Keeping well informed of the latest EHS news and updates is vital to every stakeholders.
Starting from 15 July 09, as part of value-added services to all stakeholders and any interested parties, we have listed some quick updates or latest news for all as reference.
WSH Updates & News
Workplace Safety and Health (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2009
The Workplace Safety and Health (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2009 was gazetted on 2 October 2009 and will take effect on 1 November 2009.
The key provisions in the new Regulations are:
(a) Keeping a record of confined spaces 每 A register or record of all fixed and stationary confined spaces must be kept;
(b) Instituting requirements for confined space entry permit 每 Entry into a confined space should be controlled through the implementation of a systematic confined space entry permit system, conduct of periodic atmospheric testing, and display of entry permit and identification badges at the entrance to the confined space;
(c) Display of warning signs 每 Warning signs must be displayed at the entrance to the confined space to warn persons of the hazards of the confined space;
(d) Appointment of confined space attendant 每 A specific provision mandates the appointment of a confined space attendant whenever entry into or work is to be carried out in confined space. The regulation also prescribes specific duties for the attendant such as monitoring persons entering and working in the confined space, as well as alerting rescue personnel during emergencies;
(e) Training of workers, supervisors and rescue personnel 每 Workers and supervisors should be trained to ensure effective conduct and oversight of work performed in confined spaces. Training requirements are also specified for rescue personnel to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out rescue operation properly and safely in the event of an accident in confined spaces; and
(f) Establishment of emergency and rescue plan 每 Emergency and rescue plans as well as provision of rescue equipment should be established to ensure prompt and safe recovery of workers during accidents, to minimise the severity of injuries sustained.
New WSQ Forklift Operator Course from 1 Oct 2009
From 1 October 2009, the WSQ 'Operate Forklift' Competency Standard will replace the Forklift Driver's Training Course, which will cease to run with effect from 30 September 2009.
The new WSQ 'Operate Forklift' course will be offered by ATOs accredited by WDA. Existing forklift operators who have already completed the Forklift Driver's Training Course accredited by MOM will continue to be considered as qualified forklift operators.
For more information on the WSQ Operate Forklift Competency Standard, please click here.
Workplace Safety and Health (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations 2009
This shall come into operation on 1 Sept 2009.
It will replaced the Factories (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations.
Released by WSHC on 10 Jul 09
-Revised Training Certification Requirements for Workers in Metalworking Industry
Following WSHC's review of safety training requirements, foreign workers will be required to attend and pass the Metalworking Safety Orientation Course (MSOC) before they will be issued with work permit to ensure that they attain key knowledge on working safely with effect from 01 Oct 2009. Click HERE to find out more.
CP or SS Updates (relevant to QEHS)
In general, Code of Practices (CP) & Singapore Standards (SS) are voluntary unless they are adopted by the authorities as legislative requirements*. In the industrial safety area, SSs supports the general framework for safety legislation to provide practical and updated requirements on specific safety and health practices.
*One example of CP & SS being adopted by the local authorities as legislatives requirements as follow:
In accordance with section 39 (3) of the Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006, the Commissioner has approved 23 Codes of Practice for the purpose of providing practical guidance on safety and health to the industry. The Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) is intended to be used as a yardstick to assess whether reasonable practical measures have been taken in regards to the upkeep of safety and health standards at the workplace. A notice of the issue of the ACOPs has been published in the Government Gazette.
| Title |
Date |
1. SS 506 - 1 : 2009
Occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems - Requirements |
Oct 2009 |
2. SS 506 - 2 : 2009
Occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems 每 Part 2 : Guidelines for the implementation of SS 506 : Part 1 : 2009
|
Oct 2009 |
3. SS 545 : 2009
Singapore Standard for hotel security
|
Aug 2009
|
4. SS 546 : 2009 (Formerly CP 25:1999)
Code of practice for emergency voice communication systems
in buildings
|
Aug 2009 |
5. SS 547 : 2009 (Formerly CP 102:2004)
Code of practice for temporary housing quarters on construction sites
|
Aug 2009 |
6. SS 548 : 2009 (Formerly CP 74:1998)
Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices
|
Aug 2009 |
7. SS 549 : 2009 (Formerly CP 76:1999)
Code of practice for selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors |
Aug 2009 |
8. SS 531 - 2 : 2008
Code of practice for lighting of work places - Outdoor |
May 2009 |
9. SS 531 - 3 : 2008
Code of practice for lighting of work places
- Lighting requirements for safety and security of outdoor work places |
May 2009 |
10. SS 541 : 2008
Restraint belts |
May 2009 |
11. AMD CP 5 : 2008
Amendment No. 1 to CP 5 - Code of practice for electrical installations |
Mar 2009 |
12. SS ISO 9001 : 2008
Quality management systems - Requirements |
Jan 2009 |
13. SS 540 : 2008
Singapore Standard for business continuity management (BCM) |
Jan 2009 |
Updated as at Oct 2009
Environmental Updates & News
With effect from 1 January 2009, more places in Singapore will be smoke-free.
- Lift Lobbies
- Markets
- Multi-storey & Basement Carparks
- Hotel Lobbies
- Ferry Terminals
- Playgrounds
- Exercise Areas
- Non Air-conditioned Shopping Centres, Shops
- Non Air-conditioned Factories & Offices
- Within 5 metres of Entrances & Exits
Click here to view the complete list of smoke-free places
News Release
JOINT RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND MOH:
Additional Case Of Suspected Local Malaria Transmission (2)
Guide Book on Prevention of
Mosquito Breeding.
Educational Poster
每For Dengue Prevention
Other Updates
Influenza A (H1N1-2009) (also known as Swine Flu)
DORSCON Alert
Current Alert Status: Yellow
Last Updated 16 Oct 09:
Situation in Singapore
H1N1 has become endemic among global communities. In line with WHO's recommendation, Singapore will now track the progress of the H1N1 outbreak through our influenza biosurveillance programme and report on the number of confirmed cases still in hospital.
For more information on Influenza A (H1N1), click 
Educational Posters on H1N1 (resources from Health Promotional Board)
