MS426 Code of Practice For General Principles For Safe Working in Industry

MS ISO/IEC TR 10037 : 1995
MALAYSIAN
STANDARD
MS 426 : 1994
ICS : 13.100
Licenced to Mohamad Aliasman bin Morshidi / Downloaded on : 07-Feb-2006 / Single user licence only, copying and networking prohibite
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH

AT WORK
(FIRST REVISION)
STANDARDS & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA

© Copyright
©
without the prior permission in writing of SIRIM
SIRIM. No part of this publication may be photocopied or otherwise reproduced
MS 426:1994
This Malaysian Standard, which had been approved by the Industry Standards Committee and
endorsed by the Board of the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM)
was published under the authority of the SIRIM Board in December, 1994.
SIRIM wished to draw attention to the fact that this Malaysian Standard does not purport to
include aU the necessary provisions of a contract.
The Malaysian Standards are subject to periodical review to keep abreast to progress in the
industries concerned. Suggestions for improvements will be recorded and in due course
brought to the notice of the Committees charged with the revision of the standards to which
they refer.
The following references relate to the work on this standard:

Committee reference: SIRIM 483/2/17
Draft for comment: D177 (ISC C)R
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date of issue Text affected
(i)
MS 426: 1994
CONTENTS
Page
Committee representation (vi)
Foreword (vii)
SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 Scope I
1.2 Purpose i
1.3 Application 2
1.4 Reference documents 2
1.5 Definitions 2
SECTION 2. RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 General 6
2.2 Employers 6
2.3 Employees 7
2.4 Governments 7
2.5 Trade unions 8
2.6 Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers 8
2.7 Industry associations 9
SECTION 3. PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES
3.1 General 10
3.2 Understanding the phenomenon 10
3.3 Data sources 10
3.4 Predictions 11
3.5 Determination of priorities 12
3.6 Determination of changes required 12
3.7 Process of change 12
3.8 Communication of information 13
3.9 Measurement of change 13
SECTION 4. STRATEGIES FOR CONTROL
4.1 Coordination and cooperation 14

4.2 Preventive measures to reduce hazards at source 14
4.3 Line management function 14
4.4 Specialist advice 15
(ii)
MS 426 : 1994
CONTENTS (Contd.)
Page
SECTION 5. ORGANIZATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
5.1 Occupational safety and health policy 17

5.2 Occupational safety and health activities 17
5.3 Safety committees 18
5.4 Safety representatives 19
5.5 Communication 20
5.6 Standards and goals 20
5.7 Work methods 21
5.8 Accident investigation 24
5.9 Emergency planning 26
SECTION 6. PERSONNEL
6.1 Placement 27
6.2 Personal disability 27
6.3 Training 28
6.4 Supervision 29
SECTION 7. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
7.1 General 31
7.2 Service 31
7.3 Staff 31
7.4 Role of the service 32
7.5 Records 33
SECTION 8. WORKPLACES AND THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
8.1 General 34
8.2 Working environment 34
8.3 Environment stress 36
8.4 Access and egress 37
8.5 Personal amenities 39
(iii)
MS 426: 1994
CONTENTS (Contd.)
Page
SECTION 9. MACHINERY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
9.1 Responsibility 40
9.2 Design and procurement 40
9.3 Installation 40
9.4 Commissioning and acceptance 41

9.5 Training and supervision 41
9.6 Operation 41
9.7 Maintenance 41
9.8 Protection 41
9.9 Control of power 43
9.10 Boilers, unfired pressure vessels, and gas cylinders 44
9.11 Hauling, haulage, elevating and conveying equipment 44
SECTION 10. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF MATERIALS
10.1 General 46
10.2 Storage of material 46
10.3 Mechanical handling of material 47
10.4 Manual handling 48
10.5 Floor and travelling ways 49
10.6 Piping and storage facilities 50
SECTION II. CONTROL OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS
11.1 General 51
11.2 Hazards 51
11.3 Location, site layout, and building design 52
11.4 Material safety data sheets 52
11.5 Work practices 53
SECTION 12. FIRE AND EXPLOSION
12.1 General 55
12.2 Fire protection of buildings 55
12.3 Causes of fire and explosion 55
12.4 Fire prevention measures 58
12.5 Fire-fighting equipment 59
12.6 Emergency evacuation procedures 59
(iv)
MS 426 : 1994
CONTENTS (Contd.)
Page
SECTION 13. VEHICLE OPERATION
13.1 General 61
13.2 Accidents having serious consequences 62
13.3 Procedures 62
SECTION 14. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
14.1 General 67
14.2 Purchase and selection 67
14.3 Correct use 68
14.4 Equipment for use in emergency 69
Appendices
A Typical examples of occupational safety and health policies 70
B List of reference and related documents 72
(v)
MS 426: 1994
Committee representation
The Consumer Products and Safety Industry Standards Committee under whose supervision this Malaysian Standard
was prepared, comprises representatives from the following Government Ministries, trade, commerce and
manufacturer associations and scientific and professional bodies.
Department of Occupational Safety and Health
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers
Malaysian Rubber Research and Development Board
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of International Trade and Industry
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia
Plastic and Rubber Institute of Malaysia
The Working Group~on Safety and Health at Work which prepared this Malaysian Standard consists of the following
representatives:
Ericik Ludin Embong (Chairman) Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan
Dr. Mohd. Yusoff Adon Kementerian Kesihatan

(Bahagian Perkhidmatan Kesihatan)
Encik Mohd. Ridhuan small!
Kementerian Kesihatan
Encik Zaman Hurl Zulkifli
(Bahagian Perkhidmatan Kejuruteraan)
Encik Ridzwan Hj. Kasim Jabatan Kimia Malaysia
Encik Ahniad Tarmidzi Khalil Jabatan Perkhidmatan Bomba Malaysia
Encik Abdul Shahar Abdul Karim Jabatan Kerja Raya

(Cawangan Bangunan)
Puan Norsiah Abd. Wahab/Encik Ammil Mahamud Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Encik Sunny Chan Hean Kee Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia
Encik Mohd. Hazri Abdullah/Puan Zurainah Musa Syarikat Lindungan Kerja (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Encik Wong Soo Kan Persekutuan Pekilang-pekilang Malaysia
Encik Abdul Hamid Abdullah Persatuan Majikan-majikan Malaysia
Encik C.J. Krishna Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Malaysia
Puan Dzuraidah Hj. Abd. Wahab (Secretary) Standards and Industrial Research Institute ofMalaysia
(vi)
MS 426: 1994
FOREWORD
This revised Malaysian Standard was prepared by the Working Group on Safety and Health
at Work under the authority of the Consumer Products and Safety Industry Standards
Committee.
This standard was based on the AS 1470 1986 on the ‘Health and safety at work Principles
- -
and practices’ in which a number of clearly defined trends in safety management were
incorporated, viz:
(a) Extensions of the functions of safety management to incorporate
(i) the control of conditions that result in personal damage in the longer term, e.g.
excessive noise;
(ii) product safety;
(iii) vehicular safety;
(iv) mitigation of the effects of industrial operations on the environment;

and;
(v) fire prevention and control.
(b) Promulgation of the International Office’s Convention 155, to extend the scope of the
term ‘health’, in relation to work, to include all physical and mental elements affecting
health and directly related to safety and hygiene at work.
(c) Compliance with legislation, in several States, which requires formal consultative
arrangements at workplaces to promote employee participation in safety and health
matters.
Recent extensions of the role and functions of safety management require a thorough
knowledge of the accident phenomenon, as well as the need for recourse to assistance from
the specialised disciplines of ergonomics, industrial hygiene, system safety, and loss control.
The use of the above standard is hereby duly acknowledged.
This standard is intended to supersede MS 426 : 1976 on ‘Code of Practice for general
principles for safe working in industry’.
(vii)
MS 426: 1994
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK

(FIRST REVISION)
SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 Scope
This standard sets out recommendations aimed at promoting the safety, health and
well-being of persons in the workplace.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to outline the action which should be taken by
employers and employees in all occupational groups in order to achieve healthy, and
safe working conditions. It reflects the three main bases for concern for occupational
safety and health, viz:
(a) Ethical or moral
Society strongly disapproves of those persons who show a lack of concern for
the well-being of others, such as employers who do little about the safety of their
employees and those employees who pay insufficient regard to their own safety
and health and that of their colleagues, and to the security of their dependants.
The occupational safety and health activities of an enterprise should contribute

significantly to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of persons both at
work and during their recreational and social activities.
(b) Legal
Most enterprises are subject to a variety of statutes and regulations

administered by various government agencies.
Under common law, however, employers also have a duty to take reasonable
care for the safety and health of their employees. An employer’s duty of care
for the safety and health of employees involves the provision of:
(i) a safe place of work;
(ii) a safe system of work;
(iii) proper plant and equipment and maintenance of it; and
(iv) competent staff to manage and supervise the enterprise.
I
MS 426 : 1994
(c) Economic
Lack of safety imposes penalties such as the loss of earnings, the costs of
insurance, lost production of goods and services, overtime, damage to plant,
and resulting industrial disruption.
To meet these obligations and successfully ‘manage’ the problem of safety and
health in the workplace, a key requirement for employers and occupiers is to
develop a safety and health policy and introduce the necessary organization and
administrative arrangements for its application.
This calls for a commitment to safety at the most senior level of the
organization, the continued involvement of employees, and the deliberate
application of management skills to the implementation of the policy. It will
usually involve the development of safety and health programs tailored to the
specific needs of the organization. The structure and scope of such programs
will depend on a number of factors which take into account the nature and size
of the enterprise.
1.3 Application
The requirements apply primarily to the prevention of personal damage but apply also
to the minimization of property damage.
The concepts are applicable to the whole range of conditions or events at work that
can damage the individual with varying degrees of severity, either rapidly or over a
period of time.
1.4 Reference documents
The list of reference documents is as in Appendix B (extracted from the list of

reference and related documents of AS 1470-1986). However, wherever Malaysian
Standards are available, reference shall be made to these standards.
NOTE. Attention is drawn to the need to refer to specific standards and reference documents relevant to
individual operations, hazards and/or industries.
1.5 Definitions
For purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply
1.5.1 Accident
Any occurrence arising out of and in the course of employment which results in
personal damage or property damage, or the possibility of such damage.
2
MS 426: 1994
1.5.2 Employees
Persons engaged in activities for an employer for which they receive direct payment
or remuneration.
1.5.3 Employer
A person, agent, firm, corporation, Government Department, Commission, Board, or

other authority employing any person.
1.5.4 Guard
A physical barrier that prevents the entry of any part of the body into an area that is
hazardous.
1.5.5 Harmfulprocesses
Processes where harmful substances or energies are used or where harmful

substances or energies are produced; and which upon release may cause injury to
or jeopardize the safety and health of persons or affect the integrity of components
and structures.
1.5.6 Harmfulsubstances
Substances which alone or in combination with others are or could become toxic,
irritant, explosive, flammable, corrosive, or obnoxious, and for which special
precautions are required.
1.5.7 Hazard
A situation at the work place capable of potential harm to persons or properties.
1.5.8 Health
In relation to work, is a condition which includes:
(a) the absence of disease or infirmity; and
(b) the physical and mental elements affecting health which are directly related to
safety and hygiene at work.
1.5.9 Incident
An event or a sequence of events that are unplanned but has the potential to result
in injury and/or property damage and/or economic loss.
1.5.10 Management
Person(s) having responsibility, authority or accountability for the conduct of the

business affairs of the employer.
3
MS 426: 1994
1.5.11 Personal damage
Any damage to a person which arises out of and in the course of employment. The
term includes work injuries, occupational disease, and work-connected disabilities.
1.5.12 Practicable
Having regard to:
(i) the severity of the hazard or risk in question;

(ii) the state of knowledge about the hazard or risk; and ways of removing or
mitigating that hazard or risk;
(iii) the availability and suitability of ways to remove or mitigate that hazard or risk;
(iv) the cost of removing or mitigating that hazard or risk.
1.5.13 Regulatory authority
Relevant Ministries, a Government Department, Commission, or other Statutory or

public authority having power to issue regulations, order or other instructions having
the force of law in respect of any subject covered by this standard.
1.5.14 Risk
The probability that the potential harm may become actual.
1.5.15 Safeguard
A screen, barrier, guard or safety device designed to protect persons from personal
damage.
1.5.16 Safety
The provision and control of work environment systems and human behaviour which,
together, give relative freedom from those conditions and circumstances which can
cause personal damage.
1.5.17 Safety device
A protective device, other than a guard, barrier or screen, e.g. a presence-sensing
device, which eliminates or reduces danger before access to a hazard.

1.5.18 Shall and should
The word ‘shall’ is to be understood as mandatory and the word ‘should’ as non-
mandatory, advisory or recommended.
4
MS 426 : 1994
1.5.19 Standard procedures
Specific written instructions prepared for the purpose of providing for operations or
processes to be carried out in a safe manner.
1.5.19 Workplace
Any place at which a person is required to be or to which a person has occasion to
go during the course of employment.

NOTE. Although this definition includes all places of work, some of the requirements of this standard for
‘workplaces’ may not be applicable or appropriate for mobile workplaces. Special provisions will need to
be made for such work places.
5
MS 426:1994
SECTION 2. RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 General
Employers, employees, governments, industry associations and trade unions all have
an important role to play in establishing, promoting and maintaining safe and healthy
working environments.
Consultation and cooperation between these groups is essential if adequate

arrangements are to be made towards the achievement of a safe and healthy working
environment.
The appointment of employee safety representatives and the establishment of joint
safety and health committees are measures which may facilitate such consultation
and cooperation.
The responsibilities described in this Section provide a basis for the development of
occupational safety and health policies at the national, state and enterprise levels.
The responsibilities specified are not exhaustive and are not exclusive to each group.
2.2 Employers
Employers have a responsibility to provide and maintain, so far as is practicable, safe

and healthy working environments and work practices. In addition to complying with
legislative provisions, measures for achieving this objective include the following
(a) Setting out in writing their policy and arrangements in the field of occupational
safety and health and bringing this information to the notice of employees in
language they readily understand.
(b) Controlling or eliminating hazards at work and, where appropriate, the provision
of protective clothing.
(c) Providing adequate supervision of work, of work practices and of the application
and use of occupational safety and health measures.
(d) Giving necessary instructions and training, taking account of the functions and
capacities of employees.
(e) Providing, where necessary, for measures to deal with emergencies and
accidents, including adequate first-aid arrangements, and for rehabilitation.
(f) Verifying the implementation of applicable standards on occupational safety and

health regularly, for instance by environmental monitoring, and undertaking
systematic audits from time to time.
6
MS 426: 1994
(g) Keeping such records relevant to occupational safety and health and the working
environment as are considered necessary by the competent authorities. These
might include records of all accidents and personal damage which arise in the
course of or in connection with work, records of authorization and exemptions
under laws or regulations in the field and any conditions to which they may be
subject, certificates relating to supervision of the health of employees in the
enterprise, and data concerning exposure to specified substances and agents.
Whenever two or more employers or self-employed persons engage in activities

simultaneously at one workplace, they each have a responsibility to coordinate and
conduct those activities in such a way as will ensure, so far as is practicable, that
nothing about the manner in which each business is conducted makes it unsafe or
a risk to the safety or health of not only their own employees but also persons not in
their employment.
2.3 Employees
Employees have a responsibility in the course of performing their work to:
(a) Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of other persons who may
be affected by their acts or omissions;
(b) Cooperate in the fulfilment of the obligations placed upon their employer;
(c) Comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and those of
others and with safety and health procedures;
(d) Use safety devices and protective equipment correctly and not render them
inoperative;
(e) Report forthwith to their immediate supervisor any situation which they have
reason to believe could present a hazard; and
(f) Report any accident or injury to health which arises in the course of or in
connection with their work.
2.4 Governments
Governments have a responsibility to:
(a) Promote improvements in the quality of the working environment, including safe
and healthy work practices and workplaces;
(b) Consult with employer and employee organizations prior to the introduction of
legislation;
7
MS 426:1994
(c) Enact legislation concerning occupational safety and health and the working
environment which is consistently and effectively enforced by an adequate and
appropriate system of inspection and which includes penalties for breaches of
the laws and regulations;
(d) Cooperate in the adoption, so far as is practicable, of uniform standards for safe
and healthy working environments and work practices;
(e) Provide guidance to employers and employees to help them comply with legal
obligations;
(f) Co-ordinate occupational safety and health activity;

(g) Undertake and stimulate education, research and training;
(h) Monitor the health of people in the workplace, including the incidence and
prevalence of work-related injuries and disease; and
(j) Collect, compile, evaluate, and disseminate information on
(i) working environment;
(ii) occupational safety and health statistics, principles, practices and

standards; and
(iii) occupational hazards and the means to eliminate or control them.
2.5 Trade unions
Trade unions and employee associations have a responsibility to:
(a) Identify the safety and health problems for occupations of their members;
(b) Communicate these problems to their members, individual enterprises and

industry associations.
(c) Cooperate with and assist government, employer, and industry associations in
developing preventive strategies in occupational safety and health.
2.6 Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers
Designers, manufacturers, importers, and suppliers have a responsibility to ensure,

so far as is practicable, that:
(a) Plant, machinery or equipment is designed, tested, and installed or constructed

so as to be free from avoidable risks to safety or health when not misused;
8
MS 426 : 1994
(b) Any substance for use at work is free from avoidable risks to safety or health
when properly used; and
(c) Adequate information is made available about the correct installation and use
of machinery and equipment or use of substances and about any condition
necessary to ensure that it will be free from avoidable risk to safety or health
when properly used.
2.7 Industry associations

Industry associations have a responsibility to
(a) Identify safety and health problems within the enterprises of their members, or
in enterprises within the same industry or utilizing similar substances or
processes;
(b) Communicate these problems to their members, and other enterprises within the
same industry and
(c) Assist in the identification of counter measures and to communicate such

information to members and other enterprises within the same industry.
9
MS 426: 1994
SECTION 3. PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES
3.1 General
The principal objectives for safe and healthy working are to prevent personal and
property damage, and to promote the safety, health and well-being of persons in the
workplace.
Good occupational safety and health performance requires consultation and

cooperation within the enterprise and maintenance of the management aspects
detailed in this Section.
3.2 Understanding the phenomenon
The sequence of events leading to personal or property damage includes a number

of factors, all of which must be identified. Some factors will be more relevant and
important than others from the point of view of control.
3.3 Data sources
3.3.1 General
The four major sources of information which can be used for control of personal or
property damage are as follows
(a) Enterprise experience (i.e. information from within the enterprise).
(b) Industry and occupational experience (i.e. information from industry associations,
trade unions, national and international bodies).
(c) Professional and academic information (i.e. information from scientific bodies,
engineers, medical doctors, hygienists).
(d) Government/Authority experience (i.e. information, for example, from

occupational safety and health council).
3.3.2 Enterprise experience
Information within an individual enterprise may exist in at least three forms as follows:
(a) Individual case histories.

(b) Case histories which have been classified or summarized so that the whole of
the past history of the enterprise can be shown under various
headings/classifications.
10
MS 426:1994
(c) Circumstances surrounding potential damaging occurrences gathered from the

experience of the workforce.
3.3.3 Industry experience
Information from industry associations and trade unions provides important data,
particularly on fatal and permanently disabling injuries and illnesses experienced by
(a) Other enterprises within the same industry;

(b) Other enterprises employing people in the same occupation; and
(c) Other enterprises using the same substances or processes.
It is desirable that industry associations, trade unions, and manufacturers utilizing

particular substances and processes assist individual enterprises to obtain details of
relevant accidents and health problems from the wider community. Care should be
taken to ensure that such information isrelevant and comparable within a particular
enterprise.
3.3.4 Professional and academic experience
Relevant specialist knowledge and information can be found in professions such as

engineering, medical and related fields, physiotherapy, and ergonomics. This
information can be used for considering
(a) The storage of potentially damaging energy, e.g. heat, electricity, or weights at
a height;
(b) The ways by which the energy can be released in an unexpected form;
(c) The personal and property damage which is possible as a result of the release
of energy; and
(d) The probability of the personal or property damage occurring.
3.4 Predictions
Past experience within an enterprise is a guide to the prediction of future personal

and property damage. Therefore, an enterprise will need to maintain thorough and
accurate records related to personal and property damage within an enterprise. The
method used in recording personal damage experience is outlined in MS 866.
However, the history and experience of one enterprise will rarely provide enough data
for adequate prediction. Therefore, data from other enterprises and from the industry
and occupation as a whole may be required for comparative and predictive purposes.
II
MS 426: 1994
Generally, prediction of future damage involves analysis of historical data and

evaluation against current knowledge, experience and the existing work environment.
3.5 Determination of priorities
Priorities for solution of identifiable problems can be set by assessing
(a) The severity of the actual, or predicted, personal or property damage;

(b) The probability of occurrence (e.g. low, medium, or high); and

(c) The actual, or predicted, frequency of occurrence.
Emphasis should always be given to incidents resulting in or likely to result in severe
personal damage, even if the frequency of occurrence is considered low.
3.6 Determination of changes required
Changes to be introduced should be determined by analysing the factors constituting

the accident sequence and establishing the contribution and controllability of each.
The extent to which each factor can be controlled needs to be assessed realistically.
This will often require a comparison of:
(a) The controllability of engineering or environmental features; and
(b) The controllability of the behaviour of people.
Such assessment should also take notice that control of the behaviour of people is
less dependable, less durable, and often more expensive than control of physical
conditions or reduction of hazards at their source.
3.7 Process of change
The process of developing and introducing change involves eight stages, as follows:
(a) A problem is perceived.

• (b) The situation is explored to identify variables and organize relevant data.
(c) The nature of the problem is recognized.
(d) The factors involved in the causation are defined.
12
MS 426 : 1994
(e) Possible solutions are developed.

(f) Practical and economic difficulties of implementing possible solutions are
considered.
(g) The most suitable solution is selected.

(h) Solution is implemented and documented, and its effect verified through an
auditing mechanism.
The changes can be implemented more effectively if the people required to make
them are involved in each of these stages of the task.
3.8 Communication of information
An essential element in the safety programs of all enterprises, large and small, is the
need to provide for adequate communication concerning
(a) Identification of the problem;

(b) Corrective actions/changes to be implemented;
(c) Monitoring of the effectiveness of the changes; and
(d) Provision for continual feedback.
3.9 Measurement of change
A system of measuring the effect of change is necessary to monitor the adequacy of

changes introduced and to provide feedback.
13
MS 426 : 1994
SECTION 4. STRATEGIES FOR CONTROL
4.1 Coordination and cooperation
The achievement of safety and health at work requires coordinated efforts by all
members of an enterprise and a genuine commitment to minimize personal and
property damage. This requires the commitment of adequate resources to ensure
management coordination and support for the establishment and maintenance of
specific safety and health programs.
Management at all levels should cooperate to provide, observe, and supervise safe
working practices and procedures in all work situations. Reduction of personal and
property damage is best achieved by directing efforts towards seeking changes which
will minimize the likelihood of future accidents rather than by attempting to lay blame
for the past.
A direct result of such an effort is the improvement of the physical, mental, and social
well-being of people in the enterprise both on and off the job. Indirectly, the
enterprise also benefits financially as a result of the reduced personal and property
damage.
4.2 Preventive measures to reduce hazards at source
Improvements in employees’ safety and health are best achieved through reducing
hazards at the source and modifying the workplace to fit the needs of people, rather
than through modifying the behaviour of people or adapting the people to fit the
demands of a hazardous workplace.
Maximum emphasis should be placed on identification and implementation of
preventive measures developed from an analysis of the hazards present. Ideally, this
should be in advance of any initial accident, which may serve as a catalyst for the
development of control measures.
4.3 Line management function
Management is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the employer’s policy on
safety and health in the workplace are achieved in conjunction with the attainment
of other aims of the organization.
Management assigns to line management not only responsibility for the work to be
done but also responsibility for safety at the workplace. Accordingly, line
management must have the means, knowledge, skills, and authority to achieve the
safety policy objectives.
The implementation and continuation of a safety and health policy requires the
cooperation of all parties in the work force, the preparedness of management to ‘lead
by example’, and regular formal or informal interaction between all levels of
management, supervision, and other employees, including the following
14
MS 426:1994
(a) Use of daily informal contacts between supervisors and employees to ensure
that the need for safety and health at work is kept well in mind.
(b) Informal meetings on safety and health matters wherever appropriate.
(c) Safety training as required.
(d) Encouragement for reporting hazards, perhaps through safety and health
• suggestion schemes, and implementation of prompt action to remedy all
identified hazards.
(e) Active support and contribution to safety and health committees, including
worker-elected representatives.
(f) Insistence that safety and health rules and instructions be observed by all levels
of management and employees.
4.4 Specialist advice
In establishing programs for safety and health in the work place, management may
need to seek expert advice from outside persons or organizations. Depending on the
size of the enterprise, it may need to weigh the advantages of establishing its own
accident prevention section with full-time practitioners against the employment of
accident prevention and occupational health consultants on a part-time basis.
Specialist knowledge and techniques have been developed within a number of

specialist groups, including the following
(a) Safety management/safety engineering which brings together the elements of
a number of disciplines necessary to identify, evaluate, and control the accident
phenomenon. Its major functions are contained within the following four basic
areas:
(i) Identification and appraisal of injury and health exposures, damage

producing conditions and practices, and evaluation of the severity of the
accident problem.
(ii) Development of accident prevention and damage control methods
procedures and programs.
(iii) Communication of accidents and damage control information to those

directly involved.
(iv) Measurement and evaluation of the effectiveness of accident and damage

control systems and determination of the modifications needed to achieve
optimum results.
15
MS 426 : 1994
(b) Occupational health services, which integrate the medical, hygiene and general
environmental activities of an organization for the prime purpose of preventing
occupational illness or injury and promoting the health and well-being of the
workforce (see Section 7).
(c) Ergonomics, which draws on information from engineering, anatomy, physiology,

and psychology so that the optimum use is made of human capabilities.
(d) Fire protection, which deals specifically with fire hazards, fire protection
engineering, and fire-fighting measures.
(e) System safety, which incorporates systematic documented efforts specifically

oriented towards cost-effective hazard identification and control, including
(i) preliminary hazard analysis;
(ii) failure mode and effect analysis;
(iii) fault hazard analysis; and
(iv) program monitoring and review.
(f) Loss control, which examines foreseeable potential damage to people, property,
or production, estimates the cost of loss from such damage, and ensures that
action is taken to control or minimize such costs.
(g) Risk management, which involves the identification, analysis and evaluation of
risk and the selection of the most advantageous way of combating it.
All government departments responsible for legislation covering the various aspects
of safe working in industry are available for advice on legislation and practical
aspects of industrial safety and health.
Experience and advice may also be obtained from comparable undertakings,

professional bodies, consultants, employer organizations, trade unions, and similar
bodies.
• 16
MS 426 :1994
SECTION 5. ORGANIZATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
5.1 Occupational safety and health policy
Every enterprise shall establish an occupational safety and health policy which will
ensure that all levels of management and supervision understand their responsibilities
for maintaining safety and health in the workplace and ensuring that employees’
rights are met.
Such policy shall be developed in consultation with employees and their

representatives and shall
(a) Be publicly displayed and promulgated to all concerned;
(b) Be concise and readily understood;
(c) Include a commitment by the employer to provide a safe and healthy workplace;
(d) Demonstrate that management endorses attention to safety and health as an

integral part of the activities of the enterprise;
(e) Direct management in its involvement in occupational safety and health

programs and identify those with prime responsibility for safety and health;
(f) Clearly state the accident prevention responsibilities of all persons in the
enterprise;
(g) Seek the cooperation of all employees to achieve the aims of the policy;
(h) Be signed by the chief executive; and
~) Be reviewed from time to time in the light of experience.

Examples of Policy Statements appear in Appendix A.
To ensure that safety and health policies succeed, senior management must not only
have an active commitment to, but also demonstrate a personal and persistent
enthusiasm for, accident prevention and maintenance of workers’ health. The
personal aspect is vital and cannot be delegated. Interest and enthusiasm cannot
be maintained if both success and failure elicit the same response.
5.2 Occupational safety and health activities
For safety and health in the workplace to be controlled in any enterprise, the following
are required
(a) Regular audits of the workplace to identify potential problem areas and adoption
of plan(s) for necessary control action.
17
MS 426 : 1994
(b) Analysis of work procedures to identify hazards and establish the reason for
their existence.
(c) Review of new plant, equipment and substances (e.g. chemicals) to be used
prior to their purchase, installation and commissioning, to ensure that necessary
safety standards are met.
(d) Collation of case histories of past incidents that resulted in personal injury or
ill-health and analysis of the incidence of accident and damage.
(e) Awareness of industry accident experience outside the enterprise and the action
taken to prevent repetition.
(f) Development of safe working practices and procedures embodying correct trade
and technical practices with appropriate training in the use of those procedures.
(g) Statement of goals for safety performance.
(h) Publication of the goals of (g) above to all concerned.
~ Effective means of measuring and assessing performance for comparison with

original goals.
(k) Knowledge and observance of statutory requirements relevant to the particular

industry, process, and location.
Because people at different levels in the management structure have different

responsibilities, channels for communication should be established from workplace
levels to the top management levels and to persons responsible for specialist safety
and health advice.
5.3 Safety committees
Management is responsible for providing adequate safety and health arrangements

and for ensuring that its policy is adopted. A safety committee can supplement those
arrangements, it cannot be a substitute for them.
The principal aim of a safety committee is to promote cooperation between employer,

employees, and their unions in instilling, developing and carrying out safety and
health measures in the workplace. Good communication between management and
the committee and, in turn, the employees is an essential condition for an effective
safety committee. Its effectiveness depends on the availability of relevant factual
information, its combined skills, knowledge, resources, authority, and the pressure
and influence it exerts on all concerned.
The composition of the safety committee should be the subject of negotiation at the
workplace and should represent the interests of all the work force without becoming
so large that the conduct of the business is impeded.
18
MS 426:1994
5.4 Safety representatives
The election or nomination of safety representatives can be an effective means for

enabling employees to participate in, and contribute to, securing the safety and health
of all employees at the workplace level.
A flexible approach may be needed in deciding the number of safety representatives

and which group or groups of employees they represent. Safety representatives
should
(a) Take reasonable steps to keep themselves informed of the legal requirements
relating to the safety and health of people at work, particularly those they
• represent;
(b) Be aware of any particular hazards of the workplace and the measures
necessary to eliminate or minimize the risk from these hazards;
(c) Know the safety and health policy of the enterprise and the organizational
arrangements for implementing it;
(d) Encourage consultation between employer and employees in. promoting and
developing essential safety and health measures and checking their
effectiveness; and
(e) Bring to the employer’s notice any hazardous or unhealthy conditions, working
practices, or unsatisfactory welfare arrangements.
Safety representatives should have access to adequate information from employers

to enable them to work satisfactorily. This information includes the following
(I) Information about safety plans and performance, and any proposed changes
affecting the safety and health of employees.
(ii) Technical information about safety and health hazards, and precautions
necessary to eliminate or minimize them.
(iii) Information about processes, systems of work and substances in use, including
relevant data provided by consultants or designers, or the manufacturer or
supplier of any article or substance used, or proposed to be used, by
employees.
(iv) Any other information specifically related to matters affecting the safety and
health of people at work.
Safety representatives need close relationships with other safety personnel to enable
them to deal with hazards, develop a common approach, and gain knowledge which
complements their responsibility to the group they represent.
19
MS 426 : 1994
5.5 Communication
Communication at work is a group affair and can be considered as a combination of

actions and words. Good communication on safety matters is fostered in an
enterprise when it is clear to all concerned that
(a) The same kind of thinking or ‘quality of thought’ is given to safety and health as
is given to production; and
(b) The practical belief that the effect of what is done is far greater than what is
said, operates at all times.
Thus, every efficient and effective safety inspection, every thorough investigation of
an accident, and every improvement in the workplace environment communicates
management’s desire for safe working. Likewise, comprehensive, clear and precise
working procedures provide a sound basis for training. Training sessions and safety
meetings can lead to the implementation of safe working procedures without delay.
These formal activities may be considered as forms of mass communication. Of at
least equal importance are the informal face-to-face contacts where safety and health
matters can be discussed in the context of:
(I) Normal operating problems;
(ii) Matters of common interest;
(iii) Off-the-job safety; or
(iv) Provisions for adequate feedback to employees on suggestions for improving
safety and health at work.
5.6 Standards and goals
5.6.1 General
The achievement of an enterprise’s aim of a safe and healthy workplace can be

assisted by establishing and maintaining standard procedures and by setting goals
for improvement in the enterprise’s safety and health records.
5.6.2 Standard procedures
Such procedures may be classified into three groups, viz., operating procedures,
maintenance procedure, management and supervisory procedures, so that all aspects
of work are covered. The procedures should
(a) Be designed so that they become the normal way of working;
(b) Reflect the potential for major hazardous events;
20
MS 426 : 1994
(c) Provide a level of training beyond the normal requirements of the work;
(d) Provide a common frame of reference that will allow people to communicate
effectively;
(e) Be known and understood by all employees; and
(f) Be revised regularly, based on experience.
5.6.3 Goals
Goals must be positive and realistic and must be seen to be achievable by the work
force. Goals should not be based solely on the past performance of the enterprise
concerned. The potential for improvement may be assessed by review of
performance of similar enterprises together with the study of the main causes of poor
performance and consideration of what action can be takento counter these causes
and the likely effectiveness of that action.
It is not easy to define occupational safety and health goals; however, they should
be set to aid administrative decision making. Consequently, they can be expressed
in a variety of ways such as a reduction of work place hazards, or a reduction of
personal or property damage (actual or potential). The reductio~iof injury frequency
rates and dollar-costs are also important goals. However, they are, at best, historical
measures and cannot be relied on solely to measure the achievements in safety
management.
5.7 Work methods
5.7.1 General
Correct methods of work should be planned, documented, established and reviewed

from time to time in the light of experience or changed circumstances.
Special consideration will need to be given where unusual or serious hazards have
been identified.
5.7.2 Planning
Planning for safe methods of working should provide adequate guidelines that relate
to the following
(a) Consideration, at the design stage, of safe working methods and procedures.
(b) Selection of persons for the tasks required.
(c) Training and supervision in safe practices.
(d) Control of noise, vibration, atmospheric contaminants, radiation and heat stress,
etc.
21
MS 426: 1994
(e) Work rotation and limiting rotation times, to limit exposure to environmental
stress.
(f) Cumulative effect of repetitive actions in individual work tasks.
(g) The effect of static muscle loading in individual work tasks.
(h) Instruction on specific tasks.
~) Plant and machinery protection.

(k) Flow of material and finished products.
(m) Treatment, handling, and disposal of waste.
(n) Cleaning and house-keeping.
(p) Segregation of operations where appropriate.
5.7.3 Monitoring of correct methods
5.7.3.1 General
The monitoring of the current safety and health standards of workplaces should be
maintained at a number of levels of surveillance. The specific purpose of these
activities is to ensure that occupational safety and health standards fully satisfy legal
requirements and those of the enterprise’s written safety policies, objectives, and
programs.
5.7.3.2 Workplace inspections
Procedures should be prepared for the conduct of regular inspections of the

workplace, including inspections by the safety representative, where there is one, in
order to check the safety of working conditions and practices. Guidelines that list
hazards commonly encountered in the workplace and any other foreseeable
deficiencies should be prepared. In particular, these guidelines should cover
situations where persons could be
(a) Caught on or between moving parts of machinery;
(b) Struck by moving objects or be thrust against stationary ones;
(c) Exposed to conditions where they could slip, trip, or fall;
(d) Exposed to potentially harmful substances e.g. chemicals, lead, asbestos and
dust, or excessive energy of any kind, e.g. heat, noise, radiation, electric shock,
in excess of the prescribed levels.
(e) Performing tasks causing muscular strain or unsuitable work postures;

(f) Exposed to mental stress; or
22
MS 426 : 1994
(g) Uncertain of what to do in an emergency.
Because it is not practicable to remove all hazards from the workplace, it is

necessary to check that safety and health rules, instructions, and procedures are
being adhered to. It is also necessary to check that habits such as taking short cuts
or unauthorized changes of working methods are not developing.
Should these checks reveal any deficiencies in procedures or instructions, action

must be taken to immediately review and amend such instructions.
Inspections should be undertaken by persons experienced in the work environment

and utilizing check lists.

Supervisors of individual operations should be made responsible for day-to-day
inspections.
Hazards detected in any inspection should be programmed for urgent attention.
5.7.3.3 Safety audits
A safety audit subjects each area of an enterprise’s activity to a systematic, critical

examination with the object of minimizing the effects of accidents. There are five
main elements of a safety audit system as follows
(a) Identification of situations posing possible injury and health risks.
(b) Assessment of potential effects associated with these risks.
(c) Selection of procedures that will minimize these effects.

(d) Implementation of these strategies within the enterprise.
(e) Means of monitoring and reviewing the effects of the changes.
A formal report is subsequently prepared and monitored.
5.7.3.4 Safety survey
A safety survey is a detailed examination of a narrower field of activity, e.g. key areas
revealed by safety audits, particular plants, or specific problems common to an
enterprise as a whole. A safety survey should be followed by a formal report and
monitored.
5.7.3.5 Follow-up
The terms used in the foregoing section, i.e. safety audits, safety surveys, workplace
inspections, though having specific connotations will inevitably involve differences in
interpretation. Collectively, they constitute a form of critical examination of the
enterprise’s stated objectives, provided that all persons participating in them
understand and observe the following
23
MS 426: 1994
(a) The need for immediate action to correct any deficiencies in procedures or
inspections.
(b) The need to check that unauthorized changes of working methods or
unacceptable habits, such as taking short cuts, are not developing.
Not with standing the above, it may not be practicable to remove all hazards from the
workplace and it is therefore essential that persons are experienced in the work
environment and the use of inspection, audit, and survey techniques.
5.7.3.6 Participation and awareness
When inspection programmes are being planned, the experience within the workforce
should be recognized. All employees should be encouraged to assist and participate
in safety inspections by providing input into checklists and by being personally
involved in regular inspections. This involvement will not only increase employees’
awareness of workplace hazards, but will also emphasize the importance that
management places on safety and health matters.
5.8 Accident investigation
5.8.1 General
Accidents occur for a variety of reasons, but personal fault finding contributes little
to minimizing them. What is necessary is an effective system of reporting accidents,
followed by skilled analysis of the data obtained, with a view to identifying measures
that need to be taken to prevent further similar occurrences. Accident reporting and
analysis should, therefore, be undertaken by appropriately trained staff.
5.8.2 Reporting and analysis
The uniform reporting of occupational injuries and diseases and the collection,
recording and analysis of data concerning them is requisite to the following
(a) Management for whom such data will be of assistance in:
(I) identifying measures that need to be taken to prevent further similar
occurrences;
(ii) selecting the priorities for preventive action; and
(iii) evaluating the effectiveness of controls and preventive measures.
(b) Industry associations and employee organizations and representatives having

responsibilities for operational planning, training and education, monitoring of
industry and occupational data, maintenance of safety and health standards and
employee welfare, and advice to membership.
24
MS 426 : 1994
(c) Regulatory authorities, having need to:
(i) monitor the adequacy of the statutory provisions;
(ii) determine whether notification or action in other similar organizations or

industries is warranted; and
(iii) compile statistics for national purposes,
in addition to those objectives outlined in (a) above.

(d) Compensation authorities having need to determine whether the worker is

entitled to compensation for the injury or illness sustained.
(e) Academics, research organizations, and consultants having interests in the

development, coordination and promotion of measures to improve occupational
safety and health performance.
5.8.3 Principles
There are two principles of efficient accident and incident reporting, as follows:
(a) Full, thorough, and factual investigation as soon as possible after the accident,
with findings documented at each stage of the investigation.
(b) The reporting of incidents or interruption to the work process.
5.8.4 Responsibility
The responsibility for the investigation and compilation of reports of accidents rests
with the management.
Initial accident reports should be completed by the supervisor concerned and should
be forwarded to line management. Subsequent investigations should be conducted
by the safety specialist in conjunction with the supervisor; more serious accidents
resulting in severe personal damage or disasters may also be investigated by
governmental or insurance representatives. To obtain a complete and factual record,
all those involved or who witnessed the accident should be consulted.
For accidents resulting in personal damage, the report completed by medical service
personnel should record the employee’s history of the accident in his own words.
Accident investigations must be conducted with employees’ full understanding that
the details recorded on the accident report form will not be used for disciplinary
purposes. It needs to be emphasized continually that the aim is to obtain facts rather
than to assign fault. There must be no misunderstanding about, or misuse of, the
information disclosed during investigations. Any suspicion by employees that
someone will be penalized could lead to misleading or incomplete information being
supplied. In turn, management might take inappropriate action, leaving the real
causes of the accident unknown and uncorrected.
25
MS 426 : 1994
Information from investigations and accident reports may form basic data for
periodical statistical analysis.
5.9 Emergency planning
Critical analyses should be made of the workplace to ascertain areas and operations
within which an emergency situation could arise. An emergency plan should be
prepared, incorporating the following
(a) A schedule of emergency risks.
(b) Methods of control.
(c) Facilities required-internal and external.
(d) Liaison with public authorities and the need for some enterprises to have a
disaster plan to protect the nearby community.
(e) Training of control staff.
(f) Training of all personnel.
(g) Warning systems.
(h) Communications.
26
MS 426 : 1994
SECTION 6. PERSONNEL
6.1 Placement
Employees should be assigned only to tasks which they can perform safely and
without adverse effects to their health. Where doubt exists, advice should be sought
from specialist staff with a knowledge of industry. For tasks in which a high degree
of operating skill and correct procedures are critical, standards of competence should
be defined and measures taken to ensure they are met.
6.2 Personal disability
6.2.1 General
Many jobs can be adequately performed by persons with a physical or mental

impairment. Employers should supply services or facilities which can be reasonably
made available and which assist impaired persons to perform the work required of
them. Impaired persons should not be placed in a position where there is an
unreasonable risk of injury to others or where there is a substantial risk of injury to
themselves. Where special measures or precautions are needed, supervisors and
other employees should be fully informed of any additional safety measures required.
6.2.2 Temporary disability
Any temporary disability which may influence an employee’s safe working practice
should be noted and, if necessary, the work modified accordingly.
6.2.3 Transitory factors/disabilities
Employees’ skills and abilities can be impaired by a range of physical and

psychological factors including the following
(a) Inappropriate scheduling/rostering/shift work, resulting in excessive time on a

particular task.
(b) Emotional problems.
(c) Ergonomic inconsistencies resulting in operators not being in adequate control

of the equipment/ process.
(d) The deleterious effect of working in arduous environments (e.g. high

temperature, high humidity, dusty atmospheres).
In addition to the above, the impairment of employee abilities and judgements caused
through the use of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and certain
medications can be of considerable significance in respect of accident causation.
27
MS 426 : 1994
6.3 Training
6.3.1 General
All levels of management and employees should be trained and understand their
respective responsibilities to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
6.3.2 Management training
Training for management shouid include explanation of:
(a) The enterprise’s policy as it relates to occupational safety and health;

(b) Their responsibility and accountability for the safety and health of employees at
work;
(c) Practices and procedures to ensure responsibilities are met, particularly the
importance of senior management’s involvement in safety matters; and
(d) Basic concepts and theories of accident prevention.
(e) Legal obligations
6.3.3 Supervisor training

The aims and objectives in an enterprise’s occupational safety and health policy
cannot be achieved without effective personalized supervision.
Supervisors particularly need to know how they are involved in and affected by the
safety and health policy, and need to be trained to maximise the advantages flowing
from it.
Training of supervisors should include programs that will equip them for at least the
following
(a) Explanation and supervision of work practices of employees under their control.
(b) Provision of effective communication between management and the work force.
(c) Interpretation of occupational safety and health legislation and work instructions.
(d) Induction of new and transferred employees.
(e) Continual instruction of all (i.e. old and new) employees when the necessity
arises.
(f) On going monitoring of work practices to detect and correct any dangerous acts
and conditions in the workplace.
(g) Reporting and correct investigation of all accidents, including those not involving
personal or property damage.
28
MS 426: 1994
6.3.4 Workplace training
On-the-job personalized training based on an analysis of the required tasks is an

indispensable element of the safety policy. This approach stresses work habits and
procedures required for safe job performance. It permits the conversion of
generalities into safe practices applying to a specific job or task and to the employee
who is doing the job. In launching such a program, supervisors should make a job
hazard analysis of each task to pinpoint the inherent hazards. They can then tell
employees what the hazards, if any, are and how to avoid them on an individualised
basis.
The behaviour patterns of some employees and their lack of skill or knowledge about
the job can be contributory factors to accidents. This situation can be influenced
substantially by personalized safety training which is effective not only in re-orienting
the employee’s thinking about the job, but in inducing improved work habits.
Observing an employee doing something in a hazardous or dangerous manner can

provide supervisors with the opportunity to train the employee. The focus should be
on problem solving and learning rather than on fault finding and discipline.
On-the-spot guidance is a vital ongoing activity showing management’s concern for
an employee’s safety,health, and well-being.
6.3.5 Induction
The induction process gives management the opportunity to communicate to new and
relocated employees both its basic safety obligations and their responsibilities on
safety and health matters. The occupational safety and health policy and programs
should be projected as a balanced obligation between the organization and the
employee, each having a role to play and interdependent for help and cooperation
in reducing accidents.
All new employees should be given a detailed explanation of safety and health rules
applying in their particular workplaces, and be advised of any particular hazards
associated with them. Special measures should be taken to ensure that those
employees not familiar with the National language fully understand the training given
to them.
6.4 Supervision
The line supervisor has a key role to play in implementing an occupational safety and
health program. Supervisors are directly involved with safety at the workface and
have the most intimate knowledge of work practices and the employees under their
control. To employees, the supervisor represents management; to management, the
supervisor provides a direct means of communication and contact with the workforce.
Supervisors able to communicate effectively are invaluable in interpreting the
requirements of safety legislation, instructions, etc., and in resolving
misunderstandings between management and workforce.
29
MS 426: 1994
Supervisors need to ensure that:
(a) Training of employees has been adequate and appropriate;

(b) Employees have the necessary skills for the job;
(c) Work methods are safe and are being observed;
(d) Hazards are detected and eliminated; and

(e) Particular attention is paid at times of change, e.g. new employees, new, or
increased quantities of materials, new methods or new machinery.
Even given the active interest of management, an occupational safety and health
policy, appointment of appropriate safety personnel, and involvement of employees
in safety and health activities, the success or otherwise of any program still relies
heavily on the role of the line supervisor. Effective safety work depends on a
supervisor’s specialized knowledge coupled with general management skills.
The supervisor, however, needs motivation and must have the active support of
management. The supervisor cannot be expected to perceive safety and health
issues at the workplace as a predominant role unless this is dearly, consistently, and
continuously promoted by management.
30
MS 426: 1994
SECTION 7. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
7.1 General
Occupational health integrates the medical, hygiene and general environmental

activities of an organization for the prime purpose of preventing occupational illness,
injury, and certain departures from normal (e.g. an increased blood lead level which
per se may not be an illness), and for promoting the health and well being of the
workforce. The nature and extent of such services depend on the nature of the work,
the materials being handled, the product being produced, and the impact of the
operation on the general environment. It should enhance the well-being, safety, and
productivity of the worker, reduce absenteeism and staff turnover, and contribute to
the health of the community.
7.2 Service
An occupational health service should be provided where this is justified by health

hazards inherent in the work, with due consideration to numbers employed and the
type of organization of the work being done.
Undertakings which cannot individually sustain a service because of insufficient

numbers of employees may contract with an external agency for provision of a
service, or collectively join with other undertakings to form a group service. An
appropriate number of small undertakings geographically located in one area and
within reasonable distance of a centrally located health centre should combine to
provide for the practical functioning of a group service.
7.3 Staff
In the larger organizations, the service should include staff with formal training at
tertiary level in occupational health, occupational hygiene, occupational nursing, and
ergonomics. These personnel should report directly to an official at the policy-making
level of management. In smaller organizations, professional staff should be engaged
according to needs of the work force and the identified and potential health hazards
of the workplace. In very small organizations, nominated members of senior staff
• should acquire knowledge of the occupational hazards to which employees are
exposed and have access to professionalS advice.
Employers should consider retaining the services of specialists in occupational health

services. Specialists in occupational health services may include the following
(a) Occupational physician.
(b) Occupational health nurses.

(c) Occupational hygienist.
31
MS 426: 1994
(d) Occupational physiotherapist.
(e) Ergonomist.
(f) Other paramedical (e.g. first aid services), administrative, and technical
personnel.
7.4 Role of the service
The role of an occupational health service should encompass the following
(a) Preventive functions.
(b) Health supervision.
(c) Detection and assessment of exposure to hazards.
(d) Conduct of medical examinations which may be required by law.
(e) Provision of immediate medical, nursing, and first aid treatment.
(f) Rehabilitation.
(g) Health promotion and health education.
(h) Counselling on all matters likely to affect an employee’s well-being.
~) Maintenance of health records.
Specifically the service should include the following
(i) Health assessment
Each employee’s capability of performing specific tests should be evaluated by

a preplacement health assessment or examination. This should also apply to
exposure to specific hazards and to the safety of the employee and others.
The health status of the employee should be reassessed at regular intervals

and, in many circumstances, also on return to work following absence due to
illness or injury.
(ii) Monitoring
The service should also be responsible for routine monitoring and reporting of
the working environment. This would involve the assessment of dust, fume,
noise, ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, temperature, chemicals, and
other factors affecting safety and health.
32
MS 426: 1994
(iii) First aid
Adequate first aid facilities and emergency facilities should be available

depending on the size, type, and location of operation.
Provision should be made for basic first aid training of operating and supervisory
personnel, either on site or through a recognized establishment. Where
appropriate, such training may need extending to include special first aid
treatment appropriate to a particular or unique work environment.
(iv) Biological monitoring
Many people in hazardous work may require various forms of biological

monitoring. The need for and results of such tests and their significance should
be explained by the physician or his representative to each person.
Group results, without individual identification, can be given to the employers

and other interested parties when relevant to the provision or effectiveness of
preventive measures. It is often valuable to place group results, together with
interpretations, on the workplace notice board.
7.5 Records
Records should be kept of all activities in this field by adequately trained personnel;
in some instances, records may have to be kept for several years for epidemiological
or statutory purposes.
Access to clinical records shall be confined to the occupational physician or his

representative and the employee. Access to relevant segments of the records should
be made available for research and epidemiological studies provided that all steps
are taken to protect the individual’s confidentiality.
33
MS 426 : 1994
SECTION 8. WORKPLACES AND THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
8.1 General
Employers should provide and maintain workplaces and the accesses thereto,
machinery and equipment, and work methods that are safe and without risk to health,
consistent with this standard.
8.2 Working environment
8.2.1 General
A major proportion of many persons’ lives is spent in the working environment, and
every effort should be made to create and maintain a healthy and safe environment.
Significant factors to be taken into account will depend upon, for example, the type,
size, nature, and complexity to the industry, together with location, geographic
conditions, and economic considerations.
Detailed attention should be given to at least the following
(a) Any inherent or unacceptable hazards associated with existing or proposed

operations.
(b) Strength and stability of the structures involved, including strength and design
of floors of working areas and walkways.
(c) The use of structural materials, furniture, and fittings which minimize the risk of
personal exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the event of fire, e.g.
urea formaldehyde.
(d) Provision of sufficient floor space to accommodate people, plant, machinery, and
material without congestion or risk of collision.
(e) The adequacy and suitability of ancillary services, such as change rooms, first
aid and rest rooms, toilets, and potable water.
(f) Effectiveness and suitability of arrangements for matters such as
(I) lighting, both natural and artificial;
(ii) prevention or removal of harmful substances; and
(iii) heating, cooling, and ventilation, e.g. general and local exhaust.
(g) Arrangements for maintenance, and cleaning of structures, plant, and machinery
to ensure order and hygiene in the workplace.
34
MS 426:1994
(h) The supply, maintenance, and use of reliable personal protective equipment.
~) Measures to resist the spread of fire through, for example, training all staff in the
vicinity of flammable and explosive substances to minimize the risk of
uncontrolled escape or accumulation, and the placement of detection and fire-
fighting equipment. Where appropriate, a disaster program/centre to protect the
general community should also be established.
(k) The safety of persons required to work in situations where departure from
standard procedures may result in hazardous situations, e.g. work in confined
spaces.
(m) Adequate means of communication, so that safety, health, and rescue needs are
fully known.
(n) Provision of non-slip flooring and work surfaces, changes of level in work
surfaces, and regular floor cleaning.
(p) Provision of sufficient storage, hazardous and general waste disposal, packing,
etc. to aid general housekeeping.
(q) Nature of work and the working arrangements.
(r) The design of machinery and equipment to satisfy ergonomic considerations and
so minimize exposure to hazards.
(s) The design, appropriateness, and maintenance of hand tools for work to be
undertaken.
(t) The periodic inspection of electrical appliances and their operation through
approved protective devices.
8.2.2 Working on or in the vicinity of traffic ways
A number of organizations, particularly local government bodies and public utilities,

will encounter situations in which employees are required to perform work on or
adjacent to roadways or other traffic areas on a regular or extensive basis.
In such cases, special consideration must be given to the following
(a) Provision of appropriate types of warning signs, markers, and protective clothing.
(b) Training and instruction to ensure that traffic is diverted from, or prevented from
entering, the work zone.
(c) Work not being commenced until all safety precautions have been effected and
traffic brought under control.
35
MS 426: 1994
(d) Employees being provided with high visibility protective clothing, which for work
at night or in conditions of poor lighting shall be reflectorized, with the use of
such clothing being mandatory.
Depending on the nature of the industry, other factors and occupational health
hazards may also require detailed attention.
8.3 Environmental stress

8.3.1 General
There are a number of environmental hazards, common to many working

environments, that may result in personal damage or economic penalties. Typical of
such hazards are the following
(a) Excessive noise.
(b) Harmful vibration.
(c) Work in hot or cold environment.
(d) Repetitive and stressful hand and body movement.
(e) Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
(f) Atmospheric contaminants.
(g) Hazardous chemicals.
(h) Poor or excessive illumination.
The effects of exposure to any of these influences or agents can be sufficient to

result either in temporary or permanent personal damage. Techniques for the control
of these influences and the minimizing of hazards additional to those specified in
Section 3 are as follows
(i) Modification of energy transmission path by the use of absorption panels (noise),
screening (radiation), locked barriers, and increase in the length of the
transmission path.
(ii) Modification of the workplace by visual contrast, colours, adequate bench space,
seating, ventilation, lighting, and cabin operation (isolating employee).
(iii) Reduction of exposure by rotating tasks, acclimatization to work/rest regimes

and appropriate night shift rosters.
(iv) Identification of hazardous areas through provision of warning signs, lights, and
aural signals.
36
MS 426 : 1994
8.4 Access and egress
8.4.1 General
Clearly defined safe means of access to and egress from work places need to be
provided in all cases. Special attention should be given to the following
(a) The construction of pedestrian, wheelchair and vehicular routes in accordance

with the relevant standards.
(b) The segregation of vehicular routes.
(c) The strength, dimensions, and stability of stair-ways, ladders, and platforms, to
comply with the relevant standards.
(d) Access for maintenance and repair of structures, machinery, and plant, to
comply with the relevant standards.
(e) Lighting and identifying means during bad weather and/or during hours of
darkness.
(f) Access for emergency vehicles and rescue equipment during and after normal
hours of work.
(g) Physical handicapped people.
8.4.2 Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting should be provided and maintained to ensure the safety of all
persons in the workplace and to permit safe evacuation if necessary, even during
power failures. Where applicable, such systems should comply with and maintained
in accordance with the relevant standards.
8.4.3 Emergency exits
The number, size and position of emergency exits should be sufficient to enable all
persons in the workplace to quickly reach places of safety in an emergency. All exits
should open outwards and be conspicuously identified by signs illuminated by natural
or emergency lighting.
No emergency exit should be fastened or obstructed against egress during periods
of occupancy.
8.4.4 Restrictions on entry
8.4.4.1 Entry of unauthorized persons
Precautions should be taken to preclude the entry by unauthorized persons to areas
which could involve the risk of personal or property damage.
• 37
MS 426: 1994
8.4.4.2 Limited or prohibited access
Access by unauthorized persons to all dangerous parts of the workplace should be

prevented by fencing or other means. Entry should only be permitted through locked
doors and the holders of keys strictly restricted, but provision should be made for
unrestricted entry and exit in the event of an emergency. Signs should be erected
stating the precautions required within the dangerous areas.
8.4.5 Prevention of fails of persons

8.4.5.1 General
Precautions necessary to prevent falls and to minimize their effects entail constant
attention to housekeeping.
8.4.5.2 Openings and edges
All openings and edges where there is a risk of falling to a lower level should be
guarded by guard railings. Where it is not possible to have permanent railings, then
covers or removable railings or other means should be provided to prevent falls.
Guard railings and covers should be of adequate strength and firmly supported.
8.4.5.3 Safe foothold
Surfaces on which persons stand or walk should be sufficiently even to afford a safe
foothold, with consideration being given to the inclusion of permanent non-slip
surfaces. The surfaces should, where practicable, be free from holes, projections
and obstructions which may create risk of stumbling, and should not be allowed to
become slippery through wear, spillage of water, oil, or other material. Where
slipping is especially dangerous, adequate handholds and guard railings should be
provided.
Where a number of different materials are used on walking surfaces, rapid and
significant changes in the coefficient of friction of the surfaces should be avoided.
The influence of liquids on walking surfaces should be taken into account. In some
instances, the performance or characteristics of the soles of shoes must be enquired
into and appropriate choices made.
8.4.5.4 Safety nets, safety belts, and lifelines
Safety nets, safety belts, lifelines or other adequate means of protection should be
provided for persons working at heights where it is not practicable to provide a safe
foothold or adequate guarding.
38
MS 426 : 1994
8.5 Personal amenities
Facilities that need to be provided will depend upon a variety of factors including the
nature of work, the number of persons engaged, the locality, the climate and the
mobility of people, including the handicapped and people in wheelchairs.
When new premises or modifications to existing premises, or the introduction of new

processes are being planned, consideration should be given to the supply of an
adequate standard of the following
(a) Toilet facilities, including washing points, soap, towels, showers, receptacles,
mirrors, and shelves.
(b) Sanitary facilities, including water closets/urinals and sanitary pad disposal.
(c) Cooling, heating and ventilation of the work environment.
(d) Lighting and colour of the work environment and facilities, e.g. rest rooms.
(e) Storage facilities for clothing and personal belongings.
(f) Drinking water facilities including the capacity and temperature of the water
su~ipIy,and the location and cleanliness of the outlets.
(g) Dining and lunch facilities.
(h) Prayer’s room.
39
MS 426: 1994
SECTION 9. MACHINERY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
9.1 . Responsibility
Employers shall ensure as far as is practicable that machinery, plant and equipment
is safe and without risks when used properly. This requires having the application
of hazard analysis procedures at the design stage together with procedures which
specifically relate to the following
(a) Design and procurement.
(b) Installation.
(c) Commissioning and acceptance.
(d) Training and supervision.
(e) Operation.
(f) Maintenance.
9.2 Design and procurement
Where practicable, manufacturers shall ensure that their product complies with the
requirements of this and other appropriate standards, e.g. hearing conservation
control.
When preparing documents for the design, repair, procurement or hire of machinery,
plant and equipment, either from a manufacturer, importer, supplier, or a service
within the same enterprise, the employer shall also ensure that the specifications are
in compliance with the relevant requirements of this standard, any other appropriate
standard, the requirements of statutory authorities, together with other recognized
good practices (which shall be in writing).
Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of machinery, plant and equipment, have

legal obligations to supply plant and substances which are without risks to safety and
health when used properly.
9.3 Installation
The installation, spacing, clearance, services and foothold around machinery, plant
and equipment shall be such as to ensure
(a) stability, safe operation, access and supervision,
(b) satisfactory facilities for maintenance work, operating adjustments and cleaning,
40
MS 426 :1994
(c) adequate space for handling materials and parts to or from machines and for
work in progress.
9.4 Commissioning and acceptance
Before any machinery, plant or equipment is brought into operation, measures shall
be taken to ensure that
(a) Machinery, plant or equipment is not used or operated until it has been
ascertained that such use or operation does not expose any person to risk of
injury;
(b) The manufacturer’s operating and maintenance instructions/manuals are readily

available to employees and job instructions have been prepared.
NOTE. Attention is drawn to the requirements of regulatory authorities which, for example, prescribe
minimum age limits for operators of some machines.
9.5 Training and supervision
Job safety training and instructions form the basis for operator safety training.
Supervisory and operating staff should be completely familiar with~correcttraining and
operating techniques. It is important to emphasize that methods of operation,
training, instruction, testing, auditing and monitoring must be kept up-to-date.
9.6 Operation
The continuing safe operation of machinery, plant and equipment requires strict
adherence to precise safety instructions that relate to the functioning of all installed
items. Measures are to be taken to ensure that no machinery, plant or equipment
is used or operated at any time until it has been ascertained that such use or
operation does not expose any person to hazard.
9.7 Maintenance
The effectiveness of any safeguard depends upon regular maintenance and

inspection by competent personnel. Maintenance procedures shall be established
to ensure the supervised removal of safeguards only when it is safe to do so.
9.8 Protection
9.8.1 Philosophy
In the determination of necessary safeguards, it is important that contingent dangers,

which follow directly from failure of machine components or the safeguards
themselves, be considered as well as the continuing hazards associated with normal
working conditions.
41
MS 426: 1994
9.8.2 Protection against persona! contact
All machinery, plant or equipment including attachments should be designed,

constructed, located or guarded so as to prevent accidental personal contact with
parts which could cause injury because of their motion, temperature, sharpness, or
electrical charge, or because of other reasons. It is extremely important that safety
and interlocking devices should be such that, if they fail, they fail to a safe mode.
9.8.3 Protection against failure and faulty operation

All machinery, plant or equipment should be designed, constructed, located, operated

and maintained so as to prevent any hazard due to fires, bursting, collapse,
unintended movement, failure by faulty operation, or loss of power.
9.8.4 Provision of guards
Portions of machinery, plant and equipment being processed that are not constructed
or positioned so as to be permanently, safe should be guarded or screened to the
greatest possible extent, and specific procedures should be implemented so as to
prevent injury to employees or other persons. The basic principle is that, unless a
danger point or area is safe by virtue of design or its position, the machinery should
be provided with an appropriate safeguard which eliminates danger before access to
the danger point or area can be achieved.
Guards should be constructed of appropriate material of adequate strength, and

should be effectively attached and maintained. Such guards should not be capable
of removal or adjustment without the use of tools.
Guards should not interfere with the controls nor hamper the operation or regular
maintenance of the machine or unit to which they are attached. The fitting of a guard
should, in itself, not create a hazard. In this regard, particular attention should be
given to ergonomic aspects such as
(a) Posture of operator (including reach);

(b) Controls and levers (size, position and operation);
(c) Foot pedals;
(d) Visual displays; and
(e) Lighting.
42
MS 426 : 1994
9.8.5 Repair or adjustment
Before the removal of any guard, the machinery, plant or equipment shall be isolated
from all motive power and the isolator locked in tile isolated position. The isolator
should preferably be of the type which can be locked using padlock and key. Danger
tags complying with the relevant standard should be affixed to the isolator to prevent
unauthorize operation. The machinery, plant or equipment shall remain isolated
during the period the guard is not effective. Where appropriate, permit-to-work
systems should be established to avoid exposure to hazards (e.g. work in confined
spaces).
9.9 Control of power
9.9.1 Standardization
All controls should be standardized as far as practicable in regard to size, shape,

colour and function, and, where applicable, direction of movement. Instrument
displays should be readily and clearly visible. The design and location of controls
should as far as practicable, conform to ergonomic principles.
9.9.2 Start controls
All starting controls should be situated so that they cannot be operated accidentally.
Start buttons shall be shrouded and coloured green.
Where devices operated from a single central control point cannot be readily seen
from that control point, positive signalling equipment and a suitable instrument display
should be installed and a prescribed procedure followed that can be understood by
all, so that ample warning will be given before starting.
9.9.3 Stop controls
All power-operated devices should be equipped with readily accessible and clearly
distinguishable means for cutting off power to the device. In each location where
there is a start control there shall be a stop control, which should be coloured red.
Emergency stop buttons should preferably be of mushroom shape, coloured red and
readily accessible.
9.9.4 Electrical equipment and apparatus
Electrical equipment and apparatus should be designed and constructed so as to

prevent danger from shock and fire, and shall comply with the requirements of any
relevant authority.
43
MS 426: 1994
9.9.5 Isolating controls
All power-driven machinery or equipment shall have a control for isolating it from all
sources of power, whether electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or other.
The isolator shall be either on the machine, or in close proximity to it, and shall be
clearly visible, readily accessible, and clearly identified.
There shall be provision for the manual locking of the isolator in the isolated position,
except where the machinery or equipment is supplied through removable plug or
coupling.
9.10 Boilers, unfired pressure vessels, and gas cylinders
Boilers, unfired pressure vessels, and gas cylinders, and their fittings and
attachments should be designed and constructed so that they will be of sufficient
strength to sustain the internal pressure to which they will be subjected, and in all
cases shall comply with the requirements of the relevant authority.
All such equipment shall be subject to adequate and regular inspection and tests to
ensure that the risk of failure or leakage is reduced to the minimum.
Persons tending or operating boilers should possess an appropriate certificate of

competency issued by the relevant authority.
9.11 Hauling, haulage, elevating and conveying equipment
9.11.1 Lifts, hoists, and haulage
Lifts, hoists and rope haulages, including their ropes, fittings, and cages, which are
used for the transfer of materials or persons shall be designed, constructed, installed
and operated in accordance with the requirements of the relevant authority and,
where appropriate, with respect to the requirements of the disabled.
The machinery, ropes and appliances used for handling and transporting material or
persons shall be regularly inspected and subjected to such tests as are necessary
to establish the soundness of those parts which are vital to the safety of any person.
Maintenance and repair work should be adequate to provide for safe operation at all
times.
Where practicable and necessary, the lifts, hoists and haulages should be fitted with
adequate overwind and overspeed control devices.
No work shall be permitted or access allowed beneath equipment or materials being

lifted.
44
MS 426 : 1994
9.11.2 Con veyors and elevators
Conveying and elevating machinery shall be designed, constructed, installed and

operated in accordance with the requirements of the relevant authority. It should be
of sufficient strength to support the loads for which it is intended, and be constructed
and installed so as to avoid injury to persons between moving and stationary parts
or objects, and to minimize spill.
Care should be taken to ensure that, during its operation, conveying and elevating
machinery is not loaded in excess of its rated capacity.
45
MS 426 : 1994
SECTION 10. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF MATERIALS
10.1 General
The handling and movement of materials is a constant operation in most industrial

establishments and occurs as well in non-industrial areas such as offices and
laboratories. Sprains and strains, fractures and bruises are the common injuries
resulting from accidents in the handling and movement of materials.
It is therefore imperative that arrangements for material storage and handling be

planned as an integral part of the operations and be the subject of continuing review.
10.2 Storage of material
10.2.1 Location and planning
A well-planned layout of storage areas is essential and should be arranged so that

material can be moved from one location or operation to the next with a minimum of
handling.
The stacking and storage of materials requires constant attention so that no facet of
the operations presents hazards to employees or to other persons in the area. Both
temporary and permanent storage should be neat and orderly. Materials piled
haphazardly or strewn about increase the possibility of personal and property
damage.
Storage areas must take account of requirements for delivery, administration,

production, and transport, and the nature of the materials stored adjacently. Their
planning should take into account the following key workplace requirements
(a) Natural and artificial lighting.

(b) Ventilation.
(c) Supporting surfaces and structures for storage.
(d) Nature and size of material to be stored.
(e) Safe operation of production machines.

(f) Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(g) Fire protection equipment.
(h) Safety and performance of loading equipment.
~) Protection from weather.
46
MS 426 : 1994
(k) Safe handling methods.
(m) The need for inspection for damage prior to storage of containers.
(n) Any emergency decontamination procedures, e.g. for spillages.

(p) Breaking down of large quantities to smaller quantities in both liquids and solids
and the continuing identification of the material.

10.2.2 Classification of materials
Material should be identified and classified and stored according to its flammable or
hazardous nature. Dependent upon this classification, the compatibility of the
individual substances must be taken into account prior to their being stored together.
10.2.3 Stacking of materials
The methods of stacking materials and the height of the stacks should take account
of the following considerations
(a) Stability of the material or packages.
(b) Shape of the material (objects) to be stacked and any special precautions, e.g.
stacking of round objects.
(c) Allowable surface slope of heaped material.
(d) Requirements for hoppers and bins.
(e) Form in which the material is delivered, e.g. palletable unit loads.
(f) Automatic stacking equipment to be used.
(g) Need for inspection for damage prior to stacking.
(h) Extent to which employees may have to reach in order to remove materials.
All parts of buildings and structures should be capable of safely withstanding all loads
and forces imposed by the storage of materials.
10.3 Mechanical handling of material
10.3.1 Genera!
Every effort should be made to mechanize materials-handling operations to obviate

the need for regular, heavy, or otherwise hazardous manual lifting tasks, e.g. by the
application of methods engineering, ergonomics. Mechanization can also lead to
more effective use of manpower and simplification of materials transfer operations.
47
MS 426: 1994
10.3.2 Equipment
Appropriately designed mechanical devices and aids to materials handling should be
readily available and
(a) Have adequate capacity and be suitable for the work involved;
(b) Be clearly marked to indicate safe working loads and necessary controls;
(c) Not produce airborne contaminants in excess of specified levels, e.g. carbon
monoxide; and
(d) Where necessary, be approved by the appropriate authority.
Procedures should be established to ensure the proper conduct of:
(I) regular, periodic inspection of equipment; and
(ii) testing, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
10.3.3 Instructions
Material handling instructions shall take account of:
(a) The nature of the material to be shifted;
(b) The capacity of the mechanical device; and
(c) The extent of the task to be done.
10.4 Manual handling
10.4.1 Genera!
Manual handling injuries are sustained most frequently during the lifting or setting
down of loads, but they also occur in the carrying, stacking, pushing, pulling, rolling,
sliding and wheeling of loads, in the operation of levers and other mechanical
devices, and in the maintenance of unbalanced postures while performing these
tasks. Aggravating factors include the following
(a) The mass, position or size of the object to be lifted.
(b) Gross or repeated overloading of the spine, lifting with a bent back or with the
object held well out from the body or to one side.
(c) Loss of balance while lifting or poor personal posture.
48
MS 426:1994
(d) Use of a jerking or twisting lifting motion.
(e) Unexpected weight bearing or rotation of the part being lifted.
(f) Restricted room to manoeuvre or awkward positions, e.g. feet placed on

different levels when lifting.
(g) Inadequate grip on heavy, awkward, hot, sharp or slippery objects.
(h) Unsuitable footwear.
U) Slippery, uneven or littered floor surfaces.

(k) Uncoordinated team lifting and lack or imbalance of strength, skill, stature or
agility.
10.4.2 Prevention
Where mechanical-handling equipment or assistance cannot be provided, injuries

arising from manual handling may be reduced by
(a) Designing the task;

(b) Proper allocation of tasks; and
(c) Instruction and training in safe working procedures.
The most effective means of preventing injury is to design tasks to reduce the
stresses imposed by manual handling. In this respect, advice should be sought from
persons trained in ergonomics.
10.5 Floor and travelling ways
10.5.1 Pavements
Paved surfaces, indoors and outdoors, should have adequate strength to support
loads superimposed by stored material and vehicles. Surfaces should afford safe
movement of material and employees at all times.
10.5.2 Layout
Traffic ways should have adequate width, ample radius at curves, sufficient lanes and
limited gradient to provide safe movement for the size of vehicles and the volume of
traffic.
10.5.3 Traffic control
Signs, lane marking, barricades, mirrors at corners, segregation of pedestrians, route
marking and parking bays should be provided as necessary.
49
MS 426: 1994
10.6 Piping and storage facilities
10.6.1 Design and construction
Storage facilities such as hoppers, silos, vats, tanks and bins, and their pipes, fittings
and valves, should be made of material capable of resisting the chemical or abrasive
nature of the substances stored or handled, whether solid, powdered, liquid, or
gaseous, and should be suitable for the maximum pressure and temperature to which
they may be subjected.
Provision should be made for the holding of flammable or dangerous materials in the
event of spills, damage, or collapse of facilities to prevent the material causing a
dangerous situation.
Where necessary, provision should be made to protect pipes and valves from
mechanical damage.
10.6.2 Storage and loose bulk materials
Hoppers, silos, bins and similar structures containing loose bulk materials should be
designed to minimize the need for entry of persons. Bunkers should be self-cleaning
by having steeply sloping sides and low friction linings or by the provision of other
means to keep material from sticking or clogging. Clearing of blockages should be
possible from outside the container.
10.6.3 Entry into storage facilities
If entry into a hopper, bin, vat, tank or similar structure is unavoidable, a risk of injury
assessment must be conducted by a competent and authorized person. If there are
hazards present, e.g. due to the possible movement of material which may be stored
in or near the bin or from residue from stored material, then written procedures,
including the specification, provision and use of suitable rescue and personal
protective equipment, shall be laid down to cover each situation. All such work shall
be carried out under direct supervision and in accordance with the statutory
requirements.
10.6.4 Identification of pipelines
Pipes, fittings and valves should be arranged so that they can be easily traced, and
should be distinctively coloured or marked for identification.
50
MS 426:1994
SECTION 11. CONTROL OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS

11.1 General
Chemicals are extensively used in modern industry. All people who use or are
exposed to chemicals need to be aware of the hazards and precautions necessary.
Appropriate procedures and precautions must be adopted if hazards are to be
adequately contained.
All persons involved in the use of handling of chemicals should be familiar with the
requirements of those standards appropriate to the chemicals and processes used
and with the requirements of the relevant authorities.
11.2 Hazards
The handling of many chemicals can be potentially hazardous, especially if:
(a) The nature of the chemical is particularly hazardous, e.g. concentrated acids;
(b) Handling or processing equipment is poorly designed or inadequately

maintained;
(c) There are hazardous chemical reactions during processing;.
(d) Spillages occur; or
(e) Operating practices deviate from normal standards.
The principal hazards are, intoxication (poisoning), fire, and environmental

contamination, which are described as follows
(i) Intoxication
Intoxication can be caused by absorption through the skin, by inhalation of
fumes or dust, by splashes in the eyes or, less commonly, by ingestion of the
chemical.
Absorption through the skin can be more common than assumed since some
chemicals can readily pass through healthy, unbroken skin into the bloodstream.
• Inhalation can allow fumes, vapours or dust to pass quickly into the lungs and hence,
sometimes, into the bloodstream and to specific organs, e.g. liver.
Ingestion is the least common form of accidental poisoning and can be caused by
eating with contaminated hands.
(ii) Fire
Many chemicals are fire risks. Others become so if they decompose. Some
give off toxic fumes as a result of the heat of a fire. The consequences of fire
can be particularly severe in areas containing large quantities of chemicals.
51
MS 426 : 1994
(iii) Environmental contamination

The most likely risk to the environment will come from the discharge of
hazardous products into adjacent areas or reticulated services. There is also
a danger following a fire, when contaminated firefighting water may flood into
reticulated drains or waterways.
11.3 Location, site layout, and building design

The location, design and construction of buildings, workrooms, machinery, plant and
equipment, should be such as to prevent harmful exposure of persons to the effects
of chemicals and physical substances.
Hazardous processes should be carried out in separate rooms or buildings, or in

isolated parts of buildings, with a minimum of employees present. Precautions
should be taken to limit the spread of contaminants.
The design of the building and site layout should include the following
(a) Provision for the safe movement and storage of materials.
(b) Floors which are impermeable to liquids and designed for easy cleaning.
(c) Permanently installed electrical and lightning protection systems, where

necessary, to prevent explosion or ignition of chemicals.
(d) Adequate ventilation, control and exhaust systems, where toxic dust or fumes
may be present.
11.4 Material safety data sheets
Material Safety Data Sheets should be provided for each chemical used in the
workplace. It is the duty of the manufacturers, suppliers and importer to make
available at least the following information
(a) chemical product and company identification (including trade or common name
of the chemical and details of the supplier or manufacturer);
(b) composition/information on ingredients (in a way that clearly identifies them for
the purpose of conducting a hazard evaluation);
(C) hazards identification;
(d) first-aid measures;
(e) fire-fighting measures;
52
MS 426:1994
(f) accidental release measures;
(g) handling and storage;
(h) exposure controls/personal protection (including possible methods of monitoring
workplace exposure);
U) physical and chemical properties;
(k) stability and reactivity;
(m) toxicological information (including the potential routes of entry into the body and
the possibility of synergism with other chemicals or hazards encountered at
work);
(n) ecological information;
(p) disposal considerations;
(q) transport information;
(r) regulatory information;
(s) other information (including the date of preparation of the chemical safety data
sheet).
NOTE. Attention is drawn to the requirements of the International Labour Office, ILO 177.
11.5 Work practices
11.5.1 Operating instructions and procedures
Written instructions and procedures should be available to indicate the following

(a) The need for chemicals to be checked and identified on arrival.
(b) Recommended storage arrangements, e.g. segregation where necessary.

(c) The availability, prior to commencement of operations or delivery of the
chemical, of material safety data sheets on the chemicals to be handled.
(d) Any restrictions to be observed for particular chemicals.
(e) Safe and correct operating instructions for the equipment in use.
(f) Hygiene and safety procedures for all regular operations, including plant
maintenance.
53
MS 426 : 1994
(g) Procedures for any foreseeable emergencies which may arise, including the
handling of spillage and any medical supervision required.
11.5.2 Fire and evacuation procedures
It is the responsibility of the user to inform the Fire Services Department of the nature
of the chemicals handled on the site and particularly of any high risk areas.
11.5.3 Security
In addition to the precautions specified in Section 7, security arrangements should

be made to prevent undesired access to sites where chemicals are used or stored.
11.5.4 Hygieneand health
In addition to the provisions listed in Section 7, arrangements shall be made to

ensure the following
(a) Medical supervision and testing (e.g. biochemical tests, X-rays) where
appropriate.
(b) Personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained in a manner

appropriate to the chemical and processes used.
(c) Adequate facilities and instructions are available to treat accidental
contamination of employees.
(d) Records of instances of contamination and personnel exposure.
11.5.5 Spillage and waste recovery
All spillage shall be dealt with immediately in accordance with instructions on the
material safety data sheet, including notification of all persons in the vicinity and,
where appropriate, the relevant authority and emergency services.
All wastes shall be disposed of in a safe and approved way in accordance with the
relevant statutory requirements.
All contaminated containers not intended for re-use must be decontaminated where
necessary, made unusable by puncturing, and disposed of in an approved way. It
is the responsibility of the waste generator to safely dispose the waste.
11.5.6 Despatch of chemicals and transport
Transport vehicles should carry approved documentation detailing the load,

emergency procedures necessary, and where help and advice can be obtained. Prior
to the despatch, the owner should ensure that the driver is fully trained in the
procedure of the safe transport of the material.
54
MS 426: 1994
SECTION 12. FIRE AND EXPLOSION

12.1 General
People may be at risk during an emergency because their behaviour is unpredictable.

Some situations can be foreseen, and repeated training can change a person’s
response to a fire, bomb threat, earth tremor or other emergency. Where sufficient
consideration is given to fire prevention, fire protection and evacuation measures at
the design stage of a building, and these are combined with effective fire emergency
management by the building occupant, then quick, orderly and controlled evacuation
and action in a fire will result and the risk of personal injury will be significantly
reduced.
This Section gives a very brief outline of what to consider for effective fire control.
Reference should also be made to the appropriate standards for detailed
requirements.
12.2 Fire protection of buildings
The principal role of structural fire protection is to prevent the collapse of the
structural elements, e.g. columns, beams, if a building is involved in a fire. In a
correctly designed building, heat and smoke will not spread, the occupants will be at
less risk in the event of fire, and damage is likely to be restricted to the point of origin
of the fire.
Good building design principles for fire safety shall at least involve the following
(a) Physical separation of buildings.
(b) Fire-resistant external/internal walls.

(c) Protection of openings.
(d) Fire doors and shutters.

(e) Fire protection of plant and storage.
(f) Location of emergency accesses.
(g) Building usage.
12.3 Causes of fire and explosion
12.3.1 Liquids
Many common liquids give off flammable concentrations of vapour in the air without
being heated-sometimes at well below room temperatures. Petroleum spirit, for
example, gives off ignitable vapours at all temperatures above approximately -40°C.
The vapours are readily ignited by a small spark or flame. Other liquids, as do solids,
need to be heated to a point when sufficient vapour is produced.
55
MS 426: 1994
12.3.2 Gases
Gases are commonly stored in pressure vessels; in some cases great pressure is
used to liquefy some or most of the gases. Very unstable gases cannot be stored
in this way, e.g. acetylene, which is liable to decompose violently and is required to
be dissolved in acetone in cylinders.
Compressed gas released from a container expands rapidly. Even small leaks
release relatively large quantities of gas which, given that the gas is within its
explosive limits, can support combustion.
If cylinders containing liquefied gas are not stored and used as recommended,
defective components may cause leaks which will produce an even greater volume
of gas.
12.3.3 Electrical
Electrical faults and misuse of electrical equipment are high on the list of fire causes.
All electrical apparatus, e.g. machines, wiring, transformers and switches, are
designed to operate at a given current which if exceeded may overheat the
equipment and cause a fire. Short-circuits and earth faults can be caused by
overloaded circuits. Some electrical equipment requires some degree of cooling or
ventilation for safe operation. All electrical installations should comply with the
requirements of the local electricity supply authority.
General precautions to prevent electrical fires are as follows
(a) Electrical equipment should be inspected and tested regularly for defects.
(b) Electrical motors should be mounted on plinths, rather than at floor level, and
should be kept clear of all accumulations of combustible material.
(c) Flexible electrical wire and cables should be kept to a minimum and plugs of the
piggy back type discouraged. Plug/socket connections by flexible cable should
be mechanically protected.
(d) All non-luminous heating equipment should be provided with indicator warning
lamps.
(e) Electrical equipment should be switched off when not in use and, where
appropriate, the plug removed from the socket.
(f) Where possible, core balance earth leakage devices should be permanently
installed.
12.3.4 Explosive atmospheres
Explosive atmospheres may occur when flammable gases, vapours of flammable

liquids, or combustible or inherently explosive dusts are present.
56
MS 426:1994
An explosion is likely to occur if sources of ignition are also present. The risk is
increased substantially if the atmosphere is rich in oxygen. Automatic detection
devices should be used to indicate a build up of vapours beyond certain acceptable
levels.
Substations and motor control devices should be located in a safe area, thus
reducing the amount of electrical equipment in the hazardous area to a minimum.
Electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres shall comply with and be installed in

accordance with relevant standards.
12.3.5 Static electricity
Static electricity is the accumulation of electric charges on an object or liquid. Such

charges are a potential fire or explosion hazard when there is an accumulation in
sufficient quantity to produce a spark and there is gas or dust present in an ignitable
mixture.
Common sources of static electricity are as follows
(a) Pulverized materials passing through tubes, e.g. pneumatic conveyors.
(b) Flowing liquids, e.g. refuelling of aircraft.
(c) Wet processes, e.g. manufacturing or printing of paper or plastics filament.
(d) Steam, air or gas flowing from any opening in a pipe or hose when the steam
is wet or holds solid particles.
(e) Electrostatic charges in moving dust.
(f) Flowing gas contaminated with metallic oxides, scale particles, etc., orwith liquid
particles or spray (electrification may also result).
The human body is an electrical conductor and, in dry atmospheres, frequently
accumulates very high static charges. Static charges are also generated when a
person is removing clothing, particularly where it contains artificial fibres.
Accumulations of static charges may be prevented by avoiding rubber-soled shoes

and by installing conductive floors, grounded metal plates, etc. The accumulation of
static charges may also be prevented under many circumstances by earthing,
bonding, humidification or ionization. If these measures are not possible, then
ignitable mixtures must be removed from areas where sparks occur.
12.3.6 Other causes of fire and explosion
Other causes of fire and explosion include
(a) Spontaneous combustion;
57
MS 426: 1994
(b) Unstable chemicals;
(c) Reactions between certain chemicals;
(d) Water or other liquids contacting hot material;
(e) Dust explosions;
(f) Lightning;
(g) Welding and cutting;
(h) Friction; and
U) Smoking.
12.4 Fire prevention measures
12.4.1 Identification of hazard
Fire prevention begins with the examination and identification of areas and processes
likely tb present a fire hazard. Such examination should include
(a) Type of building construction and general layout;
(b) Introduced materials and equipment;
(c) Processes and manufacturing operations;
(d) Maintenance operations (including hot work permits);

(e) Storage and handling of materials (including their fire properties); and
(f) Atmospheric monitoring for ignitable gas.
12.4.2 Prevention measures
Prevention measures should include
(a) Safe practices;
(b) Preventative maintenance;
(c) Control of hot work, e.g. cutting and welding;

(d) Good housekeeping;
58
MS 426: 1994
(e) Correct disposal of wastes;
(f) Monitoring of ambient concentrations of certain gases and dusts;

(g) Comprehensive training of personnel in all aspects of (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e);
(h) Control of work by contractors;
U) Frequent and regular inspections by fire safety personnel and followed by

corrective action where necessary;
(k) Involvement at the design stage by fire safety specialists.
12.4.3 Fire detection and suppression
Every work area should have:
(a) Appropriate fire detectors;
(b) Adequate alarms;

(c) Appropriate fire suppression equipment; and
(d) Emergency evacuation equipment and procedures.
12.5 Fire-fighting equipment
Adequate fire-fighting equipment and services of the type suitable for the fires likely
to be encountered should be readily available in all workplaces. All fire-fighting
equipment should be easily identifiable and its correct application stated. It should
be protected from fire damage, conspicuously situated, inspected at regular intervals,
properly maintained, and kept ready for use.
The employer should ensure that personnel trained to use fire-fighting equipment,
materials and services effectively, are readily available during all normal working
periods, and that all supervisors and, where necessary, others are given proper
instruction in the use of that equipment, material and service. All personnel should
know what to do in the event of fire. The employer should ensure that at least one
person present knows the action to be taken should an emergency arise.
12.6 Emergency evacuation procedures
Procedures should be established and practised for the evacuation of employees in

the event of fire or explosion. Selected employees should be nominated to act as fire
wardens and to call the appropriate emergency aid, e.g. Fire Brigade.
59
MS 426 : 1994
For large or multi-storey buildings, an emergency warning and communication system

should be installed and maintained to warn occupants and to permit control and
direction of the evacuation by the Emergency Control Officer. Instructions should be
widely distributed and practice drills conducted regularly so that the occupants are
aware of action required in an emergency.
60
MS 426 :1994
SECTION 13. VEHICLE OPERATION

13.1 General
13.1.1 Inclusion in programs
Vehicle safety should be included in an enterprise’s accident prevention program in

order to minimize the considerable personal damage and financial losses generated
as a result of the following
(a) Personal damage to employees.
(b) Vehicle damage and resultant downtime.
(c) Provision of alternative or replacement vehicles.
(d) Possible third party claims brought against the employer.
All classes of vehicle should be considered, including fork-lifts, cranes and other
specialized equipment, and mechanical aids such as dozers, trenching machines and
road boring equipment.
Experience indicates that serious injuries are common in the use of such specialized
machinery and the requirements of Clauses 13.3.3 and 13.3.4 are particularly
relevant.
13.1.2 In-plant and work site safety
While most accidents including vehicles occur on public carriageways, due regard
should be given to accidents arising from the use of roads, traffic ways or parking
areas located on an enterprise’s property or on construction sites.
It is in the enterprise’s interest to regulate traffic flow within plant confines by the use
of appropriate signs and other measures so as to ensure the safety of.employees
and visitors to the plant. Where necessary, additional training programs outlining
precautions and control measures should be conducted.
Compliance with appropriate statutory requirements shall be enforced and standard
traffic signs should be used wherever appropriate.
• NOTE. Supporting material may be derived from relevant authorities.
13.1.3 Fleet safety
Problems arising from maintaining a fleet of vehicles operating on public

carriageways differ in kind from the normal run of occupational accidents.
The principal problems are as follows
(a) The drivers of vehicles normally operate away from the direct control of
supervision.
61
MS 426 : 1994
(b) The complexity of the road transport system.
(c) The very significant influence of other factors, e.g. alcoholism, drugs, long hours
of driving.
(d) Most appropriate route.

(e) Effective communication.
13.1.4 Dispatching
The assignment of vehicles in good operating condition to handle loads within their
designed capacity, and any legal limitations for journeys of the type for which they
were selected, are prime considerations that relate to efficient operation. When
scheduling, consideration needs to be given to the following
(a) Best time for the vehicle to reach its destination,

(b) Best time of the day or night for making the trip,
(c) Time of departure to best accomplish these ends, taking into account conditions
such as temperature, humidity, etc.
Schedules should allow time for proper maintenance between journeys and checking
the security and stability of the loads carried.
13.2 Accidents having serious consequences
Vehicle accidents which involve high energy exchanges will produce a great degree
of damage. Impacts with fixed objects, collisions involving one or more vehicles, or
roll-overs in vehicles without adequate protection constitute such energy exchanges.
At higher speeds the risk of fatalities, serious personal injury and major structural
damage increases greatly.
The collapse of the load being transported or the spillage of flammable or toxic
material are accidents with potentially serious consequences and often require the
attendance of specialist emergency services.
NOTE. Attention is especially drawn to the requirements of relevant authorities.
13.3 Procedures
13.3.1 Management
Proper consideration should be given to the following matters if the losses mentioned
in Clause 13.1.1 are to be minimized
(a) Special policy requirements.
62
MS 426: 1994
(b) Driver selection.
(c) Training.
(d) Vehicle maintenance and records.
(e) Journey accidents.
(f) Influence of alcohol, drugs and medication.
13.3.2 Poilcy
The inclusion of vehicle safety as a special component of an enterprise’s general

safety policy should clearly establish management’s intent in controlling such events.
In addition to the policy, assignment of responsibility must be carried out in the same
manner as that applying to other functions associated with the enterprise’s purpose.
Supervisors, particularly fleet controllers, are in a position to influence drivers’
attitudes and behaviour. They should take every opportunity to ensure that
(a) Vehicle maintenance and housekeeping aspects are rigidly enforced (see also
Clause 13.3.5);
(b) Any undesirable influences on driver performance are recognized and counter
measures taken (see also Clause 13.3.7); and
(c) Every opportunity is taken to reinforce good driver performance and behaviour.
Motivational programs, including incentives for excellent safety performance, can

often assist in sustaining drivers’ commitment to safety.
13.3.3 Driver selection
Particular attention should be given during the driver selection process to the
following:
(a) Past driving experience (particularly related to the job requirements).
(b) Class of driving licence.
(c) Knowledge of the vehicle concerned and its proper operation.
(d) Physical condition and emotional stability, including the need for medical
examination particularly for long-distance drivers.
(e) Previous accident history.
(fl Prospective drivers should be subjected to a road test over the type of route
which would be normally encountered in the type of vehicle for which selection
is being made.
63
MS 426: 1994
13.3.4 Training
In most States, the training and certification of persons who are required to operate
large vehicles or mechanical plant is highly recommended.
It is in the interest of the employing enterprise to undertake such training and issue
certificates of competency to avoid negligence claims under Common Law, i.e. the
provision of a safe system of work and provision of competent staff.
No similar constraints, however, apply to the smaller and usually more numerous
vehicles used by employees, both on the enterprise’s behalf, or in travelling to or

from the workplace in vehicles of all types.
Induction training for company drivers should include the following
(a) Policy and procedures relating to safe driving and vehicle operation, the issue
of licences where appropriate, and legal liability.
(b) Road safety concepts, including a thorough knowledge of the road laws and
emergency procedures applicable.
(c) Vehicle operation, which includes loading, unloading and also regular checks of
condition.
(d) Correct and safe methods of stowing and securing loads and the need to
regularly check same during transport.
(e) Use of company forms.

(f) Emergency procedures in the event of vehicle accidents and/or spillage of
hazardous loads.
On-going training for drivers could include the following
(i) Specific skill training where driving on dirt roads, or where off-road conditions,
trailer equipment, and fog is likely to be encountered.
(ii) Elements of defensive driving.
(iii) The effects of alcohol, drugs and medication on driving ability.
13.3.5 Vehicle maintenance and records
A system of preventive maintenance should be established to ensure that vehicles

used by an enterprise are properly and regularly maintained and that such vehicles
comply with statutory roadworthiness requirements.
64
MS 426:1994
A suitable log book should be associated with each vehicle or mechanical aid in
which the driver or operator shall record daily usage, all faults and damage from
accidents. Drivers or operators should also be responsible for recording in the
logbook the general condition of the vehicle or mechanical aid, including the
condition/operation of the items essential for safe use.
A recording system for each vehicle operated by the enterprise should be established
on which the following can be recorded
(a) When service/maintenance is required.
(b) A record of the work carried out.

(c) Costs associated with the above.
Records should also be maintained of the vehicle’s accident history, including

reference to drivers, damage/replacement costs and any personal injuries.
Accidents should be thoroughly investigated by competent staff in such a manner as

will identify all causal links so that appropriate corrective action may be initiated to
prevent a recurrence.
A well-designed vehicle accident report form is essential in providing the detailed

information required to maintain adequate records, to assess the enterprise’s
performance and to indicate trends.
13.3.6 Journey accidents
Although there is little scope for complete control over journey accidents,
consideration should be given to voluntary employee participation in defensive driving
and alcohol/drug programs, either of an in-house nature or by utilizing programs
provided by outside organizations.
Such programs would be of most benefit to younger drivers whose exposure is

usually greater, and who are more likely to be influenced before poor driving habits
are formed.
13.3.7 Influences on driver/operator abilities
Driving skills and abilities can be impaired by a range of physical and psychological
factors including the following
(a) Inappropriate scheduling resulting in excessive hours at the wheel, i.e. driving
long distances to meet stringent time constraints.
(b) Medical conditions, e.g. defective hearing, and poor eyesight.
(c) Emotional problems.

(d) Poor ergonomic design resulting in the driver not being in full control of the
vehicle.
65
MS 426:1994
(e) Incorrect choice of vehicle for the intended task.
(f) The deleterious effects of driving in high temperatures or high humidity.

(g) The serious effects caused by carbon monoxide, e.g. from a vehicle operated
with a sub-standard or faulty exhaust system.
In addition to the above, the impairment of driver abilities caused through the use of
alcohol, drugs or combinations of alcohol and certain medications is of considerable
significance in respect of vehicle accident causation.
Employers should take appropriate steps to ensure that:
(i) Persons with an alcohol/drug problem are not placed in control of a company
vehicle;
(ii) Employees are not placed in a situation where they perceive that social drinking
(entertaining) is expected of them prior to driving; and
(iii) Social functions arranged by the organization do not encourage the intake of
alcohol by employees expected to drive.
13.3.8 Driving near work on traffic ways
Drivers operating vehicles in the vicinity of work on or adjacent to roadways need to:
(a) Exercise care;
(b) Be alert for the intrusion of workers or equipment onto the roadway; and
(c) Recognize and understand the controls used during such work, e.g. signs,
guards.
66
MS 426 : 1994
SECTION 14. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
14.1 General
Personal protective equipment shall be provided and worn where
(a) Hazards cannot be otherwise prevented or suitably controlled, e.g. by

engineering or administration controls, total enclosure, substitution;
(b) Complete protection is essential, e.g. in some occupational environments with

uncertain levels of hazards; or
(c) Legislation requires it.
The provision and use of personal protective equipment does not reduce or replace
the need for proper accident prevention measures, such as engineering or
administrative controls, to be undertaken. Specification of such preventive measures
must always be fully explored before consideration of issue of personal protective
equipment.
It is also important that adequate care be taken in the selection, use and
maintenance of personal protective equipment, and that adequate resources be
allocated for these functions. Advice on these matters should be sought from the
equipment manufacturers/suppliers and the relevant standards.
14.2 Purchase and selection
Incorrect selection of personal protective equipment could lead to needless injuries

or even fatalities.
It is not practicable to expect that a single design of mix item of personal protective
equipment will provide absolute protection for all hazards which may be found in the
variety of workplaces, nor is it practicable to insist that all designs of a particular
device must incorporate features and accessories sufficient to protect against the
most critical hazards found in isolated industries.
Accordingly, it is always necessary to:
(a) Identify the hazards and circumstances of the particular work;
(b) Consider the characteristics and performance capabilities of protective

equipment most suitable for each application;
(c) Ensure that the sizing of the protective equipment is such that the efficiency of
the device is not reduced by inadequate ‘fit’ or interference e.g. from facial hair;
and
67
MS 426 : 1994
(d) Take into consideration any medical problems, e.g. chronic bronchitis, which
may prevent the employee from using the protective equipment.
Whenever practicable and provided that the level of protection is not reduced, it is
desirable to cater for employees’ individual characteristics and preferences for types
and style of protective equipment. A high level of acceptance by employees will
cause protective equipment to be worn without prejudice.
Proof of compliance with the relevant standard should be a prerequisite for purchase
of any personal protective equipment. Other factors regarding selection, use, and
maintenance should also be developed in accordance with the relevant standards.
14.3 Correct use
Even after correct selection, there are many considerations necessary to ensure the
safe use of personal protective equipment. These considerations include the
following
(a) Fitting
Correct fit is usually a prerequisite for the correct operation of personal

ptotective equipment, e.g. respiratory protective equipment requires a good
facial seal.
(b) Instruction and training

It is essential that wearers be taught the correct way to use the protective
equipment. Instruction should at least cover recognition of the need for the
equipment, its basic design principles, its applications and its limitations. In
particular, any limit on the duration for which the equipment may be used should
be thoroughly explained.
Safe working practices to be followed in circumstances where protective

equipment is being used must also be the subject of comprehensive instruction.
(c) Correct maintenance
Inadequate maintenance of personal protective equipment can directly contribute

to injury and even death of a wearer.
Equipment should be maintained in a clean, hygienic and effective condition,
and be kept readily available for use. When not in use, personal protective
equipment should be stored or kept in a convenient, accessible and appropriate
manner. Home laundering of equipment likely to be contaminated with harmful
substances should be avoided.
A regular system of inspection should be implemented.
68
MS 426: 1994
Relevant standards containing comprehensive guide on all these matters should

be the prime reference for potential users.
(d) Specification of usage
Where the analysis of the work method indicates that personal protective
equipment should be used, the wearing or using of such equipment must then
be regarded as a basic prerequisite for performing that task.
In all work locations where the use of personal protective equipment is required,
the identification of areas by signs or symbols is recommended.
Instructions and requirements regarding the wearing of personal protective

equipment must apply to all persons entering the work area.
(e) Observance of this practice by all levels of management will encourage the use
and wearing of protective equipment by all members of the work force.
14.4 Equipment for use in emergency
In locations where plant failures or accidents could cause hazardous conditions due
to harmful chemical or physical agents, appropriate personal protective equipment,
which is capable of protecting employees against such conditions and which has
been correctly maintained, shall be conveniently located for the use of employees
engaged in repair, fire-fighting, or rescue operations.
69
MS 426: 1994
Appendix A
Typical examples of occupational safety

and health policies
Example I
The safety, health and well-being of our employees are of the utmost importance and it is my
wish therefore as Managing Director of this Company that all levels of management and
supervision should regard these as their highest priorities. It is important that the health,
safety, and well-being of our employees should not be in any way impaired or prejudiced as
a result of working within the Company.
Accidents which injure people cause needless pain and suffering and distress to loved ones.
We must take all reasonable steps to eliminate all of the risks and hazards which could be
prejudicial to the safety or health of our employees. If the risks cannot be entirely eliminated,
then it is the responsibility of management and all employees to see that effective guarding
is in place and protective clothing and equipment is used when required so that work can be
performed without risk to the employee.
All levels of supervision are responsible for the prevention of accidents td their employees and
for their protection against damage to health arising from the work environment. In this regard,
particular attention must be given to new and young employees. Good housekeeping must
be maintained at all times and unsafe practices must not be allowed. Work must not be
carried out on unsafe equipment or where all guarding is not completed to the satisfaction of
the Safety Department and in accordance with company safety standards and the law. New
or altered machinery or equipment must be fully guarded, if required, before being operated.
Employees are responsible for ensuring that they work safely and in accordance with the
Company’s safety procedures and requirements. Should any doubt exist, Supervisors are
available to advise the correct method of working on any job required to be done. The
Company’s responsibilities are to ensure a healthy, safe and clean workplace and to provide
equipment to protect employees to enable them to work in a safe manner.
The Company seeks the cooperation of all of its employees in upholding a high standard of
accident prevention.
Signed.
(Managing Director)
Date:
70
MS 426: 1994
Example 2
ACCIDENT
PREVENTION
POLICY
It is the policy of this organization that every employee shall be provided with a safe and
healthy place in which to work. To this end, every reasonable effort will be made in your
interest in the fields of accident prevention, fire protection and health preservation.
In particular terms, this policy is
(a) To place the safety of employees and the public ahead of protection of the
organization’s equipment and service.
(b) To provide and maintain a safe plant.
(c) To ensure that all staff are instructed how to perform their jobs safely.
(d) To train supervisors in high and potentially high accident rate areas in the basic
principles of accident prevention.
(e) To establish safety committees in appropriate areas and to provide for employee
consultation on accident prevention measures.
(f) To ascertain the cause and take corrective action for every accident, whether it has
caused injury or not.
(g) To regard all industrial accidents as preventable.
To assist in implementing this policy, coordination committees have been set up to provide for
staff consultation and the coordination of safety activities.
Signed.
(Director General)
Date:
71
MS 426: 1994
Appendix B
List of reference and related documents
Reference Standards
AS 1076 Code of Practice for Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Electrical

Apparatus and Associated Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres (Other
Than Mining Applications)
AS 1216 Classification, Hazard Identification and Information Systems for Dangerous

Goods
Part I Classification and Class Labels for Dangerous Goods
Part 2 HAZCHEM Emergency Action Code
Part 3 NFPA Hazard Identification Numbers
Part 4 UN Substance Identification Numbers
AS 1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment

AS 1345 Identification of the Contents of Piping, Conduits and Ducts
AS 1473 Code of Practice for the Guarding and Safe Use of Woodworking Machinery
AS 1596 SAA LP Gas Code
AS 1657 SAA Code of for Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders
AS 1678 Emergency Procedure Guide-Transport
AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Part 2 Application of Traffic Control Devices to Traffic Situations
-
AS 1743 Road Signs

AS 1744 Standard Alphabets for Road Signs
AS 1885 Code of Practice for Recording and Measuring Work Injury Experience
AS 1940 SAA Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
AS 2022 SAA Anhydrous Ammonia Code
AS 2030.1 SAA Gas Cylinders Code, Part 2 Cylinders for Compressed Gases Other than
-
• Acetylene
AS 2030.2 SAA Gas Cylinders Code, Part 2 Cylinders for Dissolved Acetylene
-
AS 2030.3 SAA Gas Cylinders Code, Non-refillable Cylinder for Compressed Gases
AS 2030.4 SAA Gas Cylinders Code, Part 4 Welded Cylinders Insulated
- -
AS 2293 Emergency Evacuation Lighting in Buildings

Part I Installation Requirements
-
Part 2 Maintenance Procedures

-
AS 2380.1 Electrical Equipment for Explosive Gas Atmospheres-Explosion Protection

Techniques, Part I General Requirements
-
AS 2480 Electrical Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres-Flameproof Enclosure-Type of

Protection
AS 2507 The Storage and Handling of Pesticides
AS 2508 Safe Storage and Handling Information Cards for Hazardous Materials
AS 2714 The storage and Handling of Hazardous Chemical Materials-Clause 5.2
Substances-Organic Peroxides
AS 2865 Work in Confined Spaces
AS 3000 SAA Wiring Rules
72
MS 426 : 1994
Related standards. Attention is drawn to the following related standards
(a) Safety Planning, Training, and Organization
AS 1339 Code of Practice for Manual Handling of Materials

AS 1485 Safety and Health in Workrooms of Educational Establishments
AS 1837 Code of Practice for Application of Ergonomics to Factory and Office Work
AS 1894 Code of Practice for the Safe Handling of Cryogenic Fluids
AS 2206 Rules for Safety Precautions for Vehicle-mounted Compartments Using
Expendable Refrigerants
AS 2243 Safety in Laboratories

Part I - General
Part 2 - Chemical
Part 3 - Microbiology
Part 4 - Ionizing Radiations
Part 5 - Non-ionizing Radiations
Part 6 - Mechanical Aspects
Part 7 - Electrical Aspects
Part 8 - Fume Cupboards
AS 2569 Guide to the Lifting and Moving of Patients
Part I - Safe Manual Lifting and Moving of Patients
(b) Workplaces and Physical Working Conditions
AS 1428 Code of Practice for Design Rules for Access by the Disable
AS 1668 SAA Mechanical Ventilation and Airconditioning Code
Part 2 - Ventilation Requirements
AS 1680 Code of Practice for Interior Lighting and the Visual Environment
AS 1768 Lightning Protection
AS 2220 Rules for Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems for Buildings
AS 2430 Classification of Hazardous Areas
Part I - Explosive Gas Atmospheres
Part 2 - Dusts (including Inherently Explosive Dusts)
(c) Guarding and Safe Use of Machinery and Equipment
AS 1064 Universal Symbols for Operator Controls on Agricultural and Light Industrial
Equipment
AS 1200 SAA Boiler Code
AS 1210 SAA Unfired Pressure Vessels Code
AS 1219 SAA Safety Code of Metalworking Power Presses
AS 1228 Boilers-Water-tube
AS 1375 SAA Industrial Fuel-fired Appliances Code
AS 1418 SAA Crane Code
AS 1735 SAA lift Code
AS 1755 Conveyors-Design, Construction, Installation and Operation-Safety Requirements
AS 1788 SAA Abrasive Wheels Safety Code
73
MS 426: 1994
AS 1873 Explosive-powered Hand-held Fastening Tools, Fasteners and Explosive

Charges
AS 1893 Code of Practice for the Guarding and Safe Use of Metal and Paper Cutting
Guillotines
AS 1895 Code of Practice for Guarding and Safe Use of Portable Electrical Tools for
Domestic Use
AS 2336 Hand-held Knives for the Meat Industry
AS 2359.2 SAA Industrial Truck Code, Part 2-Operation
AS 2613 Safety Devices for Gas Cylinders
AS 2661 Vapour Degreasing Plant-Design, Installation and Operation-Safety
Requirements
AS CZI4 Code of Recommended Practice for Guarding and Safe Use of Milling Machines
(d) Warning Signs and Identification Systems
AS 1318 SAA Industrial Safety Colour Code

AS 1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment
AS 1614 The Design and Use of Reflectorized Signs for Mines and Tunnels
AS E38 Portable Warning Signs for Motor Vehicles
(e) Operational Safety

AS 1188 SAA Code for Safety of Electronic Equipment
AS 1269 Hearing Conservation
AS 1533 Portable Plastics Fuel Tanks for Boats
AS 1674 Fire Precautions in Cutting, Heating and Welding Operations
AS 1678 Emergency Procedure Guides-Transport (Complete set of 68)
AS 1688 Portable Timber Ladders (including Step-ladders and Trestle-ladders)
AS 1892.1 Portable Ladders, Part I Metal
-
AS 1940 SAA Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

AS 2017 Rules for Safety Procedures Affecting the Operation, Maintenance and Repair
of Road Tank Vehicles for Flammable Liquids
AS 2056 Code of Practice for Safety in the Meat Industry
AS 2187 SAA Explosive Code
Part 2 - Use of Explosives
AS 2211 Code of Practice for Laser Safety
AS 2284 Safe Working with Elastomeric Hose and Hose Assemblies for Steam-cleaning
Machines
AS 2299 Underwater Air Breathing Operations
AS 2397 Guide to the Safe Use of Lasers in the Construction Industry
AS 2704 Portable Cylinders for Resuscitators and Self contained Breathing Apparatus
-
(non-underwater Safety Guide

-
AS 2705 Portable Cylinders of Self-contained Underwater Breathing

Apparatus (SCUBA)-Safety Guide
AS 2745 Electrical Welding Safety
AS CAI2 SAA Compressed Air Code
(f) Personal Protective Equipment

AS 1223 Safety Requirements for Industrial Hand-cleaners (Petroleum Solvent Type)
AS 1270 Hearing Protection Devices
74
MS 426:1994
AS 1336 Recommended Practices for Eye Protection in the Industrial Environment

AS 1337 Eye Protector for Industrial Applications
AS 1338 Filters for Eye Protectors
AS 1558 Protective Clothing for Welders
AS 1609 Eye Protectors for Motor Cyclists and Racing Car Drivers
AS 1715 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Devices
AS 1716 Respiratory Protective Devices
AS 1800 The Selection, Care and Use of Industrial Safety Helmets
AS 1801 Industrial Safety Helmets
AS 1891 Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses
AS 2161 Industrial Safety Gloves and Mittens (Excluding Electrical and Medical Gloves)
AS 2210 Safety Footwear
AS 2225 Rubber Gloves for Electrical Purposes
AS 2375 Guide to the Selection, Care and Use of Clothing for Protection Against Heat
and Fire
AS 2594 Hose and Hose Assemblies for Liquid Chemicals
AS 2626 Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses-Selection, Use and Maintenance
(g) Road, Automotive, Fork Lift and Tractor Safety
AS 1165 Traffic Hazard Warning Lamps

AS 1425 SAA Automotive LP Gas Code
AS 1534 Portable Plastics Fuel Containers
AS 1636 Agricultural Wheeled Tractors-Roll-over Protective Structures-Criteria and Tests
AS 1698 Protective Helmets for Vehicle Users
AS 1872 Safety Chains for Trailers and Caravans
AS 2080 Safety Glass for Land Vehicles
AS 2294 Protective Structures for Operators of Earthmoving Machines
(h) Water Safety
AS 1499 Buoyancy Vest

AS 1512 Life-jackets
AS 2258 Code for Selection and Care of Buoyancy Aids
AS 2259 General Requirements for Buoyancy Aids
AS 2261 Rescue Buoys
AS 2262 Float-off Buoyancy Aids
U) Fire Protection and Safety

AS 1221 Fire Hose Reels
AS 1603 Thermal Detectors for Fire Alarm Installations
AS 1841 Portable Fire Extinguishers-Water (Gas Container) Type
AS 1842 Portable Fire Extinguishers-Water (Stored Pressure) Type
AS 1844 Portable Fire Extinguishers-Foam (Gas Container) Type
AS 1845 Portable Fire Extinguishers-Foam (Stored Pressure) Type
AS 1848 Portable Fire Extinguishers-Powder Type
AS 1847 Portable Fire Extinguishers-Carbon Dioxide Type
AS 1848 Portable Fire Extinguishers-Halon Type
75
MS 426: 1994
AS 1851 Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment

Part I - Portable Fire Extinguishers
Part 2 - Fire Hose Reels
Part 3 - Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Part 4 - Fire Hydrant Installations
Part 5 - Automatic Smoke/Heat Venting Systems
Part 6 - Management Procedures for Maintaining the Fire
Precaution Features of Air-handling Systems
SAA MP 24 Use of Lifts in Emergencies

SAA MP 26 Portable Fire Extinguisher Selection Chart
Other related documents and further reading
International Labour Organization (ILO)

- ILO Convention 155
- ILO Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health
- • ILO Accident Prevention-A Workers’ Education Manual
World Health Organization (WHO)

- WHO Technical report series
Australia Government
- National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)-Publications and
standards (to be developed)
- Department of Employment and Industrial Relations ‘At Work’ series
-
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Standards, guides and
-
publications
- The National Labour Consultative Council (NLCC) Publications and monographs
-
Others
- American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Publications
-
and standards
- Safety Institute of Australia-Publications, monographs and presentations
• 76
TANDA-TANDA STANDARD SIRIM
Tanda-tanda Standard SIRIM seperti yang tertera di bawah adalah tanda -tanda pengesahan
dagangan berdaftar. Tanda-tanda ini hanya boleh digunakan oleh mereka yang dilesenkan
di bawah skim tanda pengesahan yang dijala nkan oleh SIRIM mengikut nombor Standard
Malaysia yang berkaitan. Kewujudan tanda -tanda ini pada atau berkaitan dengan sesuatu
barangan adalah sebagai jaminan bahawa barangan tersebut telah dikeluarkan melalui satu
sistem penyeliaan, kawalan dan ujian, yan g dijalankan semasa pengeluaran. Ini termasuk
pemeriksaan berkala kerja -kerja pengeluaran menurut skim tanda pengesahan SIRIM yang
dibentuk untuk menentukan bahawa barangan tersebut menepati Standard Malaysia.
Keterangan-keterangan lanjut mengenai syarat -syarat lesen boleh didapati dari:
Ketua Pengarah
Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan Perindustrian Malaysia

Persiaran Dato’ Menteri, Seksyen 2, Peti Surat 7035
40911 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan
SIRIM STANDARD MARKS

The SIRIM standard marks shown above are registered certification trade marks. They may
be used only by those li censed under the certification marking scheme operated by SIRIM
and in conjunction with relevant Malaysian Standard number. The presence of these Marks
on or relation to a product is assurance that the goods have been produced under a system
of supervision, control and testing, operated during production, and including periodi cal
inspection of the producer’s works in accordance with the certification marking scheme of
SIRIM designed to ensure compliance with a Malaysian Standard.
Further particulars of the terms of license may be obtained from:
Director-General
Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia
Persiaran Dato’ Menteri, Section 2. P.O.Box 7035
40911 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan
3
INSTITUT STANDARD DAN PENYELIDIKAN PERINDUSTRIAN MALAYSIA
Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan Perindustrian Malaysia (SIRIM) telah ditubuhkan hasil dan cantuman Institut
Piawaian Malaysia (SIM) dengan Institut Negara bagi Penyelidikan Sains dan Perusahaan (NISIR) di bawah
Undang-Undang Malaysia Akta 157 pada l6hb. September 1975:Akta Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan
Perindustrian Malaysia (Perbadanan) 1975. Institut mi diletakhak dengan kuasa untuk memamju dan
menjalankan penyelidikan perindustrian dan untuk menyedia dan memajukan standard-standard bagi barangan-
barangan, proses-proses, amalan-amalan dan perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan; dan bagi mengadakan peruntukan
bagi perkara-perkara yang bersampingan atau berkaitan dengan maksud-maksud itu.
Satu daripada tugas-tugas Institut mi adalah menyediakan Standard-Standard Malaysia dalam bentuk
penentuan-penentuan bagi bahan-bahan, keluaran-keluaran, kaedah-kaedah ujian, kod-kod amalan yang
sempurna dan selamat, sistem penamaan dan lain-lain. Standard-Standard Malaysia disediakan oleh
jawatankuasa-jawatankuasa perwakilan yang menyelaras keupayaan pengilang dan kecekapan pengeluaran
dengan kehendak-kehendak yang munasabah dan pengguna. Ia menuju ke arah mencapai kesesuaian bagi
maksud, memudahkan pengeluaran dan pengedaran, kebolehsalingtukaran gantian dan pelbagai pilihan yang
mencukupi tanpa pembaziran.
Standard-Standard Malaysia disediakan hanya setelah penyiasatan yang lengkap menujukkan bahawa sesuatu
projek itu disahkan sebagai yang dikehendaki dan berpadanan dengan usaha yang terlibat. Hasil ml berasaskan
persetujuan sukarela dan memberi pertimbangan kepada kepentingan pengeluar dan pengguna. Standard-
Standard Malaysia adalah sukarela kecuali is dimestikan oleh badan-badan berkuasa melalui peraturan-
peraturan, undang-undang persekutuan dan tempatan atau cara-cara lain yang sepertinya.
Institut mi beroperasi semata-mata berasaskan tanpa keuntungan. Ia adalah satu badan yang menerima bantuan
kewangan dan Kerajaan, kumpulan wang dan bayaran keahlian, hasil dan jualan Standard-Standard dan
terbitan-terbitan lain, bayaran-bayaran ujian dan bayaran-bayaran lesen untuk mengguna Tanda Pengesahan
SIRIM dan kegiatan-kegiatan lain yang berhubung dengan Penstandardan, Penyelidikan Perindustrian dan
Khidmat Perunding.
STANDARDS AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA
The Standard and Industrial research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) is established with the merger of the
Standards Institution of Malaysia (SIM) and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR)
under the Laws of Malaysia Act 157 on ~ September 1975: Standards and Industrial Research Institute of
Malaysia ~(Incorporation) Act 1975. The Institute is vested with the power to provide for the promotion and
undertaking of industrial research and for the preparation and promotion of standards for commodities,
processes, practices and services; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with those purposes.
One Of the functions of the Institute is to prepare Malaysian Standards in the form of specifications for materials
and products, methods of testing, codes of sound and safe practice, nomenclature, etc. Malaysian Standards are
prepared by representative committees which co-ordinate manufacturing capacity and production efficiency with
the user’s reasonable needs. They seek to achieve fitness for purpose, simplified production and distribution
replacement interchangeability, and adequate variety of choice without wasteful diversify.
Malaysian Standards are prepared only after a full enquiry has shown that the project is endorsed as a desirable
one and worth the effort involved. The work is based on voluntary agreement, and recognition of the community
of interest of producer and consumer. The use of Malaysian Standards is voluntary except in so far as they are
made mandatory by statutory authorities by means of regulations, federal and local by-laws or any other similar
ways.
The Institute operates entirely on a non-profits basis. It is a grant aided body receiving financial aid from the
Government, funds from membership subscriptions and proceeds from sales of Standards and other
publications, fees and licence fees for the use of SIRIM Certification Mark and other activities associated with
Standardization, Industrial Research and Consultancy Services.

MS426 Code of Practice For General Principles For Safe Working in Industry

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Descrição original:

Título original

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

MS426 Code of Practice For General Principles For Safe Working in Industry

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

MS ISO/IEC TR 10037 : 1995

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH

STANDARDS & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA

The following references relate to the work on this standard:

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date of issue Text affected

Committee representation (vi)

SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL

SECTION 3. PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES

SECTION 4. STRATEGIES FOR CONTROL

4.1 Coordination and cooperation 14

SECTION 5. ORGANIZATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

5.1 Occupational safety and health policy 17

SECTION 7. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

SECTION 8. WORKPLACES AND THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

SECTION 9. MACHINERY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

9.4 Commissioning and acceptance 41

SECTION 10. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF MATERIALS

SECTION II. CONTROL OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS

SECTION 12. FIRE AND EXPLOSION

SECTION 13. VEHICLE OPERATION

SECTION 14. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

A Typical examples of occupational safety and health policies 70

B List of reference and related documents 72

Department of Occupational Safety and Health

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers

Malaysian Rubber Research and Development Board

Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs

Ministry of International Trade and Industry

National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia

Plastic and Rubber Institute of Malaysia

Ericik Ludin Embong (Chairman) Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan

Dr. Mohd. Yusoff Adon Kementerian Kesihatan

Encik Ahniad Tarmidzi Khalil Jabatan Perkhidmatan Bomba Malaysia

Encik Abdul Shahar Abdul Karim Jabatan Kerja Raya

Puan Norsiah Abd. Wahab/Encik Ammil Mahamud Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Encik Sunny Chan Hean Kee Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia

Encik Wong Soo Kan Persekutuan Pekilang-pekilang Malaysia

Encik Abdul Hamid Abdullah Persatuan Majikan-majikan Malaysia

Encik C.J. Krishna Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Malaysia

(a) Extensions of the functions of safety management to incorporate

(ii) product safety;

(iii) vehicular safety;

(iv) mitigation of the effects of industrial operations on the environment;

(v) fire prevention and control.

The use of the above standard is hereby duly acknowledged.

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK

SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL

(a) Ethical or moral

The occupational safety and health activities of an enterprise should contribute

Most enterprises are subject to a variety of statutes and regulations

(i) a safe place of work;

(ii) a safe system of work;

(iii) proper plant and equipment and maintenance of it; and

(iv) competent staff to manage and supervise the enterprise.

1.4 Reference documents

The list of reference documents is as in Appendix B (extracted from the list of

For purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply

personal damage or property damage, or the possibility of such damage.

A person, agent, firm, corporation, Government Department, Commission, Board, or

Processes where harmful substances or energies are used or where harmful