SAPEMA NEWS · synthetic fibres that are poor conductors of heat. These fibres, called aromatic polyamide or aramid fibres, do not ignite in normal oxygen levels and will cease to

GAS SAFETY

Govenment leads the way: converting state-ownedhospitals to compressed natural gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

A lift in the LPG market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Methane Based Advisory Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

SAQCC Gas - training with the DOL . . . . . . . . . . . .21

DOL Inspectors ready themselves for theHVAC industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

The Montreal Protocol and phasing out of HCFCs . .22

SAPEMA NEWS

SAPEMA Annual Golf Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Changes in new PPE Regulation 2016/425 . . . . . . .11

PPE PRODUCT NEWS - SAPEMA MEMBERS

Tried & Tested Nomex®: A fabric that offersthermal protection in extreme situations . . . . . . . . . .4

DuPont at A+A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2nd Dräger Mining Day 2017: Customersexperience highlights of the company’smining portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Hearing impaired students sponsored by uvexsafety South Africa and the RainerWinter Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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CONTENTS

September/October 2017 - Volume 77 Number 5

FEATURE ARTICLES5 ways to ensure that employees will reportworkplace incidents and injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Once upon a time there was a story . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

XXI World Congress on Safety & Health . . . . . . . . .30

Work-related distress and burnout: A real riskto business and workplace wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

IOSMMessage from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Inclusion of Noise Monitoring by Means of PersonalDosimetry in Regulation 7 of The Noise InducedHearing Loss Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Maths and the safety practitioner #2 . . . . . . . . . . . .18

ACHASMSACPCMP Stage 1: Project Initiation and Briefing.Professional Indemnity Insurance: Practical Issuesfor Client-Appointed OHS Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Report from the SAIOH President andCouncil Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

Participating associations / organisations / institutes with National Safety and the Safety First Association

OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE

September/October 2017 National Safety www.safety1st.co.za 1

PPE FEATURE ARTICLES

Protecting workers from falls ... as well asfallen objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Communications is an often-overlooked but crucial partof any working environment - whether it be an office or aconstruction site. Communication aids productivity,health and safety and promotes happy employees, all ofwhich are important if a business is to thrive. However, itis not always easy to ensure healthy communicationwithin your workplace.

Although communicating the importance of health andsafety can be difficult and some may see it as boring, itcan be brought to life with some creative thinking,planning, conversational approaches and interaction.Communication needs to change perceptions andbehaviours by convincing employees that it’s worth theextra effort and attention. To be effective,communication messages should be short and simple.Messages need to be easy to digest, remember and apply.Employers must be clear and specific about whatbehaviours are expected of their employees. Makeemployees part of the process. Ask them to submitsuggestions and ideas for safety initiatives. Alwaysreward positive behaviour and boost employee moraleand satisfaction when they have done somethingpositive. Leaders must be involved to show they supportthe initiative. Most important, safety communicationmust be ongoing and integrated into working life ratherthan seen as sporadic campaigns.

Send your employees, managers, individual teams toconferences or health and safety events and thenencourage them to give feedback on what they learned.

Invite family members to participate in training anddemonstrations at the workplace such as child CPR,treating burns or caring for victims of other incidents.

Try something new such as theatre or workshops thatencourage ideas and demand audience participation.

In his article in this issue, Dr Bill Pomfret recommendsstorytelling. According to Pomfret, human beings love totell their stories. Everyone has unique experiences - ifthey share their personal anecdotes with other workers,they will help their colleagues to remember and learnfrom their experiences. These lessons may help preventfuture workplace losses and accidents.

Wellington Mudenha explains that different cultureshave different ways of communicating messages. Thismust be taken into account in the workplace. And byputting pressure on workers, such as constantlyreminding them that your company has a culture of zeroharm is not always favourable, because workers maythen be afraid to report an accident. He continues to saythat companies need to encourage a culture of opennessand honesty. Accidents need to be reported - firstlybecause it is a requirement according to the OHS Actand secondly because the company can then implementappropriate corrective measures to ensure that there is norecurrence.

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Copyright: 2017 Material appearing in this issue may not be reproduced without the permission ofthe editor or publishers in any form whatsoever.

The Safety First Association is a non-profit making, privately supported, public serviceorganisation which aims to prevent accidents by promoting an awareness of accident situations asthey exist in day-to-day living amongst members of the community. The Publishers and Editorsare not liable for any damages or loss incurred as a result of any statement contained in thismagazine. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this publication, neither the Publishersnor Editors accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in the content and reserve the right toedit all contributions. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of thePublishers or Editors.

Editor: Debbie MyerProduction Editor: Lindsay MyerChairman: George BrowseVice Chairman: Leighton BennettMarketing & Subscriptions: Maureen SchwegmannAdmin Manager: Bruce SchwegmannCommittee members: Leighton Bennett

Stewart ShapiroWensley MisroleGeorge BrowseDebbie Myer

Subscriptions / Administration / Marketing / Promotions3 Kwartel Street Vorna Valley, PO Box 321 Halfway House 1685Tel: + 27 11 701-5054 Fax: 086 684 2664E-mmail: [email protected]

Advertising & Editorial Delinds Publications cc12 Delta Road, Blairgowrie, Randburg, PO Box 72366 Parkview 2122Tel: + 27 11 886-5985 Fax: +27 11 886-1332 Cell: + 27 83-266-6662 E-mmail: [email protected]

National Safety is published by the Safety First Association and isthe official journal of• The Institute of Safety Management (IOSM)• Southern African Protective Equipment Marketing Association

(SAPEMA)• Association of Construction Health and Safety Management

(ACHASM)

National Safety is supported by:• Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH)• South African Qualification and Certification Committee for

Gas (SAQCC GAS)

National Safety incorporates:• Occupational Safety and Health• Personal Protective Equipment• Corporate Risk Management• Occupational Hygiene• Gas Safety

Editor’s Comment

2 www.safety1st.co.za National Safety September/October 2017

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Pioneered by global chemical conglomerate DuPont,Nomex® fabric has been an industry leader for over half acentury. As one of the few certified South Africanmanufacturers of Nomex® garments, MB Workwearcontinue to unlock the possibilities of flame retardantgarments using Nomex® fabric technology's renownedthermal protective properties. By incorporating thistechnology into their garments,which they manufacture attheir ISO and SABS accredited factory, MB Workwearprovide workers in the oil, gas and petrochemical industrywith superior quality protective workwear.

Inherently flame retardant, Nomex® fabric is comprised ofa 93% meta-aramid, 5% para-aramid and 2% carbon/nylonanti-static make-up. Its unique weave structure of aromaticrings and conjugated bonds has been specifically engineeredto offer inherent thermal properties on a molecular level.While treated fabrics - which use fibre, polymer or yarn thathas been coated with a flame retardant substance - may losetheir efficacy, the inherent flame retardant properties of

MEMBER OF

Contact MB Workwear on 039 682 2430 or email [email protected] / or [email protected]

Tried & Tested Nomex®: A fabric that offers thermal protection in extreme situations

Nomex® offer permanent protection, even after heatexposure or repetitive washing.

Bruce Glenday, Business Development & MarketingExecutive for MB Workwear, discusses the complex makeupof Nomex fabric. He says, "Nomex® is comprised ofsynthetic fibres that are poor conductors of heat. Thesefibres, called aromatic polyamide or aramid fibres, do notignite in normal oxygen levels and will cease to burn oncethe flame has been removed from the surface of the fabric".

Essentially, the molecular structure of Nomex® ensures thatit doesn't melt or drip when exposed to flames. Instead, thefabric carbonises and thickens to minimise burn injury andprotect the wearer.

"With our Nomex® garments, the aramid fibre swells toform a protective barrier between the flame and the wearer,"explains Glenday. "This barrier remains flexible until it cools,enabling the wearer to escape when necessary".

Nomex® has also been extensively tested in intensiveThermal Protection Performance (TPP)assessments. TPPtests, which measure the performance level of a fabric whenexposed to heat and flames, have shown that Nomex®fabric offers increased protection of up to 35% whencompared to chemically treated fabrics.

"The fabric's excellent TPP results combined with the factthat it is also up to 40% lighter than cotton and cottonblended fabrics and offers excellent range of motion,comfortability and moisture management, has resulted inNomex® being a popular choice for fire fighters and OGPworkers around the world," says Glenday.

While this advanced flame retardant fabric may haveoriginally been developed for applications at the extremeedge of human performance, such as F1 racing suits, fighterjet flight suits and military wear, MB Workwear's use of thetechnology is far more practical. Using Nomex®technology, MB Workwear offer a fire retardant workwearrange that brings workers comfort and protection from heat,flames and flash fires in some of the world's toughestindustries.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Advertorial


6 www.safety1st.co.za National Safety September/October 2017•

During the month of October, DuPontshowcased its innovation in safety tothe global market place, bringing tothe A+A Germany exhibition a seriesof new DuPont™ Kevlar® cutprotection glove solutions, DuPont™Tyvek® and Tychem® chemicalprotective systems, and novelDuPont™ Nomex® thermal protectionsolutions.

Fresh from participating at this globalsafety industry showcase, NationalSafety caught up with Ajen Maharaj:Business Leader at DuPont SouthAfrica, for his perspective on themagnitude and effectiveness of theevent.

It’s a known fact that A+A Germanyis a well attended fair, with manySouth African visitors. What is thegeneral profile of the visitors?

The exhibition is attended by amultitude of safety, security and healthprofessionals from all over the world.No doubt it is a global meeting placefor suppliers and customers, and to this

A+A Germany 2017: Overwhelming success for DuPont

end, we find many safety distributorsfrom within our regional market, usingthis opportunity to visit their principalsas well as brushing up on the latestmarket trends in the industry.

How did you find the exhibition, as anexhibitor representing the SouthAfrican business of DuPont?

By virtue of its sheer scale, I found theexhibition to be exhilarating. We hadgood representation of our southernAfrican industry, not necessarily fromkey end-users, but rather from thesupply side of the safety industry. Thisis a good sign for our market, as there isno doubt that participants come awaywell versed on trending globaldevelopments. At the DuPont booth,we had widespread interest in oursolutions from various spheres of theAfrican market, proving that this is a

very relevant platform for us to reachour intended target audience.

Did DuPont introduce newtechnologies which are of interest to themarket?

Yes, we had several productintroductions across our brands,including new innovative outer-shellmaterials for thermal protection as wellas DuPont™ Tychem® 6000 withdissipative soles.

In my view, one of our most interestingtechnologies introduced at A+A inGermany is the DuPont™ Tychem®

ThermoPro garment. This single-layerstructure combines the chemicalprotection properties of DuPont™Tychem® with that of DuPont™Nomex® to produce a barrier offeringliquid-chemical splash, electric arc andflash fire protection (all-in-one). As weall know, integrating a genuinechemical barrier with a thermal barrierin a single-layer has largely eludedmanufacturers. There is a lot ofexcitement with this solution in ourindustry.

This year DuPont Tyvek® andNomex® celebrated 50 years since itsdiscovery. How did you celebrate this?

We celebrated these milestones withour partners and customers at ourbooth in Hall 5. Several of our localcustomers were invited to join ourglobal partners.

During these events, we honoured ourscientists and engineers, as well as ourcustomers who collaborate on afrequent basis to drive new innovations,thereby bringing solutions to complexindustry problems.


DuPont booth at A+A Dusseldorf 2017 - a drawcard for many customer interactions

Gaining insights from Kelly Reichert -DuPont™ Nomex® Global MarketingDirector, and Amr Moniem TMEA RegionalLeader

Pienaar Bros in discussions with EMEAMarketing Manager, Andrzej Palka

Lighter moments with a Sub-Sahara oil andgas customer

Arising from A+A, do you have anyanticipated tools for safetyprofessionals in southern Africa?

Yes, DuPont will launch the Nomex®

Knowledge Centre - a comprehensiveweb-based hub of tools andinformation to support safetyprofessionals through this decision-making process.

We anticipate that this will be fullyfunctional for our Sub-Saharan Africaregion by early 2018.

Do you have any final reflections onA+A Germany 2017 that you canshare with our readers?

From an industry point of view, it isimpressive to note that some of ourSouth African manufacturers areexhibiting at this global event, and weare certainly proud of them as theycompete on the global stage. We wishthem the very best of success!

From a DuPont perspective, we gainedmany insights from such a large andwell attended event, allowing us tofurther understand the needs of ourmarket which have not yet been met.This keeps us inspired to bring moreinnovative, customer-focused solutionsto our end-users, including that ofSub-Sahara Africa.

•

In keeping with the motto “Theimpact of technological advancementsin mining safety” Dräger South Africain Sandton invited customers to theannual Mining event on the 25th ofAugust 2017.

The day consisted of presentations byprominent professionals within theSouth African Mining Industry, acompetition with physical effort andproduct presentations.

Dräger’s premises in Sandton offer acomprehensive overview of thecompany’s product portfolio andprovides customers with an overallexperience to have a betterunderstanding of the industries that thecompany supports.

Through this event Dräger SouthAfrica took advantage of theopportunity to assure customers of thecommitment the company has to themand their safety within their differentareas of duty in mining.

For generations, miners have relied onDräger for quality products to protecttheir lives.

Dräger’s technology encompasses anintegrated safety concept – fromrespiratory protection and gas detectionfor daily operational safety, to selfcontained self-rescuers and refugeshelters for emergency situations.

Thomas Long, Marketing ManagerMining at Dräger, shares his goalregarding the event: ‘‘The goal of theMining Day is to show our appreciationto customers who support us duringthe year.

It also provides us with an opportunityto meet and network with newpotential clients, introduce newproducts and showcase our completemining product portfolio. Most of ourcustomers will know of one or twoDräger products. The open day givesus the opportunity to introduce themto additional products within ourportfolio and bring them up to date onnew developments within Dräger andthe mining industry.”

PRESENTATIONS

Several speakers enlightened theaudience on their experience andexpertise. Christo De Klerk, formerCEO of Mines Rescue, thoroughlyunpacked the dangers of illegal miningin South Africa. The topic wasaccompanied by new technology, usedby Mines Rescue South Africa. This wasan enlightening presentation onchallenges with this growing problemin South Africa.

The second speaker was Guy Shepstone– Specialist SHE Ventilation, SasolMining (Shondoni Mine) with apresentation on Dräger Tubeswithstanding the test of time.

Marius Fourie, Managing Director atDräger in South Africa, concludes:“The day was a great success and welook forward to strengtheningrelationships with our clients.”

CONFINED SPACE MOBILE TRAININGGALLERY

One highlight of the day was thelaunch of the South Africanmanufactured confined space mobiletraining gallery.

Volunteers were kitted out with Drägerfire fighting breathing apparatus. Theythen had to nagivate their way throughthe obstacle maze in complete darknesswith smoke and fire sounds to heightentheir senses.

The winning team won a DrägerAlcotest 3820, a personal Alcoholbreathalyzer.

2nd Dräger Mining Day 2017 Customers experience highlights of the company’smining portfolio

MEMBER OF


MEMBER OF

A rare 'selfie' with Pienaar Bros

DuPont™ Nomex® 50th anniversarycelebration at the iconic Rhine Tower with theglobal leadership team and customers

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Advertorial

uvex South Africa and the RainerWinter Foundation are making adifference in the lives of 2 hearing-impaired children at Eduplex, a uniqueschool in Pretoria, South Africa.

Through their annual sponsorship ofthe school fees for Thuto (aged 7) andSeabelo (aged 9), uvex South Africa andthe Rainer Winter Foundation haveprovided these children, fromdisadvantaged backgrounds, anopportunity to receive a first-classeducation.

Thuto and Seabelo attend Eduplex, aparallel medium mainstream andinclusive school which caters for bothnormal hearing and a small number ofhearing-impaired learners.

Started in 2002, Eduplex is amainstream school which offers theopportunity for hearing-impairedchildren to be included in the classes(3-4 deaf children per class). Makinguse of the latest medical technology

(cochlear implants / hearing aids / FMcommunications systems), the help ofclassroom assistants, as well as access tospeech and language therapists andaudiologists, Eduplex offers hearingimpaired children exceptional facilitiesto aid their success. With a holisticapproach to education, Eduplex, helpsall their children to reach their fullpotential. Manyschool activities,as well as thesports and musiccentre, providethe children witha well-roundededucation.

Eduplex alsooffers speechtherapy andaudiologicalsupport forlearners withhearing loss aswell as for theirfamilies.

Eduplex Audiology also offersmapping services for learners withcochlear implants and Eduplex makesuse of the FM and classroomamplification technology to assisthearing-impaired students.

The 2 children sponsored by uvexSouth Africa and the Rainer WinterFoundation both have profoundhearing loss. Profound hearing lossmeans that without hearinginstruments one can only hear veryloud sounds like that of a jack hammeror the firing of a gun.

Thuto, was diagnosed with profoundhearing loss by the age of 3 and wasfitted with top of the range sponsoredhearing instruments. Seabelo,contracted Meningitis at the age of 2½resulting in his profound hearing loss.With the help of sponsorship Seabeloreceived a Cochlear implant in 2012.

Both uvex South Africa and the RainerWinter Foundation are delighted to beworking together to help improve thelives of these two children at thisextraordinary professional institution.The sponsors will be following thechildren’s progress closely as theyadvance through Eduplex and life.

Hearing impaired students sponsored byuvex safety South Africa and the Rainer Winter Foundation

UVEX Safety South Africa (Pty) Ltd uvex safety (Durban) Phone: +27 (31) 569 6780 E-Mail: [email protected]

uvex safety (Pretoria) Phone: +27 (12) 345 6656 E-Mail: [email protected]

MEMBER OF


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We had a record year with 9 sponsoredholes. Every year the sponsored holesactivities get better and better. It was aclose call to pick the best sponsoredhole which was between North Safetyand Specialised Exhibitions, but NorthSafety took this prize yet again!

With the highveld rains always playinghavoc over November, SAPEMAdecided to hold their annual golf dayon the 23rd of August this year. It washeld at the prestigious Glen DowerGolf Course, which is a highly rankedparkland golf course in Johannesburg.

Glen Dower boasts gorgeous fairwayswith 64 bunkers, 27 on the front nineand 37 on the back nine and waterhazards on 11 of the 18 holes.

Glen Dower offered our SAPEMA 4ball players with quite a challenge andaccuracy was the call of the day.

Participating 4 Balls:

3M 1 x 4 Ball

BBF Group 2 x 4 Balls

Dromex 2 x 4 Balls

Du Pont® 1 x 4 Balls

Eduplex 1 x 4 Ball

HASS Industrial 1 x 4 Ball

Hi-Tec Sports 1 x 4 Ball

HSE Solutions 2 x 4 Balls

North Safety 1 x 4 Ball

Pienaar Brothers 1 x 4 Ball

Pro Con 1 x 4 Ball

Protekta Safety 1 x 4 Ball

REBEL Safety Gear 1 x 4 Ball

Safeco 1 x 4 Ball

SAIOSH 1 x 4 Ball

Specialised Exhibitions 1 x 4 Ball

UVEX 3 X 4 Balls

SAPEMA Annual Golf Day

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SAPEMA

Best dressed team – REBEL Safety Gear(L to R) Clayton Bates, Ryan De Boom, Kim Cooke & Gavin Cooke

Best dressed contenders: Safeco and uvex

Contact SAPEMA: Secretary: Helena van Greunen ,Email: [email protected]

Tel: 063 442 9935 / 071 602 1456 Website: www.sapema.org

Dress code is always important whenplaying a round of golf. Each year the4 four ball fashion and style gets moredifficult to judge. This year the bestdressed went to REBEL Safety Gearfor their classic sporty golfing look.

SAPEMA would like to thank all thosemembers who participated and aspecial thanks to those who sponsoredprizes, which all contributed to anothersuccessful annual SAPEMA Golf Day.

A special thank you goes to SAIOSHwho was the official dinner sponsor ofthe event.

Competition Winners: EDUPLEX Four ball that won the SAPEMA golf day


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WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHANGES INTHE NEW PPE REGULATION (EU)2016/425?

The changes mean that the old PPEDirective, which is currently over 20years old; will lose its current status andwill be re-implemented as aRegulation.

The Regulation text was adopted onthe 12th of February 2016 and hencethere is a two year transitional period.

The PPE Directive 89/686/EEC isrepealed with effect from 21 April2018.

This PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425shall apply from 21 April 2018.

The main changes to be aware of:• The PPE Directive will be replaced

by a Regulation in April 2018.• A number of types of protection will

move from category II(intermediate) to category III(complex).

• Hearing protection will move fromCategory II to Category III PPE.

• Life Jackets will move fromCategory 11 to Category III PPE.

• Manufacturers will be required tosupply a declaration of conformitywith every item of PPE that isplaced on the market.

• A five-year certificate of validity isbeing suggested, bringing theRegulation in line with other similarEuropean requirements.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PPECATEGORIES?

Category I - Simple PPE

PPE in this category isdesigned to protect usersagainst minimal risks, forexample:

• Mechanical action whose effects aresuperficial (gardening gloves,thimbles, etc).

• Cleaning materials of weak actionand easily reversible effects (glovesaffording protection against diluteddetergent solutions, etc).

• Risks encountered in the handling ofhot components which do notexpose the user to a temperatureexceeding 50OC or to dangerousimpacts (gloves, aprons forprofessional use, etc).

• Atmospheric agents of neitherexceptional nor extreme nature(headgear, seasonal clothing,footwear, etc).

• Damage to the eyes due to exposureto sunlight (other than duringobservation of the sun).

Category II - Intermediate PPE

Category II includes risks other thanthose listed in Categories I and III.The following products are included asexamples:• Hi visibility clothing.• Safety specs and safety goggles.• Hard hats and bump caps.• Safety footwear.

Category III - Complex PPE

PPE in this category includesexclusively the risks that may causevery serious consequences such asirreversible damage to health or evendeath.

This category covers the following:

• Filtering respiratory devices forprotection against solid and liquidaerosols or irritant, dangerous, toxicor radiotoxic gases.

• Respiratory protection devicesproviding full insulation from theatmosphere, including those for usein diving.

• PPE providing only limitedprotection against chemical attack oragainst ionising radiation.

• Emergency equipment for use inhigh-temperature environments theeffects of which are comparable tothose of an air temperature of 100OCor more and which may or may notbe characterised by the presence ofinfra-red radiation, flames or theprojection of large amounts ofmolten material.

• Emergency equipment in low-temperature environments theeffects of which are comparable tothose of an air temperature of -50OCor less.

• PPE to protect against falls from aheight.

• PPE against electrical risks anddangerous voltages or that used asinsulation in high-tension work.

Changes in new PPE Regulation 2016/425

by Deleane Luzzatto, Chairman SAPEMA

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SAPEMA


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By Raymond Mann and Travis Betcher,3M Personal Safety

INTRODUCTION

For decades, leading causes of death onconstruction sites have been “Falls” and“Struck by Object” according to theBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

In 2015, the Occupational Health andSafety Administration (OSHA)recorded 364 deaths from falls (38.8%of the total construction deaths) and 90were struck by objects (9.6% of thetotal construction deaths). That’s atotal of 454 workers’ whose lives mayhave been saved if these risks wereeliminated in 2015 alone.(United States Department of Labor.Commonly Used Statistics. Retrieved fromhttp://bit.ly/1rTLTGX)

This article will look at two of the mostpersistent dangers to workers, illustratethe risks of each, and outline safetysolutions and equipment to protect allworkers on the jobsite.

THE CURRENT, REGULATORY STATEOF THINGS

In the United States, workers at heightare in most applications mandated byOSHA to wear a fall protection harnessand be tied off.

It is well understood across the generalconstruction industry that workersmust utilise a primary safety system to

prevent a worker from falling, or anactive personal fall arrest system (PFAS)to arrest a fall when it occurs.Currently, in regards to objects,protection is addressed with debris nets,toe boards and personal protectiveequipment (PPE) to eliminate or limitpotential damage.

Here is a quick comparison for how thetwo risks are addressed:

People are not designed to work atheight: People don’t have a naturalconnection point to tie off to, which iswhy they wear a fall protection harness- to provide a connection point andkeep them at height.

Tools are not designed to be used atheight: Tools also lack a connectionpoint to tie off to, but are allowed tofall with hope that secondary safetymeasures - hard hats and debris nets -will prevent injury or damage.

While, currently, these risks areregulated very differently, the differencebetween a fall protection programmefor humans and a fall protectionprogramme for objects is only a matterof perspective: one helps save you;the other helps save others.

The question to ask is, why thedifference? Why do we allow anythingto fall?

DROPPED OBJECTS – A KNOWN ANDPRESENT DANGER

According to the BLS, there were157,490 “struck by object orequipment” cases in 2015 in theUnited States.

That’s nearly 18 injuries caused by adropped object every hour. (Bureau ofLabor Statistics (2016, November 10).Non-fatal Occupational Injuries andIllnesses Requiring Days Away from Work,2015. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/ 2p4k0Fo)

When an object falls from height itgathers energy and force. Heavier tools,some up to 36.28 kg can beparticularly dangerous. Tools that havepointed attributes, like a nail,screwdriver or spud wrench, can alsocause fatal injuries given their ability topenetrate upon impact.

Even something as light and blunt as anut fastener has the potential to causedamage, injury or death if it were to fallfrom a great enough height.

To better understand the potentialdanger, look at the speed at which afalling tool can travel. For example, athree-pound tool falling from 60metres will travel at a speed of 128kilometres per hour when it hits theground. When this tool finally impacts,hardhats and drop zones are of littleconsequence when an object with thisamount of speed makes a direct impactor deflects off another object.

Incidents and accidents proving thedamage potential have made the newsfor at least a century. The New YorkTimes published an article on August2, 1903 about dropped objects where itwas reported, “with a series ofkerchunks extending over the threeyears during which the new East Riverbridge has been built, nearly $3,000worth of tools have fallen from thehands of the workmen into the river.”The equivalent of that financial losstoday would be nearly $78,000. It’sfortunate that these tools were droppedinto a body of water.

“According to the BLS, there were157,490 “struck by object orequipment” cases in 2015 in theUnited States.”

In November 2014, FOX Newsreported that a 58-year-old man haddied in Jersey City after being struck inthe head by a tape measure that fell 50stories on a job site. While the storywas labeled a “freakish accident,” thetroubling reality is that this type ofincident is more common than peoplerealise. Workers who witnessed theJersey City incident referenced anongoing concern of equipment fallingfrom height.

(New York Times (2014, November 3).Falling Tape Measure Kills Man at JerseyCity Construction Site. Retrieved fromhttp://nyti.ms/2oJBIdY)

With the prevalence of these injuries,companies like 3M have been changinghow they view and safe-guard againstfalls for both workers and equipment

Protecting workers from falls ... as well as fallen objects



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A BROADER DEFINITION OF “FALLPROTECTION” LEADS TO NEWSTANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

Historically, “fall protection” referred topreventing people from falling. Withthe increased awareness of danger of“struck by objects” and the growingnumber of accidents and injuries thathave been reported, the industry isshifting to a broader definition of fallprotection. “Fall Protection” refers toanything that can fall, whether it’s aperson, debris, tool or piece ofequipment. For all objects at height -including humans - it’s not aboutcatching the object (a reactive action),it’s about preventing things fromfalling (a preventative measure).

It’s 3M’s viewpoint that all objects -whether they are people or tools - needprotection to help prevent falling.Many other manufacturers, safetymanagers and professionals agree withthis direction. 3M is working closelywith regulating bodies such as OSHA,ANSI and ISEA to help createregulations and a product performancestandard for dropped object prevention.Currently there is an OSHA GeneralDuty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of a lawrequiring employers to maintain aworkplace “free from recognisedhazards that are causing or are likely tocause death or series physical harm” toemployees. OSHA’s criteria for issuinga General Duty Clause Violationinclude:• There must be a hazard• The hazard must be recognised• The hazard causes or is likely to

cause injury or death• The hazard must be correctable.

Additionally, OSHA requires that ifyou work in an environment whereyou’re at risk of being hit by somethingthat falls, you must do the following:

• Secure tools and materials to preventthem from falling on people below

• Barricade hazard areas and postwarning signs

• Use toe boards, screens on guardrailsor scaffolds to prevent falling objects

• Use debris nets, catch platforms orcanopies to catch or deflect fallingobjects.

(Safety and Health Topics: Fall Protection.Retrieved from http://bit.ly/1KABPOC)

FALL PROTECTION FOR TOOLS -WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS AND SAFETYMANAGERS DO?

While we work toward enacting anofficial standard for dropped objects,there are many steps employers andsafety managers can take to ensuretheir crew is protected. The mosteffective step is to add a dropped objectprevention programme for tools andequipment to their existing fallprotection programme.

When creating a safety plan oroutlining the safety needs of theworksite, a safety manager needs toidentify and evaluate all potentialdangers on the worksite.

If fall protection is identified as adanger, they need to implement theABCDEF’s of Fall Protection:

A positive first step towardimplementing the ABCDEF’s of fallprotection is to conduct, or enlist asafety expert to conduct, a riskassessment.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)works best when it compliments allother safety equipment used. Anoverall risk assessment will helpidentify all hazards workers must beprotected against and the best PPE“package” to deploy.

IMPLEMENTING FALL PROTECTIONFOR TOOLS

With all PPE, it’s vital that theactivities of each worker be considered.If the PPE constricts or negativelyimpacts job performance it is less likelyto be worn properly, or worn at all.

This is especially important to considerwhen adding PPE to the tools thatperform the work.

One of the more common methods tohelp prevent tools and equipment fromfalling is tethering tools and equipmentwith connectors, connection points, andanchors.

Many tools today have built-inconnection points placed by themanufacturer for tethering to helpmaintain the effectiveness and functionof the tool.

Additionally, tools and otherequipment can be retrofitted withconnection points. These tools are thenconnected to an attachment point via alanyard.

Depending on the shape, size and useof a tool, they can either be connectedto a worker through a tool belt,harness, or wristband (recommendedfor tools under 2.25 kilos), or anchoredto a fixed structure (recommended fortools over 2.25 kilos).

Tools that weigh more than 2.25 kilosshould never be tied off to a person. If aheavy object becomes uncontrolled, theweight and force could dislocate a wristor shoulder, or even pull a worker overa ledge or off of scaffolding.

To ensure that the deployment andadoption of a broader, all-encompassingfall protection programme succeeds inprotecting and supporting workers, it’simportant to assign and train acompetent person to manage theprogramme and equipment.

CONCLUSION

It is the responsibility of every safetymanager, construction superintendent,overseer and worker to make sure theyunderstand the dangers they face whenworking at-height.

Fall prevention means preventingthings from falling, whether they bepeople, tools or equipment.

• Anchors

• Body Harness

• Connectors

• Descent & Rescue

• Education

• Fall Protection for Tools

Printed with permission from Protection Update,Summer 2017.Protection Update is an e-newsletter with the aim ofinforming users, specifiers and purchasers of personalprotective equipment, and those who regulate it.

ABCDEF’sof Fall Protection:

Visit the ISEA website atwww.safetyequipment.org


have started using this process confirmthat, in the long term, the PLP savestime and is a strong evidentialdocument to support their CVs and jobapplications, as well as the CPDprocess. AIAs that have implementedthis for their staff confirm that it is agood way to keep evidence of trainingand development of their staff, and thatit supports the SANS 17020accreditation system. Please read theSAIOH guide to your PLP, available onthe SAIOH website, to understand theconcept and the requirements. Allapplications, requests for upgrades, andCPD audits going forward, will requestcopies of your PLP as part of theprocess.Report by:Kenneth Hlungwane, SAIOH President2017 e-mail: [email protected] Hills, SAIOH Vice President andTreasurer 2017 e-mail: [email protected] Kate Smart, SAIOH Chief AdministrativeOfficer e-mail: [email protected] Nogueira, SAIOH CouncilMember Portfolios: Liaison andCommunication & Marketing e-mail: [email protected]

attain registration as Certified AsbestosAnalysts (CAA). Since each modulegreatly elevates the knowledge andpractice in all aspects of asbestosmanagement and analysis, it isanticipated that the introduction of thistype of training will contributesubstantially to capacity and skillsbuilding in asbestos proficiencycounting in the Southern Africanregion, at a competitive cost.

Refresher: Importantannouncement regarding yourSAIOH Personal LearningPortfolio (PLP)The SAIOH Council and PCC wouldlike to remind all members that thekeeping of a PLP becomes mandatoryfrom the end of 2017. The recentContinuing Professional Development(CPD) audit and problems associatedwith completing this successfullyidentified the need for a more stringentmethod to keep proof relating to careerdevelopment and associated activities,for which members claim CPD points.

Whilst this might seem to be anothertime-consuming activity, members who

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OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE - SAIOH

REPORT FROM THE SAIOH PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL MEMBERS

News from SAIOH

SAIOH awarded accreditation asan examining body for “OHTAW201 – Basic Principles ofOccupational Hygiene”It is with great pleasure that theSouthern African Institute forOccupational Hygiene (SAIOH)Council and Professional CertificationCommittee (PCC) announce thatSAIOH has now been formallyawarded accreditation to act as anexaminer for the W201 BasicPrinciples of Occupational Hygienemodule of the Occupational HygieneTraining Association (OHTA).

This is a remarkable opportunity forSAIOH, its administrators and themembers of the PCC to show thatSAIOH can successfully run theexaminations according to OHTArequirements, with strict qualityassurance and the high standard ofSAIOH’s questions and model answers.Any Southern African based ApprovedTraining Provider (ATP) may noworder the required examination papersat a greatly reduced price directly fromthe PCC administrator.

Introduction of recognisedproficiency training in asbestos-related work in South AfricaMs Julie Hills, registered occupationalhygienist and SAIOH Vice President2017, has received accreditation fromthe British Occupational HygieneSociety (BOHS) to teach the modulesrelated to asbestos work, as part of herinvolvement in the development of aSouth African based asbestos countingproficiency scheme. The first modulewhich will be offered to occupationalhygienists in Southern Africa is IP403 –Counting of Asbestos Fibres; this willbe followed in due course by threemodules: IP402 - Surveying andSampling Strategies for Asbestos inBuildings; IP404 - Air Monitoring,Clearance Inspections andReoccupation following the Removal ofAsbestos; and IP405 - Management ofAsbestos in Buildings. In the UK, thesefour modules build into an advancedqualification where occupationalhygiene practitioners can eventually

Occupational Hygiene Category Female Malen % n %

Occupational Hygiene Assistant (OHA)South Africa 290 53 261 47Botswana 3 5Namibia 1 3Tanzania 0 1Occupational Hygiene Technologist (OHT)South Africa 87 43 114 57Botswana 3 3Namibia 2 1Australia 0 1New Zealand 1 0Occupational Hygienist (OH)South Africa 50 26 141 74Botswana 1 0Namibia 0 2United States of America 0 1Sub-total 438 45 533 55In addition to the above, there is another category which is growing substantially:Registered Occupational Hygiene Assistant (Student)South Africa 54 68 25 32Total SAIOH membership 492 47 558 53

SAIOH fast facts: SAIOH membership by category, gender and location (July 2017)


A MERRY SPRING TO ALL MEMBERS OF IOSM!

As I write this, spring is well on its way and it almost feels asif it bypassed us! Spring of course leads into summer whichwill hopefully bring some serious rain up in the NorthernProvinces. Unfortunately, our Southern cousins did not get asmuch as we had hoped. Of course rain brings its ownhazards, from wet and muddy roads, to restricted vision onthe roads, through to slippery surfaces on construction sites,to name but a few.

To keep ahead of these weather hazards, the question mustalways be asked: "Have you revised and updated your riskassessments to compensate for the changes in theconditions?" And then of course: "Have your retrained yourpeople so that they know how to deal with the changingconditions?"

SACPCMP

Members may have heard or experienced a slowdown in theactivities at the SACPCMP recently. They released a pressstatement to the effect that they picked up a potential forfraud and therefore have instituted a forensic investigationinto the situation to determine the scope of the problem sothat they can address the issues, if any.

The problem not only affects the CHS registrations, it affectsall registration processes within the SACPCMP.

The latest is that the investigation is almost finished and theyare expected to release another press statement soon, maybeeven before you read this. The long and the short of this isthat the processes at the SACPCMP have basically come to astandstill and that evaluations, examinations and interviewshave been put on hold until everything is sorted.

It is a great pity as the process was under so much pressure;it really did not need a delay like this!! Unfortunately thiswill also have an impact on the credibility of the processes.

We trust that the SACPCMP will act decisively to rectify thesituation.

I would like to remind our members of the facility to applyas a Candidate CHSO as I reported previously. Persons withsome education but with no or very little experience, canapply directly as a Candidate Construction Health and SafetyOfficer (CHSO). Applicants do not have to submit thereports, but simply submit their application form, ID, CVand qualifications. The evaluation process is shortened to

•

Joep Joubert

Message fromthe President

lighten the load on assessors and the Candidate is thenrequired to practise under a mentor and complete a logbookas proof of his exposure to facilitate professional registrationas soon as possible.

Persons interested in following this route can register onlineat www.sacpcmp.org.za, click on Online Registration, learnmore and follow the prompts from there - of course as soonas the process is up and running again.

SNIPPETS

IOSM has approached the Institute of Risk Management inSA with the idea of working closer together. We hope to bebringing you some real benefits from such cooperation in thenear future.

Some of you may have taken note of the recent gazettereleased by the DoL on the 'Inclusion of Noise Monitoringby Means of Personal Dosimetry' and asked yourself whatthis is all about. For all of us who are not specialists in thefield it could be a real problem, luckily one of our membershas investigated the situation and spells out the implicationsin an article on the next page.

NEW QUALIFICATION

Since our last communication on this channel, the QCTOhas also registered the Occupational Certificate: Safety,Health and Quality Practitioner, SAQA ID 99714, NQFLevel 5. This is the new qualification that will eventuallyreplace the unit standard based qualifications as we knowthem at the moment.

Of course skills development providers now have to startaligning themselves to present this qualification and getaccreditation from the QCTO and the Assessment QualityPartner (AQP) for the Qualification to present it.

The SETAs still have the Education and Training QualityAssurance (ETQA) function for the unit standard basedqualifications until March 2020, but after that, all trainingshould be based on the new qualification. In the interim adual system will start to develop.

The finished ISO 45001 standard on occupational healthand safety is due to be published before the end of Marchnext year, but, the International Organization forStandardization has said only after a third and final vote on arevised draft standard.

The announcement came after a week-long meeting of anISO 45001 working group, which sought to iron out theconcerns raised by national standards bodies' (NSBs) aboutthe second draft standard (DIS2). (Taken fromwww.healthandsafetyatwork.com accessed 28 September2017.)

Keep well and keep safe till we meet again!!

Joep Joubert

E-mail: [email protected] / Tel +27 12 661 5166 / Website: www.iosm.co.za


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Most readers will have seen with interest the GG notice25/08/2017, read it and then wondered' "what on earth doesthis mean to me?

The writer approached a number of OH/IH colleagues,specifically, Dr G Kew of EOH, Paul Neal of City of CapeTown and Garth Hunter of Engen and the advice that theyhave given is collated in this article.

For the record and reference, here is the original Notice fromthe Minister of Labour NM Oliphant.

R.889 of 2017

(G.G. 41065 of 25/08/2017)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR

INCLUSION OF NOISE MONITORING BY MEANSOF PERSONAL DOSIMETRY IN REGULATION 7 OFTHE NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSSREGULATIONS

In terms of section 43 (1)(b)(v) of the Occupational Healthand Safety Act 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993), I, NelisiweMildred Oliphant, Minister of Labour, after consultationwith the Advisory Council for occupational Health andSafety, hereby include noise monitoring by means of personaldosimetry, for employees potentially exposed to noise at orabove the noise rating limit, whom are neither working in allarea of approximate equal noise level or fixed location tosupplement the measures in regulation 7 (2) of the NoiseInduced Hearing Loss Regulations with effect from the dateof publication of this notice. Such personal dosimetry shall beconducted as contemplated in SANS 10083.signedNM OLIPHANT MINISTER OF LABOUR22/06/2017

Taking the original Reg 7(2) as reference:

7. In order to comply with subregulation (1)(d), andemployer shall ensure -

(a) That the measurement programme, in the case where a number of employees work in an area ofapproximately equal noise level, makes provision for thedeletion of not less than three locations which are

representative of the positions occupied by employeeswell distributed over the are under investigation, and forthe taking of measurements at each position ascontemplated in SAMBS 083 ( now SANS 10083 2013)

(b) That the measurement programme, in the case of andemployee working at an approximately fixed locationrelative to the noise source, makes provision for themeasurement to be taken at the approximate position ofthe person's ear that receives the higher noise level ascontemplated in SABS 083, and:

(c) That representative measurements are carried out atleast every 24 months; provided that whenever the noiseis at or above the noise-rating limit, the provision ofregulation 10(1) shall apply;

it can be seen that the change is:

(hereby included is) noise monitoring by means of personaldosimetry, for employees potentially exposed to noise ator above the noise rating limit, whom are working in anarea of approximate equal noise level or fixed location tosupplement the measurers in regulation 7 (2) of theNIHL Regulations with effect from the date ofpublication of this notice. Such personal dosimetry shallbe conducted as contemplated in SANS 10083.

And the implication of this change is that where peoplemove from place to place in the workplace, noisedosimetry is added as a method to supplement 7(2).

What does "to supplement" mean? Per commondefinition:"added to something else in order to completeor enhance it" - this requires that noise dosimetry has tobe added where applicable, it is not an option

We now look at SANS 10083

8.3.3. Personal dosimetry

Without going into detail Annexure D just says how to goabout using a noise dosimeter, it doesn't say, however:

a. That dosimetry measurements have to be taken for everySEG;

b. How many noise dosimetry measurements have to betaken per SEG;

The lack of clarity in this respect makes compliance a lot

Inclusion of Noise Monitoring by means ofPersonal Dosimetry in Regulation 7 of TheNoise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations

by Richard Whittaker - Marketing/PRO IOSM. Richard Whittaker is the sole proprietor of RHESQ providing engineered risk management solutions for construction, health and safety


•

easier since there is no strict direction to follow.

Using a risk based approach to supplement staticmeasurements one can look at the areas in which work isbeing carried out and make one's own assessment as towhere dosimetry is to be effected.

It should be noted, however, that noise dosimetry showsabout the same range of variation as chemical monitoringand a statistical based approach needs to be taken, where theGeometric Standard Deviation (GSD) is used of the measureof variation for aSimilar Exposure Group(SEG).

In summary:

For those with a robust NIHL programme already in place,including these new requirements will not be particularlyarduous. For those without a programme already, the use ofAIAs should be considered to revise or establish aprogramme in the meantime.

This being new legislation, it will probably form part of theDoL's check sheet during their facilities audits.

Q. Who needs to be assessed?

A. The notice requires a noise exposure assessment foremployees in jobs in which noise exposures vary throughouttheir day (especially roving type jobs).

Q. What is personal dosimetry?

A. Personal dosimetry is a technique of noise exposuremeasurement in which a noise dosimeter is attached to anemployee and which moves around with the employee. Thisshould be for a full workday, but can also be parts of a day(from which an extrapolated personal exposure value may becalculated). This will enable the hygienist to determinewhether or not similarly exposed employees ("similarexposure group") are at risk of hearing loss.

Q. What is static of area-based dosimetry?

A. Static or area-based dosimetry is a technique of noiseexposure measurement in which a noise dosimeter is placedin a fixed position in a workplace, so as to determine thegeneral exposure at that workplace. This will enable thehygienist to determine whether or not that workplace is a"noise zone".

Q. Does the personal dosimetry testing follow an established Protocol?

A. Personal dosimetry is done at a periodicity identical to thestatic (area-based) monitoring It does not have to be donecontinuously throughout the year. There should be enoughfull-shift measurements, though, to be representative of theexposure for that exposure group ("Similar Exposure Group",or "SEG").

Q. Can a Type 2 Dosimeter be used as a sound level meter?

A. A noise dosimeter (they are all type 2) may not be usedfor demarcation of noise zones

A type 1 sound level meter is used for noise measurements(for purposes of determining the noise rating) so that zonescan be identified and hearing conservation measuresimplemented in such areas.

Q. Are any further changes to the legislation (or SANS 10036) asthe requirement s of the last notice are rolled out?

A With the DOL now including personal dosimetry in theSANS 10083 approach to hearing conservation, it couldpossibly be expected that the next step might to be theinclusion or frequency analysis to form part of the 10083noise surveys for purposes of noise control interventions.

In addition, it would not be incorrect to anticipate that thedata on the ear plug package will indicate NRR in whichfrequencies it can operate safely (so it will assist in the correctprocurement).

To contact IOSM

E-mail:[email protected]

Tel +27 12 661 5166

Website:www.iosm.co.za



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Being an Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner requires us to perform various mathematical calculations related to thescience aspects of our profession. Consequently, a good understanding of maths is one of the technical science aspects safetypractitioners require as a skill to calculate and advise on some basic engineering and/or on an occupational hygiene safetymatters. Here is some more maths to consider.

The Pythagorean equation is very useful to solve many OHS problems where right angled triangles are involved, ie. a2 + b2 = c2 where the triangle hypotenuse is always the longer side. What is the length of C if A is 4m and , B is 7m?

C2 = 42 + 72 = 16 + 49 = 65m2 ..... so C = square root of 65 = √65 = √(8.06 x 8.06) = 8.06 m

To calculate the (d) angle of the triangle one needs the trigonometric functions related to the ...

"Some Old Hens Cackle And How Till Old Age" rule

Sine = Opposite /Hypotenuse, Cosine = Adjacent /Hypotenuse, Tan = Opposite /Adjacent

Sine d = b/c Cosine d = a/c Tan = b/aSine d = 7/8.06 =0.868 Cosine d = 4/8.06 = 0.496 Tan d = 7/4 = 1.75

To determine the (d) angle in degrees we need to divide both sides by sine giving the inverse (arcsine, arccosine and arctan)functions, as d = 0.868/sine = arcsine 0.868, ..... and also giving cosine and arctan.

d = arcsine 0.868 = 60.23° d = arccosine 0.496 = 60.26° d = arctan 1.75 = 60.25°

The Pythagoras equation is also used to calculate the max safety working loads of a sling as follows:

What is the required safe working load for the two slings at a 30° angle to lifting a 1200kg load safely? Divide the load by the 2 slings sharing the load, ie. 600kg each. The weight on side (a)is now 600kg per sling and we have the 30° angle facing the opposite side (a). By using the sine function we can calculate the load weight in each leg of the 2 slings (c).

For a 30° sling angle:

Sine 30° = 600kg/c ... divide by c ... sine30° x c = 600... divide by sine 30° ... c = 600/sine 30°as sine 30° = 0.5 ... then ... c = 600kg/0.5 = ≥1200kg

So a the safe working load of at least 1200kg is required for each of the 2 x 30° slings to lift the 1200kg load.

If the angle was 45° then c = 600kg/sine 45° = 600/0.707 = ≥ 848.7kg per sling, as sine 45° = 0.707.

If the angle was 60° then c = 600kg/sin 60° = 600/0.866 = ≥ 692.8 kg per sling, as sine 60° = 0.866

In summary, the above three calculations illustrate that the angle of the sling to the load is a critical factor toconsider when deciding the minimum safe working load of the slings for lifting loads

Again this calculation indicates that a safety practitioner must understand mathematical calculations

Note: in all maths calculations one must comply with using and applying the correct units

Reference : W. David Yates, Safety Professional's reference and study guide, 2nd ed, 2015, CRC Press

By Leighton Bennett, SHE & Risk Management Consultant, Benrisk Consulting

Maths and the safety practitioner #2

cb

a

ca

b1200kg


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As part of government’s GreenInitiative, Virtual Gas Network(VGN), a division of CNG Holdings,recently partnered with the GautengDepartment of InfrastructureDevelopment (GDID) and theGauteng Department of Health(GDOH) to reduce the carbonfootprint of 10 state-owned hospitals.By converting their coal-burning boilersystems to cleaner natural gas systems,the hospitals not only reduce their CO2

emissions but the new systems aremore economical to maintain than theircoal-burning predecessors.

A MOVE TOWARDS THE ‘FUEL OF THEFUTURE’

Compressed natural gas is a cleaner,more environmentally friendly energysource that emits less CO2, NOX, HCand PM than other fossil fuels. It is anaturally occurring gas that consists of90% methane, has an ignitiontemperature of 600°C and is lighterthan air which eliminates fuel poolingat ground level – making it one of thesafest transport fuels on the market.Furthermore where the quality of coaloften varies, natural gas is a consistentand efficient energy source thatprovides consistent output levels.

From a maintenance perspective,natural gas is a cleaner burning fueland reduces residue, stench and carbonbuild up. This will significantly lowerthe hospitals’ maintenancerequirements, extend service intervalsand prolong overall equipment life.“When you compare this to dirty andlabour-intensive coal-burning processesthat require extensive maintenance andcleaning, converting the hospitals tonatural gas is not only anenvironmentally sound decision, but abusiness one too,” comments StephenRothman, Chief Executive Officer,CNG Holdings.

TAKING THE HASSLE OUT OF THECONVERSION PROCESS

Hospitals typically operate two or threeboilers, and as they simply cannotshutdown, so VGN is converting oneboiler at a time for each hospital. Theconversion process includes refurbishingthe boilers for gas burning; as well ascivil construction to lay manifold high-and low-pressure piping, create bays foron-site trailers and the installation of acontainerised pressure regulating plant(PRP). “We were initially contracted forthe gas supply only, but in order tolower the conversion process timeframewe ended up supplying a turnkeysolution that included design, boilerconversion, civil works, piping andequipment installation, gas supply aswell as the required MHI and SAGAcertifications,” adds Rothman. “We alsosourced new boilers for the hospitalsthat were operating outdated ones.” Bymanaging the entire conversion supplychain, VGN was able to convert thehospitals in three to four months. Thecompany has also committed to lowerthis timeframe to just five weeks forfuture conversions.

A GUARANTEED SUPPLY, DELIVEREDTO THE HOSPITALS

VGN transports its rich source ofcompressed natural gas via its road-based distribution network to thehospitals in pressurised modular,mobile tube trailers that store between200 to 240 gigajoules of gas. From

there, the 250-bar compressed naturalgas is decompressed to the hospitals’required one-bar pressure in the two-stage PRP that is stationed at eachhospital. This ready-for-use gas is thenpiped directly into the hospital’s energynetwork to heat its various boilerswhere the operation’s personnel merelyneed to monitor boiler operation, asopposed to its labour-intensive coal-burning counterpart.

VGN’s unique PRP also monitors andcontrols the hospitals’ gas usage withits sophisticated SCADA system.

“When gas is low, the systemautomatically alerts our team at ourLanglaagte-based motherstation whothen transport more trailers of gas tothe hospital,” comments Rothman.“Some of the larger hospitals require anew trailer every day, so by placing theonus on us it is a massive benefit for thehospitals.” The PRP is also equippedwith a flow meter to ensure that thehospitals only pay for the gas they use.

MAINTAINING THE NEW SYSTEMS

All equipment is controlled by VGN,so the company takes responsibility formaintenance and servicing of theequipment. A certified technicianconducts routine inspections on everytrailer re-fill to ensure equipment isbeing operated correctly and efficiently.This also benefits the hospitals whereits coal counterpart often clogged theboilers and required extensivemaintenance.

GOVERNMENT LEADS THE WAY WITHITS GREEN INITIATIVE

South Africa has access to largevolumes of natural gas, but our usage ismuch lower that it should be.

“By converting these 10 state-ownedhospitals to compressed natural gas,and with the inevitable carbon taxlooming, the GDID and the GDOHare now setting the example by usingmore environmentally friendly fuelsources – and are benefitting from themaintenance and cost implicationsthereof,” concludes Rothman.

Govenment leads the way:converting state-owned hospitals to compressed natural gas

Compressed natural gas is a cleaner energysource than coal burning, lowering themaintenance requirements of the Gauteng-based hospitals.


The Safety and Technical AdvisoryCouncil (STAC) was established on the20th September 2016, this body servesas a transparent, non- biased, non-competitive advisory council that givesinsight on Safety and Technical queriesfor the Methane Based Gas Industry.The Southern African Gas Association(SAGA) governs STAC, as it wasestablished under its umbrella as anadvisory body that reports directly toSAGA.

STAC’s objective is to render insight tothe Methane Gas based Industry inSouth Africa, this is achieved byimmense investigations and research onindustry related concerns and queries.STAC, for now only focuses on gasreticulation systems within respectivebattery limits and within the definitionof reticulation as stated in the PressureEquipment Regulations (PER). Thefocus will over time be broadened toupstream operations including

compressed and liquefied natural gassystems.

Persons within the industry, being;individuals or organisations, private orgovernment, are all eligible to receiveofficial recommendations from theresearch conducted by STAC. AnySafety and or Technical item relevant tothe Methane Gas Based Industry inSouth Africa can be brought to theattention of STAC. This AdvisoryCouncil is not limited to nationaltechnical issues, STAC takes it uponitself to research and considerinternational trends in safety andtechnical matters, including practice.

All issues brought to the attention ofSTAC will be thoroughly evaluated andreported to SAGA. After properconsideration, one of the following willbe actioned:

• Have a special council meeting todecide on how to advise on the

•

GAS SAFETY

The World Bank has dubbed LiquefiedPetroleum Gas (LPG) the mostenvironmentally friendly fossil fuel.

An increasing number of South Africanhouseholds are switching to LPG fordomestic cooking and heating, savingan average surplus of 120kg offirewood annually.

LPG is a safe, reliable and cost-effectivealternative to traditional power supply,for both domestic and industrial use,yet only 3% of South Africans arepresently using it as an additionalenergy source.

However, the recent opening of Africa’slargest LPG import and storageterminal in Saldanha Bay is said tocreate a complete turnaround.

South Africa-based energyinfrastructure company Sunrise Energy,has established an open-access (LPG)import and storage terminal inSaldanha Bay, which will enable theimport of LPG in large quantities.

The construction of this terminal,including the five giant underground

tanks created 470 jobs and at presenthosts 33 permanent employees.

This R1.02 billion facility is intended toboost regional energy security andincrease downstream competition,strengthening the country’s oil and gassector.

“The 140km corridor contains themost diversified energy mix in thecountry, including petroleum, gas,renewables, oil and nuclear energy”said Ebrahim Patel.

This import and storage facilityreceived its first load from an LPG shipin May 2017. This will boost gasavailability in South Africa.

Periodically South Africa experiences anLPG shortage, however, since thecommencement of the Saldana Bayfacility, LPG has not seen any shortage.This facility can store up to 200 000tons of LPG, that’s 57% of SouthAfrica’s annual LPG demand.

The Saldanha bay plant is the largestopen-access LPG import and storagefacility in Africa and operates on an

A lift in the LPG marketopen-access model. Therefore, this willfacilitate the entry of new players in theLPG industry, creating morecompetition in the market.

Wider gas availability will bringcompetition to the industry and mostlikely bring LPG prices down.

The production and supply of LPGinvolves many players in the valuechain, including the producers,wholesalers, distributors, dealers,retailers, and end-users, the increasedavailability will be beneficial for allsectors.

Noting that, the built terminal is onlythe first phase of the three phasesapproved by the National EnergyRegulator.

For more information on the safe use ofLPGas, visit the website of the LPGasSafety Association (www.lpgas.co.za).

Methane Based Advisory Councilmatter at hand

• Engage with non-council experts inthe field

• Call for public participation in thematter at hand

• Form sub-committees whom willengage with experts in the field, bothlocally and abroad, in order toadvise on certain matters, and thenreport back to the council.

Once a formal recommendation hasbeen reached by the Council, it is thenforwarded to SAGA for considerationand publication as Safety or TechnicalBulletin for Industry application.

For more information on SAGA visitwww.sagas.co.za


maintenance facility to see how gascylinders are re-validated.

The day concluded with a question andanswer session and a test to confirmunderstanding from the day’s training.

SAGA

The morning session was theoreticaland included:• Reticulation systems• Combustion and fuel handling

equipment• Safe Gas Equipment Scheme (SGES)

– Verification Permits• Inspector checklists for

domestic/commercial and industrialgas installations

• Difference between LPG and NG• Live demonstration of firing up a gas

train (Industrial thermoprocessing)

The afternoon session was practical sitevisits to two users to demonstrate:

• Industrial thermoprocessing(reticulation gas system)

• Compressed natural gas vehicles andindustrial applications (fuellingstation)

Discussions sparked the need todevelop a booklet that will be used as areference to all gas specifications whensite inspections are conducted.

LPGSASA

The DOL Inspector delegates spent aday and half which included:

• Site visit to WASAA’s LPG fillingdepot

• User friendly checklists wheninspecting LPG sites

• Knowledge and understanding of thePER and SANS Standards

• The ability to interact directly withthe facilitator

A particular highlight of the training

•

The four member associations thatbuild up SAQCC Gas, namely;LPGASASA – Liquefied Petroleum GasSafety Association of Southern Africa,SACGA – Southern Africa CompressedGases Association, SARACCA – SouthAfrican Refrigeration & AirConditioning Contractors Associationand SAGA – Southern African GasAssociation held respective trainingsessions alongside the Department ofLabour (DOL) inspectors in June 2017.

These training sessions were boththeoretical and practical, based on theuse of natural gas, liquefied petroleumgas, air conditioning and refrigerationgas, compressed industrial and medicalgases. The DOL inspectors were giventraining on conducting full inspectionswhere gas, gas installations and gasequipment are concerned.

SACGA

The DOL Inspector training was heldat Air Product's Cylinder filling facilityin Kempton Park.

The day commenced with a site safetyinduction to ensure that the inspectorsunderstood the site safety requirementsand that they had all the necessarypersonal protective equipment (PPE) toenter the cylinder filling facility.

Barry Little, SACGA GeneralSecretary/Technical Adviser presentedan overview of the Southern AfricaCompressed Gases Association(SACGA). This was followed by apresentation on gas cylinders whichincluded the history of gas cylinders,how they have evolved over the years,the different types of cylinders and howthey are filled and tested to ensure theyare safe to use.

The inspectors were then taken on awalk around Air Product's palletisedcylinder filling facility, where they wereshown how gas cylinders are receivedand sorted, what pre-fill checks arecarried out to ensure they are safe to befilled, the filling process and finalinspection before the cylinders areready for shipping to the customers.The DOL inspectors then visited AirProduct's cylinder test and

was the inspection checklist. Many ofthe delegates have subsequentlycontacted LPGSASA for copies of thechecklist to make use of during fieldinspections.

One of the most common observationsof the inspectors was that the overalltraining course was too concentratedand that future courses should be splitup or run over more days.

SARACCA

The training by SARACCA inrefrigerant gases and the use ofrefrigeration for cold storage and airconditioning was held at ACRA onKempton Park.

Grant Laidlaw of ACRA gave anoutline on refrigeration and itsapplication.

This was followed by a comprehensivetalk by Mike Labasher of A-Gas onidentifying refrigerants in theirtransport cylinders, the general safehandling of the containers and thetransfer of gas into systems. A hand-out of the common refrigerants and thecolour coding of cylinders was given tothe Department of Labour inspectors.

A tour of the ACRA training facilitywas given by Grant Laidlaw showingthe various types of refrigeration and airconditioning systems, as well as thetypes of compressor and application inwater chillers, air conditioning unitsand cold rooms.

Barney Richardson gave a talk on theissuing of Certificates of Conformity forthe many different systems usingrefrigeration. The talk covered thecompetencies of practitionersauthorised to sign COCs. Therequirements of the PressureEquipment Regulations were pointedout with respect to refrigeration. Thespecific items to look out for in anyinspection were highlighted.

The day was concluded with apresentation by Charel Marais on thequality of installations in airconditioning.

SAQCC Gas - training with the DOL


•

DOL Inspectors ready themselves for the HVAC industryOn the 22nd June 2017, SARACCA inconjunction with SAQCC Gas held atraining session at the Air Conditioningand Refrigeration Academy (ACRA)with the Department of Labour (DOL)inspectors. The reason for including theDOL inspectors was to highlight thelack of compliance within the HVACindustry. All attendees agreed that ahigh proportion of non-compliance isby installers who are not registeredpractitioners.

Providing a COC after any HVACrelated installation or modification is alegal requirement.

Barney Richardson, Director ofSARACCA, announced that additionalrequirements on semi-skilled installershave been initiated which are endorsedby the Department of Labour. Theycan now sign a COC in instances whereinstallations carry a capacity of less than18kW.

Over the years, numerous types ofgases have been used for multiplepurposes. The constant developmentfrom one gas to the other has, in turn,exposed the environment to multiplechemicals that have placed the ozonelayer in danger. Due to this, onSeptember 16th, 1987, over 197countries agreed on a treaty that wasdesigned to restore the ozone layer. Asper this treaty, the production ofnumerous Ozone Depleting Substance(ODS) has been phased out. One of thesubstances to be phased out is thepopular hydro chlorofluorocarbon(HCFC) gas Chlorodifluoromethane,commonly known as R-22, also calledHCFC-22.

THE PHASE OUT OF R-22

R-22 is a colourless gas commonly usedas a refrigerant and propellant for air-conditioning, heat pumps andrefrigeration. This gas is used in severalblends and is widespread mainlybecause of its low-cost, availability andeffectiveness. R-22 or HCFC-22 hasbeen a favoured refrigerant since the1960s. However, R-22 is classified as agreenhouse gas that contributes to

DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR CALLS FORCOMPLIANCEEnd-users will be requested to handover required documents including theCOC when labour inspectors maketheir official visit. The consumer musttherefore always request a completedCOC upon conclusion of installationsand modifications. The PressureEquipment Regulations (PER) wereput in place to ensure that all gasinstallations meet safety standards.These regulations set out therequirements regarding the design,manufacture, operation, repair,modification, inspection and testing ofpressure for all equipment used in theHVAC industry. The OccupationalHealth and Safety Act, 1993, (PER)also requires everyone working on gasequipment to undergo specific trainingand to be registered with the SouthAfrican Qualification and CertificationCommittee – Gas (SAQCC Gas).

global warming. In addition, therelease of R22 through leaks in systemsalso damages the ozone.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR AIR-CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION.

On the 22nd June 2017, MichaelLabacher at a training sessionconducted by SARACCA at the AirConditioning And RefrigerationAcademy (ACRA), spoke of thedecrease of R22 importation since 2015amongst South African companies. Acomplete phase-out is estimated by theyear 2040. South Africa is in the lead inthe phasing out of HCFCs with the2013 baseline of 3163 tons beingsurpassed in 2016, when only 2673tons were imported, and just 2556consumed.

This means air conditioning andrefrigerating practitioners now have touse alternative refrigerants. SouthAfrica is an innovative promoter of CO2

refrigeration alongside all Europeancountries, Japan and Australia.

There has been a ban on R22 chargedsystems that are assembled in SouthAfrica since January 2015, from

components assembled to the completesystem.

The regulations in GovernmentGazette 37621 of May 2014 dub itillegal for stockpiles of R22 to be storedfor a period exceeding 18 months.Companies that have stockpiles arerequired to register them with theDepartment of Environmental Affairsand submit a plan as to how thestockpiles will be disposed of.

OZONE HOLE IS RECOVERING

As a result of the Montreal Protocol,the ozone hole discovered in Antarcticais gradually recovering, and climateprojections say between the year 2050and 2070 the ozone layer will return to1980 levels.

SARACCA’s training facilities conducttraining courses on how the newrefrigerant systems should be installedand maintained.

The Montreal Protocol and the phasing out of HCFCs

LEGAL DOCUMENTATION

A Certificate of Conformity (COC) forgas installations is a legal documentwhich must be obtained whenever agas system is installed, modified orrepaired and should be retained forpossible future requirement. OnlyRegistered Practitioners may issue aCOC.

When the size of the refrigerationsystem causes it to be in category II orhigher, as defined by SANS 347, anApproved Inspection Authority (AIA)is required to examine and tocountersign the certificate ofconformity issued by the gaspractitioner.


•

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Technical GuidanceNote is to assist ACHASM membersand the broader Construction Industrywith information andrecommendations relative to aparticular issue or problems identifiedby members.

The information provided in eachtechnical note is in no way to beconsidered exhaustive and is forguidance and information purposesonly. Each case and situationconsidered needs to be assessed on itsindividual merits having regard to therelevant circumstances.

No liability can be accepted byACHASM for any errors or omissions,nor for any loss or damage arising fromreliance on any information containedherein. Always contact The Departmentof Labour or the Association of ConstructionHealth & Safety Management for specificand more detailed advice.

The Association of Construction Healthand Safety Management requires thatall members carry ProfessionalIndemnity Insurance cover whenoffering OHS Agency services andstrongly recommends all practitionersto carry appropriate and adequatecover. This Technical Guidance Noteoutlines some of the principal issuesinvolved when considering ProfessionalIndemnity (PI) Insurance.

WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITYINSURANCE

Under a professional indemnity policyyou and your practice are insuredagainst risk of being sued forprofessional negligence, you areindemnified by the insurers againstdamages and costs that you maybecome legally liable to pay to othersarising out of the conduct of yourprofessional business (subject to thefinancial limits and exclusions of yourpolicy).

Insurance is not a magic word thatcovers all possible risks as even policiesthat are described as "All Risks" have anumber of important exclusions. It is

important to obtain a copy of theinsurance policy wording at the timequotations are being considered and tocheck that the cover accords with thesafeguarding of the risks that you seekto protect.

If they are not protected, ask yourinsurance broker for assistance.Additional insurance cover can usuallybe arranged by appropriateendorsement of standard policywording, often without additionalpremiums being paid.

THE REAL PURPOSE OF PIINSURANCE

Clients often assume that professionalindemnity insurance has the primepurpose of making good their possiblelosses resulting from contractual failure,including latent defects. This is anincorrect assumption - the primepurpose is for the legal defence of aninsured person who is accused of anegligent act, error, omission or breachof professional duty of care.

If you are operating as a limitedliability company, liability is limited tothe amount of share capital. Directorsare often employees of the companyand as such are not normally liable forits debts, unless they have offeredpersonal guarantees.

Limited liability is not however, acomplete protection against personalliability in that it is possible forindividual employees, whether directoror not, to be sued for negligence. Itmakes sense therefore for PI cover to beavailable.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Risks require an audit and anassessment to make sure they areunderstood, contained, managed,planned for or avoided - sometimesthey can only be reduced.

It is considered by many that exposureto risk is not high for a client-appointedOHS agent, provided that services anddeliverables are provided strictly inaccordance with the duties required ofclient-appointed OHS agents under the

Construction Regulations. However therisks are very high.

For example:

As the client-appointed OHS agentunder the PROCSA (ProfessionalConsultants Services AgreementCommittee) "Client/OHS ConsultantAgreement" you have all the duties,sequential services and deliverables thata client-appointed OHS agent will haveto discharge on a construction project.In order to control the associated risks,those offering these services shouldensure that they are fully aware of therequirements for the discharge of eachand every one of these duties, servicesand deliverables and to ensure thatthey are adequately resources to do so.

Remember that all professionals areexposed to risk, because South Africanlaw allows the joining into legalproceedings of all parties contributingto, or allegedly contributing to,negligence and the resulting loss, injuryor fatality arising from this breach ofduty of care. Being drawn into anaction is a significant risk forprofessionals, including client-appointed OHS agents.

WHAT AMOUNT OF COVER ISSUFFICENT?

Many professionals have to have PIinsurance as a condition of professionalregistration or a membership of aprofessional association (such asACHASM). However, cover has to berelated to the possible scale of lossresulting from negligent act, error,omission or breach of professional dutyof care in relation to the type and scaleof projects and in relation to losseswhich may relate to varying duties,services and deliverables on theseprojects.

You should discuss this matter fullywith your broker (who should beexperienced in construction matters).

Certain policies are inclusive of legalcosts, so these will reduce the amountof cover available. Consider theimplications carefully with your brokerbefore taking out this kind of policy.

SACPCMP Stage 1: Project Initiation and BriefingProfessional Indemnity Insurance: Practical Issues for Client-Appointed OHS Agents

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY ACHASM

TECHNICAL GUIDANCE NOTE 01/2011


•

The client-appointed OHS agent maybe held to have little directresponsibility for most of the typicallosses which can arise in constructionprojects however the possibility ofliability resulting from a joint action(see below) must be kept in mind whenconsidering an appropriate level ofcover.

Policy excesses depend upon individualcircumstances bearing in mind that theamount of premium will be reduced inrelation to the level of excess, but in theevent of successful awards against youfor a series of individual claims on oneproject, the excess could be called upona number times.

From time to time, whether or notnegligence and loss has beenestablished, insurers may believe themost cost effective solution is to settle aclaim. In that case a "good policy"insurer will contribute towards the costof making good that loss or claim up tothe amount of the policy coverincluding legal costs (or sometimespaying your legal costs in addition) lessany contribution by the insured dueunder the excess clause.

Cheaper policies may have a "Cost andExpenses Excess" so that a contributionis required towards may and all costsincurred by the insurers, regardless ofany settlement being made.

CLIENT REQUEST FOR A CERTAINAMOUNT OF COVER

You should only state that you willprovide the professional indemnityinsurance cover requested (if you can).Never say that you have a higher levelof cover than requested, because if youare involved in an action against you,the attorneys acting for the opposingparty will try to recover from you thefull extent of the professional indemnitycover you have stated, if there is notsufficient PI insurance available fromthe other parties.

ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE DEFENCECOST COVER IS INCLUDED

The potentially high costs of defence toa charge of breach of professional dutyarising out of work as a client-appointed OHS agent should becovered by the PI policy as well asthose relating to defence of criminalcharges brought from breach of theConstruction Regulations (and/or other

health and safety legislation) or moreserious charges.

Make absolutely sure that the policycovers your necessary legal defencecosts, because most insurance policiesexclude cover for claims arising frominnocent criminal acts. Standardpolicies may need an appropriateendorsement.

Legal costs can mount up very quicklyand the last thing you need when facedwith a claim, are legal bills reducingyour effective level of cover. If you findyourself in court on a pure legaltechnicality you will need a lot of sparemoney if you are to deal with thisimpartially.

If you are in court charged with actionscontributing to a death or serious injuryyou will need an insurance policy whichwill ensure that you can be defendedeffectively.

PI cover may not provide defence costsin the event that you are drawn intoproceedings where relatives are suingfor damages following a successfulcriminal prosecution. Policy wordingsin respect of these areas of cover shouldbe carefully checked with a broker.

WHAT ABOUT CRIMINAL FINES ANDCONVICTION?

There is no insurance cover available(nor possible) against fines resultingfrom criminal convictions nor for lossesresulting from imprisonment.

Safeguarding the risks of civil damagesarising out of a case brought as a resultof a criminal charge is also difficult toarrange. The limitation on actions forbreach of statutory duty within theConstruction Regulations will not limitthis risk, because an action can still bebrought for negligence in relation tothe same incident.

ARE YOU REALLY LIABLE?

Liability depends upon each of threefundamentals being established:

a. A "duty of care" has to exist andthe determinants for this will befound within the terms of thecontract, professional codes ofconduct, statutes, regulations andcase law.

b. Evidence of a breach of "duty ofcare" has to exist. Many allegationsmake threats, but do not clarify the

duty that has been breached norprovide the evidence to support theallegations.

c. The combination of a "duty of care"when coupled to the evidence ofnegligent breach, has to give rise toa measurable financial loss which isactionable at law.

In the event (or hint) of a claim, notifyyour insurers of the potential claim,examine each of these fundamentalsand establish that relevant evidence foreach exists. It is really important tonotify the insurers early, or otherwiseyou could find you have no cover at all- the PI policy could become "void forlate notification".

There may be a particular need toconsider joint liability in relation to the"duty of care" in providing information.Pre-construction information (in theform of a Baseline Risk Assessment and/or OHS Specification/s) with which thePrincipal Contractors are provided andthe Health and Safety File, which theclient-appointed OHS agent isresponsible for formatting, shouldcontain accurate and relevantinformation.

The client-appointed OHS agent willneed to carefully consider thecontractual duties placed upon otherpersons to make sure that there is clearresponsibility for passing on the rightpre-construction information and OHSfile, for notifying relevant changes, forchecking as built information and soon.

It is the duty of professionals to clarifythe basis of appointments and toresolve ambiguities in the brief and inagreements. The client-appointed OHSagent must carefully consider themanagement of risk in relation topreparation of the pre-constructioninformation (presented in the BaselineRisk Assessment and OHSspecification/s) and the OHS file asthere can be joint liability.

INSURANCE / RISK CONTROLCHECKLIST

• Use an experienced professionalindemnity insurance broker backedby reliable insurers. Whencomparing quotations check thecover offered by each.

• Think about the work you and thepractice does and the cover it needs.


•

ACHASM Email: [email protected] Cell: 076 263 0549

Make sure the policy wording andlevel of cover adequately protectyour risks.

• Take great care when filling out theinsurance proposal form supplied bythe broker and submitted by themto insurers under their insuranceterms.

• Make sure all answers are neat andcomplete. Answer all questionshonestly and put in you proposal ingood time.

• Think about insurance regularly,not once a year. Make sure that staffare aware of policy requirementsand discuss emerging problems.

• Confirm all client-appointed OHSagent appointments in writing -preferably using a recognised formof appointment (PROCSA -Client/OHS ConsultantAgreement/Appointment).

• Keep a good diary.• Keep records to demonstrate use of

due care, diligence and theapplication of reasonableprofessional skill. If an action isbrought against you or yourpractice, a written note, made at the

time of the incident, will count forfar more than your memory of theevents.

• Make sure that the insurance youbuy provides retrospective cover forclaims arising out of all client-appointed OHS agencyappointments.

This Technical Guidance Note has beenprepared to provide general guidance.ACHASM does not offer thisdocument as legal advice for anyparticular situation, as each project willbe different. If you require advice on theinterpretation of legislation as it appliesto a specific situation you should sourceadvise from a suitably qualified personor from the Department of Labour. • Advise your insurers of the

likelihood of a claim beingintimated against you as soon aspossible. Do not delay untilallegations are clear as your insurermay wish to have early involvementin the process. Notify any matterswhich should be notified before apolicy expires and you must informyour insurers if there is a hint of aclaim, or your insurance will

probably be "voided" if you do not.• Co-operate fully with insurers once

a notification has been made.

RUN-OFF INSURANCE

There may be client appointed OHSagents who are giving up this type ofwork and in such cases it is importantthat run-off insurance is arranged sothat any liability or possible defencecosts that may arise in the future fromwork that has been carried out can beadequately covered.

ERRATUM: Some gremlins crept into the article “Theperformance of construction health and safetyofficers (CHSO)” published in theJuly/August issue of National Safety. Thecorrected article can be downloaced fromthe Safety First Association’s websitewww.safety1st.co.za - National Safety page.We apologise for any inconvenience caused.


The perfect way to learn while you

laugh

•

Wellington F Mudenha is SHE andQuality Assurance Manager,

Synthecon Sutures Manufacturing.Wellington has experience is in the

development, implementation,maintenance and audit of ISO

9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001and OHSAS 18001 ManagementSystems, leading health and safetyteams and ensuring SHEQ legal

compliance. He is also proficient inSHEQ academic research, risk and

project management.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES OFCOMMUNICATING A BAD MESSAGE

In my Shona culture from Zimbabwewhen something bad happens, you donot just come right out and say it. Badnews is information which must first bepackaged correctly for the intendedrecipient and delivered by the rightperson to them. It is not everybodywho can deliver the message.

If for example somebody in the familydies, is involved in a bad accident or hasterribly taken ill, you cannot telephonetheir sibling, parent, spouse or otherclose relative to inform them just likethat. It is unheard of to just pick up thetelephone to inform them. The Shonapeople are very sensitive to this issueand pay particular attention to how theinformation will be communicated.

Having stayed and worked in SouthAfrica for many years, I have come torealise that the same can be said forother local people within the rainbownation.

DIFFICULTIES ASSOCIATED WITHCONVEYING BAD NEWS

It is not easy to convey bad news tofamily, friends, neighbours, workmatesor an employer. Bad news in particularrequires strategically thinking aboutthe entire process as well as theconsequences of communicating thenews.

The bearer of bad news will try to

anticipate the outcomes and plan howthey will respond first before relayingthe information.

Likewise, when an incident occurswithin the workplace it is not easy forworkers to just come out and say it.This is because many workplaces inmining, construction or manufacturinghave strict health and safety policies,procedures and safe work instructions.

Although these workplaces areproactive in the prevention ofworkplace incidents, they may seem tohave underlying punitive measures forworkers that get injured.

Workers walk past the Zero Incidentsboards as they walk in or out of theirworkplace every day. They see the pridewhich their executives andmanagement have whenever they boastabout the zero harm statistic whichthey parade at every opportunity.

No worker wants to step forward, saythat they have been injured and changethis colourful zero harm statistic if theyhave the option to conceal their injuryor illness.

As much as workers want tocommunicate the news that they haveseen an unsafe condition, been injuredor are suffering from an ailment as a

result of the work environment, it maynot necessarily be easy for them to openup and say it. As with all bad news, it isthus an extremely difficult process andmany workers have to think long andhard about reporting workplaceincidents to their safety representativesor the employer.

HONESTY IS IMPORTANT

It is important for workers to be honestand report unsafe conditions, incidentsand injuries to the employer. This is arequirement according to section 14 ofthe Occupational Health and SafetyAct 85 of 1993. By doing so, thisallows the employer to instituteinvestigations into the root cause of theproblem and implement appropriatecorrective measures to ensure that thereis no recurrence.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OFREPORTING AN INJURY

For injured workers to receivecompensation according to theCompensation for OccupationalInjuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993they are also required to report aninjury to the employer.

Without a documented paper trail thatconfirms that a worker was injured atwork, they will not receivecompensation for their injuries and willhave no income if they are no longerable to return to work.

So what can companies do toencourage their workers to open upabout injuries? Here is a list of 5 thingsthat organisations can do:

1. REMOVE BARRIERS TOCOMMUNICATION

Many organisations have barriers tocommunication for workers. These caninclude having a facility where injuriescan only be reported to an officialsitting in a corporate or site office faraway from the workers work station.Workers may then be intimidated atthe prospect of having to go far away toreport injuries.

5 ways to ensure that employees willreport workplace incidents and injuries


•

South Africa is a multilingual country.If English is the only acceptablelanguage through which workers candocument what happened, they maychoose not to report an incident in theworkplace at all.

2. REMOVE BUREAUCRATICPROCESSES

Bureaucratic processes for reportingunsafe working conditions, incidents orinjuries will only make workers refrainfrom reporting them.

If workers are tossed from one office tothe next or complete an endlessnumber of reports and forms to reportan incident or injury, the number ofcases of reported incidents within anorganisation will eventually dry up.

3. ENCOURAGE A CULTURE OFOPENNESS

The leadership of every organisationmust create a work environment thatassures workers that they must feelcomfortable to report incidents andinjuries at work.

This must be re-enforced time and

again to ensure that all workers knowthat they should feel free to comeforward when something happens inthe workplace.

4. OUTLINE CLEAR COMMUNICATIONCHANNELS

Workers must know who to reportunsafe working conditions, incidents orinjuries to at their workplace or site.

Employees should not have to secondguess who to approach when they haveany health and safety concerns.

By outlining a clear and easilyaccessible communication channel, andalways reminding workers of thiscommunication channel, they will bemore confident to report incidents orinjuries.

5. DITCH WORSHIPPING THE ZEROHARM STATISTICS

Zero harm is great and ideal, but it islike expecting a baby not to ever spillanything on your new snow whitecarpet.

No company wants their workers to be

injured. Section 8 of the OHS Actrequires employers to provide a safeworking environment without risk tothe health and safety of workers.

However, if employers continuouslyhammer home the fact that no one hasbeen injured for an insurmountableamount of time, workers eventually feelcompelled to want to maintain thestatus quo.

It becomes normal for the CEO to bragabout zero harm in their opening orclosing remarks every time that theyaddress staff. No worker will want totarnish these lovely statistics.

Employers thus have a responsibility tocreate an environment in whichemployees will feel comfortable tocommunicate good or bad news.

If something bad happens, employeesshould not feel that they have to sweepit under the carpet.

It is advisable for employers tocontinuously engage with theiremployees and establish if they haveadequate channels for workers to reportincidents to their employer.

July/August 2017 National Safety www.safety1st.co.za 9

•

Once upon a time there was a story

BENEFITS OF STORYTELLING

When was the last time someone readyou a story? Many of us can rememberlistening to our favourite story book aschildren. Rupert Bear was one oldfavourite and Wind in the Willowsanother. Those books had calm andmagical moments for me.

Our stories however aren’t confined tobooks. Human beings tell stories toteach, to entertain and to connect withone another, and my experiences as a50 year veteran safety consultant hold aspecial place. Every person who hasexperienced an accidental loss to afamily member or friend has had aunique life experience.

From my experiences, the values I shareof personal losses will lead to healingand perhaps preventing futuredevastating work related losses.

IMPORTANCE OF SHARINGEXPERIENCES

And so I always encouraged people toshare experiences at either familyforums, through safety moments ortool box talks, through newsletters,one-on-one over the phone or in manyother ways.

Amongst the thousands of incidentsand accidents I have reviewed,investigated, read about, and discussed,many have not yet found the courageto share them, or a welcoming place torelate their story. Not all stories need tobe told in words, photographs andartwork are also methods to tell theirstory.

Stories help people realise they’re not

alone in their experience of theconfusion and grief of workplacetragedy. They understand theconsequences of work related fatalities,injuries, illnesses so they are motivatedto take action on prevention.

COMMUNICATION ROAD BLOCKS INTHE WORKPLACE

Most safety practitioners and executivemanagers struggle withcommunication. Many don’t evenknow they have an issue.

As with most things, I believe goodcommunication and storytelling startsat the top. Those organisations whoprioritise effective storytelling as aleadership competency, generally don’tstruggle much with communicationroadblocks.

Are you wondering if your organisationcould use help in this area? I have justcompleted a 3 day public workshop on“Effective Communication throughstorytelling”, and the one thing thatdelighted me was how well themessages were retained by colleaguesonce stories had been told.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES MAKECOLLEAGUES LISTEN

My students who communicated wihthe others were generally quite senior. Ifound that when they related apersonal experience, everything thatmakes them unique came into play.

From the appearance to your voice,from your beliefs to your lifeexperiences, you're constantly sendingsignals about the kind of person youare.

All of these signals, such as your facialexpressions, your body movements,your vocal pitch, and more, arepowerful and important in convincingothers of your message.

Communications is one of the biggestproblems in industry today, think aboutthe last four or five meetings you haveattended: Were the leaders concise, yet

impactful? Did they get people excitedabout a project or initiative? Or, didthey leave you wishing you had the last60 minutes of your life back andwondering what is going to happennext.

Linking a personal story with yourmessage will make listeners want more.

It is my belief that each and every oneof us has the tools within us topersuade and influence others. I findstorytelling the easiest.

STORYTELLING IS EFFECTIVE

I found that with practical training,storytelling proved both sensible andentertaining. Students learnt how topresent a message so compelling thateven their most stubborn detractor sawthe merit of their ideas.

TIPS ON MAKING YOURSELF HEARD

One tip I shared with my students,take a piece of paper and list personalassets that help you communicate.Consider your physical appearance,your energy, rate of speech, pitch andtone of voice, animation and gestures,expressiveness of eyes, and ability tohold the interest of people who listen toyou. Perhaps you can add otherqualities that you believe will hold theirinterest.

These assets form the best part of thecomposite you. Then you must studythe list to see which areas you wish toimprove on. The categories you feel lessconfident of are also part of your totalmessage, "accentuate the positive andeliminate the negative."

The fact that most of us only use asmall percentage of our sensorypotential is demonstrated by theheightened sensing abilities developedby certain handicapped people. Forexample, the blind often hear, touch,and smell with great perception andsubtlety.

It's not that their other senses are better

Managing Consultant, Safety ProjectsInternational, Canada specialises in

auditing and evaluating both client andcontractor Safety Programmes and in

developing with them pro-activepreventative systems procedures andprogrammes to control all incidents.

by Dr Bill Pomfret


•

or different than those of sightedpeople - they're just more acutely used.

For the human resources, trainers,safety professionals and leaders readingthis article, I have put together aselection of short and easy, yetimpactful tips related to improvingcommunication.

1. PRACTICE, AND GATHERFEEDBACK OVER TIME

Identify three people you trust (eitherinternal or external to yourorganisation) who you email frequentlyfor professional purposes. Ask each ofthese people for feedback on how youcould improve your emailcommunication.

After one month of putting thisfeedback into practice, ask each personif they have noticed any improvement.

2. IDENTIFY A MENTOR

Whose communication style do youadmire, and whose stories do youenjoy? Set up a one-on-one meetingwith that individual to get some tips onhow they approach communication.See if you can integrate some of theirsuggestions into your personalcommunication style.

Be sure to practice until you feelcomfortable using new and unfamiliartechniques.

3. SUMMARISE YOUR TAKEAWAYS

At the end of the next meeting youlead, make a point of concluding with astory to get the key points across andfollow-ups to make sure that youcaptured everything.

Ask your audience if anything isunclear and if they have any questions.

4. PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING

During your next meeting, remindyourself to listen more than you speak.Reframe what others are saying todemonstrate your understanding.

Ask relevant questions and engageothers in the room who may not be ascomfortable voicing their opinions.

5. MIND YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

Be aware of your non-verbalcommunication cues. Ask others if you

have any habits or mannerisms thatmight be distracting.

Practice making eye contact and usingimpactful gestures.

6. FACILITATE PRODUCTIVECOMMUNICATION

Take a close look at the way you runmeetings.

In what ways do the structure andformat of the meetings inhibit orpromote effective communication?

Does it seem like you never getanything accomplished because eithereveryone talks over everyone else, orperhaps members speak differentlanguages?

Enhance the effectiveness of your groupmeetings to establish ground rules forcommunication.

7. UTILISE YOUR SUPERVISOR

Ask your supervisor to join your nextpresentation and request candidfeedback on how you could improveyour communication effectiveness.

Ask what he/she would’ve donedifferently.

Analyse what wasn’t effective andbrainstorm ways to present theinformation in a more impactfulmanner.

8. PRACTICE YOUR STORYTELLING

Stories are sometimes the best way toreach your audience. Statistics andnumbers may appeal to very data-driven individuals, but representativestories or anecdotes can be moreimpactful and inspiring.

Try incorporating relevant stories intoyour communication style and see howyour audience reacts.

9. BE PREPARED

Whether you are preparing for a safetybriefing presentation, kick-off meeting,press release, or internalcommunication, take the time tooutline a strategy.

Think about the audience's interests,needs, and concerns and related stories.

Anticipate obstacles.

PO

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AFETY F

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Tel: +27 11 701-5054 / www.safety1st.co.zaEmail: [email protected]


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The XXI World Congress on Safety &Health which was held in Singaporefrom 3 - 6 September 2017, welcomed3,480 delegates from 100 countries.

Held every three years, the WorldCongress is jointly organised by theInternational Labour Organization(ILO) and the International SocialSecurity Association (ISSA). This yearit was hosted by the Singapore Ministryof Manpower.

It offers a platform for the exchange ofinformation and views to anyone activein occupational safety and health

The motto for this year’s eveng was “AGlobal Vision of Prevention”. Subjectsdiscussed included working towardsmaking Vision Zero a reality, howhealthy work will impact on healthylife and the importance of people-centred prevention.

The World Congress is the maininternational event on safety and healthat work, and is attended by safety andhealth experts, researchers,representatives of employers andworkers and decision-makers ingovernments and public authoritiesfrom around the world to exchangeideas, research and best practices oncritical issues in the area of occupationalsafety and health.

NEW GLOBAL ESTIMATES ONWORKPLACE INJURY AND ILLNESSAND EMERGING OSH CHALLENGES TOBE PRESENTED

As a co-organiser of the WorldCongress, the event is an opportunityfor the ILO to showcase its work inOSH over the last three years and tocontribute to the Congress’s objectivesfor building a world of work that is safeand healthy.

The ILO presented new globalestimates on the number of workrelated injuries and illnesses suffered onan annual basis and the overalleconomic impact of these.

The new figures point to a growingbody of evidence demonstrating theglobal cost of failing to adequatelyaddress existing and emergingoccupational safety and health (OSH)concerns, and to the importance ofOSH to sustainable development.Increasingly, OSH challenges arerecognised as global challenges thatrequire global solutions. The ILO addressed key occupationalsafety and health issues and challengesincluding the following: • The future of work and its impact

on OSH• Global OSH challenges that require

global solutions• The need for reliable and

comparable OSH data• Improving occupational safety and

health in global supply chains

• State of OSH knowledgedevelopment and networking

• Healthy work and trends inoccupational health

• Estimating the benefit of OSH tosociety

• Compliance strategies and goodpractices in OSH

YOUTH CONGRESS

This year the ILO organised, as part ofits SafeYouth@Work Project, a parallelYouth Congress bringing to Singapore125 young people who were selectedbased on their commitment toimproving the safety and health ofyoung workers.

The work of the Youth Congress is tobuild a corps of youth OSH championswho can be the voice of youth insolving the significant OSH challengesfaced by young workers.

The project also presented the winnersand winning submissions from the firstever ILO SafeYouth@Work Media

XXI World Congress on Safety & Health

Shamusideen A. Kadiri, Nigeria.Co-Author of the comprehensive

SAFETY HANDBOOKpublished by the Safety First

Association

Participants at the youth congress


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Competition. The competitionshowcased media submissions by youthfrom around the world, on what safetyand health at work means to them.

Second Minister for Manpower, MrsJosephine Teo, welcomed the youthdelegates by highlighting theimportance of the SafeYouth@ WorkCongress. She emphasised that thiscongress is a useful platform to nurtureyoung leaders around the world tosupport OSH, and an excellentopportunity for youths to share ideasand renew their commitment to servetheir community to advocate safety foryoung workers.

OTHER KEY PRESENTATIONS

The keynote address was delivered byMs Nancy Leppink, Chief of theLabour Administration, LabourInspection and Occupational Safetyand Health Branch, InternationalLabour Organization, Switzerland.

As the host country, Singapore’s PrimeMinister Lee Hsien Loong gave apresentation on their workplaceachievements. He emphasised thatSingapore will work to reduce itsworkplace fatality rate to below 1.0 per100,000 workers by 2028.

In 2004, Singapore’s workplace fatalityrate was five per 100,000 employedpeople - higher than many otherdeveloped countries.

But although that figure has sincedropped to 1.9 in 2016, Mr Lee said itis still far from other OECD countrieslike the Netherlands (0.5), UnitedKingdom (0.8) and Sweden (0.7),which already have workplace fatalityrates of less than 1.0.

"There's no reason why Singaporecannot be as good as them," Mr Leesaid.

Unique challenges faced bySingapore

Singapore faced challenges that wereunique to the country's circumstances,the Prime Minister said.

For instance, many of the workplaceaccidents were in sectors with largenumbers of foreign workers who speakdifferent languages and have differentcultures and work practices.

Staff turnover in these industries wasalso high, Mr Lee noted. This, he said,made it hard for employers to build astrong safety and health culture, andincreased the risk of accidents.

Sam Kadiri with Richard Judge, ChiefExecutive HSE ExecutiveSam Kadiri with Ivory Coast delegates

Sam Kadiri with Prof. David Micheal's ofGeorge Washington University (left) and Dr.Takala President International Commission ofOccupational Health (ICOH)

Sam Kadiri with delegates from ZimbabweDelegates from Niger


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Report reprinted with thanks from Corporate Governance Body ofKnowledge® monthly newsletter, March 2017. Summarised from thearticle by Dr Dicky Els and Terrance M. Booysen

In the current global and local climate of socio-economic andpolitical uncertainty, the pace of living has accelerated to apoint where it is difficult to keep up and where organisationsare having to work harder than ever at being innovative,effective, profitable and sustainable. During these times, it isimperative that the effects of work-related stress, andconsequent psychological ill health of employees areacknowledged and addressed.

Stress is commonly referred to as the ‘health epidemic of the21st century’ and statistics speak of the dire impact it has,both in the workplace and in the private lives of all people.

In the case of workplace stress, the primary duty ofemployers is to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable,that the health of employees is not put at risk. This dutyextends to protect employees particularly from the risk ofharm from stressors that negatively impact or erode theirphysical and psychological health. This means that if thenature and judgment of an organisation’s human capitalmanagement are tested, the Labour Court will consider theconduct of the organisations in deciding whether it is liableto employees for any harm or loss.

Many studies across the world cite the increased stress levelsexperienced by employees. In the European Union, a studyon the public health effect of economic crises examined theassociations between changes in employment and mortalityin 26 countries between 1970 and 2007. The study found:

• For every 1% increase in unemployment, there was anassociated 0.79% increase in suicides by people under 65.

• Where increases in unemployment exceeded 3%, therewas an associated 4.45% increase in suicides and 28%increase in deaths from alcohol abuse at ages lower than65 years.

Work-related distress and burnout: A real risk to business and workplace wellness

ARE YOU MEETING ALLOCCUPATIONAL AND

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES?

Occutech is an inspection authority for the work and business environment surrounds approved by the Department of Labour

• Indoor air quality assessment

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“PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!”http://www.occutech.co.za

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

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occupational and

environmental hazards

In the United Kingdom, the 2015/16 Labour Force Survey(LFS) estimated that the total number of cases of work-related distress, depression or anxiety was 488,000 cases;with a prevalence rate of 1,510 per 100,000 workers. Work-related distress accounted for 37% of all work-related illhealth cases and 45% of all working days were lost due to illhealth.

In South Africa, a Bloomberg study conducted in 2013revealed that South Africa is the second-most ‘stressed’country out of a study of 74 countries - this is hardlysurprising given the high prevalence of unemployment andcrime.

“Unfortunately, many people are only conscious that aharmful stress level has been reached once its negative effectshave affected their work, health and wellness. Makingemployers and workers aware, informed and competent toaddress these new risks creates a safe and healthy workingenvironment, builds a positive and constructive preventiveculture in the organisation, boosts engagement andeffectiveness, protects the health and wellness of workers,and increases productivity.” Source: Report - Workplace Stress: ACollective Challenge (ILO) (April 2016)

Websites: www.cgf.co.za / www.corporate-governance.co.zawww.governanceconnect.mobi


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