Singapore legislation
Regulation 17
of Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations
Regulation 17
Protective measures relating to tanks, structures, sumps or pits containing dangerous substances
Subregulation 1
Where any tank, structure, sump or pit in a workplace contains any scalding, burning, corrosive or toxic liquid and the edge of the tank, structure, sump or pit is less than one metre above the highest ground or platform from which a person might fall into it, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to ensure that —
the tank, structure, sump or pit is securely covered or is securely fenced to a height of 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 reasonably practicable steps are taken by covering, fencing or other means to prevent any person from falling into the tank, structure, sump or pit.
Subregulation 2
Where any tank, structure, sump or pit in a workplace contains any scalding, burning, corrosive or toxic liquid but is not securely covered, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to ensure that no ladder, stair or gangway is placed above, across or inside it unless the ladder, stair or gangway is —
at least 500 millimetres wide; and
securely fenced to a height of at least one metre and securely fixed.
Subregulation 3
Where any such tank, structure, sump or pit in a workplace referred to in paragraph (2) adjoins another tank, structure, sump or pit, and —
the space between them, clear of any surrounding brick or other work, is less than 500 millimetres in width; or
each tank, structure, sump or pit is not securely fenced to a height of at least one metre,it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to ensure that secure barriers are so placed as to prevent passage between them.
Subregulation 4
For the purposes of this regulation, a ladder, stair or gangway shall not be considered to be securely fenced unless it is provided either with sheet fencing or with an upper and a lower rail and toe boards.
Subregulation 5
Where any tank, structure, sump or pit in a workplace contains any scalding, burning, corrosive or toxic liquid, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to ensure that a warning notice indicating the nature of the danger and in a form readily understood by persons at work in that workplace —
is marked on or attached to the tank, structure, sump or pit; or
if this is not reasonably practicable, is posted nearby.