WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS

Workplace inspections must be carried out at regular intervals to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. 

An important aspect of the conducting the inspections is to identify hazards and their risk potential so that these situations can be addressed before the occurrence of an incident. 

In terms of section 8 of the OHS Act, an employer is required to provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health (injury, illness and disease free) of employees. 

This can only be achieved through a formal process of hazard identification and risk assessment at the workplace.

These inspections should then initiate action to reduce and / or eliminate the risk associated with any potentially unsafe situation.

* Access the Monthly Site Inspection Checklist by clicking on the link at the bottom. 

* You can print a copy of the blank checklist to use for your inspections from the site. 

* Complete the checklist as you perform the inspection. 

FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS

FIRST AID BOX


General Safety Regulations 3 of the OHS Act addresses the first aid, emergency equipment and procedure requirements. 

Take note of the following:

• In accordance with the above General Safety Regulation, management must take all reasonable steps that are necessary under the circumstances, to ensure that persons at work receive prompt first aid treatment in case of an injury or emergency. 
• Where more than five employees are employed at a workplace, management must provide a first aid box (or boxes) at or near the workplace which shall be available and accessible for the treatment of injured persons at that workplace. 
   

Taking into account the type of injuries that are likely to occur within the workplace, the nature of the activities performed and the number of employees employed at the workplace, management must ensure that the first aid box (or boxes) contain suitable first aid equipment which includes at least the equipment listed in the First Aid Box Checklist as per Annexure to the General Safety Regulations. 

Management must ensure that only the articles and equipment as contemplated in the Annexure to the General Safety Regulations (checklist) is kept in any first aid box on site

Click here for a First Aid Box Inspection Checklist

• Management must display the correct signage in prominent places within the workplace in order to indicate where a first aid box is kept, as well as communicate the name of the person in charge of a first aid box. (It is advisable to stencil the name and contact details of the designated person on every first aid box.)
• The First Aid Box Inspection Checklist must be completed by the designated branch manager or health and safety representative and signed off on completion of the inspection. 
• File the checklist in the Health and Safety File. 
   

FIRST RESPONDERS (FIRST AIDERS)

Where more than 10 employees are employed at a workplace, management must take steps to ensure that for every group of up to 100 employees, at least one person is duly appointed in writing and readily available during normal working hours, who is in possession of a valid certificate of competency in first aid, issued by any one of the following training facilities –
 

1. The SA Red Cross Society 
2. The St. John Ambulance 
3. The SA First Aid League or 
4. A person or organisation approved by the chief inspector for this purpose. 

Click here for an Appointment as First Responder Form

RECORDKEEPING

1. First Aiders must sign a copy of the Appointment as First Responder (first aider) Form and this must be filed along with the competency certificate in the Health and Safety File.
2. You must file all completed first aid box inspection checklists in the Health and Safety File on completion of the inspection every month.
3. Where you have first aiders / responders in your business, a copy of the certificate of competency must be filed in the Health and Safety File.

FIRE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

Depending on the size, construction and location of the business unit or branch, the duly appointed Branch Manager or health and safety representative must ensure that an adequate supply of suitable fire-fighting equipment is available and placed at strategic locations as may be recommended by the fire chief of the local authority concerned.

Fire fighting equipment must be maintained in good working order. 

Fire fighters and employees using fire fighting equipment must be properly trained in the correct use of the equipment as well as in how to extinguish different types of fires.

Fire fighting equipment should be checked and serviced at least once a year by a person or organisation that is registered with the South African Bureau of Standards in terms of the provisions of SANS 1475 and has been authorised to do so by Company head office. 

The duly appointed Branch Manager or health and safety representative must verify this information before the service provider is allowed to work on the equipment.

Click here for a Fire Equipment Inspection Checklist

• Fire equipment inspections must be conducted at least once every month. 
• The Fire Equipment Inspection Checklist must be completed by the duly designated branch manager / health and safety representative and signed off on completion of the inspection. 
• File the checklist in the Health and Safety File immediately after completion. 

FIRE EQUIPMENT SIGNAGE

The OHS Act's Regulation requires that your Fire Fighting Equipment shall be well sign-posted so that anybody needing access to it may locate it quickly at a glance. 

Ensure that you have the correct symbolic safety signs identifying the location of all the fire fighting equipment in your business unit.

When in doubt – contact BAYTECK FIRE for friendly efficient service and advice.

1.You must file all completed weekly / monthly fire equipment inspection checklists in the Health and Safety File directly after completion.

2.A copy of the certificates of competency for all certified and duly designated fire fighter(s) in your business unit must be filed in the Health and Safety File.