<![CDATA[Occupational Health & Safety Forum]]> http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/ Occupation Health and Safety Forum for the Building and Construction Industry en Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:42:58 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/images/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Occupational Health & Safety Forum]]> http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/ Hi http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?341-Hi&goto=newpost Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:13:12 GMT Hi All, My name is Rainer Ladewig. I have been in the occupational health, safety and environmental management industry for many years including... Hi All,

My name is Rainer Ladewig. I have been in the occupational health, safety and environmental management industry for many years including 25 years in a large Corporate Company. I now have a private SHE Consultancy business.

I have gained invaluable experience during my career in SHE Training, Compliance Auditing, building of SHE Management Systems (ito ISO & OHAS requirements), providing SHE Corporate data and reports for Annual Governance Reporting.

To view what I am currently doing, check my website: http://www.has-con.co.za/

I am extremely exited to be able to view and share information on this forum.

Kind regards,
Rainer ]]> Introduce Yourself Rainer http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?341-Hi Why To Go For OSHA 10 Hour Course http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?340-Why-To-Go-For-OSHA-10-Hour-Course&goto=newpost Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:21:32 GMT All the workers are not equally experienced and knowledgeable about the safety measures at working place. That is the reason behind frequent work... All the workers are not equally experienced and knowledgeable about the safety measures at working place. That is the reason behind frequent work related injuries, illness, and deaths at working place. The workers need practical knowledge how to identify the hazards, eliminate them and also to build an effective working environment and that are provided well by OSHA 10 Hour Courses.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), the main federal agency of U.S. Department of Labor has begun to provide training for the workers. OSHA courses are able to cut occupational death to 62% and injuries to 42%. The OSHA 10 hour training courses help the workers in understanding, identifying, eliminating danger at working place . The OSHA 10 hour course aims at ensuring worker friendly environment so that no worker dies or injures on the job.
There are many reasons to adopt OSHA 10 hour courses. Now let us se the two different types of OSHA 10 hour courses. They are:
  • OSHA 10 Hour Construction Industry Course
  • OSHA 10 hour general industry course
OSHA 10 hour courses are helpful for the workers who work in the construction and general industries. They courses are equipped with all the safety measures so that the workers can save, and protect life from any hazard occur at the working place. ]]> didmac0 http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?340-Why-To-Go-For-OSHA-10-Hour-Course Greetings http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?339-Greetings&goto=newpost Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:39:16 GMT Just wanted to send my regards and introduce myself, will be following new articles regarding safety. Just wanted to send my regards and introduce myself, will be following new articles regarding safety. ]]> Introduce Yourself quartzman http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?339-Greetings Validity of risk assessments attached to appointments http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?337-Validity-of-risk-assessments-attached-to-appointments&goto=newpost Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:44:13 GMT We are all familiar with legal appointments in terms of the OHS Act and its regulations. We further understand that once we leave a company /... We are all familiar with legal appointments in terms of the OHS Act and its regulations.
We further understand that once we leave a company / organization we are no longer responsible / accountable in terms of that appointment. This is due to no longer having "control over the activities / area / processes" for which one has been appointed.

The above being the case, what about all the associated documentation that is attached to the appointment and in particular the continued validity of the Risk Assessment, method statements etc.

Although there are many examples one in particular is interesting, that of the CR8 - fall protection. The requirement is that a competent person is appointed in writing, prepares the fall protection plan, does the risk assessment, and in terms of CR8(1)(b) such plan must be implemented and maintained as required and amended when and where necessary, these are all "control functions that is therefore attached to the appointment"

In this particular case my appointed competent person CR8(1)(a), resigns:

• The obvious and easy way out is obviously get a second competent person to sign the plan, risk assessment etc. The only possible problem with this is that it becomes just a paper exercise, the real issue arises when is known that a very high fatality rate is associated with working at heights.

• The appointed person no longer is responsible, should he or she issue a letter to the S16(1) or S16(2) indicating that all work carried out in terms that that plan / risk assessment will cease to be valid from the date of appointment termination. ?

• How many companies continue working without the appointed person being replaced using the documentation done by the previous appointee.

As we often know, companies just get another person to sign, do not discuss the legal ramification with the new appointee and often do not get the person to do his own RA.

What are your opinions / thoughts? I am sure you have many other examples in terms of the Construction Regulations, Hazardous Chemical Substances Regs and even the big one, OHS Act section 8(2).

Regards

Shane ]]> General Discussion shane.lishman@gmail.com http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?337-Validity-of-risk-assessments-attached-to-appointments <![CDATA[Scaffolding & framework equipment]]> http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?336-Scaffolding-amp-framework-equipment&goto=newpost Sat, 28 Aug 2010 07:16:58 GMT Eastmanimpex.net has created new horizons by providing quality products to the optimum satisfaction of our esteemed global clients. With numerous... Eastmanimpex.net has created new horizons by providing quality products to the optimum satisfaction of our esteemed global clients. With numerous innovations we have been able to achieve constant growth rate in Scaffolding and Formwork industry. We are a professionally managed company engaged in manufacturing and exporting a wide array of quality scaffolding material like scaffolding Systems and scaffolding clamps for building and construction industries. The simple entrepreneurial skills and integrated corporate philosophy have mobilized the company to become a Star Export House recognized by the Government of India, entirely focusing on international trade.
We have the capability to meet the challenges of the modern day construction by designing and developing products as per client's specifications. We assure high standards of quality, pricing, delivery and qualitative customer service to both domestic and international customers. ]]> Rickystaflin http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?336-Scaffolding-amp-framework-equipment Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders at work http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?334-Guidelines-for-the-Safe-Use-of-Ladders-at-work&goto=newpost Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:28:32 GMT Ladder related accidents should be prevented at all cost. The pro active prevention of work related injuries makes good management scene. Legislation... Ladder related accidents should be prevented at all cost. The pro active prevention of work related injuries makes good management scene. Legislation in the form of the General Safety Regulations sets specific requirements that ladders need to comply with. In order to ensure legal compliance, regular inspections should be carried out on ladders used at work. Workplace inspections help to identify existing hazards as well as non compliance with legislation and should be performed so that appropriate corrective action can be taken. This function is normally delegated by management to the worker or the health and safety representative of the workplace and forms part of the so called ‘‘safe systems of work’’.

Many types of ladders are available, and each is designed to do a certain kind of work. It is imperative to check ladders for defects before it is used. This should be done in order to monitor and maintain the status or conditions of ladders being used. Defective ladders should be taken out of service and either tagged for repair or scrapped.

When inspections are performed, the following aspects should be taken into consideration:

* Are we using the correct type of ladder for the tasks performed (as recommended by the manufacturer)?
* Every ladder has a number as well as a corresponding checklist?
* Are inspections properly recorded (record keeping)?
* Ladders are not spliced or jointed together?
* The side rails and feet are secure?
* There are no loose steps?
* The ladder is it standing firmly?
* The ladder has no loose steps?
* The ladder has no loose rungs?
* It was correctly fixed?
* There are no loose bolts?
* There are no loose parts?
* No cracked or splits upright?
* No broken uprights present?
* No cracked/split/broken braces?
* No cracked/split/broken steps?
* No cracked/split/broken rungs?
* No damaged non-slip bases?
* Are non-slip devices in good condition?
* No wobbling/free from paint?
* No loose hinge spreaders?
* No bent hinge spreaders?
* Are the stops on spreaders in a good condition?
* Are the hinge spreaders in a safe condition?
* No corrosion/splinters?
* Identified number marked?
* Is ladder free from paint?
* Are ladders stored safely?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act do not stipulate the frequency of planned ladders inspections. Self regulation on the side of the employer applies; employers should take their own situation in consideration and then decide what intervals will be best suitable for their particular work environment. This should be done to ensure legal compliance on the side of the employer. Records of previous accidents and the potential for serious accidents and injuries are factors to be included when determining if more frequent inspections are needed. Depending on the workplace and the type of hazards that might develop, inspections may be scheduled daily, weekly, or monthly.

The following aspects should be taken into consideration when dealing with ladders:

Things that should be done (Do’s):

Use the correct type of ladder for the type of work that will be performed. Do not use the ladder for any purposes other than those recommended by the manufacturer.

Ensure the competence of persons using ladders. (Knowledge, skills, experience - physical and physiological ability of workers). It will for example be wrong to allow a person with a fear of heights to work in an elevated position.

Make sure the ladder is strong enough to support the weight of the worker as well as the tools that will be used. The worker and the materials on the ladder should not exceed the recommended load limit.

Always inspect the ladder to ensure that it is in a good state of repair. Ladders with weakened, broken, bent or missing steps, broken or bent side rails, broken, damaged or missing non-slip bases, or otherwise defective must not be used and must be tagged and removed from the worksite.

All portable ladders must be equipped with a non-slip base.

Before the ladder is used, first ensure proper housekeeping in the surrounding area. Remove all clear scrap and material away from the base and top of the ladder. Getting on or off the ladder is a relatively dangerous activity.

Before setting up ladders, always check for overhead power lines or electrical hazards. Never use aluminum ladders near live electrical equipment or wires.

Always secure the base against accidental movement. The top should also be secured where possible.

Set or place the ladder on a firm and level surface. If the base or soil is too soft, rough or slippery it may lead to slipping of the ladder. Be on the lookout for loose gravel, mud, damp, ice, sand or slight graded surfaces.

If the ladder is to be used in areas like doorways, passageways, driveways, always barricade it or have it guarded. This is to protect the worker on the ladder and for the safety of the persons down below.

When climbing up or down the ladder, workers should always face the ladder.

Always maintain 3-point contact when climbing up or down the ladder. That means two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times.

Keep your centre of gravity between the side rails. The workers belt buckle should never be outside the side rails.

Keep shoes or boots clean of mud, grease or any slippery materials which could cause loss of footing.

Only one person should be on a ladder at a time.

Workers should move slowly and carefully on a ladder.

When using an extension ladder, the length of the ladder must be such that the worker stands on a rung not higher than the third or fourth from the top.

Wooden ladders should be unpainted or finished with a clear non-conductive wood preservative.

Check aluminum ladders for dents and bends in side rails, steps and rungs.

On extension ladders, make sure that ropes, pulleys and locks are in good working order.

Use fall-arrest equipment such as ladder-climbing devices or lifelines when working from long ladders or when climbing vertical fixed ladders.

Things that should not be done (Don’t):

Do not put the base of the ladder on soft, non-compacted, or rough soil that may cause it to slip.

When climbing up or down, do not carry tools or material in your hands. Instead, carry them on a tool belt, or move them with rope or a basket.

Do not position ladders against flexible or moveable surfaces.

Workers on a ladder must not straddle the space between the ladder and another object.

Never erect ladders on boxes, carts, tables, or other unstable surfaces.

When using a step ladder, lock the spreaders into place before ascending the ladder, and make sure the legs of the stepladder are fully open.

Ladders must not be used horizontally as substitutes for scaffold planks, runways or any other service for which they have not been designed.

Stand no higher than the third or fourth rung from the top. Maintain knee contact for proper balance.

Do not splice or join short ladders together to make a long ladder – the side rails will not be strong enough for the extra loads.

Never use a ladder for other than its intended purpose.

Do not use ladders for bracing – they are not designed for this type of loading.

Do not set up ladders in doorways, passageways, driveways, or any other location where they can be struck or knocked over.

Do not use a wooden ladder when wet because it might twist or loosen when it dries.

In the case of aluminum ladders, do not use metal pipe to replace a rung.

Never rest a ladder on its rungs. Ladders must rest on their side rails.

Don’t lean out from a ladder because you can cause it to tip.

Never move a ladder while someone is on it.

Do not work on a ladder if you are ill, overly tired or possibly under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

Do not use outdoor ladders during bad weather such as rain, wind or lightning. ]]> Ladders Neil Enslin http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?334-Guidelines-for-the-Safe-Use-of-Ladders-at-work The effect of wind on Tower Cranes in service http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?333-The-effect-of-wind-on-Tower-Cranes-in-service&goto=newpost Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:00:10 GMT Wind forces on tower cranes have to be carefully monitored as the consequences of not doing so can prove extremely dire. There are a number of... Wind forces on tower cranes have to be carefully monitored as the consequences of not doing so can prove extremely dire. There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration such as the effect of wind pressure, rather than wind speed. While wind pressure does increase when wind speed does, it does so at a much higher rate, consequently, a small increase in wind can significantly effect safe operation.

Attached is an excellent article explaining in detail how it works, it also covers several other intricacies of safe and sensible crane management.

For those of you who work with cranes, this is invaluable information.

Source: HSE UK.
Attached Files
]]> Cranes Neil Enslin http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?333-The-effect-of-wind-on-Tower-Cranes-in-service SafeBuild DVD launch http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?332-SafeBuild-DVD-launch&goto=newpost Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:35:46 GMT Press Release - 20 August 2010 *Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal launches the SafeBuild DVD series - a Comprehensive Training DVD for the South... Press Release - 20 August 2010

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal launches the SafeBuild DVD series - a Comprehensive Training DVD for the South African Construction Industry

The SafeBuild DVD series was borne out of a need to provide the South African Construction Industry with a locally produced Occupational Health & Safety training aid to assist in educating and informing those working with, or affected by, safety in constructions.

At the commencement of the project there was no single comprehensive, up-to-date video training resource for the South African Construction Industry. The resources that were available focused largely on individual elements of Health & Safety and were imported from overseas, where working conditions and legislation are often very different to that in South Africa. These DVD's are often very expensive, putting them out of reach of the people that needed them most.

With the above in mind, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal put together a technical team of experts and sourced a local video production company (Sesalos) to produce the SafeBuild DVD series. The brief was to ensure that the material was comprehensive, based on local legislation and regulations and easy to understand.

Another critical consideration was that the DVD should be available in 5 official languages; English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. An easy-to-use facility on the discs enables viewers to watch the DVD's in their own language.

The final goal was to make the DVD available at an affordable price. This will enable the greatest possible uptake of the SafeBuild DVD throughout South Africa, which will mean that more workers and Industry Stakeholders are taught how to work safely and how to create a safe working environment. Through the generous assistance of our marketing partner, Federated Employers Mutual (FEM), we were able to keep the launch price below R1000.

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal trusts that the SafeBuild DVD will assist in lowering the frequency of incidents and accidents on South African construction sites, and create a greater depth of understanding of safety issues across the board. As one project team member put it, “If just one life is saved through the lessons and guidelines contained in the DVD, we will feel that we have made a positive contribution to the Industry.”

The 3 Disc DVD set covers 20 different topics and has a total running time of just under 3 hours. The easy to use menu system allows viewers to watch a selection of single topics or to view the entire DVD.

For more information and samples of the individual segments go to www.safebuild.co.za

Ends

Contact Person:
Brandon Abdinor (Executive Director) or Gary Amstutz (Marketing Manager)
Master Builders Centre, 40 Essex Terrace, Westville, Durban
Tel: 031 266 7070 | Fax: 031 266 6438
Email: brandon{at}masterbuilders.co.za or gary{at}masterbuilders.co.za ]]> GaryAmstutz http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?332-SafeBuild-DVD-launch Safety Hazards http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?331-Safety-Hazards&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:08:12 GMT Hello Friends, I would like to share with you about Safety Hazards in OSHA. Safety in this section will deal with machine guarding, mechanical power... Hello Friends,
I would like to share with you about Safety Hazards in OSHA. Safety in this section will deal with machine guarding, mechanical power transmission systems, electrical safety, power and hand tools, working and walking surfaces, trip and fall hazards, ladders, scaffolds, and other personal climbing and elevated support devices, look out and tag out procedures and so on.

Safety Hazards of using compressed gases, flammable or combustible materials, and other hazardous chemicals are discussed in the "Chemical and Materials" section. The section "Prevention and Control of Hazards" summarizes how to work safely with different classes of chemicals. Use the links in the sidebar to access more detailed, workplace-specific information regarding Safety Hazards. ]]> didmac0 http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?331-Safety-Hazards Safety in Swaziland http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?330-Safety-in-Swaziland&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:07:49 GMT I need to compile a safety file for a south african contractor doing work in swaziland, will there be any differnce to our act and regulations, I am... I need to compile a safety file for a south african contractor doing work in swaziland, will there be any differnce to our act and regulations, I am strugling to get infromation from their Labour Web site. The main contractor is from swaziland, but with no specification to the sub-contractor ]]> General Discussion Lumcus http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?330-Safety-in-Swaziland BCEA Code of Good Practice - Arrangement of working time http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?329-BCEA-Code-of-Good-Practice-Arrangement-of-working-time&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:59:19 GMT Whilst perusing the BCEA i came across a interesting line in the above Code which read S10.2. Service that should be available at night include ... Whilst perusing the BCEA i came across a interesting line in the above Code which read

S10.2. Service that should be available at night include

10.2.2. qualified safety supervision

Obviously what needs to be available at night must be available in the day or after hours.


Obviously with respect to the HSE profession what does this mean ?, this Code supports the OHS Act as is incorporated into the BCEA.

Does this mean that it is a legal requirement to at all times have available a " qualified " person, and does it relate to the Construction Reg's requirements for qualification.

Lets hear your thoughts

Shane


Anouther one found - Acts on line - OHS Act - Health and Safety of Children at work Regulations ( Did not know they exist) - 01/09/2010

Schedule 1 Guidelines on Risk Assessments : Section 11- Supervision of Child Workers (g) and designate an appropriate adult employee/s as * CHILD WORKER SAFETY OFFICERS, with the responsibility of specifically monitoring the safety of child workers in the workplace and to intervene if they feel work is too risky.

This is quite a responsibility

STILL NO COMMENTS ]]> General Discussion shane.lishman@gmail.com http://forum.masterbuilders.co.za/showthread.php?329-BCEA-Code-of-Good-Practice-Arrangement-of-working-time