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

Regulations

Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations

4. Information and training

 

1) An employer shall, before any employee is exposed or may be exposed to HBA and after consultation with the health and safety committee established for that section of the workplace, ensure that the employee is adequately and comprehensively informed and trained, on both practical aspects and theoretical knowledge with regard to –
a) the contents and scope of these Regulations;
b) the potential risks to health caused by the exposure;
c) the measures to be taken by the employer to protect an employee against any risk of being exposed;
d) the importance of good housekeeping at the workplace and personal hygiene requirements;
e) the precautions to be taken by an employee to protect him or herself against the health risks associated with the exposure, including the wearing and use of protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment;
f) the necessity, correct use, maintenance and potential of safety equipment, facilities and engineering control measures provided;
g) the necessity of medical surveillance;
h) the safe working procedures regarding the use, handling, storage, labeling, and disposal of HBA at the workplace;
i) the procedures to be followed in the event of exposure, spillage, leakage, injury or any similar emergency situation, and decontaminating or disinfecting contaminated areas; and
j) the potential detrimental effect of exposure on the human reproductive process.

 

2) An employer or a self-employed person shall give instructions in writing of the procedures contemplated in subregulation (1) to the drivers of vehicles carrying the HBA.

 

3) Every employer and every self-employed person shall ensure that he or she or any person who in any manner assists him or her in the carrying out or conducting of his or her business has the necessary information and has undergone sufficient training in order for him or her to identify the potential risks and the precautions that should be taken.