FALL PROTECTION & RESCUE PLAN

DOC NAME CLIENT EFFECTIVE DATE REV REVISION DATE APPROVED BY

PROC/FPRPL/01 10/02/24 01 10/02/25 EDWARD MUTSHAENI

PROJECT DESCRIPTION THE PROVISION OF MV AND LV ELECTRIFICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

AND CONNECTIONS (HOUSEHOLDS AND INFILLS) WITHIN THE
LIMLANGA CLUSTER – LIMPOPO OVER A PERIOD OF 48 MONTHS

1. TABLE OF CONTENTS
2. COVER PAGE REQUIREMENTS
3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. DOCUMENT CHANGE CONTROL
5. DEFINITIONS
5 ABBREVIATIONS
6 FALL PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT
7 SCOPE
8 INRODUCTUION
9 RISK ASSESSMENT
10 APPOINTMENTS/DESIGNATIONS
11 TRAINING MANAGEMENT
12 HEALTH MANAGEMENT
13 FALL PROTETION EQUIPMENT
14 FIRST AID BOX
15 RESCUE PLAN
16 WORKING AT HEIGHTS RISK ASSESSMENT
17 REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS
18 CHANGE OF PLAN

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 2. DOCUMENT CHANGE CONTROL

DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE SECTION CHANGED DATE CHANGED DATE APPROVED

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3. DEFINITIONS

Anchor Point:
An attachment point at an anchor for anchor lines or persons (SANS50795 or EN 795).

Competent Person:
Competent person for any task is a person who has acquired, through training, experience,
qualifications and/or experience, or a combination of them, the knowledge and skills to carry
out that task, provided that where appropriate qualifications and training are registered in
terms of the provisions of the South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995 (Act No. 58 of
1995), these qualifications and training shall be deemed to be the required qualifications and
training.

Energy Absorbing Lanyard: The connecting element or component of a fall arrest system.
A lanyard may be of synthetic fibre rope or webbing. It must have an energy absorbing
component incorporated into it, which will keep the impact force below 6 kN shock force in
the event of a fall.

Fall Prevention Equipment: Equipment used to prevent persons from falling from a fall risk
position, including personal equipment, body harness, lanyards, lifelines or physical
equipment such as guardrails, screens, barricades, anchorages or similar equipment.

Fall Arrest Equipment: Equipment used to arrest the person in a fall, including personal
equipment such as body harness, lanyards, deceleration devices, lifelines or similar
equipment, but excludes single belts.
Fall Arrest System:
An assembly of components joined together so that, when connected to a suitable anchor
point with sufficient clearance from the ground or other obstacles, it operates as a complete
arrangement of equipment able to fulfil its function in use of arresting a fall.

Fall Protection Plan:

A documented plan of all risks relating to working from a fall risk position, considering the
nature of work undertaken, and setting out the procedures and methods to be applied in
order to eliminate the risk and must include a rescue plan and procedures.

Fall Risk:
Refers to any potential exposure to the risk of falling. (Items falling on workers, workers
falling from an elevated position or workers dropping items onto other workers). Work
cannot continue on site unless this fall risk(s) has been mitigated, reduced and controlled to
acceptable levels.

Fixed Barricade:
Barricading provided to prevent persons from entering areas where there is a fall risk, falling
objects, slipping, open trenches or manholes.

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Full Body Harness:
Body support primarily for fall arrest purposes, i.e. a component of a fall arrest system. Full
body harness may comprise of straps, fittings, buckles or other elements, suitably arranged
and assembled to support the whole body of a person and to restrain the wearer during a
fall and after the arrest of a fall.(SANS50361)

Hazard Identification:
The identification and documenting of existing or expected hazards to the health and safety
of persons, which are normally associated with the type of construction work being executed
or to be executed

Low Level Work Restraint:

Using specific work at a fall risk position equipment and procedures to prevent a fall or keep
the fall distance to a minimum in low level work areas from 2 to 6m above ground level or
work platform level.

Medical Fitness: Refers to being declared medically healthy and fit to work safely in a fall
risk position or such similar environment and being in possession medical certificate of
fitness.

Medical Certificate of Fitness:

A certificate issued by a medical health practitioner registered with the Health Professions
Council of South Africa. Such a certificate will become invalid, temporarily or permanently,
subject to a consultation with a health practitioner, if medical or mental conditions occurred
or emerged during the period.

Method Statement:
A written document detailing the key activities to be performed in order to reduce, as
reasonably as practicable, the hazards identified in any risk assessment.

Minimum Free Space (MFS):

Fall arrest system is designed to limit the force on the body during a fall. This is achieved by
absorbing the energy generated in the fall, by applying an arresting force to the faller over a
distance i.e. the “arrest distance”. In order to prevent the possibility of a collision, there must
be sufficient free space under the user for the fall to be arrested in, i.e. the free space must
be greater than the arrest distance. Free space means that the path of fall is free from
obstacles.

Non-Building Structure:
Refers to bridges, viaducts, overpasses, towers, tanks, bill boards, antennas, and other
similar structures.

Permanent Barricade:
Barricading which is permanently fixed to prevent falling, or to provide support when
ascending or descending stairways using three points of contact system, such as
handrailing etc.

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Mini Hazard Identification Risk assessment (Mini HIRA):
Is a risk assessment that is completed by the site supervisor at the work site before work
can commence.

Power Tools:
All Portable electrical equipment including but not limited to welders and cutting torches,
angle grinders and drills etc.

Risk Assessment:
A process of determining all risks associated with all hazards at a specific construction site,
in order to identify the steps needed to be taken to eliminate, mitigate, and or control such
hazards.

Rope Access:
A technique using ropes, normally incorporating two separately secured systems, one as a
means of access and the other as back-up security, used with a harness in combination with
other devices, for getting to and from the place of work and for work positioning.

Suspended Platform: A working platform suspended from supports by means of one or

more separate ropes from each support.

Steel Erection:
Refers to any steel construction, part of a steel member or building or non-building structure
that needs to be erected.

Toolbox Talks:
Communicating the daily hazards and risks on site to the workers and it provides an
opportunity to reinforce the safe working procedures and PPE for that specific daily task; it is
the most practical step in connecting paperwork and actual work force.

Working Platform:
A platform whose purpose is to support the combined imposed loads of workers, materials
and plant.

Work:
Any task, observation or inspection performed by SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING
ENTERPRISE employed person.

Drop Zone:
Open Area where working at elevated positions are in progress and the risk of equipment or
material falling is possible.

Work at a fall risk position:

Any work performed above or below a stable work surface, or where a person puts himself
in a position where he exposes himself to a fall to a lower level or into an area that will result
in an injury.

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Work Positioning:
A technique that enables a person to work supported in tension or suspension by personal
protective equipment in such a way that a fall from a height is prevented or restricted.

Work restraint:
A technique whereby a person is prevented by means of a harness and other devices from
reaching zones where the risk of a fall from a height exists.

4. ABBREVIATIONS
C.R 14 Construction Regulations 2014 of OHS Act 85 of 1993
SANS: South African National Standards
SABS: South African Bureau of Standards
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
FPP: Fall Protection Plan
SOP: Standard Operating Procedure or SWP Safe Worksite Procedures
FAS: Fall Arrest System.
MEWP: Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
MBS: Minimum Breaking Strain.
SWL: Safe working Load (normally with a safety factor of 10 for PPE i.e. MBS =
22kN/2200kg SWL =220kg or 1500kg and SWL of 150kg).
OHS Act: Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer.
MFS: Minimum Free Space
IWH: Institute for Work at a fall risk position - HIRA: Hazard Identification Risk Assessment

5. FALL PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT

SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE is dedicated to the protection of its employees
from on-the-job injuries. All SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE employees have
the responsibility to work safely. The purpose of this plan is:
1. To supplement our standard safety policy by providing safety standards specifically
designed to cover fall protection on the job and;
2. To ensure that each employee is trained and made aware of the safety provisions which
are to be implemented by this plan prior to the start or erection. This Fall Protection Plan
addresses the use of other than conventional fall protection at a number of areas on the
project, as well as identifying specific activities that require non-conventional means of fall
protection. These areas include:
1. Connecting activity (point of erection).
2. Leading edge work.
3. Unprotected sides or edge. This plan is designed to enable SHOMO KA MATLA
TRADING ENTERPRISE and its employees to recognize the fall hazards on this job and to
establish the procedures that are to be followed in order to prevent falls to lower levels or
through holes and openings in walking/working surfaces. Each employee will be trained in

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these procedures and strictly adhere to them except when doing so would expose the
employee to a greater hazard.
If, in the employee’s opinion, this is the case, the employee is to notify the Construction
Supervisor of the concern so that the issue is addressed before proceeding. Safety policy
and procedure on any one project cannot be administered, implemented, monitored and
enforced by any one individual. The total objective of a safe, accident free work environment
can only be accomplished by a dedicated, concerted effort by every individual involved with
the project from management down to the last employee. Each employee must understand
their value to the company, the costs of accidents; the objective of the safety policy and
procedures; the safety rules that apply to the safety policy and procedures; and compliance
of their safety policy and procedures.
If for any reason an unsafe act persists, strict enforcement will be implemented. It is the
responsibility of the Construction Manager to implement this Fall Protection Plan. The
Construction Supervisor is responsible for continual observational safety checks of the work
operations and to enforce the safety policy and procedures. The Construction Supervisor
also is responsible for correcting any unsafe acts or conditions immediately. It is the
responsibility of the employee to understand and adhere to the procedures of this plan and
to follow the instructions of the Construction Supervisor. It is also the responsibility of the
employee to bring to management’s attention any unsafe or hazardous conditions or acts
that may cause injury to either themselves or any other employees.

6. SCOPE
This Fall Protection Plan is a documented plan that is aims to identify and evaluate all risks
relating to working from fall risk position, considering the nature of work undertaken, setting
out the correct methods to be applied in order to mitigate, eliminate or reduce the risk(s) to
acceptable level or degree. This plan includes a rescue plan and rescue procedures from
any of the work at a fall risk position areas as identified by the health and safety team
including the designer..

This plan shall be implemented by all the construction departments at SHOMO KA MATLA
TRADING ENTERPRISE, in particular those whose activities revolves around working in a
fall risk position and shall include all our contractors.

7. INTRODUCTION
The management of SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE, recognizing the risks
arising from working at a fall risk position, has commitment to providing and maintaining a
healthy and risk free environment for its employees. In its mission to control the risks
associated with such, SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE had developed
systems and procedures designed to prevent employees from falling off, onto, or through
working levels and to protect employees from being struck by falling objects. Above all, we
shall ensure that precautionary measures and guidance within FPP are implemented each
and every time work is conducted in a fall risk position.

In accomplishing the aforementioned, SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE is

guided by the Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993 and associated regulations
including the Construction Regulations 2014. However, for the purpose of this FPP we shall

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 limit our scope to CR10 and applicable South African National Standards that include but
not limited to:

- SANS 50354 / EN 354

- SANS 50355 / EN 355
- SANS 50358 / EN 358
- SANS 50360 / EN 360
- SANS 50361 / EN 361
- SANS 50362 / EN 362
- SANS 50363 / EN 363
- SANS 50364 / EN 364
- SANS 50365 / EN 365
- SANS 50795 / EN 756

In ensuring compliance to the above, we have purchased enough posters in the office on
related legislation and standards.

The project scope of works permits SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE to mitigate
and control fall risks associated with work being conducted on site that pertains to working
with ladders, roof work, unprotected sides and edges, openings/holes, formwork and
reinforcing steel, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP’s), overhand bricklaying and related
work ramps, runways, platforms and other walkways, scaffolding and excavations, to name
but a few.
In conclusion, our documented FPP shall include:

1. Document Review and Amendments

2. Worksite Information & Method Statement
3. Risk Assessment,
4. Designations / Legal Appointment Forms
5. Training Management
6. Employee Health Management
7. Work at a fall risk position Equipment Management
8. Standard Operating Procedures
9. A Rescue Plan
10. Emergency & Rescue Procedures and
11. Communication Declaration & Communication Register. Please refer to our safety File for
REG/COMDEC/01

8. RISK ASSESSMENT
A comprehensive risk assessment for working at heights is available and should be read in
conjunction with this Fall Protection Plan.Please refer to our detailed risk assessment for
working on heights on PROC/WHRA/01 in our safety File. CR10(2)(a) categorically states
that a fall protection plan as contemplated in subregulation (1), shall include a risk
assessment of all work carried out from a fall risk position and the procedures and methods
used to address all the risks identified per location. We at Vino Building Constructions &
Multi Projects shall cause:

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  A risk assessment to be performed for all work carried out from elevated positions for a
specific location
 The risk assessment to be communicated to all employees required to work from
elevated position and record shall be kept
 A copy of the risk assessment to be inserted in this section of the Fall Protection Plan
Template

Our risk assessment shall allow for careful examination of what could cause harm to
employees as a result of a work activity, and it allows us to take the necessary precautions
to prevent the harm from occurring.

In compliance with CR 9(1), SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE shall, before the
commencement and during the upgrade of the maternity section of the hospital, conduct risk
assessments which shall be performed by a competent person appointed in writing. The risk
assessments shall form part of the health and safety plan to be applied on site and shall
include:

- the identification of the risks and hazards to which our employees may be exposed to
- an analysis and evaluation of the risks and hazards identified based on a documented
method
- a documented plan and applicable safe work procedures to mitigate, reduce or control
the risks and hazards that have been identified
- a monitoring plan; and
- a review plan

All the above shall be performed by the the competent person, namely our Risk Assessor or
a CR 9(1) Appointee.

SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE shall ensure that as far as is reasonably

practicable, ergonomic related hazards are analyzed, evaluated and addressed in a risk
assessment our competent person will be conducting. SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING
ENTERPRISE shall, before any work is executed on site, ensure that all contractors are
informed and inducted regarding any hazards that are outlined in the risk assessment, That
may also be done at the times that may be determined in the risk assessment monitoring and
review plan of the relevant site. SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE is mindful that
our risk assessment should be based on the client’s baseline risk assessment. We shall
comply to that.

We shall consult with the health and safety committee if in existence on the monitoring and
review of the risk assessments of the relevant site. In case no committee exists, the Health
and Safety Representative shall assume that role. In keeping with our monitoring and
checking practices, we shall ensure that copies of the risk assessments are available on site
for inspection purposes by the Department of Employment and Labour inspectors who may
visit our site unannounced. We also shall expect the client, the client's agent, any
contractors, employees, a representative trade union, our own health and safety
representative or any member of the health and safety committee to do the inspection of the
documented fall risk assessment. It is therefore of paramount significance to have copies
readily available in our health and safety file.

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The management of SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE shall review the relevant
risk assessment atleast on two occasions, namely:

- where changes are effected to the design and or construction that result in a change to
the risk profile; or
- when an incident has occurred

Our detailed and documented risk assessment & risk assessment matrix and procedure can
be found in our safety file with references PROC/BRA/01 and PROC/RAM/01 respectively.

9. HIERACHY OF CONTROLS FOR WORKING AT A FALL RISK POSITION

The following are 8 levels of control that SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISEhave
identified for working at a fall risk position:

Avoid working at height completely

Where possible, use a plant equipment at ground level rather than a roof, or change the
equipment altogether.

Prevent falls using a safe place to carry out work

If we can’t avoid working at height, then designate a 'safe place' where work can be carried
out with minimal risks. Additional protective equipment should not be necessary as
preventative measures are already in place in this space.

Prevent falls using collective equipment

Install a permanent system that offers a passive solution for multiple workers, such as a
physical barrier. This will allow them to concentrate on the job itself rather than the safety
system.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Fall restraint

Fall restraint systems usually include an anchor point and lanyard which prevent workers
from reaching a hazard.

Minimise the distance the worker could fall

If a fall cannot be avoided, then use collective equipment, such as airbags, to reduce the
impact of the fall.

Minimise the impact of a fall

Use netting to soften the impact of the fall.

Use PPE: Fall arrest

Fall arrest systems should only be used as a last resort and we will need to undergo training
to use these. If a worker falls, fall arrest equipment stops the fall before he hits the surface.
Minimise risk by undergoing training
Training should focus on safe working practices, as well as on the correct use of relevant
equipment.

10. APPOINTMENTS/DESIGNATIONS

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 We at SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE shall perform all elevated work in
conjunction with the Fall Protection Plan, developed by a designated Fall Protection Planner
who shall be in possession of the following qualifications, as a minimum:

- Fall Arrest Course (Accredited SAQA Unit Standard 229998)

- Fall Protection Planner (Accredited SAQA Unit Standard 229994)
- A designated member “Fall Protection Planner” in good standing with a professional body
(such as the Institute for Working at Heights, IWH).
- Valid Medical Certificate of Fitness with Annexure 3.
Our Fall Protection Planner shall determine what site-specific appointments are required
e.g. Fall Protection Officer, Fall Arrest Worker, Fall Protection Equipment Controller, etc. He
shall ensure that the Fall Protection Plan drafted by him is in accordance with the
requirement of SAQA Unit Standard: 229994. This shall take into consideration of any
changes in the industry best practices and shall be assessed and approved by the
Construction Health and Safety Agent.

The following compulsory designations shall form part of the Fall Protection Plan
Management Task Team:

16.1 Appointee

This is our Managing Director who shall oversee the overall management of the Fall
Protection Management Program. The managing director delegates duties to the 16.3
below. He reports to the Chief Inspector.

16.2 Appointee

Here we have the Assistant to the Managing Director who shall have the same powers as
the managing director. All the other appointments shall be performed by him. He reports to
the 16.1

Fall Protection Planner: CR10(1)(a)

The CR10(1)(a) is the main person in this category since he develops the entire Fall
Protection Plan

Risk Assessor: CR9(1)

The risk assessor identifies, analyze, document, monitor and control risks and hazards
persons may be exposed to

Site Manager: CR8(1)

This role is the same as that of the Construction Manager. He is served with the duty of
managing all the construction work on a single site, including the duty of ensuring
occupational health and safety compliance. He reports to the 16.2 and appoints the rest of
the employees.

Site Supervisor: CR8(7)

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Same role as that of a Construction Supervisor. Reports to the Construction Manager

Fall Arrest Rescue Coordinator: CR10(2)(e)

Reports to the CR(8)(1) and develops a rescue plan detailing the necessary procedure,
personnel and suitable equipment required to affect a rescue of a person in the event of a
fall incident to ensure that the rescue procedure is implemented immediately following the
incident and/or

Basic Fall Arrest & Rescue Worker: CR10(2)(e) (dependant on tasks to be performed).

Same role as above CR10(2)(e), also reports to the CR(8)(1)

First Aid Officer: GSR 3(1) & 3(4)

His duty is to ensure that persons at work receive prompt first aid treatment in case of injury
or emergency. He reports to the CR(8)(1)

Incident Investigator: GAR9(2)

Investigates, records and reports incidents. Reports to the CR8(1)

Fall Protection Officer: CR10(1)(b)&(c)

Reports to the CR(8)(1) and ensures that the fall protection plan contemplated) is
implemented and amended where and when necessary and maintained as required. He
also takes steps to ensure continued compliance to the fall protection plan

Variable Fall Protection Plan Designations

The following designations will be required depending on our site specific operations.

Assistant Site Manager: CR8(2)

Assistant Site Supervisor: CR8(8)

Safety Officer: CR8(5)

Fall Protection Equipment Inspector/Controller: CR10(2)(d).

Basic Fall Arrest Worker/Operator: CR10(2)& 10(4)(b).

Rope Access Supervisor: CR18(1)(a)

Rope Access Technician/Operator: CR18(1)(c)

Rope Access Practitioner: CR18(1)(c)

Rope Access System Designer: CR6 & CR18(2)(a)

Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Practitioner/Operator: CR23(d)

Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Safety & Transport Controller: CR23(d)

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Scaffolding Supervisor: CR16(1)

Scaffolding Team Leader: CR16(1)

Scaffold Erector: CR16(1)

Scaffold Inspector: CR16(1)

Designer: CR6(1), 6(2) & 12(1)

Temporary Works Designer: CR6(2) & 12(1)

Suspended Platform Supervisor: CR17(1)& 17(10)

Suspended Platform Erector: CR17(1)to 17(7)

Suspended Platform Operator: CR17(1) & 17(12)

Suspended Platform Inspector: CR17(1),17(9)(10)(11)

11. TRAINING MANAGEMENT

The roles played by the persons aforementioned are accompanied by their knowledge,
experience and training for them to be classified as competent. Where necessary,
qualifications may form part of their competencies.

All persons working in a fall risk position, be it from scaffolding, formwork/false work, support
work, roof work, deep excavations, rope activites etc, as mentioned above shall all be
trained for working at an elevated positions and shall possess a minimum of an
Accredited Fall Arrest Course (SAQA Unit Standard 229998). The supervisor of the work
relating to the fall risk area shall underdo an accredited SAQA Unit Standard 229998 &
229995 (Fall Arrest and Basic Rescue) training programme. We shall ensure that a Rescue
Kit as guided by the Fall Protection Plan and as determined by the type of working
emanating from a fall risk position conducted on site is available on site at all times. SHOMO
KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE shall ensure that the site has at least one Accredited
Fall Arrest Rescue Co-Coordinator (SAQA Unit Standard 229995, 230000, 229999) who is
able to take charge and conduct a rescue if and when required. The aforementioned shall
be implemented in conjunction with the requirements for Elevated Work and in conjunction
with the Fall Protection Plan.

All employees working from a fall risk position will be trained by an accredited service
provider and issued with a training certificate valid for the period stipulated on the certificate.
Copies of these certificates will be kept in the site safety file and open to inspection. Persons
will re-attend the training when the certificate expires and will not be allowed to work from a
fall risk position without a valid certificate. Record of the said training is kept on a training
matrix by the SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE training officer

12. HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Legislation

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 SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE shall comply with the 2014 update of
the Construction Regulations in the Occupational Health and Safety Act as it clearly sets out
for comprehensive, risk-based medical testing for all our construction workers. We shall
ensure that all our employees have a valid medical certificate of fitness specific to the
construction work to be performed. This shall be issued by an occupational health
practitioner in the form of Annexure 3 as contemplated in CR7(8).

Annexure 3 highlights the possible exposures to which an employee shall be subject to, (i)
the job-specific requirements the employee face and (ii) the protective equipment the
employee needs to perform his or her duties as per his or her job description.

Employee categories to undergo medicals

The Occupation Health & Safety act states in the construction regulations CR(8)(2)(b)
working at an elevated position, CR(15)(12)(a) employees required to work on suspended
platforms, CR(20)(g) crane operators and CR(21)(1)(d)(ii) construction vehicle operators are
by law required to have and be in possession of a valid medical certificate of fitness.

As per the aforementioned, the description of works in this project suggests that all three
categories do apply to our activities on site hence all workers shall undergo the exercise as
detected by CR7(8).

Aim of medicals

We do make our employees aware of the reasons for undergoing medicals. They now know
that the aim of the construction medicals is to:

- Determine whether the employee is physically and mentally fit to working at a fall risk
position
- Identify medical conditions that may render employees temporarily or permanently unable
to perform their duties
- Determine whether the employee’s current health status may affect risks and safety at
work for both the employee and other workers.
- Issue recommendations to the employer on the necessary actions to protect and maintain
the health of employees.

Frequency of a medical fitness test

Our employees in the construction field require a pre-placement/entry medical fitness
certificate before starting a fall risk position activity. If his or her contract is longer than a year,
we would need another medical one year after the starting date of his or her employment. An
exit medical is necessary when the job or project is finished, or if our employee resigns or is
transferred to another position. Fit for employment medicals are done annually and a fitness
certificate is valid for one year.

Medical Surveilance
We also subject our employees to medical surveillance and that includes the fall risk position
workers. Here the practitioner establishes the employee health starting point, to ensure job
specific fitness and ongoing testing to identify early signs of work-related ill health in exposed
employees so that preventative actions can be taken. Medical Surveilance includes:

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 Pre-employment medical
 Periodic medical
 Exit Medical
 Red ticket medical
 Executive medical
 Return to work assessments
 Work placement medicals
 Special medicals

Medical surveillance certificate

A valid medical surveillance certificate inclusive of: physical test, eye test, audio test, lung
function test, and where required by legislation and x-ray report and a site specific Man Job
Specification. This medical information shall be presented to us. Only workers that have
passed a physical and psychological fitness examination will be allowed to work at elevated
positions. The certificate will expire after one year.

13. FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE acknowledges it is vital that employees who
intend using fall protection equipment and other equipment to control the potential fall
related risks associated with working at fall risk positions, are aware of how to use such
equipment properly. We shall ensure that employees are trained, assessed as competent
and authorized which enable them to select, use and maintain PPE or other equipment
correctly, and to be aware of limitations, precautions and the dangers of miss use.

The risk assessment will indicate the type of fall protective equipment they are going to use
because it will differ from task to task. In implementing our fall protection plan, we shall
comply with OH&S Act, General Safety Regulation 6, Construction Regulation 10 as well as
the GDID Site Specific Health and Safety Specification. Where personnel are required to
work in any area which has a fall risk and is not guarded for fall protection, SHOMO KA
MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE shall make use of permanent fall protection equipment,
which equipment shall include among others:

- Safety harnesses and double lanyards (with the correct hook attached to the lanyard, e.g.
pylon type hook for scaffolding, or lifeline hook for lifelines, etc.)
- Approved lifelines, be it Static Life Lines, Retractable Lifelines, etc. (installed and certified
by a competent and suitably qualified person as per applicable SAQA unit standards).
Lifelines shall be sufficient for the work carried out and shall consider the hazards of the
task and numbers of employees to be attached at any given time and
- Other approved means including advanced fall arrest systems.

All harnesses shall comply with SANS/EN/EC Standards and shall be in a good state as
inspected using a comprehensive inspection checklist, shall be “in-date” as per
manufacturing guideline.
Fall protection equipment maintenance and inspection is an essential part of safety when
working at an elevated position. Every person working at height, in a fall risk position, shall do
a pre-use inspection of all his fall protection eqipment before work commences. The site

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supervisor shall control and supervise these inspections. The site supervisor shall also
inspect all the work at a fall risk position equipment on long duration jobs and or harsh
environment work as per Risk Assessment. This inspection shall be done monthly and record
kept thereof. The 3-monthly full inspection shall be carried out by an accredited contracting
company which will issue a certificate as proof thereof. These records will be kept by the
supervisors on file for scrutiny. The supervisor shall correctly schedule these inspections to
minimise down time without affecting the safety of the users.
Suspect equipment shall be taken out of service immediately and marked clearly (with a red
tag) to prevent re-use. This suspect equipment shall be taken to the equipment controller for
further inspection and repair or disposal. If an item has fallen from height or has absorbed a
shock load it shall be marked clearly and taken out service.
Formal fall protection equipment shall be inspected by our Fall Protection Planner since he is
competent in equipment inspection and maintenance(SAQA U/S 229994) and shall also
complete and document an inventory of all fall protection equipment for our site. He shall use
the fall protection inventory to complete a formal documented inspection every year. The
CR(8)(1) will maintain documentation of all completed inspections and make these available
during the annual Health and Safety Review.
Fall protection equipment shall be correctly identified, certified, marked in line with SANS
50365 procedures. It shall be marked with a suitable method not having a harmful effect on
the material.

14. FIRST AID BOX

It is our responsibility that we as SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE ensures
articles used for first aid purposes are always be replaced as soon as possible. We shall
perform regular inspections of the first aid boxes in the workplace to ensure that the boxes
contain the prescribed ''minimum contents''. A checklist shall be used as a useful tool to
ensure compliance with the prescription. Inspections shall be done by the health and safety
representative of our workplace. Items contained in the box shall also be inspected for
expiry dates; expired items shall be discarded and replaced immediately. We shall include
the use of a formal first aid register for the recording of incidents as a good practice.

15. RESCUE PLAN

Responsibility
When using fall arrest systems, SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISEare obliged by
law to have a RESCUE PLAN in place, which ensures that a worker can be retrieved as
soon as possible should he fall.
We won’t rely on the emergency services, it is not their duty to rescue a fallen worker.
However, we still need to alert the emergency services as soon as someone falls; they will
be able to offer first aid support.

Risk assessment first

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 Risk assessment is the first step we need to take before starting any kind of work at a fall
risk position. This should be carried out by surveyors prior to the work starting. If the existing
rescue procedures are not considered safe enough, work should not be carried out before a
safe solution is found.
We shall walk around the premises, think of potential hazards, who might be harmed and
how we can minimise the consequences and risks.

PPE during the fall

Everyone working at height needs to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
they need to be trained on how to use it safely as well. The specific PPE that we will use
depends on wer circumstances and the type of work at a fall risk position that we do.
Where possible, work in fall restraint rather than fall arrest at all times: done properly, this
will significantly reduce the risk of falls by stopping the worker reach dangerous areas in the
first place.
However, fall restraint systems are not suitable for all work at a fall risk position; in this case,
fall arrest systems should be used, but extreme care needs to be taken when doing so. No
one should ever use fall arrest systems without undergoing rigorous training.
Some PPE manufacturers also provide training courses in fall rescue using their
equipment; try to attend these should we have the chance.At the same time - instead of
hard hats, safety helmets (including a chin strap) are recommended for people who may
be at significant risk of a fall.

Rescue procedure
 Decide on a rescue system that will help we retrieve the fallen worker as soon as
possible. Will the worker be able to perform a self-rescue or will he need to be assisted?

 In dangerous situations, workers should always work in teams: if they work alone, it won’t
be possible for a rescue procedure to be carried out on time.

 Preparation is key: make sure that there is a rescue kit at the point of work prior to the
work commencing. If we fail to do this, there might not be enough time to collect if should
someone fall. This will deem wer rescue procedure unsuccessful.

 When a fall happens, another worker (who has been previously trained in rescue
procedures and rescue equipment handling) needs to assess the situation and make
contact with the fallen worker, determining his status. In the meantime, the emergency
services will need to be contacted and the company alerted about the accident.

 The next step is to immediately implement the rescue procedure in accordance with the
company policy and safety guidelines.

 There are 4 types of rescue:

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 o Lowering a remote casualty

o Raising a remote casualty

o Self evacuation by descent

o Rescue another in descent.

 It is preferable that the rescuer does not descend and is not suspended while rescuing
someone else, so that further complications are avoided. The rescuer should not
endanger himself when carrying out a rescue procedure.

Rescue equipment
Depending on the type of work that is carried out, as well as the height of the building or site
specific circumstances, we might need to use rescue equipment as simple as a ladder or as
complicated as a crane. In some situations, we may have to consider MEWPs (mobile elevating
platforms), man-riding baskets for cranes or proprietary rescue systems.

Our rescue plan will include:

 Details of the equipment that we will use for the rescue

 Configuration of the equipment for different types of rescue

 Identification of anchor points where necessary

 Limitations of the rescue plan for adverse weather (wind, snow etc)

Rescue kits for example allow us to either lower the person to the ground or lift them up,
depending on the situation. As a building owner/employer, we are obliged to provide an
anchorage point on the roof to help complete a rescue safely.

If someone has fallen over an edge, we need to think of the additional friction encountered
when trying to raise the fallen worker, the anchor line being at a risk of cutting and generally be
aware of the edge interfering with the rescue equipment.
In any case, make sure that the equipment that we will use for a rescue are properly serviced
before being put to use. Do not use the equipment for purposes other than which it was
intended.

Whatever happens, we shall ensure that there are other trained individuals on the ground that

During emergency we shall call:

 Emergency services: although we should not rely on them to perform the rescue, they will
be able to assist, especially in cases of long term suspension, which can be very
dangerous.

 On-site or other medical services: brief them on the type of accident and potential
injuries.

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  Our company, who will report the accident to the Department of Employment and Labour,
and will then investigate the incident and take appropriate measures.

Prolonged suspension
Prolonged suspension is a very serious matter and rescuers need to be able to spot the signs
of syncope (sudden transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery) as soon as
possible.Light-headedness, nausea, sensations of flushing, tingling or numbness, anxiety and
faintness are all signs that we need to look for.If the person is unconscious while suspended in
a harness, he/she needs to be rescued as soon as safely possible.If an immediate rescue
solution is not available, then try to support the fallen worker’s feet to make the restraint a bit
more bearable.Make sure that the fallen worker receives the medical attention he/she needs.

The standard First Aid Recovery position (horizontal) should still be adopted for anyone
we rescue.

Medical assistance
We will need to consider what kind of medical assistance needs to be given on the spot, as well
as what kind of assistance might be needed after the incident. However, under no circumstance
should the fallen worker resume his activity on the same day.

Rescue equipment maintenance

We will need to store the rescue equipment in a suitable place and make sure that it
is inspected periodically. We will also need to keep records of previous inspections,
maintenance and equipment history. Rescue equipment should be inspected at least once a
year, although we recommend doing this more often

Rescue training
Everyone involved in working at height and rescue procedures should be trained on fall
protection, rescue equipment and procedures. The authorised rescuer must be trained by a
competent rescuer trainer and then retrained should the nature of his work change, or if there
are other changes in circumstances. He must also be evaluated by a competent trainer at least
once annually. The rescuer should be able to inspect, anchor, assemble and use fall protection
and rescue equipment safely. Training should include:

 Fall hazard recognition

 Fall hazard control methods

 Fall protection and rescue procedures

 Inspection of equipment and systems before use.

All training needs to be well documented; documents need to be archived for a number of years,
depending on the situation.

Rescue procedure review

We need to make sure that all rescue procedures are reviewed:

 After a fall

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  After a change in equipment, working procedures, change in site etc, and

 At least once a year.

First Aid Treatment of Person:

Once the affected person has been removed from the harness standard First Aid ABC (Airway,
Breathing, Circulation) shall be applied.
 If the patient is conscious at this time they shall be placed in a sitting position for at least 30
minutes or until medical help arrives.
 Conscious patients shall be encouraged to move their legs about as much as possible to
improve circulation.
 Is the patient is unconscious they shall be immediately be placed in a supine position (lying
down) to improve return blood flow to the brain.
 Assessment of airway and cardiac status should follow immediately as well as appropriate
lifesaving measures including CPR if necessary.
 Medical help shall be summoned immediately in the cases of unconscious persons, the
medical status of the patient shall be relayed to the medical personnel by the rescue team.
 Patients shall not be left alone under any circumstances at this time and shall be continually
monitored until the necessary medical help arrives.
 If the patient needs to be moved to hospital a team member shall accompany the ambulance.
Incident Investigation Procedure
All accidents that result in injury to workers, regardless of their nature, shall be investigated and
reported. It is an integral part of any safety program that documentation take place as soon as
possible so that the cause and means of prevention can be identified to prevent a reoccurrence.
In the event that an employee falls or there is some other related, serious incident occurring,
this plan shall be reviewed to determine if additional practices, procedures, or training need to
be implemented to prevent similar types of falls or incidents from occurring. All investigations
shall be done in accordance to GAR 9 and Section 24 of the act. Details of this procedure is
found on safe Working Procedures in our safety file. A detailed incident investigation and
reporting is found in our safety file on PROC/IIP/01
Working on Ladders
• Constructed of sound material of adequate strength and suited to the purpose.
• Wooden ladders must be constructed of straight-grained wood, free from defects.
• Non-skid devices must be fitted at the bottom and top extremities of a straight ladder or it must
be lashed / held / secured at the top.
• Maximum length of 9m (extension ladders excluded) – ladders may not be joined / lashed
together.
• Stiles must be provided with indentations to house rungs (except welded ladders and where
rungs are fixed with bolts / rivets).
• Painting of wooden ladders is not recommended as painting will hide defects such as knots or
cracks in the wood or other faults – oiling or varnishing which will not hide defects is strongly
recommended.
• Ladders with broken / missing rungs may not be used.

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• Users of ladders must take precautions to prevent tools falling down – stow tools in sheaths /
containers or other suitable holders.
• Weekly inspection of ladders used in the construction process is recommended with findings
documented at least once per month in the ladder register.
Ensure:
• that the ladder is used by only one person at a time.
• the ladder overload is not overloaded.
• Ladders are not high winds or during a storm.
• Ladders are not in poor health, if taking drugs or alcoholic beverages, or if physically
handicapped.
• Shoes to be kept clean as far as possible (non-slip shoes).
• Leather soles should not be worn.
• In certain cases Ladders shall be provided with a hook.
• The ladders shall be placed so that its feet are a quarter of its length to the top support from the
object it is resting against.
• Unless the ladder is securely tied at the top, it should always be held in position by another
person at the bottom whilst in use.
• Wherever possible a ladder shall extend one meter above the landing area.
• Ladders shall not be used as horizontal walkways or scaffolding..
• Employees using ladders shall not overreach.
• Use both hands when climbing ladders
• Never leave ladders unattended
• Never use ladders behind closed doors unless the door is locked
• Never leave tools or equipment on top of ladders as they may fall and injure fellow employees
• Do not attempt to reach too far from your working position, or jump the ladder along the wall.
• When moving or carrying ladder, care must be taken for what might be overhead- in particular,
the danger of live electrical wires and cables especially when using metal ladders.
• When using step ladders for work very close to open edges or other openings a safety harness
must be used.
• When not in use keep ladders under cover and properly stored
• Spread the legs of the ladder to their limit, check the locking mechanism
• Wear a tool belt , pull materials up from below to your work station.
• Register to be kept on file for the inspections of ladders

Working on Excavations (CR 13)

Ensure that all excavation work be conducted under the supervision of an appointed competent
person.
The stability of the ground shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, be evaluated before
excavation work begins.
Minimum safety controls shall include:
 all barricading shall be suitable and sufficient steps are taken in order to prevent, as far as is
reasonably practicable, any person from being buried or trapped by a fall or dislodgement of
material in an excavation;
 not requiring or permitting any person to work in an excavation deeper than 0.9 metre which has
not been adequately shored or braced
 steps are taken to ensure that the shoring or bracing is designed and constructed in such a
manner rendering it strong enough to support the sides of the excavation in question;
 ensuring that no load, material, plant or equipment is placed or moved near the edge of any
excavation where it is likely to cause its collapse and thereby endangering the safety of, any

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 person, unless precautions such as the provision of sufficient and suitable shoring or bracing
are taken to prevent the sides from collapsing;
 ensuring that where the stability of an adjoining building, structure or road is likely to be affected
by the making of an excavation, the steps are taken that may be necessary to ensure the
stability of such building, structure or road and the safety of persons;
 cause convenient and safe means of access to be provided to every excavation in which
persons are required to work and such access shall not be further than 6m from the point where
any worker within the excavation is working;
 ascertain as far as is reasonably practicable the location and nature of electricity, water, gas or
other similar services which may in any way be affected by the work to be performed, and shall
before the commencement of excavation work that may affect any such service, take the steps
that may be necessary to render the circumstances safe for all persons involved;
 cause every excavation, including all bracing and shoring, to be inspected-
 daily, prior to each shift;
 after an unexpected fall of ground;
 after substantial damage to supports; and
 after rain,
 by the appointed, in order to pronounce the health and safety of the excavation to ensure the
safety of persons, and those results are to be recorded in a register kept on site and made
available to an inspector, client, client's agent, contractor or employee upon request;
 cause every excavation which is accessible to the public or which is adjacent to public roads or
thoroughfares, or whereby the safety of persons may be endangered, to be-
 adequately protected by a barrier or fence of at least 1.2 metre in height and as close to the
excavation as is practicable; and
 provided with warning illuminates or any other clearly visible boundary indicators at night or
when visibility is poor;
 ensure that all precautionary measures as stipulated for confined spaces as determined in the
General Safety Regulations promulgated by Government Notice R1031 of 30 May 1986, as
amended, are complied with when entering any excavation;
 ensure that, where the excavation work involves the use of explosives, a method statement is
developed in accordance with the applicable explosives legislation, by an appointed person who
is competent in the use of explosives for excavation work and that the procedures therein are
followed; and
 cause warning signs to be positioned next to an excavation within which persons are working or
carrying out inspections or tests.

Working on Scaffolding

PROCEDURE
Competency/Induction Training At SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE
Scaffolding contractor to ensure all scaffolding Employees are trained in line with SANS
par.16.2. prior to being permitted to erect scaffolding. Contractors and staff will undergo initial
training as deemed appropriate by SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE prior to being
permitted (only the approved contractor may erect Scaffold) to erect and use scaffolding.
This will include 1st Aid, Fire, Hygiene etc. Labourers and artisans will undergo training in
accordance with the contractor safety induction programme. Only competent persons may be
appointed to supervise and control contractor’s employees on site when erectingdismantling
of scaffolding. The Appointed Scaffolding Contractor to have a NOSA 3-Star rating (or

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equivalent) and have action plans to achieve a higher rating. Where required by the appointed
SHOMO KA MATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE Responsible Person / Engineer, Scaffolding
employees appointed will be in possession of an appropriate Certificate of Competency issued
by a registered Training Facility.

SCAFFOLDING ACCESS LADDER

In the case of scaffolding with vertical ladder access the requirements for a cage may be
waived, provided the rest platforms shall be provided at intervals not exceeding 4 meters
with the vertical ladder secured on the inside of the scaffolding framework and the opening
in the platform closed with a trap-door.

In the case of scaffolding which is to narrow i.e. 770mm to allow the use of a Trap-door the
ladder to be mounted externally and a cage must be erected 700mm from the rungs of the
ladder and 700mm wide extending 2 meters from the base of the ladder to a point 900mm
beyond the resting platform. Not to exceed 4 meters between rest platforms and the access
from the platform to the ladder closed with a chain.

The ladder should extend at least 900mm above the inside landing or platform to be reached.
The access ladder shall be firmly supported at the base and secured in position with
fastenings of a strength greater than that of the strings.

SCAFFOLD ERECTION
Scaffolding shall not be:
 erected when raining
 erected in winds above 35km/h

Scaffold erected on grating:

 Where the plant design permits and a standard needs to be erected on the
grating, the grating will be supported underneath with another standard and
jack fitted at the top and screwed tight. When a support cannot be erected
underneath the grating, the scaffold must be supported on the structure that
supports the grating.
 Deviations to the above conditions must be approved by the relevant plant
engineer.

Stay within the confines of the scaffold while erecting. Where required by risk assessment a
detailed plan must be provided for erection and dismantling with reference to appendix 4 and 6.

MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION, REGISTERS AND RECORDS

Inspection of the scaffold should be carried out by the appointed Scaffolding Supervisor at the
following intervals: Prior to use after erection and at least once every three days thereafter.
Part of this inspection will be that the “user” must specify the period the scaffold will be
required.

a) Every time after high winds and rain / inclement weather, after any mishap
resulting in jarring, tilting or overloading, after alterations, and before
dismantling to ensure that ties are at suitable positions for safe dismantling.

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 Inspections and deviations must be recorded in a register, see Annexure 2, and in
accordance with the standards contained in SANS 10085-1:2004. The registers to
be located on each plant, kept by the Scaffolding Supervisor, and a copy of each
entry into the registers will be kept on file in the Site Managers Office. The site
Manager and Safety Officer must investigate all incidents and keep a register of
remedial actions to prevent a reoccurrence

The user of a scaffold shall inspect the erected scaffold prior to acceptance from the
erector and ensure, as far as is reasonably possible, that the scaffold is safe and fit
for purpose before allowing any of his employees to utilize the scaffold.

16. WORKING AT HEIGHTS RISK ASSESSMENT

We have a detailed documented working at heights risk assessment for this project. Please
refer to our PROC/WHRA/01 in our safety file

17. REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS

Our written fall protection plan shall be reviewed before work begins on all projects we are
engaged in. We shall be having weekly safety meetings where fall protection equipment
and safety procedures can be reviewed. That ensures that our employees will stay as safe
as possible.

18. CHANGES TO PLAN

Any changes to the plan will be approved by the Construction Manager. Workers shall be
notified and trained, if necessary, in the new plan. The fall protection plan developer will
review and give feedback on the fall protection plan to the Site/Construction Manager
annually and after every major incident, fatality or change of work scope.

Signed: _________________________ date: _________________________

Fall Protection Plan Developer

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