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7/28/2019 s a 8000 Health and Safety
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SA8000®ConsolidatedGuidance HealthandSafety
NoteonStructure:
TheconsolidatedguidancewillbeuploadedtotheSAIwebsiteasawebpage< http://www.sa-intl.org/SA8000>that
willincludethetextofthesection“AbouttheStandard”,onlyalistofthetitlesofStandard’smainsectionsI,II,III
&IV.1-IV.9,andhyperlinksto“SA8000®Certification”,SA8000Accreditation(ApplicationPackage),“SA8000for
Download”,“SA8000Translations”and“SA8000ComplaintsProcess”.Eachsectiontitle( e.g.III.Definitionsand
VI.3.HealthandSafety)willbeahyperlinktoasub-pageoftheSA8000mainpage.
Each“elementpage”(e.g.SA8000:3.HealthandSafety)willlistitsownsectionsandsubsections,thetitlesof
whichwillbehyperlinkstoitsownpage,toavoidoverlylongpagesandtoprovidetheoptionofprintingthe
separatesections.Ontheside-bar,anoutlineofthe SA8000“section”ofthewebsitewillenabletheuserto
navigatewithouthavingtoclick“back”onthebrowser.InthisdraftoftheelementpageforHealthandSafety,the
mainsectionsI,IIandIIIareseparatedbypage-breaks.
SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
I.SA8000Standard:3.HealthandSafety
I.A.SA8000:3.HealthandSafetyRequirements
I.B.Definitions,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
I.C.Intent,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety I.D.InterpretationsandImplementation,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
II.AuditingConsiderations,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
II.A.EvidenceofCompliance,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
II.B.WorkerInterviewStrategy,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
III.BackgroundInformation,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
III.A.Internationalnorms
III.B.Typicalhazardsandrisksinmanufacturing
IV.Appendix,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
IV.A.FireSafetyRiskAssessment
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SA8000®ConsolidatedGuidance HealthandSafety
I.SA8000Standard:3.HealthandSafety
I.A.SA8000:3.HealthandSafetyRequirements
3.1Thecompanyshallprovideasafeandhealthyworkplaceenvironmentandshalltakeeffectivestepstoprevent
potentialaccidentsandinjurytoworkers’healtharisingoutof,associatedwith,oroccurringinthecourseofwork,by
minimizing,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thecausesofhazardsinherentintheworkplaceenvironment,and
bearinginmindtheprevailingknowledgeoftheindustryandofanyspecifichazards.
3.2Thecompanyshallappointaseniormanagementrepresentativetoberesponsibleforensuringasafeandhealthy
workplaceenvironmentforallpersonnel,andforimplementingtheHealthandSafetyelementsofthisstandard.
3.3Thecompanyshallprovidetopersonnelonaregularbasiseffectivehealthandsafetyinstructions,includingon-
siteinstructionand,whereneeded,job-specificinstructions.Suchinstructionsshallberepeatedfornewand
reassignedpersonnelandincaseswhereaccidentshaveoccurred.
3.4Thecompanyshallestablishsystemstodetect,avoid,orrespondtopotentialthreatstothehealthandsafetyof
personnel.Thecompanyshallmaintainwrittenrecordsofallaccidentsthatoccurintheworkplaceandincompany-
controlledresidencesandproperty.
3.5Thecompanyshallprovideatitsexpenseappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipmenttopersonnel.Intheeventof
aworkrelatedinjurythecompanyshallprovidefirstaidandassisttheworkerinobtainingfollow-upmedical
treatment.
3.6Thecompanyshallundertaketoassessalltheriskstonewandexpectantmothersarisingoutoftheirworkactivity
andtoensurethatallreasonablestepsaretakentoremoveorreduceanyriskstotheirhealthandsafety.
3.7Thecompanyshallprovide,forusebyallpersonnel,accesstocleantoiletfacilities,accesstopotablewater,and,
whereapplicable,sanitaryfacilitiesforfoodstorage.
3.8Thecompanyshallensurethatanydormitoryfacilitiesprovidedforpersonnelareclean,safe,andmeetthebasic
needsofthepersonnel.
3.9Allpersonnelshallhavetherighttoremovethemselvesfromimminentseriousdangerwithoutseekingpermission
fromthecompany.
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SA8000®ConsolidatedGuidance HealthandSafety
I.B.Definitions,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
1.Safeandhealthyworkingenvironment:asdefinedbynationallawsand/orindustrialstandards.
2.Hazard:definedbytheILOas“theinherentpotentialtocauseinjuryordamagetopeoples’health”-forinstance,
specifichazardsassociatedwiththeuseofchemicalsormachinery.Employersmustprepareandperiodicallyreview
andupdateawrittenhazardanalysis.
3.Healthandsafetymanagementrepresentative:thepersonwithassignedresponsibility,authorityandadequate
resourcestoimplementcompanypoliciesandcorrectiveactionplansasneeded.Inadditiontothemanagement
representative,alllevelsofmanagement,fromdirectsupervisorstoseniormanagementareresponsibleand
accountableforthehealthandsafetyofemployees.Managersmustbeawareoftheseresponsibilities.
4.Instruction:healthandsafetyinstructionisbroadtoincludebothongoingtrainingandonthejobinstruction.The
conceptisinlinewiththeintentofthestandardonhealthandsafety:itismanagement’sresponsibilitytoensure
precautionarymeasuresareeffectiveatalltimes.Inmanycases,regularlyscheduledtrainingmaynotbesufficient
duetoaccidents,newtechnology,newpersonnelandelevatedrisk.
5.Regular:periodic,includedinthehealthandsafetyrequirementstoemphasizethatthecompanywillperiodically
instructandtrainworkers,temporaryworkers,providingadditionaloralinstructionandatalltimeswhennewjobskillsorhighpersonnelturnoverisinvolvedorafteraccidentshaveoccurred.
Withoutanychangeinworkplaceorworkerconditions,neworrepeatedtraining,instructingandtransmissionof
informationshalloccurperiodicallytoreinforcepreviouseffortsandtoensurethatthepriortrainingandthelikewere
effective.Ageneralguidelineforfrequencyisatleastonceayearforpermanentworkers,andmorethanonceayear
forseasonalortemporaryworkers.However,SA8000emphasizesthathealthandsafetyonthejobinstructionmustbe
consideredbeyondsetminimumsandrequiremanagementtodisseminateinstructionsmorefrequentlyasneeded.
Thosewhomaybeatmoreriskduetotheirage[youngpeopleundertheageof18]willrequiremorefocused
assistanceindevelopingtheirknowledgeandskillsforonthejobhealthandsafety.Thefocusonprevention
articulatesmanagement’sresponsibilitytocreateacultureofhealthandsafety.
6.Systems:referstotheManagementSystems,asstatedinElement9.Addedmanagementtoolsareinthisrequirement,suchasthenamingofahealthandsafetymanagementrepresentativeandtheidentificationofthe
processesand/oreventsthattriggertheneedforworkersinstructionandinformation.
7.“Accident”and“incident”:thesetermsareexactlythesameandareusedinterchangeably.
8.Follow-upmedicaltreatment:Intheeventofanaccidentorworkrelatedinjurysufferedbyaworker(s),acompany
mustprovidefirstaidassistanceandassisttheworkeringettingfollow-upmedicaltreatment.Thismeansthatthe
companymustprovideappropriateassistancetoinjuredworkersfortheirfollow-upmedicaltreatmentaseachcase’s
factsshallindicate.
9.NewMother:awomanwhohasgivenbirthtooradoptedachildwithinthepastsixmonths.Anexpectantmother
isawomanwhoispregnant.
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SA8000®ConsolidatedGuidance HealthandSafety
I.C.Intent,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
1.Theintentofalloftheelementsofthisrequirementistwofold.First,itistoclarifyandamplifytheroleofthe
employerastheresponsiblepartyinmanagingworkers’healthandsafety.Thisincludesprotectingworkers’health
andsafetybypro-activemeasures,suchas,engineeringcontrols,guarding,regulartraining,onthejobinstructionand
communicationofinformation.Second,itaddssomenewmanagementresponsibilitiestomoreeffectivelyprovide
theseprotections.
2.Thisrequirementalsoprovidessomespecificelementsofthehealthandsafetymanagementsystem,e.g.naminga
healthandsafetymanagementrepresentative,thatenablemanagementtoestablish,maintainanddemonstrateits
compliancewiththerequirement.Meetingthesegoalsactivelyandproactivelyinvolvestheworkers,whomust
receiveupdatedinformation,trainingandinstructioninresponsetochangesintheworkplace,accidentsortheirjobs.
Thisfunctionistoberegularlyaddressed,whichrequiresregularplanninganddocumentation,througheffective
policy,organizing,planning,measuring,auditingandreviewingperformanceasdetailedbelow.
Policy
Effectivehealthandsafetypoliciessetacleardirectionfortheorganizationtofollow.Theycontributetoallaspectsof
businessperformanceaspartofademonstrablecommitmenttocontinuousimprovement.Responsibilitiestopeople
andtheenvironmentaremetinwayswhichfulfilthespiritandletterofthelaw.Stakeholders’expectationsinthe
activity(whethertheyareshareholders,employees,ortheirrepresentatives,customersorsocietyatlarge)are
satisfied.Therearecost-effectiveapproachestopreservinganddevelopingphysicalandhumanresources,which
reducefinanciallossesandliabilities.
Organizing
Effectivemanagementstructureandarrangementsareinplacefordeliveringthepolicy.Allstaffismotivatedand
empoweredtoworksafelyandtoprotecttheirlong-termhealth,notsimplytoavoidaccidents.Thearrangements
are:
a) underpinnedbyeffectivestaffinvolvementandparticipation;and
b) sustainedbyeffectivecommunicationandthepromotionofcompetencethatallowsallemployeesandtheir
representativestomakearesponsibleandinformedcontributiontothehealthandsafetyeffort.
Thereisasharedcommonunderstandingoftheorganization’svision,valuesandbeliefs.Apositivehealthandsafety
cultureisfosteredbythevisibleandactiveleadershipofseniormanagers.
Planning
Thereisaplannedandsystematicapproachtoimplementingthehealthandsafetypolicythroughaneffectivehealth
andsafetymanagementsystem.Theaimistominimizerisks.Riskassessmentmethodsareusedtodecideon
prioritiesandtosetobjectivesforeliminatinghazardsandreducingrisks.
Whereverpossible,risksareeliminatedthroughselectionanddesignoffacilities,equipmentandprocesses.Ifrisks
cannotbeeliminated,theyareminimizedbytheuseofphysicalcontrolsor,asalastresort,throughsystemsofwork
andpersonalprotectiveequipment.Performancestandardsareestablishedandusedformeasuringachievement.
Specificactionstopromoteapositivehealthandsafetycultureareidentified.
Measuringperformance
Performanceismeasuredagainstagreeduponstandardsinordertorevealwhenandwhereimprovementisneeded.
Activeself-monitoringrevealshoweffectivelythehealthandsafetymanagementsystemisfunctioning.Thislooksat
bothhardware(premises,plantandsubstances)andsoftware(people,proceduresandsystems)includingindividual
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SA8000®ConsolidatedGuidance HealthandSafety
behaviourandperformance.Ifcontrolsfail,reactivemonitoringdiscoverswhybyinvestigatingaccidents,illhealthor
incidentswhichcouldcauseharmorloss.Theobjectivesofbothactiveandreactivemonitoringare:
a) todeterminetheimmediatecausesofsub-standardperformance;and
b) toidentifytherootcausesandtheimplicationsforthedesignandoperationofthehealthandsafety
managementsystem.
Longer-termobjectivesmustalsobemonitored.
Auditingandreviewingperformance
Theorganizationlearnsfromallrelevantexperienceandappliesthelessons.Thereisasystematicreviewof
performancebasedondatafrommonitoringandfromindependentauditsofthewholehealthandsafety
managementsystem.Theseformthebasisofself-regulationandofcomplyingwithHealthandSafetyRegulationsand
otherrelevantstatutoryprovisions.Thereisastrongcommitmenttocontinuousimprovementinvolvingtheconstant
developmentofpolicies,systemsandtechniquesofriskcontrol.Performanceisassessedby:
a)
internalreferencetokeyperformanceindicators;and
b) externalcomparisonwiththeperformanceofbusinesscompetitorsandbestpractice,irrespectiveof
employmentsector.
Performanceisalsooftenrecordedinannualreports.
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I.D.InterpretationsandImplementation,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
1.TheHealthandSafetymanagementsystem,aswiththeoverallSA8000managementsystems,mustcontainthe
primaryelementsofpolicy,planningandimplementation,performancereviewandevaluation,correctiveaction,
trainingandcommunication.(See Element9:ManagementSystems)
2.SA8000requirestheestablishmentofpolicies,procedures,organization,planning,measuring,auditingand
reviewinghealthandsafetyperformance,topreventworkplacehazardsandrisksattheirsourceandtoseekcontinual
improvement.AkeyelementofSA8000managementisthedevelopment,implementationandmaintenanceofa
writtenhealthandsafetymanagementsystemas describedonpage4.Suchhealthandsafetysystemsconstitutean
indispensablecomponentoftheoverallSA8000managementsystem.
3.Theultimateresponsibilityforasafeandhealthyworkplaceresideswiththeemployer.Accidents,illhealthand
incidentsareseldomrandomevents.Theygenerallyarisefromfailuresofcontrolandinvolvemultiplecontributory
elements.Theimmediatecausemaybeahumanortechnicalfailure,buttheyusuallyarisefromorganisational
failingswhichistheresponsibilityoftheemployer’smanagement.
Thepracticalimplicationsofhealthandsafetypoliciesarethoughtthroughtoavoidconflictbetweenthe
demandsofpolicyandotheroperationalrequirements,Inthesecases,managementdecisionsleadto:
• unrealistictimescalesforimplementingplans,whichputpressureonpeopletocutcornersandreduce
supervision;
• workschedulingandrosterswhichfailtotakeaccountoftheproblemsoffatigue;
• inadequateresourcesallocatedtotraining;
• organisationalrestructuringwhichplacespeopleinpositionsforwhichtheyhaveinsufficientexperience;
• jobsandcontrolsystemswhichfail torecogniseorallowforthefactthatpeoplewouldbelikelytomake
mistakesandmighthavedifficultiescommunicatingwitheachother.
Thesystematicapproachalsoemphasisesacommitmenttocontinuousimprovement.Learningfromexperienceis
essential.Inmanyseriousaccidents,previousincidentsforeshadowthepotentialforseriousinjury.
Healthandsafetyisamanagementresponsibilityofequalimportancetoproductionandquality
4.Theemployer’scommitmentandleadershipareessentialtotheestablishmentandimplementationofhealthand
safetymanagementsystems.Thereforewerecommendthatauditorscheckemployercommitmentfirstwhen
reviewingthereadinessofahealthandsafetymanagementsystem.Thismustbeakeyfocusduringmanagement
interviewsandoneandoneinterviewsarerecommendedtodeterminethelevelofknowledgeandtechnical
understandingpossessedbykeystaffandleadership(seepage4regardingorganizationandElement9formoreabout
managerinterviews).
5.Alsoatthecoreofasuccessfulhealthandsafetymanagementsystemareclearlydelegatedanddefinedlinesof
dutyandresponsibilitythroughoutalllevelsoftheorganizationalstructure,fromshop-floorworkerstotop
management.SA8000Clause3.2requiresthatthecompanyappointaSeniorManagementRepresentativewhois
responsibleandaccountablefortheimplementationofthehealthandsafetymanagementsystemthroughoutthe
companyorsite.Itisimportanttoensurethatsuchapersonisgivenappropriateauthority,supportandresourcesto
adequatelyaddresshealthandsafetyissuesatalllevels.Theroleofthehealthandsafetyrepresentativemustbe
augmentedandsupportedbyotherpersonnel,particularlyshop-floorworkers,whoseroleistoadvise,reviewand
implementhealthandsafetymatters.Note:Writtenresponsibilitiesmustbeinplaceforallemployeesatalllevels.
6.Employeeandtradeunionorworkersorganizationparticipationatalllevelsisacrucialelementincreatingasafe
andhealthyworkenvironment,andisseenbytheILOasa“fundamentalworkers’right”aswellasaduty.Infacilities
withoutatradeunion,workerparticipationinhealthandsafetyisnonethelessimportant,andworkersmustbeable
tofreelyandwithoutemployerinterferenceelectrepresentativesfromamongthemselvestofacilitate
communicationwithmanagementaboutthehealthandsafetyprogram.Employeesmustbeinvitedtoparticipatein
healthandsafetyprogramdesign,developmentandreviews.Theymusttakeanactivepartinidentifyingrisksand
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designingsolutions,creatingacultureofownershipandresponsibility.Employeeparticipationisespeciallyimportant
whenamajordevelopmentisproposedthatislikelytohavehealthandsafetyimplications,andwhennewhealthand
safetymeasuresareproposed.Itisimportantforemployeestobeinvolvedinincidentreporting,accident
investigations,healthandsafetyinspections,designandimplementationofcorrectiveactions,andgeneraldecision-
makingconcerninghealthandsafetyissues.
7.Institutionalizedemployeeparticipation,throughmechanismssuchasworkerhealthandsafetycommittees,
ongoingmanagement-tradeuniondialogue,suggestionboxes,andcomplaintprocedurescanbegoodindicationof
managementcommitment.Workersmustfreelyelecttheirrepresentativestohealthandsafetycommittees.Auditors
canlookforevidenceofparticipationincommittees(suchaspostedmeetingminutes),openconsultationswith
employees,workerdelegatesandhealthandsafetyofficers,aswellasphysicalimplementationofcorrectiveactions
proposedbycommittees.Workerinterviewscanprovidevaluableinformationaboutemployeeawarenessandthe
levelandeffectivenessofparticipation
8.Trainingisavitalpartofanyhealthandsafetyprogram.
a)Auditorsmustlooktoverifythatemployersconductregularandeffectivetrainingprogramsandthatworkersare
trainedonhowtoperformtheirtaskssafelyandwithminimumrisktohealth.Employersmustprovidetrainingabout
thepotentialhazardsoftheworkplace.Suchtrainingmustincludeinformationaboutthenatureandrisksofactivities
andworkequipment,chemicals,accidentandillnessincidentinvestigation,informationaboutriskpreventionand
control,andinparticular,emergencydrills.
b)Auditorsmustchecktoseethatfiredrillsarerepeatedfrequentlyenoughtomatchthelevelofstaffturnoverand
that awalk-through of the facility to review health and safety hazards and preventive procedures is part of the
orientationforallnewworkers.Atbestafireriskassessmentshouldhavebeenconductedandperiodicallyreviewed.
c)Theuseof“instruction(s)”,whichincludestraining,emphasizestheneedforbothformalworkers’instructionor
trainingandthelessformal,ongoing,job-specificinstructionsthatoccurwithinmostworkplaces.Invirtuallyallcases
training-typeinstructionsmustbeinwritingorotherformofrecording(e.g.whereilliteracyratesarehigh),suchas
videoorDVDformat,andalwaysinthelanguageoftheworkers.On-siteinstructionmustbedeliveredinaformalcommunicationprocess,allowingforrepetitionandquestions,forexample,sothatworkersfullyunderstandeffective
healthandsafetyprocedures.Sometimesdrillsareindicatedtoreinforceworkers’learningandprovidefortheir
practicalapplication.Workersmustbeabletoexplaintoauditorswhattheinstructionsaretellingthemtodoand
howtodoit.
d)Reinstructionisrequiredperiodicallyandmustalwaysbeconductedfollowingtheoccurrenceofaworkplace
accident(s).Thiscircumstanceemphasizesthecontinuingresponsibilityofemployerstoidentify,analyseandcorrect
accidentsites,inthiscasethroughrepeatedinstruction.Thisrequiresthatallworkersbereinstructed,notmerely
thoseinvolvedintheaccident.
e)Relevanttrainingmustbeextendedfreeofchargetoallemployeesintheirnativelanguage.Alltrainingshouldoccurduringworkhours,notasanaddedtask,andifitoccursduringweekends,workersshouldbecompensatedwith
overtimepremiumratesofpay,orwithrestdaystooffsettimespentintraining.Trainingandinstructionmustalsobe
offeredtocontractorsand/ortemporaryworkersworkingonsite.Ifappropriate,theemployershouldinviteexternal
healthandsafetyexpertstodeliverthetraining.
9.Employersmustprepareandperiodicallyreviewandupdateawrittenjobhazardanalysisandriskassessment,to
beabletosetobjectivesandpriorities.Thesecanbeusedasthebasisformeasuringtheeffectivenessoftraining.This
willenabletheemployertodevisetrainingmethodstosuittheobjectives.Sometrainingneedsmayhavetobemet
throughcloselysupervisedon-the-jobexperience.Forsomehigh-riskjobsandtasksthetrainingmayinclude
simulationexercises.Theuseriskassessmentwillhelpthemmakedecisionsaboutimprovingworkplaceprecautions.
a)Inadditiontoageneralhealthandsafetyhazardanalysis,thecompanyneedstocompleteanongoingrisk
assessmentfornewandexpectantmothersandtominimizerisksparticulartothem.Therequirementisintendedto
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providenewandexpectantmothersadequatehealthandsafetyprotections,recognizingthatcertaintasksmaybe
particularlyhazardoustotheirhealthandsafety.Forexample,expectantmothersmaybelessabletodoheavylifting
orremainstandingforlongperiodsoftime,andexposuretocertainchemicalsmaybemoredangerousforthe
developmentofthefoetusthanforadultworkers.Theassessmentalsohelpsdemonstratethatanemployeris
supportiveofkeepingthesewomenemployedwiththecompany.Thecompanyisrequiredtocommunicate
effectivelytheresultsofthisassessmenttoitsworkers.Theemphasishereisonthecompany’sresponsibilityto
assessandthenreasonablyremoveandreduceworkplaceandjobriskstothesewomen.`
b)Thisrequirementdoesnotpermitanydiscriminationagainstnewandexpectantmothers,whichincludes
prohibitingdiscriminatorypregnancytesting,firing,demotionorthelike.Thecompanyshallcomplywithallnational
maternitylawswhenassessingallemploymentandworkplaceriskstonewandexpectantmothers.
10.Healthandsafetyriskpreventionandcontrolmeasuresmustbeappliedthroughoutthefacility.
a)Employersmustdeviseworkplaceprecautionsthateliminateorreducetherisk[s]aslowasreasonablypracticable
Forexample,theuseofalternative,lessvolatileorflammablesubstancesandlesstoxicchemicalsandproducts,inthe
caseofglues,paintsandsolvents,canmakeaworkplacesignificantlysafer.Similarly,well-maintainedmachineryand
equipmentusedinconjunctionwithappropriatesafetyriskcontrolscanpreventunnecessaryaccidentsandinjuries.
b)Wherealternativesarenotavailable,engineeringsolutionsandworkpracticescansignificantlyreduceexposureto
hazardoussubstancesanddangerousactivities.Significantriskstoworkerscanbeeliminatedbymechanizingactivities
suchasdippingcomponentsintoxicsolventsorcuttingmaterialwithsharppowertools.
c)Wherehumanexposurecannotbeeliminated,maximumprotectionmustbeprovidedtoavoidinjury.Noworker
mustberequiredtoperformahazardoustaskwithoutthefreeprovisionofadequateprotectiveequipmentandgear.
ManagementmustensurethatPersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)isadequate,feasibleforworkerstowearand
thatworkersproperlyusethePPE.Ifreplacementequipmentisneeded,workersmustnotbeintimidatedtoaskfora
replacementandmustnotbeaskedtopayforreplacement.IfthePPEisprovidedbyacontractor,thecompanyisstill
heldresponsibleforit,bothfordirectandcontractemployees.
d)Emergencyresponseproceduressuchasevacuationandfirstaidmustexist,andallworkersmustbeawareofthe
appropriateactionincaseofanaccident.Healthandsafetyrepresentativesandon-sitefirstaidmedicalstaffmust
haveclearknowledgeofwheretoseekexternalmedicalaidinemergency.Therootcause,impactandresponseto
accidentsmustbeinvestigated,recordedinwritingandcommunicatedtoallemployees.
11.Employersmustkeepinmindthataccidentsaremorelikelytohappenwhenworkersworklonghoursand
overtime,andorwhenwrittenororalcommunication,instructions,training,protectionandmonitoringare
insufficient.Accidentsandinjuriesfrequentlyoccurduringpeakseasons,whenovertimeiscommon.Exhaustionand
lackofconcentrationaresignificantcontributingfactorstoaccidents.Longhoursleadingtoexhaustionalsoreduce
workers’resistanceandabilitytocopewithexternalstress,increasingtheirsusceptibilitytoillnessandreducingtheir
abilitytorecoverfromphysicalaccidentsorexposuretochemicalsubstances.Healthandsafetycultureisputatrisk
whenproductiondemandsleadtoafastpaceandhealthandsafetypoliciesareneglectedandunenforced.
12.Rehabilitationandcompensation:Workersinjuredinworkplaceaccidentsorsufferingfromworkrelateddiseases
oftenlosetheirjobsandtheworkingcapacitytoseekanotherjob.Insuchcases,companiesmustensurethatthe
affectedworkersareprovidedwithadequaterehabilitationand/orcompensation.Firstaidassistanceandfollow-up
medicaltreatmentmustbeprovided.Long-termmedicaltreatmentmightbenecessaryifaseriousinjuryoccursatthe
workplace.Toverifythis,auditorscanstudynationallawsandhealthandsafetyregulations,lookfortheexistenceof
policies,aswellasrecordsofpastincidents.Workerinterviewscanilluminateandexposepastpractices.Auditorsmay
gainrelevantinformationaboutsuchsituationsbyconsultinglocaltradeunions,labourNGOs,andex-workers.
13.Dormitoryfacilitiesandhousing-whetherownedbythecompany,leasedorcontractedfromaserviceprovider-shallmeetthebasicneedsofpersonnelandrequirementsofSA8000.Auditorsmustinspectsuchdormitoriesor
residences.Writtenrecordsofaccidentsthatoccurindormitoryfacilitiesorresidencesarerequired.
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14.Thestandardmakesitclearthatattimesofimminentseriousdangerallpersonnel–includingallworkers,
managersandsubcontractedpersonsonthepremises-havetherighttoremovethemselvesfromthedangerwithout
thepriorpermissionoftheiremployers.Itismeanttoeliminatepasthorrendousemergencyworkplacefatalities
causedbythelackofemployers’permission(orblockedexits)foremployeestoleaveuponthefirstsignsofa
growing,seriousdanger,suchasfire.
15.Documentation:Theremustbewrittenrecordsofallaccidentsintheworkplaceandincompany-controlled
residencesandproperty.Theymust,ataminimum,includethereason,rootcause,time,andnameofperson(s)
involvedintheaccident.Furtheradditionstotheaccidentrecordsshouldbeincludedonacase-by-casebasis(e.g.
daysofworklostandcompensationpaid).Allthesewrittenrecordsmustbemaintainedandreviewedtoreducethe
accidentrateandimproveauditability.Thecompanyshouldconductananalysisofallhealthandsafetyrisks,noting
whichrisksrequirespecialinstructionsandwhoisresponsibleforensuringthosearefollowed.
Thefollowingisalistofthetypesofissuesthataregenerallyrecordedanddocumentedbyauditedcompanies.The
listisbynomeansexhaustive.Itismeanttoprovideexamplesofthedocumentationthatshouldbekeptbythe
companyandmadeavailabletoauditors.
a)Company-wide,broadhealthandsafetypolicy;
b)Healthandsafetystructure,linesandareasofresponsibility;
c)Hazardanalysisandassessmentofhealthandsafetyrisks;
d)Policiesandproceduresagainsttheidentifiedhazardssuchasmachinerysafeguarding,training,accidentrecording
andinvestigation,expectantmothers,chemicalsafety,ventilation,firesafety,employeeparticipation,disciplinary
practiceetc.;
e)Shortandlongtermobjectivesforimprovinghealthandsafetyandloweringaccidentrates;
f)Monthly,quarterlyorannualreviewsofsafetyperformanceagainstgoalsandobjectives;
g)Correctiveandpreventiveactionstakentoimproveperformance;
h)Recordsofdecision-makingandcommunication(e.g.minutesofmeetings,memossenttostafformanagement,
postersusedtocommunicateandinform);
i)Informationsheetsonspecifichazardsemployeesmayencounter;
j)Regularreviewsofpreparednessandpreventativeactionsuchasmachinerymaintenanceandemergencydrills;
k)Accidentandinvestigationreportsforallaccidents,includingcause,natureoftheincident,impact,namesand
numberofpeopleinvolved,remedialactiontaken,andrehabilitation/compensationprovidedtovictimsortheir
families;
l)Trainingandonthejobinstructionalmaterialprovidedtoemployeesandrecordsoftrainingprovidedtoemployees.
16.IndicatorsforanEffectiveRiskAssessmentandMitigationPlanforHealthandSafetyinSA8000
Thefollowingisguidanceonhowtoeffectivelyassessriskandcomposeamitigationplantoprotecttheworkplace
frombasichealthandsafetyrisksandgeographicrisksandthreats:
a)AllSA8000-certifiedcompaniesaretohaveundertakenadocumented,hazardidentification,emergency
preparednessandresponse,healthandsafetyriskassessmentwithperiodicongoingandupdatedriskassessments.
Inadditiontothebasichealthandsafetyriskassessmentforthecertifiedsite,theprocessshallalsoincludethegeographicrisksandthreats,includingseismicactivities,flood,landslideandsabotage.Mitigationmeasuresaretobe
baseduponthelikelihoodofthreatandactionsshallbeappropriatelytaken.
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b)Ongoingandupdatedhazardidentificationandriskassessmentsaretobecarriedoutbyateamwiththenecessary
competency,skillsandknowledge.Thisprocessshouldalsoincludeworkersrepresentatives.
c)Evidenceofdesignatedcompetentindividualstoassureemergencypreparednessandresponsearetobe
maintained.Theiractionsshouldensure:
i.Emergencyexitsandescaperoutesarecompletelyunobstructed.
ii.Firefightingequipmentisclearlymarked,unobstructedandinserviceablecondition.Thisequipmentshallbeclearly
markedandhaveinstructionsforuseinthelanguage[s]oftheworkforcepastedadjacenttoit.iii.Potentialsourcesofheatandfuelarecontrolled.
iv.Automaticfiredetection,alarms,andsystemsareoperational.
d)Thehazardanalysisandriskassessmentprocessaretoincludedevelopmentofanemergencypreparednessand
responseplantotakeintoaccountactionsbyallpersonnelrelatedtofireand/orotheremergencies(manmade
and/ornaturaldisasters)withacleardefinitionofresponsiblepersonstoprevent,reduceandaddressanysuch
emergencyevent.
e)AllSA8000-certifiedcompaniesaretoproduceamitigationplanthatdeterminestheoperationsandactivities
associatedwiththeidentifiedoccupationalhealthandsafetyandindustrialhazardsandistodescribethecontrols
necessarytomanagetheserisks.Theidentificationprocessistoincludeexistingcontrolmeasuresandtheir
adequacy.
f)Theplanistoincludeatimeframeforimplementationwithmetricstoshowprogress.Immediatedangersaretobe
addressedwithinashorttimeframe.
g)Ongoinghazardidentification,riskassessment,mitigationplanandcorrectiveactionsaretobereviewedatthe
company’sdocumentedregularinternalauditandmanagementreview.
h)Indicators/evidenceofimplementationofaneffectiveriskassessmentandmitigationplanforemergencyaction,
firesafetyandevacuationinclude:
i.Emergencyevacuationroutesthatare:clearlymarked,continuouslyunobstructed,welllitwithemergencylighting
withbackuppower.
ii.Exteriordoorsanddoorstoexithallwaysandstaircasesopeninthedirectionoftravelandcanbereadilyopened
fromtheinsidebyanyworkerwithouttheuseofkeysortools.
iii.Oneormoredesignatedandmarkedexternalassemblypointsinanareasafelyawayfromwherefireoperations
mightoccur.
a.Emergencyexitleadingtoopenareasandpathways.
b.Clearindications/signsforevacuationtoemergencyassemblyarea.
c.Anemergencyassemblyareaofsufficientsizetoaccommodatethefullnumberofemployeesandotherpersonnel
whomayreasonablybeonsite.
d.Asufficientnumberofemergencyexitsforthebuildingstructureandnumberofemployeesandotherpersonnel
whomayreasonablybeonsite.
iv.Afullyoperationalearlywarningandevacuationalarmthatcanbeheardand/orseenthroughouttheworkplace,
thatisregularlytestedandmaintainedwithabackuppowersystem.
a.Audibleandoperationalfirealarms.
b.Audible,visibleandoperablesmokealarms.
c.Thenumberofalarms,atminimum,meetslegalrequirements.
v.Fullyoperationalfirefightingequipmentinplace,maintainedandunobstructed,whichmeetstherequirementsof
fireriskandfireclass,isclearlymarked,accessibleandeasytouse.Personnelaretrainedonthebasicuseoffire
extinguisherswithadvancedtrainingtoemergencyrespondersonallofthefireequipment.
a.Adequateconnectedandpressurizedwatersupplyforfirehydrantsystemandanysprinklersystemonthe
premises.
b.Properaccessforfiredepartmentvehicles.
c.Adequatenumberandtypeoffirefightingequipmentandportablefireextinguishersinplace,maintainedand
unobstructed,clearlymarked,accessibleandeasytouseoneveryfloor.
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d.Fireextinguisherstomeettheclassoffireandignitionsourceatitsrespectivelocation.
e.Thenumberandtypeoffirefightingequipment,atminimum,meetslegalrequirements.
vi.Asystemtoregularlyinspect,testandmaintainanoperationalautomaticearlywarningfireandsmokedetection
alarmwithbackuppower.
a.Emergencylights.
b.Portablefireextinguishersandfirefightingequipmentwithpressurizedwatersystem.
c.Unlockedfirehosecabinets.d.Sufficientandaccessiblefireextinguishersforbuildingstructureandtypeofworkdoneonpremises.
vii.Asystemofprecautionstopreventignitionoffiresfromsourcesofheat,openflames,electricalsparking,hot
surfaces,welding,smoking,heatorsparks.Uncontrolledcombustiblematerialremovedbyadequatehousekeeping
anddecontaminationmeasures.Hazardousmaterialstoredandhandledinasafeway.
a.Cleanworkplaces,freefromdirt,dustandcigarettes.
b.Flammableandhazardousmaterialsproperlystockedandkeptawayfromignitionsources.
c.Safeelectricalwiring.
d.Gassensorsaroundgas-usingandprocessingequipment.
viii.Asystemtotrainallemployeesinemergencyevacuation,firepreventionanduseoffirefightingequipment.
Certifiedcompaniesshallemployasystemwherebyallpersonnelaretrainedinriskfactorswithinoraroundthefacilityuponinductionwithrefreshertrainingevery6monthsthereafter.
a.Emergencyevacuationtrainingshallincludefullevacuationdrillswhereallpersonnelareevacuatedandaccounted
forattheexternalassemblypoint.
b.Trainingshallincludedesignationofagroupoftrainedpersonnel(firewardens)whointervene,whensafetodoso,
tosupporttheevacuationofco-workersandtakefirepreventionandfightingaction,asappropriate.
1)Thistrainingshallincludeemphasisontheeliminationofsourcesofignitionandheat.
2)Itshallalsoincludetrainingontheselectionanduseoffireextinguisherswithanemphasisonwhentousean
extinguisher(basedonthehazardsintherespectiveworkareas)andwhentoevacuate.
c.Adequatecontinuoustrainingforallpersonnelshallincludeevacuationandtheuseofpersonalprotective
equipment.Adequatecontinuoustrainingforfirewardensshallalsoincludefirefightingtechniques,specialhazards,
andleadershiptraining.
d.Evacuationandfiredrillsshouldbeoverseenbyanexternalparty,suchasthefireauthority,fortimelyandeffectivepersonnelevacuation.
e.Documentedevidenceofthetrainingandevacuationdrillsshallbemaintained,withevacuationtimesrecorded.
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II.AuditingConsiderations,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
ForacompanytobeSA8000certified,theauditorneedstoverifythatthecompanymeetsallSA8000requirements.If
theinspectedcompanyisOHSAS18001certified,itmighttakeanauditorlesstimetoauditthecompanyagainstthe
healthandsafetyrequirementsofSA8000,providedtheauditorhasaccesstoallrelevantOSHASdocumentation.
II.A.EvidenceofCompliance,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
Thefollowingareexamplesofsomeissuesthatauditorsshouldreview.Thislistisnotexhaustive.Auditorsshould
adaptand/orexpandthelistandcreateaspecificauditingstrategydependingontheproductionfacilityandother
localconditions(e.g.historyand/orpervasivenessofhealthandsafetyconcernsintheworkplaceorcommunity).
Auditorsmuststudyallrelevantnationallawsandlocalregulationsregardinghealthandsafety.Auditorsshouldkeep
inmindthatevenwhenlegislationdoesnotaddresstheseissues,anycompanyapplyingtobecertifiedunder
SA8000isobligatedtodevelopandimplementacomprehensivehealthandsafetymanagementsystemthatfully
reflectsthehazardsandrisksoftheworkplace.
1.OverallHealthandSafetyManagement:
a)Acomprehensivehealthandsafetymanagementsystemexistsandiseffectivelyimplemented,documentedand
communicated.
b)ManagementatalllevelscanexplaintheirresponsibilitieswithregardtoSA8000,thecompany’shealthandsafety
programandlocalgovernmentregulations.
c)Ahealthandsafetyofficerorequivalentisappointedtoensurecompliancewithnationalandmunicipalhealthand
safetyregulationsandindustrycodesofconduct.Thisofficerhastheauthorityandresourcestocarryouthis/her
compliancedutiesandinthecaseofnon-compliancemaycarryoutdisciplinarymeasures.
d)Emergencyproceduresexist,includingrecordsofregularemergencydrills.
e)Documentationandrecordsarecomplete.
2.WorkersAwarenessandInvolvement
a)Workersandtheirrepresentativesareabletoconfirmandexplainthefunctionalityandeffectivenessofthehealth
andsafetyprogram.
b)Workersareinformedeffectivelyofhealthandsafetyrisks,suchasexposuretohazardouschemicals,machinery,
etc.andtheycanexplainhowthoserisksarecontrolledandminimized.
c)Workersknowwhattodoincaseofanemergencyandthecorrectpersontotalktoiftheyhaveahealthorsafety
concern.
d)Trainingrecordsindicateappropriatecontentandextentoftraining.
e)Amechanismexiststoencourageinputfromworkersonhealthandsafetyissues.
f)Takenoteofworkerappearance:doworkershaveinjuries,rashes,orothersignsofexposuretoharmfulsubstances
orinappropriateuseofmachinery,lackofprotectiveclothing?
g)Takenoteofworkerattitude:doworkersfeelcomfortabletalkingabouthealthandsafetyissues?Isthereaculture
ofopennessoristhereasenseofsecrecyandlackoftrust?
3.SpecificRisks,Hazards,andPrecautions
a)Regularpreventivemaintenance,thatis,systematicinspection,detection,andcorrectionofincipientfailureseither
beforetheyoccurorbeforetheydevelopintomajordefects,iscarriedoutonthecontrolmeasurestoreduceharmto
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healthandsafetytoensurethattheyremaineffective,suchasexhaustventilation,guarding,interlocks,assembly
linesetc.
b)Healthhazardsfromchemicalsandsubstancesareconspicuouslyidentified,alongwith information,instructionand
trainingforemployeesandothers.
c)Monitoringofexposurelimitsofchemicalsandsubstancesiscarriedout.
d)Healthsurveillanceisconductedonemployeeswhoareexposedtotoxicsubstances.
e)Adequateandsuitablepersonalprotectiveequipmentisfreelyavailabletoworkers,andemployeesaretrainedin
itscorrectuse
f)Riskassessmentsandadequateriskcontrolsareinplaceforchemicalsandsubstances,asbestosanddust,
electricity,machineryandsteamboilersatthefacility.
g)Firstaidsuppliesandthenumberoftrainedpersonnelareadequateforthesizeofthefacilityandtheindustry,and
theyareaccessibletoallworkers.
h)Qualificationsoffirstaidpersonnelareadequatefortheneedsofthefacility.
I)Fireriskassessmentsareinplacethatcover;firesafetymanagement,prevention,detectionandalarms,firefighting
equipmentandfacilities,fireescaperoutes,emergencylighting,firesignsandlighting,testingandmaintenanceand
firesafetytraining.[SeeAppendix]
j)Writtenemergencyplansareinplaceandfiresafetyco-coordinatorandfirewardenshavebeenappointedand
adequatelytrained.
k)Asufficientnumberofsuitablefireextinguishersareprovidedcharged,visibleandaccessibletoallworkers.Fire
extinguishersareservicedonanannualbasisandaresubstitutedwithfunctionalextinguisherswhentheyareremovedforservice.Fireexitsareadequateforthenumberofemployees,wellsignedandclearofobstacles.
l)Thereareasufficientnumberoffireescaperoutestoenableallpersonstoevacuatesafely.
m)Emergencyexitsareaccessibleandcannotbelocked,blockedorsecuredinamannerthatpreventsegress.
n)Reportsareavailableofallemergencydrillsconductedforevacuatingthebuilding[s]toaplaceofsafety
o)Testsareregularlyperformedtoensurewaterispotableandresultsaredocumented.
p)Thetemperatureandairqualityinthefactoryisperiodicallyverifiedbyareputable,independentsource,records
areuptodate,andemployeereportsofillnessdonotcontradicttheserecords.
q)Inspectionsofthetransportsystemforworkerstoorwithintheproductionsiteareregularlyperformedand
documented.
r)Thecompanymaintainsaccidentreports,andtheSA8000workerrepresentative,theworkers’tradeunion(for
unionizedfacilities),andthehealthandsafetycommitteehaveaccesstothem.
s)Acertificateattestingtotheimplementationofhealthandsafetymeasuresfromaqualifiedcompetenthealthand
safetyagency,ifavailable,shouldbeconsidered,butshouldnotformthesolebasisforcompliancewiththisportion
ofSA8000.
II.B.WorkerInterviewStrategy,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
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Thefollowingisarecommendedgeneralstrategyforconductinginterviewswithworkers.Auditorsshouldrefertoit
anddevelopastrategythatisadaptedtosuitspecificlocalconditionsandculturalsettings.
Interviewingworkersiscriticalforanevaluationofhealthandsafetyconditions.Workerscanconfirmorcontradict
inspectionfindingsandmanagementclaims,andhighlightissuesthatescapetheauditor’sattention.More
importantly,workerinterviewsofferthebestopportunitytomeasureworkers’awarenessofworkplacehazardsand
knowledgeofpreventiveriskmeasures,withoutwhichnohealthandsafetyprogramcanbeeffectivelyimplemented.
Auditorsshouldreviewthehealthandsafetyhistoryofthesite,andmakespecificattemptstointerviewworkerswho
wereinvolvedinaccidents,fellill,orareworkinginrolesinwhichillnessoraccidentsoccurredinthepast.
Itisgenerallyrecommendedthatauditorsgiveworkersachancetosaywhattheythinkabouthealthandsafety
conditions.General,open-endedquestionsareagoodwaytoensurethattheconversationisnotconfinedtothe
auditor’spre-designedquestionnaireandsuchissuessuchaslevelsoflight,odourandnoisearenotexcludedas
‘unimportant’ortrivial.
Auditorsshouldexpectthatworkers’levelofknowledgeonhealthandsafetyissuesmayvary.Ageneral
recommendationistoavoidtheuseoftechnicaljargon.Forinstance,insteadofasking“Doyouhaveaccessto
MaterialSafetyDataSheets(MSDSs)?”considerasking“Arethese[chemicals/paints/solventsmentionedbytheworker]dangerous?”“Doyouknowwhichonescanbetoxic?”etc.Itshouldbeevidentfromtheconversationwhat
mechanismsareinplaceandhoweffectivetheyare.
Anauditorcandesignquestionsinawaythatwouldnotmakeworkers’responsessoundaccusatorytothefactory
management.Forinstance,insteadofasking“Doyoufeelthatyourhealthisatriskworkinghere?”considerasking
“Aretheretimeswhenyoufeellesssafethanothers?”Insteadofasking“Doyouthinkanythingneedstobe
changed?”considerasking“Whatwouldyousuggestifthemanageraskedforyouropiniononmakingimprovements
inthefactory?”
Samplequestions:
1.Doyougenerallyfeelsafeatwork?
2.Aretheretimesthatyoufeellesssafethanothers?Canyoutellmemoreaboutthosetimes?
3.Arethereanywaystomaketheworkplacesaferforyouorforotherworkers?Whatwouldyousuggestifthe
manageraskedforyouropiniononmakingimprovementsinthefactory?
4.Ifyousawsomethingthatwasofconcern,forexample[X,YorZproblem],whatdoyouthinkwouldbethebest
thingtodo?Whowouldyoutalktoabouttheissue?Hasthateverhappenedinthepast?
5.Whatdoyouknowaboutthechemicalsyouareworkingwith?(promptforthefollowingifnotmentioned:names,
healthissues,safetyissues,handlingprocedures,appropriateandsafeuse,safetyprecautions,emergencyresponse,
andtreatmentforoverexposure)Howistheinformationpresented?(lookfortraining,noticesinnativelanguage,
signs,usagerecords)
6.Ifanewworkerstartsworkingonadangerousmachine[specifythemachine/sinquestion],howdoesshe/heknow
howtoworksafely?Lookforamoredetailedresponsethan“themanagershowsher.”
7.Doyouknowtheevacuationroute?Pleaseexplaintheevacuationproceduretome.
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III.BackgroundInformation,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
Overrecentdecades,thelevelandsophisticationoftheattentiongiventohealthandsafetyissueshasincreased
significantly.Improvedscienceandtechnologyallowaccurateanalysisandmonitoringofhealthandsafetyissues,and
betterunderstandingofcauseandeffect–andthereforepreventionandtreatment.Attheinternationalandnational
levels,enhancedadministrativeandlegislativeframeworkslayouttheroles,responsibilitiesandrightsofauthorities,
employersandworkers.Attheenterpriselevel,especiallyinthedevelopedworld,thereisincreasingrecognitionof
theneedtoprovideasafeandhealthyworkenvironment.Suchrecognitionisdrivenbytougherpenaltiesandhigher
costsofnon-compliance,aswellascostsavings,efficiencyandemployeeretentiongains.
III.A.Internationalnorms
Achievingasafeandhealthyworkenvironmentistheresponsibilityofsocietyasawhole,andwillonlybeachieved
throughcooperationbetweenactorsattheinternational,national,andlocallevel.Whenauditingforhealthand
safetyissues,theteamshouldthereforebearinmindalltherelevantstakeholders,legislation,standardsandcodesof
conducts.InadditiontointernationalstandardssuchasILOconventions,theauditingteamshouldconsiderthespecificnational,provincialandmunicipalrulesandlegislationthatmightberelevanttothesite.Manycountriesand
manystateshavesubstantialgovernmentdepartmentssetupspecificallytooverseehealthandsafetyissues.Their
standardsandguidelinescanprovidedetailedandvaluableinformation.Industrycodesofconductcanprovidefurther
insightsintothespecifichealthandsafetyissuestheteammayencounterattheinspectionsite.
Approximately70ILOConventionsandRecommendationsaddresssafetyandhealthissues.Furtherguidanceon
specificissuesandindustriesprovidedintheILOcodesofpractice,manualsandprogramssuchastheILOProgramme
onSafetyandHealthatWorkandtheEnvironment(SafeWork): http://www.ilo.org/safework.
ThefollowingaresomeoftheILOstandardsthatarerelevanttoSA8000implementationandauditing.
1.TheOccupationalSafetyandHealthConvention155(1981)anditsaccompanyingRecommendation164outlinethe
requirementsfornationalOSHpoliciesandtheprogressiveapplicationofpreventivemeasures.TheConventionand
Recommendationalsoestablishemployers’responsibilitytoprovideasafeandhealthyworkenvironment.
2.TheOccupationalHealthServicesConvention161(1985)anditsaccompanyingRecommendation171callforthe
establishmentofoccupationalhealthservicesresponsibleforadvisingemployers,workersandtheirrepresentatives
onmaintainingasafeandhealthyworkingenvironmentthroughpreventivemeasures.TheConventionand
Recommendationemphasizetheimportanceofclearresponsibilitieswithinthecompany,bestuseofthecompany’s
resources,andcooperationbetweenemployersandemployees.
3.TheConventionconcerningSafetyintheUseofChemicalsatWork170(1990)anditsaccompanying
Recommendation177aimtoprotectworkersagainstthehealthandsafetyimpactsofchemicaluseintheworkplace.
Thestandardemphasizestherolesandresponsibilitiesofauthorities,suppliersandemployers,aswellastheduties
andrightsofworkersinthesafehandling,storageanduseofchemicals.
4.ThePreventionofMajorIndustrialAccidentsConvention174(1993)anditsaccompanyingRecommendation181
seektoprotectworkers,thepublicandtheenvironmentfrommajorindustrialaccidents.TheConventionand
Recommendationfocusonthepreventionandminimizationofharmcausedbymajoraccidentsinvolvinghazardous
substances.
5.AnumberofILOstandardsdealwithspecifictoxinsandagents,suchastheAsbestosConvention162(1986)andits
accompanyingRecommendation172;WhiteLead(Painting)Convention13(1921);RadiationProtectionConvention
115(1960)andRecommendation114;andBenzeneConvention136(1971)andRecommendation144(1971).
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6.OtherILOstandardsdealwithspecificrisksorgroupsofpeoplesuchasOccupationalCancerConvention139(1974)
andRecommendation147;GuardingofMachineryConvention119(1963)andRecommendation118;Maximum
WeightConvention127(1967)andRecommendation128;MaternityProtectionConvention(Revised)183(2000)and
Recommendation191;MedicalExaminationofYoungPersons(Industry)Convention77(1946).
III.B.Typicalhazardsandrisksinmanufacturing
Thefollowingisanoutlineofsomeofthemostcommonhealthandsafetyissuesreportedinfactoriesandsimilar
workenvironments.Someareasdonotapplyinallcircumstances,howevertheauditormustbesatisfiedthatanissue
isNOTofconcernatthesitebeforedroppingitfromtheinspection.Forinstance,althoughexposuretoasbestosmay
notberelevanttothetoymanufacturingprocess,theauditorshouldcheckthatthebuildingitselfdoesnotcontain
crumblingasbestos.Ineverycasenationallegalregulationsonfirstaidmaterial,firstaidfacilitiesandtrained
personnelmustbefollowed.
1.LatentHealthHazards
AccordingtoILOdatapublishedin2011,everyyear2.3millionpeoplediebecauseofoccupationalinjuriesorwork-
relateddiseases,whichequatestoaround6,300deathsperday.1Healthhazardsattheworkplacecanbeobviousat
times,butareoftenmoresubtle,damaginghealththroughlongtermexposuretochemicals,radiation,asbestos,dust
andnoise.AccordingtotheILO,amongallestimatedwork-relatedfatalitiesin2002,onlyabout15%werecausedby
accidentsorworkplaceviolence,while85%werecausedbylessvisiblefactorssuchascommunicablediseases,
malignanttumours,respiratorysystemdiseases,neuropsychiatricillness, etc.Thelatencyofmanyhealtheffects
meansitcanbedifficulttomakethelinkbetweencauseandeffect,toestablishthesourceofexposureandattimes
tofindalltheaffectedpastworkersinordertoensureappropriatemedicaltreatmentandcompensation.Prevention
ofoccupationalhealthhazardsisthereforeofutmostimportanceandauditorsshouldbeawareofthelong-termrisks
inanyindustrytheyaudit.
2.ExposuretoChemicals
Hazardouschemicalsareusedinmanyworkplacesandcancauseawidevarietyofshortandlong-termhealthhazards,frommildirritationtocancer.Theriskofexposuredependsonthedose,concentrationanddurationof
exposure,theexposureroute(inhalation,skincontactoringestion),themixingofthechemicalwithotherhazardous
substances,andtheemployee’spersonalsensitivitytothesubstance.Somecountriessetmaximumexposure
standardsformanyhazardoussubstances.Exposureshouldnotexceedthoselevels,andpreferablybekeptaslowas
practicable,sinceeffectscausedbythemixingofsubstancesandpersonalsensitivitiesarerarelyconsideredinsuch
exposurestandards.
Managementmustidentifyandcollectinformationaboutallhazardouschemicalsandsubstancesusedwithinthe
facility,andmakethatinformationavailabletoworkers.MaterialSafetyDataSheets(MSDS)mustbeavailableand
accessible.Theemployermustensurethatworkersareawareofthenatureandrisksassociatedwiththesubstances
towhichtheyareexposed.Wherehazardouschemicalsorsubstancesareused,employeesmustbetrainedandthe
levelsofhazardouschemicalsorsubstancesintheworkenvironmentmustbemonitoredregularlytoensureexposure
doesnotexceedsafelevels.
Thehierarchyofriskminimizationshouldapplywhendealingwithhazardouschemicals:
a)Eliminatetheneedforthehazardouschemicalorsubstanceby,forexample,redesigningtheprocess.
b)Substitutealesshazardouschemicalorsubstancefortheonecurrentlybeingused.
c)Isolateorenclosetheprocessinwhichthehazardoussubstanceisused.
1 ILO, “World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2011 - Worldwide events to focus on safety and health management
systems for prevention and control of risks at work” available at http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/press-and-
media-centre/news/WCMS_154749/lang--en/index.htm.
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d)Uselocalexhaustventilation.
e)Usegeneralordilutionventilation.
f)UsesuitableandadequatePersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE).
g)Reducetheexposuretimeofemployees.
h)Alwaysimplementpersonalhygiene(forexampleabanoneatinganddrinkingincontaminatedareas,providing
washingfacilities,anddisposingofcontaminatedPPE).
i)Finally,spillcontrol,firstaidandemergencyproceduresmustexistandbeavailableatshortnoticeincaseof
accidentsandincidentsinvolvinghazardoussubstances.
Chemicalsarenottheonlyhazardoussubstancesfoundonaworksite.Heavymetalssuchasleadandmercurycan
posesignificanthealthrisks,ascancigarettesmokingintheworkplace.Workersmaynotassociateadversehealth
effectswithexposuretohazardoussubstances.Nauseaanddizzinesscausedbyexposuretochemicalsmaybe
mistakenlyattributedtoheatorfatigue.
3.ExposuretoAsbestosandDust
Theinhalationofdustandasbestosfibresbyworkerscancauseseriousdiseasesofthelungsandotherorgans,and
thehealtheffectsmaynotappearuntilyearsafterexposure.Lungdiseasesaretheleadingcauseofoccupational
healthproblemsincountriessuchasChina,accountingforapproximatelymorethantwo-thirdsofallverified
occupationaldiseases.
Exposuretoasbestoscancauseabuildupofscar-liketissueinthelungsandresultinlossoflungfunctionthatmay
progresstodisabilityanddeath.Asbestosfibresassociatedwiththesehealthrisksaretoosmalltobeseenwiththe
nakedeye.TheU.S.OccupationalSafetyandHealthAuthority(OSHA)setsexposurelimitsforasbestosat0.1fibrespercubiccentimetre(cc)ofairoveran8-hourperiod,andat1.0fibreperccofairoveranygiven30-minuteperiod.
Exposuretocottondustcanleadtoconditionssuchasbyssinosisor“brownlungdisease”andcancer.OSHA
recommendstwice-yearlymeasurementsofcottondustusingaverticalelutriatororequivalentequipment.The
exposurelimitforrespirablecottondustissetbyOSHAbetween200-1000microgramspercubicmeterofair,
measuredoveran8-hourperiod,dependingonthetypeofoperation.
Exposuretowooddustcancauseavarietyofhealthproblems,fromnoseandthroatirritationtoallergicreactionsto
contactdermatitisandcancerssuchassinonasaladenocarcinoma..Additionalhealthproblemscanresultfrom
inhalingfungiandmoldsthatgrowonthewoodandchemicalresiduesfromwoodtreatment,suchasformaldehyde
andcoppernaphthenate.Exposureandconcentrationstandardsforwooddustsvary,dependingonthetypeofwood.Iftheauditteamdeemswooddusttobeasignificantissue,thetypeofwoodshouldbedeterminedandappropriate
standardsandmeasurementtechniquesapplied.
Commonsourcesofexposure:
a)Manufacturing,cuttingorprocessingdust-producingmaterialssuchaswood,cottonandotherfabrics.
b)Manufacturingandprocessingasbestos-containingproductssuchastextiles,buildingmaterialandbrakeandclutch
components.
c)Contactwithdeterioratingasbestos-containingbuildings.
d)Disturbanceofasbestos-containingmaterialsduringtherenovationordemolitionofbuildings.
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e)Dustyenvironmentscommoninmines,constructionsites,foodprocessingplants,facilitiesthatgeneratemetallic
dustandagriculture.
Inmostcountriesasbestoshaseitherbeenbannedortherearestrictregulationsinplacethatcontroltheusethrough
licensingorremoval.Buildingswithexistingasbestoscontainingmaterialsthatareingoodconditionandarenotlikely
tobedamagedarerecommendedtobeleftinplaceandtheirconditionmonitoredandmanagedtoensuretheyare
notdisturbed.
Itisbestpracticeforauditorstochecklocal,regionalandcountryregulationsregardingasbestos.Companiesthatare
stillallowedtouseasbestosinthemanufacturingandproductionprocessmusthaveariskassessmentthatclearly
identifiesasbestosriskcontrols.
4.HandlingofElectricity
Theincorrecthandlingofelectricitymaycausedangertothehealthofemployees.Facilitiesmustcomplywith
nationallegalregulationsrelatedtoelectricpower.
Auditorsshouldobservethefollowingitems:
a)Electricalcontactsarenotfreelyaccessibleorbare.
b)Powersockets,switchesetc.mustfunctionproperlyandbeingoodcondition.
c)Electricinstallationsareinstalledinafixedandsecuremanner.
d)Electriccablesarenotimpedingaccesstoworkspacesorrunalongsideopenknives/blades.
e)Electricinstallationsaregroundedtoavoidtheconductionofelectricitythroughmetalcomponentsandmachines.
f)High-voltagewarningsignsaredisplayednexttomainpowerconnectionsormainfuseboxes.
g)Electricaljunctionboxes,electricalcontrolroomsandfuseboxesaresecuredwithalockandmadeofflameproof
material;theyareaccessibleonlytoauthorizedpersonnel.
h)Workonelectricalsystemsmayonlybeconductedbycompetentqualifiedpersonnel.
i)Electricalinstallationsareinspectedforsafetyatregularintervals.
Note:Acommoncauseoffiresisthroughfaultyelectricalequipmentandpowerdistributionsystems.
5.SafetyofMachines
Machinesandcomponentssuchassawblades,bandknives,punchesorpressesarenormallyfittedbytheir
manufacturerswithsafetydevices.Thereisparticulardangerfrommachineswherethenecessarysafetydevicesare
missingordefective.Thereislikewiseanincreasedriskiftheemployeesworkingonthemachineshavenotbeen
properlyinstructedontheuseofthemachines.Facilitiesmustcomplywithnationallegislationformachinesafety.
Thefollowingitemsshouldbeobservedbyauditors:
a)Accesstorotatingoroscillatingmachinepartsandthecorrespondingworkingzoneasafedistancefromother
workersorpassers-by.
b)Protectivedevicesthatguardagainstinjury,includingfingerguards,drivebeltsafetycovers,ventilatorguardsand
othersafetydevices,areproperlyinstalledandfunctioneffectively.
c)Machinesmustinallcasesbefittedwithfullyoperationalemergencycut-offswitches.
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d)Warningsignsareprominentlyplacedondangerousmachines.
e)Machineoperatorsaregivenaccidentpreventiontrainingwhentheystartworkatanewworkplace/machine,and
thisisrepeatedatregularintervalsandwhennoncompliancewithpoliciesisfound.
f)Workerscanexplainsafetyprecautionsandemergencyplansrelatedtoallmachines.
6.SafetyofSteamBoilers
Steamboilersareamajorsourceofpotentialdanger,sincethewaterinsideisheatedtoahightemperatureand
subjectedtohighpressure.Iftheboilerisdamaged,theremaybetheriskofanexplosion.Hotsteamescapingthe
boilermayburnorscaldemployees.Thecombustionchamberofasteamboilercreatesafirerisk,asdoesthestorage
offuelssuchasgas,oilorcoal.Facilitiesmustcomplywiththenationallegalregulationsforsteamboilers.The
followingitemsshouldbeobservedbyauditors:
a)Steamboilersoperatedwithgas,oil,coalorothercombustiblematerialsarenotinstalledclosetodormitories,
staircasesorescaperoutes.
b)Stationarysteamboilersareinstalledinseparateroomsorbuildings,whicharesecuredwithalock;onlyauthorized
personshaveaccesstotheserooms.
c)High-pressuresafetyreliefvalvesareinstalledineverysteamboiler.
d)Thesteamboilersystemmustbeingoodconditionandtestedregularly.
e).Whererequiredbylaw,steamboilersmustbeinspectedbytherelevantgovernmentauthorityanddocumentation
forthisinspectionmustbemaintained.
f)Therearesafetyrulesandoperatinginstructionsforthesteamboilersandtheseareavailableonsite.
g)Employeeswhooperatethesteamboilersareappropriatelyqualifiedtodosoandhavecompletedsafetytraining.
7.FireSafetyandEmergencyCases
Fireisasignificantriskinmanysitesandcanresultintheinjuryanddeathofmanyworkers.Firepreventionand
preparednessisthereforeextremelyimportantfortheprotectionofworkers.Theauditteammustnotethegeneral
leveloffireemergencypreparednessonthesite.Thefollowingisapartiallistofhazardsauditorsshouldreview:
a)Flammablevapoursanddustsmustbecontrolledastopreventcontactwithexposedflame,hotsurfacesorsparks
fromweldingorsimilaractivities.
b)Riskyactivitiesinvolvingexposedfire,sparks,hottemperaturesorflammablematerialsmustnottakeplaceinthe
vicinityofflammablebuildingmaterials,floors,wallsandroofs.
c)Flammablesubstancesmustbestoredinsafeareasandpreferablyfireproofcontainers,andworkershandlingthem
mustbeawareoftheircombustiblenatureandappropriatehandlingprocedures.
d)Electricalwiring,circuitsandmachinerymustbewellmaintainedinordertominimizetheriskofanelectricalfire.
e)Thenumberandplacementoffirealarmsandfireextinguishersmustbeadequateforthesizeofthesite,andbe
testedandinspectedregularly.
f)Fireextinguishersmustbeappropriateforthetypeoffirerisks–differentchemicalextinguishersmaybeusedfor
fireinvolvingwood,material,paper,etc.thanforfiresinvolvingflammableliquid,liveelectricalcomponentsandoils.
g)Firewardensmustbepresentoneachsite,preferablyoneachfloor,andmustbetrainedintheuseoffire-
extinguishingequipment.
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h)Emergencyevacuationsmustbepracticedregularly.Eachworkermustparticipateinatleastoneevacuationdrill
peryearinordertobefamiliarwithemergencyexitsandprocedures.
i)Theremustalwaysbeanadequatenumberofemergencyexitsbasedonthenumberofoccupants.Theseexitsmust
alwaysbeunobstructed,clearlymarked,welllitandleadtosafeareasoutsideofthebuilding.The“International
CouncilofToyIndustries”(ICTI)requiresaminimumoftwoexitsperfloor,andrecommendsthatnoworkermustbe
fartherthan200feetawayfromthenearestexit.Firedoorsmustbeoperablefromtheinsideatalltimes,constructed
soastonotallowthemtopreventegressatanytime.
Note:Fireriskassessmentsmustbeinplaceasthesewillhelpcoverallsituationsandprovidethesuitablerisk
controlstoeliminateorreducetheriskoffires,
8.WorkplaceHygieneandSanitation
Allworkersmusthaveaccesstosufficientpotablewaterinworking,eatingandsleepingareas.Thewatersourcemust
betestedannuallytoensureitissafetodrink,andtheemployermustbeabletoproducecertificationdocumentsto
verifytestresults.
Adequate,functional,accessibleandcleantoiletandhand-washingfacilitiesmustbeprovidedinbothworkareasanddormitories.
Foodandwatermustbestoredsafelytoavoidcontaminationfromtheairorfromchemicalresidueoncontainers.
Wherefoodispreparedorsoldonsite,managementmustensurethatitissafefromcontamination,andthat
preparation,handlingandstoragecomplywithlocalregulationsandsoundhygienicstandards.Refusemustbe
disposedofsafelyandhygienicallyonaregularbasis,avoidingodoursandpests.
Ifthecompanyprovidesdormitoryfacilities,itisrecommendedthattheauditteamcheckthatthefacilities:
a)Areclean,tidy,andnotovercrowded;
b)Arewell-ventilatedandheated/cooledtoensurecomfortableconditions;
c)Haveadequateandculturallyappropriatetoiletsandwarmshowers;
d)Haveappropriateandculturallyacceptablearrangementsforlaunderingclothing.
e)Arecoveredbythefiresafetyarrangementascoveredin Element7
9.ExposuretoHeatandCold
Beyondmerediscomfort,extremeorprolongedexposuretohotorcoldconditionscancauseseriousdamageto
healthandevendeath.Heatstresscancauseburns,rashes,cramps,exhaustion,heatfatigue,collapse,orstroke.Cold
cancausehypothermia,frostbiteand,incertaincases,suchaswithliquidnitrogen,coldburns.
Heatandcoldinjurycanresultfrom:
a)Prolongedexposuretohighorlowairtemperaturesandhighhumidity;
b)Exposuretoradiantheatsourcessuchasfurnacesordirectphysicalcontactwithveryhotobjectssuchasmolten
plasticsorhotwater;
c)Directcontactwithcoldobjectssuchasrefrigeratedorfrozenfoodandverycoldwater;
d)Strenuousphysicalactivity;
e)Lackofadequateclothingincoldandexposedworkenvironments.
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Inmostplaces,theambienttemperaturevariesconsiderablythroughouttheyear.Ifthetimeofinspectionisnotthe
coldest,hottestormosthumidtimeoftheyear,workers,managementandmedicalpersonnelmustbeaskedabout
conditionsduringextremeweatherconditions.Ifair-conditioners,fansorheatersarepresent,workersmustbeasked
ifthoseareusedwheneverneeded.Iftheelectricitysupplyisinadequateorunreliable,ensureaback-upplanexists
sothatanon-air-conditionedornon-heatedsitedoesnotbecometoohotortoocool.
Workershandlingextremelyhotorextremelycolditems,workinginhotorcoldenvironmentsorwithhotorcold
liquidsmustbegivenspecialconsiderations.Ensureprotectiveequipmentexistsandisusedwhereneeded.Ensure
durationofexposureisnotexcessiveandthatrotationisusedinplaceslikecool-roomsandnearfurnacestoavoid
discomfortandover-exposure.Ensureplentyofpotablewaterisreadilyavailable.Ifindoubt,measureair
temperaturesandworkersbodytemperature(usingathermometer).Workers’deepbodytemperaturemustnot
exceed38°C(100.4°F).
10.Noise
Althoughitmaynotseemasimportantasfireriskorexposuretohazardouschemicals,accordingtotheWorldHealth
Organization(WHO)noise-inducedhearingimpairmentisthemostcommonirreversible(andpreventable)
occupationalhazardworldwide.
Exposuretonoisecaninterferewithconcentration,causestressandfatigue,reduceefficiency,lowermoraleand
interferewithsleep.Prolongedorexcessiveexposuretonoisecanreducetheabilityofworkerstounderstandspeech
undernormalconditions,andcanleadtopermanentmedicalconditionssuchashypertensionandheartdisease.
AccordingtotheWHO,exposureformorethaneighthoursadaytosoundinexcessof85dBispotentiallyhazardous.
Theauditteamcanuseexistingrecordsiftheyaredeemedreliable,ormeasurenoiselevelsusingnoisedosimetersor
soundlevelmeters.
TheU.S.DepartmentofLabouroffersthefollowingdistributionofallowableexposure:
TABLEG-16–PERMISSIBLENOISEEXPOSURES(1)2
Durationperday,hours SoundleveldBAslowresponse
8………………………………………………………………………………... 90
6………………………………………………………………………………… 92
4………………………………………………………………………………… 95
3………………………………………………………………………………… 97
2………………………………………………………………………………… 100
1½……………………………………………………………………………. 102
1………………………………………………………………………………… 105
½………………………………………………………………………………. 110
¼orless…………………………………………………………………….. 115
2
OSHA, “Occupational Noise Exposure” available at
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9735
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Hearingprotectionmustbeprovidedfreeofchargewherenoiselevelsexceedallowableexposure.Whereworkers
areexposedtohighlevelsofnoise,theemployermustalsoprovideannualaudiometrictestingtomonitorimpacton
workers’hearing.TheWHOstates:“Audiometrictestingmustbemadeavailableatnocosttoallemployeeswhoare
exposedtoanactionlevelof85dBorabove35.”Recordsofaudiometrictestsmustbekeptforthedurationof
employmentforeachaffectedemployee.
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IV.Appendix,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety
IV.A.FireSafetyRiskAssessment
SAMPLEFIRESAFETYRISKASSESSMENT
The5stepsofafireriskassessment:
STEP1–IDENTIFYFIREHAZARDS
Identify:
Sourcesofignition
Sourcesoffuel
Sourcesofoxygen
STEP2–IDENTIFYPEOPLEATRISK
Identify:
Peopleinandaroundthepremises
Peopleespeciallyatrisk
STEP3–EVALUATETHERISKS
Identifywhetherexistingfiresafetyprecautionsareadequateormoreneedstobedone:
Firesafetymanagement
Fireprevention
Firedetectionandalarms
Fire-fightingequipmentandfacilities
Fireescaperoutes
Emergencylighting
Firesignsandnotices
Testingandmaintenance
Firesafetytraining
Evaluatetheriskofafireoccurring
STEP4–RECORDANDACT
Recordsignificantfindingsandtheactionrequired:
toremoveorreducefirehazards
toremoveorreducetheriskstopeople
STEP5–REVIEW
Keepassessmentunderreview
(Havetherebeenanysignificantchangesoristhereanyreasontosuspectthattheassessmentisno
longervalid?)
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Revisewherenecessary
FIRESAFETYRISKASSESSMENTCHECKLIST
Premiseslocation/address:
Assessorname:
Date: Ref.No:
Part(s)ofpremisesassessed: (e.g.dormitory,kitchen,warehouse,office)
Descriptionofpremises: (Numberoffloors,rooms,workactivitiesetc)
Step1–Firehazards
Tickallthosethatapply
Addcommentswhereappropriate(e.g.location,condition)
1.1Sourcesofignition (nakedflamesorpotentialsources
ofheatthatcouldgethotenoughtoignitematerialinthe
premises).
Yes No Comments
Smokers’materiale.g.cigarettes,matchesandlighters
Nakedflamese.g.candles,nightlights,gasorliquid-
fuelledopen-flameequipment
Electrical,gasoroil-firedheaters(fixedorportable)
Boilers
Hotprocessese.g.welding
Cookingequipmentandactivities
Electricalequipment
Lightingequipment(fixedandmovable)e.g.halogen
lampsortablelamps
Obstructionairconditioning/ventilationequipment
Arson
Other(pleasespecify)
1.2Sourcesoffuel(anythingthatburnseasilyandis
presentinsufficientquantity)Yes No Comments
Furniture
Textilesandsoftfurnishings
Wasteproducts,particularlyfinelydivideditemse.g.
shreddedpaper,woodshavings
Flammableliquid-basedproductse.g.cleaningproducts,
paints,thinners,adhesives,paraffin
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Flammablegasese.g.LPGandaerosols
Paperproducts,packagingmaterials,stationery,books
Plasticsandrubbere.g.foam-filledfurniture,polystyrene-
basedmaterials
Wallandceilingliningsandhangingse.g.ceilingtiles
Other(pleasespecify)
1.3Sourcesofoxygen Yes No Comments
Mechanicalairconditioningsystems
Oxygencylinders
Fireworks
Step2–Personsatrisk
Tickallthosethatapply
Estimatethenumberofpersonsatriskineachcategory
Addcommentswhereappropriate
2.1Whoisatrisk? Yes No Howmany? Comments
Employees
Temporary/casualworkers
Visitors
Contractors
Others(pleasespecify)
Total
2.2Whoisespeciallyatrisk? Yes No Howmany? Comments
Peopleasleep
Employeeswhoworkaloneand/orinisolated
arease.g.cleaners,maintenancestaff,security
Peoplecarryingoutspecifictasksthatmayrestrict
accessandmovemente.g.workingatheight
Peoplewhoareunfamiliarwiththepremisese.g.
visitors,customers,newstaff,contractors
Peoplewithdisabilities
Peoplewhosereactionsmaybeimpaireddueto
alcohol,drugsormedication
Otherpeopleintheimmediatevicinityofthe
premises
Step3–Evaluatetherisks
Answereachquestionandplaceatickintherelevantcolumn(‘Yes’,‘No’or‘NotApplicable’)
IftheanswertoanyofthesequestionsisNO,youmustidentifytheaction(s)requiredinthe‘ActionPlan’(step4).
3.1Firesafetymanagement Yes No N/A
Isthereawrittenemergencyplanforthepremises?
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Doestheemergencyplancontainenoughdetailtoensurethatpeopleknowwhatto
doifthereisafireandthatthepremisescanbesafelyevacuated?
Isthereafloorplan(s)detailingthegeneralfiresafetyprecautions(locationoffire
extinguishers,firedoors,escaperoutesetc)?
Isthereanamedperson(s)withoverallresponsibilityforfiresafetyatthepremises
(i.e.FireCoordinator)?
Arefirewardensappointedforeachareaofthepremises?
Aretheresufficientnumbersoffirewardenstosafelyevacuatethepremises?
Havearrangementsbeenmadetoaccountforallpersonsonthepremisesafter
evacuation(e.g.rollcalls)?
Areallstaffawareoftheirowndutiesandresponsibilitiesintheeventofafire?
Isthereadesignatedperson(s)tocallthefirebrigade?
Arefireassemblypointsoutsideclearlyidentifiedandsigned?
Areemergencyfiredrillscarriedoutatleastevery6months?
3.2Fireprevention–general Yes No N/A
Areflammablesubstances/materialssafelystoredandused?
Isthepremiseskeptcleanandtidywithwastematerialsplacedindesignatedwaste
bins?
Arewastebinsemptiedregularlyandwastestoredinsecurecontainersoutsidethe
premises?
Arethepremisessecureagainsttheriskofarson?
Arefiredoorskeptclosedatalltimes?
Areallfurnishingsingoodconditionwithnoholesexposingfoam-filledmaterials?
Areallfurnishingsmadeofflame-retardantmaterials(lookforlabelstoconfirm
this)?
Arethereareaswhicharenotnormallyoccupiedandwhereafiremaystart
unnoticed?
Aregascylindersstoredsecurelyoutsidethebuilding?
3.3Fireprevention–electrical Yes No N/A
Areallindividualelectricheatersfixedinplacewithasuitableguard?
Hastheelectricalinstallationbeentestedbyaqualifiedelectrician?
Isthereanyevidenceofoverloadedelectricalsockets(e.g.discolouredorcharredelectricalplugsandsockets)?
Areelectricaltrailing/extensionleadskepttoaminimumlengthandnotplaced
wheredamageislikely?
Iselectricalequipmentkeptwellawayfromcombustiblematerials?
Areallelectricalrepairscarriedoutbyaqualifiedelectrician?
Iselectricalequipmentbroughtinbystaffinspected/testedtoensureitisingood
condition?
3.4Fireprevention–heating,cookingandappliances Yes No N/A
Areallheatingappliancessafe(i.e.securelyfixedinposition,guards/coversinplace,andadequateclearspacefreeofstorageofanykind)?
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AreallportableheatersincludingLPGheatersprohibitedfromwithinthepremises?
Areallcookingappliancessafe(i.e.securelyfixedinpositionandproperly
maintained)?
Areextractionfiltersinthekitchenregularlycleanedandmaintained?
Aremainsgasandelectricityswitchesclearlymarkedsothatstaffknowwhereto
turnoffequipmentintheeventofafire?
3.5Fireprevention–smoking Yes No N/A
Issmokingprohibitedexceptindesignatedsmokingareas?
Aredesignatedsmokingareasclearlymarked?
Inareaswheresmokingisallowed,aresufficientashtraysprovidedandarethey
emptiedregularly?
Arethecontentsofashtraysdisposedofseparatelytogeneralwaste?
3.6Fireprevention–buildings Yes No N/A
Isthebuildingdesignedandconstructedtopreventtherapidspreadoffireand
smoke?
Areanyholesorgapsinwalls,ceilingsandfloorsproperlysealed(e.g.whereservices
suchasventilationductsandelectricalcablespassthroughthem)?
3.7Firedetectionandalarmsystems Yes No N/A
Isasuitableautomaticfiredetectionsystemprovided?
Aresmokedetectorsprovidedinallpartsofthepremises(i.e.offices,storerooms)?
Isthefiredetectionsystemingoodworkingorder?
Isasuitablefirealarmsystemprovided?
Canthefirealarmbeclearlyheardbyeveryonethroughoutthewholebuilding?
Isthefirealarmsystemingoodworkingorder?
Ifthefire-detectionandwarningsystemsareelectricallypowered,dotheyhave
back-uppowersupplies?
Haveyoutoldemployeesaboutthefirealarmsystemandwilltheyknowhowto
operateitandrespondtoit?
Doessecuritycarryoutchecksandpatrols,especiallyduringthenightshift?
3.8Firefightingequipmentandfacilities
Identifythenumber,type,locationandconditionofallfireextinguishersYes No N/A
Aretheresufficientfireextinguisherssitedthroughoutthepremises(i.e.onefire
extinguisherpointevery25-30metres)?
Aretherighttypesoffireextinguisherslocatedclosetothefirehazards?
Arethefireextinguishersingoodworkingorderwithoutanydefects(e.g.damaged
hoses?
Arethefireextinguishersclearlyvisiblewithappropriatesigns?
Areallfireextinguishersavailableforimmediateuse(notobstructedorhidden)?
Arefireextinguishershungonwallbracketsoronasuitablebaseplate(notonthe
floor)?
Havethepeoplelikelytousefireextinguishersbeengivenadequateinstructionand
training?
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Isthereclearaccessforthefirebrigadeatalltimes?
3.9Fireescaperoutes
Identifyhowmanyescaperoutestherearefromthebuilding.
Estimatehowlongitwouldtakeforeveryonetoescapefromthebuildingoncethe
firealarmhasbeenraised.
Yes No N/A
Arethereasufficientnumberoffireescaperoutestoenableallpersonstoevacuatesafely?
Arethefireescaperoutesofsufficientwidthtoenableallpersonstoevacuate
safely?
Ifthereisafire,couldallavailableexitsbeaffectedorwillatleastonefireescape
routeremainavailable?
Dothefinalexitsleadtoaplaceofsafety?
Arethefireescaperoutesandfinalexitskeptclearatalltimes?
Dothedoorsonfireescaperoutesopeninthedirectionofescape?
Canallfinalexitdoorsbeopenedeasilyandimmediatelyifthereisafire(e.g.push-bars)?
Willeverybodybeabletoescapesafelyfromthebuildinginareasonabletime(i.e.
lessthan2minutes)?
Areallfireescaperoutesclearlyandproperlysigned?
3.10Emergencylighting Yes No N/A
Areallfireescaperoutesprovidedwithadequatelightingatalltimesofthedayand
night?
Isemergencylightingprovidedonfireescaperoutes?
Doestheemergencylightingoperateautomaticallyafterpowerfailure(i.e.back-upbatterysupplies)?
Isemergencylightingprovidedoutsidethebuildingtoilluminateexitroutesfrom
thebuilding?
3.11Firesignsandnotices Yes No N/A
Areappropriatefiresignsprovidedtoidentify:
- Fireescaperoutes?
- Fireexits?
- Firedoors?
- Firefightingequipment?
Are‘FireAction’noticesdisplayedatsuitablelocationsthroughoutthepremises?
Areallfiresignsclear,legibleandeasilyunderstood?
3.12Testingandmaintenance Yes No N/A
Areregularchecksmadeofallfiredoorsandescaperoutesandassociatedlighting
andsigns?
Areregularchecksmadeofallyourfirefightingequipment?
Areregularchecksmadeoffire-detectionandalarmequipment?
Arethosewhotestandmaintaintheequipmentcompetenttodoso?
Arewrittenrecordskeptofalltestingandmaintenance?
3.13Firesafetytraining Yes No N/A
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Areemployeestrainedatleastonceevery12monthsontheactionstotakeinthe
eventofafire?
Doesthetraininginclude:
- Actiontotakeondiscoveringafire?
- Howtoraisethefirealarm?
- Actiontotakeonhearingthealarm?
- Procedureforevacuatingthebuildingtoaplaceofsafety?
- Wheretoassembleafterevacuatingthebuilding?
- Locationanduseoffirefightingequipment?
- Locationoffireescaperoutes?
- Howtoopenallfireescapedoors?
- Importanceofkeepingfiredoorsclosed?
- Importanceofgeneralfireprecautionsandgoodhousekeeping?
Isadditionaltraininggiventothosepersonswithspecificresponsibilitiesintheevent
ofafire(e.g.firewardens,security)?
Arewrittenrecordskeptoffiresafetytraining?
Aretheresimilararrangementsforinformingtemporary/casualworkersoffire
safetyprecautions?
Fireriskcategory–evaluatetheriskofafireoccurring
Assesstheoverallfireriskcategorybasedontheanswersinsection3.
Placeatickagainsttherelevantriskcategory.
ü
HIGHRISK
Where:
thereisaseriousrisktolifefromfire,or
therearesubstantialquantitiesofcombustiblematerials,or
therearehighlyflammablesubstances,or
thereexiststhelikelihoodoftherapidspreadoffire,heatorsmoke.
NORMALRISK
Where:
therearesufficientquantitiesofcombustiblematerialsandsourcesofheattobe
ofgreaterthanlowfirerisk,but
afirewouldbelikelytoremainconfined,ortospreadslowly.
LOWRISK
Where:
thereishardlyanyriskfromfire,and
fewcombustiblesmaterials,and
nohighlyflammablesubstances,and
virtuallynosourcesofheat.
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March2012 Page30of30
Step4–ActionPlan
Instructions:
Iftheanswertoanyofthequestionsinsection3wasNO,youmustidentifytheaction(s)requiredbelow.
Theassessorsectionshouldidentifytherelevantsubject(e.g.firesafetytraining),thecorrectiveaction
required,andthedatetheactionwascompleted.
Themanagementsectionshouldidentifythecostsofeachaction,thepersonresponsibleforimplementation
andthetargetcompletiondate.
ASSESSORSECTION MANAGEMENTSECTION
Ref.
No.Subject
Detailsofcorrectiveactionto
betakenorplanned
Date
completedCosts Responsibility
Completion
date
3.11 Firesigns
2additionalfireescapesigns
arerequiredinthesecondfloor
dormitory.
X
RMB
JBloggs 31June
2011
Assessorsignature: Reviewdate(Step
5):
Recommended