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

Regulations

Construction Regulations, 2014

29. Fire precautions on construction sites

 

A contractor must, in addition to compliance with the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987, ensure that—

(a) all appropriate measures are taken to avoid the risk of fire;
(b) sufficient and suitable storage is provided for flammable liquids, solids and gases;
(c) smoking is prohibited and notices in this regard are prominently displayed in all places containing readily combustible or flammable materials;
(d) in confined spaces and other places in which flammable gases, vapours or dust can cause danger—
(i) only suitably protected electrical installations and equipment, including portable lights, are used;
(ii) there are no flames or similar means of ignition;
(iii) there are conspicuous notices prohibiting smoking;
(iv) oily rags, waste and other substances liable to ignite are without delay removed to a safe place; and
(v) adequate ventilation is provided;
(e) combustible materials do not accumulate on the construction site;
(f) welding, flame cutting and other hot work are done only after appropriate precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of fire;
(g) suitable and sufficient fire-extinguishing equipment is placed at strategic locations or as may be recommended by the Fire Chief or local authority concerned, and that such equipment is maintained in a good working order;
(h) the fire equipment contemplated in paragraph (g) is inspected by a competent person, who has been appointed in writing for that purpose, in the manner indicated by the manufacturer thereof;
(i) a sufficient number of workers are trained in the use of fire-extinguishing equipment;
(j) where appropriate, suitable visual signs are provided to clearly indicate the escape routes in the case of a fire;
(k) the means of escape is kept clear at all times;
(l) there is an effective evacuation plan providing for all—
(i) persons to be evacuated speedily without panic;
(ii) persons to be accounted for; and
(iii) plant and processes to be shut down; and
(m) a siren is installed and sounded in the event of a fire.