National Safety: May/June 2012

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CCooppyyrriigghhtt:: 2012 Material appearing in this issue maynot be reproduced without the permission of the editoror publishers in any form whatsoever.The Safety First Association is a non-profit making,privately supported, public service organisation whichaims to prevent accidents by promoting an awareness ofaccident situations as they exist in day-to-day livingamongst members of the community.

Editor: Debbie MyerProduction Editor: Lindsay MyerChairman: Steward ShapiroVice Chairman: Ray StrydomSecretarial & Administration: Ray of SafetyMarketing & Promotions: Ray of SafetySubscriptions: Joh StrydomBoard Members: Debbie Myer

George BrowseJoan de BeurgesWensley MisroleSteward ShapiroWilna Louw-MalanJan Strydom

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The Publishers and Editors are not liable for anydamages or loss incurred as a result of any statementcontained in this magazine. Whilst every effort is madeto ensure accuracy in this publication, neither thePublishers nor Editors accept any responsibility for errorsor omissions in the content and reserve the right to editall contributions. The views expressed in this publicationare not necessarily those of the Publishers or Editors.

National Safety is published by theSafety First Association and is the officialjournal of• The Institute of Safety Management• Southern African Protective

Equipment Marketing Association

National Safety is supported by:• Southern African Institute for

Occupational Hygiene• HASLAC

National Safety incorporates:• Corporate Risk Management• Occupational Hygiene

May/June 2012 Volume 72 No 3

CONTENTS

HASLAC

FEATURE ARTICLESCover Story: DuPont is celebrating 30 years in AfricaSafety beginningsThe future of safety

SAIOHWhat does SAIOH do for me?Going back to basics: Calibrating a sound level meter

SAPEMASAPEMA NewsletterObituary - Rob EllisSouth Africa has a stronger presence in global markets – uvex leads the wayForestry protection from North SafetyThe new automatic tube pump Dräger X-act® Eagle Manufacturing - a tradition in innovation - from VanguardMSA Africa heightens operators' knowledge The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System Pienaar opens a new branch in Kathu, Northern Cape Gloves for comfort and protectionRevolutionary eye protection for a diverse workforce from HSE

IoSMPresident’s Message

From the Secretary’s Desk

Branch news - CapWest

NOSHEBONOSHEBO 2012 Conference

HASLAC Courses and annual schedule

CORPORATE & PRODUCT NEWS

YKK Brass Fasteners engineered for durability

GfG in South Africa since 1970s

March/April 2012 National Safety 1

I can’t believe it is already two years since we held our lastNOSHEBO Conference. It feels like only a few monthsago that we were busy with our last minute preparations,and yet here we are again.

Two years ago it was called SAFECONEX 2010 andincorporated a mini-exhibition. The difference this year isthat it is now known as the NOSHEBO conference and itis running alongside the OSH exhibition which is beingorganised by Montgomery Africa.

We have an exciting line-up of presenters andpresentations planned over the 2 days. It will be a greattime for networking and meeting up with colleagues.

It is also a significant time in the calendar for members ofSAIOH, SAPEMA, IOSM and SFA because all thesocieties’ Annual General Meetings will be held over theperiod. It is important for members to attend thesemeetings, to find out what your society does for you, whatsuccesses your societies have achieved over the past yearand will strive to accomplish over the following year.

The month of June celebrates World Environment Daywhich is an annual event aimed at being the biggest andmost widely celebrated global day for positiveenvironmental action. This annual event started in 1972and has grown to become a very important vehiclethrough which the UN tries to grow worldwide awarenessof the environment. In this way, the UN tries to makeeveyone take responsibility for the environment.

Also celebrated in June is Global Wind Day on the 15th,just before the Rio +20 Global Conference wherethousands of people from all the world join forces topresent and support the concept of the power of windenergy.

By 2030 the world's primary energy consumption isexpected to grow by 40%. The global population which isnow 7 billion people will grow to over 8 billion people -and this is in only 20 years. More than half of the growingfossil fuel consumption will be used to generate powerunless wind power and other renewable energies areboosted. Without much more wind and renewable powerproduction, CO2 emission would explode by over 30%.This means that either global wind power has to beboosted by 2030, or we will be burning 40% more fossilfuel.

A frightening thought, considering the problems wealready experience with energy consumption.

•

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Editor’s Comment

2 National Safety May/June 2012

•

DuPont established its first office in South Africa in 1982, andthis year we are proudly celebrating 30 years in Africa.

Over the past 30 years, the DuPont footprint on the continenthas spread steadily due to our focus on going where the growthis. We worked and will continue working together with partnersto create solutions that effectively address the issues that Africais faced with. At the same time, we helped and will continuehelping our customers win in their markets by focusing on ourthree megatrends.

Food

The first megatrend is the need for increased food production.With an expected population growth of 56% by 2050, Africa isnot only one of the fastest growing populations, but alsoamongst those who will be hit hardest by food insecurity.

Energy

The African content is endowed with a mass of naturalresources that can be harvested for its energy capabilities. So,in addition to increasing food production, we are also focusedon decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, by working with

DuPont is celebrating 30 years in Africa

Cover Story


Since opening the first DuPont office in Africa in 1982, we have worked togetherwith partners to make Africa a safer, better, healthier place.

several major oil suppliers to introduce innovative solutions andthe latest technologies.

Protection

The third area that offers DuPont growth opportunities in Africais protecting people and the environment. We continue todevelop new capabilities for products like our DuPont™Tyvek®, Kevlar® and Nomex® advanced fibers, which areknown world-wide for applications in protective apparel.

Over the past 30 years, we have indeed laid a solid foundationin Africa. We have established a reputation, local relationshipsand a reputation that is strong. Since establishing our footprintin Africa, DuPont has expanded our presence to over 35countries, enabling us to reach key economies in the regionand facilitating a steady growth.

We believe that the future for DuPont is an exciting one andremain committed to making a real difference by creatingsustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life forpeople in Africa, and beyond.

•

Mfanimpela Godfrey Kubheka is Occupational Hygiene Assistant: GijimaOccupational Hygiene and Environmental Services, Mines and Works Team; HumanCapital Management

Going back to basics

by Mfanimpela Godfrey Kubheka

Calibrating a sound level meter

An old proverb states: "If I had four daysto chop down a tree, I'd use the first threedays to sharpen my axe". This approachholds very true for occupational hygieneeven today. The success of our actions isheavily dependant on our preparations.

Like many other instruments used in thefield of occupational hygiene, soundlevel meters need to be calibrated bothinternally and externally. Externalcalibration is done by a South AfricanNational Accreditation System (SANAS)approved laboratory. Internal calibrationshould be done before and after a seriesof measurements have been taken by theuser of the instrument. This article focusesmainly on the correct procedure to befollowed during internal calibration of asound level meter.

Calibration can be defined as theprocess of comparing a standard orinstrument with one of greater accuracy /smaller uncertainty, to obtain quantitativeestimates of the actual values of thestandard being calibrated, the deviationof the actual value from a nominal value,or the difference between the valueindicated by an instrument and the actualvalue.

The South African National Standardscode of practice, SANS 10083:2004,"The Measurement and Assessment ofOccupational Noise for HearingConservation Purposes" requires that asound level meter (SLM) be externallycalibrated once every two years. Theacoustic calibrator (also known as apistophone) must be calibrated onceevery year by a SANAS approvedlaboratory. The code of practice alsorequires a calibrator accuracy of 0.2decibels. Internal calibration must bedone before and after the noise survey orafter conducting a series of noise

measurements. If the pre and postcalibration (acoustic sensitivity) valuesdiffer by more than 1 dB, the measuredvalues cannot be used and need to bediscarded, as some doubt will be placedon the validity of the results obtained. Allthe measurements in this case then needto be repeated.

Figure 1: Depicting the sound level meter.(Picture by E Lourens)

Procedure for SLM calibration:

The acoustic calibrator generates anabsolute pure tone of 114 decibels or dBat a frequency of 1000 Hertz (Hz).

1. Switch on the instrument and wait forit to warm-up while you check thebattery status.

2. Remove the windshield from themicrophone (sensor) of the soundlevel meter.

3. Set the range to 60 - 120 dB for thecalibration and set the frequency to1000 Hz.

4. With care place the calibrator over

the microphone and switch on thecalibrator.

5. By using the FUNCTION key selectSPL and set the frequency weightingfactor to A and then run pulse.

6. Observe the sound pressure level onthe instrument, in this case it is 114.0dB.

Figure 2: Depicting an acoustic calibrator(Pistophone) (picture from industrialphysiology notes, FLG 322, University ofPretoria)

Note: If the displayed value is lower thanthe absolute pure tone on the calibrator,you then need to adjust the instrument'ssetting. The method to do this varies withthe type of SLM used and it is always agood idea to refer to the manual.

Incorporating the correct procedure ofcalibrating your sound level meter will:

• Ensure validity of your results

• Give you a degree of confidence in theresults obtained

• Save you on costs that can be incurredas a result of obtaining invalid results,such as costs of a re-assessment, orcosts of losing clients (jeopardisedreputation)

• Improve or strengthen your qualitymanagement system


•

It is also vital to note that, it is the client'sresponsibility to ensure that the AIAconcerned uses equipment that iscalibrated, this also forms part of thequality management system (QMS). Validcalibration certificates must also beprovided in this regard. Failure to do somay compromise or invalidate the resultsof the survey.

The AIA concerned must ensure that thelaboratory that performed externalcalibration or the calibration laboratoryas referred to in SANS 10083:2004 isable to prove that they can:

a) Prove traceability in accordance withthe Measuring Units and NationalMeasuring Standards Act, 1973 (ActNo. 76 of 1973), as amended by theMeasuring Units and NationalMeasuring Standards AmendmentAct, 1998 (Act No. 24 of 1998);

b) Implement and maintain a qualitymanagement system in accordancewith SANS 10259; and

c) be accredited by a recognisedaccreditor.

Note: If the equipment is repaired, itshould not be put into service before a

comprehensive calibration is undertaken.

We can only produce quality results whenwe ensure that proper steps andprocedures are followed when not onlycalibrating a SLM but also whenconducting occupational hygienesurveys.

Sharpen your axe……

Further reading:

• Department of Labour, South Africa.Occupational Health and Safety Act,Act 85 of 1993,). Pretoria:Government Printer

• Department of Labour, South Africa.Regulations for Hazardous ChemicalSubstances (GN R1179, 25 Aug 1995as amended by GN R930, 25 Jun2003 and GN R683, 27 Jun 2008).Pretoria: Government Printer.

• Harmse, L (2007) Physical agents inthe workplace,2nd ed.

• Plog B A and Quinlan P J (2002)(editors) Fundamentals of IndustrialHygiene, 5th ed. National SafetyCouncil.

• Stanton DW, et al. (2007) MHSCHandbook on mine occupationalhygiene measurements.

• South African National Standards(SANS 10083:2005), Themeasurement and assessment ofoccupational noise for haring andconservation purposes, Ed.5

ARE YOU MEETING ALL OCCUPATIONALAND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES?

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• Indoor air quality assessment• Risk assessors• Occupational hygiene• Environmental consultants

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Email: [email protected]: (031) 206-1244 Fax: (031) 205-2561

Occutech is able to recognise,

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cost-effective controls of

occupational and

environmental hazards

May/June 2012 National Safety 7

•

Well, let's consider:who created an awareness of occupational hygiene in South

Africa and started to organise practitioners more than 35years ago?;

who developed certification procedures for professionaloccupational hygiene practitioners in Southern Africa?;

who set local professional standards and assessments that havenow been recognised by the International OccupationalHygiene Association (IOHA)?;

who lobbied the Departments of Labour and Minerals & Energyto formally recognise and incorporate professionaloccupational hygienists into the Occupational Health andSafety Act and the Mine Health and Safety Act?;

who lobbied to have the title of the draft Occupational Safety &Health Act changed to the final version, OccupationalHealth & Safety Act to emphasise the critical importance ofthe hygiene component of workplace hazards?;

who lobbied the Department of Labour to set up ApprovedInspection Authorities and assisted in the preparation ofthe official AIA Guidelines?;

who actively funded the writing of two of the first localoccupational hygiene textbooks including one inAfrikaans? A third volume is currently in progress?;

who contributed to two SIMRAC occupational hygienehandbooks?;

who developed and funded several guidelines including thoseon risk assessment and hazardous chemical substances?

who nationally and through its regional branches around thecountry assists young hygienists-in-training to accessknowledge and gain practical experience?;

who organises an annual national conference, plus variousseminars and regional workshops where topical issues inoccupational hygiene are discussed and information isfreely shared?;

who maintains international links and keeps us all up-to-datewith worldwide trends in the occupational hygiene fieldthrough organisations such as the InternationalOccupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) which in turn isrecognised by the World Health Organisation and theInternational Labour Office and represents more than 30national occupational hygiene organisations and over 20000 hygienists worldwide?;

who in appreciation of their diligent contribution to variousIOHA committees over a number of years, ensured thatSouth Africa was awarded the honour and prestige ofhosting the 2005 IOHA Scientific Conference at thePilanesberg (SA)?;

who has continued to build international credit for South Africanoccupational hygiene by having its previous representativeassume the presidency of IOHA in 2006 and by its currentrepresentative serve as the Chair of the IOHA NationalAccreditation Recognition Committee?;

who had their national certification system recognised ascompliant to international norms by the IOHA NationalAccreditation Committee in 2006 and allows their logo tobe displayed on your annual certificate?;

who has grown from 20 members in 1979 to almost 625members now in 2012?;

who provides members with a peer-reviewed journal(Occupational Health Southern Africa) and a local SHEmagazine (National Safety)?;

who communicates local and international job advertisementsvia direct email and through its website to members?;

who holds the local licence to manage and control a full set ofcomprehensive occupational hygiene training moduleswhich are underwritten by IOHA and accepted by 20 ofthe major national occupational organisations throughoutthe world?;

who is ready to launch a completely updated website(www.saioh.co.za) with fully interactive member services?;

who is anticipating future legislative requirements andproactively participating in the SAQA accreditation processfor Professional Registration Bodies?;

who is currently preparing the required paperwork andprocedures to enable an application for NationalAccreditation in line with ISO 17024, when it isintroduced? ;

who has initiated quarterly liaison meetings with the Departmentof Labour, and regular meetings with the Mine VentilationSociety, the Department of Mineral Resources, theNational Institute for Occupational Health, and otherrelevant organisations or bodies?; and

who is serving on a working group initiated by the South AfricanNational Accreditation Service (SANAS) to define the ISO17020 accreditation process for AIAs that is planned to beimplemented in the near future?

The answer is SAIOH. And SAIOH hopes to continuedeveloping and protecting the profession and its members andpotential members into the future.

Unfortunately much of this workload is being carried by only asmall group of dedicated volunteers, along with Ray Strydomand his administration team, who give up their valuable timeand energy for your benefit.

What does SAIOH do for me?by Deon Jansen van Vuuren

Regularly I am faced with the grumble "what does SAIOH do for me?"; or "why should Ibelong to SAIOH?"; or even "SAIOH is just an Old Boys Club!".


•

If you want your Institute to continue this vital work then youneed to do your bit too. We need your commitment and activeparticipation in SAIOH’s activities.

There are opportunities for volunteers to serve on Council, onthe Professional Certification Board, or on Branch Committees.If you are unsure of what will be expected of you then why notask to attend one of these meetings as an observer to get a feelfor it. Simply contact the SAIOH office or myself to arrange this.

SAIOH is your Institute, and the only way it will be able to meetall your needs is if you give something back for the wonderfulopportunities that SAIOH has created for you in this excitingprofession.

Hoping to meet you at a future SAIOH meeting or conference.

Deon Jansen van VuurenChair: SAIOH, Professionals Certification [email protected] / 083 632 0489


•

Presentations made to Council:At the National Council meeting on Friday 4 May 2012 variouspresentations were made to stimulate discussions on urgentmatters:

Ms Claudina Nogueira, appointed as the SAIOH InternationalLiaison Officer presented a draft proposal for SAIOHInternational Liaison by focusing on the over-arching aims ofinternational and regional occupational health bodies (e.g.ICOH - International Commission on Occupational Health;IOHA - International Occupational Hygiene Association;ARAOH - African Regional Association of Occupational Health;and SASOM - South African Society of OccupationalMedicine), and how many of their objectives are in line withSAIOH's objectives.

Mr Eddie Brown form SAQA made a presentation to Councilmembers on the current status of professional bodies'registration with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).During this very informative presentation members were guidedthrough the various steps and requirements for applying toregister with SAQA as a professional body. Council was excitedto learn that a lot of work has already been completed to addto the registration process. SAQA defines a professional bodyas a statutory body registered as such in terms of the legislationapplicable to such bodies, or voluntary body performing thefunctions contemplated in the legislation for such bodies but notregistered as such.

National SAIOH Conference:The annual National SAIOH Conference will be held atGallagher Estates Conference Centre on 19 and 20 June thisyear. The conference will be held during the 2012 OSH ExpoAfrica at the same venue under the banner of the NationalOccupational Safety, Health & Environment Board(NOSHEBO). This joining of forces offers delegates a uniqueopportunity to attend the SAIOH presentation, participate indiscussions as well as visit the largest health and safety relatedexhibition in SA.

The programme includes topics on ergonomics risk assessmenttools, human vibration, legal standing of reporting and SANASaccreditation timelines.

For more information on the conference [email protected] or visit our website: www.saioh.co.za.

The SAIOH AGM will take place on the 19th of June from17h00 to 16h30, members not attending the Conference arewelcome to attend the annual general meeting.

For more information on the NOSHEBO conference [email protected]

Fellow membership awarded:Deon Jansen van Vuuren was awarded with a SAIOH Fellowmembership by the SAIOH President, Johann Beukes on behalf ofCouncil.

Deon Jansen van Vuuren had been awarded "Fellow member"of SAIOH at the previous Council meeting. Deon became amember of the former OHASA during 1984, and was laterelected to serve on the management team during 1989. In

1995 he joined IOHSA management committee.

During 2003 Deon was elected to serve on the newlyestablished SAIOH and served as Vice Chairperson of Counciland as Head Assessor on the Certification board.

Deon still serves on Council as well as the Certification Board,now called the Professionals Certification Board (PCB). In 2011Deon was elected Chair Person of IOHA NARC and his term ofoffice will run until 2013.

Congratulations to Deon for the prestigious award!

Liaison members of the SAIOH Councilmeeting:As part of the national SAIOH Council's aim to advance thediscipline of Occupational Hygiene, liaisons are formed withvarious other bodies/institutions and stakeholders. Meetings areregularly held with representatives who are consulted on avariety of matters such as legislation and national andinternational standards. Liaisons have been formed withDepartment of Labour, Department of Minerals & Resources,Mine Ventilation Society of SA, Gauteng Department of Health,SA Bureau of Standards, National Institute of OccupationalHealth and SANAS.

Work is on the way to set up and strengthen contacts withinternational bodies such as the International Commission onOccupational Health (ICOH), African Regional Association ofOccupational Health (ARAOH) and the InternationalOccupational Hygiene Association (IOHA).

From left to right: Marguerite Pullen form SABS, Claudina NogueiraSAIOH International Liaison, Johann Beukes SAIOH President, JosephLegadima from Dept. of Minerals & Resources and Milly Ruiters Dept.of Labour representative.

SAIOH Council would like to remind members to visit the IOHAwebpage at http://www.ioha.net/newsletter.html for the IOHANewsletter Vol 20 No.1 April 2012.


•

YKK Southern Africa

YKK Southern Africa - Conforms tothe newly revised SANS 434 togetherwith the Human EcologicalRequirements

Protective garments consist mainly oftextile fabrics which are held together byslide dasteners (zippers), press studs andbuttons, hook and loop and sewingthreads.

When inferior quality fasteners are used,garments become defective and lose thesafety necessary to protect and seal themagainst potential harm.

YKK Products have been trusted fordecades and are the benchmark ofquality in the Work Wear Industry.

SABS recently revised the relevant parts ofthe SANS 434 and SANS 1822.

The new regulations are now as follows:

SANS 434 General Protective Clothing

Slide fasteners shall comply with therelevant requirements for performanceclass C slide fasteners of SANS 1822 butthe type of slide fastener may be asrequired (see annex A). Metal slidefasteners shall comply with anti-nickelregulations of EN 1811 and EN 12472,they shall be of an intrinsically corrosion-resistant brass metal with 85% copperand 15% zinc alloy content (other thannickel or aluminium). Brass metalfasteners shall not exceed 90 ppm oflead content. The colour of the stringersof a slide fastener shall be an acceptablematch to that of the fabric with which theslide fastener is used.

SANS 1822 Slide Fasteners

d) In the case of metal slide fasteners,when tested in accordance with EN 1811and EN 12472, shall show no signs ofnickel content and shall be of anintrinsically corrosion-resistant brass metalwith 85% copper and 15% zinc alloy

content (other than nickel or aluminium). Brass metal fasteners shallnot exceed 90 ppm of lead content.

The SANS 434 has always prescribed the use of nickel zippers,however due to the recognition of the harmful effects of nickel, theSABS adopted the European Union (EU) Directive EN1811 and EN12472 - Anti-Nickel Regulations and SABS has now prescribed theuse of Brass Zipper. YKK conforms to all the new revisedregulations of the SANS 434

Due to the harsh laundry requirements of protective garments, slidefasteners are required to be highlyengineered so as to be durable.

Metal content is therefore crucial. YKKbrass zippers are made of copper andalloy, in accordance with therequirements of SABS (SANS 434 &SANS 1822) - Metal Content Standard:Copper 85% and Alloy 15%.

Product News


which it will complete with the assistance of the TechnicalCommittees.

It is also spearheading the Training Programme for SalesRepresentatives and new members. This will be launched usingthe completed modules of the Technical Handbook.

Kwazulu Natal Branch

Congratulations to Chairman, Patrick Eleftoriou who recentlygot married.

The Branch is at present, reviewing its programme and hopes tosoon resume its meetings.

Other potential branches

Exco has been looking for some time now into the formation ofa new branch in the Western Cape and hopes that members inthat area will take the lead in the matter. Members are invitedto discuss the benefits of a local branch with Exco

Due to interest from end-users shown in Botswana and Zambia,Exco are considering forming branches in these countries. Anyassistance from members with contacts is appreciated.

Membership

New applications received from SpiderWeb, Adalwa Tradingand Tom Price have been accepted and the process to getthem registered as official members is underway.

We have sadly lost Firwood Safety as a member. Ourmembership (excluding the new members above) now stands at46!

Promotion and marketing

We are very happy to inform you of the year on year increase intraffic on the website.

Month Unique Visitors Number of Visits

2011 2012 2011 2012

Jan 207 382 421 627

Feb 215 393 395 543

March 295 502 500 704

April 241 309 342 487

Keep your eyes open for a request for details of your officesoutside South Africa. We are going to offer our members withoffices in Sub Saharan Africa free promotion on the website.

You will have noticed that we have regular articles in theNational Safety journal and we hope that you find theseinteresting. Any critique or suggestions will be most welcome.

SAPEMA leaflet

NOSHEBO has obtained two adjoining stands at OSH Expo (tobe held on 19, 20 & 21 June at Gallagher Estate).This spacewill be divided equally between the Associations.

The current leaflet is being reviewed and updated and will beavailable on the stand at OSHExpo.

•

2012 Annual General Meeting

The 50th Annual General meeting will be held at GallagherEstate in Midrand on 20 June 2012 at 15h00

Inland Branch going great guns!

The Gauteng branch recently changed its name to "The InlandBranch" to reflect its potential membership source moreaccurately.

It elected a new committee at its meeting in April:

Christo Nel - Uvex Chairman

Mike Freemantle - Safeco Vice-Chairman

Dalene Rissotto - Rebel Footwear Secretary

Neels Coetzee - Protekta Member

Raymond Rainbird - North Safety Member

The branch nominated the following persons to represent it onthe Exco in the next year:

Jay van Rensburg - North Safety

Mark Hoadley - Tamm Industrial

Dalene Rissotto - Rebel Footwear

Andre Eloff - MB Workwear

Our congratulations to the branch committee and Exco Reps,and heartfelt thanks to Mark Hoadley for steering the branch tosuccess through the first years!

The Inland branch meets regularly and has some excellentspeakers and topics. One of the most beneficial was aworkshop about the Consumer Protection Act.

This branch is very active in the Association's matters and hasrecently taken over the production of the Technical Handbook

Obituaries

First of all, we are extremely sad to inform you of the recentpassing of two men who played important roles in SAPEMAthrough the years.

Ron Anderson

Ron Anderson was the chairman of SAPEMA inthe 1990s and led the Association from a verybad patch into a brighter future: he laid thefoundations upon which a very successfulSAPEMA has been moving forward.

Rob Ellis

Rob Ellis will be remembered for his many yearsof dedicated service to SAPEMA and, inparticular of late, his contribution in thedevelopment of the Technical Handbook soonto be published. He was also a past chairman.

Hi Members of SAPEMA!

There is so much currently happening at SAPEMA that we haveto report.


•

by Debbie Myer

It was with deep sadness that familyand friends as well as members of theindustry said farewell to Rob Ellis at hismemorial service on 5th May. Robpassed away after a brief illness on30th April.

Rob obtained a BCom Degree through UNISA during the early1970s for which he studied every evening during his first fiveyears of marriage. He then entered the safety industry in 1980when he founded Tiffy Safety with his wife Eileen. Soonafterwards he joined SAPEMA to embrace the industry. Within afew years, Tiffy Safety had expanded considerably andadditional staff were employed.

Soon after joining SAPEMA, Rob was appointed onto Exco, andover the years continued to give his time, advice and expertise,and remained an active Exco member until his death. His yearsas Chairman of SAPEMA were amongst the most successful thatthe association has enjoyed.

It was Rob who was instrumental in establishing the associationwith National Safety. Not only did he organise the liaison, buthe also compiled the regular question and answer column“Science behind the safety”. When I joined National Safety in1994, Rob was the first person I was introduced to as I was toldthat he was one of the most knowledgeable, enthusiastic andimportant people in the industry, and without a doubt the mosthelpful should I need advice or input. They were right. Rob soonbecame my mentor, my advisor and my friend. He was alwayswilling to provide the help that I needed, no matter how busy hewas at Tiffy Safety. If it was one of his columns that I was waitingfor, or an advert it always arrived on time, and if he wasrunning late, he was immediately on the phone to apologise.

Rob gave all of his attention to any project that he tackled. Hewas a perfectionist and I soon learned this with adverts he

SAPEMA logo and stickers

Small SAPEMA stickers will be made available shortly. You canuse these to show your membership of SAPEMA by stickingthem onto your delivery parcels, envelopes etc.

We hope you have the logo on your stationary. Please contactthe office if you haven’t yet got the vehicle sticker for yourdelivery vehicles.

Technical committees• A new Head of Standards had been appointed at the SA

Bureau of Standards• The Chamber of Mines is busy setting up best practices for

respiratory protection equipment and was invited toparticipate as the voice of the safety suppliers.

• A new standard for the testing of hearing protectionequipment is being drafted

• The Inland Branch Secretary, Dalene Rissotto, is involved inliaising with the footwear manufacturers.

Obituary - Rob Ellis

supplied where everything had to be laid out perfectly and linedup accurately.

In 2010 Rob was awarded the SAPEMA Lifetime Award for allthe work he had done for the Association which included,amongst many other activities, his input on the Handbook andhis marketing of the association. In 1988 he redesigned thelogo, which is the one still being used today, and when theassociation turned 50 in 2011, he was involved in the design ofthe special commemoration logo.

Rob treated everyone with respect. When I visited his offices afew years ago, he wouldn’t sit down to business until he hadintroduced me to all his staff. One of the first things I noticedwhen I visited his property was his attention to detail with thesmall garden that he nurtured at the entrance, and it was thissame attention to detail that he gave to all his products andservices, to running his business, and to his input on theSAPEMA Exco. He was a perfectionist and intolerant of shoddyworkmanship.

Rob didn’t know how to stop and relax. He was continually onthe go, either at work, or after hours with his many hobbiessuch as photography or woodwork in his workshop at home.

Rob was married to Eileen for 44 years. He was a dedicatedfamily man from as far back as his youth when he took chargeof his 2 younger brothers Peter and John, and in later yearssupporting his 2 children, Robert and Debbie, with schoolhome work, sports or any other activity they were involved in.During his latter years, he enjoyed spending all his spare timewith his 5 grandchildren.

His positive attitude remained with him until the end, evenduring his illness, he was philosophical and pragmatic abouthis prognosis.

When I spoke to Eileen, she emphasised what a special manRob was and how much of a privilege it was to have beenmarried to him for such a long time

Our condolences to Rob’s family. We will all miss him.

OSH EXPO & NOSHEBO CONFERENCE

• The exhibition arrangements are in hand and look verypromising, in 2011 around 2000 persons visited theexhibition

• The NOSHEBO conference is being organised by SAIOHand IOSM and the speakers programme has been finalised.Details can be found at www.fairconsultants.co.za ORwww.oshexpoafrica.com

• The "not to be missed" Conference Dinner and Awardsevening will take place on 19 June: details can be found onthe above websites.

• We will be making three awards to deserving members at theawards evening.

We look forward to seeing you there!!Ray of Safety


•

Setting global trends, uvex South Africahas taken on the complete responsibilityfor the additional regions of the MiddleEast and India known as MAI (MiddleEast/Africa/India).

Logistics for support are supplied fromthree sources and co-ordinated betweenuvex South Africa and uvex Germany.

The markets in India, the Middle Eastand Africa are playing an increasinglyimportant role for the uvex Safety Group.

At uvex we have focused on thoseregions that have particularly higheconomic growth rates and we arepursuing a clear objective of intensifyingand expanding our presence in thosemarkets.

South Africans in general have anexcellent reputation abroad because oftheir respected work ethic and theiradaptability to people and cultures.

Evolving out of the South African rainbownation we, as South Africans, areaccustomed to adapting to differentcultures and religions. We must notunderestimate ourselves as we are theproduct of the rainbow nation with itsmany and varied cultures, as well asbeing hard working and resilient. This isa testament to all South Africans from allgroups who excel internationally.

Numerous nationalities live in the MiddleEast and India regions which include:European (German, Dutch, French, etc)UK (British and Scottish)IndianPhillipinoSouth and North AmericanArabicAsian

The management of businesses in theMiddle East and Indian regions isdominated by Indian nationals whichmakes it easy for South Africans to adaptto, due to the fact that South Africa hasthe largest community of Indians in onecountry internationally outside of India.Whereas the Middle East has the largestIndian community in one region.

uvex transferred their Coastal SalesManager, Brett Horter, to Dubai wherehe has settled exceptionally well and theperformance of the region is verypositive.

This growth and presence in developingregions has been compatible with theinternational growth and focus of uvexGermany. This includes Sub-SaharanAfrica where companies from SouthAfrica and internationally are focusingand experiencing excellent growth.

South Africa has a stronger presence in global markets – uvex leads the way

uvex MAI staff at a recent Marketing Meeting in Durban. L-R:- Brett Horter (Sales & MarketingDirector Middle East), Darian Govender (Product Consultant – Coastal and Eastern Cape),Mahendra Dani (Warehouse Controller), Mark Hodges (Financial & Operations Director MAI),Pulkit Dak (Regional Manager West & Central India), Jane Pillay (Financial/Logistics Controller),Hemanshu Hashia (Regional Manager North India), Dhaya Govender (Logistics Administrator),Shirish Sathe (Sales & Marketing Director India), Nimrod Donga (Export Manager Africa),Rakhee Govender (Internal Sales), Darryl Jacobs (RBU Director MAI)

Contact uvex:Pretoria: +27 12 364-6656Durban: +27 31 569-6780Email: [email protected]

member

Corporate News

There are a number of

regional manufacturing initiatives in these areas

producing quality productscomplementing the quality

“Made in Germany” products.

uvex MAI logistics


•

North Saftey Products Africa is proud toannounce their re-entry into the ForestryIndustry in South Africa with theintroduction of the Woodsafe ForestryGear range.The complete kit consists of the following:a) North forestry helmetb) Woodsafe jacketc) Woodsafe forestry trousersd) Woodsafe bib pantse) Chain saw operators glovesf) Brush cutters glovesg) Rebel or Bova Footwear

Forestry Helmet

The forestry helmet is based on the newNorth A29 Safety helmet. The A29 Safetyhelmet complies to the latest SANS1397:2003 specifications. Its clip-onearmuffs with individual spring bandsprovides a more robust flush fitting muff.A forestry visor provides greaterresistance to deforming. A built in peakassists in shading out direct sunlight. Abuilt-in securing mechanism clips thevisor in place.

Woodsafe Jacket

The Woodsafe jacket is manufacturedfrom 58% cotton and 42% polyester withhi-viz orange chest panels and longsleeves. Breathable sections with flystitching on the back panel assists withcooling. The jacket has a breast pocketwith snap fastener and zip, a cell phonepocket, 2 side pockets with flap andadditional zip, an inner pocket with zip, afirst-aid pocket and extended backsection. The jacket also has a circularreflective stripe around the chest.

The new automatic tube pump Dräger X-act® The new automatic tube pump Dräger X-act® 5000 is the first all-in-one solutiondesigned for measurements with Dräger short-term tubes and for sampling tubes andsystems. Ease of operation and a high degree of reliability compliment themeasurement and sampling of gases, vapors and aerosols.

The Dräger X-act® 5000 introduces a new era of gas measurement: Only one deviceis necessary for measuring and sampling. The robust housing supports the use of thepump to perform the daily measuring tasks under tough conditions. The componentsof the pump are corrosion resistant. The internal pump is also designed to useextension hoses up to a length of 30 meters. The IS approved Dräger X-act® 5000can be used for confined space applications and in explosive gas atmospheres -always ready wherever fast and reliable on-site measurements are required using yourDräger Tubes®. The new automatic tube pump offers many features such as:Simplicity of Operation, Automatic transfer of measurement parameters,Measurement in technical gases, Direct settings for sampling.

For more information on the Dräger X-act®5000 please contact Dräger South Africa (Pty) Ltd onTel: 011 465 9959 or visit www.draeger.com

Woodsafe Forestry Trousers

The Woodsafe Forestry Trouser ismanufactured to the latest ENspecifications. EN 381-5 Type A (SANS50381-5:1995) The trouser is designedto protect the wearer from being injuredby a chain saw operating at up to 20meters per second. The protective area ofthe trouser has layers of material whichprovide adequate protection against asaw cut. The trouser has a stretchablegusset, elasticated waist, optionalsuspenders, 2 re-inforced side pockets, 1hip pocket with hook and loop fastener,1 re-inforced ruler pocket and a cellphone pocket. The trouser has orangecoloured warning wedges on the legs.

Forestry protection from North Safety

members

Contact: +27 11 9747062Email: [email protected]

Product News


•

For over 100 years, Eagle ManufacturingCompany has been making products foran ever changing world.

In the beginning, it was glass jars, andlater, the technology that led to theproduction of metal lids for glass jars ledto the production of oilers (1907), steelgasoline cans (1917), metal Type I andType II safety cans (1957), metal oilywaste cans (1962), and safety storagecabinets (1967).

Eagle has built a track record ofsuccessfully adapting to this everchanging world. In 1981, Eagleintroduced the first non-welded,galvanised steel safety cans and in 1987introduced its full line of high densitypolyethylene products. Since 1990, Eaglehas introduced over 150 new products,including its high density polyethylenehazardous waste management products.

In 1997, Eagle introduced its newgeneration of safety storage cabinets.These newly designed and manufacturedcabinets have set new industry standardsfor quality, durability and value.

Eagle remains committed to workingclosely with industry to develop newtechnology and provide a full range ofproducts to meet their needs.

A tradition in innovation

Throughout its history, Eagle has beenuniversally recognised as a leader inproviding innovative products. Thattradition continues today.

From concept, through design andtesting, Eagle’s product developmentgroup utilises state-of-the-art technology.

Innovative design is only one part of asuccessful new product equation. Eagle’smanagement has committed thenecessary resources to ensure thatmanufacturing equipment and processesare also state-of-the art.

Eagle sells Eagle products

Eagle’s brand name – and what it standsfor – remains steadfast in producing topquality and reliable products. The brandtells our customers what they can expect:easy to use features, innovativeapplications, solid value, and exceptionalservice.

Quality assurance for the future

ISO-99001 Certification

In December 1996, Davy Scott RegistrarServices, Inc. certified Eagle’s QualitySystem to the ISO-9001 standard.

In order to maintain and improve uponthese quality standards, Eagle has threecertified ISO-9001 Quality ManagementSystem auditors on staff. Also, semi-annual independent audits areconducted to insure that Eagle continuesto meet ISO-9001 standards.

Eagle’s products are invaluable inthe following situations:

Do you have damaged or leaking drumsof liquid waste materials?

Do you have secondary containment toprotect against leakage or spills ofhazardous liquid waste

Do you have a single-drum mobilepumping station, waste collection stationor drum storage building?

Do you have an area where hazardousmaterials are dispensed into containers?

Do you have approved safety containersfor the safe use and temporary storage offlammable liquids?

Do you have nonmetallic safety canswhere abusive or corrosive conditionsexist or oval safety cans where shelfspace is limited

Do you have any open containers orhazardous liquids being used in yourcleaning operations?

Do you have adequate means ofelectrically bonding your containersduring filling operations?

Do you have drums containingflammable or combustible liquid storedin drum storage cabinets?

Do you have adequate facilities forstorage of corrosives, pesticides or paintand ink products

Do you have flammables andcombustibles stored in safety storagecabinets?

Do you have FM Approved wastereceptacles for discarding oily and wastesolvent rags.

Do you have approved containers forshipping small quantities of hazardousliquids contained in bottles, jars, cans or5 gallon pails?

Do you have flammable or combustiblehazardous waste stored in drum storagecabinets?

Do you have biohazard wastereceptacles for temporary accumulationof waste contaminated with potentiallyinfectious materials?

Product News

member

Eagle Manufacturing - a tradition in innovation

Contact Vanguard Fire &SafetyTel: +27 31 564-3200(Durban)+27 41-484-2222 (Port Elizabeth)Email: [email protected]


•

60 years of success in the safety field. Whata pleasure to be able to say this. As youmight know by now our institute is a round60 years old this year. Yes there have beenthe ups and downs but overall the institutehas grown from strength to strength. Duringthis 60th year we have had the highestnumber of members joining us in the first

five months of any of the 60 years to date.Just to show we are indeed the preferred safety Institute in SouthAfrica.

I was wondering why this is the case? It was easy to come upwith a few reasons why:

• We have a track record of many years of hard work to upliftthe safety profession in southern Africa

• We sold our “system” to the big companies in South Africaand they have bought the value that they are getting from us

• We have professional people managing the institute and ourlong lasting members are of the same calibre

• Our strategy is not to work on short term marketing issues butrather on the issues that will keep us providing a better andbetter service to our members on a continuous basis.

• We are the preferred “supplier” of safety information to thepublic. We received no less than 604 calls during the first 5months of the year to supply safety guidance. What apleasure to be able to assist and through that hopefully wesaved a person’s life.

Just to mention a few

The discussions with our partners are going ahead and we arefeeling positive to see the final outcome soon. It is also nice tohave been recognised by the Department of labour as well asMineral and Energy Resources for the work we are doing in thesafety field.

During May we also met with more partners that want to bepart of us. The discussions were very positive and the wayforward has been paved out. This is a nice position to be in. Wewill also have to resource up to tackle the challenge. But thatwill happen soon.

We had discussions with SAQA as well and we are in theprocess of preparing our submission to them in order for us tobe recognised by them as a professional body. Once thisprocess is completed another few doors will open for ourwonderful Institute

We continue to receive very good feedback from the brancheswith regards to their meetings. The attendance has picked upand good sessions are facilitated. It is also good to see that atone of our branches the different bodies have packed in their“want to be in charge” attitude and are now working togetheras one. This is what we all need to do.

I want to wish each and every delegate at the 2012 NOSHEBO

Philip Fourie

Turn IOSM committees into teams

Moving from committee-based involvementto team-based success is a challenge thatmany organisations like IOSM are facing.In the previous letter I spoke to you aboutthe ‘starter-pack’ which all of our brancheswill (probably have by the time you readthis) receive. I also wrote about the

‘togetherness’ IOSM and its members must have in order tomake IOSM and the Occupational Health and Safetyprofession bigger, stronger and much more successful than italready is. In this edition, I would like to continue with the committee vsteams and how we can work together rather than to only sit,wait and see the direction we think we should go. Real teams have a common vision, a well-defined mission, theywork through processes, they have the resources to makeimportant decisions on their own, and they have coaches tohelp guide them.In contrast, committees don’t often have the resources to moveforward on their own, they don’t have coaches, and they don’twork autonomously on a regular basis. But the starter-pack isbusy changing this view into a team effort. And what some call teams may simply be groups of peopleworking together for a common purpose — like a short-termproject. Outside of the end goal, little holds these peopletogether.

Getting startedIt’s up to you to set the right tone to begin your transformationinto high-performance safety teams. That means establishing ahigh degree of trust where opinions are valued. Know what actions will get you there: You need to know whatactions will help you to create the right climate. And whatmeasurable goals are being used as a yardstick to alignpeoples’ actions with your vision for safety excellence?Think your transformation through: Keep in mind two differentstarting points. First, know which sub-committees or groups canbe kept and begin to transform them into high-performanceteams.Secondly, have some good ideas about the kinds of “newteams” you believe will make a big difference.

Wihan Fourie

President’s Message

From the Secretary’s desk

conference a successful two days. I am sure we will all learn alot and please ensure that no time is wasted. Make use of anyspare time to network and to share good/bad things in thesafety field.

We are already planning a massive NOSHEBO for 2014.

Hope to see you all at NOSHEBO 2012.


•

Elements of true teams1. True team dynamicsa) have clear objectives and clear work tasks to complete; b) have well-defined boundaries for their work; and c) have been given the authority to operate as a team. All of these facets move the group in a direction that helps themto become self-managing, self-sufficient, and increasingly self-sustaining.During our 3 year National Strategic Plan, IOSM has coveredall the bullets above. We rolled them out to our teams and weare now giving the tools to implement them into our teams. 2. Emotionally driven People, in the teams, have to believe in their minds that whatthey’re doing is important and worthwhile, but they also have tobelieve it in their hearts. If we as IOSM do not believe in ourvision, mission and goals, the Institute cannot prosper. 3. Organisational support Teams are made up of individuals who need to be recognisedfor their particular safety related efforts and achievements. With recognition comes support for the team. This is onereason why IOSM National implemented all the systems e.g.Strategic Plan, Starter-pack, Group Membership, Newsletters,Website etc. to allow our teams and members to have all thesupport they need. A critical function is our communication line.Any IOSM member is welcome to contact any of our Nationalteam members at any time, any place. 4. Great coachingThe best of players on the best of teams need great coaching tomeet their goals. Great coaching requires that everyonecontribute to the team’s cause. It requires honesty and

One of our IOSM branches took the initiative to

make our logo and name more visible in the industry

through printed coffee mugs.

This mug is available for all our members. They can

even be purchased for groups or companies as a

‘safety’ gift.

These mugs can be made available by the different

branches to every monthly speaker as a token of

appreciation for their time and effort. It might not be

a big gift, but it will add visibility in the industry.

IOSM COFFEE MUG

openness regarding the team’s direction and focus. It alsonecessitates that team members be pushed outside of theircomfort zones, to take risks that offer greater rewards relative tosafety achievements. Hence our personal development systemand affiliation to OHSAP.

How about it?Teams can make a big difference — but one has to have theright culture and right team attitude in place. Safety teams canmove our industry to another level of achievement but theirassembly, development, and on-going performance has to bebased on the key elements addressed above.

Dear valued memberThank you to those members who have already paid their 2012IOSM fees. This is a reminder to those whose IOSM fee is still outstanding. Please contact IOSM offices if you have not received yourinvoice at [email protected] membership fee with the Institute of Safety Management(IOSM) for 2012 is R400.Please use your invoice number as reference when payment ismade and remember to forward proof of payment [email protected]. Banking details are on the invoices.Membership certificates are not re-issued annually. Yourmembership certificate is the property of the Institute and expireson termination of membership and is only valid if accompaniedby the current receipt of payment of annual membership fees.See you later!Wihan Fourie

These mugs can be purchased through the IOSM local office and an orderform can be found on our website, www. iosm.co.zaor email: [email protected] / [email protected]


•

Branch NewsExtracts taken with thanks to the CapWest NewsletterApril 2012

Overview of OHS in CoCT

Who are the CoCT OHS?

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a critical componentof the City of Cape Town’s operating procedures, both for thesafety and well-being of every one of the more than 24000 staffmembers and 700 workplaces and in order to comply with thestrict legislation.

The OHS department consists of units from OccupationalSafety, Occupational Health Clinics, Fleet Risk Control, COIDAand Admin. On behalf of the City Manager, who is the 16(1)appointee, the 10 Safety Officers provide a health and safetyservice for the City’s employees.

What do they do?

The Corporate OHS is responsible for co-ordinating thedevelopment, implementation and maintenance of the City’sOccupational Health and Safety Management Systems(OHSMS). The OHS does not assume the responsibilities ofmanagers and supervisors. It is the responsibility of everyemployee at every level to ensure vigilance and compliance.

The OHS department has the responsibility of establishingmechanisms to assist managers and supervisors with guidelinesfor the roles and interaction of all stakeholders, the riskmanagement framework, the implementation of safetymeasures, the management of incidents and the evaluation ofsafety measures for on-going improvement. These include, interalia, legal compliance audits, hazard identification and riskassessments, monitoring and evaluating hazard and risk controlmeasures, providing health and safety information / training toemployees and their reps, supporting employees, HASREPS andHASCOMS that have been developed, establishing standardsand sourcing PPE, Incident reporting Investigation andcorrective action, and many more.

Good news for injured workers

by Buildsafe SA

The Compensation Fund was keenly awaiting the approval ofits proposed amendments to the Compensation for

Occupational Injuries Diseases Act (Coida) by Labour Minister,Mildred Oliphant, in the new financial year so as to address theplight of those workers injured on duty, a meeting of thePortfolio Committee on Labour heard in Cape Town.

Shadrack Mkhonto, the Fund’s commissioner, was presentinghis organisation’s strategic plan for 2012 - 2017 as well as theannual performance plan for 2012 and 2013. He said amongthe amendments to the legislation was the Rehabilitation,Reintegration and Return to Work policy which looks at theholistic treatment of workers injured on duty, the rehabilitationof injured workers and how to eliminate the unfair dismissalsthey have been subjected to over the years. Mkhonto said it wasabout time employers took responsibility for injuries to theiremployees.

“This amendment aims to change the way we do business. Weare currently very weak in this area.

“What happens is when a person is injured on duty; he is put inhospital for about six months, by the time he returns to work, hispost has been filled. A person who is unemployed has nodignity. We need to be able to prepare injured workerspsychologically so that by the time they return to work or home,they should know that they may not be able to do the thingsthey used to do”, he said.

He told the committee that the fund was working around-the-clock to address matters raised by the Auditor-General relatedto revenue collection and the record management system in thelast financial year. He said key to these problems wasaddressing the backlog in resolving claims, some of which dateback many years.

For more information contact www.labour.gov.za

IMPLATS charged over miner’s death

Impala Platinum Holdings, the world’s second-largest producerof the precious metal, confirmed in April 12 that it has beencharged with culpable homicide by National ProsecutingAuthority (NPA) following a fatality at one of it’s mines five yearsago.

“Impala denies any liability in the death of Mr Phetoka, thecompany said, they will not be arguing its case through themedia, but will do so when this comes to court.”

Implats said it was charged by the NPA in July last year but felt itwas not necessary to tell shareholders because it had notreceived any details of the charge, nor had it been found guiltyof any wrongdoing. In law, one is innocent until found guilty.

Andrew Mitchell, a lawyer at Bell Dewar in JHB, said that it wasnot unusual for the NPA to charge a corporation with culpablehomicide but it was unusual for the charge to be laid in relationto a mine fatality.

He said the NPA could charge a chief executive with vicariousliability but it was more likely the company would end up payinga fine.

Implats has already had a rough year with a six week strike at itsRustenburg operations which cost R2.4bn, and public spat withZimbabwe over handing over 51% stake in its local unitZimplats to the government.

Marion Lotter from the City of Cape Town,who gave the CapWest branch a veryinformative presentation at their offices at theApril Members Workshop.


•

MSA recently added three ground-breaking training programmes to itsrange of fall protection solutions, in a bidto increase workers' knowledge ofworking safely at height.

"Each year, hundreds of workers die andthousands become disabled due to fall-related incidents. Often these incidentsare not caused by a lack of fallprotection, but rather a lack of trainingon how to use the equipment correctly,"explains Emmanuel Manaka, ProductManager Fall Protection, MSA Africa.

Traditional fall protection training ismostly based on watching videos, withouthuman interaction or an opportunity tocorrect misconceptions. Seeing a need inthe market for a personalised trainingprogramme, MSA has focussed itstraining programme on a practical,person-to-person approach that showscustomers how to use its fall protectionsystems safely and effectively. Thecourses include:

• A one-day practical basic trainingcourse on how to don and use MSA'sfall protection range correctly

• A two-day training course using MSA'sinnovative training tower, whichenables customers to test the range ontheir own premises, and providestraining for staff while wearing theequipment on-site. Additional adviceon optimising time and safety whileworking at height, and how to use fallprotection accessories effectively is alsoprovided.

• A rescue training course offeredthrough Fall Arrest Systems - the soledistributor of Latchways' permanent fallprotection systems in South Africa.

All MSA Africa’s sales representativeshave gone on a basic fall protectiontraining course. Of these sales agents,16 have been sent on a three-day, in-depth "Train the Trainer" course to enable

them to provide the customer with amore comprehensive training experience.

"This gives our customers access to atrained individual to present theprogramme at the customer's earliestconvenience, instead of having to waitfor a specialised trainer to becomeavailable," notes Manaka.

The one- and two-day fall protectioncourses are free for MSA Africacustomers and include advice on whichharness to use for each specificapplication, practical on-site training anddetailed instructions on how to don thesafety equipment so it fits correctly andcomfortably.

"There has been an increase in demandfor training since we started theprogramme. Companies are starting torealise the benefits that proper traininghas to offer," says Manaka.

MSA Africa heightens operators' knowledge

MSA Africa's focused fall protection training programme practically shows customers how to useits fall protection systems safely and effectively.

member

Product News

One such company is Sasol Mining thatrecently made use of MSA's trainingprogrammes. Working on a tightdeadline, contractors fixing the plant'sconveyor had to be trained to use MSA'sFall Arrest Harness before commencingrepairs. Thanks to the quick and efficienttraining given by MSA, all requireddeadlines were met with no injuriesoccurring during the repair process.

MSA's training programmes cover allareas and industries where working atheight is required. The course can alsobe presented at an additional fee tocompanies who are using third partyproducts.

Contact: Emmanuel Manaka Email: [email protected] Product Manager - Fall ProtectionTel: +2711 610 2600www.msaafrica.co.za

Advertise in National Safety, South Africa’spremier and oldest

occupational health and safety magazine

Contact Debbie: Cell - 083 266 6662 Email - [email protected]


•

1: What is the E-A-Rfit Validation System?

An objective, quantitative hearing protector fit-test system.

It is technology that takes Hearing Conservation to the nextlevel. Environmental controls, hearing protectors, and on-the-job training are the first steps to protecting your workers againstnoise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

2: Fit test your hearing products

The E-A-Rfit system assists in achieving optimal fit throughhearing protector selection and employee training. In less than8 seconds per ear, the system generates a personal attenuationrating (PAR) that indicates a worker’s noise reduction levels for agiven fitting and hearing protector. Compare ratings acrosshearing protectors and fittings to determine best fit.

3: Get objective, personalised results

Researchers at E-A-RCal Laboratory developed proprietaryalgorithms to analyse sound pressure inside ear canals. This in-the-ear testing procedure differs from many other systems onthe market by providing quantitative data that does not rely onsubject response. Fit, train and motivate every worker using theirPersonal Attenuation Rating (PAR)....all that in 8 seconds!

4: What does the kit include?

E-A-Rfit Validation System Includes:• Speaker and Stand• Dual–Element Microphones

• USB Cable• Power Cable• Roll Model• Trial Quantity of Probed Test Plugs and Software

5: List of compatible earplugs• E-A-R Classic (corded/uncorded)• E-A-R Classic Small• E-A-R Superfit (33 and Superfit 36)• E-A-Rsoft Yellow Neon / Blasts / 3M Solar (corded/uncorded)• E-A-Rsoft FX (corded/uncorded)• E-A-R Ultrafit standard / Ultrafit 14 and 20• E-A-R Tracers standard and Tracers 20• E-A-R Push-Ins (corded/uncorded) and Express

(corded/uncorded)

and much more to come...

The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System

Product News

member

Integrating hearing protector fit testing into your hearingconservation programme benefits everyone from new hires tohigh-risk workers.

Audit• Establish baseline values for new workers.• Helps identify workers receiving inadequate protection that

leaves them at risk of threshold shifts.• Validate high protection levels required by workers in high

noise areas.

Fit, Train and Motivate• Provides tools for training proper insertion techniques and

to assess proficiency.

Training

3M is pleased to introduce a dynamic, new online trainingprogramme to guide users of its E-A-Rfit Validation Systemthrough the process of system set-up, data entry, earplugattenuation testing and reporting. The training consists of 7modules and you can view and listen to them at your leisure.

You can also contact your 3M representative to arrange ademonstration of the E-A-Rfit Validation System.

The E-A-Rfit Validation System fits into your hearing conservation programme

• Great for required refitting or retraining as required byOSHA after standard threshold shifts (STSs) are detected.

• Motivates employees by helping them realise the controlthey have in protecting their hearing.

Assess & Manage• Improves long-term performance of your hearing

conservation programme.• Indicates employees needing further fit training or

alternative hearing protectors.• Input your noise exposure data and the E-A-Rfit software

can help you identify the most appropriate hearingprotector(s) and help minimise over/ under protection.

Leading the advancement of hearing conservation

There are noises surrounding us every day at work and home. While some are pleasant, others are notand if they are loud enough they can damage our ears and impair our hearing in the future. Our ears areextremely sensitive organs and it is important to get the right protection from the start. The E-A-RfitValidation System is an excellent fit-test to aid employers, engaging in a hearing conservation programme,to create a safer and more enjoyable work environment.


•

Gloves for comfort and protection

HyFlex® 11-435: a cutresistant level 5 glovemade with water-basedpolyurethane (PU). Itswater-based formulationdirectly translates to morecomfort for the wearer.Ansell's newly launchedHyFlex® 11-435 is the firstcut resistant level 5 knitteddipped glove on the marketto be coated with water-based PU. Using waterinstead of chemical solvents results in more environmentally-friendly processes. As an added benefit, the use of water-basedPU ensures that there is no strikethrough (penetration of coatinginside the glove), thereby enhancing skin comfort and. overallflexibility.

The HyFlex® 11-435 is a knitted, seamless, 13-gaugesupported and dipped glove offering extreme resistance to cuts,abrasions and burrs (EN388 performance levels: 4-5-4-2). TheHyFlex® 11-435 is intended for handling, maintenance,preassembling and cutting of dry or slightly oily parts, glass,sharp objects and components, sheet metal and ceramics.Composed of nylon, fiberglass and Dyneema®, the liner offersexcellent breathability and a "cool" feeling. An addedadvantage for the glass and aerospace industries: the HyFlex®11-435 is silicone-free and antistatic. Its excellent washabilityensures prolonged lifetime for this premium quality glove. Usertrials at major European glass, automotive and aerospacecompanies listed cut resistance, comfort and grip as the glove'stop three attributes.

The range is composed of two other water-based PU coatedHyFlex® gloves intended for general handling and delicatemanipulation where the exposure to cut risks is minimal: theHyFlex® 11-400 (white glove for workstations where dirt needsto be immediately visible) and a black HyFlex® 11-401. Bothare silicone free and antistatic.For more information about Ansell from Pienaar Bros. contact:Warren Spiro Tel: 021 5118131, e-mail: [email protected] on Ansell and its products can be found at www.ansell.eu

Product News

3 Simple steps of how it all works…..Step 1: Workers fit plugs themselvesIn less than 8 seconds per ear, the system generates a personalattenuation rating (PAR) that indicates a worker’s noisereduction levels for a given fitting.Advantage: Reflects an individual’s fitting methods and indicatesif additional training is necessary.

Step 2: Unique dual-element microphoneThe unique dual-element microphone measures the noisereduction of each earplug as worn by the worker across a widerange of industrial noise frequencies.Advantage: Objectively tests 7 frequencies (125 Hz - 8 kHz) inunder 8 seconds per ear, so you don’t rely on subjective testresponses.

Pienaar opens a new branch inKathu, Northern Cape

member

This new branch of Pienaar Bros that was recently opened, is managedby Kobus Van Deventer who has 10 years experience in supplying PPEto the mining sector in KathuContact: Kobus van Deventer - 0837560027 (Branch Manager)Annemarie Flemming - 0837560027 (Sales Consultant)Dr. Crustal van Deventer (PhD) Regional Area/Sales Manager)0795228840

Step 3: Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR)Patented system and proprietary algorithms quickly analyzereal-ear data to provide Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) andfit variability.Advantage: PARs can assist in determining if the level ofhearing protection your workers are getting is appropriate fortheir work environment.Documented Results: Easy-to-understand test results aredocumented for each test subject, both in print and electronicformats, for future reference.

3M South Africa (Pty) Ltd Occupational Health & Environmental SafetyDivision, Phone: 011 806 2317 Fax: 011 806 2016www.3M.co.za/OccSafety


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New Honeywell Adaptec ProtectiveEyewear System offers revolutionaryapproach to eye protection for a diverseworkforce.

Honeywell Safety Products (HSP), havelaunched a new product - the HoneywellAdaptec™ protective eyewear system.

Honeywell Adaptec is an adjustableprotective eyewear system that can beworn by the widest range of workers,regardless of gender, ethnicity, or facialfeatures. Honeywell Adaptec eyeweardelivers maximum protection, premiumoptics, superior all-day comfort, andcustomised adjustability combined withstyling that drives worker acceptance andcompliance.

"Today's workforce is more diverse thanever before, which presents a challengefor safety managers who are responsiblefor selecting protective eyewear that meetthese varied eye protection needs. We'vefound that it is not unusual for acompany to carry five or more styles,which can be both complicated andexpensive," said Christine Mello, seniorproduct manager for HSP eyewearproducts. "The Honeywell Adaptecprotective eyewear system addresses theeye safety needs of today's diverseworkforce with one style that offers anunprecedented level of adjustability to fitthe greatest number of workers, therebyalleviating some of the challenges facedby safety managers today."

As part of the Honeywell Adaptec

development process, Honeywell R&Dconducted a landmark study thatcombined extensive anthropometricresearch with Voice Of the Customerresearch at eighteen companies in theUS, Canada and Europe. Theanthropometric research, or study of physical variations in a humanpopulation, included the use of 3-Dfacial scans to determine and confirmrelationships between the sizes and theshapes of heads, faces, eyes, noses andears. The studies yielded three groupswith similar facial characteristics. Thecharacteristic of these groupings drovethe design of the Honeywell Adapteceyewear and became the basis for theregular, narrow and wide sizedesignations.

The research also showed that differentfacial features require customisedadjustability. To address this need, theHoneywell Adaptec protective eyewearsystem features an adjustable nosebridge, self-adjusting nose pads,adjustable lens angle and a patent-pending temple tension adjustment. The Honeywell Adaptec unique three-position nose bridge positions the eyes inthe centre of the lens, assuring opticalclarity and maximum coverage. Thisproper lens position helps reduce eyestrain and fatigue, allowing the wearer tosee more clearly and work morecomfortably for longer periods of time. Constructed of soft, flexible material,each Honeywell Adaptec self-adjusting

nose pad independently adapts to theuser's face, delivering greater comfort,superior contact and enhanced stability.

Honeywell Adaptec temple hinges ratchetto seven positions. This adjustmentensures a proper lens angle, which leadsto maximum eye protection, ideal spacefor air circulation and reduced fogging.

The Honeywell Adaptec patent-pendingtemple design allows the wearer tomicro-adjust temple tension anytime,anywhere, safely, without removingeyewear. The wearer can adjust forpersonal preference or task at hand - afirmer fit for active work or a lighter fit forgeneral wear.

With a nearly infinite level of adjustability,Honeywell Adaptec protective eyeweardelivers the highest level of comfort andpersonalised fit, which encourages longerwear and greater compliance.

Honeywell Adaptec eyewear also featuresthe Honeywell 4A+ lens coating on bothsides of the lens (K & N) thus ensuringexcellent anti-fog, anti-static and scratch-resistant properties.

Honeywell Adaptec meets EN166 -EN170 - EN172 standards and isavailable in three sizes, five lens tints andtwo frame colours.

Contact: HSE SolutionsTelephone: + 27 11 (0) 971-8040Website: www.hsesolutions.co.zaEmail: [email protected]

Landmark Voice of Customer Research DrivesInnovation and state-of-the-art design to deliver

one style, three sizes, customised fit andperformance

Revolutionary eye protection for a diverse workforce

member

Product News

Subscribe to National Safety, South Africa’s premier andoldest occupational health and safety magazine

Contact: Email - [email protected] Tel- 012-661-5166


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Organisation structure

GFG South Africa was established in SAin the late seventies as a wholly ownedsubsidiary of GFG Germany. This givesthe local company access to theresources and expertise of its parentcompany, as well as ensuring thecompany will be in existence well into thefuture. In addition, the CEO of GfGGermany, Hans-Jörg Hübner wasappointed in January 1998 by MrNelson Mandela as the Honorary Consulof South Africa in Dortmund, with NorthRhine-Westphalia as his jurisdiction.

Casper van der Westhuizen, the currentManaging Director, who has been withthe company for twenty five years, runsthe South African subsidiary. The majorityof the 32 staff members have been withthe company for more than ten years.

Personal Gas Detection andInstrumentation

GFG is an acknowledged major worldplayer in the development and sales ofpersonal gas detection instrumentation.While many other instrumentationcompanies regard gas detection as asubdivision of a larger instrumentation

portfolio, GFG maintains that gasdetection is a demanding science andavoids diversification.

Gas detection has traditionally been oneof the most difficult processmeasurements. Gases are often lifethreatening because they tend to poison,explode, burn or stifle. Instrumentationcapable of accurately sensing andmeasuring low concentrations of gasesmust, by definition, be sensitive, accurate,easy to calibrate, non-clogging, easy tointerpret and affordable. These arealmost contradictory specifications,especially in the field of handheld safetydevices. Through our products andservices GFG strives to ensure thatworkers in an adverse range of industriesare safe from hazardous and toxic gasesno matter where they are working,making GFG instrumentation integralacross diverse industries such astelecommunications, mining, localgovernment, wineries andpetrochemicals, etc.

Portable electronic gas sensing units havebeen in use in South Africa since the lateseventies. GFG was one of the earlyentrants into the South African marketand to date tens of thousands of portableunits have been sold in bulk orders togold mines in SA.

GFG units are in use all over the countryin a great variety of industries with anenormous amount of units in service. Thefixed range of products includes singlemeasuring point units, to plant widesensing with several hundred transmitters.

Our aim is for the units to be easily andeconomically serviceable with rapidturnaround times and low or no spare

GfG (Pty) Ltd South Africa staff

unit holdings lying idle within thecompany.

Operations, service and technicalexpertise

The company operates from offices inKrugersdorp and covers the fullgeographic area of South Africa from thispoint. The team of service technicians inSouth Africa, offers 24 hour response.GFG prides itself in its ability to serviceand maintain large quantities ofinstrumentation and accessories. Allinstruments are repaired locally and ourstores are stocked with all the sparesrequired. Service contracts are availableand all repairs and maintenance aredone on site.

Most instruments sold in the SouthAfrican market by GfG are manufacturedin our state of the art production facilities.Completed instruments are submitted tothe SABS for Intrinsic Safety andPerformance approvals

GFG is committed to high levels ofacceptance by users of their equipmentand supports their products with extensiveuser induction and training.

GFG is in touch with client requirementsthrough its commitment to and in depthunderstanding of client needs andproblems. We constantly relay marketand client perception back to Dortmundin order to improve the levels of servicesatisfaction obtained from theirinstrumentation.

Quality of products and service is ofutmost importance to the company andwe are currently in the process of meetingwith ISO 9001:2008 standards.

BBBEE

GfG has attained a Level 3 BEE rating onthe basis of the BBBEE Codes of GoodPractice affording the company a BEErecognition level of 110%.

This achievement shows our commitmentto South Africa, our local community andour staff.

Contact: Tel: +27 11 955-4862Email: [email protected]: www.gfg.biz

GfG in South Africa since 1970s

Corporate News


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Pressure on business to perform in alldisciplines has increased to such a levelthat many organisations simply resort towhat they believe they know works.

The reality is that operational risks are sodynamic and the level of expertise it takesto truly manage these risks has becomean area of mystery.

Now you can say there is a qualificationthat will assist an individual and anorganisation to comprehend what abusiness can and should do in order toproductively manage its operational risks

By creating the Bachelor of Commerce(Business Management - customised foroperational risk management) degree weare able to equip students with aqualification that brings the world ofproduction and risk management closerto one another. Safety then is not abarrier to production and production isnot an instrument of loss.

The future of safety lies in its ability toevolve into a profession, a profession thatwill be invited to participate actively in thedecision making processes of anorganisation. This evolution would seethe safety officer emerge into anoperational risk professional. A personwho understands the tensions betweenproduction and risk management and isable to assist in guiding an organisationthrough uncertainty. These professionalshave much to grapple with as theyoperate not only the technical spheresbut also the safety, health, environmentand quality domains. They need tounderstand how this then relates to the

entire organisation’s priorities and howthey can most efficiently meet thosepriorities. The overriding principle is thatthis professional deals with alloperational risks on an enterprise level.To this end operational risk managementhas been customised to fit into thebusiness management function of anorganisation. The occupational riskmanagement professional forms part ofthe business management function asrisk management is an importantcomponent all parts of a business.

Business management can be defined asa process which enables operational riskmanagers to make a value judgment onhow to improve the performance of theiroperations. This is done through theselection and application of a blend oftechnologies.

It is an innovative process whichcontinually tests existing commercial andtechnology boundaries and whichrequires that the human interface is anintegral part of this paradigm. In order to achieve this move, theoccupational risk managementprofessional is required to know andapply knowledge from the following fieldsas found in the BCom (BusinessManagement) customised for theoperational risk management degree:• Business Management• Human Resource Management• Business Ethics• The management of Technology,

Innovation, People and Systems LegalLiability

• Risk Assessments• Incident prevention• Safe Behavior Management• Hazardous Work Management• Hazardous Chemical Substances• Occupational Health• Housekeeping/Premises• Hazard Identification and Risk

Assessment (HIRA)• Work Permit Systems• Task Observation• Introduction to Emergency

Preparedness• Inspections• Communication and Training /

Coaching Techniques• Supervision/Enforcement• Occupational Health Management.• Health and Safety Management

Systems.• Environmental Management Systems.• Quality Management Systems.• Corrective Preventive Action.• Integrated Management Systems.• Managing Change.• Incident Management Facilitation.• Issue Based Risk Assessment.• Task Analysis and Procedure

Development.• Contractor Management.• Machinery and Equipment

Management.• Emergency Response Planning and

Evaluation.• Integrated management Systems (IMS)

As is evident with any other evolutionaryprocess it takes time to evolve however itis certain that those who do not evolvebecome extinct.

Don’t be left in the past, success for thefuture starts with you, NOW.

The future of safety

by Wesley Longueira

Wesley Longueirais a Business Development Consultant with IRCA Global. He has aB.Ed degree with honours from the university of the Witwatersrand. Wesley has beeninvolved in the education and training field since 2000 and has been passionatelyadvocating principles of life long learning. Wesley started at IRCA Global coordinatinglearnerships and professional development programmes, He was then instrumental informulating full qualifications in Health and Safety in partnership with the University ofFree State (law degree) and the BCom Business Management Degree with theDaVinci institute.


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Introduction

Safety and health is by no means a newconcept as thought by many individuals.It has in fact been in operation since thebeginning of time. A mother protects herinfant from the dangers around thehouse, preventing potential injuries to herchild at all cost. Is this not where safetybegins – “at home”?. If we do not installin our children safety awareness, howthen are they to know what is a dangerand/or a risk?

Looking back into history, safety andhealth has always raised concerns,especially during the industrial revolution,mining activities as well as during wartime with the invention and building ofmachines and aircrafts where not muchattention was paid to cheap labourers interms of their health and safety.

Background of safety development

Through readings, safety can bepinpointed to have begun during theEgyptian period. During 2000 B.C. theancient Babylonian ruler, Hammurabideveloped the code of Hammurabiwhich set the precedent and which wasfollowed by the Mesopotamian Kings.This code was thought to be the earliestknown set of laws until the discovery in1930 of the code of LipitIshtar (1868B.C.). The code of Hammurabi consistsof 282 sections plus an epilogue whichincorporated all the laws of the land. Thelink between the Hammurabi Code andhealth and safety is the reference in thesections made to injuries and the fact that

a fee was added to doctors of that timeas well as monetary deductions formthose who injured others. This showsHammuabi’s concern for propermanagement of injuries sustained as aresult of possible unsafe workingenvironments. Section 198 of theHammurabi Code states – “If he put outthe eye of a freed man, or break thebone of a freed man, he shall pay onegold mina; Section 199 states “If he putout the eye of a man's slave, or break thebone of a man's slave, he shall pay one-half of its value”. (Goetsch, 2005). TheCode of Hammuabi apparently bearsresemblance to current Workers’Compensation.

Hippocrates (c 460-c 377 BC), the fatherof contemporary medicine establishes thelink between Greek stone cutters, rockdust and respiratory problems.

These developments where further seenduring the Egyptian period in the templesand pyramids. Through the study ofsafety history it was evident that slavesduring the Egyptian times were nottreated humanely, unless it was to theadvantage of the ruler. Such an historicalevent was evident during the reign ofRemeses II (1500 B.C.) and theconstruction of a temple which was tobear his name. An “industrial medicalservice” was created by Remeseswhereby slaves were required to bathedaily in the Nile River and underwentregular medical examinations. Slaves,who were found to be ill, were isolatedfrom the rest. As has become evidentfrom ancient Roman ruins, they were

according to Goetsch (2005) veryconcerned with health and safety duringthe construction of sewerage systems,public baths, latrines and well ventilatedhouses.

During 3500 B.C. Samarian law allowedfor compensation of injured workers,which lead to the development of similarcodes by ancient Greeks, Romans andArabs.

As civilisation moved on in time, so didthe progress of health and safety. During1567 “Philippus Aureolus produced atreatise/thesis on pulmonary diseases inminers” which included pulmonarydisease from smelter workers anddiseases associated with the handling ofand exposure to mercury. During thissame period Georgius Agricolapublished a treatise/thesis on the needfor proper ventilation in mines andproposed numerous devices that couldintroduce fresh air into the mine.

Bernardine Ramazzini (1633-1714) wasa physician and a professor of medicinein Modena. He was the first medicaldoctor to place emphasis on theimportance of prevention rather thantreatment. He advocated measures suchas proper ventilation, rest periods duringwork, better posture and personalcleanliness. He wrote “Discourse on theDisease of Workers” which showed aparallel between disease and specificoccupations. He made a link betweenoccupational diseases, the handling ofharmful products and unnatural/irregular body movement.

According to Goetsch (2005) much ofthe writing of Ramazzini is still relevanttoday.

According to Baker and Coetzee’s(1998) writings, Ramazzinni is regardedas the “father of occupational medicine”.

A quotation by Bernardio Ramazzini:“When a doctor visits a working class

Cheryl Lin Rielander is OHS Manager at Area Military Health Formation HQ. Cherylstarted her career in nursing. She then went onto become OHS Co-ordinator/Practitioner at 1 Mil Hosp. Her studies have included, amongst others:Industrial Audiometry Certificate; National Higher Diploma Community Health;Advanced HSE Management Course; Environmental Management Auditing Course(ISO14000); SAMTRAC + other short courses; BTECH Safety Management - UNISA;and currently she is studying towards a Master's Degree in Safety Management -Columbia University.

Safety beginnings

by Cheryl Lin Rielander


Rescuer 1910, wearing a Dräger breathing apparatus

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home he should be content to sit on athree legged chair if there isn’t a gildedchair, and he should take time for hisexamination; and the questionsrecommended by Hippocrates, he shouldask one more – What is youroccupation?”

In 1730, Benjamin Franklin together withDr Evans detected the symptoms of leadpoisoning.

In1775, a discovery was made byEnglish doctors that chimney sweeperswere exposed to coal tar which alsoshowed a higher incidence to cancer.

Industrial revolution

The industrial revolution resulted in thetransformation of production and createdsignificant change in the way goods wereproduced and transported due to themechanisation of production processes.During 1750, the industrial revolutiongained momentum through variousinventions and the application of steampower. This resulted in more focus beingplaced on safety and health of workersas a result of new methods used and theintroduction of greater risk to injuryand/or diseases. Due to theindustrialisation there was an increasingriskof boredom and inattentiveness to thejob also resulting in greater risks in theworkplace. (Baker et al, 1988)

This development brought aboutdepressing social circumstances,deplorable working conditions, childlabour and slums. This was furtherhighlighted by the neglect of children,insufficient nourishment and unsuitablefood that was often dosed with opiates.The development of early factories didnot take into consideration health andcomfort of workers, they lacked adequateventilation, heating and sanitarycondition, safety equipment was rare andpollution was a common occurrence.(Baker et al, 1988)

In 1859 the discovery of petroleum leadto further industrialisation whereby coalwas replaced by petroleum oil. Furtherchange came about with the introductionof electricity to replace steam as a sourceof energy. (Baker et al, 1988)

War and safety

One must not forget that war in itself isdangerous; it is about killing/murderinganother human being in the name of thewar. As our brave men and women fightnot only to protect their country but most

of all to protect and keep themselves safefrom becoming a victim of war.

Through all of this, safety is not taken intoaccount, the only thing that matters to thecommander is winning the battle.

According to Goetsch (2005) during warthere is usually a shortage of able bodiedsoldiers and skilled workers to supportthe war effort. The law of supply anddemand made workplace safety essentialto ensure a constant flow of able bodiedworkers to maintain high productionrates.

Although we are in a peace keepingmode and not an active war (fightingmode) the economic war still continues interms of international competitiveness. Assuch, employers play a vital role toensure employee safety and health in theworkplace. (Goetsch, 2005)

Development of safety legislation

The Law of Moses (Torat Moshe) “aspersonally spoken and written by thefinger of God” found in Exodus 20:verses 2-17, Commandment number 6“Thy shalt not kill”. This commandmentin terms of biblical descriptions relatesdirectly to the killing/murder of onehuman being by another.

In the interpretation with reference tosafety, one needs to look at currentemployment history and a question thatshould be asked is whether perhapsemployers are “killing” their employeeswithin the workplaces by allowing /expecting them to work in unsafe andunhealthy environments. Should this bethe case then the Law of Moses could inall probability be regarded as a form ofsafety and health legislation.

The code of Hammurabi was thought tobe the earliest known set of laws until thediscovery in 1930 of the code of Lipit-Ishtar (1868 B.C.). It shows Hammuabi’sconcern for proper management ofinjuries sustained as a result of possibleunsafe working environments.

Over time, reports of the effect of workon human beings, began to trigger theinterest of a few gentry. Reports submittedby Dr Thomas Percival influenced SirRobert Peel to introduce the first FactoryBill which was to become the famousHealth and Morals of the Apprentice Actof 1802. This Bill limited working hoursto 12 hours per day and demandedventilation and lime washing of workrooms. This was followed in 1832 byMichael Stander who introduced a new

Factory Bill which became an Act in1833, and which resulted in the creationof factory inspectors. The Factory Act of1855 gave medical men new duties suchas the investigation of industrialaccidents. This lead to the introduction ofan industrial medical service in GreatBritain. (Baker et al, 1988)

In 1864 the Pennsylvania Mine Safety Act(PMSA) was passed and North America'sfirst accident insurance policy was issued.

In 1867 the state of Massachusettsinstituted the first government-sponsoredfactory inspection programme.

In 1877 the state of Massachusettspassed a law requiring guarding fordangerous machinery, and took authorityfor enforcement of factory inspectionprogrammes.

By the end of the 19th century, workersemployed in dangerous occupationswere subjected to compulsory medicalexaminations by certifying surgeons.

1895 resulted in the compulsorynotification of industrial diseases.

In 1898 Thomas Morison Legge wasappointed as the first factory inspector.He also contributed substantially tooccupational medicine through researchhe conducted and his ‘five famousaphorisms for preventing occupationaldiseases”. (Baker et al, 1988)

In 1902 the first workers' compensationlaw was passed by the state of Maryland.

In 1906, public response inspiredpoliticians to consider legislation thatwould protect workers and addressunsafe working conditions.

Wisconsin passed the first worker’scompensation law in 1911; nine otherstates followed this example. During thistime high insurance costs of injuriesencouraged employers to promotesafety.

With the result, in 1911 a professional,technical organisation responsible fordeveloping safety codes for boilers andelevators was founded, it was called theAmerican Society of MechanicalEngineers (ASME).

A Triangle shirtwaist factory fire causedmany deaths due to locked fire exits andinadequate fire extinguishing systems.This fire changed regulation bygovernment and laws were instituted toprotect workers.

1918 the American StandardsAssociation was founded and was


This South African edition of a new occupational health and safety handbook is a mostwelcome addition to the SA Occupational SHE scene.

With the recent growth of interest to study and work in the field of occupational health &safety, this book takes the reader and student “back to the basics”, and will make asignificant contribution in skilling prospective SHE practitioners and increasing the

knowledge of others who may read or study it.Containing about 400 pages of information, it should be part of the library of any SHE

practitioner, engineer and any other person with an interest in creating a safe workplace.Readers and students will find the text easy to read and the illustrations easy to follow,

so beginners will benefit from using this as their first, basic source of reference.It should also be on the list of “must read” and reference publications of chief executiveofficers, engineers and other top managers who often have the awesome responsibility

for the health and safety of the workers in their enterprise.Universities and other tertiary educational institutions will find the book a veryhandy source for prescribing to their students whilst libraries would do well to

make it available to the wider public.

Now Available!! the Handbook authored by SA Kadiri and D Niesing

The SAFETY HANDBOOK that you have all been waiting for, published by the Safety First Association.

IOSM Members R500.00 / Non-IOSM Members R600.00

* Students get a 5% discount on the above prices on proof of enrolment at a recognisedcollege or university.* 5% discount is applicable to orders of 10 or more copies.

•

responsible for the development of safetystandards. Today it is known as theAmerican National Standards Institute[ANSI 1936 “Frances Perkins, Secretaryof Labor, called for a federaloccupational safety and health law. Thisaction came a 58 years after organizedlabor's first recorded request for a law ofthis nature”.

1952 saw the passing of the Coal MineSafety Act (CMSA).

1966 saw the passing of the Metal andNon-metallic Mines Safety Act (MNMSA).

In 1968 President Lyndon Johnson calledfor federal occupational safety andhealth laws.

1969 saw the passing of theConstruction Safety Act (CSA).

In 1970 President Richard Nixon signedthe Occupational Safety and Health Act(OSHA), thereby creating the OSHAadministration as well as the NationalInstitute for Occupational Safety andHealth (NIOSH). This Act is still beingutilised today.

In 1974 the Health and Safety Act waspassed in Britain which is administered bythe Health and Safety Commissioncomprised of representatives fromindustry. The medical side is known asthe Employment Medical AdvisoryService. (Baker et al, 1988)

In South Africa the Occupational Healthand Safety (OHS) Act Number 85 waspassed in 1993 which became effective

in 1994. This Act includes not onlyindustry but also States as declared inSection 47 of the OHS Act.Occupational injuries and diseases aregoverned in South Africa by theCompensation for Occupational Injuriesand Diseases (COID) Act number 130 of1993. (Baker et al, 1988)

History of occupational medicine

Looking back into human history,dangerous work was in all likelihoodgiven to slaves who at the time wereregarded as the lowliest of people withlittle to no social standing. No attentionwas given to them either to investigatetheir illness or to prevent further illness.(Baker et al, 1988)

Since the earliest time it has been knownthat occupations have an effect on aperson’s health leading to specificoccupational diseases. Hippocrates(460-375 B.C.) identified the symptomsof lead poisoning. Galen (A.D. 130-200) referred to diseases specific tominers, tanners and fullers. Agricola(1494-1555) and Paracelsus (1493-1541) wrote about miners diseases.Paracelsus also studied the toxicology ofmetals. (Baker et al, 1988)

History of occupational nursing

Occupational Health Nurses have beenproviding care for companies and theiremployees since 1888. Betty Moulder, anurse, cared for Pennsylvania coal minersand their families.

Occupational Health Nursing hasevolved with the growth of industry wherefactories employee Occupational HealthNurses to combat the spread ofinfectious diseases (e.g. tuberculosis) andto address health-related problems.Today Occupational Health Nurses playa significant role in curbing the rising costof workers' compensation and disability.

ReferencesBaker, M. and Coetzee, A.C. (1988). AnIntroduction to Occupational Health Nursing inSouth Africa. Witwatersrand University Press.Johannesburg. South Africa

Goetsch, D.L. (2005). Occupational Safety andHealth for Technologists, Engineers and Managers.Prentice Hall. New Jersey

A Century of Practice. Occupational HealthNursing. (n.d.) Retrieved June 22, 2011 from1988.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12526625

Bible list of the Ten Commandments. (n.d.)Retrieved June 22, 2011 from http://www.the-tencommandments.org/the-ten-commandments.html

Code of Hammurabi. (n.d.) Retrieved June 09,2011 fromwww.request.net/g2g/historical/laws/hammurabi/

History of Work Safety. (n.d.) Retrieved May 10,2011 fromhttp://www.kcet.org/shows/socal_connected/content/economy/a-history-of-workersafety.html

Introduction to Occupational Health. (n.d.)Retrieved June 22, 2011 fromhttp://spm.um.edu.my/mbbs/OccHealth/OHMB1slides.pdf

Occupational Health Nurses - Welcome to ASILOccupational Health. (n.d.) Retrieved July 04,2011 fromhttp://asilcorp.com/occupationalHealthnurses.html

For further information - email: [email protected] cell: 083 635 2919


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two-day conference

Lucinda J van Rensburg

Time of presentation: Plenary 19th June10h25 - 10h50

Title of presentation: Consumer’s Act –Implication on OHS

About Lucinda: Lucinda Van Rensburg isManaging Director, Implex LegalCompliance Solutions

Jaco van Rensburg

Time of presentation: SAIOH Breakaway -19th June 11h30 - 12h15

Title of presentation: OccupationalHygiene Reporting

Synopsis of presentation: Quality ofOccupational Hygiene Reports

About Jaco: Jaco van Rensburg is theOperations Manager for GijimaOccupational Hygiene andEnvironmental Services. Jaco has beenresponsible in establishing most of theoffices like the Samrand, Lonmin,Newcastle, Richards Bay office andGijima Analytical Laboratory. In 1998 heobtained the British Institute forOccupational Health (BIOH) Certificateof Technical Competence (with Credit). Inthe year 2000 Jaco passed the BIOHDiploma in Professional Competenceexam and received the David HickishAward for outstanding performance.

Richard Spoor

Time of presentation: SAIOH Breakaway19th June 12h15 - 13h30

Title of presentation: Legal standing ofreporting

About Richard: Richard Spoor is anattorney who has represented the workerin several high profile cases

Ron C McKinnon

Time of presentation: Opening PlenarySession, June 19th 08h45 - 09h45

Title of presentation: Changing Safety’sparadigms

Synopsis of presentation: Battling Safety’sSacred Cows. Many basic safetyphilosophies and practices are based onoutdated paradigms.This hard hitting,energetic and exciting presentationincludes numerous examples, stories andcase studies from Ron’s many years ofinternational experience. Often humorist,sometimes serious, this presentation isdifferent and will enthuse you to startlooking out of the safety paradigm box.

About Ron: Ron C. McKinnon is an expertin the cause, effect, and control ofaccidental loss, near-miss reporting,accident investigation, and safety culture.Ron is a Certified Safety Professional.

Prof Cas Badenhorst

Time of presentation: Plenary 19th June09h50 - 10h20

Title of presentation: From OccupationalHygiene Practice to Operational RiskManagement

About Cas: Prof Cas Badenhorst hasbeen lecturing for the past 10 years toMSc Occupational Hygiene students andhas participated in more that 30 researchprojects, also moderating several. Cas isemployed as Group OccupationalHygiene Specialist at Anglo AmericanGlobal, he has presented a numerousnational and international conferences onrisk assessment and occupationalhygiene.

NOSHEBO 19 - 20th June 2012

Presenters and Presentations

Awarding of SAIOH CPDPointsSAIOH members can claim 1 point forattending the 2 day conference. They canclaim an additional 0.25 points persession for attending the Ergonomics andVibration sessions.

Some of the Plenary Session andSAIOH presenters

you will be able to listen over the 2days of the conference

Dr CasBadenhorstDr CasBadenhorst

Ron McKinnon

Plenary Sessions

SAIOH Breakaway Sessions19th June

Julie Hills

Some of the Plenary Session andSAIOH presenters

you will be able to listen over the 2days of the conference


LucindavanRensburg

Eben Smit

Jaco vanRensburg

•

Julie Hills


Title of presentation: Human Vibration(Mining and Industry)

Synopsis of presentation: Introduction tohealth effects and exposure limits. Basicassessment – using simple tools to assessvibration risk. Measurement of vibration(technical matters). Interpretation of

Kobus Verreynne

Time of presentation: IoSM BreakawayJune 19th 15h30 - 16h30

Title of presentation: Emergency Planningin the IoSM Breakaway Session

Synopsis of presenation:

About Kobus: Kobus Verreynne is asenior facilitator for different occupationalhealth and safety courses within theDepartment of Defence and otherGovernment Departments, as well as theSenior Occupational Health and Safetydivisional manager and specialist advisorto the Director of Occupational Healthand Safety.

Kobus has held various occupationalhealth and safety related appointmentswithin the Department of Defence since1973. Kobus has also lectured at varioustertiary institutions.

Jessica Hutchings


Title of presentation: Ergonomics riskassessment tools

Synopsis of presentation: This talk willcover the best tools that are available toestablish the level of risk associated withindustrial tasks. Several tools will bedemonstrated and discussed to providethe occupational hygienist with effectivetools to do basic risk assessments in termsof ergonomics.

About Jessica: Jessica Hutchings isSecretary - Ergonomics South Africa. Sheis an ergonomics practitioner withexperience in several key South Africanindustries.

Milly Ruiters

(DoL Director Occ Health & Hygiene)

Elize Lourens

(DoL Manager – Chemical Stressors)

Title of presentation: DoL PresentationLegislation

Time of presentation: SAIOH Breakaway20th June, 11h30 - 13h30

Synopsis of presentation: OHS ActRevision, Regulations, AIA Matters(Guideline document)

Eben Smit

Time of presentation: SAIOH Breakaway,20th June 15h45 - 16h30

Title of presentation: SANS17020

Synopsis of presentation: Impact ofSANS17020 on Occupational Hygiene,timelines and audits

About Eben: Eben Smit is Acting FieldManager: Inspection & Lead Assessor

Philip Fourie

Time of presentation: IoSM Breakaway19th June 11h30 – 12h30

Title of presentation: Managing safety ina big corporate world

Synopsis of presentation:

About Philip: Philip Fourie is the Presidentof IoSM

Leighton Bennett


Title of presentation: SHE & theISO/SANS 31000 risk managementstandard

About Leighton: Leighton Bennett is aSHE & Risk Management Consultant.

Dries Wehmeyer


Title of presentation: Effective SafetyPolicies, Procedures and Instructions

About Dries: Dries Wehmeyer is anaviation safety consultant


Julie Hills


Title of presentation: New AssessmentMethodology

Synopsis of presentation: CPD pointsmaintenance system

About Julie: Julie Hills is an OccupationalHygienist who has many years consultingto South African, British and Swisscompanies. she is Vice Chairman SAIOHPCB.

Andrew Todd

Time of presentation: SAIOH Breakaway,June 19th 14h30 - 15h15

Title of presentation: Introduction toErgonomics and ESSA

Synopsis of presentation: This talk willcover the basics of the systems approachused in ergonomics for the analysis ofthe work environment demonstrating theimportance of compatibility between thetask and human operator. The talk willalso cover what the ergonomics societyof South Africa can provide to themembers of SAIOH in terms ofassistance for basic ergonomicsevaluations, covering the IEA\ILOergonomics checkpoints and the IEAergonomics guidelines for industriallydeveloping countries.

About Andrew: Andrew Todd has an MScfrom Rhodes. He is a Lecturer in theDepartment of Human Kinetics andErgonomics at Rhodes UniversityGrahamstown. He is Chairman of theErgonomics Society of South Africa(ESSA)

results and control options for thereduction of vibration exposure.

About Julie: Julie Hills is a qualified andexperienced Occupational Hygienist withover 23 years working experience in bothcorporate and consulting environments inSouth Africa and a further 4 yearsexperience in the UK and Switzerland.She is a Registered OccupationalHygienist (MFOH) with the BritishOccupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)and the Southern African Institute forOccupational Hygiene (SAIOH). She isVice Chairman SAIOH PCB. Julie hasspecial interest and knowledge in thefield of chemical exposures andasbestos, helping with the introductionand preparation for REACHimplementation, as well as involvementin a detailed project relating to hand armvibration syndrome.

20th June

IoSM Breakaway Sessions19th June


Annual GeneralMeetingsSAIOH Annual General Meeting

Date: 19th June

Time: 17h00 - 18h30

Venue: Gallagher Estates

IOSM Annual General Meeting

Date: 19th June

Time: 17h00 - 18h30


SAPEMA Annual General Meeting

Date: 20th June

Time: 17h00 - 18h30


SFA Annual General Meeting

Date: 21st June

Time: 12h30 - 14h00


•

Johan Nell

Time of presentation: IoSM BreakawaySession June 20th 11h30 - 13h30

Title of presentation: SHEQ planning forconstruction work in remote locations

About Johan: Johan Nell is Divisional &Project Manager at Basil Reed, who hasover 34 years experience in ProjectManagement, Quality Assurance andHealth & Safety management. He is amember of the SAIS, SAQI, SAFSEC,SEIFSA; CBI in South Africa and the CII(Construction Industry Institute) at theUniversity of Texas, in Austin, USA. Apartfrom his involvement in major projectsthroughout South Africa, he has alsobeen involved in a large number of crossborder contracts, including Tanzania,Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Angola,Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia,Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia,Mauritius and lately St Helena.

Tommie Liebenberg


Title of presentation: Safety MindsAwareness

About Tommie: Tommie LiebenbergMarketing manager IoSM

Joep Joubert


Title of presentation: OHS Registration,SAQA, QCTO, SACPCMP? What areyou talking about?

About Joep: Joep Joubert is an OSHProfessional SHE Consultant

Robin Jones


Title of presentation: Preparing andConducting a Compliance Survey

About Robin: Robin Jones is PresidentSAIOSH


Dinner and Awards EveningDate: 19th June

Time: 18h30


Sponsors:

Leighton Bennett

Philip Fourie

Kobus Verreynne

Leighton Bennett


Title of presentation: Doing a baselinerisk assessment master class workshop

About Leighton: Leighton Bennett is theauthor of the Risk Assessment bookletpublished by the Safety First Association.

IoSM Breakaway Sessions20th June

Johan Nell

Some of the IOSM presentersyou will be able to listen over the 2

days of the conference


Robin Jones

Documents

National Safety: May/June 2012