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Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)

Regulations

Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987

4. Windows

 

(1) In order to effect visual contact with areas outside a workplace, where employees work the majority of their shift in a room of which the floor area is less than 100 square meters, the employer of such employees shall cause every such room to be provided with windows in such a way that—
(a) the total glazed area of such windows is not less than three fifths of the square root of the floor area of the room, both areas measured in square meters;
(b) the window sills are not higher and the window heads are not lower than one and a half meters above the floor level of the room; and
(c) such windows are glazed with transparent material.

 

(2) Unless an inspector otherwise directs, the provisions of subregulation (1) shall not apply under conditions where natural light will have an adverse effect on the process or material used in a room, or where the process in a room has to be conducted under critical conditions of light, temperature, humidity or air movement, or where the judgement of texture or colour in a room has to be done under conditions of constant lighting quality and intensity, or where, for reasons of safety, privacy or security, compliance with the intended provisions becomes impracticable.

 

(3) Where the penetration of direct sunlight into any workplace may pose a threat to the safety of persons in such workplace, the employer concerned shall ensure that such workplace is screened to avoid such penetration, but retaining, as far as is practicable, outside visual contact.