Singapore legislation
Clause 26
Clause 26
Dangerous substances
(1)
Every fixed vessel, structure, sump or pit of which the edge is less than one metre above the highest ground or platform from which a person might fall into it shall, if it contains any scalding, corrosive or poisonous liquid, either be securely covered or be securely fenced to at least one metre above that ground or platform, or where by reason of the nature of the work neither secure covering nor secure fencing to that height is practicable, all practicable steps shall be taken by covering, fencing or other means to prevent any person from falling into the vessel, structure, sump or pit.
(2)
Where any fixed vessel, structure, sump or pit contains any scalding, corrosive or poisonous liquid but is not securely covered, no ladder, stair or gangway shall be placed above, across or inside it which is not —
at least five hundred millimetres wide; and
securely fenced on both sides to a height of at least one metre and securely fixed.
(3)
Where any such vessel, structure, sump or pit as is mentioned in subsection (2) of this section adjoins, and the space between them, clear of any surrounding brick or other work, is less than five hundred millimetres in width or is not securely fenced on both sides to a height of at least one metre, secure barriers shall be so placed as to prevent passage between them.
(4)
For the purposes of this section a ladder, stair or gangway shall not be deemed to be securely fenced unless it is provided either with sheet fencing or with an upper and a lower rail and toe boards.
(5)
In respect of any such vessel, structure, sump or pit, a warning notice indicating the nature of the danger and in a form readily understood by persons employed in the factory shall be marked on or attached to the vessel, structure, sump or pit, or, if this is not reasonably practicable, be posted nearby.
(6)
The Chief Inspector may by order published in the Gazette extend any of the provisions of this section so as to make them applicable —
to a vessel or structure which is not fixed; or
to a vessel, structure, sump or pit containing a substance which is not a liquid,and in relation to any substance which is not a liquid the expression “scalding”, in a provision extended under paragraph (b) of this subsection, shall be taken to mean likely to cause burns.
(7)
The Chief Inspector may by order published in the Gazette exempt from the requirements of this section any class of vessel, structure, sump or pit in the case of which he is satisfied that the requirements are unnecessary or impracticable.