Source: http://ehs-standards.blogspot.com/
Timestamp: 2018-06-19 02:34:04
Document Index: 355129299

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On this site, I have summarised some Singapore Standards and Code of Practice for your reference. For detailed requirement, please refer to the original standard.
New standard released describes principles and guidelines on risk management. May be used for safety as well as environmental management systems.
Relationship between risk management principles, framework and process
Posted by Gaffor at 8:18 AM 2 comments:
FAQs on WSH Council Code of Practice (CP), Guidelines & Technical Advisories
1) What is the purpose of the WSH Council’s CP? How much detail does the CP provide?
The WSH Council’s CP sets the preferred work practices or standards that industry practitioners are expected to adopt when managing workplace risks. It is widely consulted with the industry prior to being confirmed and issued as reference materials for the industry.
The CP provides guidance on what constitutes “reasonably practicable” measures and the parties responsible for these measures. In line with the outcome-based approach of the national WSH framework, the CP, however, may not detail the exact steps or methodologies of these measures. Industry practitioners can decide how best to meet the standards stated in the CP.
2) What is an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)?
ACOPs refer to Approved Codes of Practice. ACOPs would set preferred work practices or standards that industry practitioners are expected to adopt when managing workplace risks, unless an alternative course of action can achieve the same or better standard of health and safety in the workplace.
Any Code of Practice issued directly by the WSHC would, by default, undergo official processes to be approved as an ACOP. Existing standards residing with other National Standards Body (NSB), e.g SPRING Singapore, BSI or International Standards Organisations e.g ISO, IEC etc and where the WSH Council considers practical for industry’s WSH use, can be approved to become an ACOP.
3) Is it mandatory for the industry to comply with CPs?
The WSH Council’s CP is not a piece of legislation. However, as it is issued only after extensive industry consultation, the industry standards for a specific type of work stipulated in the CP are considered expected industry standards. Hence, it may be cited as a reference in a court of law on what constitute ‘reasonably practicable’ measures.
CPs could be used in prosecutions to demonstrate whether the accused parties involved in a workplace accident have implemented ‘reasonably practicable measures’ to manage the risks that resulted in the accident. Accused parties may find it harder to defend themselves if they have not implemented measures deemed to be ‘reasonably practicable’ as determined by the CP. The CPs may also be cited in cases where parties are taken to task by MOM for safety
infringements found during inspections that may not have led to any accidents.
4) What is the purpose of a Guideline and a Technical Advisory? Is there any difference between the two?
Both Guideline and Technical Advisory (TA) provide useful references on recommended WSH practices. They provide guidance on “how” to make the work safe by providing detailed information on meeting the requirements of the CP or legislation.
The main difference between the two is the type of information provided. Guideline generally provides information on general, non-technical issues while TA gives guidance on issues that are technical in nature where engineering or scientific methods are more common.
5) Is it mandatory for the industry to comply with Guideline/TA?
Guideline and TA are not legislation. However, both are issued after extensive industry consultation and provide guidance on safety and health measures, common practices and knowledge that are deemed ‘reasonably practicable’.
Hence, it is possible that Guideline and TA can be surfaced as reference points in a court of law to determine whether a safety measure is considered reasonably practicable.
Source: http://app.wshc.gov.sg/cms/Portals/0/FAQ_on_CPs,_TAs_and_GLs.pdf
Posted by Gaffor at 1:36 AM 1 comment:
Labels: CP, singapore standards
SS 548 & SS 549
2 new Singapore Standards have been released, SS 548 & SS 549.
SS 548 : 2009 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices
SS 549 : 2009 Code of practice for selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors
Haven't got the time to go thru yet ...
Posted by Gaffor at 8:52 AM No comments:
Labels: hearing protection, respirator, workplace safety
CP91: 2001 Code of Practice for Lockout Procedure
This code applies to the control of energy during construction, servicing or maintenance of machines.
This code covers the construction, servicing or maintenance of machines where any unexpected energisation or start up of the machines, or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees. It establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy.
Affected employee - An employee who is required to operate or use a machine on which construction, servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout, or who is required to work in an area in which such construction, servicing or maintenance is being performed.
Authorised employee - A person who locks out machines in order to perform construction, servicing or maintenance on that machine. An affected employee becomes an authorised employee when that employee's duties include construction, servicing or maintenance covered under this code.
Construction, servicing and/or maintenance Workplace activities such as constructing, erecting, installing, setting up, commissioning, repairing, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, operating, and maintaining and/or servicing machines or equipment. These activities include lubrication, cleaning or unjamming of machines or equipment and making adjustments or tool changes, where the employee may be exposed to the unexpected energisation or start-up of the equipment or release of hazardous energy.
Energy isolating device - A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but is not limited to the following:
an isolating switch
NOTE - Push buttons, selector switches, functional switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices.
Energy source - Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other forms of energy.
Lockout - The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, for ensuring that the energy isolating device and the machine being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.
Lockout device - A device that utilises a positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in the safe position and prevent energisation of a machine.
Tagging device - A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the machine being controlled may not be operated until the tagging device is removed.
Lockout poilcy and procedure
Responsibility of each employer whose employees are engaged in erecting, installing, constructing, repairing, adjusting, cleaning, inspecting, operating, or maintaining the machine, to develop, document and implement a policy and procedure for lockout.
The policy and procedure shall clearly and specifically outline the purpose, responsibility, scope, authorisation, rules, definitions and measures to enforce compliance.
The lockout policy shall require all personnel concerned to comply with the lockout procedure.
The lockout procedure shall specify that prior to the performance of any ctivities where unexpected energisation, start up, or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, all potentially hazardous energy sources shall be isolated and locked out. The procedure shall also specify the requirements for removal of such devices, transfer of locks, and testing for determination of lockout effectiveness.
Locks shall be provided by the employer and shall be the only authorised device(s) used for the lockout of energy sources. They shall be singularly identified and specifically approved for lockout.
Compliance with this code shall be the responsibility of the employer and the individuals to whom the employer delegates accountability for compliance and authority to enforce compliance. Periodic inspections
Responsibility of the employer to verify, through periodic inspections, the organisation's compliance with this code.
The responsibility for obtaining performance in the lockout procedure shall be collaborated between the employer and the employee. The responsibility for compliance is that of the employer, who shall establish, communicate, train in the use of and the enforcement of procedure. The employee shall be responsible for knowing and following the established procedure.
All employees- All employees shall be specifically notified of the requirements for compliance with the employer's policy and made aware of the lockout procedure.
Affected employees- The employer shall ensure that each affected employee is instructed in the purpose and use of the lockout procedure.
Authorised employees- All authorised individuals shall receive training in recognition of the applicable hazardous energy sources and in adequate methods and means for their isolation.
The lockout devices used for compliance with this code shall be:
Substantial Locks & Tags
Requirements for lockout procedure
Survey of energy sources and identification of all energy isolating devices
Selection and procurement of protective materials and hardware
Preparation of de-energisation and start up sequence
Implementation of lockout procedure
Preparation and steps for lockout
Details on the types of energy that power the machinery, locations of the energy isolating devices, presence of any secondary power supplies and the correct steps to turn off the machine safely must be established in the energy control procedure.
Before the machine is shut down the authorised employee must understand the type and magnitude of the energy he is working with, the hazards of the energy, the means and method to control the energy, verification of effective energy control and the purpose of the procedure to be used.
The following steps shall be taken to achieve a safe energy isolation and machine lockout. The sequence established shall be followed.
Announce the shut down.
Inform all affected employees of the purpose and duration of the lockout application. This notification must be given before the lockout procedure is performed.
Machine shut down.
The machine must be shut down using the operating controls according to the shut down procedure for each individual machine to avoid any additional or increased hazard. This is a safe practice as any attempt to shut down machine under load risks damaging the machine.
Machine isolation.
All energy isolating devices that control the energy to the machine must be operated to isolate the machine from the energy sources. The energy control procedure must also identify the location of all energy isolating devices and energy sources including secondary power supplies. This will ensure the safe and complete de-energisation of the machine.
Lockout and tagging device application.
The authorised employee is responsible for the application of proper lockout and tagging devices to the energy isolating devices of the machine.
The authorised employee must use his own locks only and nobody is allowed to apply his locks on behalf of another individual, except for group lockout protection.
The lockout devices must be sturdy and lockout the energy isolating devices in the "off" position. They must also be designed to prevent the operation of the energy isolating devices when they are lockout.
If more than one person is working on the machine, every member of the crew must attach his personal lock and tag. Secure tags directly to the energy isolating devices where the lockout devices are attached. Each tag must be clearly visible, explaining the purpose of the lockout and warning against the hazard of operating the machine. It must also identify the person who affixed the tag and the date of lockout.
Control of stored energy.
Any residual stored energy in the machine can be equally hazardous to the employee. The authorised employee must ensure that any stored energy is safely released before work begins.
The following are examples of ways to control stored energy:
relieve trapped pressure downstream;
discharge capacitor and install ground wire;
release tension on spring, or block movement of spring driven part;
use block to prevent fall due to gravity; and
use blank flange to block flow of hazardous materials if valve is not available.
Verify the energy isolation.
The authorised employee must verify the isolation and deenergisation of the machine before work begins. The following actions shall be accomplished after the lockout application to confirm the energy isolation:
Operate the machine "on/off" switch to verify that the machine is not working and return all controls to the "off" or "neutral" position.
Use appropriate instrument to verify that the machine is completely de-energised.
The procedure for release of lockout is equally important after the construction, servicing or maintenance is completed. The following actions are required for safe start-up of machine to ensure the safety of employees:
Before restoring energy to the machine, the authorised employee must ensure that the work area is clear of all non-essential items and all necessary components are operationally intact. For a complex machine, use a checklist to verify that all essential components are operationally intact.
It should be ascertained that personnel are physically clear of the machine. Multiple personnel and energy source situations demand comprehensive measures to ensure that assigned work has been completed and all personnel have cleared the machine.
Lockout and tagging devices removal.
Inform all affected employees when the lockout devices are removed but before the machine is energised. Only authorised personnel who applied the lockout and tags are authorised to remove their own locks and tags. No other employee should attempt to remove another person's lockout. The lockout procedure should also have a provision for the removal of another employee's lockout, in the event that the individual is not present. This provision must ensure that the procedure taken is as safe as if the individual were present to remove his locks.
Posted by Gaffor at 7:36 PM 2 comments:
SS 586: Part 1: 2008 Hazard Communication for Hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods
SS 586: Part 1:2008
The Transport & Storage of Dangerous Goods
Information of Hazard Identification Number (HIN)
National Authorities regulating the transport of dangerous goods
Transport Emergency Information Panel
Storage Emergency Information Panel
Table of minimum quantities for labeling
Transport labels for dangerous goods
The UNRTDG (United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods) or “Orange Book” is adopted by Singapore for the safe transport of dangerous goods in Singapore and for international trade.
Annex A (Informative) - Information of Hazard Identification Number (HIN)
HIN consists of 2 or 3 figures. In general, the figures indicate the following hazards: e.g.
'2' Emission of gas due to pressure or chemical reaction
'3' Flammability of liquids (vapours) and gases or self-heating liquids
'5' Oxidising (fire intensifying) effect
'6' Toxicity
Annex B (informative) - National Authorities regulating the transport of dangerous goods
Annex C (Normative) - Transport Emergency Information Panel (TEIP)
Annex D (Normative) - Storage Emergency Information Panel (SEIP)
Annex E (Normative) - Table of Minimum Quantities - Road Transportation
Annex F (Informative) - Recommended Colour Codes
Posted by Gaffor at 6:25 PM 1 comment:
Labels: singapore standards
Singapore Standard SS 586
Singapore Standard SS 586:2008 Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous GoodsPart 1: Transport and Storage of Dangerous GoodsPart 2: Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) - Singapore's adaptationsPart 3: Preparation of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
The SS 586 series of standards is the result of the revision of SS 286 : 1984, ‘Caution labelling for hazardous substances’ (5 parts) and CP 98 : 2003, ‘Preparation and use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)’. The Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods comprises the following three parts, which are complementary to one another.
SS 586 : Part 1 provides information and guidance on the classification of dangerous goods by the types of hazards they present. It also provides information on standard hazard communication labels. This part applies to the storage and transportation of dangerous goods by road in Singapore, which includes carriages in bulk, tank-vehicles, vehicles with demountable tanks as well as by vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages. The transportation of dangerous goods by sea and air is subject to the requirements of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) / International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) respectively and is not covered in this standard.
SS 586 : Parts 2 and 3 provide guidance for the implementation of the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and Preparation of Safety Data Sheets in Singapore.GHS is an international system for the classification of chemicals by the types of hazards they present. It provides information on standard hazard communication elements including labels and SDS. The GHS helps to ensure that information on physical hazards, health hazards and environmental hazards from chemicals is made available, in order to enhance the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport, and use of these chemicals. The GHS also provides for the global harmonisation of rules and regulations on the classification, labelling and SDS of chemicals.
Posted by Gaffor at 5:46 PM 1 comment:
Labels: singapore standards, workplace safety
List of SS and CP
CP91: 2001 Lockout Procedure
SS 586:2008 Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods
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