Safety alert — what should
your safety file contain?
15
ASSOCIATIONS
A safety file is a documented body of evidence that provides a convincing
and valid argument that a system is adequately safe for a given
application in a given environment.
By IOPSA
In other words, it’s the proof of your duties being
fulfilled as per the OHS Act and regulations. 1993) — and as such each company must comply with
the sections laid out herein.
FROM THE COMPANY
Policies:
• Health, safety and environmental
• Use of tobacco
• Alcohol and narcotics
• HIV/Aids
• Bribery and corruption
• *Any other scope or company-related policies. Now take a look at your area of work; do you perhaps
work with hazardous chemical substances? In that case,
the Hazardous Chemical Substance Regulations of 1995
will need to be read, understood, and incorporated into
your safety file. Such as having the risk assessments
updated to include these hazards, MSDS (material safety
data sheets) on hand, and an emergency procedure to
ensure prompt treatment should an incident occur while
using this hazardous substance.
Employees:
• Orientation programme
• Induction programme
• Training and development
• Medicals/surveillance
Prevention:
• Emergency plan
• Incident and accident reporting/recording procedures
• Drills
• Audits
LEGISLATIVE
From the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as
its regulations, there are certain requirements that must
be met depending on the area or scope of work of the
company. For instance, every company must have a risk
assessment outlining its risk rating.
There are, however, additional items that some companies
should have that others may not require. This could be a
documented Fall Protection Plan when working at heights.
Thus, it is necessary to first start with a ‘legal register’
for the company. This includes all legislation that applies
to each company. From here you can work on a system
of works based on the applicable legislation.
How does this work?
Every company must abide by the main Act — the
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
There are many other considerations to take into account
before any tasks are completed. These are items such as:
• SSOPs (standard safe operating procedures)
• SWPs (safe working procedures)
• Method statements
• Lock-out procedures
• Hot work permits
• Material handling rules
• Maintenance programmes
• Vehicle safety rules
• Personal protective equipment requirements
• Engineering standards
• Purchasing standards
• Preventive maintenance
• Registers and checklists.
SOLUTION
• Request a standard safety file template from IOPSA
at [email protected]
• Follow the index and see whether you have the
correct documentation for this
• If you need help, we can assist you.
FINAL NOTE
Having a safety file is more than just ensuring you
have the right documents to comply with the law
or your clients’ safety specifications. It is about
demonstrating a compliance system that cares for the
health and safety of your employees and those who
are affected by your work. PA
May 2019 Volume 25 I Number 3