Say this

  1. Any open side or opening where a person could fall more than 2 metres must be covered or guarded by guard-rails or barriers (WSH (Work at Heights) Regs, reg 8). Openings in floors must be covered or fenced (General Provisions Regs, reg 23).
  2. Guard-rails: top rail at least 1 metre above the platform, and no gap between rails bigger than 600 mm (WAH Regs, reg 9).
  3. Covers must be strong enough for the work and fixed so they cannot slide off (WAH Regs, reg 9). Mark them with a warning sign (WSH Council, WAH CoP).
  4. You may remove a cover or rail only for work at that spot. Put it back the moment you stop (WAH Regs, reg 8).
  5. While the guard is off, use a travel restraint system. If that is not practicable, use a fall arrest system (WAH Regs, reg 8).
  6. Never store materials near an edge or opening. They fall on people below.
  7. If you find an open hole, stop, guard it or stand by it, and tell your supervisor.

Ask the crew

  1. What is the minimum height of a top guard-rail?
  2. When are you allowed to remove a cover?
  3. What must you wear while a guard-rail is off?
  4. What do you do if you find an unguarded opening?

Show them

  • Lift a cover and show how it is fixed and marked.
  • Measure a guard-rail on site to show the 1 metre and 600 mm rules.
  • Show the anchor point used when edge protection is removed.

Sign-off

Site: ______________________   Date: ____________   Briefed by: ______________________

NameCompanySignature

Sources

  1. Workplace Safety and Health (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013, Singapore Statutes Online (AGC).
  2. Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations, Singapore Statutes Online (AGC).
  3. Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights, WSH Council.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

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