacity to carry out vulnerability assessment of critical buildings and infrastructure; and 3)
enhanced capacities to build / repair or retrofit important buildings.
The Project will include the following components.
•

•

•

•

•

Component A: Investigations and mapping for improved understanding of seismic risk
(290,000 US$). The component will help collect and integrate the available information
on earthquake hazards and seismic vulnerability of Bhutan in one single platform using
the Global Earthquake Model methodology.
Component B: National vulnerability assessment and retrofitting. (550,000 US$).
Building capacity and providing tools for the Bhutanese Engineering community to
improve seismic resilience of engineered buildings (as opposed to traditional, nonengineered, type of constructions).
Component C: Improving seismic resilience of Bhutanese traditional buildings (US$200,000). Improve general understanding of the existing construction technologies for
traditional buildings and pilot strategies for improving the seismic resilience of traditionalbuildings.
Component D: Development of emergency structural assessment capacity (US$ 50,000).
Development of a structural assessment format suitable to the various typologies ofbuildings in Bhutan and capacity building of local engineers to carry out the task.
Component E. Project management, Monitoring and Evaluation (US$ 195,500)

The project will be carried out in Bhutan. Physical works are envisaged in Component B:
National vulnerability assessment and retrofitting. These would consist in seismic retrofitting of
up to five existing public buildings (e.g. schools or health centers).
The present Environment Management Framework discusses the existing institutional and legal
framework and the specific arrangements proposed to manage the potential impact of the works
mentioned above.
2

Relevant legislations, rules and regulations

2.1

Environmental Management

2.1.1 Environmental Assessment Act 2000 (EAA).
The Environmental Assessment Act 2000 establishes procedures for the assessment of potential
effects on the environment from strategic plan, policies, programs, and projects; and for thedetermination of policies and measures to reduce potential adverse effects and to promote
environmental benefits. The Act makes Environmental Clearance (EC) from Competent
Authority a pre-requisite for a project, and EC set out environmental terms for the project (article4

8, 9 and 10). The Act also requires the RGoB to ensure that environmental concerns are fully
taken into account when formulating, renewing, modifying, and implementing any policy, plan,or program as per regulation that may be adopted within EAA provisions. The Act outlines:
general procedures for environmental assessment including assessment steps, requirements for
EC issuance, consultation; information disclosure; functions and powers of the agencies charged
with implementing EAA; monitoring and control of offenses and penalties; and appeals anddispute resolution procedures under EAA. Regulations and guidelines supporting the EA Act
include the Regulation for the Environmental Clearance of Projects, Regulation on strategic
Environmental Assessment, Application for Environmental Clearance Guidelines, andEnvironmental Codes of Practices.
2.1.2 Regulation for Strategic Environmental Assessment 2002.
The purpose of the regulation is to ensure that environmental concerns as well as cumulative andlarge-scale environmental effects are taken into account while formulating, reviewing,
modifying, or implementing any policy, plan, or programme. The regulations aims tocomplement project-specific environmental reviews and to encourage early identification ofenvironmental objectives and impacts; to promote design of environmentally sustainableproposals that encourage the use of renewable resources and clean technologies and practices of
all government; and to promote and encourage the development of comprehensive natural
resource and land use plans at the local, district and national levels.
2.1.3 Environmental Codes of Practice (ECOP).
Under article 39 of EAA, the competent authority is mandated to attach environmental terms to
the development consent which may contain applicable codes of best practices. NECS has
prepared environmental codes of practices (ECOP), such as ECOP for Storm water Drainage
Systems, ECOP for Installation of Underground and Overhead Utilities, ECOP for Hazardous
Waste management as well as Environmental Discharge Standards. Environmental Clearance(EC), according to the EA Act (Article 8, 9 and 10) is pre-requisite for any development project.
The EC includes terms and conditions which the applicant or holder of the EC must abide by. Asa standard operating procedure, relevant ECOP is attached with the EC as environmental terms
and conditions, and requires that the ECOP is attached to the Contract Document as a part of theContract Clause and to be used in conjunction with other requirements of the RGoB and
Municipal Authority. In general ECOPs are applied to all stages of project for incorporation ofenvironmental aspects, such as during preparatory phase (planning, survey, design), during
construction phase, and during post-construction (operation & maintenance, as well as) phase.
2.2 Environmental Monitoring
Under the EA Act Article 34.2, 35.4, and 39.3 and Chapter IV, NECS and / or CA is mandated tocarry out environmental monitoring, and enforce and control compliance. The terms ofenvironmental clearance including ECOP form basis for monitoring and compliance checks, andthe environmental clearance issuing agency is responsible for monitoring compliance. Under the
mandate, CA and/ or NECS can monitor as well as control and enforce the terms of theenvironmental clearance, including ordering sanctions and compensation for environmental
damage. The CA and / or NECS has right to enter project sites with or without prior notificationin order to ensure compliance with the terms of an environmental clearance; to make visualinspections and spot checks; to interview employees, occupants, or other persons on site; tocollect samples, inspect, and take copies of relevant data or documents; and to take all other5control measures necessary to protect the environment. Legislation requires CA and NECS toreport annually. The EA Act also has provisions for spot checks and unannounced visits.
2.3

Occupational Health and Safety

2.3.1 Regulations on Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (MoLHR)This regulation was framed under the Labour and Employment Act, 2007. It prescribes standards
and procedures on occupational health, safety and welfare for workplaces, instruments, vessels,
appliances, apparatuses, tools, devices, electrical safety and other hazardous conditions. The
objective of this regulation is to ensure safety, health and welfare for employees as well as otherpersons at workplaces, from work related risks to their health, safety and well being.
2.3.2

Regulations on Occupational Health and Safety for Construction Industry(MoLHR)
Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety for the Construction Industry was framed under
the Labour and Employment Act, 2007. This regulation establishes occupational health andsafety standards and procedures on construction safety. It aims to ensure safety and health for
employees, as well as other persons at the construction sites, from work related risks to theirhealth, safety, and well being. It also prescribes the roles and responsibilities of the workers andemployers in ensuring health and safety at the site.
3 Environmental Management Framework
The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes the need to raise the living standards of the present
population without compromising the country’s cultural integrity, historical heritage or thequality of life for future generations and especially not at the expense of its natural resources.
3.1

Review of existing literatures including the following:a. Environment Assessment Act, 2000, National Environment Commission, Royal Governmentof Bhutan
b. Regulations for Environmental Clearance of Projects, National Environment Commission
Secretariat
c. Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan, 2007
d. General Rules and Regulations on Occupational Health And Safety (OHS) in Construction,
Manufacturing, Mining and Service Industries, 2006
e. Plan, policies, and programs of DES. MoE, MoH related to the improvement of school andbasic health unit physical facilities
f. National Action Plan for Earthquake Safety of Health Facilities, January, 2013, Ministry of
Healthg. National Action Plan for School Earthquake Safety, January, 2013, Ministry of Educationh. Standard drawings public buildings produced by the respective agencies.
i. Consultations were carried out with respective stakeholders at the central level of theGovernment with regard to environmental considerations to be included.

6

3.2 An Overview of Environmental StepsThe EMF has been developed by the DES under the MoWHS, RGoB for the retrofitting activity
under the IRSR in Bhutan in order to ensure due diligence and to avoid any environmental
degradation issues. The purpose of this framework includes assisting the implementing agency
DES in screening all the sub-projects for their environmental impacts, identifying suitable
mitigation measures and implementation of these measures through an environmental
management plan.
The selection of buildings (up to 5) for retrofit will depend on the findings from the inventory
and vulnerability assessment. The selected buildings will include schools, basic health units andother government owned public buildings.
The retrofit work would include only strengthening of an individual structure which is alreadyexisting and there will be minimal or no disturbance to its surrounding.
The detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared by the DES. The DES shall convene theselection committee including all relevant stakeholders (Engineering, Planning) of the concerned
Ministries, which will finalise the buildings to be taken up for retrofitting.
3.3 Environmental Assessment (EAs)
Considering the nature and magnitude of potential environmental impacts from limited1 renovation,
refurbishing and strengthening construction work, the proposed operation is to be classified as
category “C”.
The retrofit works are not likely to present any perceived environmental risks and potential
adverse impacts in its area of influence. The nature of this activity doesn't trigger any national orinternational extensive environmental requirements. Hence, as per the EAA of Bhutan the
proposed activities do not require any environmental clearance. However, in order to manage theminor and localized impacts, DES has suggested developing a generic screening and preparationof EMP for selected buildings. The proposed EMF suggests the following steps;

1

As a standard rule, retrofitting of any given building will be recommended only if the cost of the retrofitting isaround or below 25% of the replacement cost of the same building.

71. Prepare generic environmental screening of activities
The main activities and the stakeholders involved in the generic screening has been tailored as
below:

Selectionofthepotential building for
retrofit- DES shall convene the selection committee including all
relevant stakeholders (Engineering, Planning) of theconcerned Ministries.
- This will be guided by the inventory and the vulnerability
assessment carried out earlier in the same project.

Preparation of designs
and bidding documents
for the retrofit work

- This should be done using the checklist and mitigation
measures mentioned in the EMF and in consultation with therelevant agencies.
- Any impacts on the day to day functioning of the building
should be identified and the proposed measures should be
discussed in consultations with the affected community.

Review of the bidding
documents- This should be done by the Ministry which has the authority
on each specific building and the relevant officials who
would be involved in the work at the site. The local
stakeholders would have to look into the proposedconstruction timeline since it would have direct impact on
their day to day operation.

Raise awareness on the
EMF

Selection of contractor& Physical work at site

- Requirement and importance of EMF and necessity ofincorporation should be conveyed to all involved stakeholder
at the Ministerial level as well as local level before the workon site begins.

- Monitor EMF Compliance during implementation8

2.

Integration of EMF in Retrofit of Buildings

The primary objective of the environmental management and monitoring is to record
environmental impacts resulting from retrofit of buildings and to ensure implementation of the“mitigation measures” identified in order to reduce adverse impacts and enhance positive
impacts from specific activities. Having identified the potential impacts of the relevant activities
through screening, the next step is the identification and development of mitigation measures toeliminate, or reduce impacts to levels that are environmentally acceptable during implementationand operation of the work through the preparation and implementation of an Environmental
Management/Mitigation. EMF provides an essential link between the impacts predicted andmitigation measures specified.
The EMF includes the following components: i) concise description of the environmental risks/
concerns relevant to the public buildings and ii) proposed potential solution to the risks/
problems identified.
3.4 Mitigation
The EMF identifies site-specific, cost-effective and detailed measures that will reduce theidentified adverse environmental impacts to acceptable levels. The plan should include
compensatory measures if mitigation measures are not feasible, are not cost-effective, or are insufficient. Examples of the environmental mitigation measures that may be appropriate to theretrofit of buildings are shown in table below. The specific EMP must have its own mitigation
measures that are appropriate to the issues/ risks/ difficulties identified through the process of
screening.
Environmental Mitigation Measures
Category

Potential Problem

Appropriate Mitigation Measures
Geological/geomorphologic considerations shall beincorporated in design

Slope stability

Landslide or otherformsofmass Civil engineering structures and bio-engineering
instability on
the measures used.
slopesMeasures taken to avoid undercutting of slope toes.
Developmentof Check dams and bio-engineering measures used as
erosion or gullying in necessary
school premises

Every attempt will be made to minimize spoil andreuse construction materials

Spoil disposal

Small volume of spoil

PlantsTrees being removed Felled trees replaced, using the same species if
in school premises
appropriate.
Suitable native tree species planted at appropriate
9Category

Potential Problem

Appropriate Mitigation Measureslocations where land is available.

Stackingof
Safetyconstruction
residents
materials

risk

for

Adequate fencing to construction materials especially
dangerous materials such as steel and stone.
Signage on site informing residents, passer byes,
workers of care to be taken while passing through or
handling material
Time to time notifications will be provided to theresidents to be careful while in the construction
premises.

Dirtying
compoundSocial issues

ofthe Construction materials will be stacked in proper
manner and the site will be cleaned up as necessary.

Local people excluded Local communities will be informed of the projectfrom project activities through public consultations before the starting of the
project
Designs incorporate methods within the skills of local
people.
Contractors encouraged to use local labor wherever
possible.
Local artisans encouraged to participate to enhancetheir capacity

School Safety

Theft,
burglary, Adequate fencing of schools is required. The windows
damage of physical of classrooms should be secured by “grill” for any
facilities
kind of trespassing by students and outsiders.
Appointment of a watchman to ensure safety if needed

Safety during Damages to school
properties
andconstruction
possiblehumancasualties of different
scale

Ensure safety measures during design of physicalworks
Signage on site informing residents, passer byes,
workers of care to be taken while passing through or
handling material
Ensure use of protective equipment gear whileworking at construction site.

Noisepollution

Noise during retrofit Plan the work schedule so as to create minimum
worksof
public disturbance to the day to day functioning of thebuildings
building.
10CategoryContinuity
Service

Potential Problem

Appropriate Mitigation Measuresof Disturbance in the day Preparation of a plan for continuation of regular
to day functioning of activities for each building to be disturbed by retrofit
work in consultation with the affected people andthe public building
project stakeholders
Dislocation of the
Physical work taken up part by part in a building,residents
minimizing disturbance of building activities.
Provide temporary shelter in the vicinity of site at asuitable location so as to serve as a convenient
alternative facility for the regular activities.
Use tents erected close to existing site to carry on
activities.
Renting an alternative facility in the vicinity to carryon regular activities
In case of schools, where possible and where otherarrangements not possible, relocation of students to thenearest school and providing transportation

3.5 Implementation of Mitigation Measuresa) Program Design: The mitigation measures should be integrated in the design of the program
itself. Such a step will enhance the mitigation measures in terms of specific mitigation design,
cost estimation of the mitigation measure, and specific implementation criteria. The integrationof mitigation measures in the design phase will also help in strengthening the benefits andsustainability of the program.
b) Implementation Modality: The actual physical construction works will be done by thelabourers hired by the contractor and local craftsman attending the retrofit onsite work
(rehabilitation of old buildings). The overall work will be monitored by an Engineer from the
DES in coordination with the local stakeholders such as the District Engineer and the Head of theinstitute / office of that building.
The relevant stakeholders both from the DES and the local offices should ensure that monitoringand mitigation components as spelled out in EMF are properly carried out. The retrofitting works
when tendered out by DES, the project contractor should be bound by the parameters identified
in the environmental and social assessment pertaining to specific mitigation measures in thecontract.
c) Bill of Quantities: The tender instruction to bidders should explicitly mention the site
specific mitigation measures to be performed, the materials to be used, waste disposal areas, aswell other site specific environmental requirements as per the EMF.
11d) Supervision and Monitoring: The purpose of supervision is to make sure that specificmitigation parameters identified in the environmental assessment and as bound by the contract issatisfactorily implemented. In addition, monitoring is necessary such that the mitigation
measuresareactuallyput
intopractice.
Environmental monitoring during project implementation should include systematic assessmentof key environmental indicators that determine the degree of environmental impacts of the
project and effectiveness of mitigation measures. Such information enables to evaluate thesuccess of mitigation described in the EMF as part of project supervision.
Monitoring activities for project are divided in three types
1. Pre Construction Monitoring
2. Construction Phase Monitoring
3. Operation Phase Monitoring
Pre Construction Monitoring

S.N. Indicators of Monitoring

Types
Monitoring/
MethodMonitoringof

Monitorin
ResponsibilitgofyFrequency

1.

Printing, & Distribution of Direct Observation
EMF to All Stakeholders

Once

DES

2.

Full-time
Environmental Evidence
Officer in place at MoWHS

Once

MoWHS

3.

Incorporation
EMF
in Direct Observation
Design, Tender Document

Once

DES

Construction Phase Monitoring
Types
of
S.N. Indicators of Monitoring Monitoring/ Methodof Monitoring
1.
Transportationof CM/Direct
construction materials and Observation
safe loading & unloadingof construction materials.
1.
Water sprinkling in dusty CM/Direct
construction area & access Observation
earthen roads
2.
Stockpiling of spoil
CM/Direct
12

MonitoringFrequency
RegularduringconstructionEvery Day

EverydayResponsibilityContractor

Contractor

Contractor

S.N. Indicators of Monitoring

MonitoringFrequency

Responsibility3.

Everyday

DES

Reuse ofmaterials

Typesof
Monitoring/ Methodof Monitoring
Observation
construction CM/Direct
Observation

Operation Phase Monitoring
Typesof
Monitoring/
S.N. Indicators of Monitoring
MethodofMonitoring
1.
Preparation of monitoring Records/Documents
reports2.
Impact audit
Compliance
with
EMF

Monitorin
ResponsibilitgyFrequency
Monthly

DES

AnnualDES

3.6 Capacity Development
Environmental capacity is generally weak at implementation levels. Therefore, capacity needs tobe strengthened so that they can take up the responsibilities assigned to them. The Environment
Person in the MoWHS will assist the teams to plan, coordinate, implement and monitor thephysical works at the site. A thorough briefing of the EMF will be provided to all the
stakeholders who will be involved in the retrofit work including the contractor and the labour
force.
In future, capacity strengthening of the stakeholders should be given importance as and whenresources are available.
In order to implement the EMF, following is the minimum capacity building necessary.
The capacity development program is designed based on the existing capacity need assessmentof the retrofit works implementing partners/entities.

Capacity Development and Training Program for EMF in IRSR
Sl. No. Particular of Activities

Remarks

1.

EMF Printing

2.

Technical Strengthening of DES
2.1
DesignationofEnvironmental Officer

In order to safeguard environmental
full-time concerns, MoWHS will designate anenvironmental officer for the retrofit
works.
13

Sl. No. Particular of Activities
Remarks• Capacity Building Program for
all involved agencies andThorough explanation of the EMF
individuals
3.
Effective
monitoring
during• Monitoring & Supervision implementation
Arrangements for DES

3.7

Integration of EMF into regular programs:

The EMF should be site specific and detailed in its description of individual mitigation andmonitoring measures and its assignment of institutional responsibilities. It must be integrated
into program’s overall planning, design, budget, and implementation. The EMF must be prepared
if IRSR sub component has to be carried out through tendering.
3.8 Disclosure
The EMF will be shared by the DES with concerned stakeholders. After the final approval, it will
be printed and distributed to relevant stakeholders. The EMF will be posted in official web siteof DES.
The report will be translated into local language (Dzongkha) and disclosed.

14Annex 1- Applicable Minimum Safety Standards for the Construction Industry
All construction activities carried out under the project will comply with the General Rules andRegulation on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in Construction, Manufacturing, Mining
and Service Industries, promulgated in 2006 by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources,
Royal Government of Bhutan.
Reproduced below is the Annexure II of the Rules and Regulations mentioned above, which
details the Minimum Safety Standards for the Construction Industry
Annexure II of the General Rules and Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)in Construction, Manufacturing, Mining and Service Industries
For any construction, renovation/alteration, painting (including traditional painting) of structures,the employer is responsible for health and safety of the employees. The employer shall initiate
and maintain this standard to provide good working environments in their construction site.
The Standards contained in this part shall apply with respect to employments preformed in aworkplace/construction site in Bhutan.
1.

Personal protective and lifesaving equipment:
The employer shall be responsible for providing suitable personal protective equipment or
clothing, based on the type of work and risk, without cost to workers.

(a) Helmet shall be provided to all workers, or visitors visiting the site for protection of headagainst impact or penetration of falling or flying objects.
(b) Safety belt shall be provided to workers working in heights (more than 20ft) such as roofing,
painting and plastering.
(c) Safety boots shall be provided to all workers for protection of feet from impact or penetrationof falling objects on feet.
(d) Ear protecting devices shall be provided to all workers and to be used during the occurrenceof extensive noise.
(e) Eye and face protection equipments shall be provided to all welders to protect against
sparks of fire.
(f) Respiratory protection devices shall be provided to all workers during occurrence of fumes,
dusts, or toxin gas/vapor.
(g) Safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet (7.5m) above theground or other surfaces where the uses of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floor orsafety belts is impractical.
(h) First aid kits shall be made available at all times throughout the entire construction period.
Arrangement shall be made to ensure medical attention for workers who have met with anaccident or sudden illness at any time during the construction period.

15

2.

Fire protection: the employer shall be responsible for a fire protection and prevention
throughout all phases of the construction or demolishing works.

3.

Hand and power tools: Conditions of all hand and power tools like belts, gears, shafts,
pulleys, sprockets, spindles, chains or other reciprocating, rotating or moving parts ofequipments shall be maintained by the employer in a safe condition to prevent any
accidents.

4.

Signs, signals and barricades: Appropriate signs and symbols shall be required to be put
up at work places. Barricades shall be put up all around the construction site at all times
during construction or demolishing period to deter the passage of vehicles or persons to theconstruction site.

5.

Material handing, storage, use and disposal(a) All materials stored in shall be stacked, racked, blocked, interlocked, or otherwise secured toprevent sliding, falling or collapse.
(b) Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear to provide for free and safe movement of material
handling equipment and workers. Material if stored/stacked at roadside must not hinder freemovement of vehicles and persons.
(c) The areas used for construction shall be kept in good repair to ensure safe movement ofvehicle or person.
(d) Maximum safe load limits of floors within buildings and structures shall be conspicuously
posted in all storage areas.
(e) Materials shall not be stored on scaffold.
(f) Brick stacks shall not be more than 7 feet in height and for concrete blocks they shall not be
more than 6 feet high.
(g) All scrap timber, waste material, and rubbish must be removed from the immediate work area
as the work progresses.
6.

Scaffolds(a) Each scaffold or its components shall be capable of supporting its own weight and at least 4
times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.
(b) In case of direct connection of adjustable suspended scaffolds to roof or floor for balance, it
shall be capable of resisting at least 4 times the tipping movement imposed. The rope should becapable of supporting at least 6 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to thatrope.
(c) Pole scaffolds over 60feet (5.6m) in height shall be designed by a registered professional
engineer and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design.
(d) The platform/scaffold plank shall be at least 15 inches (46cm) wide and 1.5 inches thick.
(e) The ends of platform, unless wedged, shall extend over the centerline of its supports at lest 6
inches (15cm) for fully decked platform. For 10 feet or less platforms the extension should bedesigned and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is able to support workers
without tripping. Guardrails must be constructed to block the access to cantilever ends.
16

(f) The front edge of all platforms shall not be more than 14 inch (36cm) from the face of thework.
(g) For fully decked platform the lapped (minimum of 12inch and nailed) or abutted should be
supported with separate support surface.
(h) Platform should not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded.
(i) Ramp or walkway should be at least 6feet (1.8m) wide having slip resistance threads and mustnot be inclined more than a slope of 1 vertical and 3 horizontal.
(j) A rail consisting of a top and middle bar shall be provided on open sides of the ramp scaffolds
and should provide adequate handhold for employees grasping them to avoid falling.
(k) Workers should not be made to work on scaffolds covered with snow, ice or other slipperymaterials except as necessary for removal of such materials.
(l) Workers should not be made to work on the scaffolds during storm or high wind.
(m) Makeshifts devices and ladders shall not be used on tope of scaffolds to increase the working
level height for workers.
(n) While working on roof, roofing brackets shall be constructed to fit the pitch of a roof. A catch
platform shall be installed below the working area of roof where the height is more than 16 feetabove the ground level and the roof slops is more than 4/12. The worker shall wear the safety
belt all the time while working on truss/roof.
(o) The rope used to securing brackets and scaffolds or as an anchorage shall be damage free andstrong.
7.

Excavations(a) Excavated earth must be stacked away (at least 2 feet) from the pit to avoid from falling backor rolling into the excavation and burring the workers or injuring the workers from rolling loose
rock unless a protective barricades/retaining devices is provided to prevent falling earth.
(b) When the adjoining building/structure is endangered by excavation operation, support
systems such as shoring, bracing or underpinning shall be provided to ensure the stability of such
structures.
8.

Electrical works(a) All Electrical equipment and installation shall be constructed, installed and maintained by acompetent person, and so used as to guard against risk of electrical shocks and electrocution.
(b) Adequate steps shall be taken to ascertain the present of and to guard against dangers toworkers from any live electrical cable, which may be under, on or above the construction site.
9.

Sanitation and Hygiene(a) Facilities such as toilets, drinking water, and waste bins shall be adequately installed at theworkplace.

17