MINISTERIAL ORDER NO.(5) OF 2014

WITH RESPECT TO DETERMINING THE REQUIRED CONDITIONS AND
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS FROM

THE HAZARDS OF WORK ON LIFTING EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

The Minister of Labour,

Having reviewed Law No.(25) of 2009 with respect to the Accession of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the International Labour Organisation’s Convention No.(155) of 1981 with respect to Occupational Safety and Health, and Work Environment, And the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by And Legislative Decree No.(36) of 2012, particularly Article (166) thereof, And Decree No.(7) of 1983 with respect to the Arabian Agreement No.(13) of 1981 with respect to the Work Environment, And Decree No.(2) of 1994 with respect to the Accession by the State
of Bahrain to the Arabian Agreement No.(7) of 1977 and Recommendation No.(1) of 1977 with respect to the Occupational Safety and Health, And Order of the Minister of Labour No.(14) of 1977 with respect to the Organisation of Services and Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers from the Hazards of Work on Lifting Equipment, And Order of the Minister of Labour No.(4) of 2014 with respect to Determining the Required Conditions and Precautionary Measures for the Protection of Workers Engaged in Building works, Construction and Civil Engineering, And having sought the opinion of the Concerned Authorities, And upon the submission of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour,

HEREBY ORDERS:

Article 1

In the application of the provisions of this Order, the terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned against each unless the context otherwise requires: 

HOIST: a lifting machine with a carriage platform or cage and is operated by a driver or more.
LIFTING MACHINE: a crank, winch or pulley block used for raising or lowering and a hoist, crane, sheer legs, excavator, drag line, piling frame, aerial cableway or over-head with all the lifting gear necessary for the operations.
LIFTING GEAR: a chain sling, rope sling or similar and a ring, link, hook, plat clamp, shackle, swivel or eye bolt.
QUALIFIED PERSON: a properly trained person with sufficient work experience, no physical deficiency or disability preventing him from performing his duties.

Article 2

The provisions of this Order shall be applicable to all lifting machines where persons are required to operate or work on them.

Article 3

Every employer or any person acting on his behalf shall acquaint the worker before being employed of the hazards of working on lifting equipment and the precautions to be taken for protection against such hazards. He shall also take the necessary precautions for protecting the workers from the dangers of working on lifting equipment and shall provide them with the necessary services for such protection as well as the necessary means of rescue indicated in this Order. An employer may not charge or deduct any amounts from the workers wage in consideration of providing such protection.

Article 4

A worker shall not commit any action or negligence intended to hold up or misuse instructions or cause harm to the means provided for the protection and safety of the workers employed. He shall execute the instructions laid down for his safety and protection from the hazards of working on lifting equipment.

Article 5

The following shall be required for every lifting equipment piece including all fixing or anchoring arrangements or other supports:
1. It shall be properly installed and of solid and sound material, adequate strength, suitable quality and free from patent defects.
2. It shall be properly maintained in accordance with the established practices.
3. It shall be inspected, in case of operation, at least once a week by a competent person.

 

Article 6

On every stage, gantry or other place where a lifting machine having a travelling or slowing motion is in use, an unobstructed passageway not less than 60c.m. (2feet) wide shall be maintained between any moving party of the machined and any fixed object or fixtures or where this is impractical, access to the danger area shall be prevented by all practicable means.

Article 7

Any platform provided for a crane driver or signaler shall be treated as a scaffold and shall be subject to all the provisions of scaffolds provided for in the Order of the Minister of Labour No.(4) of 2014 with respect to Determining the Required Conditions and Precautionary Measures for the Protection of Workers Engaged in Building works, Construction and Civil Engineering.

Article 8

Every driver of a power driven lifting equipment shall be provided with a suitable cabin to provide adequate protection from the weather.

Article 9

Every drum or pulley around which the chain or wire rope of any lifting equipment is carried shall be of suitable diameter and construction for the chain or rope used. Every chain or rope which terminates at a winding drum of lifting equipment shall be properly secured thereto and at least two turns of such chain or rope shall remain on the drum in every operating position.

Article 10

Every crane, crab or winch shall be provided with an efficient brake or brakes or any other safety device which will prevent the fall of the load when suspended and by which the load can be effectively controlled whilst being lowered.

Article 11

No pulley block or gin wheel suspended from or supported by a pole or beam hall be used for lifting or lowering materials unless it is effectively secured to the pole or beam which shall themselves be properly secured.

Article 12

Where any crane or other lifting equipment is used on a soft or uneven surface or on a slope, appropriate precautions shall be taken to ensure stability which shall include:
1. Adequate and suitable ballasting.
2. Use of outriggers.

3. Anchoring and tying where necessary.
4. On soft surface use of wooden boards to prevent sinking.

Article 13

1. All rails and any track on which a crane moves shall:
a) To be supported on a surface sufficiently firm to prevent undue movement of rails or track.
b) To have an even running surface, be sufficiently and adequately supported and be of adequate section.
c) In the case of rails, they shall be jointed by fish plates or double chairs.
d) To securely fastened to sleepers and bearers.
e) To be laid in straight lines or in curves so that the extent of rotation allows free movement of the crane and without the risk of derailment.
f) It shall be provided with adequate stops or buffers on each rail at
each end of the track.

2. No person shall be employed or work on or near the wheel track of an overhead traveling crane in any place where he would be liable to be struck by the crane unless there is in operation a permit-to-work scheme ad the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that the crane cannot approach within twenty feet of such person.

Article 14

1. Save from the cases where the hoisting drum and derricking drum are separately driven, or the mechanism driving the derricking drum is self locking, every crane having a clutch operated derricking boom shall be provided with an effective inter-locking arrangement. The Inter-lock shall
be such that the clutch can only be disengaged from the derricking drum when it is firmly held in a stationary position.
2. No crane having a derricking boom shall be used in a way contrary to the conditions of the certificate of test and examination required under Article (17) of this Order.

Article 15

No crane shall be erected except under the supervision of a competent person.

Article 16

1. No lifting or signaling equipment shall be operated otherwise than by a person trained and competent to operate such equipment and in the case of a crane, he shall be in possession of a certificate to that effect, except during training under the direct supervision of a competent person.
2. If the person operating lifting equipment has not a clear view of the load, or where there is no load at the point of attachment for a load, there shall be appointed and suitably stationed one or more competent persons as may be required to give the necessary signals to the operator.
3. An employer shall get all the lifting gear and equipment including the mechanical vehicles by an authority approved by the Ministry of Labour and in case of any technical defects or problems appeared after issuing and approving the technical certificate, the blame shall lye upon the inspecting authority in case the technical investigation confirms it.
4. An employer shall carry out the maintenance of all the materials and mechanical vehicles used to lift individuals or materials to ensure their safety provided a special register shall be maintained for this purpose.

Article 17

1. No lifting equipment shall initially be taken into use or be used unless it has been tested and thoroughly examined by a competent person. Such test and through examination to be repeated after every substantial alteration or repair affecting its strength or stability, and in any circumstances in the case of hoists, every six months, and in the case of cranes, crabs or winches every fourteen months. The reports of such test and through examination, as required by the Law, shall be signed by the person making the report. In any case, where the test and through examination reveals defects which would make the equipment unsafe in operation, a copy of the report shall be sent immediately to the responsible manager of the establishment for necessary action.
2. No lifting gear shall be initially taken into use or be used unless it has been tested and thoroughly examined by a competent person within the previous six months.

Article 18

No lifting equipment shall be used unless there is in existence a test certificate indicating its safe working load, and in the case of a crane of variable operating radius, indicating the safe working load at various radii of the boom, pulley or crane and the maximum radius at which any boom may be worked. Under no circumstances shall any lifting equipment be operated in a way which causes the safe working load so indicated to be exceeded.

Article 19

Precautions on raising or lowering of loads shall be as follows:

1. Where there is a lifted load which is equal to or slightly less than the safe working load of the lifting equipment, the load shall be halted after the load been raised a short distance before the operation is proceeded therewith.
2. When more than one crane, winch or other lifting equipment is used to raise or lower a load, the equipment shall so arranged and fixed that no such equipment shall at any time be loaded beyond its safe working load or be rendered unstable during the raising or lowering of the load.
3. A competent person shall be appointed to supervise all such operations.
4. Mechanical vehicles intended for excavation operations shall not be used in lifting whether for persons or materials.
5. The hoisting mechanism of a crane shall not be used for any purpose other than raising or lowering a load vertically unless such use will not endanger the stability of the crane and is supervised by a competent person.

Article 20

Every hook used for raising, lowering or as a mean of suspension shall be provided with an efficient device so as to prevent the displacement of the sling or load from the hook and a remote device shall be used to prevent, whenever practical, the occurrence of any danger to other workers.

Article 21

1. Every sling used for raising and lowering shall be securely attached to the hook of the equipment and the method of attachment shall be such as to ensure that no part of the sling is damaged thereby.
2. No double or multi-rope sling shall be used for raising or lowering except under the supervision of a competent person.
3. Suitable packing pieces shall be used to ensure that edges of the load shall not come into contact with the sling rope.

Article 22

1. A load shall not be raised, lowered or suspended on a chain or wire rope which has a knot tied in any part of the chain or rope under direct tension.
2. No chain which is shortened or joined to another by means of bolts and nuts inserted through the links shall be used for raising, lowering or suspending any load.

 

Article 23

No hoist shall be used unless it meets the following conditions:
1. The hoistway is suitably enclosed to prevent access at all points where any person is liable to be struck by any moving part of the hoist and to prevent the fall of objects from the platform to points outside the hoistway.
2. The hoistway enclosure at points where access is required to be provided with gates to be kept closed except when the platform is at rest or if it is necessary for the gates to be open to allow passage of persons, goods or materials.
3. To be provided with efficient automatic devices to prevent the hoist from falling in the event of a damage or defect of the hoist rope or ropes.
4. To be provided with efficient automatic devices which will ensure that the platform or cage does not over-run the highest point to which it is for the time being constructed to travel.
5. It shall be operated by a competent person.
6. The passage-way between the Hoist and the building shall be surrounded by a secure and safe fence to prevent tripping or falling of workers or materials.

Article 24

The hoist shall be so constructed and installed that it can be operated from one point only.

Article 25

Where a hoist is operated by means of a winch, it shall be so constructed that the brake is applied when the control lever, handle or switch is not held in the operating position.

Article 26

No person shall be carried by a power driven lifting appliance (hoist) unless it is provided with a cage that meets the following conditions:
1. It shall be so constructed to prevent, when the gates are shut, any person from falling out or striking against or being struck by any fixed or moving part of the hoistway or the hoist or by articles falling down the hoistway.
2. It is fitted on every side from which access is provided to a landing place with a gate which shall have efficient inter-locking or other devices to ensure that the gate cannot be opened except when the cage is at landing place and that the cage cannot be moved away from any landing place until the gates are shut.
3. It is provided with efficient automatic devices to ensure that the cage comes to rest above the lowest point to which the cage could otherwise travel.

Article 28

The approved inspection reports provided for in this Order shall be kept on site of the operations and a copy thereof shall be maintained with the employer upon sites and workplaces inspection by Occupational and Health Inspection Body of the Ministry of Labour.

Article 29

Any person who violates the provisions of this Order shall be liable for the penalties provided for in Article (192) of the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by Law No.(36) of 2012.

Article 30

Order of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs No.(14) of 1977 with respect to the Organisation of Services and Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers from the Hazards of Work on Lifting Equipment shall be revoked and any provision that contravene the provisions of this Order shall be revoked.

Article 31

The Ministry’s Undersecretary shall implement this Order which shall come into effect three months after the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

 

 

 

Signed: Jameel bin Mohamed Ali Humaidan.
Minister of Labour.
Issued on: 2nd Jumada Al Akher, 1435 Hijra,
Corresponding to: 2nd February, 2014 A.D.

MINISTERIAL ORDER NO.(6) OF 2013 WITH RESPECT TO PROTECTION OF
WORKERS FROM THE HAZARDS OF FIRE IN ESTABLISHMENTS AND WORK
SITES

 

The Minister of Labour,

Having reviewed the Law on Constructional Organisation of Buildings promulgated by Legislative Decree No.(13) of 1977, as amended, And Legislative Decree No.(5) of 1990 with respect to Civil Defence, And Legislative Decree No.(21) of 1996 Governing the Environment, as amended,And Law No.(25) of 2009 with respect to approving the Accession of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the International Labour Organisation Convention No.(155) of 1981 with respect Occupational Safety and Health, and Work Environment, And the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by Legislative Decree No.(36) of 2012, particularly Article (166) thereof, And Decree No.(2) of 1994 with respect to approving the Accession of the State of Bahrain to the Arab Convention No.(7) of 1977 and the Arab Recommendation No.(1) of 1977 with respect to Occupational Safety and Health, And Decree No.(7) of 1977 with respect to approving the Accession to the Arab Convention No.(13) of 1981 with respect to Work Environment, And Order of the Minister of Labour No.(12) of 2005 with respect to the Protection of Workers during Work from the Hazards of Fire in Establishments, And having sought the opinion of the concerned authorities, And upon the submission of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour, Hereby Orders the Following:

Article 1

In the application of the provisions of this Order, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned against each unless the context otherwise requires:

1. Ministry: The ministry concerned with labour affairs in the private sector.
2. Maintained: means kept in a good working condition and intended for use whenever required.
3. Qualified Person: means any person who is suitably trained and has sufficient experience in his work.
4. Competent Authority: means the authority concerned with civil defence affairs.
5. Work Site: means the place prepared by an employer for the worker to perform his duties therein. Work sites shall also include the following:
- Any place in the establishment where workers can be present.
- Any room, corridor, hall, chamber, staircase, road or any other place inside the establishment used by the workers to enter or exit the work site.

6. Fire-fighting methods including:
- Manual Fire-fighting Equipment: They include manual equipment used for fire-fighting in its early stages by ordinary persons present at the building.
- Fixed Fire-fighting Equipment and Facilities: A fixed network of extensions that includes what is used for fire-fighting in its early stages by ordinary persons who are present at the work site including what is used by trainees who receive training upon its use.
- Fixed Automatic Fire-fighting Equipment and Facilities: A fixed network of extensions with outlets distributed in the areas required to be protected and fed by continuous sources of appropriate fire-fighting materials and is automatically operated.

7. Fire Alarm Systems:
a) Manual Alarm System: Manually operated equipment by switches (call points) distributed in certain areas and operated by electrical power.
b) Automatic Alarm System: Equipment operated by electrical power to detect the fire hazard.

 

Article 2

The provisions of this Order shall be applicable to all establishments and work sites subject to the provisions of the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by Law No.(36) of 2012.

 

Article 3

All establishments, which are built after the effective date of this Order, as well as all extensions and alterations to existing establishments, shall be designed according to the following:
1. Security and safety requirements set forth in the Law of Constructional Organisation of Buildings promulgated by Legislative Decree No.(13) of 1977, as amended.
2. The approved Bahraini Standard Specification with respect to Industrial Safety and Health Conditions.
3. Regulation concerning the requirements for prevention and protection in establishments.
4. They shall comprise the facilities ensuring the prevention of building‟s collapse, eruption or spread of fire or smoke from one part of the building to other parts. It shall be prohibited to commence any new construction works or to make any extensions or modifications to an existing establishment except upon reviewing the designs and approving them by a competent authority.
An employer shall notify the Ministry of whatever adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

Article 4

An employer shall take the necessary precautions for protection of his workers or those who are present at his work site from the hazards of fire. He shall provide them with protection services against its hazards as well as the means of rescue and fire- fighting in the manner outlined in this Order. It shall be prohibited for an employer to encumber workers or to deduct from their wages any amount in consideration of providing such protection.

Article 5

An employer shall conduct an evaluation of the hazards of fire at the work sites in the establishment and shall take all the necessary measures and precautions to reduce the hazards of fire to the minimum level.

Article 6

A worker shall be prohibited from doing any act or omission with the intent of preventing instructions, abusing or causing damage to the facilities maintained for the protection of the health and safety of workers in the establishment. A worker shall use the means of protection and shall look after the facilities kept in his custody with due care and shall implement the instructions laid down for protection of his health from the hazards of fire and shall not do any act that is likely to cause fire.

 

Article 7

Adequate and suitable fire-fighting facilities shall be provided and maintained at all work sites by the employer, provided that they shall comply with the following:
1. They shall be fit for use on a continuous basis.
2. Their numbers and type shall be suitable to the size and nature of the establishment‟s operations and in accordance with the approved standard specifications with respect to occupational safety and health conditions.
3. Fire-fighting facilities shall be kept at conspicuous places that are easily accessible.

Article 8

 

An employer shall entrust a qualified person to undertake the inspection of fire- fighting facilities at least once in every year, provided that the date of inspection, date of subsequent maintenance and name of the person who has carried out the inspection shall be marked thereon.
The abovementioned periodical inspection shall be conducted upon fire-fighting equipment and facilities by an organization recognized by the competent authority.

Article 9

An employer shall provide all the facilities with sufficient and suitable alarm systems in the case of fire that shall be heard simultaneously in all parts of the establishment. The fitness of such devices for operation shall be examined by a qualified person at least once every three months and the inspection results shall be entered in a special register to be maintained in the establishment.
The abovementioned periodical inspection shall be conducted upon fire alarms by an organization recognized by the competent authority.

Article 10

An employer shall train a sufficient number of workers on the use of fire-fighting facilities to ensure taking the appropriate action in case of fire, provided that the training shall be undertaken by an organization approved by the competent authority.

Article 11

All establishments and work sites shall have sufficient and suitable means of escape in case of fire subject to the following conditions:
1. Emergency exits shall be as follows:
a) Their number, capacity and dimensions shall be proportionate to the number of workers and nature of operations, provided that the workers with special needs shall be taken into account.
b) They shall lead to safe areas and as quickly as possible.

c) They shall open outwards when individuals rush or when they exit.
d) They shall not be locked and can be easily opened from the inside whenever required.
e) The doors shall not be opened by a sliding or a revolving method.
f) They shall be lit and easily identifiable by clearly displaying on them the words “Emergency Exit” and shall be placed at an appropriate height while providing emergency lighting for the exits in case of a power cut.

2. All the passages leading to the fire exits shall be fire resistant, shall be clear ofobstructions and shall include emergency lighting so that the exit route can be adequately lit.
3. A signboard shall be displayed in a prominent place showing the instructions that must be followed in case of a fire in the establishment. The signboard shall be in Arabic and English or any other language understood by the worker whenever required.
4. There shall be safe assembly points for the workers in case of fire to be designated “Fire Assembly Point”, and all the workers shall be made aware of their location.

Article 12

An employer shall observe the following conditions at the establishments and work sites for the prevention of fire:
1. The establishment„s buildings should be made of materials that are fire resistant in accordance with the establishment‟s nature of business.
2. To separate the sites that contain inflammable and other materials from other sites with a safe distance that ensure that fire shall not spread once it ignited.
3. To insulate hot surfaces like boilers and pipes connected thereto to prevent the spread of the radiation heat.
4. To coat hot gas pipes and exhaust pipes of internal combustion engines with insulating materials to prevent the spread of heat.
5. To use secure containers and tanks to store and handle flammable liquids and gases in small quantities in special stores and in accordance with the quantities determined by the concerned authority.
6. To place all equipment and operations that produce high temperatures or fire at a safe distance from the inflammable materials.
7. To take precautionary measures to prevent any malfunction in electrical supplies and connectors so that they shall be in accordance with the technical standards together with constant inspection and maintenance while avoiding the hazards of overloading electrical appliances.

8. To observe the hygiene practices and proper storage arrangements together with the disposal of hazardous waste and materials especially inflammable materials in all work sites.
9. To divide the stores of materials, products or waste particularly the inflammable ones into sections by fire resisting partitions or non inflammable doors.
10. To prevent smoking inside the work places particularly the ones that contain inflammable materials together with instructions to be posted in such places.
11. To educate the workers about the hazards of fire, ways of preventing and combating together with the faults that lead to its occurrence and ways to prevent them.

Article 13

An employer shall observe the following conditions in any under construction site for the protection from fire:
1. To store inflammable materials away from any flame or source of oxidising materials.
2. To adopt safety precautions in operations that generate high temperatures, any other type of flames, sparks, dust, vibrations from welding, grinding, cutting and the issue of a hot work permit.
3. To adopt safety precautions upon using electric generators and mobile pumps so as to be placed away from the inflammable materials and workers.
4. To prevent smoking inside the work sites that contain inflammable materials provided instructions for this purpose shall be posted in such areas.
5. To take precautionary measures to prevent any malfunction in electrical supplies and connectors so that they shall be in accordance with the technical standards together with constant inspection and maintenance while avoiding the hazards of overloading electrical appliances.
6. To dispose of inflammable industrial waste and avoid the accumulation of such materials together with the periodical cleaning of such work sites.
7. To store compressed gas cylinders in special stores away from heat sources together with adopting safety precautions while transporting or using them.
8. To adopt safety precautions upon using mobile pumps so as to be placed away from the places where the workers are present.
9. The site controller‟s room (security guard) shall be designed as not to be part of the work site together with adopting all the workers accommodation conditions.

10. To maintain firefighting equipment and train workers to use them while observing their difference and number according to the nature of the existing work.

Article 14

An evacuation plan shall be prepared by the employer in case of emergency and workers shall be trained on the manner of reporting fire when it is discovered and also the manner of using the alarm systems in the establishment. An evacuation drill shall be conducted at least once in every year. Other measures shall be taken ensuring that all the establishment‟s workers have become well aware of the means of escape, methods of using them and the steps to be followed in case of fire including training on the use of fire-fighting equipment.

Article 15

It shall be strictly prohibited for any employer to use any work site except upon obtaining a “fire safety certificate” from the competent authority. The provisions of this Article shall not be applicable to buildings under construction or on engineering works.

Article 16

All existing establishments and work sites at the time of putting this Order into effect shall modify their conditions in compliance with its provisions within three months from the effective date thereof.

Article 17

Any person who violates the provisions of this Order shall be liable for the penalties provided for in Article (192) of the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by Law No.(36) of 2012.

Article 18

Ministerial Order No.(12) of 2005 with respect to the Protection of Workers during Work from the Hazards of Fire in Establishments shall be revoked and any provision that contravenes the provisions of this Order shall be revoked.

Article 19

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour shall implement this Order which shall come into effect from the day following the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

 

 

 

Signed: Jameel bin Mohamed Ali Humaidan,
Minister of Labour
Issued on: 18

th Jumada Al Akher, 1434 Hijra

Corresponding to: 28

th April 2013 A.D.

MINISTERIAL ORDER NO.(4) OF 2014

WITH RESPECT TO DETERMINING THE REQUIRED CONDITIONS AND
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS
ENGAGED IN BUIDLING WORKS, CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL ENGINEERING

 

 

 

The Minister of Labour,

Having reviewed Law No.(25) of 2009 with respect to the Accession of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the International Labour Organisation’s Convention No.(155) of 1981 with respect to Occupational Safety and Health, and Work Environment, And the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by And Legislative Decree No.(36) of 2012, particularly Article (166) thereof, And Decree No.(7) of 1983 with respect to the Arabian Agreement No.(13) of 1981 with respect to Work Environment,
And Decree No.(2) of 1994 with respect to the Accession by the State of Bahrain to the Arabian Agreement No.(7) of 1977 and Recommendation No.(1) of 1977 with respect to the Occupational
Safety and Health, And Order of the Minister of Labour No.(12) of 1977 with respect to
the Organisation of Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers Engaged in Construction, Civil Engineering and Shipbuilding, And having sought the opinion of the Concerned Authorities, And upon the submission of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour, HEREBY

 

ORDERS:

Article 1

In the application of the provisions of this Order, the terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned against each unless the context otherwise requires:
- BUILDING WORKS: Construction work of buildings, assembling factories, substantial change, rebuild or maintain them which include repainting, re-ornamentation, external cleaning, demolishing and all preliminary works to carry on the above works which shall not include engineering installations as indicated in its definition.
- CONSTRUCTION WORK: Steel or reinforced construction works with the exception of buildings, substantial changes or re-building (including re-painting) or demolishing. It includes road works, airport runways, wave breakers, reclamation, river works, used pipelines laying for any purpose,
constructing harbours, dry docks, reservoir, aqueduct, sewer, sewage works or gasholders and any civil or constructional engineering works of a similar nature to the foregoing.
- COMPETENT PERSON: a person who is properly trained and qualified and has sufficient experience for the work and is not suffering from any physical defect or disability that would prevent him from carrying out the work properly.
- WORK PLACE: A place prepared by an employer at which a worker shall perform his duties and also amongst one of the following work places:
1. Any part of the establishment workers may be available therein.
2. Any chamber, gangway, hall, room, staircase, road or any other place inside the establishment and is used as an entrance to the establishment or exit therefrom by the workers.
- SCAFFOLDING: A platform rose on or attached to pillars and structures used to carry out duties, moving vertically or horizontally and to carry equipment, materials and work material at a elevated place.
- TYING-IN: Rigidly connecting any scaffold to a building or fixed structure.

Article 2

The provisions of this Order shall be applicable to building works, construction and civil engineering works.

Article 3

The following shall be secured upon entrusting an entity or entities the executionof a project or task at a work place:
1. To ensure the capability of an entity entrusted with executing a project ortask and holding a licence to pursue such activity by the concerned authority.
2. To adopt suitable arrangements to adopt legal requirements of the occupational safety and health. Such arrangement must be documented and approved by all the concerned authorities and immediately inform the Ministry of Labour upon approval. Such action shall not relieve an
employer from observing all legal conditions.

3. To maintain, whenever possible, all necessary information about possible hazards at a work place.
4. To effectively co-ordinate with various concerned entities.
5. To periodically or whenever a need may arise, review the arrangements indicated in the preceding Clauses of this Article.
6. To identify the hazardous areas and ensure that no unauthorised personnel enter such areas by placing barricade or guard rails to prevent the presence of workers in such areas.

Article 4

The main-contractor at the work place shall co-ordinate with sub-contractors about the occupational safety and health issued.

Article 5

Work places shall meet the following conditions:
1. All entrances, exits, passages and roads used by the workers should be safe.
2. A work place shall be designed in a safe manner so as it shall not form any harm to any worker or any one available therein.
3. Necessary practical measures should be taken to prevent workers from using unsafe passages.
4. A work place area should be sufficient and adequate to carry out the work taking into consideration any equipment or instrument used for work.

Article 6

1. All hazards at a working place must be evaluated particularly elevated places, analyse previously adopted procedures and their effectiveness in addition to adopting the required measures that secures workers safety at a working place.
2. All permanent grounds and preventative guard rails or any other mean intended to prevent falling to any of the elevated places must previously been be inspected by a qualified person and should secure that in a practical manner.

 

Article 7

The following shall be observed at working places:
1. All construction working places must be arranged and in an accepted cleaning state.
2. A working place must be surrounded by a suitable fence and is identified by placing clear marks thereon.
3. Panels with visible nails or parts of sharp objects that may sustain injury to any worker should not be left.
4. To take suitable measures to store materials and objects in addition to proper procedures to dispose of garbage ad refuse in a manner that may avoid hazard to any person either by colliding or falling material.

Article 8

Without prejudice to other provisions of this Order, where work cannot safely be done from or on the ground or from part of a building or other permanent structure there shall be provided, places and kept in position for use and properly maintained either scaffolds, or where there can be used safety ladders, all of which shall be sufficient and suitable and safe for the purposes.

Article 9

1. Every scaffold and every part thereof shall be:
a) Of good construction.
b) Of suitable and sound material.
c) Of adequate strength, including where necessary bracing, strutting and tying-in, for the purpose which it is used.
d) It shall be properly maintained and supplied with a card indicating date of examination by a qualified person.
2. All material and parts for scaffolds shall not in use be kept under good condition and shall be properly maintained.
3. Where any part of the scaffold is incomplete or is not compliance with the requirement of this Order, access to such part shall be prevented.

Article 10

1. Standards or uprights shall be:

a) Vertical or slightly inclined towards the buildings.

b) Fixed sufficiently close together to secure the stability of the scaffold.

2. Ledgers and putlogs shall be securely connected together and to upright as necessary.

Article 11

Scaffold erecting or dismantling shall be made under the supervision of a qualified person while observing the safety of workers erecting such scaffold through training provided the following precautions shall be taken upon erecting or dismantling:
1. Awareness of the approved measurement and plan to dismantle or construct a scaffold.
2. Safety work awareness on a scaffold.
3. Taking precautionary measures to prevent workers or materials from falling.
4. Taking into consideration the weather conditions, their effect and extent of work safety on scaffolds.
5. Observe the permitted loads.

Article 12

Every scaffold fitted with wheels shall:
1. be constructed with due regard to stability, if necessary including weights at the base and tying-in,
2. be used only on a firm, level surface,
3. have a locking device for the wheels which shall be properly secured when the scaffold is in use.
4. be moved from one place to another only when it is unoccupied and then only by pressure at the bas.

Article 13

No scaffold shall be erected, add to, altered or dismantled except by competent scaffolders. All materials used for the work as well as the completed scaffold shall be inspected and passed by a foreman scaffolder before being taken into use. Thereafter every scaffold shall be inspected by a competent person at least once every week.

 

Article 14

The following shall be observed when working on a platform:
1. To be with sufficient diameters that allows workers passage, safe use of required materials and provide a suitable working area while observing the work in progress.
2. To be of a suitable surface with no gaps a worker or material may fall therefrom, or causes injury to a worker except if necessary measures and precautions are adopted to protect workers from hazards.
3. To be constructed and maintained in a manner that prevents sliding or stumbling and prevents workers falling between the work platform and the other adjacent platform.

Article 15

Loading on the platform that leads to collapsing or occurrence of any effect that leads to losing its balance, shall be prohibited.

Article 16 

Stairs shall be provided throughout their length with hand rails on the open side or sides, of sufficient strength to prevent to fall of persons therefrom.

Article 17

1. It shall not be permitted to use any scheme to prevent persons from falling except with the availability of the following conditions:
a) To conduct hazards analysis and evaluation that proves carrying out the work using this scheme is the most practical one to protect against hazards.
b) A user and all available persons in the working place have received suitable and proper training to pursue their duties in addition to the full knowledge of the protection steps and means.

2. Personal protection for falling persons scheme should observe the following:
a) It shall be suitable, appropriate with sufficient strength and durability for the purpose designed for and weights expected to be thereon.
b) It shall be suitable and appropriate for a user person
c) It shall be properly and correctly tied.

d) Tying means shall be suitable and of sufficient strength and durability provided it shall be tightly fastened.
3. The following shall be available in the falling protection means:
a) It shall be of appropriate strength and sufficient dimensions for the purposes intended thereof.
b) It shall be stable and secure.

Article 18

The following shall be observed upon working in elevated places:
1. Upper protective guard rails or any similar method should be at least one metre elevated from the surface edge that workers may possibly fall therefrom.
2. Foot guard rails shall be suitable and appropriate for protecting persons and preventing material and equipment from falling.
3. Side middle guard rails or any other mean shall be identical so as the gap between them, the upper side guard rails and foot guard rails shall not exceed one half metre.
4. Work shall be banned if the protection mean is not present unless other effective and secure safety means are present to carry out the job.

Article 19

The following shall be observed in protective guard rails:
a) In case of designing protective guard rails, they shall be connected to designed tie-in means and securely linked of strength and stability for the workers safety and materials falling.
b) In the presence of an air pillow or protective net, it shall be stable.
c) Suitable and appropriate measures shall be available to secure workers safety from injury in case of falling together with ensuring the practical suitability of such measures.

Article 20

The following shall be observed upon using ladders:
1. An employer must observe upon using ladders for work in elevated places,to analyse and evaluate hazards that prove using them are the proper practical means.

2. A surface where a ladder is placed shall be steady and does not skid to prevent its movement or tilting.
3. A ladder must be securely placed to secure its stability while carrying out the work.
4. Every Ladder used as part or an access to a working place must project above any landing or working point for a distance of one meter unless other adequate hand hold is provided.
5. Extendable ladders shall not be used unless the parts do not collapse while using.
6. Caution must be taken not to move mobile ladders with wheels while climbing and protection means to avoid falling while using them as work platform.
7. Suitable practical rest platforms must be maintained and added to the ladders with heights exceeding 9 metres from the base.
8. Ladders must not be used in the following cases:
a) If a ladder has been repaired by means of nails, wire or rope.
b) If any of its steps are broken, lost or misplaced.
c) If it is painted in such a manner that would render it difficult to find out any cracks therein.

 

Article 21

1. Necessary precautions must be taken to prevent any person at the working place to work on breakable material, pass through or nearby.
2. If impractical to avoid working on breakable material, avoid passing through or close by them, the following precautions must be adopted:
a) To ensure the availability of sufficient and appropriate work platforms, guard rails or any other method to prevent substances from falling through these materials.
b) To take the proper and suitable measures to reduce possible distances and damages for falling through safety nets or belts.
3. Warning and directing signs should be placed in areas where there breakable materials a worker is likely to pass through, close by, work on or alert worker by any other appropriate mean.

 

Article 22

1. Where any work is being done on a slopping roof exceeding 12.5 degrees, there shall be provided at the edge of the roof below the working place a working platform to be wide enough to prevent any person who slips down the roof from falling to the ground below.
2. It shall not be permitted to carry on any work on slopping roofs or movement thereon except by properly made sliding ladders.
3. Where any Work is being done on whatever slopping roof degree, weather conditions that may affect objects stability and steadiness must be observed.

Article 23

 

In case of carrying out any work that is likely to reduce or affect the stability and safety of any part of an existing building, existing or temporary construction, or under construction that may subject any person to risk, all necessary practical measures must be taken by designing pillars to securely stand weights and used for the purpose they were designed therefor so as to prevent any person from exposing to danger as a result of the collapse of a building, construction or any part thereof.

Article 24

1. Demolition, removal or any part thereof must be planned in a manner to prevent or reduce the hazard by adopting any practical operation possible.
2. Demolition shall only be carried out:
a) Under a licence from the competent authority.
b) Under the direct and constant supervision of a competent person.
c) So far as possible by workers trained and experienced in the work.
d) After all services, such as water, gas and electricity supplied to the building or structure being demolished have been disconnected by the relevant authority and a certificate to that effect has been given to the competent person carrying out the disconnection on behalf of the authority.

 

Article 25

1. All possible measures should be taken to protect persons from the hazards of excavations, collapsing or any part thereof by adopting the following:

a) To adopt all necessary practical measures to prevent works or materials from falling at the excavation place.
b) To take all proper and sufficient measures to prevent excess loading of materials and equipment on the outskirts of the excavations.
c) To provide sufficient number of entries, exits and safe access to the excavation.

2. Excavation shall not start except after adopting the following procedures:
a) Holes and trenches must be surrounded by a safe and secure guard rails together with placing warning signs thereon, provide suitable lighting that assist in knowing and identifying such holes at night in addition to providing each worker with a reflective jacket.
b) To examine the connector used in excavation by a qualified person prior to the commencement of the shift and after any incident that affects the strength and stability of the excavation or falling any materials inside the hole.

 

Article 26

The following shall be observed in dams:
1. It shall be properly designed and executable to reduce hazards whenever practically possible.
2. It shall be supplied with a system that permits a worker from exiting in case of an emergency like entry of water or materials.
3. It shall be periodically maintained.
4. A dam shall be examined by a qualified person prior to commencement of a work shift and after any incident that affects the dam’s strength and stability together with the availability of a qualified person having the authority to stop the work in case of any hazard to the workers.
5. Water suction carried out after the dam’s construction should be carried out by a qualified person with a sufficient expertise in this field.

Article 27

1. All electric mains, switches, fuse boxes cables and other electrical supply equipment shall be specially and adequately protected, installed and maintained to eliminate danger from electric shocks.
2. Before any operation or work to which this Order applies are commenced, and during the progress of such works, all practicable steps shall be taken to prevent danger to persons employed from any live electric cable whether under–ground or overhead or other apparatus, which is liable to be a source of such danger whether from the operation of a lifting or excavating appliance or otherwise. Steps to be taken shall include rendering the cable or apparatus electrically dead or the erection of suitable barriers to prevent approach to the dangerous area.

Article 28

1. When the worker is conveyed to or from any working place by a water vessel, proper measures shall be taken for his safe transport. Vessels used for this purpose shall be of suitable construction, properly maintained and in good working order, shall be in charge of competent persons and shall not be overloaded.
2. Where on or adjacent to the site of any industrial operations or workers there is water into which a worker is liable to fall with risk of drowning, suitable rescue equipment shall be provided and kept in any efficient state and ready for use and measures shall be taken to arrange for the prompt rescue of the workers who are in danger. Where there is a special risk of such fall from the edge of a land or off a structure adjacent to or above the water or off a floating stage secure fencing shall be provided near the edge to prevent such fall. Where there is required movement of workers or materials over or close to the edge, fencing may be removed for the time and to the extent necessary to permit such movement.

Article 29

Every construction site shall be safely organised in order to secure the workers safety upon their movement on the work place and all passages shall appropriate for the workers and vehicles in terms of suitable number, place, area and shall be supplied with direction signs.

Article 30

The following shall be observed when using vehicles:
1. To take suitable and safe measures to safely organise vehicles movement and parking at the work place.
2. To take suitable and sufficient measures to organise workers movement near such vehicles.
3. A worker must be at a safe place during loading, unloading and transport of materials at the work place.
4. To take suitable measures to prevent vehicles falling in the holes or water, or overturn at the sides.

 

Article 31

On using mechanically propelled vehicles, fork-lifts, trucks, tractors and bulldozers, no such vehicles shall be used unless:
1. It is in the charge of and being driven by a competent person properly trained and licensed to drive with a valid Bahraini licence.
2. It shall be in a good state, efficient working order and in good repair.
3. It is used only on proper manner and is not loaded in such a way as to interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.
4. It shall be equipped with seats suitable for the number of passengers if it is intended for such purpose.

Article 32

Workers shall not be required to lift, carry or move any heavy load likely to cause injury to them.

Article 33

The following shall be observed in confined space in which there is reason to apprehend the presence of any dangerous fumes:
1. No person shall enter or remain in any confined space in which there is reason to apprehend the presence of any dangerous fumes to such extent as to involve risk of persons being overcome thereby, unless they are wearing breathing apparatus of a type approved for the purpose of this
Article, or a responsible person has certified the space as being, for a specified period, safe for entry without breathing apparatus, and the period so specified has nit expired; but no person shall enter or remain in the space without breathing apparatus unless he has been warned when
the period so specified will expire.
2. A space shall not be certified under paragraph (1) of this Article unless:
a) Effective steps have been taken to prevent any ingress of dangerous fumes.
b) Any sludge or other deposit liable to give off dangerous fumes has been removed and the space contains no other material liable to give off dangerous fumes.
c) The space has been adequately ventilated and tested for dangerous fumes and has a supply of air adequate for respiration; But no account shall be taken for the purposes of sub-paragraph (b) of
Paragraph (2) of any deposit or other material liable to give off dangerous fumes in insignificant quantities only.
3. Where any worker is employed in any space to which paragraph (1) of this Order applies, there shall be provided and kept readily available:
a) Not less than two sets of breathing apparatus of a type approved for the purpose of this Article at the site of operations.
b) Not less than two additional sets of such apparatus in nearby stores.
c) A suitable torch approved for the purpose of this Article with each set of breathing apparatus.
d) Two belts or ropes suitable for rescue purpose.

The apparatus, belts, ropes and torches shall be maintained and shall be thoroughly examined, at least once every month or at such other intervals as may be prescribed by a competent person; and a report on every such examination signed by the person making the examination and containing the prescribed particulars, shall be kept available for inspection
4. A sufficient number of workers shall be trained and practiced in the use of the apparatus mentioned in the preceding paragraph of this Article and in a method of restoring respiration.

Article 34

In case of an emergency, necessary precautions must be adopted to include steps toward vacating the worksite and take into consideration the presence of workers assembly point.

Article 35

Proper and suitable measures must be taken to combat fire hazards at worksites.

Article 36

Suitable and sufficient lighting must be available at the worksite and observe providing secondary lighting in case of any malfunction in the lighting that may affect the workers.

Article 37

Every worksite must be equipped with a suitable and proper shaded area to prevent workers in cases of any disorders and bad weather together with providing the necessary precautions from lightning hazards in case of working in high buildings. Work shall not be permitted in poor visibility due to dust or fog which does not permit carrying out the work.

Article 38

A suitable place must be prepared to eat food and rest away from any work hazards.

Article 39

Suitable quantity of fresh and drinkable water must be provided at suitable and easy to reach place by the workers.

Article 40

Every person who violates the provisions of this Order shall be liable for the punishment provided for in Article (192) of the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by Law No.(36) of 2012.

Article 41

Order of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs No.(12) of 1977 with respect to the Organisation of Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers Engaged in Construction, Civil Engineering and Shipbuilding shall be revoked and any provision that contravene the provisions of this Order shall be revoked.

Article 42

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour shall implement this Order which shall come into effect after three months from the date of its publication in the

 

 

 

 

Official Gazette.

Signed: Jameel bin Mohamed Humaidan,
Minister of Labour.
Issued on: 2nd Rabie Al Akher, 1435 Hijra,
Corresponding to: 2nd February, 2014 A.D.

MINISTERIAL ORDER NO.(38) OF 2014

WITH RESPECT TO DETERMINING THE REQUIRED CONDITIONS
AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS
FROM THE MECHANICAL HAZARDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

 

 

The Minister of Labour,

Having reviewed Law No.(25) of 2009 with respect to the Accession of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the International Labour Organisation’s Convention No.(155) of 1981 with respect to Occupational Safety and Health, and Work Environment, And the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by Legislative Decree No.(36) of 2012, particularly Article (166) thereof, And Order of the Minister of Labour No.(13) of 1977 with respect to Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers from the Hazards of Grinding Wheel Operations, And Order of the Minister of Labour No.(15) of 1977 with respect to Organisation of Services and Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers during work from the Hazards of Dangerous Machines, And Order of the Minister of Labour No.(26) of 1977 with respect to the Organisation of Services and Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of the Eyes of Workers from the Hazards of Work and Machines, And Order of the Minister of Labour No.(27) of 1977 with respect to Organisation of Services and Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers from the hazards of Woodworking Machinery, And having sought the opinion of the Concerned Authorities, And upon the submission of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour,
HEREBY ORDERS:

 

 

Article 1

In the application of the provisions of this Order, the terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned against each unless the context otherwise requires: WORK PLACE: A place prepared by an employer in which is carried on any work by a worker and shall be within the following work places:
- Any part of an establishment where workers are present therein.
- Any room, lane, hall, chamber, staircase, road or any other place within the establishment and used by workers to enter and exit the work place. 

TRANSMISSION MACHINE: every shaft, wheel drum, pulley, system of pulleys, coupling, clutch, driving belt or other devices by which the motion of prime mover is transmitted to any machine or appliance.

ABRASIVE WHEEL: a wheel, cylinder, disc, point or cone made of metal, wood, cloth, felt, rubber, or paper and having any surface consisting wholly or partly of abrasive material to be power driven and which is for use in any grinding or cutting operation.

CIRCULAR SAWING MACHINE: a power operated sawing machine mounted on a bench and comprising a sprocket disc runs at high speed on an axis used to cut various items.

 

 

Article 2

A worker shall not operate work equipment that are not supplied with proper precautionary means and shall not disable and stop whatever protection available to him. He shall report any defect or technical fault in the equipment or machines that may subject him to danger and shall follow the warning directions and given instructions to preserve his safety and protection against work hazards.

Article 3

1. Every person who design, manufacture or import any equipment to be used at work must observe the following:
a) It shall practically and reasonably guaranty that it is designed and assembled in a manner ensures safety and without any hazards upon proper usage and in conformity with the Unified Gulf Cooperation Council States Specifications.
b) Adequate information concerning the method for using the equipment in the manner intended and experimented therefor together with adopting the necessary precautions and provides instruction to secure safety and avoid and hazard upon using.
c) To conduct the required experiments and examinations to ensure proper equipment performance for the intended purpose.

2. Provide the machines, equipment and appliances required by the work provided they shall be appropriate and suitable for the purpose intended and work environment designed therefor.

 

Article 4

The following shall be required from all hand tools, machines and appliances powered by electricity, compressed air or any other power means:
1. It shall be equipped with suitable preventative barriers (if required).
2. Prevention from electrocution hazards shall be available and observe disconnecting from the power source by suitable means.
3. To be examined before and after work to ensure its safety.
4. Using directions signs shall be indicated therein and include (operating switches, speed shifters and others).
5. Warning signs and preventative measures must be illustrated.
6. Suitable lighting means must be included therein.

 

Article 5

The following must be observed at the work environment:
1. To leave adequate distance around the working equipment that allows clear separation between a worker, passer-by, equipment and the place allocated to store the materials n carry out the work in progress.
2. To avoid placing any work gear with mobile or revolving carriage in a place where any worker is subject to be crammed between such carriage and any stationary part of a building, unless reaching the cramming area is restricted by a secured fence.

Article 6

Work gear must be equipped with control switches at a prominent place and easy to reach for the purpose of switching on, off and control operation unless such switches are not required. In emergency cases, switching off keys must be disabled by all other control switches.

Article 7

1. Whenever possible, an employer shall always surround generators, transmission gears and machines dangerous parts, whether stationary, mobile or movable with suitable mobile parts preventative barriers and to observe upon designing or fixing that it secures complete protection and supplied with safety means appropriate for the work.
2. An employer shall not permit the removal or installation of any protective barriers unless such machine is inoperative provided the barrier, upon removal, shall be replaced in its location prior to restarting.
3. Stationary shields and barriers that automatically stop the work gear upon removal, adjustable shields or shields operated by light sensitivity, laser or using machines that are operated by push buttons should be observed according to their work need and nature.

Article 8

An employer must adopt the suitable preventative measures in terms of carrying on the preventative and periodical maintenance on the parts and shields used as shields for dangerous machines for control and safety measures.

 

Article 9

The following conditions must be observed upon using circular sawing machines:
1. To provide effective methods to extract chips, fragments and small substances resulting from the sawing process.
2. To provide a suitable and proper mean to push the piece intended to level or shape its surface.
3. Sawing gear and machines should not be used for purposes other than what they were intended therefor.

Article 10

1. The saw blade located underneath the base must be concealed completely.
2. The visible part of the saw blade which is above the machine table shall be guarded with a strong shield and easily adjustable upwards and shall be kept so adjusted that it extends from the top of the blade to a point above the surface of the material being cut. It shall have a flange of adequate depth on each side of the saw blade and the said guard shall be kept so adjusted that the said flanges extend beyond the roots of the teeth of the saw blade.
3. A suitable push-stick shall be provided and kept available for use at every circular sawing machine which is fed by hand. Except where the distance between a circular saw blade and its fence is so great or the method of feeding material to the saw is such that the use of a push-stick can safely be dispensed with, the push-stick so provided shall be used:
a) To exert feeding pressure on the material between the saw and its fence in all cutting cases.
b) To exert feeding pressure on the material between the saw and its fence during the last 300 millimetres of any cut of more than 300 millimetres in length.
c) To remove from between the saw blade and the fence pieces of material which have been cut.

 

Article 11

The following conditions shall be observed upon using abrasive gear:
1. To provide whenever practically possible a secure guard maintained at a suitable place for any abrasive wheel while in motion.
2. To place directions and warning signs from hazards resulting from the use of abrasive wheels together and the precautionary measures at the place where the abrasion or cutting work is made by abrasive wheels. They shall also be placed in a prominent place easy to be seen by people working in abrasion or cutting.
3. To select a good quality abrasive wheel suitable for carrying on the any work being done.

 

 

Article 12

The employer shall carry out the periodical maintenance on the working appliances and gear and ensure that the maintenance is performed in a safe manner. Organising, lubricating or greasing working devices while in operation shall be banned unless they are equipped with suitable means to prevent the occurrence of such hazards.

Article 13

Proper precautionary measures must be adopted to protect workers from the hazards of sparks, chips or sharp objects by adopting proper and suitable safety measures. An employer shall be prohibited from using machines where their dangerous parts are not supplied with suitable protection methods.

Article 14

Proper precautionary measures must be adopted to protect workers from the hazards of dust and steam affecting their heath and safety being generated from manufacturing, abrasion, material cleaning, emitting, spraying or treatment operations by providing ventilation, masks and other precautionary and protection means.
Stationary internal combustion engines shall be banned from being used in closed areas except after necessary measures are adopted to transmit combustion gases and steam generated from the engine to the open space or by adopting other steps that secure the prevention from the hazards of such gases on workers health while observing the environmental conditions.

Article 15

Handling of raw materials, work appliances and tools together with production materials must be handled in a safe and secure method which does not result in any harm to workers. A worker may not be asked to lift, transfer or move a heavy load suspected to cause any injury to his body.

Article 16

The following shall be observed at work places upon using mechanical vehicles, forklifts, trucks, tractors, bulldozers or any other mechanical vehicle:
1. It shall be in the custody of a qualified person, licensed to drive it and holding a valid Bahraini licence.
2. It shall be in a good condition, suitable, adequate and periodically maintained.
3. It shall be moderately used, loaded in a correct manner and used for the purpose designed therefor.
4. It shall be equipped with suitable seats for the number of passengers if intended to transport people.
5. To provide a solid and proper spare support to prevent vehicles from falling down in the event of a break down of the lifting gear.

Article 17

The following conditions shall be observed upon carrying on maintenance work on mechanical vehicles:
1. To disconnect, whenever practically possible, the electric power and adopt necessary measures to prevent any fire from breaking out when connecting the electric power.
2. Welding work shall be assigned to qualified person with knowledge of firefighting and first-aid for injuries resulting from welding works.
3. Welding works shall be made on platforms designed for such purpose and made from inflammable materials of high level fire resistance.
4. Flash welding equipment must be supplied with a cover to control volatile flame and secure natural and industrial ventilation.
5. To maintain suitable natural and industrial ventilation to avoid inflammation concentration at welding work place particularly closed places.
6. To provide the welding places sites with suitable and adequate firefighting equipment.
7. Connections and equipment must be in good condition, suitable to perform the work, the pressure control valves and the pressure measurement devices must be in good condition while welding with gas provided examinations and testing must be done before and after using.
8. To provide workers with adequate personal protection equipment upon carrying out the welding works and compels the workers to use them.

Article 19

The provisions of this Order shall be applicable to all work places and sites subject to the provisions of the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by Law No.(36) of 2012.

Article 20

All work places and sites established at the enforcement time of this Order must adjust their statuses in confirmation with its provisions within three months from the date of its enforcement.

Article 21

Every person who violates the provisions of this Order shall be liable for the punishment provided for in Article (192) of the Labour Law for the Private Sector promulgated by Law No.(36) of 2012.

 

Article 22

The following Order of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs shall be revoked:
1. Order No.(13) of 1977 with respect to the Organisation of Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers from the Hazards of Grinding Wheel Operations.
2. Order No.(15) of 1977 with respect to the Organisation of Services and Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of the Eyes of Workers from the Hazards of Work and Machines.
3. Order No.(26) of 1977 with respect to the Organisation of Services and Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers during work from the Hazards of Dangerous Machinery.
4. Order No.(27) of 1977 with respect to the Organisation of services and Precautionary Measures necessary for the Protection of Workers from the Hazards of Woodworking Machinery.

Article 23

The Ministry’s Undersecretary shall implement this Order which shall come into effect three months after the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

 

 

 

Signed: Jameel bin Mohamed Ali Humaidan.
Minister of Labour.
Issued on: 5

th Thulhijja, 1435 Hijra,

Corresponding to: 29

th September, 2014 A.D.