JAM Factories Act Bo

8/3/2019 JAM Factories Act Bo

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JAMAICATHE FACTORIES ACT

REGULATIONS(under section 12)

THE BUILDING OPERATIONS AND WORKS OF ENGINEERINGCONSTRUCTION (SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE) REGULATIONS, 1968

(Made by the Minister on the 27th day of May, 1968)

[1st October. 1968.]

L.N. 214/68Amd

L.N.314/ 69

PART IPreliminary

Short title1. These Regulations may be cited as the Building Operations andWorks of Engineering Construction (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations.1968.

Interpretation.

2. (1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires

approved means approved for the time being by certificate of the Chief FactoryInspector;

building operation means the construction, structural alteration, repair ormaintenance of a building (including re-pointing, redecoration and externalcleaning of the structure), the demolition of a building and the preparation for,and laying the foundation of an intended building, but does not include anyoperation which is a work of engineering construction within the meaning of thisregulation;

competent person means a person having such practical and theoreticalknowledge and actual experience of the plant or equipment which he has toexamine or inspect, as the case may be, as will enable him to detect defects orweaknesses which it is the purpose of the examination to discover and to assesstheir importance in relation to the strength and function of the particular plant orequipment, as the case may be:


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Provided that for the purpose of the examination of any crane or hoist, the termcompetent person does not include the owner or user of the crane or hoist orany person employed by the owner or user except as an independent contractor;

contractor means a contractor or an employer of workmen who is undertaking

any of the operations or works to which these Regulations apply;

hoist means a lifting machine, whether worked by mechanical power or not,with a carriage, platform or cage, the movement of which is restricted by a guideor guides;

ladder does not include a folding step-ladder;

lifting appliance means a crab, winch, pulley block or gin wheel used for raisingor lowering, and a hoist, crane, sheer legs, excavator, drag-line, piling frame,aerial cableway, aerial rope-way or overhead runway;

lifting gear means a chain sling, rope sling, or similar gear, and a ring, link,hook, plate clamp, shackle, swivel or eyebolt;

mobile crane means a crane capable of traveling under its own power, but doesnot include a crane which travels on a line of rails;

plant or equipment includes any plant, equipment, gear, machinery, apparatusor appliance, or any part thereof;

raising or lowering or as a means of suspension where that expression occursin regulations 56, 57, 58, 62 and 63, means raising or lowering or as a means ofsuspension either of a load on a lifting appliance or lifting gear or of a scaffold butdoes not include the use of a rope or chain solely as a means of lashing orsecuring together two or more rigid members of a scaffold to form a frame or as ameans of making a lapped joint or the use of a rope or chain solely for themovement of a load in a horizontal direction:

safe working load means either the relevant safe working load required to bespecified in the latest certificate of test obtained for the purposes of regulations51, 56. 57 or 68 or, where no such certificate is required, the relevant safeworking load required to be marked or re-exhibited on the lifting appliance, liftinggear, chain, rope or other article of plant or equipment by regulations 52 and 56:

scaffold means any temporarily provided structure on or from which personsperform work in connection with operations or works to which these Regulationsapply, any temporarily provided structure which enables persons to obtainaccess to or which enables materials to be taken to any place at which such workis performed. and includes any working platform, gangway, run, ladder or step-ladder (other than an independent ladder or step-ladder which does not form part


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of such a structure) together with any guard-rail, toe-board or other safeguardsand all fixings, but does not include a lifting appliance or a structure used merelyto support such an appliance or to support other plant or equipment;

site means any place where building operations or works of engineering

construction or both such operations and such works are being carried on;

sloping roof has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 30;

suspended scaffold means a scaffold suspended by means of ropes or chainsand capable of being raised or lowered by such means, but does not include aboatswains chair or similar appliance;

trestle scaffold includes a scaffold in which the supports for the platform are anyof the following which are self-supporting, that is to say, split-heads, folding step-ladders, tripod or movable contrivances similar to any of the foregoing;

work of engineering construction means the construction of any railway line orsiding otherwise than upon an existing railway. the construction, structuralalteration, repair, maintenance (including re-pointing and re-painting) ordemolition of any dock, harbour, inland navigation works, tunnel, bridge, viaduct,water-works, reservoir, pipe-line, aqueduct, sewer, sewage works or gasholders.and, except where carried on in a factory within the meaning of the Act, any steelor reinforced concrete structure other than a building, any road, airfield, seadefence works or river works and any other civil or structural engineering worksof a similar nature to any of the foregoing works.

2. (2) For the purpose of these Regulations the number of personsemployed at any given time shall be determined by reference to the number atwork at that time.

Application.3. (1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation these Regulations shallapply to -

(a) building operations undertaken by way of trade or business, or forthe purpose of any industrial or commercial undertaking, and to any line orsiding which is used in connection therewith and for the purposes thereof;

(b) works of engineering construction undertaken by way of trade orbusiness, or for the purpose of any industrial or commercial undertaking,and to any line or siding which is used in connection therewith and for thepurposes thereof.

3. (2) The Chief Factory Inspector may (subject to such conditions. if any,as may be specified therein) by certificate in writing (which he may at his


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discretion revoke at any time) exempt from all or any of the requirements of theseRegulations -

(a) any particular plant or equipment or any class or description ofplant or equipment; or

(b) any particular work or any class or description of work if he issatisfied that the requirements in respect of which the exemption isgranted are not necessary for the protection of persons employed or arenot reasonably practicable.

3. (3) In the case of a hoist manufactured before the 1st day of October.1968, if it is not reasonably practicable to comply fully with any requirement ofregulations 64(2), 64(3), 66 and 70, it shall be sufficient if the hoist has beenbrought as near as is reasonably practicable into conformity with thatrequirement and a certificate that this has been done has been obtained from a

competent person.

Application of certain provisions of the Factories Regulations, 1961.

4. (1) The provisions of the Factories Regulations. 1961, specified inparagraph (2) shall apply to the operations and works referred to in paragraph (1)of regulation 3 as if -

(a) any place where such operations or works are carried on were afactory; and

(b) the person undertaking any such operations or works were theoccupier of a factory.

4. (2) The provisions of the Factories Regulations, 1961, referred to inparagraph (1) are -

(a) such provisions of Part II of those Regulations as relate to thegeneration, transformation, distribution and use of electrical energy and tosteam boilers and air receivers;

(b) regulation 79 of those Regulations.

with such adaptations and modifications as may be necessary:

Provided that no such regulations shall operate so as to interfere with thedesign of any works of engineering construction or with the adoption in theexecution of those works of any method prescribed in the specification or in anysigned plans issued, or written directions given, by the consulting engineer or the


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to a person appointed by the employer under regulation 72.

PARTIISafety of Working Places and Means of Access and Egress

Provisions of scaffolds, etc.

6. (1) Without prejudice to the other provisions of these Regulations,where work cannot safely be done on or from the ground or from part of abuilding or other permanent structure there shall be provided, placed and kept inposition for use and properly maintained either scaffolds or, where appropriate,ladders or other means of support all of which shall be sufficient and suitable forthe purpose.

6. (2) There shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be suitable andsufficient safe access to and egress from every place at which any person has at

any time to work.

Supervision of work and inspection of material.7. No scaffold shall be erected or be substantially added to or alteredor be dismantled except under the immediate supervision of a competent personand so far as possible by competent workmen possessing adequate experienceof such work. All material for any scaffold shall be inspected by a competentperson on each occasion before being taken into use.

Construction and material.8. (1) Every scaffold and every part thereof shall be of good construction,of suitable and sound material and of adequate strength for the purpose forwhich it is used.

8. (2) Sufficient material shall be provided for and shall be used in theconstruction of scaffolds.

8. (3) Timber used for scaffolds shall be of suitable quality, be in goodcondition, and have the bark completely stripped off.

8. (4) Timber used for scaffolds, trestles, ladders and folding stepladdersshall not be so painted or treated that defects cannot easily be seen.

8. (5) Metal parts used for scaffolds shall be of suitable quality and be ingood condition and free from corrosion or other patent defect likely to affect theirstrength materially.

8. (6) All material and parts for scaffolds shall, when not in use, be keptunder good conditions and apart from any materials or parts unsuitable forscaffolds,


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Maintenance of scaffolds: partially dismantled scaffolds.9. (1) Every scaffold shall be properly maintained, and every part shall bekept so fixed, secured or placed in position as to prevent so far as is practicable

accidental displacement.

9. (2) No scaffold or part of a scaffold shall be partly dismantled andremain in such a condition that it is capable of being used unless either

(a) the scaffold continues to comply and would, if used, comply withthese Regulations; or

(b) if the scaffold or part thereof would, if used, not comply with theseRegulations, a prominent warning notice indicating that the scaffold or partthereof is not to be used is affixed near any point at which the scaffold or

part, as the case may be, is liable to be approached for the purpose ofuse.

Standards or uprights or putlogs.10. (1) Standards or uprights of scaffolds shall -

(a) where practicable, be either vertical or slightly inclined towards thebuilding or other structure; and

(b) be fixed sufficiently close together to secure the stability of thescaffold having regard to all the circumstances.

10. (2) The foot or base of any standard or upright shall be placed on anadequate base plate in a manner to prevent slipping or sinking, or itsdisplacement shall be prevented in some other sufficient way.

10. (3) Ledgers shall be as nearly as possible horizontal and shall besecurely fastened to the standards or uprights by efficient means.

10. (4) Putlogs or other supports on which a platform rests shall besecurely fastened to the ledgers or to the standards or uprights. Where one endof a putlog is supported by a wall that end shall extend into or onto the wallsufficiently to provide a supporting surface of sufficient area.

10. (5) The distance between two consecutive putlogs and other supportson which a platform rests shall be fixed with due regard to the anticipated loadand the nature of the platform flooring. The distance with single planking shall notnormally exceed 3 feet 3 inches with planks of 11 inches in thickness, 5 feet withplanks lf inches in thickness, or 8 feet 6 inches with planks 2 inches in thickness.


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Supports and stability for scaffolds.11. (1) Every scaffold shall be securely supported or suspended and shallwhere necessary be sufficiently and properly strutted or braced to preventcollapse, and shall be rigidly connected with the building or other structure unless

the scaffold is so designed and constructed as to ensure stability without suchconnection.

11. (2) Every structure and appliance used as a support for a scaffold shallbe of sound construction, have a firm footing or be firmly supported. and shallwhere necessary be sufficiently and properly strutted or braced to preventcollapse and to ensure stability.

11. (3) Every scaffold which can be moved on wheels or skids (not being asuspended scaffold) shall

(a) be constructed with due regard to stability and, if necessary forstability, be adequately weighted at the base;

(b) be used only on a firm and even surface not so sloping as toinvolve risk of instability of the scaffold or any load thereon;

(c) be adequately secured to prevent movement when any person isworking upon it or upon any ladder or other plant or equipment, being aladder, plant or equipment which is supported by the scaffold; and

(d) be moved only by the application of force at or near the base.

11. (4) Loose blocks, drain pipes, chimney pots or other unsuitablematerial shall not be used for the construction or support of scaffolds save thatsmall blocks may, if they provide a firm support, be used to support a platformnot more than 2 feet above the ground or floor.

Cantilever, jib and bracket scaffold.12. (1) No cantilever scaffold or jib scaffold shall be used unless it is adequatelysupported, fixed and anchored, has out-riggers of adequate length and strengthand is. where necessary, sufficiently and properly strutted or braced to ensurerigidity and stability.

12. (2) No bracket scaffold supported or held by dogs, spikes, or similarfixings liable to pull out of the stone-work, or other surface in which they aregripped or fixed, shall be used.

Scaffold supported by building or structure.13. No part of a building or other structure shall be used as support fora scaffold, ladder, folding step-ladder or crawling ladder, unless the part of the


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building or other structure is of sound material and sufficiently stable and ofsufficient strength to afford safe support. Gutters shall not be used as suchsupports unless they and their fixings are suitable and are of adequate strength.

Suspended scaffolds.

14. (1) Every suspended scaffold shall be provided with adequate andsuitable chains or ropes and winches or other lifting appliances or similar devicesand shall be suspended from suitable out-riggers, joists, runways, rail tracks orother equally safe anchorage.

14. (2) The out-riggers for a suspended scaffold shall be of adequatelength and strength and properly installed and supported and, subject toparagraph (12) shall be installed horizontally and provided with adequate stops attheir outer ends. The out-riggers shall be properly spaced having regard to theconstruction of the scaffold and of the runway, joist or rail track on which thescaffold is carried.

14. (3) Where counterweights are used with out-riggers the counterweightsshall be securely attached to the out-riggers and shall be not less in weight thanthree times the weight which would counterbalance the weight suspended fromthe out-rigger including the weight of the runway, joist or rail track, the suspendedscaffold and persons and other load thereon.

14. (4) The points of suspension of every suspended scaffold shall be anadequate horizontal distance from the face of the building or other structure.

14. (5) Every runway, joist and rail track supporting a suspended scaffoldshall be of suitable and sound material, adequate strength for the purpose forwhich it is used and free from patent defect, shall be provided with adequatestops at each end and shall be properly set to the building or other structure, orwhere out-riggers are used, to the out-riggers.

14. (6) The suspension ropes or chains of a suspended scaffold

(a) shall be securely attached to the out-riggers or other supports andto the platform framework or to any lifting appliance or other deviceattached thereto, as the case may be; and(b) shall be kept in tension.

14. (7) Where winches are used with suspended scaffolds the suspensionropes shall be of such length that at the lowest position at which the scaffold isintended to be used there are not less than two turns of rope remaining on eachwinch drum and the length of each rope shall be clearly marked on its winch.

14. (8) Every part of a suspended scaffold and all plant and equipmentused for the purposes thereof shall be of good construction, suitable and sound


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material, of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used and shall beproperly maintained, and, where constructed of metal, shall be free fromcorrosion and other patent defects, being corrosion and defects likely materiallyto affect its strength. Adequate arrangements shall be made to prevent unduetipping, tilting or swinging of a suspended scaffold and to secure it to prevent

undue horizontal movement while it is being used as a working platform.

14. (9) No rope other than a wire rope shall be used for the raising,lowering and suspension of a suspended scaffold, except that the raising,lowering and suspension may be carried out by means of fibre ropes and pulleyblocks in the case of work to which paragraph (12) applies.

14. (10) The platform of every suspended scaffold shall -

(a) except to the extent necessary for drainage, be closely boarded.planked or plated; and, subject to paragraph (12).

(b) be of adequate width to afford adequate working space at everyworking point and shall, in any event,

(i) be at least 25 inches wide if used as a footing only and notfor the deposit of any material;

(ii) be at least 34 inches wide if used for the deposit of material;and

(iii) not be used for the support of any higher scaffold.

and shall be so arranged or secured that at each working position -the spacebetween the face of the building or other structure and the platform is as small asreasonably practicable; so, however, that where workmen sit at the edge of theplatform to work there may be a space not exceeding 12 inches.

14. (11) If a suspended scaffold is carried on fibre ropes and pulley blocks,the ropes shall be spaced not more than 10 feet 6 inches apart.

14. (12) Where the work to be carried out from a suspended scaffold is ofsuch a light nature and the material required for the work is such that a cradle orsimilar light-weight suspended scaffold can be used with safety and where suchsuspended scaffold is used, the following requirements of this regulation shall notapply, that is to say

(a) the requirement of paragraph (2) that the out-riggers shall beinstalled horizontally and that stops -shall be provided;

(b) the requirements of paragraph (10) (b) as to the width of the


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platform.

The platform of a suspended scaffold to which this paragraph applies shallbe not less than 17 inches wide.

Boatswain, chair, cages, skips, etc.15. (1) No boatswains chair, cage, skip or similar plant or equipment shallbe used unless

(a) it is of good construction, sound material, adequate strength. freefrom patent defect and properly maintained;

(b) the chains, ropes, lifting gear or other means of suspension usedtherewith are securely attached to the out-riggers or other supports and tothe chair, cage, skip or similar plant or equipment or to any liftingappliance or other device attached thereto, as the case may be;

(c) suitable means are provided to prevent any occupant from fallingout;

(d) it is free of materials or articles liable to interfere with theoccupants handhold or foothold or otherwise endanger him;

(e) suitable measures are taken to prevent spinning or tipping in amanner dangerous to any occupant;

(f) in the case of any skip or other receptacle it is at least 3 feet 6inches deep; and

(g) its installation has been, and its use is supervised by a competentperson.

15. (2) No boatswains chair, cage, skip or similar plant or equipment shallbe used as a working place in circumstances in which a suspended scaffoldcould be used unless the work is of such short duration as to make the use of thesuspended scaffold unreasonable, or the use of a suspended scaffold is notreasonably practicable.

Trestle scaffolds.16. (1) All trestles and supports used for the construction of any trestlescaffold shall be of good construction, suitable and sound material, adequatestrength for the purposes for which they are used and free from patent defect andshall be properly maintained.

16. (2) A trestle scaffold shall not be used -


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(a) if the scaffold is so situated that a person would be liable to fall fromits working platform a distance of more than 12 feet; or

(b) if constructed with more than one tier where folding supports areused;

(c) unless each trestle rests on firm and level ground or floorings.

16. (3) No trestle scaffold shall be erected on a scaffold platform unless

(a) the width of the said platform is- such as to leave sufficient clearspace for the transport of materials along the platform; and

(b) the trestles or supports are firmly attached to the said platform andadequately braced to prevent displacement.

Inspection of scaffolds, boatswain chairs, etc.

17. Subject to the provisions of this regulation, no scaffold (including anyboatswains chair, cage, skip or similar plant or equipment) and no plant orequipment used for the purposes of any of the foregoing shall be used unless -

(a) it has been inspected by a competent person within theimmediately preceding 7 days;

(b) it has been inspected by a competent person since exposure toweather conditions likely to have affected its strength or stability or to havedisplaced any part; and

(c) a report has been made of the results of every such inspection inthe form set out as Form No. 1 in the First Schedule and containing theparticulars therein specified and signed by the person making theinspection:

Provided that paragraph (a) shall not apply in the case of a scaffold nopart of which has been erected for more than 7 days. and paragraph (c) shall notapply to a trestle scaffold or a scaffold from no part of which a person is liable tofall a distance of more than 6 feet 6 inches.

Scaffolds used by workmen of different employers.18. Where a scaffold or part of a scaffold to be used by or on behalf of anemployer other than the employer for whose workmen it was first erected, thefirst-mentioned employer shall, before such use, and without prejudice to anyother obligations imposed upon him by these Regulations, take express steps,either personally or by a competent agent, to satisfy himself that the scaffold orpart thereof is stable, that the materials used in its construction are sound andthat the safeguards required by these Regulations are in position.


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21. (1) Every board or plank forming part of a working platform, gangwayor run shall be -

(a) of a thickness which is such as to afford adequate security havingregard to the distance between the putlogs or other supports

(b) not less than 8 inches wide, or, in the case of boards or planksexceeding 2 inches in thickness not less than 6 inches wide.

21. (2) No board or plank which forms part of a working platform, gangwayor run shall project beyond its support to a distance exceeding four times thethickness of the board or plank unless it is effectively secured to prevent tipping,or to a distance which, having regard to the thickness and strength of the plank,renders the projecting part of the plank an unsafe support for any weight liable tobe upon it.

21. (3) Suitable measures shall be taken by the provisions of adequatebevelled pieces or otherwise to reduce to a minimum the risk of tripping and tofacilitate the movement of barrows where boards or planks which form part of aworking platform, gangway or run overlap each other or are not of reasonablyuniform thickness where they meet each other or owing to warping or for someother reason do not provide an even surface.

21. (4) Every board or plank which forms part of a working platform,gangway or run shall

(a) rest securely and evenly on its supports; and

(b) rest on at least 3 supports unless, taking into account the distancebetween the supports and the thickness of the board or plank, theconditions are such as to prevent undue or unequal sagging.

21. (5) Where work has to be done at the end of a wall or working face theworking platform at such wall or face shall, wherever practicable, extend at least24 inches beyond the end of the wall or face.

Guard-rails, toe-boards at working places.22. (1) Every side of a working platform or working place; being a sidethereof from which a person is liable to fall a distance of more than 6 feet 6inches, shall, subject to paragraphs (3) to (6) and except as provided inparagraph (7) of this regulation, be provided with a suitable guard-rail or guard-rails of adequate strength to a height of at least 3 feet 6 inches above theplatform or place and above any raised standing place on the platform, and withtoe-boards or other barriers up to a sufficient height which shall in no case beless than 6 inches. Such guard-rails and toe-boards or other barriers shall be soplaced as to prevent so far as possible the fall of persons, materials and articles


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from such platform or place.

22. (2) Without prejudice to the provisions of regulation 9 the outwardmovement of guard-rails and toe-boards or barriers shall be prevented by placingthem on the inside of the uprights or by other equally effective means.

22. (3) Where guard-rails are required to be provided, the distancebetween any toe-board or other barrier and the lowest guard-rail above it shallnot exceed 30 inches.

22. (4) Guard-rails, toe-boards and barriers required by paragraph (1) maybe removed or remain unerected for the time and to the extent necessary for theaccess of persons or the movement of materials or other purposes of the work;but guard-rails, toe-boards and barriers removed or remaining unerected for anyof these purposes shall be replaced or erected as soon as practicable.

22. (5) On the side of a suspended scaffold next to the wall or working face-

(a) guard-rails where required by this regulation need not extend to aheight of more than 27 inches above the platform if the work isimpracticable with a guard-rail at a greater height;

(b) guard-rails and toe-boards or other barriers shall not be required ifthe workers sit at the edge of the platform to work and ropes or chainsaffording all the workers a safe and secure handhold are provided.

22. (6) None of the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) shall apply to

(a) the platform of a trestle scaffold when the platform is supported on foldingtrestles, split heads or similar devices or folding step-ladders, in so far asthe provision of toe-boards or barriers is impracticable on account of thenature or circumstances of the work;

(b) a platform which is used only in the course of erecting any frameworkforming part of a building or other permanent structure for the purposes of

jointing, bolting up, riveting or welding work and which is used for such ashort period as to make the provision of guard-rails and toe-boards orbarriers unreasonable if -

(i) the platform is at least 34 inches wide;

(ii) there is adequate handhold; and

(lii) the platform is not used for the deposit of materials orarticles otherwise than in boxes or receptacles suitable to prevent


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the fall of the materials or articles from the platform;

(c) a platform under a roof being a platform which is supported by orsuspended from roof members or the roof and which is used only for workon or in the vicinity of the roof and which is of a light nature and of such

short duration as to make the provision of guard-rails and toe-boards orbathers unreasonable if -

(i) there is adequate handhold at every working position. and

(ii) the material required for the work is such that the platformcan be used with safety.

22. (7) Except as provided in regulation 30 the provisions of this regulationshall not apply to working platforms and working places being working platformsand working places to which that regulation applies.

Construction and use of gangways and runs.23. (1) Every gangway and run from any part of which a person is liable tofall a distance of more than 6 feet 6 inches shall be -

(a) at least 17 inches wide; and

(b) closely boarded, planked or plated.

23. (2) No gangway, run or working platform shall be used for the passageof materials unless it affords a clear passage way which is adequate in width forthe passage of the materials without removal of the guard-rails and toe-boardsand in any case is not less than 25 inches wide.

23. (3) All planks forming a gangway or run shall be so fixed andsupported as to prevent undue or unequal sagging.

23. (4) No gangway or run shall be used the slope of which exceeds Ivertical to 1k horizontal.

23. (5) Where the slope of a gangway or run renders additional footholdnecessary, and in every case where the slope is more than 1 vertical to 4horizontal there shall be provided proper stepping laths which shall -

(a) be placed at suitable intervals; and

(b) be the full width of the gangway or run except that they may beinterrupted over a width of not more than 4 inches to facilitate themovement of barrows.


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Guard-rails for gang-ways, runs and stairs.24. (1) Except for the time and to the extent necessary for the access ofpersons or the movement of materials, stairs shall be provided throughout their

length with hand-rails or other efficient means to gain-prevent the fall of persons.If necessary to prevent danger to any person the hand-rails or other means shallbe continued beyond the end of the stairs.

24. (2) Every side of any gangway, run or stairs from which a person isliable to fall a distance of more than 6 feet 6 inches shall be provided

(a) with a suitable guard-rail or guard-rails of adequate strength to aheight of at least 3 feet 6 inches above the gangway, run or stairs; and

(b) except in the case of stairs, with toe-boards or other barriers up to a

sufficient height which shall in no case be less than 6 inches and soplaced as to prevent as far as possible the fall of persons, materials andarticles. The space between any such toe-board or barrier and the lowestguard-rail above it shall not exceed 30 inches:

Provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to atemporary gangway which is used only in the course of erecting any frameworkforming part of a building or other permanent structure for work of such shortduration as to make the provision of a gangway with guard-rails and toe-boardsor other barriers unreasonable.

24. (3) Guard-rails, toe-boards and barriers required by paragraph (2) maybe removed or remain unerected for the time and to the extent necessary for theaccess of persons or the movement of materials or other purposes of the work:but guard-rails, toe-boards and barriers removed or remaining unerected for anyof those purposes shall be replaced or erected as soon as practicable.

Platforms, gang-ways, etc. to afford safe footholds.25. If a platform, gangway, run or stair becomes slippery appropriatesteps shall as soon as reasonably practicable be taken by way of sanding,cleaning or otherwise to remedy the condition.

Construction, maintenance of ladders, and folding step-ladders.26. (1) Every ladder and folding step-ladder shall be of good construction,of suitable and sound material and of adequate strength for the purpose forwhich it is used and shall be properly maintained.

26. (2) No ladder shall be used in which a rung is missing or is defective.

26. (3) Except in the case of ladders to which regulation 30 applies, every


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rung of a ladder shall be properly fixed to the stiles or sides and no ladder shallbe used in which any rung depends for its support solely on nails, spikes or othersimilar fixing. Wooden stiles or sides and wooden rungs of ladders (except asaforesaid) shall be straight grained and have the grain running lengthwise and ifthe tenons are not secured by wedges, reinforcing ties shall be used.

Use of ladders and folding step ladders.27. (1) This regulation shall -

(a) apply to ladders and folding step-ladders being ladders andfolding step-ladders which afford a means of access, egress,communication or support to a person or persons employed; and

(b) not apply to any ladder lying upon a roof or to any crawling board orcrawling ladder.

27. (2) No ladder standing on a base shall be used unless -

(a) except as provided in paragraph (3), it is securely fixed near to itsupper resting place, or in the case of a vertical ladder near to its upperend:Provided that where such fixing is impracticable the ladder shall besecurely fixed at or near to its lower end;

(b) it has a level and firm footing and is not standing on loose blocksor other loose packing;

(c) it is secured where necessary to prevent swaying or sagging;and

(d) it is equally and properly supported on each stile or side.

27. (3) Where it is impracticable in the case of a ladder standing on a baseto comply with either of the requirements of sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (2), aperson shall be stationed at the foot of the ladder when in use to prevent it fromslipping.

27. (4) No ladder shall be used unless -

(a) either it extends to a height of at least 3 feet 6 inches above the place oflanding or the highest rung to be reached by the feet of any person usingthe ladder, as the case may be, or there is other adequate handhold; and

(b) there is sufficient space at each rung to provide adequate foothold.


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27. (5) No folding step-ladder shall be used unless it has a level and firmfooting or while it is standing on loose blocks or other loose packing.

27. (6) No ladder or run of ladders rising a vertical distance of over 30 feetshall be used unless it is, if practicable, provided with an intermediate landing

place or intermediate landing places so that the vertical distance between anytwo successive landing places shall not exceed 30 feet. Every landing place shallbe of adequate dimensions, and, if a person is liable to fall therefrom a distanceof more than 6 feet 6 inches, shall, except in so far as it is not reasonablypracticable, be provided with sufficient and suitable guard-rails to a height of atleast between 3 feet 6 inches above the landing place and with toe-boards orother barriers up to a sufficient height which shall in no case be less than 6inches, so placed as to prevent as far as possible the fail of persons, materialsand articles and so that the space between any toe-board or other barrier and thelowest guard-rail above it shall not exceed 30 inches. Where a ladder passesthrough an opening in the floor of a landing place, the opening shall be as small

as is reasonably practicable.

Openings, corners, breaks and edges.28. (1) This regulation applies to every opening, corner, break or edgewhich any person employed is liable to pass near or across being an opening,corner, break or edge -

(a) in or of a roof, floor, wall or other part either of a building or of anyother structure whether the roof, floor, wall or other part of the building orof the other structure is complete or only partly complete or is in course ofconstruction, maintenance, repair or demolition; or

(b) in or of a working platform, gangway or run.

28. (2) Subject to regulation 29 in the case of any such opening, corner,break or edge through or from which any person is liable to fail a distance ofmore than 6 feet 6 inches or to fall into any liquid or material so as to involve riskof drowning or serious injury there shall be provided either

(a) a suitable guard-nil or guard-rails of adequate strength to a heightof at least 3 feet 6 inches above the surface across which persons areliable to pass together with toe-boards or other barriers up to a sufficientheight which shall in no case be less than 6 inches so placed as toprevent as far as possible the fall of persons, materials and articles and sothat the space between any toe-board or other barrier and the lowestguard-rail above it shall not exceed 30 inches; or

(b) a covering so constructed as to prevent the fall of persons,materials and articles; any such covering shall be clearly and boldlymarked to show its purpose or be securely fixed in position.


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Exceptions from regulation 28.29. (1) Guard-rails, toe-boards, barriers and coverings required byregulation 28 may be removed or remain unerected

(a) where and when this is necessary in order to proceed with any

permanent filling in. covering or enclosure; or

(b) for the time and to the extent necessary for the access of personsor the movement of materials or other purposes of the work.

but guard-rails. toe-boards, barriers and coverings removed or remainingunerected for any of those purposes shall be replaced or erected as soon aspracticable.

Slopping roofs.30. (1) In this regulation sloping roof means a roof or part of a roof being

a roof or part having a pitch of more than 10 degrees which is covered eitherwholly or partly and -

(a) which is in the course of construction, maintenance, repair ordemolition; or

(b) which is used as a means of access to or egress from operationsor works on a roof or part of a roof being operations or works to whichthese Regulations apply.

30. (2) Except as provided in paragraphs (6) and (7), where any slopingroof has

(a) a pitch of more than 30 degrees; or

(b) a pitch of 30 degrees or less and a surface on or from which aperson is by reason of the nature or condition of the surface or of theweather liable to slip or fall to such an extent that he is liable to fall fromthe edge of the roof,

work thereon or therefrom shall only be carried out by workmen who are suitablefor such work and the requirements of paragraphs (3) and (4) shall be compliedwith.

30. (3) Where any sloping roof is used as a means of access to or egressfrom operations or works on a roof or a part of a roof being operations or worksto which these Regulations apply, sufficient and suitable crawling ladders orcrawling boards shall be provided on that sloping roof.


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30. (4) Where any work is done on or from any sloping roof sufficient andsuitable crawling ladders or crawling boards shall be provided on that slopingroof and (except where the work is not extensive) either -

(a) a barrier shall, be provided at the lower edge of the sloping roof of

such a design and so constructed as to prevent any person falling fromthat edge: or

(b) the work shall be done from a securely supported working platformnot less than 17 inches wide which complies with the requirements ofparagraphs (I), (2), (3) and (4) of regulation 22.

30. (5) Crawling ladders and crawling boards provided in pursuance ofparagraph (3) or (4) shall be -

(a) of good construction, suitable and sufficient material, adequate

strength for the purposes for which they are used, free from patent defectand properly maintained;

(b) properly supported; and

(c) securely fixed or anchored to the sloping surface or over the roofridge or securely fixed in some other effective way, so as, in every case, toprevent slipping.

30. (6) The provision of crawling ladders or crawling boards shall not berequired in the case of any sloping roof where the handhold and footholdafforded by the battens or other similar members of the structure are such thatthe said sloping roof is as safe for every person thereon as it would be if the saidprovision had been made.

30. (7) The requirements of paragraph (4) shall apply only in the case ofany sloping roof from the eaves of which a person is liable to fall a distance ofmore than 6 feet 6 inches.

30. (8) Suitable and sufficient means shall be provided to prevent the fall ofmaterials or articles from a sloping roof.

Work on or near fragile materials.31. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of regulations 28 and 30. noperson shall pass across, or work on or from material which would be liable tofracture if his weight were to be applied to it and so situated that if it were to beso fractured he would be liable to fall a distance of more than 6 feet 6 inches,unless such suitable and sufficient ladders or crawling ladders or crawling boardsor duck-boards (which shall in any case be securely supported and, if necessary.secured so as to prevent theft slipping) as are necessary are provided and so


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used that the weight of any person so passing or working is wholly or mainlysupported by such ladders or boards unless his weight is supported by otherequally safe and sufficient means.

31. (2) Without prejudice to the provisions of regulations 28 and 30 no

person shall pass or work near material of the kind and situated as specified inparagraph (1) unless provision is made by means of such suitable guard-rails. orsuitable coverings, or other suitable means as are necessary for preventing. sofar as reasonably practicable, any person so passing or working from fallingthrough the said material.

31. (3) Where any person passes across or near or works on or nearmaterial of the kind and situated as specified in paragraph (1) prominent warningnotices shall, except where the material consists wholly of glass. be affixed at theapproaches to the place where the material is situated.

31. (4) References in this regulation to a persons weight shall beconstrued as references to the aggregate of his weight and that of anything hemay for the time being be supporting by his person.

31. (5) All plant and equipment provided in pursuance of this regulationshall be of good construction, suitable and sound material adequate strength forthe purpose for which it is used, free from patent defect and properly maintained.

Loads on scaffolds.32. (1) A scaffold shall not be overloaded and so far as practicable theload thereon shall be evenly distributed.

32. (2) When any material is transferred on or to a scaffold it shall bemoved or deposited without imposing any violent shock Materials shall not bekept upon a scaffold unless needed for work within a reasonable time.

Prevention of falls and provision of safety nets and belts.33. If the special nature or circumstances of any part of the work or ofthe access thereto or the egress therefrom render impracticable compliance withthe provisions of these Regulations designed to prevent the fall of any personsengaged on that part of the work, then those provisions shall be complied with sofar as practicable and except for persons for whom there is adequate handholdand foothold either there shall be provided suitable nets or safety sheets or thereshall be available safety belts attached continuously to a suitable and securelyfixed anchorage or other contrivances which will so far as practicable enablesuch persons to carry out their work without risk of serious injury.

All safety nets, safety belts and other equipment provided in pursuance ofthis regulation shall be properly maintained.


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PART IIILifting Appliances

Construction, maintenance and inspection.34. (1) Every lifting appliance and every part thereof including all working

gear and all other plant or equipment used for anchoring or fixing suchappliances shall

(a) be of good mechanical construction, sound material, adequatestrength and free from patent defect;

(b) be properly maintained;

(c) as far as the construction permits be inspected at least once inevery week by the driver, if competent for the purpose or some othercompetent person.

34. (2) A report of the results of every such inspection signed by theperson carrying out the inspection, shall be made forthwith in the form set out asForm No. 2 in the First Schedule and containing the particulars thereinspecified.

Support, anchoring, fixing and erecting.35. (1) Every lifting appliance shall be adequately and securely supported.

35. (2) Every part of a stage, scaffold, framework or other structure, andevery mast, beam, pole or other article of plant or equipment, supporting a liftingappliance or any part thereof shall (having regard to the nature of the liftingappliance, its lifting and reaching capacity and the circumstances of its use) be ofgood construction and adequate strength and shall be of sound material and freefrom patent defect.

35. (3) Every part of the framework of every crab or winch, including itsbearers, shall be of metal.

35. (4) Any anchoring or fixing arrangements provided in connection with alifting appliance shall be adequate and secure.

35. (5) In the case of a crane which is on occasion dismantled or partiallydismantled, any jib or boom which is separated from the crane in dismantlingshall be clearly marked so as to indicate the crane of which it was a part.

35. (6) Every temporary attachment or connection of a rope, chain or otherplant or equipment, used in the erection or dismantling of any lifting applianceshall be adequate and secure.


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Precautions where lifting appliance has travelling or slewing motion.36. (1) On every stage, gantry or other place where a lifting appliancehaving a travelling or slewing motion is in use, an unobstructed passageway notless than 2 feet wide shall be maintained between any part of the appliance liableso to move and any guard-rails, fencing or other nearby fixture:

Provided that if at any time it is impracticable to maintain such a passageway atany place or point all reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent the access ofany person to such place or point, at such time.

36. (2) Every such lifting appliance shall be provided with effective meansof warning persons liable to be struck by the appliance or any load carriedthereon.

Platforms for crane drivers and signallers.37. (1) Where a platform is provided for the person or persons operating a

crane, or for any signaller, it shall be

(a) of sufficient area for the persons employed thereon;

(b) close planked or plated; and

(c) provided with safe means of access,

and every side of every such platform, being a side thereof from which a personis liable to fall a distance of more than 6 feet 6 inches shall be provided with asuitable guard-rail or guard-rails of adequate strength to a height of at least 3 feet6 inches above the platform and above any raised standing place on theplatform, and with toe-boards up to a sufficient height being in no case less than6 inches and so placed as to prevent as far as possible the fall of persons,materials and tools from such platform.

37. (2) The space between any toe-board and the lowest guard-rail aboveit on any platform for the person or persons driving or operating a crane, or forany signaller, shall not exceed 30 inches.

37. (3) Guard-rails and toe-boards required by this regulation may beremoved or remain unerected only for the time and to the extent necessary forthe access of persons or the movement of materials.

Cabins for drivers.38. (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, the driver of everypower-driven lifting appliance shall be provided with a suitable cabin which shall

(a) afford him adequate protection from the weather; and


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(b) be so constructed as to afford ready access to such parts of thelifting appliance as are within the cabin and need periodic inspection ofmaintenance,

so, however, that no cabin shall be provided which prevents the driver from

having such clear and unrestricted view as is necessary for the safe use of theappliance.

38. (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply

(a) in cases where the driver is indoors or otherwise adequatelyprotected from the weather; or

(b) to a hoist other than a hoist operated only from one positionalongside the winch; or

(c) to lifting appliances mounted on wheels and having a maximumsafe working load of one ton or less; or

(d) to any machine incorporating a lifting appliance where the primarypurpose of that machine is not that of a lifting appliance; or

(e) to lifting appliances for occasional use or for use for only shortperiods.

Drums and pulleys.39. Every drum or pulley around which the chain or wire rope n~ of anylifting appliance is carried shall be of suitable diameter and pa~ construction forthe chain or rope used. Every chain or rope which terminates at the winding drumof a lifting appliance shall be properly secured thereto and at least two turns ofsuch chain or rope shall -remain on the drum in every operating position of theappliance.

Brakes control, safety devices, etc.40. (1) Every crane, crab and winch shall be provided with an efficientbrake or brakes or other safety device which will prevent the fall of the load whensuspended, and by which the load can be effectively controlled whilst beinglowered.

40. (2) Every crane, so far as reasonably practicable, shall be providedwith a suitable automatic device which will ensure that the point of attachment forthe load comes to rest at a point below the highest point to which the point ofattachment can travel.

40. (3) On every lifting appliance every lever, handle, switch or otherdevice provided for controlling the operation of any part of the appliance being a


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lever, handle, switch or other device whose accidental movement ordisplacement is liable to cause danger, shall where practicable (unless it is soplaced or the appliance is so constructed as to prevent accidental movement ordisplacement), be provided with a suitable spring or other locking arrangement toprevent the accidental movement or displacement:

Provided that in the case of a lifting appliance which at the 1st day of October,1968 is used and so long thereafter as it is continued to be used, it shall besufficient if the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) are complied with withintwo years from the aforesaid date.

40. (4) Every lever, handle, switch or other device provided for controllingthe operation of any part of a lifting appliance shall have upon or adjacent to itclear markings to indicate its purpose and mode of operation:

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to rotating handles for raising or

lowering the load in the case of a winch or non-derricking jib cranes not operatedby mechanical power.

Safe means of access.41. Where any person engaged on the examination, repair orlubrication of any lifting appliance is liable to fall a distance of more than 6 feet 6inches there shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be provided andmaintained safe means of access to and egress from the place at which theperson has to work, with (where necessary) adequate handholds and footholds.

Poles or beams supporting pulley blocks or gin wheels.42. No pulley block or gin wheel suspended from or supported by apole or beam shall be used for raising or lowering materials unless it is effectivelysecured to the pole or beam and the pole or beam

(a) is of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is being used;and

(b) is adequately and properly secured so as to support the pulleyblock or gin wheel and the load with safety and so as to prevent unduemovement of the pole or beam.

Stability of lifting appliance.43. (1) Appropriate precautions shall be taken to ensure the stability oflifting appliances used on a soft or uneven surface or on a slope.

43. (2) No crane shall be used for raising or lowering unless, so as toensure stability, it is either

(a) securely anchored; or


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(b) adequately weighted by suitable ballast which shall be properlyplaced on the crane structure and sufficiently secured to prevent its beingaccidentally displaced.

No part of any rails on which a crane is mounted or the sleepers supporting suchrails shall be used as anchorage for this purpose.

43. (3) The whole of the appliances for the anchorage or ballasting of acrane shall be examined by a competent person on each occasion before thecrane is erected.

43. (4) After each erection of a crane on a site of operations or works towhich these Regulations apply and after each removal of a crane about or tosuch a site, or any adjustment to any member of a crane, being a removal oradjustment which involves changes in the arrangements for anchoring or

ballasting the crane, the security of the anchorage or the adequacy of theballasting, as the case may be, shall, before the crane is taken into use, betested by a competent person, by the imposition either

(a) of a load of twenty-five per cent above the maximum load to belifted by the crane as erected at the positions where there is the maximumpull on each anchorage; or

(b) of a less load arranged to provide an equivalent test of theanchorage or ballasting arrangements.

A report of every such test and the results thereof: signed by the person carryingout the test, shall be made forthwith in the form set out as Form No. 3 in theFirst Schedule and containing the particulars Form No. 3, specified therein.

43. (5) Where the stability of a crane is secured by means of removableweights a diagram or notice indicating the position and amount of such weightsshall be affixed on the crane where it can be readily seen.

43. (6) No crane shall be used or erected under weather conditions likelyto endanger its stability. After exposure to weather conditions likely to haveaffected the stability of a crane, the anchorage arrangements and ballast shall beexamined by a competent person as soon as practicable and before the crane isused, and such steps as may be necessary shall be taken to ensure the stabilityof the crane.

Rail mounted cranes.44. (1) All rails on which a crane moves shall -

(a) be supported on a surface sufficiently firm to prevent undue


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movement of the rails;

(b) have an even running surface, be sufficiently supported and ofadequate section;

(c) be jointed by fish plates or double chairs;

(d) be securely fastened to sleepers or bearers;

(e) be laid in straight lines or in curves of such radii that the crane canbe moved freely and without danger of derailment; and

(f) be provided with adequate stops of buffers on each rail at each endof the track.

All rails and equipment referred to in this paragraph shall be properly maintained:

Provided that sub-paragraphs (c) and (d) shall not apply in the case of cranes onbridge rails or in the case of any crane if other adequate steps are taken toensure the proper junction of the rails and to prevent any material variation intheir gauge.

44. (2) In the case of every crane mounted on rails either

(a) the crane shall be provided with effective brakes for the travellingmotion; or

(b) sprags, scotches or chocks shall be available and used whennecessary.

44. (3) Every travelling crane on rails shall be provided with guards toremove from the rails any loose materials likely to cause danger.

44. (4) Where a Scotch derrick crane is mounted on more than one bogie,trolley or wheeled carriage, the crane sleepers or land ties, and if necessary thebogies, trolleys or wheeled carriages shall be rigidly braced and properlyconnected together, and the rails on which each bogie, trolley or wheeledcarriage moves shall be level. The crane shall be moved on the track only in amanner not liable to cause instability, rocking or distortion either of the cranestructure or of the supporting framework or track.

Cranes with derricking jobs.45. On every crane having a derricking jib operated through a clutch thereshall be provided and properly maintained an effective interlocking arrangementbetween the derricking clutch and the pawl sustaining the derricking drum whichshall ensure that the clutch cannot be disengaged unless the pawl is in effective


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engagement with the derricking drum and the pawl cannot be disengaged unlessthe clutch is in effective engagement with the derricking drum:

Provided that this regulation shall not apply to any crane in which

(a) the hoisting drum and the derricking drum are independently driven;or

(b) the mechanism driving the derricking drum is self-locking.

Restriction on use of cranes.46. (1) Without prejudice to paragraph (2), the hoisting mechanism of acrane shall not be used for any purpose other than raising or cranes, lowering aload vertically unless no undue stress is imposed on any part of the cranestructure or mechanism, and the stability of the crane is not thereby endangeredand unless such use is supervised by a competent person.

46. (2) A crane with derricking jib shall not be used with the jib at a radiusexceeding the maximum radius required to be specified for the jib in thecertificate of test and examination required by regulation 51.

Use of cranes with timber structural member prohibited.47. No crane which has any timber structural member shall be used.

Erection of cranes under supervision.48. A crane shall not be erected except under the supervision of a competentperson.

Competent persons to operate lifting appliances and give signals.49. (1) A lifting appliance shall not be operated otherwise than by a persontrained and competent to operate that appliance except that it shall bepermissible for the appliance to be operated by a and person who is under thedirect supervision of a qualified person for the purpose of training.

49. (2) No person under eighteen years of age shall be employed (exceptunder the direct supervision of a competent person for the purpose of training)either to give signals to the operator of any lifting appliance driven by mechanicalpower or to operate any such appliance.

49. (3) If the person operating a lifting appliance has not a clear andunrestricted view of the load or, where there is no load, of the point of attachmentfor a load and of its vicinity, throughout the operation, except at any place wheresuch view is not necessary for safe working, there shall be appointed andsuitably stationed one or more competent persons as may be necessary to givenecessary signals to the operator.


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Signals.50. (1) Every signal given for the movement or stopping of a liftingappliance shall be distinctive in character and such that the person to whom it isgiven is able to hear or see it easily.

50. (2) Devices or apparatus used for giving sounds, colour or light signalsfor the purposes aforesaid shall be properly maintained and the means ofcommunication shall be adequately protected from accidental interference.

Testing and examination of cranes, etc.51. (1) Subject to paragraph (3), no crane, crab or winch shall be usedafter any substantial alteration or repair affecting its strength or stability until ithas been tested and thoroughly examined by a competent person and no pulleyblock, gin wheel or sheer legs shall, after any substantial alteration or repair, beused in the raising or lowering of any load weighing one ton or more until it hasbeen tested and thoroughly examined by a competent person.

51. (2) Subject to paragraph (3), no lifting appliance shall be used unless ithas been thoroughly examined by a competent person within the previousfourteen months and since it has undergone any substantial alteration or repair.

51. (3) Nothing in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall apply to a hoist.

51. (4) No crane, crab, winch, pulley block or gin wheel shall be usedunless there has been obtained in the form set out as Form No. 4 or Form No. 5in the First Schedule, as the case may be, as respects the kind of liftingappliance tested and examined, a certificate of any test and examination requiredby paragraphs (1) and (2) signed by the person making or responsible for thecarrying out of the test and examination and specifying

(a) the safe working load or loads;

(b) in the case of a crane with a variable operating radius (including acrane with a derricking jib) the radii of the jib, trolley or crab appropriate tothe specified safe working loads; and

(c) in the case of a crane with a derricking jib, the maximum radius atwhich the jib may be worked.

51. (5) A report of the results of every test or examination required byparagraphs (1) and (2) in the form and including the particulars set out as FormNo. 6 in the First Schedule and signed by the person carrying out theexamination shall be made within 28 days:

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a test or examination of which acertificate has been obtained in accordance with paragraph (4).


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51. (6) The person making the report of any test or examination requiredby paragraphs (1) and (2) shall within 28 days of the completion of the test orexamination send to the Chief Factory Inspector a copy of the report in everycase where the test or examination shows that the plant or equipment cannot

continue to be used with safety unless certain repairs are carried out immediatelyor within a specified time.

Marking of safe working loads.52. (1) The safe working load or safe working loads and a means ofidentification shall be plainly marked

(a) upon every crane, crab or winch:

(b) upon every pulley block, gin wheel, sheer legs, derrick pole orderrick mast used in the raising or lowering of any load weighing one ton

or more.

52. (2) Every crane of variable operating radius (including a crane with aderricking jib) shall

(a) have plainly marked upon it the safe working load at various radii ofthe jib, trolley or crab, and in the case of a crane with a derricking jib, themaximum radius at which the jib may be worked; and

(b) be fitted with an accurate indicator, clearly visible to the driver,showing the radius of the jib, trolley or crab at any time and the safeworking load corresponding to that radius.

Load not to exceed safe working loads.53. None of the following appliances, nor any part of any suchappliance, shall be loaded beyond the safe working load, that is to say, cranes,crabs, winches, pulley blocks, gin wheels, sheer legs, derrick loads, poles andderrick masts, so, however, that for the purpose of making tests of any suchappliance the safe working load may be exceeded by such an amount as acompetent person appointed to carry out the tests may authorize.

Precautions on raising or lowering loads.54. (1) Where there is lifted on a crane, crab, winch (other than a pilingwinch), sheer legs or aerial cableway a load which is equal to or slightly less thanthe relevant safe working load and which is not already sustained wholly by theappliance, the lifting shall be halted after the load has been raised a shortdistance and before the operation is proceeded with.

54. (2) Where more than one lifting appliance is required to raise or lowerone load


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(a) the plant or equipment used shall be so arranged and fixed that nosuch lifting appliance shall at any time be loaded beyond its safe workingload or be rendered unstable in the raising or lowering of the load: and

(b) a competent person shall be specially appointed to supervise theoperation.

Scotch and guy derrick cranes.55. (1) The jib of a Scotch derrick crane shall not be erected derrickbetween the back stays of the crane.

55. (2) No load which lies in the angle between the back stays of a Scotchderrick crane shall be moved by that crane.

55. (3) Appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent the foot of the king

post of any Scotch derrick crane from being lifted out of its socket of supportwhilst in use.

55. (4) Where the guys of a guy derrick crane cannot be fixed atapproximately equal inclinations to the mast and so that the angles betweenadjacent pairs of guys are approximately equal such other measures shall betaken as will ensure the stability of the crane.

PART IVChains, Ropes and Lifting Gear

Construction, testing, examination and safe working load.56. (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2), no chain, rope or liftinggear shall be used in raising or lowering as a means of suspension unless

(a) it is of good construction, sound material, adequate strength, suitablequality, and free from patent defect; and

(b) (except in the case of a wire rope used before the 1st day ofOctober, 1968, or of a fibre rope sling) it has been tested and examined bya competent person and there has been obtained in the form set out asForm No. 7, or in the case of wire rope, Form No. 8 in the First Schedulea certificate of such test and examination specifying the safe working loadand signed by the person making or responsible for the carrying out of thetest and examination; and

(c) it is marked in plain legible figures and letters with the safe workingload and means of identification.

56. (2) No wire rope shall be used in raising or lowering or as a means of


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suspension if in any length of ten diameters the total number of visible brokenwires exceeds five per cent of the total number of wires in the rope.

56. (3) No chain, rope or lifting gear shall be loaded beyond its safeworking load except for the purpose of making tests and then only to such extent

as a competent person appointed to carry out the tests may authorize.

Testing of chains, links, etc. altered or repaired by welding.57. No chain, ring, link, hook, plate clamp, shackle, swivel or eye of boltwhich has been lengthened, altered or repaired by welding shall be used inraising or lowering or as a means of suspension unless since such lengthening,alteration or repair it has been tested and welding. thoroughly examined by acompetent person and there has been obtained in the form set out as Form No. 7in the First Schedule a certificate of such test and thorough examination signedby him or by the person responsible for the carrying out of the test and thoroughexamination and specifying the safe working load:

Provided that the requirements of this regulation as to testing and certificationshall not apply to a chain attached to the bucket of either a dragline or anexcavator.

Hooks.58. Every hook used for raising or lowering or as a means ofsuspension shall either

(a) be provided with an efficient device to prevent the displacement ofthe sling or load from the hook; or

(b) be of such shape as to reduce as far as possible the risk of suchshape displacement.

Slings.59. (1) Every sling used for raising or lowering on a lifting suns applianceshall be securely attached to the appliance, and the method of attachment shallnot be a method likely to result in damage to any part of the sling or to any liftinggear supporting it.

59. (2) No double or multiple sling shall be used for raising or lowering if

(a) the upper ends of the sling legs are not connected by means of ashackle, ring or link of adequate strength; or

(b) the safe working load of any sling leg is exceeded as a result of theangle between the sling legs.

Edges of load not to come into contact with slings, etc.


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60. Adequate steps shall be taken by the use of suitable packing orotherwise to prevent the edges of the load from coming into contact with anysling, rope or chain, where this could cause danger.

Knotted chains, etc.

61. (1) A load shall not be raised, lowered or suspended on a chain or wirerope which has a knot tied in any part of the chain or rope chain, etc. under directtension.

61. (2) No chain which is shortened or joined to another chain by means ofbolts and nuts inserted through the links shall be used for raising, lowering orsuspending any load.

Examination of chains, ropes and lifting gear.62. (1) No chain, rope or lifting gear shall be used for raising or lowering oras a means of suspension unless it has been thoroughly examined by a

competent person at least once within the previous six months.

62. (2) A report of the results of every such examination in the form andincluding the particulars set out as Form No. 9 in the First Schedule and signedby the person carrying out the examination shall be made forthwith.

Annealing of chains and lifting gear.63. A chain or lifting gear (other than a rope sling or lifting gear of a class ordescription specified in the Second Schedule, or exempted by certificate of theChief Factory Inspector upon the ground that it is made of such material or soconstructed that it cannot be subjected to heat treatment without risk of damage)shall not be used in raising or lowering or as a means of suspension unless

(a) it has been effectively annealed or subjected to some appropriateform of heat treatment under the supervision of a competent person withinthe previous fourteen months or, in the case of chains, or slings or half-inch bar or smaller material, within the previous six months, so, however,that chains or lifting gear not in regular use or used solely on liftingappliances worked by hand need be annealed or subjected to appropriateheat treatment only when necessary: and

(b) a report has been made in the form and including the particulars setout as Form No. 10 in the First Schedule of every annealing orappropriate heat treatment and signed by the competent person underwhose supervision the annealing or heat treatment was carried out.

PART VSpecial Provisions as to Hoists


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Safety of hoistways, platforms and cages.64. (1) The hoistway of every hoist shall at all points at which access to thehoistway is provided or at which persons are liable to be struck by any movingpart of the hoist be efficiently protected by a substantial enclosure, and theenclosure shall, where access to the hoist is needed, be fitted with gates. Such

enclosure and gates shall where practicable extend to a height of at least 6 feet 6inches except where a lesser height is sufficient to prevent any person fallingdown the hoistway and there is no risk of any person coming into contact withany moving part of the hoist, but shall in no case be less than 3 feet 6 inches.Gates so fitted shall be kept closed except at a landing place where the platformor cage is at rest and it is for the time being necessary for the gate to be open forthe purpose of loading or unloading goods, plant or material or to allow personsto enter or leave the cage; and without prejudice to the obligation of everycontractor and employer of workmen under these Regulations, it shall be the dutyof every person immediately after using the gateway, to see that the gate isclosed unless it is for the time being necessary for the gate to be open for any of

the purposes aforesaid.

64. (2) In connection with every hoist there shall where practicable beprovided and maintained efficient devices which will support the platform, cage,skip or bucket together with its safe working load in the event of failure of thehoist, rope or ropes or any part of the hoisting gear.

64. (3) In connection with every hoist there shall be provided andmaintained efficient automatic devices which will ensure that the platform or cagedoes not over-run the highest point to which it is for the time being constructed totravel.

Operation of hoists.65. (1) The construction and the installation arrangements of every hoistshall where practicable be such that it can be operated at any one time only fromone position and a hoist shall not be operated from the cage unless therequirements of regulation 70 are complied with.

65. (2) If a person operating a hoist has not a clear and unrestricted viewof the carriage, platform or cage throughout its travel, except at points wheresuch a view is not necessary for safe working, then effective arrangements shallbe made for signals for operating the hoist to be given to him from each landingplace at which the hoist is used and to enable him to stop the carriage, platformor cage at the appropriate level.

Winches.66. Where a hoist is operated by means of a winch, the winch shall be soconstructed that the brake is applied when the control lever, handle or switch isnot held in the operating position, and the winch shall not be a winch fitted with apawl and ratchet gear on which the pawl has to be disengaged before the


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platform or cage can be lowered.

Safe working load and marking of hoists.67. The safe working load shall be plainly marked on every hoistplatform, cage or carriage and no load greater than that load shall be carried

except that for the purpose of carrying out a test; the safe working load may beexceeded by such amount as a competent person appointed to carry out the testmay authorize. In the ease of a hoist used for carrying persons the maximumnumber of persons to be carried at any one time shall also be so marked, and agreater number of persons shall not be so carried. In the case of any other hoistthere shall be a readily legible notice on the platform or cage stating that thecarriage of persons is prohibited.

Test and examination of hoists.68. (1) No hoist shall be used unless

(a) in the case of a hoist manufactured or substantially altered orsubstantially repaired after the 1st day of October. 1968, it has since suchmanufacture, alteration or repair, as the case may be, been tested andthoroughly examined by a competent person, and there has beenobtained in the form and including the particulars set out as Form No. 11in the First Schedule a certificate of such test and examination signed bythe person making or responsible for the carrying out of the test andexamination and specifying the safe working load of the hoist and in theease of a hoist used for carrying persons the maximum number of personsto be carried at any one time;

(b) in the case of use for carrying persons, it has, since it was lasterected or the height of travel of the cage was last altered, whichever isthe later, been tested and thoroughly examined by a competent personand a report of the results of such test and examination in the form andincluding the particulars set out as Form No. 12 in the First Scheduleand signed by the person making or responsible for the carrying out of thetest and examination, has been made:

(c) it has been thoroughly examined by a competent person at leastonce within the previous six months.

68. (2) A report in the form and including the particulars set out as FormNo. 13 in the First Schedule of the results of every examination required by sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (1), signed by the person making or responsible forthe carrying out of the examination, shall be made within twenty-eight days.

68. (3) The person making the report of any test or examination requiredby paragraph (1), shall within twenty-eight days of the completion of the test andexamination send to the Chief Factory Inspector a copy of the report in every


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case where the test or examination shows that the hoist cannot continue to beused with safety unless certain repairs are carried out immediately or within atime specified in the report.

PART VICarriage of Persons and Secureness of Loads

Carrying persons by means of lifting appliances.69. (1) No person shall be raised, lowered or carried by a power drivenlifting appliance except

(a) on the drivers platform of a crane; or

(b) on a hoist; or

(c) on a suspended scaffold; or

(d) as permitted by paragraph (2).

69. (2) A person may be raised, lowered or carried by a crane otherwisethan in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraphs (a), (1) and (c) ofparagraph (1) only in circumstances where the use of a hoist or a suspendedscaffold is not reasonably practicable and the requirements of paragraph (3) arecomplied with.

69. (3) No person shall be carried except

(a) in a suitable chair or cage; or

(b) in a suitable skip or other receptacle at least 3 feet 6 inches deep.

and any such chair, cage, skip or other receptacle shall be of good construction,sound material, adequate strength and properly maintained, and shall beprovided with suitable means to prevent any occupant from falling out and shallnot contain material or tools liable to interfere with his handhold or foothold orotherwise endanger him.

Suitable measures shaft be taken to prevent the chair, cage, skip or otherreceptacle from spinning or tipping in a manner dangerous to any occupant.

Hoists carrying persons.70. (1) No person shall be carried by a hoist unless it is provided Hoistswith a cage which

(a) is so constructed as to prevent, when the cage gate or gates are


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shut, any person carried from falling out or from being trapped betweenany part of the cage and any fixed structure or other moving part of thehoist or from being struck by articles or materials falling down thehoistway; and

(b) is fitted on each side from which access is provided to a landingplace with a gate which, so far as is reasonably practicable, shall haveefficient interlocking or other devices to secure that the gate cannot beopened except when the cage is at a landing place and that the cagecannot be moved away from any such place until the gate is closed.

70. (2) Every gate in the hoistway enclosure of a hoist used for carryingpersons shall be fitted with efficient interlocking or other devices to ensure thatthe gate cannot be opened except when the cage is at the landing place. andthat the cage cannot be moved away from the landing place until the gate isclosed.

70. (3) In connection with every hoist used for carrying persons there shallbe provided suitable efficient automatic devices which will ensure that the cagecomes to rest at a point above the lowest point to which the cage can travel.

Secureness of loads.71. (1) Every part of a load shall be securely suspended or supportedwhilst being raised or lowered and shall be adequately secured to prevent dangerfrom slipping or displacement.

71. (2) Every container or receptacle used for raising or lowering stone,blocks, tiles or other object shall be so enclosed, constructed or designed as toprevent the accidental fall of such objects:

Provided that this requirement shall not apply to a grab, shovel or other similarexcavating receptacle if effective steps are taken to prevent any person beingendangered by a fall of objects therefrom.

71. (3) Goods or loose material shall not be placed directly on a platform ofa hoist unless such platform is enclosed or other effective precautions are takenwhere necessary to prevent the fall of any such goods or material.71. (4) No truck or wheelbarrow shall be carded on a hoist platform unlessit is efficiently scotched or secured on the platform.

71. (5) No loaded truck or wheelbarrow shall be carried on the openplatform of a hoist unless the truck or wheelbarrow is so loaded that no part ofthe load is liable to fall off.

71. (6) No load shall be left suspended from a lifting appliance unless acompetent person is actually in charge of the appliance.


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71. (7) Where by reason of the nature or position of the operation a load isliable, whilst being moved on a lifting appliance or lifting gear, to come intocontact with any object so that the object may become displaced, specialmeasures shall be adopted to prevent the danger so far as reasonably

practicable.

PART VIISupervision of Safe Conduct of Work

Appointment of Safety Supervisors.72. Every contractor, and every employer of workmen, who under-takes operations or works to which these Regulations apply and who normallyemploys more than fifty persons thereon at any one time (whether or not all thosepersons are employed on the same site or are all at work at any one time) shall

specifically appoint in writing one or more persons experienced in suchoperations or works and suitably qualified for the purpose to be specially chargedwith the duties

(a) of advising the contractor or employer as to the observance of therequirements for the safety or protection of persons employed imposed bythese Regulations and as to other safety matters; and

(b) of exercising a general supervision of the observance of theseRegulations and other safety matters and of promoting the safe conduct ofthe work generally.

Other duties and joint appointment of Safety Supervisors.73. (1) The duties assigned to any person appointed under regulation 72by the contractor or employer appointing him, including any duties other thanthose mentioned in that regulation, shall not be such as to prevent that personfrom discharging with reasonable efficiency the duties assigned to him under thatregulation.

73. (2) Nothing in these Regulations shall be construed as preventing thesame person or persons being appointed for a group of sites or as preventingtwo or more contractors or employers from jointly appointing the same person orpersons.

PART VIIExcavations, Shafts and Tunnels

Supply and use of timber and inspection of excavations, etc.74. (1) An adequate supply of timber of suitable quality or other suitable


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support shall where necessary be provided and used to prevent so as isreasonably practicable and as early as is practicable in the course of the work,danger to any person employed from a fall or dislodgement of earth, rock or othermaterial forming a side or the roof of or adjacent to any excavation, shaft,earthwork or tunnel.

74. (2) Without prejudice to the carrying out of any other examinationfound necessary to ensure compliance with this regulation every part of anyexcavation, shaft, earthwork or tunnel where persons are employed, not being apart to which proviso (a) below applies, shall be specially examined by acompetent person at least once in every period of seven days for the purpose ofassisting to ensure compliance with this regulation and in particular to see thattimber and other support are adequate and in good condition; and a report in theform and including the particulars set out as Form No. 14 in the First Scheduleof the results of every such examination and signed by the person carrying outthe examination shall be made forthwith:

Provided that this regulation shall not apply

(a) to any excavation, shaft or earthwork where, having regard to thenature and slope of the sides of the excavation, shaft or earthwork andother circumstances, no fall or dislodgement of earth or other material soas to bury or trap a person employed or so as to strike a person employedfrom a height of more than four feet is liable to occur; or

(b) in relation to a person actually engaged in timbering or other workwhich is being carried out for the purpose of compliance with thisregulation. if appropriate precautions are taken to ensure his safety as faras circumstances permit.

Supervision and execution of timbering and other work.75. (1) No timbering or other support for any part of an excavation shaft,earthwork or tunnel shall be erected or be substantially added to, altered ordismantled except under the direction of a competent person and so far aspossible by competent workmen possessing adequate experience of such work.All material for any such work shall be inspected by a competent person on eachoccasion before being taken into use and material found defective in any respectshall not be used.

75. (2) Timbering or other support for any part of an excavation shaft,earthwork or tunnel shall be of good construction, sound material, free frompatent defect and of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used andshall be properly maintained.

75. (3) All struts and braces in any excavation, shaft, earthwork or tunnelshall be properly and adequately secured so as to prevent their accidental


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displacement or fall.

Means of egress in case of flooding.76. In any excavation, shaft or tunnel where there is reason toapprehend danger to persons employed therein from rising water or from an

eruption of water or material there shall be provided, so far as practicable, meansto enable such persons to reach positions of safety.

Excavations, etc. likely to reduce security of a structure.77. No excavations, shaft, earthwork or tunnel which is likely to reduce,so as to endanger any person employed, the security or stability of any part ofany structure, whether temporary or permanent, shall be commenced orcontinued unless adequate steps are taken before and during the progress of thework to prevent danger to any person employed from collapse of the structure orthe fall of any part thereof.

Fencing of excavations, etc.78. Every accessible part of an excavation, shaft, pit or opening in theground near to which employed persons are working and into or down a side ofwhich a person is liable to fall a distance of more than 6 feet 6 inches shall beprovided with a suitable barrier placed as close as is reasonably practicable tothe edge, or shall be securely covered:

Provided that the foregoing requirement shall not apply to any part of anexcavation, shaft, pit or opening while (and to the extent to which) the absence ofsuch barrier and covering is necessary for the access of persons or for themovement of plant or equipment or materials.

Safeguarding edges of excavations, etc.79. (1) Material shall not be placed or stacked near the edge of anyexcavation, shaft, pit or opening in the ground so as to endanger personsemployed below.

79. (2) No load or plant or equipment shall be p

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