Regulations concerning the Performance of Work
| Date | FOR-2024-04-05-574 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion |
| Published | |
| In force | 2013-01-01 |
| Last amended | FOR-2024-04-05-574 |
| Last updated | |
| Corected | |
| Title | Regulations concerning the performance of work, use of work equipment and related technical requirements |
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Part 1: Introductory provisions
Chapter 1. Introductory provisions
The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that work is executed, and work equipment is used safely so that employees are protected against harm to life and health. The regulations apply to the performance of work, the use of work equipment and the technical requirements of the work equipment. Chapter 2 of the regulations concerning a substance index does not apply to hazardous chemicals in transit through or stored as transit goods in Norway unless they are subject to treatment or processing. Chapter 26 of the regulations concerning work under water or under increased ambient pressure does not apply to: a. members of the Police Emergency Response Unit, when diving is necessary in order to perform duties assigned to the police; b. conscripts and military service personnel in the Norwegian Armed Forces who carry out diving as a military activity.
The provisions on diving certificates in Chapter 26 do not apply to research and healthcare personnel who must carry out necessary work in pressurised hyperbaric chambers. Sections 4-4, 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 13-4, 25-1 and 27-4, and Chapters 5, 17, 20, 24, 26, 28 and 29 of the regulations do not apply to offshore petroleum activities or activities at onshore facilities as stated in Section 6(e) of the Framework Regulations. Sections 3-23. 3-24, 3-27, 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4, 14-5, 14-6, 14-7 and 14-10 of the Regulations do not apply to offshore petroleum activities. The regulations apply to Svalbard: a. except for the provisions of Sections 10-1 to 10-3 and Chapter 13; b. unless otherwise provided for in the Regulations of 18 January 1993 No 33 relating to the coal mines on Svalbard.
1. Employers shall ensure that the provisions of these regulations are implemented. 2. The provisions of these regulations shall, where applicable, also be complied with by: a. safety representatives and working environment committees; b. family-run farms in agriculture; c. undertakings with no employees - that use work equipment; - that handle asbestos and asbestos-containing materials in their work; - in the building and construction industry; - in agriculture; - that carry out work under water or under increased ambient pressure; - that can be exposed to biological agents during their work, except for the requirements relating to keeping records and medical examinations; - that can be exposed to chemicals in their work, except for the requirements for an emergency response plan, medical examination, relocation and keeping records of employees exposed to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals and lead.
3. The provisions of Chapter 26 on health and safety during work under water or under increased ambient pressure do not apply to: a. conscripts and military service personnel in the Norwegian Armed Forces who carry out diving as a military activity; b. members of the Police Emergency Response Unit when the diving is carried out as part of the service; c. research and health personnel who work in decompression chambers.
For the purpose of these regulations, the following definitions shall apply: 1. work premises: rooms that the undertaking uses in connection with the work such as workrooms, personnel rooms, access areas etc.; 2. work equipment: technical installations etc. such as machinery, lifting accessories, safety components, containers, means of transport, appliances, installations, tools and any other object used in connection with the production of a product or the performance of work; 3. load-lifting equipment: plant designed for lifting and lowering operations; 4. asbestos: the fibrous, crystalline silicate minerals chrysotile (white asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), anthophyllite asbestos, tremolite asbestos and actinolite asbestos; 5. wastewater treatment plant: wastewater networks, including pump stations, treatment plants and pipelines for carrying away residual water; 6. standby diver: a diver who is ready to provide sufficiently rapid assistance to a diver underwater in a hazardous or emergency; 7. rock work: all forms of rock breaking, including work on inspection, scaling and securing rock; Includes loading and transport of blasted rock within the workplace; 8. biological limit value: The limit to the concentration of a given agent in a biological environment, its metabolites or an effect indicator; 9. biological factors: microorganisms, including genetically modified organisms, cell cultures, human endoparasites and prions that can induce infections, allergies or toxic effects in humans; Microorganisms mean: a microbiological unit, cellular or non-cellular, able to replicate or transfer genetic material; Cell culture means: the result of in vitro cultivation of cells from multicellular organisms; 10. use of work equipment: work operations such as starting, stopping, installation and dismantling, transportation, use, monitoring, inspection, repair, maintenance, care and cleaning; 11. decompression: relieving increased pressure to restore normal pressure; 12. diving bell: a compression chamber designed and equipped to transfer divers between the work site and the surface decompression chamber; 13. diving operation: work under increased ambient pressure, under water or in a decompression chamber, where the diver is supplied with breathing gas; 14. umbilical: the breathing gas hose, communication cable and, if applicable, safety line, bundled into a single unit, 15. electromagnetic field: static electric, static magnetic and time variable electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz. 16. danger zone: any area where the safety of employees may be at risk due to the nature of the work, including any area in or around work equipment; 17. hazardous chemical: Chemicals that can constitute a risk to the health and safety of employees; - all chemicals that meet the criteria for classification pursuant to the Regulations of 16 June, No. 622 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP). This applies regardless of whether the chemical is classified in accordance with said Regulations. Substances that are harmful to the external environment only, do not fall under the scope of these regulations. - any chemical substance for which limit values have been adopted, - any other chemical that may constitute a risk to the health and safety of employees.
18. fibre: a particle longer than 5 μm, with a diameter smaller than or equal to 3 μm, and with a length-to-width ratio greater than or equal to 3:1; 19. reproductive harm: - harm to a person's reproductive ability (reprotoxicity) in that the ability to produce healthy and normal children is wholly or partially, permanently or transiently impaired as a consequence of exposure in the working environment, - harm or disease suffered by the child because of prenatal exposure or exposure through breastfeeding,
20. reprotoxic substance: Substances or mixtures that meet the criteria for classification as reprotoxic as laid down in Regulations No 622 of 16 June 2012 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) cf. Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 in Annex I; 21. reprotoxic substance without a lower threshold: A reprotoxic substance that does not have a safe level of exposure and which is labelled accordingly in the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values Annex I; 22. reprotoxic substance with a lower threshold: A reprotoxic substance that has a safe level of exposure, where exposure below this level does not entail any risk to health of employees, and which is labelled accordingly in the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values Annex I; 23. test dive: a diving operation carried out in connection with research or development work, where the dive is intended to produce results that provide a basis for demonstrating the effect on divers or the safety of diving operations; 24. excavation work: digging ditches, shafts and other excavation pits in the soil; 25. limit value: a value for exposure that must not be exceeded; 26. suspended work platform: a freely moving rope-suspended mechanically operated work platform; 27. hand signals: movements or positioning of arms and hands, in a coded form, in order to guide persons carrying out work that can entail a risk to employees; 28. non-coherent optical radiation: artificial optical radiation, except for laser radiation; 29. containment of biological agents: barriers used to prevent biological agents from coming into contact with people or the environment; 30. ionising radiation: x-radiation, particle radiation, or radiation from a radioactive substance within the wavelength range 0.01-10 nm; 31. chemicals: elements, chemical compounds or mixtures thereof, whether they occur naturally or are manufactured or are used or released in connection with any work operation, regardless of whether they were intentionally manufactured. This applies irrespective of whether the chemical is available on the market; 32. climbing scaffold: a mechanically operated work platform that moves vertically in guide rails; 33. bell run (diving): a bell run is the time that passes from the bell is disconnected from the surface habitat until it is reconnected; 34. carcinogenic chemicals and processes: substances or mixtures that meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic pursuant to the Regulations of 16 June 2012 No 622 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP); cf. Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 in Annex 1. The following processes or chemicals released during these processes are also regarded as carcinogenic: - production of auramine, - work involving exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which occur in soot, tar or pitch, - work involving exposure to dust, fumes or mist emitted during calcination and electrolytic processing of nickel from ore, - highly acidic processes to produce 2-propanol, - work that entails exposure to hardwood dust
35. artificial optical radiation: electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength range between 100 nm and 1 mm that is not emitted from the sun. The spectrum of optical radiation is divided into ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation (light) and infrared radiation, Ultraviolet radiation: optical radiation of wavelength range between 100 nm and 400 nm. The range is further divided into UVA (315-400 nm), UVB (280-315 nm) and UVC (100-280 nm), Visible radiation: optical radiation of wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, Infrared radiation: optical radiation of wavelength range between 780 nm and 1 mm. The range is further divided into IR-A (780-1400 nm), IR-B (1400-3000 nm) and IR-C (3000 nm-1 mm); 36. laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation): any device that can be made to produce or amplify electromagnetic radiation in the optical radiation wavelength range by a process of controlled stimulated emission; 37. laser radiation: optical radiation from a laser; 38. lifts and stackers for goods: forklifts and similar motorised mobile work equipment for lifting, moving and stacking; 39. lifting appliance: components or equipment not mounted on the machine, which make it possible to grip the load, and which are placed either between the machine and the load or on the load itself, or which are intended to be an integrated part of the load; 40. earth-moving machine: an engine-powered machine designed to lift or transport materials, i.e. earth, sand, rock etc., for example, a dumper, road planer, excavator, bulldozer, dump truck, scraper or backhoe loader; 41. saturation dive: a dive that lasts so long that the maximum amount of breathing gas is dissolved in the body; 42. mobile work equipment: a technical device that moves on wheels, crawler tracks etc., with or without its own propulsion; 43. mutagenic chemicals: substances or mixtures that meet the criteria for being classified as mutagenic pursuant to the Regulations of 16 June 2012 No 622 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP); cf. Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 Annex I; 44. surface-supplied diving: a diving operation where the diver works under increased ambient pressure and is supplied with breathing gas from the surface; 45. personal protective equipment: all equipment, including accessories to the equipment, which is worn or carried by an employee to protect the employee from one or more hazards that can threaten his or her safety and health during the work. Personal protective equipment does not include: - normal work clothes and uniforms that are not especially intended to protect employees’ health and safety, - emergency and rescue equipment, - self-defence equipment, - portable equipment for tracking and detection of hazardous and harmful agents, - personal protective equipment used in accordance with requirements set out in the Road Traffic Act;
46. public safety diver: a diver whose task is to rescue a person in the water during the period when lifesaving can be hoped for; 47. risk: a function of the probability of an undesirable incident taking place and the consequences for the employees’ life or health; 48. scuba diving: diving where the diver carries a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus; 49. safety signs and signalling: the use of signs, colours, light signals, acoustic signals, verbal communication or hand signals to refer to a particular object, activity or situation and that provides information or instructions about how people should act in different situations concerning safety and health in the workplace. The definition does not include signs and signalling regulated by other legislation or pursuant to regulations relating to road, rail, air or sea transport or transport by inland waterways; 50. pointed or sharp objects: objects that can cut, pierce the skin and cause injury and/or infections; 51. infection risk group: classification of live biological agents according to the infection risk they represent pursuant to Section 6-1 of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values; 52. action value: an exposure value that requires measures to be implemented to reduce the health risk to a minimum; 53. compression period for diving: the period for which a diver is under increased ambient pressure, reckoned from the start of compression in a hyperbaric chamber until decompression is completed, also including the ‘surface interval’ in connection with surface decompression; 54. hot work: work where heat is used, such as open flames, hot surfaces or ignition sparks. Hot work also includes work operations such as welding, soldering, torch cutting and metal grinding etc. that can also give rise to hazardous gases.
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, the The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway may grant exemption from the regulations in their respective areas if warranted on special grounds, if it is justified from a safety and health perspective and not in breach of the EEA Agreement. -
Part 2: Requirements for work involving chemical and biological risk factors
Chapter 2. Substance index
The employer shall establish a substance index of hazardous chemicals that can constitute a health hazard, including those that are formed during processes within the undertaking. The substance index shall be established before the hazardous chemicals are formed, produced, packed, used or stored by the undertaking. For the three groups stated below, the substance index shall contain the following information: Group 1) Pursuant to the Regulations of 30 May 2008 No 516 on registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (the REACH Regulations), safety data sheets and any appendices thereto shall be available for chemicals that fall under the scope of Article 31 of and Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Group 2) For hazardous chemicals that do not belong to groups 1 or 3, product information sheets shall be available that, as a minimum, contain the following information: a. name, b. composition, c. information about the supplier, d. physical, chemical and harmful properties, e. toxicological data, f. risk factors, g. preventive safety measures, and h. first aid treatment.
Group 3) For hazardous biological material, product information sheets shall be prepared that, as a minimum, contain the following information: a. name, b. information about the supplier, c. harmful properties / toxicological data, d. information about any risk of infection, e. risk factors, f. preventive safety measures, and g. first aid treatment.
If it is not relevant or technically possible to provide any or all the information required under this provision, the grounds for this shall be stated in the substance index. The substance index may be established electronically and/or on paper and shall be structured so that it is easy to search for information about individual chemicals. The information provided shall be in Norwegian and be brief and easy to understand. The employer must ensure that employees who do not master Norwegian are given sufficient written information and training based on the information in the substance index. The employer is obliged to update the information when changes occur, harmful conditions are found to exist etc. that are of material importance to prevent harm to health. The employer shall use the information in the substance index to ensure the safe handling and storage of chemicals within the undertaking. The employer shall use the information in the substance index when mapping risks, implementing protective measures and/or preparing work instructions. The employer shall ensure that the employees have easy access to the substance index with information about the chemicals that they use in their work or otherwise come into contact with. Relevant safety data and product information sheets shall also be available at each work site. In addition, the employees shall have satisfactory access to any electronic substance indexes. The safety representative shall have access to the applicable substance index for his/her own safety area. The senior safety representative shall have access to the complete substance index for the undertaking. Chapter 3. Work where chemicals may be a risk to the health and safety of employees
The employer shall map and document the presence of chemicals, including fibrous asbestos dust, and assess any risk relating to the health and safety of employees that may be associated with these chemicals. The risk assessment shall pay particular attention to the following: a. the hazardous properties of the chemicals, b. the supplier's information about health, environmental and safety risks, c. the conditions in the workplace where the chemicals are present, d. the number of chemicals and how they are used, e. whether the work processes and the work equipment are appropriate, f. the expected number of exposed employees, g. the type, level, duration, frequency and routes of exposure, h. limit values, i. the effect of implemented and planned preventive measures, j. the conclusions of completed health surveys, and k. injuries, diseases, work accidents and near accidents.
Further information must be obtained, as necessary. A new risk assessment shall be conducted for every temporary workplace. If the employer is unable to document that the pollution of the working atmosphere is at a completely safe level, cf. the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values, the working environment shall be monitored by taking regular measurements. Measurements shall also be taken when changes have been made in the undertaking that may increase the employees’ exposure to pollutants in the working atmosphere. The mapping and measurements shall be documented. If the risk assessment shows that it is necessary to measure for any airborne asbestos fibres in the workplace to ensure compliance with the limit value, a fibre count shall be carried out using a light microscope with phase contrast according to the method recommended by the World Health Organisation in 1997 or according to another method that provides corresponding results. In the case of closed systems for the polymerisation of the carcinogenic substance vinyl chloride monomer, a requirement for use of a continuous or permanent periodic measurement method applies in addition to the general requirement for measurements. The employer shall ensure that employees and safety representatives receive training in the following: a. hazardous chemicals that are present or may be present in the workplace; the names of these chemicals; the risk they represent to the employees’ health and safety; and applicable limit values for these chemicals, b. use of the substance index, c. conducted risk assessments and significant changes to the same, d. correct use of the work equipment employed, e. necessary protective measures for the safe execution of the work, and f. handling of operational disturbances and possible emergencies.
If work is to be performed that may entail a risk of exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals, training must be repeated on a regular basis. Undertakings with no employees shall have the equivalent knowledge. The employer shall ensure that employees and safety representatives are kept informed about the following: a. hazardous chemicals that are present or may be present in the workplace, the names of these chemicals, the risk they represent to the employees’ health and safety, and the applicable limit values for these chemicals; b. conducted risk assessments and significant changes to same; c. correct use of the work equipment employed; d. necessary protective measures for the safe execution of the work; e. handling of operational disturbances and possible emergencies; f. the substance index.
Undertakings with no employees shall obtain the equivalent knowledge. When regular measurement of chemical pollution in the working atmosphere takes place in accordance with Sections 3-2 and 3-3, affected employees and their representatives shall be informed about the measurement results. Affected employees and their representatives shall be informed immediately if any of the limit values for chemical pollution of the working atmosphere are exceeded. Chemicals shall be handled and stored in a completely safe manner to avoid harm to health, fire, explosion and other accidents. The employer shall ensure that health and safety risks caused by chemicals are eliminated or reduced to a completely safe level by: a. designing and adapting the workplace and the work to be carried out; b. making available suitable equipment for the execution of the work, including equipment for repairs, maintenance and cleaning; c. limiting the number of employees being exposed to chemicals to a minimum; d. limiting the level and duration of exposure to a minimum; e. limiting the number of chemicals in the workplace to the amount that is necessary for the work in question; f. implementing proper hygiene and cleaning measures.
If these measures are not sufficient, the employer shall ensure that the risk is eliminated or reduced to a completely safe level by implementing the following measures, listed in order of priority: a. designing proper work processes and procedures for technical control, and using appropriate equipment and materials; b. implementing collective protective measures at the source of the risk, including ventilation; c. implementing personal protective measures and distributing personal protective equipment if the exposure cannot be avoided by other means.
If there is a risk of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in connection with repairs, maintenance and cleaning, measures shall be implemented to reduce the exposure to a minimum. The employer shall ensure that the exposure does not persist and that it is kept as low as possible for each employee. The employer shall ensure the following, listed in order of priority: a. that the working atmosphere does not contain any ignitable concentrations of flammable chemicals, that hazardous amounts of reactive chemicals are not present in the workplace, that no sources of ignition are present that can cause fire or explosion, and that there are no other conditions whereby reactive chemicals can cause hazardous situations; b. that the employees will not be injured should a fire or explosion occur or because of any other hazardous situation that can be caused by reactive chemicals.
A closed system shall be used where it is not technically feasible to substitute carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals and processes pursuant to Section 10-1 of the Regulations concerning Organisation, Management and Employee Participation. Where the use of a closed system is not technically feasible, it must be ensured that the exposure is kept to a minimum and at a completely safe level. Carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals shall be stored and transported in closed containers that are clearly labelled and, if possible, sealed. Access to premises where employees may be exposed to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals shall only be granted to employees who are to carry out work on the premises, including cleaning and repairs. Appropriate warning and safety signs shall be posted to delimit areas in which there is a risk of exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals. Smoking prohibited signs shall be posted in areas where employees may be exposed to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals. Where effective ventilation is not possible, the employer shall ensure that employees use suitable respiratory protection when carrying out work in which isocyanates are released into the working atmosphere. Employees shall also be protected against skin exposure when working with chemicals that contain isocyanates. The employer shall ensure that supplied air respirators are used during the spray application of chemicals containing isocyanates. The employer shall ensure that containers and packaging for hazardous chemicals that are produced, packaged, used or stored by the undertaking are labelled appropriately with Norwegian chemical names, hazard pictograms and warning phrases. In special cases, the hazard pictogram and warning phrase can be left out. Sand and other blasting agents to be used for sandblasting shall meet the requirements of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values. Based on the risk assessment, the employer must assess whether accidents, injuries or emergencies can occur due to the presence of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. If such incidents can occur, the employer shall prepare an emergency response plan for dealing with such accidents, injuries and emergencies. The emergency response plan shall be made known and be available to the employees, safety representatives and external rescue and emergency services as applicable. Exercises shall be conducted regularly in accordance with the emergency response plan. Should an accident, injury or emergency occur, the emergency response plan shall be implemented, and the employees notified immediately. Only the employees who are to carry out the repair work and other necessary work shall be granted access to the affected area. The employees shall be equipped with necessary personal protective equipment. External rescue and emergency services shall be informed about the specific risks that can arise. Waste that contains carcinogenic or mutagenic chemicals shall be collected in clearly labelled closed containers. Such waste shall be destroyed in a completely safe manner or delivered to an authorised receiving facility for hazardous waste. Where employees may be exposed to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals, the employer shall make sure that measures are implemented to ensure that: a. the employees do not eat, drink, use tobacco etc. in work premises that may be contaminated by carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals, b. the employees are informed about the increased risk associated with the use of tobacco, c. the employees are provided with suitable work clothes in addition to necessary personal protective equipment; cf. Chapter 15 of Regulations No. 1355 of 6 December 2011 concerning Organisation, Management and Employee Participation, d. private clothing and work clothes / personal protective equipment are stored separately in separate lockers, e. work clothes and personal protective equipment are washed or cleaned, f. containers and similar that contain contaminated work clothes / personal protective equipment are clearly labelled, g. work clothes and personal protective equipment that may be contaminated by carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals are not brought to mess rooms or similar, or taken home, h. cleaning facilities are available in or near the work premises.
The costs of the measures stated in these provisions shall not be borne by the employees. Work equipment used when handling chemicals shall be maintained and cleaned to prevent any risk of harm to health, fire and explosion. Ventilation rates shall be measured and recorded regularly where faults may be harmful to health. Manufacturing, production or use of the following carcinogenic chemicals is prohibited: a. 2-Naphthylamine and salts of 2-Naphthylamine (CAS No 91-59-8) b. 4-Aminobiphenyl and salts of 4-Aminobiphenyl(CAS No 92-67-1) c. Benzidine and salts of Benzidine (CAS No 92-87-5) d. 4-nitrobiphenyl (CAS No 92-93-3).
The prohibition in the first paragraph shall not apply if the chemical substance is present in a substance or mixture as a contaminant or by-product or as part of a waste product, provided that the concentration does not exceed 0.1% by weight. Nor does the prohibition in the first paragraph apply if the chemical: a. is used for scientific research and trials, including analyses; b. is used in work operations intended to remove chemicals that are by-products or waste products; c. is used as an intermediate product in the production of the prohibited chemicals stated in the first paragraph, and for such use.
The employer shall ensure that employees are not exposed to substances as stated in the first paragraph by implementing measures to ensure that the production and use of these substances take place in a closed system from which the substances cannot be removed unless it is necessary in order to control the process or maintain the system. The employer must ensure that the employee is given a proper medical examination if he or she may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in such a way that it might damage the person's health. Appropriate medical examinations shall be able to ascertain any disease or health effect of the chemicals in question and provide the basis for preventive measures in the undertaking or other measures that can reduce the risk of harm to the employee's health. The medical examination shall be carried out before the employee starts working with hazardous chemicals and at regular intervals thereafter. The medical practitioner shall decide the frequency and content of examinations based on the type, level and duration of the exposure, and based on the employee's health condition. The employee shall be informed about the requirement for a medical examination before being assigned the work. If disease or other effects on health are found to exist that the medical practitioner believes may be due to exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace, or if the biological limit value for lead has been exceeded, the employer shall: a. review the risk assessment carried out pursuant to Section 3-1; b. take necessary action to eliminate or reduce the risk associated with working with hazardous chemicals to a completely safe level; c. offer suitable medical examinations to other employees who have been similarly exposed.
Insofar as it is possible, the employer shall ensure that, whenever necessary on grounds of health, employees are relocated to other work in the undertaking where they do not suffer hazardous chemical exposure. Persons who are to carry out smoke or chemical diving shall undergo medical examinations that include a clinical examination of all relevant factors, including physical capacity tests. The employer shall ensure that such medical examinations are carried out regularly. Should the smoke diver or chemical diver, or the employer, find that there are health problems that may have a bearing on the diver's ability to work as a smoke or chemical diver, the employer may demand that the smoke or chemical diver shall undergo a new medical examination. Should the medical examination show that an employee suffers from disease, injury or reduced physical capacity that increases the risk of accidents or health impairment in connection with smoke or chemical diving, the employee shall not be used for such work but assigned alternative work. Employees who are to work with lead and lead compounds shall undergo medical examinations before they are assigned such work. The medical examination shall include a clinical examination and measurement of the blood lead level. The blood lead level shall be measured every three months. If three consecutive quarterly examinations show values of less than 0.5 μmol/l for women of fertile age, or of less than 1.0 μmol/l for other employees, the blood lead level may be checked once a year for as long as the exposure level and working conditions remain unchanged. If the employee's blood lead level is so high that relocation is necessary, cf. Section 3-22, the employee shall be examined by a medical practitioner. Medical examinations shall also be carried out of employees if they are exposed to lead concentrations in air that exceed the limit values set out in Section 5-1 of the Regulations relating to Action and Limit Values as regards work atmosphere pollution, as well as Section 5-2 as regards Biological Limit Values. Employees who have been granted an exemption under Section 1-5 shall undergo regular medical examinations, at least every three years for as long as the exemption is valid. Employees who work with lead or lead compounds shall be relocated for a minimum of three months if the following limit values are exceeded: Female employees of fertile age who are found to have blood lead levels of more than 0.75 μmol/l or between 0.5 and 0.75 μmol/l in three consecutive quarterly examinations shall be relocated to other work until these values have dropped to below 0.5 μmol/l. Other employees who are found to have blood lead levels of more than 2.0 μmol/l or between 1.5 and 2.0 μmol/l in three consecutive quarterly examinations shall be relocated to other work until these values have dropped to below 1.5 μmol/l. For smoke and chemical diving, the employer may only use persons who in a medical examination are medically fit for the work. Chapter 4. Work with asbestos
Use and other handling of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials are prohibited unless otherwise provided for in Section 4-2. The following work is exempt from Section 4-1: a. demolition, repairs and maintenance of asbestos-containing materials, including handling of asbestos-containing waste from such work. As a rule, asbestos-containing material shall be removed, but sealing, encapsulation and enclosure may be permitted in some cases. In such cases, the solutions must completely prevent the spread of asbestos fibre effectively and safely and not involve interference with the asbestos-containing material; b. mining and processing of rock containing a maximum of 1% asbestos by weight; c. sampling and analysis to determine the asbestos content of a particular material.
Undertakings carrying out demolition, repair and maintenance work on asbestos-containing materials must have permission from the Labour Inspection Authority. The application for such permission shall include information about: a. how the work will be organised, b. which methods will be used, c. which protective measures will be implemented, d. training of employees, e. medical examinations of the employees, and f. the undertaking's experience of this kind of work.
The instructions provided in Section 4-6 shall be enclosed with the application. Before the application is sent to the Labour Inspection Authority, it shall be submitted for comment to the safety representative(s), working environment committee and health and safety personnel of the undertaking that is to carry out the work. Should an undertaking that has been granted permission to work with asbestos fail to perform the work safely, or otherwise act in contravention of these regulations, the Labour Inspection Authority may withdraw such permission. The employer shall notify the Labour Inspection Authority of any work with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials. The notification shall be sent before the work starts. In the case of demolition, repair and maintenance work, the notification shall be sent well in advance and no later than one week before the work starts. As a minimum, the notification shall supply an overview of: a. where the work site is located; b. the types and quantities of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials that will be used or handled; c. the activities and methods involved in the work; d. the number of employees involved and what training they have received; e. the start-up date and duration of the work; f. measures that will be implemented to limit the employees’ exposure to asbestos.
The form issued by the Directorate of Labour Inspection shall be used. The employees and their representatives shall have access to the notification. The employer shall submit a new notification if there is a probability that changes in the working conditions will lead to a material increase in exposure to fibrous asbestos dust. The employer may only assign work with asbestos and asbestos-containing materials to employees who have received special training. Such training shall be given by competent persons. The instructions given shall be easy to understand and provide the employees with the necessary know-how and skills in preventive and safety work, particularly as regards: a. the properties and health effects of asbestos, including the risk of combining smoking and asbestos exposure; b. the types of products and materials that can be assumed to contain asbestos; c. work that can involve exposure to asbestos and the importance of preventive control measures to reduce exposure; d. the limit value in Section 5-1 of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values, cf. Annex I, and the need for control measurements of the air; e. safe working methods, safe control measures, safe working equipment and safe protective equipment; f. the purpose and the correct choice of respiratory protection, the limitations of such respiratory protection and how to use it correctly; g. emergency procedures; h. procedure for complete cleaning; i. waste handling; j. the requirement for medical examinations under Section 4-11.
The training shall include practical exercises. The training shall be adapted to the work to be carried out. It shall be given regularly and when necessary, as a consequence of developments in technology. The employer shall bear the costs of the training. The employee representatives shall be informed about the content of the training. The employer shall prepare written instructions for handling asbestos-containing materials and for protection against fibrous asbestos dust. The instructions shall be available in the workplace. The exposure of employees to fibrous asbestos dust shall be reduced to a minimum, particularly using the following measures: a. the number of employees who are or can be exposed to fibrous asbestos dust shall be limited to a minimum; b. asbestos and asbestos-containing materials shall be handled separately from other activities; c. the work processes shall be designed to prevent the formation of asbestos dust or, if this is impossible, be designed to prevent agitation and dispersion of the asbestos dust. In connection with the indoor handling of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, negative pressure zones shall be established, if necessary, in order to prevent the spread of asbestos dust to the surrounding. The establishment of negative pressure shall be documented; d. where local exhaust ventilation is used, the exhaust air shall not be returned to the work premises but cleaned and discharged to the open air. The exhaust air from a mobile vacuum cleaner used to absorb fibrous asbestos dust may be returned, however, provided that the air is cleaned so that at least 99.99% of the asbestos dust is removed; e. regular and effective cleaning and maintenance must be possible of all premises and all equipment used in handling asbestos; f. asbestos and asbestos-containing materials that emit asbestos dust shall be stored and transported in suitable closed packaging that is sufficiently protected against crushing, tearing etc.; g. asbestos waste shall be collected and removed from the workplace immediately in suitable closed packaging and stored in closed lockable containers. This does not apply to natural rock materials that contain asbestos. The packaging and container shall be clearly marked with the following text: ‘Inneholder asbest. Innånding av støv fra dette materialet kan forårsake kreft. Bruk egnet verneutstyr’ (‘Contains asbestos. Inhalation of dust from this material can cause cancer. Use suitable protective equipment’). Such waste shall then be handled in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Regulations of 1 June 2004 No 930 relating to the recovery and treatment of waste (the Waste Regulations).
Areas, where work is carried out with asbestos or asbestos-containing material, must be clearly marked with the following text: «Asbestos – access prohibited for unauthorised persons» Smoking is prohibited in areas where asbestos or asbestos-containing material is being handled. Individuals who suffer from chronic pulmonary, respiratory or heart disease may not be assigned work in which they can be exposed to fibrous asbestos dust. The employer shall ensure that employees who can be or have been exposed to fibrous asbestos dust while working for the employer undergo suitable medical examinations of the lungs and respiratory organs. Such medical examinations shall be carried out before the employees are assigned work in which they can be exposed to fibrous asbestos dust. The medical examination shall include an X-ray examination of the lungs. Further medical examinations shall be carried out at least every three years. The medical practitioner decides whether more frequent medical examinations are necessary and the content of such examinations based on the employees’ health condition and the level and duration of exposure. On termination of the employment relationship, the medical practitioner will decide whether there is a need for further medical examinations. If further follow-up is needed, the employees shall be informed about this in writing. Any costs of medical examinations of employees not covered by the National Insurance scheme shall be covered by the employer. Asbestos and asbestos-containing materials shall be removed, and an after-inspection shall be carried out in accordance with Section 4-15 before other demolition work commences. This does not apply where employees will be exposed to less risk if the materials are not removed before the commencement of other demolition work. The employer shall ensure that the employees use protective coveralls with hoods and approved respiratory protection equipment. The protective clothing shall be made of dust-repelling material and be without pockets etc. Used protective clothing shall be removed before leaving the work site. Protective clothing and work clothes must not be taken home. The employer shall ensure that protective clothing is kept in a dedicated room, separate from private clothing and work clothes. The room shall be marked in accordance with Section 4-8. Protective clothing of the disposable type shall be replaced after every work session. Protective clothing of the non-disposable type and respiratory protection equipment shall be cleaned after every work session. The employer shall see to the washing of protective clothing and work clothes. Protective clothing must not be washed together with other clothes. Used protective clothing shall be placed in dedicated plastic bags marked «Forurenset av asbest» («Contaminated with asbestos») before being sent to a laundering facility that is equipped for the purpose.
A wash place with a washbasin and shower with hot and cold water shall be readily available in connection with work with asbestos. The employer shall instruct those who participate in the work to shower after every work session unless the risk assessment shows that the exposure to fibrous asbestos dust is kept at a safe, low level. The employer shall in any case instruct those who participate in the work to shower at the end of the working day. The time spent on washing and changing shall be included in the working hours. The wash place shall be marked in accordance with Section 4-8. When the work has been completed, the undertaking shall ensure that necessary checks are carried out to verify that fibrous asbestos dust has been removed. The concentration of airborne fibrous asbestos must not exceed 0.01 fibres per cm3. Such checks shall be carried out after the area has been completely cleaned and while it is still shut off from the surroundings. If negative pressure has been established, it shall be maintained while the check is carried out. Chapter 5. Hot work
In connection with the planning and execution of hot work, and the procurement of equipment, the employer shall assess the risk associated with all types of exposure that can harm the health of employees. The employer shall have the requisite knowledge about possible pollution of the working atmosphere by substances emitted from filler metals, base materials, surface treatment, antioxidants and gases. In workplaces that are not designed for hot work, the risk of fire and explosion shall be assessed before using equipment that can generate heat or sparks. In work premises where hot work is carried out, the employer shall map the work operations that can pollute the working atmosphere; see Section 5-1. This mapping shall also include surface treatment, filler metals, cleaning etc. that can contribute to pollution; see Section 5-5. The employer shall ensure that employees carrying out hot work and the safety representative receive training in a. working methods; b. use of work equipment; c. use of personal protective equipment.
The employer shall ensure that employees carrying out hot work and the safety representative are kept informed about the following: a. health hazards and the risk of accidents; b. necessary protective measures; c. the results of measurements of the working atmosphere; d. any specific measures that are implemented at any time.
The employer shall plan work operations in which heat is used (hot work). As far as possible, the planning shall seek to avoid work in confined spaces and situations in which it is difficult to provide sufficient ventilation. Hot work shall not take place in spaces where chlorinated solvent vapours are present. Insofar as it is practical, surface treatment, working methods, filler metals, cleaning etc. shall be chosen to reduce air pollution to a minimum. It must be documented that such factors have been assessed as a basis for necessary measures, including the choice of protective equipment. The employer shall ensure that employees who carry out hot work are protected from harmful radiation, hazardous electrical voltages, spatter etc. Before hot work is commenced in or on containers, tanks, pipelines etc. that contain or have contained substances associated with a fire or explosion risk, measures shall be implemented to avoid fire and explosion. All combustible material in the vicinity of the workplace shall be removed or shielded using a heat-resistant material. Gas cylinders shall always be placed and secured safely so that they are not accidentally exposed to heat and to avoid any risk of fire or explosion. Gas cylinders shall be placed so that they can be easily brought to safety should a fire or explosion occur. The power supply's mains voltage shall be disconnected, and all gas shall be shut off on the conclusion of the work. Only completely safe and suitable equipment shall be used for work operations in connection with hot work. Equipment that does not work as intended shall be replaced or repaired immediately. All oxygen equipment shall be kept free of oil and grease. Welding nozzles/blowpipes, inert gas metal welding guns/ spray guns, electrode holders and cables must be placed safely. Hoses and valves shall be checked for leakages before use. In order to avoid fire and explosion in gas equipment, the employer shall ensure that the following equipment is used for welding, thermal cutting, soldering and thermal spraying: - blowpipes fitted with check valves on all hoses connected to the handle - oxygen regulators fitted with flashback arrestor - fuel gas regulators fitted with flashback arrestor - gas hoses and hose couplings specially designed for the purpose - acetylene valves, nozzles and gas lines of material not containing more than 70% copper.
Chapter 6. Work in surroundings that may entail exposure to biological agents
For every activity, the employer shall assess the risk of employees being exposed to biological agents. If the activity involves a risk to the employees’ health and safety, the exposure shall be mapped, and consideration shall be given to how the exposure occurs. Both the risk of infection and other health risks shall be considered. This shall serve as the basis for a risk assessment of the conditions by the employer. The risk assessment shall be conducted based on all available information, including the following in particular: - biological agents that may be present; - toxins, allergens or other harmful substances that may originate from the biological agents; - the infection risk groups the biological agents belong to; - information about diseases caused by the biological agents that the employees can contract in connection with their work, whether infectious, allergic or toxic in nature; - recommendations from the competent authority regarding special protective and safety measures that should be implemented in order to protect employees who are or can be exposed to biological agents in their working environment; - the probability that the biological agents will cause harm to the health of employees; - awareness that a disease identified in one employee may be directly linked to that employee's work; and - the risk of injury or infection from biological agents because of handling pointed or sharp objects.
In the case of biological agents not listed as classified biological agents, cf. the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values, the employer shall assess the infection risk group based on the criteria set out in said regulations. In the case of work that can entail exposure to biological agents that have become multidrug-resistant, the employer shall conduct an assessment of whether the work can be carried out subject to more stringent containment measures than the ones adopted for the infection risk group to which the biological agent belongs. Based on the above, the employer shall assess whether and, if so, which protection and safety measures must be implemented for the protection of employees. The Labour Inspection Authority shall be notified at least 30 days before the date on which an undertaking starts to use biological agents in risk groups 2, 3 or 4. A new notification shall be submitted in the following cases: a. when biological agents belonging to a risk group other than the one that has previously been notified are to be used; b. in connection with the use for the first time of each subsequent biological agent in risk group 4; c. in connection with the use for the first time of each subsequent biological agent classified in risk group 3 by the employer in accordance with Section 2-1; d. when material changes are made to processes or procedures with a bearing on health, the environment and safety in the workplace, which renders a previous notification obsolete.
Laboratories engaged in diagnostics in connection with biological agents in infection risk group 4 shall notify of their own activities only. Notifications under this section shall contain the following information: a. the name, address and organisation number of the undertaking or facility; b. the name of the person who is responsible for health, safety and the environment in the workplace, and his or her professional qualifications; c. the name of the safety representative / senior safety representative; d. the results of the risk assessment conducted in accordance with Section 6-1; e. which biological agent the notification concerns; f. planned protective and safety measures.
The notification shall be signed by the employer and safety representative / senior safety representative. The safety representative / senior safety representative may submit their own opinion. The employer shall ensure that employees who are assigned work where they are or can be exposed to biological agents are given the necessary practical and theoretical training and instruction in the work in advance so that exposure can be avoided as far as possible or reduced to a minimum. The training must include, in particular: a. information about the risk assessment that has been conducted and any material changes to it; b. necessary protective measures; c. hygiene requirements; d. use of personal safety equipment, including protective clothing; e. information about the risk of infection from biological agents when handling pointed or sharp objects.
Exposure to biological agents shall be eliminated or avoided unless it is clear that such exposure cannot adversely affect the health of employees. Based on the risk assessment, the employer shall implement necessary containment measures. In the case of industrial processes, isolates and laboratories, such containment measures shall be in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Workplace Regulations. For handling pointed or sharp objects that may cause injury and/or infection from biological agents, equipment with protective safety devices shall be used where such equipment is available and suitable for the purpose. The employer shall ensure that procedures are established and internalised that must be complied with in accidents and emergencies involving biological agents, in addition to procedures for all handling of biological agents classified in infection risk group 4. These procedures must be available in writing and, if necessary, posted in the workplace. The employer shall ensure that an emergency response plan is prepared for dealing with accidents and incidents involving biological agents. The employer shall ensure that the employees and their representatives are informed immediately of any accidents and incidents that may have led to the spread of biological agents capable of causing serious infection or disease. The employer shall ensure that the employees and their representatives are informed at the earliest opportunity of the causes of the accident or incident and of the measures that have been or will be implemented. The employer shall immediately notify the Labour Inspection Authority of any accidents and incidents. If hazardous biological agents cannot be removed or avoided, the employer shall ensure that the employees are provided with and are instructed to use suitable work clothes and personal protective equipment. Employees who come into direct contact with wastewater or sludge shall use watertight coveralls, boots and gloves. When the risk assessment shows that it is necessary, the employer shall ensure control, including sampling if applicable, in order to determine whether the hazardous biological agents have spread beyond the containment area. The employer shall ensure that measures are implemented to prevent employees from eating, drinking and smoking in work areas that may be contaminated by biological agents. The employer shall ensure that satisfactory procedures are in place to ensure that work clothes and personal protective equipment that may be contaminated by biological agents are removed when leaving the work area and are kept separate from other clothes and equipment. Before being reused, such work clothes and personal protective equipment shall be disinfected and cleaned, and, if defective, repaired or replaced. Contaminated work clothes and personal protective equipment shall be destructed if necessary. The employer shall establish procedures to ensure the necessary disinfection of work areas. The employer shall establish procedures as necessary to ensure the safe storage, handling and transportation of biological agents at the work site. Specific procedures shall be established for collecting, handling and examining samples of human and animal origin that may contain hazardous biological agents. The employer shall issue instructions so that waste is collected, stored and removed without exposing employees to health hazards. The waste containers shall be clearly and unambiguously labelled and, if necessary, sealed. If necessary, the waste shall be subject to suitable pre-treatment to render it harmless. The employer shall ensure that secure waste bins for pointed and sharp objects are placed as close as possible to the site where such equipment is handled or may be present. Syringe needles shall not be recapped after use unless the equipment used is of the type that eliminates any risk of puncture wounds. If the risk assessment shows that an employee may be exposed to hazardous biological agents in such a way that measures over and above the ordinary hygienic safety measures are necessary, the employee shall undergo a proper medical examination. The medical examination shall provide the basis for preventive measures in the undertaking or measures to reduce the risk of harm to the employee's health because of work with biological agents. The proper medical examination shall be carried out before the employee may be exposed to biological agents and at regular intervals thereafter. A medical practitioner shall decide the frequency and content of examinations based on the nature, level and duration of the exposure, and based on the employee's health condition. If an employee is found to suffer from an infection and/or disease that may be due to exposure to a biological agent in the working environment, the employer shall offer proper medical examinations to other employees who have been similarly exposed. The employer shall ensure that the employees are offered safe and effective vaccination against the biological agents to which they may be exposed. The employees concerned shall be provided with information about the benefits and drawbacks of vaccination. The employer shall cover the costs of the vaccination. Chapter 7. Work where there is a risk of reproductive harm
The employer shall ensure that an assessment is carried out of whether any exposures in the working environment are associated with a risk of reproductive harm to employees. If such a risk is present, the employer shall ensure that the exposures that can cause reproductive harm are identified. The employer shall assess the total risk of reproductive harm. If the risk assessment shows that the employees are or may be at risk of reproductive harm, the employer shall ensure that the employees are provided with necessary information about such conditions, including information about how they can protect themselves against such a risk. This information shall also be provided when employees are recruited. Based on a risk assessment, the employer shall decide which protection and safety measures to implement. If permitted by the activity, the employer shall primarily ensure that employees are not exposed to agents in the working environment that can cause reproductive harm. If it is not technically or organisationally possible to avoid exposing employees to agents in the working environment that can cause reproductive harm, the employer shall ensure that necessary protection and safety measures are implemented. This includes the use of personal protective equipment where necessary. The measures implemented shall be based on the risk assessment stated in Section 7-1 of the Regulations concerning Organisation, Management and Employee Participation and in Section 7-1 of this chapter. Pregnant and breastfeeding employees must not under any circumstances be assigned work if the risk assessment shows that the work entails a risk of reproductive harm. The employer shall ensure that pregnant and breastfeeding employees are relocated to other work if exposure in the working environment entails a risk of reproductive harm to the child. If necessary and feasible in practice, the employer shall ensure that relocation to other work is also offered to men and non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Insofar as it is technically feasible, the employer shall take steps to facilitate that relocated employees can return to their regular work as soon as possible without being exposed to any risk of reproductive harm. Such adaptation of the workplace and working environment may involve the implementation of new protection and safety measures; see Section 7-3. Where relocation in accordance with the first to third paragraphs above is not possible, the employer shall document this in writing. Chapter 8. Work at wastewater treatment plants
Individuals who work at wastewater treatment plants shall be trained in how to organise the work, working methods, which aids to use and how to use them. It must be possible to document such training. A lifeline, harness and buoyancy vest shall be worn when working in water-carrying pipelines or at work sites where sudden flooding may occur. If it is necessary, in connection with inspections or other work of short duration at wastewater treatment plants, to enter spaces that contain hazardous gases, where the oxygen concentration is too low or where there is a risk of explosion, no work shall be carried out over and above what is strictly necessary. No work shall be carried out that can cause fire or explosion. Tools and aids shall be of non-sparking material. Supplied air respirators and a lifeline and harness shall be worn for such work. Where there is no risk of flammable gases or too low oxygen concentrations, other respiratory protection equipment that provides satisfactory protection against the hazardous gases in question may be used. If the pool is covered to prevent pollution because of air supply or another process, and it is necessary to open the cover to carry out work in the pool, the air supply shall be stopped and, if necessary, temporary guard rails shall be installed. Where the work is associated with a risk of drowning, falling, oxygen deficiency in the air, dangerous gas concentrations or other risks to life or health, at least one person shall be assigned the duties of a safety watch. The safety watch shall have available necessary aids and protective and first aid equipment. If work is to be carried out in a sump, pool or similar, wastewater and sludge must be removed from the work site. Chapter 9. Work with cytostatics
Cytostatics shall be handled in a separate room. A cover shall be placed on the worktop to prevent the cytostatics from coming into contact with the worktop. The surface shall be covered with absorbent material. The cover shall be replaced after each preparation and discarded in labelled hazardous waste containers. -
Part 3: Requirements for work under exposure to physical risk factors
Chapter 10. Requirements for the use of work equipment
When the employer, based on a risk assessment, finds that a piece of work equipment needs to be used with particular care, only employees with documented safety training in accordance with Section 10-2 may be used for the work. Documented safety training may be provided by the employer or by another competent person. Anyone who is to use work equipment as stated in Sections 10-1 and 10-3 shall receive practical and theoretical training in its structure and operation, properties during use and area of use, as well as maintenance and inspection. The training shall impart knowledge about the requirements for safe use and operation provided for in regulations and user manuals. Documentation shall be issued that practical and theoretical training has been provided in accordance with these regulations. Documentation of practical and theoretical training shall be available to the safety representatives and be presented to the authorities on request. The employer may only assign work with the work equipment in question to employers who have received training in the appropriate area. The requirement for documented training does not apply to demonstration and testing in connection with repairs. Nationals of other EEA states and Switzerland must apply to the Labour Inspection Authority for permission to use work equipment as stated in Section 10-3. Documented safety training in accordance with Section 10-2 shall be provided in the form of certified safety training for the following work equipment: - bridge cranes and overhead travelling cranes where their use entails a risk of harm to life or health - tower cranes - mobile cranes with a capacity of more than 2 tm - portal cranes - cranes with a capacity of more than 2 tm, mounted on a lorry or lorry trailer - lifts and stackers for goods, with a permanent operator's seat on the vehicle - earth-moving machines with engine power greater than 15 kW (20.4 hp) - offshore cranes.
The employer shall ensure that the employee receives the necessary training in the specific work equipment he or she is going to use. The training shall be adapted to the nature of the work equipment and shall ensure that the employee knows how to use the work equipment safely. Written documentation shall be provided confirming what work equipment the employee has received training in, who has provided the training and who has received it. The employer shall ensure that necessary information is provided about the safe use of the work equipment that is provided for the employees in their work. In particular, the employer shall ensure that the employees are kept informed about the following: a. the risks they are exposed to when using the work equipment, including risks associated with possible irregularities; b. precautions that, based on experience, they need to take when using the work equipment; c. hazards caused by nearby work equipment; d. hazards caused by changes to nearby work equipment.
The employer shall ensure that only work equipment that meets the regulatory requirements for the work equipment in question is used. In the case of machinery and other work equipment manufactured and placed on the market before 1 January 1995, the employer shall ensure that only equipment that meets the requirements set out in Chapters 10, 18 and 19 is used. In the case of machinery traded after 1 January 1995, the employer shall ensure that the machinery used meets the occupational health and safety requirements that applied when the work equipment was manufactured and placed on the market. Work equipment shall be used for the work operations and under the conditions for which it is designed. Work equipment shall not be used to transport persons unless it was designed and built for the purpose. Work equipment shall be installed and removed under safe conditions, particularly by ensuring compliance with any instructions issued by the manufacturer. Control devices shall be clearly visible, identifiable and user-friendly, have logical movement and not put unnecessary strain on the user. Where necessary, control devices shall be appropriately marked. Control devices shall be placed outside the danger zone unless for special reasons these must be placed inside that zone. There must be no risk involved in operating the controls. Work equipment that regularly requires work movements into the danger zone shall only be operated by persons who have received special instruction in how it can be operated without entailing a risk to life and health. There must be no risk associated with faults in or unintended movement of control devices. The operator must have a clear view of the danger zone to ensure that it is unoccupied. Where this is not possible, an audible or visible warning sign must be automatically released before every start. Exposed employees shall have the time and opportunity to avoid any risks associated with starting or stopping work equipment. The control systems must be safe and designed so that failure, fault, unintentional movement or impact does not lead to risks. It must only be possible to start work equipment by the deliberate use of control devices that are intended for the purpose. The same shall apply to: a. restart after a stop, regardless of the reason for the stop; b. control of a material change in the operating conditions, for example, speed, pressure etc., unless such restart or change is of no risk to exposed employees.
The requirements in the previous paragraph do not apply to automatic work equipment if the restart or change in the working conditions is an integral part of the normal work operation. Work equipment shall have control devices that make it possible to bring it to a complete and safe stop. Each workstation must be fitted with a control device capable of stopping some or all the work equipment depending on the nature of the risk so that the work equipment is safe. The stop order for the equipment shall have priority over the start order. When the work equipment or its dangerous parts have been stopped, the energy supply to the actuators concerned must be switched off. Where necessary, work equipment shall be equipped with an emergency stop function, depending on the risks associated with the equipment and the time it normally takes to stop it. When necessary, work equipment or parts of such equipment shall be stabilised using clamping or similar. Where there is a risk of objects falling or parts being ejected from the work equipment, it shall be equipped with suitable safety devices to protect against the risks involved. If there is a possibility that the work equipment or parts can break or disintegrate, it must be ensured that fragments or loose parts do not pose a risk to the life and health of employees. If there is a possibility that employees can be injured as a result of physical contact with moving parts of the work equipment, the work equipment shall be equipped with protective guards or devices to prevent access to the danger zones or to stop the movement of the dangerous parts before access to the danger zones is granted. Protective devices must: a. have a robust structure; b. not give rise to any additional risk; c. not be easy to move or render inoperative; d. be located at an adequate distance from the danger zone; e. not unnecessarily restrict the view of the work equipment's work operation; f. not obstruct necessary work such as installation, replacement of parts and maintenance. Access shall be limited to the area where such work is to be carried out and, if possible, not involve the removal of protective guards or devices.
Where necessary, work equipment parts with high or very low temperatures shall be protected so that employees do not come into contact with or come too close to these parts. Warning devices on work equipment shall be clear, unambiguous and easy to perceive and understand. Work equipment shall be equipped with clearly identifiable devices for disconnection of the energy supply. Reconnection shall not take place until employees are no longer at risk. Work equipment shall be arranged to protect exposed employees against direct and indirect contact with electricity. Where static electricity is generated in connection with the work, it must be removed by earthing if there is a risk of fire or explosion. Work equipment shall be arranged so that employees are protected against any risks associated with overheating or a fire in the work equipment, and against emissions of gas, dust, liquid, vapour and other substances that are produced or used by or stored inside the work equipment. Where there is a risk of exposure to such emissions, the work equipment shall be equipped with separate collection or suction devices close to the sources of danger. Where there is a risk of fire, extinguishing equipment shall be present in mobile work equipment and be readily available by stationary work equipment. Work equipment that can be struck by lightning during use shall be protected against the impact of lightning by arrangements or suitable measures. Work equipment shall be arranged to avoid any risk of explosion, whether it arises from the work equipment itself or because of substances produced or used by or stored inside the work equipment. Work equipment shall carry necessary warnings and markings to ensure safe use. Markings shall be in the form of recognised symbols or text in Norwegian. Another language that is understandable to the employees shall be used where necessary. The use of computer equipment shall not pose a risk to employees. The characters on the screen shall be well-defined and clearly formed, of adequate size and with adequate spacing between the characters and lines. The image on the screen must be stable, with no flickering or other forms of instability. The brightness and contrast between the characters and the background must be easy to regulate and change by the operator, and equally easy to adjust to the ambient conditions. Free and easy adjustment of the screen to the user's needs must be possible. The screen shall be free of reflection and glare liable to cause discomfort to the user. The document holder must be steady, adjustable and placed to minimise uncomfortable head and eye movements. The computer keyboard shall be at the lowest possible height and should be tiltable. It must be separate from the screen so that the employee can adopt a comfortable posture without suffering fatigue in the arms or hands. There must be sufficient space in front of the keyboard to provide support for the forearms and hands of the operator. The keyboard must have a matt surface to avoid reflective glare. The arrangement of the keyboard and the characteristics of the keys shall be such as to ease the use of the keyboard. The symbols on the keys must be sufficiently contrasted and legible when viewed from the normal working position. Chapter 11. Facilitating the use of work equipment
Work equipment shall be installed and positioned so that it is completely safe for the employees using the equipment and for other employees. Machinery and auxiliary equipment shall be arranged and oriented so that there is no risk of fire associated with their use. Measures shall also be implemented so that it can be used without risk and unfortunate strain. Measures shall be implemented to eliminate any risks associated with heat, cold, radiation, electricity, dust, smoke, gas, vapour, oil products, chemicals, biological agents, explosives etc. For indoor use of combustion engines, necessary measures shall be implemented to prevent employees from being exposed to hazardous gases. If the use of work equipment can entail a particular risk of harm to life or health, the employer shall see to the implementation of necessary measures to ensure that: a. use of the work equipment is limited to the persons who have been assigned to use it, and who have received necessary training; b. persons who are to carry out repairs, alterations or maintenance are specially designated to carry out such work; and c. work equipment to be repaired is not put into service if the defect, wear, tear or damage can entail a risk during use.
In connection with the choice, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment, the employer shall have regard for the safety, life and health of the employees. An account shall be taken of the special working conditions in each workplace, the characteristics of the work and any risks that can arise during use. The work equipment shall be used for the work operations and under the conditions for which it is designed. Where mobile work equipment is used at a work site, traffic rules shall be prepared and complied with. Organisational and other measures shall be implemented to prevent employees on foot from entering the working area of self-propelled work equipment. If the work can only be carried out properly if employees on foot are present, appropriate measures shall be implemented to prevent them from being injured by the equipment. The transportation of employees by self-propelled work equipment is only permitted if safe facilities have been provided for the purpose. If work must be carried out while moving, the speed shall be adapted as necessary. Chapter 12. Inspection and maintenance of work equipment and plant
The employer shall ensure that employees who are to carry out inspection and maintenance work receive training as necessary. Installation, inspection, maintenance and repairs of work equipment shall only be carried out by persons who have received necessary theoretical and practical training and instruction in such work. If the safety of the work equipment depends on the conditions under which it is installed, the inspection shall be carried out by qualified personnel in order to ensure that: - the work equipment has been correctly installed and works as intended; - health and safety conditions are maintained; and - degradation can be detected and remedied in good time.
Maintenance work shall be carried out safely. The maintenance work shall be carried out with due regard to ongoing activities. If the safety of the work equipment depends on the conditions under which it is installed, the employer shall ensure that an inspection is carried out before it is first used. Such an inspection shall be carried out after every installation at a new site or workplace. The employer shall ensure periodic inspection if the work equipment and plant are exposed to impacts that cause degradation and can potentially lead to hazardous situations. Procedures for systematic inspection and maintenance of the following must always be in place: - necessary and suitable safety equipment to ensure that it is always ready for use and in working order; - existing systems for energy distribution on building and construction sites or other temporary workplaces. The systems shall be identified, inspected and clearly marked before a building and construction site is established; - mechanical and electrical equipment and plant in connection with rock work, and with any testing of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems, including ventilation systems; - the ventilation function. It shall be regularly measured and recorded if faults are associated with risk, for example in connection with rock work; - combustion engines for underground use in connection with rock work; see Section 27-17; - high-pressure jetting equipment; - scaffolds; see Section 17-8; - coffer dams and caissons for use during excavation work.
The employer shall implement measures as necessary to safeguard health, safety and the environment in the event of faults. If faults are detected that have a bearing on safety, the work equipment shall be removed from service immediately and not be put back into service before the fault has been repaired. As a rule, it should only be possible to carry out maintenance work when the equipment has been stopped and the energy supply disconnected. If this is not possible, protective measures shall be implemented so that the maintenance work can be carried out without risk or so that it can be carried out outside the danger zones. Systems for energy distribution on building and construction sites or other temporary workplaces shall be regularly inspected and maintained. Before a building and construction site is established, the existing systems shall be identified, inspected and clearly marked. If a piece of machinery has a maintenance log, it shall be kept updated. A log shall always be kept for equipment and plant for rock work and equipment for high-pressure jetting. As regards work equipment subject to a requirement for inspection by a competent enterprise, the requirements for documentation are set out in Section 13-4. It must be clearly stated what has been inspected and who carried out the inspection. When work equipment is used outside the undertaking, it shall be accompanied by documentation of the most recent inspection. Inspection, testing and maintenance logs shall be kept safely and be available to safety representatives, the working environment committee and supervisory authorities. Chapter 13. Work equipment subject to a requirement for inspection by a competent enterprise
The employer shall ensure that the following work equipment undergoes inspection by a competent enterprise: - work equipment for lifting suspended loads; - lifting accessories; - lifts and stackers for goods; - earth-moving machines with engine power greater than 15 kW (20.4 hp); - work equipment on salvage vehicles; - work equipment with a work platform or basket designed for lifting or transporting persons, and which is controlled from the platform or basket; - suspended work platforms; - climbing scaffolds for heights exceeding 3 metres; - studio and stage rigging systems; - building site lifts; and - slipways.
Inspection of work equipment by a competent enterprise as stated in Section 13-1 shall be carried out: - every 12 months; - when the work equipment has not been used for the past 6 months and putting it back into service may be associated with a risk to life or health; - when more frequent inspections are required because of the environment in which the work equipment is located; - when the work equipment has been significantly overloaded, and - following major repairs or alterations.
Inspections by an enterprise of competence can be carried out at more infrequent intervals when it can be documented that this will not entail any risk to life or health and the expert finds that it is completely safe. When the safe use of work equipment is dependent on the installation or assembly of the equipment, the employer shall ensure that an inspection is carried out by a competent enterprise before it is first used and each time it is installed or assembled on a new site. The inspection shall ensure that the work equipment is correctly installed or erected and works as intended. This applies in particular to: - foundations for and erection of portal and bridge cranes; - foundations for and assembly of work equipment for loading and offloading ships; - foundations for and erection of tower cranes; - installation of transverse cranes and hoists tracks/rails; - installation of pillar and wall slewing cranes; - installation of suspended work platforms, - assembly of climbing scaffolds for heights exceeding 3 metres; - assembly and installation of building site lifts; and - retrofitting of cranes with a capacity exceeding 2 tm on vehicles and other mobile plants.
Documentation of inspection by a competent enterprise, including confirmation that it is completely safe to use the work equipment, shall be kept in an expedient place so that it can be presented to public authorities on request. The documentation shall also be available to the enterprise of competence. The documentation shall follow the work equipment in connection with changes in ownership. The procedures for inspection by a competent enterprise shall be described in the undertaking's internal control system. Chapter 14. Work that can entail exposure to noise or mechanical vibrations
The employer shall map and document the extent to which the employees are exposed to noise and vibrations and assess any risks to their health and safety that such exposure might entail. The scope of assessments and noise measurements shall enable the determination of the noise exposure suffered by employees compared with the lower action values; see the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values. In the case of vibrations, the daily exposure values shall be mapped by recording work execution with particular emphasis on working methods, the intensity of vibrations and vibration information of relevance to the specific work situations, including information from the equipment manufacturer. When necessary, the employer shall carry out measurements of vibration exposure. The risk assessment shall pay particular attention to the following: a. the level, type and duration of the exposure and exposure to impulse noise such as impacts and bursts, variations in the vibration level and recurring bursts; b. effects on the health and safety of employees who are particularly exposed to risk; c. insofar as it is possible, any effects on the health and safety of employees as a result of the combined effect of noise and chemical substances and noise and vibrations at work; d. how the noise affects the possibility of recognising warning signals or other sounds that must be audible in order to reduce the risk of an accident; e. indirect effects on the employees’ health and safety due to interactions between vibrations and the work site or the work equipment; f. action values and limit values for daily exposure to vibrations; see Chapters 2 and 3 of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values; g. the manufacturers’ information about the noise and vibration level of the work equipment; h. whether alternative work equipment exists that generates less noise and exposure to vibrations; i. exposure to noise and whole-body vibrations other than during ordinary working hours for which the employer is responsible; j. insofar as it is possible, relevant information from medical examinations and other published information; k. increased health risk because of the combined effect of vibrations and other factors in the workplace; and l. availability of hearing protection that provides sufficient attenuation.
Mapping and measurement of noise and mechanical vibrations as a basis for risk assessment shall be carried out to the extent necessary to be able to determine the level of employee exposure in accordance with Section 14-1. Hand and arm vibrations shall be measured in accordance with NS-EN-ISO-5349-2. The measurements shall be conducted for each hand if it is necessary to hold the equipment with both hands. Measurements shall also be taken if changes have been made in the undertaking that may increase the employees’ exposure to noise. Mapping and measurements shall be documented. The employer shall ensure that employees who may be exposed to noise or mechanical vibrations and the safety representative receive training in a. safe working methods that reduce exposure and the risk of harm to health; b. when it is necessary to use hearing protection and how it should be used.
The employer shall ensure that employees and safety representatives are kept informed about relevant risks relating to noise if they are exposed to noise levels equal to or exceeding LEX,8h= 80 dB or LpC,peak= 130 dB, and about risks relating to vibrations if the risk assessment shows that the employees may be exposed to vibrations. The employer shall ensure that employees and safety representatives are kept informed about the following: a. the risk assessment that has been carried out and the measures that have been implemented; b. action and limit values for exposure; c. the measurement results; d. risks relating to noise and vibrations, how to recognise signs of harm to health and how to report them; e. conditions under which they are entitled to a medical examination, and the purpose of the medical examination; f. any risk of harm to health arising from the use of the work equipment.
The employer shall implement necessary measures based on the health and safety risks identified in the risk assessment. Among other things, the employer shall ensure that any risk because of noise is eliminated or reduced to the lowest possible level by: a. considering alternative working methods that involve less noise exposure; b. choosing appropriate work equipment to reduce noise to a minimum; c. designing and arranging the workplace and work premises, for example, so that technical devices are assembled, positioned and used so as not to give rise to unnecessary noise; d. technical noise reduction measures to reduce noise transmission through the air, for example by use of screens, encasements and sound absorbents; e. technical noise reduction measures to reduce structural noise and vibrations through balancing, dampening or isolation of sound sources; f. systematic maintenance of work equipment, the workplace and means of noise attenuation; g. arranging the work to limit the exposure time and intensity, with sufficient noise-free rest periods; h. ensuring medical examinations.
The employer shall adapt these measures to take into account employees who may be particularly exposed to accident or health hazards. Endeavours shall be made to reduce the noise exposure to at least 10 dB below the lower action values provided for in the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values; see Section 2-1. If the lower action values or the upper action value for the peak sound pressure level, LpC peak, are exceeded, the employer shall consider technical or administrative measures to reduce the noise exposure and prepare a written action plan. The peak sound pressure level, LpC,peak, means the C-weighted peak emission sound pressure level, measured during the measurement period with the instrument set to ‘peak’. The employer shall check the effect of the measures that are implemented. If the limit values for noise exposure are exceeded, the employer shall immediately implement measures to reduce the exposure to below the limit values. In order to avoid exceedance of the limit values in future, the employer shall identify the reasons why the limit values were exceeded. If the action values for mechanical vibrations are exceeded, the employer shall implement technical and organisational measures based on the health and safety risks identified in the risk assessment, by: a. considering alternative working methods that involve less exposure to vibrations; b. choosing proper work equipment of good ergonomic design concerning the work to be carried out, to reduce exposure to vibrations; c. designing and adapting the workplace and the work to be carried out; d. ensuring that the employees have access to additional equipment or technical aids that reduce the risk of harm from vibrations; e. systematic maintenance of work equipment and the workplace; f. limiting the exposure time and intensity; g. having expedient work schedules and sufficient rest periods; h. providing work clothes for employees exposed to dampness and cold.
The employer shall adapt these measures to take into account employees who may be particularly exposed to accident or health hazards. If the limit values for daily exposure are exceeded, the employer shall immediately implement measures to reduce the exposure to below the limit values. In order to avoid exceedance of the limit values in future, the employer shall identify the reasons why the limit values were exceeded. The employer shall make hearing protection available to employees where noise levels exceed LEX,8h = 80 dB or are experienced as a nuisance. If the action values cannot be followed by technical or administrative means and the employees can be exposed to noise equal to or exceeding the upper action values, the employer shall ensure that the employees use appropriate hearing protection that provides adequate protection. The type of hearing protection shall be chosen in consultation with the employees in order to reduce the risk and strain associated with its use to a minimum. The employer shall ensure that employees are offered suitable medical examinations and hearing tests when the risk assessment shows that health risks exist. The employer shall ensure that employees who are exposed to noise levels exceeding LEX,8h = 80 dB or LpC,peak = 130 dB, undergo medical examinations that include hearing tests. The medical examinations shall be able to identify any adverse health effects caused by noise and provide the basis for preventive measures in the undertaking or other measures that can reduce the risk of harm to the employee's health. Based on the employee's health condition and the type, level and duration of exposure, the medical practitioner shall decide the content of the examination and how often the employee should be examined. The employer shall ensure that employees are offered suitable medical examinations if they are exposed to vibrations that exceed the action values for vibrations, or if the exposure gives reason to suspect that lower exposure levels can be harmful to health. The medical examinations shall be able to identify any adverse health effects caused by vibrations and provide the basis for preventive measures in the undertaking or other measures that can reduce the risk of harm to the employee's health. Based on the employee's health condition and the type, level and duration of exposure, the medical practitioner shall decide the content of the examination and how frequently the employee should be examined. The employee shall be informed about the result of the medical examination. The employee shall be informed of any need for medical examinations after the exposure has stopped. If the medical examination identifies health impairments or other adverse health effects that are due to mechanical vibrations or noise in the workplace or that are a combined effect of noise and other factors, the employer shall: a. consider the causes of the health impairment; b. revise and update the risk assessment; c. take account of the advice of competent medical personnel or public authorities; d. take necessary action to eliminate or reduce the risk associated with work that exposes employees to noise or mechanical vibrations; e. offer appropriate medical examinations to other employees who have been similarly exposed.
Insofar as it is possible, the employer shall ensure that, when necessary on grounds of employees’ health, employees are relocated to other work in the undertaking where they do not suffer hazardous exposure to noise or mechanical vibrations. Chapter 15. Ionising radiation
The employer shall ensure that all radiation exposure is kept at the lowest possible level. Undertakings with employees who work with ionising radiation and who also work with cytostatics regularly shall prepare work instructions on how to carry out the work and which safety measures to implement to prevent employees from being exposed to radiation and cytostatics. Employees who work within a controlled or monitored area shall carry a personal dosimeter or ascertain their personal radiation exposure by other means. The employer shall ensure that the employees are informed about the dose readings and is obliged to store the personal dosimetry reports. The results of dose readings must be reported annually to the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The employer shall ensure that employees who are to work under conditions where radiation may lead to a dose of more than 6 mSv per year or an equivalent dose of more than 3/10 of the dose limits set out in the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values, undergo medical examinations before they are assigned such work. The medical examination shall seek to determine whether there are medical reasons why the employee should not work with ionising radiation or whether special measures are required. Employees who may be exposed to doses of more than 6 mSv in 12 months or an equivalent dose of more than 3/10 of the dose limits set out in the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values, shall undergo medical examinations every three years or more frequently if advised by a medical practitioner. The medical examination shall seek to determine whether there are medical reasons why the employee should not continue to work with ionising radiation or whether special measures are required. If individual readings show that an employee has been exposed to radiation doses exceeding the dose limits for physical and chemical agents set out in the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values, the employee shall be referred to a medical practitioner for a medical examination. Such a medical examination shall also be conducted if requested by the employee on special grounds, or if the medical practitioner has decided that the employee needs to be examined. The employer shall ensure that the medical practitioner has all the exposure information that may be of importance to the medical examination. The employee shall be informed about the result of the medical examination. Employees who have a medical certificate stating that they cannot work with ionising radiation shall be transferred to work in which there is no occupational exposure to ionising radiation. Chapter 16. Artificial optical radiation
The employer shall map and document the extent to which the employees are exposed to artificial optical radiation and assess all and any risks relating to their health and safety associated with artificial optical radiation. The risk assessment shall include assessment, calculation and measurement of exposure. The risk assessment shall pay particular attention to the following: a. the level, wavelength range and duration of exposure in connection with artificial optical radiation; b. the exposure limit values provided for in Section 4-2 of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values; c. information from manufacturers of artificial sources of optical radiation and related work equipment; d. any effects on the health and safety of employees belonging to particularly sensitive risk groups; e. effects on the employees’ health and safety due to interactions in the workplace between artificial optical radiation and chemical substances that affect photosensitivity; f. indirect effects, for example, temporary blinding and visual disturbances, explosion or fire; g. the existence of replacement equipment designed to reduce the levels of exposure to artificial optical radiation; h. relevant information from health surveys and other public information; i. exposure to artificial optical radiation from multiple sources; and j. the classification of laser equipment defined in accordance with the relevant IEC standard, and artificial optical radiation that can cause damage similar to that of a class 3B or 4 laser, risk classification of non-coherent optical sources or other similar classification.
The employer shall assess the levels of artificial optical radiation from sources of radiation to which the employees may be exposed. If necessary, the levels of the artificial optical radiation shall be calculated and/or measured. Such assessments, calculations and/or measurements shall be planned and carried out by personnel with relevant competence and be repeated at suitable intervals. A new assessment shall be carried out if changes affect the exposure of employees, and new calculations and/or measurements shall be carried out if necessary. When measuring artificial optical radiation, the method chosen shall be in accordance with the standards of 1. the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) relating to laser radiation, and 2. the recommendations of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) relating to artificial optical radiation, except laser radiation.
Exposure situations that are not covered by these standards and recommendations shall be assessed, calculated or measured in accordance with scientifically based international or national guidelines. The data provided by equipment manufacturers shall be considered in the assessment where the equipment is covered by applicable EU directives. The employer shall ensure that employees who may be exposed to artificial optical radiation and the safety representative receive training in a. safe work procedures and working methods to reduce the risk of exposure; b. correct use of proper personal protective equipment.
The employer shall ensure that employees and safety representatives are kept informed about the following: a. the conducted risk assessment and the measures implemented; b. the exposure limit values; c. assessment, calculation and measurement as stated in Section 16-2; d. how to detect and report harmful effects of exposure; e. conditions under which the employees are entitled to a medical examination, and the purpose of the medical examination; f. potential harm to health associated with artificial optical radiation.
The employer shall implement necessary measures based on the health and safety risks identified in the risk assessment. The employer shall ensure that any risk arising from artificial optical radiation is eliminated or reduced to the lowest possible level. In order to reduce exposure, the conducted risk assessment shall serve as the basis for drawing up an action plan containing technical and/or organisational measures. In particular, the following shall be considered: a. alternative working methods; b. choice of expedient work equipment to ensure a minimum of artificial optical radiation; c. technical devices to reduce artificial optical radiation, including the use of shielding, encasements etc.; d. systematic maintenance of work equipment, the workplace and work premises; e. design and layout of workplaces and work premises f. limitation of the duration and level of exposure; g. the availability of appropriate personal protective equipment; h. user manuals from equipment manufacturers; i. specific measures targeting employees who belong to sensitive risk groups; and j. implementation of medical examinations in accordance with Section 16-7.
The employer shall adapt these measures to take into account employees who may be particularly exposed to accidents and health hazards. If the risk assessment shows that the exposure limit values are exceeded, the employer shall immediately implement measures to reduce the exposure level to below the limit values. In order to avoid exceedance of the limit values in future, the employer shall identify the reasons why the limit values were exceeded. The employer shall ensure that the employees are offered suitable medical examinations, where: a. exposure to artificial optical radiation exceeds the limit values provided for in Section 4-2 of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values; or b. employees have a known disease that is the result of exposure to artificial optical radiation; or c. the risk assessment shows that a health risk exists.
The employer shall ensure that the risk assessment is available to the person carrying out the medical examination. The medical examination shall be able to identify adverse health effects caused by artificial optical radiation and provide the basis for preventive measures in the undertaking. Based on the employee's health condition and the type, level and duration of exposure, the medical practitioner shall decide the content of the examination and how frequently the employee should be examined. The employee shall be informed about the result of the medical examination. The employee shall be informed of any need for medical examinations after the exposure has stopped. If the medical examination identifies health impairments or other adverse health effects that are due to artificial optical radiation, the employer shall: a. consider the causes of the health impairment; b. revise and update the risk assessment; c. implement measures as necessary to remove or reduce the risks involved in work where employees are exposed to artificial optical radiation, including to take account of the advice of competent health personnel or public authorities; d. relocate employees; and e. offer proper medical examinations to other employees who have been similarly exposed.
Insofar as it is possible, the employer shall ensure that, whenever necessary on grounds of the employees’ health, employees are relocated to other work in the undertaking where they do not suffer hazardous exposure to artificial optical radiation Chapter 16 A. Electromagnetic field
The employer shall ascertain and document to what extent employees are exposed to electromagnetic fields and assess any health and safety risks associated with electromagnetic fields. Such exposure assessment, calculations or measurement shall be included in the risk assessment. The risk assessment shall pay particular attention to: a. the level, frequency range and exposure time in connection with electromagnetic fields, b. action and limit values for exposure laid down in Section 4-3 of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values, c. information from manufacturers of electromagnetic radiation sources and related work equipment, d. any effects on the health and safety of employees belonging to particularly sensitive risk groups, e. any direct biophysical effects, f. indirect effects, g. accessibility of alternative equipment constructed to reduce the exposure level to electromagnetic fields, h. relevant information from medical examinations and other publicly available information, i. exposure to electromagnetic fields from several sources and, j. coexposure to fields with multiple frequencies.
The employer shall assess and, if necessary, measure or calculate the levels of electromagnetic fields that the employees may be exposed to. Assessment and calculation or measurement shall be planned and conducted by qualified personnel and be repeated at suitable intervals. A new assessment shall be carried out if any changes may affect employee exposure. New calculations or measurements shall be carried out if necessary. The employer shall ensure that employees who may be exposed to electromagnetic fields and the safety representative shall receive training in: a. safe work procedures and working methods to reduce the risk of exposure b. correct use of proper personal protective equipment.
The employer shall ensure that employees and safety representatives are kept informed about the following: a. the conducted risk assessment and the measures implemented b. exposure limit and action values c. assessment, calculation and measurement as stated in Section 16 A-2 d. how to detect and report harmful effects of exposure e. conditions under which the employees are entitled to a medical examination, and the purpose of the medical examination f. potential harm to health associated with electromagnetic fields g. the possibility of transient symptoms and sensations associated with impact on the nervous system h. employees that are particularly exposed to risk.
Based on the health and safety risks identified in the risk assessment, the employer shall implement the necessary measures. The employer shall ensure that any risk caused by electromagnetic fields is removed or minimised to the lowest level possible. In order to reduce exposure, the conducted risk assessment shall serve as the basis for drawing up an action plan containing technical and organisational measures. In particular, the following shall be taken into account: a. alternative working methods, b. choice of expedient work equipment to ensure a minimum of electromagnetic radiation, c. technical devices to reduce electromagnetic radiation, including the use of shielding, encasement etc. d. systematic maintenance of work equipment, the workplace and work premises, e. design and layout of workplaces and work premises, f. limitation of the duration of exposure, g. the availability of proper personal protective equipment, h. user manuals from equipment manufacturers, i. suitable restriction and access measures, j. procedures to handle spark discharges and contact currents using technical tools and employee training, k. specific measures directed at employees belonging to particularly sensitive risk groups, l. implementation of medical examinations in accordance with Section 16 A-7.
The employer shall adapt these measures to suit employees who may be particularly exposed to accident and health hazards. If the risk assessment shows that the exposure limit values have been exceeded, the employer shall immediately implement measures to reduce the exposure level to below the limit values. In order to avoid exceedance of the limit values in future, the employer shall identify the reasons why the limit values were exceeded. The employer shall ensure that the employees are offered suitable medical examinations, if: a. exposure to electromagnetic fields exceeds the limit values provided in Section 4-3 of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values, or b. employees have a known disease that is the result of exposure to electromagnetic fields.
The employer shall ensure that the risk assessment is available to the person carrying out the medical examination. The employee shall be informed about the result of the medical examination. Chapter 17. Work at height
In connection with planning and performance of work at height, the employer shall assess the risk to ensure that the work can be carried out safely. The risk assessment shall pay particular attention to the following: a. the height at which the work shall be carried out, including the risk that a person or objects can fall, b. factors of importance for the choice of fall protection measures, including the nature and duration of the work, type of supporting surface, risk of landslides, etc., c. loads applied to the work equipment or work platform, d. ergonomic conditions, e. access routes and evacuation options, f. traffic conditions, g. weather conditions and, h. other hazards in the workplace in question
The employer shall ensure training for employees who will perform erection, removal, alteration and inspection of system scaffolds where the scaffold top deck height is from two metres and erected as standard and in accordance with the supplier's erection instructions. The training requirement also applies to the erection, removal, alteration and inspection of rolling scaffolds from two metres. The training shall take into account any elements of risk associated with the work and shall pay particular attention to: a. understanding the instructions for the erection, removal or alteration of the type of scaffolding in question, b. safety during the erection, removal or alteration of the type of scaffolding in question, c. measures to reduce the risk of falling for persons and objects, d. assessment of the condition of the scaffolding material to remove any unsafe scaffolding material, e.g. rot, corrosion and cracks, e. safety measures in the case of any changes in weather that may have a negative impact on the safety of the type of scaffolding in question, f. permitted loads, g. inspection of scaffolding and h. all other risks which may arise during the said erection, removal or alteration.
Before an employee is assigned independent work involving erection, removal, alteration and inspection, the employer shall ensure that the employee has had 7.5 hours of theoretical training and 7.5 hours of practical training under the supervision and guidance of a qualified person. The employer shall also ensure that the employee receives training in the use of relevant safety equipment to protect against falls during the erection, removal and alteration of scaffolding constructions, including the use of personal protective equipment (fall arrest equipment). An employee who has completed such training according to this provision is considered a qualified person for scaffolding with a top scaffold deck height of up to five metres. Documentation shall be issued confirming that such practical and theoretical training has been given in accordance with this provision. The safety representative and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority shall have access to the documentation of the practical and theoretical training. The employer shall ensure training for employees who will perform erection, removal, alteration and inspection of system scaffolds where the top scaffold deck height is from five to nine metres and erected as standard and in accordance with the supplier's erection instructions. The training requirement also applies to the erection, removal, alteration and inspection of rolling scaffolds from five to nine metres. The training shall take into account any elements of risk associated with the work and shall comprise the requirements in Section 17-2, third paragraph, letters a-h. Before an employee is assigned independent work involving erection, removal, alteration and inspection, the employer shall ensure that the employee has had 15 hours of theoretical training and 15 hours of practical training under the supervision and guidance of a qualified person. The employer shall also ensure that the employee receives training in the use of relevant safety equipment to protect against falls during the erection, removal and alteration of scaffolding constructions, including the use of personal protective equipment (fall arrest equipment). An employee who has completed such training according to this provision is considered a qualified person for scaffolding with a top scaffold deck height of up to nine metres. Documentation shall be issued confirming that such practical and theoretical training has been given in accordance with this provision. The safety representative and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority shall have access to the documentation of the practical and theoretical training. The employer shall ensure training for employees who will perform the erection, removal, alteration and inspection of system scaffolds where the top scaffold deck is from nine metres upwards. This also applies to scaffolding that is not erected as standard according to the supplier's erection instructions, regardless of the height of the top scaffold deck. The training shall take into account any elements of risk associated with the work and shall also, in addition to the requirements in Section 17-2, third paragraph, letters a-h, comprise: a. erection of scaffolding constructions in a manner ensuring health and safety, when the scaffolding includes elements that require special strength and stability calculations, b. understanding of the specifications for a planned scaffolding construction, including strength and stability calculations and c. training in safe erection, removal and alteration of scaffolding construction, concerning own health and safety during the work and the health and safety of subsequent users.
Before an employee is assigned independent work involving erection, removal, alteration and inspection, the employer shall ensure that the employee has used scaffolding for at least six months and received 36 hours of theoretical training followed by 72 hours of practical training under the supervision and guidance of a qualified person. The employer shall also ensure that the employee receives training in the use of relevant safety equipment to protect against falls during the erection, removal and alteration of scaffolding constructions, including the use of personal protective equipment (fall arrest equipment). An employee who has completed such training according to this provision is considered a qualified person for scaffolding with a top scaffold deck height above nine metres. Documentation shall be issued confirming that practical and theoretical training has been given in accordance with this provision. The safety representative and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority shall have access to the documentation of the practical and theoretical training. The employer shall ensure that employees who use scaffolding as work platforms to perform work at height have been given training in the use of the relevant scaffolding, including a review of the instructions for erection, use and removal, cf. Section 17-8, second paragraph. The employer is responsible for ensuring that satisfactory training is provided before the work starts. The employer shall take the necessary measures based on the health and safety risks that emerge from the risk assessment. In particular, it must be ensured that: a. collective fall protection is prioritized over personal fall protection equipment b. the work equipment is dimensioned for the work to be carried out and for predictable loads c. scaffolding is stable and the supporting surface has sufficient load-carrying capacity to withstand the loads to which it is exposed, d. where possible, the work is carried out according to ergonomic principles from a suitable surface e. access routes are adapted according to how often the employees move around, how long the access routes are used and their height, f. access routes can be used for evacuation in an emergency, g. moving around between access routes and work platforms, scaffolding decks or gangways does not pose a further risk of falls, h. safety devices to prevent falling are fitted where this is necessary, and i. equipment is secured to prevent objects from falling and posing a risk to other people.
Collective fall protection devices can only be breached at access points where there is a ladder or stairs. When, in connection with the execution of a certain task, it is necessary to temporarily remove a collective fall protection device, safety measures shall be taken to compensate for this before the task is carried out. When the task has been temporarily or fully completed, the collective fall protection shall be reinstated. In places where there are special elements of risk, such as traffic, live cables or a landslide risk, etc., special safety measures shall be implemented before equipment for work at height is assembled and used. Work at height shall not be carried out in weather conditions that pose a risk to the employees’ health and safety. The scaffolding, including the guardrails on scaffold deck edges etc., shall be dimensioned to ensure that the guardrails and the completed scaffold are sufficiently strong. The same applies to the calculation of wind forces to which the scaffold is exposed. The employer shall ensure that scaffolders are issued with installation guidelines and written work instructions. The requirement for use of appropriate personal protective equipment during installation work shall be stated in particular. A qualified person who is knowledgeable about the complexity of the scaffolding in question shall prepare guidelines for assembly, use and dismantling of it. The guidelines may be a general guide from the manufacturer, but shall, if necessary, include complementary and detailed information about the scaffolding in question, to ensure that assembly, use and dismantling of the scaffolding take place safely. If the design calculations for the scaffolding are unavailable or do not contain information about the planned arrangements, the scaffolding shall be installed in conformity with a generally recognised standard model, or strength and stability calculations shall be performed. The scaffolding shall be stable. The load-carrying parts of the scaffolding shall be secured against sliding, either by fixing them to the foundation or by using an anti-skid device. The foundation shall have sufficient load-carrying capacity to support the load. Assembly, use and dismantling of rolling scaffolding shall take place in accordance with Section 17-17. The dimensions, shape and positioning of the scaffold decks shall be adapted to the nature of the work and the load it entails and shall ensure that employees can work and move around safely. There shall be no dangerous gaps between the deck components and the vertical collective safeguards. The scaffolding construction shall be planned and designed so that it is possible to hoist or move materials and equipment through or onto the scaffolding without having to move or dismantle important structural or safety components. When some parts of scaffolding are not ready for use, for example during assembly, dismantling or alteration, physical barriers shall be erected around the hazardous areas to prevent access. Signs shall be put up to prevent the scaffolding from being used. The employer shall ensure that the scaffolding is inspected before it is used. For as long as it is used, it shall be inspected at regular intervals according to the circumstances. The scaffolding shall be inspected before use following a storm, when other circumstances may have had an impact on its stability and strength, and when the scaffolding has been out of use for a week or more. The employer shall ensure that the inspection is carried out by a qualified person, cf. Sections 17-2, 17-3 and 17-4. The employer shall ensure that a report is prepared after the inspection of the scaffolding. The report shall, as a minimum, contain the following: a. information about who performs the inspection and his or her employer, b. the owner of the scaffolding, c. information of any deficiencies and the deadline for rectifying them, d. technical information and e. signature of the executing inspector.
If any deficiencies are discovered that may pose a risk to the users of the scaffolding, the person responsible for the inspection shall ensure that a sign is put up to warn the users of this. In addition, physical barriers shall be erected to prevent access to the scaffolding. The report shall be available to all employers and employees who will use the scaffolding, including the employee representatives, as well as the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. Scaffolding shall carry permanent and easily visible signs with information about: a. the owner of the scaffolding, b. the scaffolder, c. safe load limits and d. a contact person with a telephone number and information about the latest inspection date and inspector.
The sign shall be updated following every inspection performed in accordance with Section 17-9. Access to the scaffolding shall be safe, convenient and expedient, preferably with a separate stair tower. Ladders may be used for access to work of short duration. Where virtually vertical ladders are used for access to decks higher than 3.5 m, the ladder shall be equipped with hoops from 2.5 m above ground. The scaffolding shall have sufficient space for users, tools and materials. It shall be possible to perform the work using work postures that do not result in unfortunate physical strains. Employees should be able to move around without any risk of getting caught or colliding with protruding or hanging scaffold parts or objects. The employer shall make sure that the scaffold components that are used, are easy to clean and maintain. All components shall be inspected and sorted every time they have been used. Material and equipment in unsatisfactory condition shall be clearly marked or rendered unusable for scaffolding purposes. Damaged components shall be repaired before they are stored together with undamaged material. Any components that cannot be repaired, shall be discarded. Maintenance, storage and scrapping of type-approved or certified scaffolding components shall take place in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use. Scaffold decks shall be installed so that individual components cannot be displaced during normal use. Gaps of more than 0.30 m between walls and scaffolding shall be secured, cf. Section 6-5 of the Workplace Regulations. The scaffold decks shall be properly fastened to the scaffold structure and have no tipping ends. The decks shall be even with a design and surface that prevent them from becoming slippery, and they shall not have any openings through which materials, tools etc. can fall. They shall be sufficiently rigid to ensure satisfactory working conditions and security. Openings shall be secured with guardrails or solid covers. Scaffolding shall be braced in the horizontal and vertical plane as well as in the lateral and longitudinal directions by use of diagonal stays or similar. All couplers shall be locked when in use so that they cannot loosen accidentally. Wooden material shall be unpainted and undamaged. Joints in posts, runners and braces shall be able to transmit the compressive and tensile forces for which the scaffolding is dimensioned. Brackets mounted on wooden battens must not be used above 5 m. The battens shall be without joints and have a dimension of at least 95 mm x 95 mm. The battens shall be sufficiently braced to prevent them from breaking. Trestle scaffolding shall not be taller than two metres. Cantilever and suspended scaffolding erected on outriggers shall be secured by properly dimensioning the outriggers and properly fastening the outriggers using stays, bolts or cables. Counterweights may also be used that are dimensioned to prevent tipping according to the maximum load of the scaffold and the imposed load with a safety margin of 2.5. Counterweights shall be properly fastened to the beams. Suspended scaffolding must be attached using non-flammable components. Rolling scaffolds shall be used on firm, even, horizontal surfaces only, to ensure adequate stability during movement and use. Rolling scaffolds shall be equipped with devices that prevent them from moving unintentionally. If the scaffolding is not supported by outriggers, the wheels shall have good contact with the supporting surface when it is in use. Rolling scaffolds shall be moved safely. It is not permitted to occupy rolling scaffolds while they are being moved. Before the scaffolding is moved, objects on it shall be removed or secured against falling. Rolling scaffolds shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Scaffolding that is not designed to stand freely or be suspended, shall be anchored by fastening or tying the scaffold to a rigid structure or the ground. Scaffolds shall have sufficient anchor points to secure them against overturning or breaking away. The fastening devices for the anchor ties shall be suitable for the material of which the supporting structure is made. The anchor ties shall be dimensioned according to expected wind forces at the site, both transverse and longitudinal. If anchoring devices have not been described in the assembly instructions, they shall be calculated. The calculations shall be documented together with documentation confirming that the construction to which the scaffolding is anchored, can withstand the total expected load. The anchor ties shall be fastened to the posts or the frames as close to tying points with the horizontal bearers as possible. The anchoring devices shall be able to absorb both tensile forces and compression. A row of anchoring devices shall normally be installed at the level of the uppermost runners. Anchoring devices shall be tested by applying a load that is 20% higher than the load for which they are designed. When scaffolding extends onto a roof or the top of another structure, account shall be taken of its intended use, to ensure that those who use it as a work platform or for access, are not at risk of injuries from falls or falling objects. If the top scaffold deck is used for work at cornices and access to the roof, the access to the roof shall be safe. Work at cornices shall take place in a manner that does not expose workers to adverse physical strain. If covered scaffolding is used, the cover shall satisfy the fire requirements for materials used in escape routes. Ladders shall be positioned so that they remain steady during use. Ladders shall be used so that the employees always have a safe hold and firm footing. Employees shall keep a secure hold of any objects they need to carry while standing on the ladder. Portable ladders shall rest on a stable, sound and firm footing so that the rungs remain horizontal during use. Suspended ladders shall be securely fastened and, except for rope ladders, fastened so that they cannot be displaced and so that swinging is prevented. Insofar as it is practical, ladders shall also be fastened at the top or otherwise secured. Leaning ladders shall always be secured before use. Ladders shall be secured against slipping and falling sideways or coming away from the structure. Ladders and extension ladders consisting of several sections shall be used so that the various sections cannot be displaced in relation to each other. Mobile ladders shall be secured before use. Ladders shall be used for access only. By way of exception, ladders may be used as work platforms for work at height when the use of other and more secure work equipment is inexpedient because the risk is low and a. the ladder will only be used for a short time, or b. the employer cannot change the conditions in the workplace.
Free-standing ladders more than 6 metres high shall not be used. Free-standing combination ladders more than 4 metres high shall not be used. A ladder used for access to a roof, ledge, etc. must extend at least 1 metre above the access level unless other measures have been implemented to ensure that employees can hold on safely. A ladder used for access shall always be secured at the top. When the employer has assessed the risk and finds it safe, employees may use a rope as means of access and to assume working positions. This is conditional on it being possible to carry out the work in a safe manner and on it being inexpedient to use other, safer equipment. The employer shall make the following arrangements to ensure the safety of employees in connection with the use of rope: a. the rope system shall include at least two separately anchored ropes. One rope is used as a work rope for access, descent and support, while the other is used as a safety rope to secure the employees. One rope may be used if, following a risk assessment, the employer finds that the use of two ropes would make the work more hazardous. If this is the case, the employer shall implement suitable measures to ensure that the employees are safe, b. the employees shall be provided with and use an appropriate harness, which shall be attached to the safety rope, c. the work rope shall be equipped with a safe means of ascent and descent and a self-locking system to prevent the user from falling, d. the safety rope shall have a mobile fall-prevention system that follows the movements of the user, e. tools and other equipment used by the employees shall be secured to the employees’ harnesses or work seats or by other appropriate means, f. the work shall be carefully planned and supervised so that employees can get immediate assistance in an emergency, g. The employees shall receive necessary training, practice and instruction in the work to be done, particularly in procedures in connection with rescue operations.
If necessary, the rope shall be fitted with a work seat. This shall be considered with particular regard to the duration of the work and the ergonomic strains the employees are exposed to. Where the use of collective safeguards is not possible during routine and maintenance work, personal protective equipment may be used. If there is a risk of falling from a height, a safety harness shall be used. If the distance to the hazardous area is limited, a safety belt can be used. The safety rope and fastening points shall be able to withstand the expected forces that may arise. Sections 17-26 to 17-34 are repealed. Chapter 18. Work with lifting equipment
Work equipment used for lifting loads, and suspension and anchoring arrangements for such equipment, shall be strong enough to support the loads to which the equipment may be exposed and to maintain stability. Work equipment used for lifting loads shall be clearly marked with the maximum safe working load and, if applicable, have a rating plate that states the safe working load for each lifting position. Lifting accessories must be marked so that it is clear how they can be used safely. Work equipment that is not designed to lift persons, but that can be used to do so, shall be clearly marked with a prohibition on lifting persons. Work equipment used for lifting loads shall be installed to prevent employees from being exposed to the risk of the load striking employees, drifting unintentionally and dangerously, or being released unintentionally or falling freely. Work equipment designed for lifting loads that is mobile or can be dismantled shall be used to ensure that it is stable under all conditions of foreseeable use. Account must be taken of the supporting surface. Where two or more units of work equipment for lifting non-guided loads are installed or erected so that their working radiuses overlap, measures shall be taken to avoid collisions between the loads and/or parts of the lifting equipment. Where mobile work equipment is used to lift non-guided loads, measures shall be taken to prevent the equipment from tilting, overturning, moving or slipping. The employer shall ensure that such measures are properly implemented. Where an operator of the lifting equipment cannot observe the full path of the load, whether directly or indirectly using auxiliary equipment, a person with the requisite competence for the task shall be posted to have direct contact with and guide the operator. Organisational measures shall be taken to prevent collisions that could endanger employees. The work shall be organised safely, particularly to ensure that the employee can retain direct or indirect control of the work operation during manual attachment and detachment of the load. All lifting operations shall be carefully planned, appropriately supervised and carried out with due attention to the employees’ health and safety. If the load requires the simultaneous use of several units of lifting equipment, and the load is not controlled, procedures shall be established to ensure that the operators safely coordinate the work. If lifting equipment used to lift loads that are not controlled is unable to maintain its hold on the load in the event of a complete or partial power failure, measures shall be taken to prevent employees from being exposed to the risk this represents. Suspended loads may only be left without surveillance when access to the danger zone is prevented and the load is safely suspended and held. Lifting equipment used outdoors to lift loads that are not controlled shall not be used under weather conditions that make it unsafe to use. Appropriate protective measures shall be taken to avoid exposing employees to risk, and particularly to prevent the equipment from overturning. Measures shall be taken to ensure that employees do not enter the area below suspended loads. Should the employees nevertheless have to enter the area below the load to carry out the work, measures shall be taken to protect the employees from being injured. The work must be carried out using lifting accessories that are appropriate to the load to be handled, the gripping points, lifting lugs, weather conditions and the method used for slinging and hooking on the load. Assembled lifting accessories that are not disassembled after use shall be clearly marked so that the users are aware of the characteristics of such lifting attachments. Lifting accessories shall be stored to prevent damage and degradation. Work equipment for lifting and moving employees shall be designed to: a. prevent the platform or similar from falling using suitable devices; b. prevent the employee from falling from the platform; c. prevent the employee from being crushed, trapped or struck; d. ensure that the employee is not exposed to risk and can leave the platform in the event of unintentional operational interruptions.
If the devices stated under (a) do not provide adequate safety due to the nature of the work site and height differences, the platform shall be secured by installing an additional rope with an enhanced safety coefficient. The ropes shall be inspected before each use. Only work equipment and platforms designed for lifting persons shall be used to lift employees. Work equipment that is not designed for lifting persons may be used for the purpose by way of exception. Exceptional lifting is assumed to involve little danger, be of a short-term nature, and apply to uncomplicated work tasks. When such work equipment is occupied by an employee, the control station shall be staffed continuously. The employee being lifted shall have reliable means of communication and the possibility of being safely evacuated. Chapter 19. Work with mobile work equipment
Mobile work equipment shall be fitted out so that ride-on employees are not endangered. This includes the risk of coming into contact with or being trapped by wheels or tracks. Risks due to blockage or seizure in the work equipment or the drive shaft for energy transmission shall be avoided by using a device that breaks or limits the energy transmission. Where this is not possible, other measures shall be implemented to protect employees in the event of blockage or seizure. Mobile work equipment shall have a suspension system for drive shafts for the transmission of energy if parts of the drive shaft between different units of the work equipment can be soiled or damaged when dragged along the ground etc. Mobile work equipment that can roll over during use and that has a seat for the operator or employee shall have: a. either a protective structure to ensure that the equipment does not tilt more than a quarter turn, or b. a structure that ensures that there is sufficient clearance around the operator or ride-on employee should the tilting movement continue beyond a quarter turn, or c. another device of equivalent effect.
The protective structure can be an integral part of the work equipment. Protective structures are not required if the work equipment is stabilised while in operation, or where the design makes roll-over impossible. If there is a risk that ride-on employees can be crushed between parts of the work equipment and the ground should the work equipment roll over, a restraining system must be available for these employees. A lift or stacker that carries one or more employees shall have: a. a structure that prevents it from rolling over, or b. a roll-over protective structure, or c. a structure that ensures that there is sufficient clearance between the ground and the equipment should the lift or stacker roll over, or d. a structure restraining employees in the driving seat and thus prevents them from being crushed between the ground and parts of the lift or stacker should it roll over.
Tractors must be fitted with seat belts and a type-approved protective structure to protect the operator should the tractor roll over or rear. Operators must wear a seatbelt while driving. However, the requirement to wear a seat belt does not apply when the operator drives at low speeds and must leave their seat at brief intervals when the seat belt itself presents an increased risk of injury, or in other cases when it is clearly unnecessary. Self-propelled work equipment that can put employees at risk when moving shall meet the following requirements: a. It must have facilities for preventing an unauthorised start-up. b. It must have appropriate facilities for minimising the consequences of a collision, where there is more than one item of track-mounted work equipment in motion at the same time. c. There must be a device for braking and stopping the equipment. Where required on grounds of safety, emergency facilities operated by readily accessible controls or automatic systems must be available to enable braking and stopping in the event of failure of the main facility. d. Where the driver's direct field of vision is inadequate to ensure the safety of the employees, appropriate auxiliary devices shall be installed to ensure proper visibility. e. Work equipment designed to be used at night or in dark places shall be fitted with lighting appropriate to the work to be carried out. f. Work equipment that can constitute a fire hazard, either on its own or concerning the load being towed or carried, and that is liable to endanger employees, must be equipped with appropriate fire-extinguishing equipment unless such equipment is within reach at the site where the equipment is being used. g. Remote-controlled work equipment shall stop automatically as soon as it leaves the control range. h. Remote-controlled work equipment that, under normal operating conditions, can put employees at risk of being run over or crushed, must have facilities to guard against this risk unless other suitable devices are in place to prevent the risk of being run over or crushed.
Mobile work equipment with a combustion engine may not be used in work areas unless a sufficient fresh air supply can be secured to prevent harm to the employees’ life and health. Where the work makes it necessary to drive on frozen water with mobile work equipment, the work equipment used shall have a cab with an escape route that cannot be blocked. Chapter 20. High-pressure jetting
The employer shall provide instructions on the safe use of high-pressure jetting equipment. The instructions shall at least cover the following: a. the nozzle of the jetting device, with or without a liquid jet, must never point towards one's own or somebody else's body during use; b. a device for mechanical control of the jetting device must be used when the estimated recoil force exceeds 250 N; c. the jetting device must be supported against the body if the recoil force of the hand-held jetting device exceeds 150 N; d. the trigger or relief valve must never be tied up or otherwise blocked; e. setting the control valve for working pressure during use shall only be done in consultation with the person operating the jetting device. The same applies to the regulation of the temperature when the liquid is heated; f. when the work is completed, the jetting device shall be placed and stored out of reach of unauthorised personnel.
When the conditions indicate that the operator has limited control of the pumping unit, or if otherwise required because of the working conditions, an assistant operator shall keep the pumping unit under observation. It must be possible for the operator who is in control of and operates the pumping unit to communicate or preferably have visual contact with the operator that operates the jetting device. The operator that controls the jetting device shall act as team leader and communicate with the assistant operator using the agreed signals. Any additives shall be adapted to the system and used in accordance with the instructions for use. When using additives, the work operation shall be adapted and carried out to limit the formation of droplets or vapour. Special precautions must be taken when using abrasives as they significantly increase the penetrating power of the jet. Safety valves must never be set to a pressure exceeding the pressure stated on the valve or in the supplier's instructions for the system. Several hand-held jetting devices may not be connected to the same pump where opening or closing the relief valves can produce hazardous changes in the recoil force. Consideration shall be given to the recoil force's effect on the operator when using a hand-held jetting device. When the jetting device is supported by the body, the recoil force shall be partly or wholly absorbed by the body. The surface on which the operator stands shall be sufficiently slip-resistant for work using a jetting device, and the operator shall be able to withstand changes in the recoil force from the jetting device during use. Guard rails shall be used as necessary where work with a jetting device involves a risk of falling, to ensure that the operator can work safely despite the horizontal recoil force. The jetting device must never be dropped or placed so that it can fall. The trigger or relief valve shall be secured when the jetting device is not in use. When using a hose that is directly connected to a spray nozzle, the liquid pressure shall not be increased to working pressure before the jetting device has been inserted into the pipe or the operators are adequately protected by shields. Repair and replacement of couplings shall only be carried out using special equipment and by competent personnel, preferably the hose supplier or system supplier. If faults are found on a safety valve, the system shall not be used before the valve or relevant parts have been replaced or repaired. Repair, adjustment and security sealing may only be performed by the supplier or others having the requisite competence. Hoses and hose couplings shall be inspected before the equipment is used. Hoses or couplings that show signs of leakage, significant wear or other damage shall be replaced immediately. Jetting devices shall be inspected regularly in accordance with the instructions for use. All available electrical components shall be inspected for possible wear and damage. The trigger valve shall be checked regularly to ensure that it closes as intended when the trigger or pedal is released. Safety valves shall be tested regularly. It must be ensured that the hose working pressures are correctly adjusted concerning the maximum working pressure for the pumping unit. Jetting devices shall be tested and inspected at least once a year by a person with the requisite knowledge and experience of such systems. Leakages in pipe and hose couplings shall only be repaired after relieving the systems of pressure. Repair and replacement of couplings shall only be carried out using special equipment and by competent personnel, preferably the hose supplier or system supplier. When cleaning jetting devices, replacing nozzles etc., the pump shall be stopped, and the liquid pressure released from all parts of the system. Where a pressure reduction valve has been installed, the adjusting screw for setting the working pressure shall be set to fully relieve the pressure. On centrally controlled systems, the jetting device and pertaining hose shall be relieved of pressure. Insofar as it is possible, the same shall be done when the person operating the jetting device leaves his/her workplace. The employer shall appoint a person with good knowledge and experience in high-pressure jetting systems to supervise the operation and maintenance of the system. Chapter 21. Excavation work
Before excavation work is initiated, the employer shall map and document conditions that may pose a risk to the employees’ safety. The employer shall make a risk assessment based on the mapping. A new risk assessment shall be made if there are changes in conditions that may affect the employees’ safety. The risk assessment shall take particular account of: a. ground conditions and terrain b. the depth of the excavation pit c. weather conditions d. the load on the ground from surrounding buildings or structures, storage locations, work equipment and similar e. the location of excavated materials f. traffic conditions at the excavation site g. the location and use of work equipment and materials h. the need for shoring i. installations in the ground j. chemical and biological health hazards k. falling objects l. risk of falling m. ergonomic conditions n. the need for evacuation and escape routes.
For all excavations deeper than 1.25 m, the employer shall only use employees who have completed special training in excavation work. Employees who carry out excavation work shall have undergone health and safety training. The training shall be provided by competent persons and shall provide the employees with the necessary knowledge and skills about risks and safety measures during excavation work. The training shall be documented. The employer shall ensure that employees receive the necessary information about: a. the risk assessments made of the excavation work in question b. what protective measures are necessary for the safe execution of the work c. how to deal with special risk factors that may arise.
Only employees who have the necessary competence may build or change shoring in excavation pits. If the excavation pit is deeper than 2 m, the shoring shall be dimensioned by a qualified person and the calculations shall be documented. Before excavation work under the foundation level is initiated for building structures, or where the ground is subjected to extra load, the excavation shall be assessed by a person with geotechnical expertise. Before the excavation of trenches along the foot of a slope or a slope with a gradient towards the side of the trench of more than 1:10, the plans for the excavation shall be assessed by a person who has the necessary geotechnical knowledge before the work starts. The construction, placement, alteration or removal of a cofferdam, or caisson shall only take place under the supervision of a competent person. Plans shall be in place before the excavation of trenches or shafts deeper than 1.25 m. The risk assessment made pursuant to Section 21-1 shall form the basis of the plan. The plan shall be readily available in the workplace and shall be kept as long as necessary for the safety of the employees. The plan shall be updated if there are changes that may be of significance to the safety of the employees. The plan shall: a. show the longitudinal profile with a description of soil types down to 1 m below the excavation level and installations in the ground; b. Show a typical cross-section. When shoring (bracing) is planned, this shall be indicated on the drawing; c. Show where the excavated material is to be placed; d. Contain work instructions that ensure the excavation work is carried out in a way so that the employees’ health and safety are safeguarded in a fully responsible manner.
In case of minor jobs and in emergencies, the plans can be simplified to a diagram. The employer shall ensure that the necessary inspections are made of the excavation pit before and during the excavation work. Excavation pits shall be inspected by a competent person before the work on the excavation pit starts. The inspections shall be carried out in a suitable and professionally sound manner and shall be documented. While work is in progress in an excavation pit, the pit shall be checked at intervals adapted to the risk conditions. After storms, periods of drought, substantial amounts of rainfall or other conditions that may affect stability, the excavation pit must always be checked before it is put into use. Excavation pits in which no work has been carried out for one week or more shall also be inspected before the work in the excavation pit resumes. Slopes, shoring, excavated areas, supports, coffer dams and caissons shall be inspected regularly to ensure that the necessary stability and strength are maintained. The employer shall ensure that the employees are not exposed to risk to life or health during excavation work. Excavation pits shall have safe access. For sides of excavations that are lower than 2 m, vertical sides without shoring can be used unless there are special elements of risk. For all other excavation puts that are not shored, the side shall be given a safe angle of slope. In frozen soil, the excavation pit may be excavated with vertical sides if it is to be filled before there is a risk of thawing. If the excavation pit is deeper than the ground frost level, the walls below ground frost level shall be shored where there is a risk of a collapse causing personal injury. Staying in the excavation pit during the removal of shoring is only permitted if this is necessary. Special precautions shall be taken in connection with excavation work where the ground near the excavation put is exposed to additional loads, e.g. buildings or other structures, storage sites, etc. There shall always be one or more escape routes in excavation pits deeper than 1 m. Escape routes shall satisfy the relevant requirements in Section 2-21 of the Workplace Regulations. Excavated materials shall be placed in such a way as to ensure that they cannot cause a collapse and that they do not obstruct traffic in the area. The toe of the excavated material must never be less than 1.0 m from the edge of the shaft or trench. The employer shall ensure that excavation pits deeper than 2 m are shored or have a safe angle of slope. Documentation of the calculations for shoring shall be available on request. Shoring shall protrude at least 0.10 m above the edge of the excavation. When using prefabricated shoring or other means of physical protection in the excavation pit, the instructions for use shall clearly show for what depths and soils the structure is designed. If such instructions for use exist, the requirement that documentation of calculations must be available in the workplace will no longer apply. Sheet piles are not considered to be prefabricated shoring. The employer shall ensure that supports are erected as soon as possible after groundwork when the stability of the grounds renders this necessary to ensure the safety of the workers. He employer shall ensure that formwork, temporary supports and shoring are designed, dimensioned, installed and maintained so that they can withstand the stresses to which they may be exposed. Chapter 22. Safety signage, signalling and communication
The employer shall ensure that the employees receive training and instruction in safety signage and signalling in the workplace. The training shall include special requirements relating to safety signage, especially signs that contain words, and signalling in the workplace. The training shall include the meaning of the signs and signals and what behaviour is expected. The employer shall ensure that the employees and their safety representatives are provided with information about measures to be taken in connection with safety signage and signalling in the workplace. The information shall also be given to the occupational health service, where one is available. When the situation so requires, light signals, audio signals or verbal instructions shall be used to notify of risks, prompt people to take specific actions and for emergency evacuation of persons. When the situation so requires, hand signals or verbal instructions shall be used to guide persons carrying out work operations that entail danger or risk. The employer shall ensure that the employees have good knowledge of the language used so that they can pronounce and understand spoken messages correctly and act accordingly in a manner appropriate to preventing situations that may entail a risk of harm to life or health. When safe execution of the work requires verbal instructions, the employer may only use employees who can understand such instructions. Verbal instructions, including instructions agreed upon in advance, shall be in the form of short texts, sentences, phrases and/or individual words, and they shall be clearly understandable. Verbal instructions may be given directly using the human voice or indirectly using a human or artificial voice announcement through a medium. Hand signals must be precise, simple, based on big movements, easy to give and understand and clearly distinguishable from other similar signals. If both arms are used at the same time, they must be moved symmetrically and only indicate one signal. The employer shall ensure that: a. the person giving the signals, hereinafter called the signaller, uses arm and hand movements to give manoeuvring instructions to the person receiving the signals, hereinafter called the operator; b. the signaller can monitor all manoeuvres with his/her eyes without thereby putting him/herself at risk; c. if the conditions described in b) above cannot be met, one or more additional signallers are deployed; d. the signaller's tasks consist exclusively of giving instructions in connection with the manoeuvring, and of attending to the safety of employees in the vicinity; e. the operator interrupts the manoeuvre being carried out and asks for new instructions if it proves impossible to carry out the order with the necessary degree of safety.
The employer shall provide the signaller with equipment to ensure that: a. the operator can recognise the signaller without difficulty; b. the signaller is wearing one or more easily recognisable personal effects, such as a jacket, helmet, cuffs or wristbands, or uses a carry bat; c. the easily recognisable personal effects are in strong colours, preferably all in the same colour, and are used exclusively by signallers.
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Part 4: Requirements relating to other work that involves risk
Chapter 23. Risk assessments, training and information in connection with manual work
In connection with the planning, design and execution of manual work, the employer shall ensure that the organisational conditions that can entail a risk of harm to the health of employees are assessed, both individually and overall. When assessing work that is to be performed manually, the employer shall particularly take into consideration: a.The nature of the object Manual handling can especially cause harm to health if the object: - is too heavy or too large, - is unmanageable or difficult to hold on to, - is unsteady or its content may be displaced, - is placed so that it needs to be kept at a distance from the body or handled by bending or twisting the body, or - due to its exterior shape or texture, can inflict injuries on the employee, especially in the event of a collision.
b.Physical strain A physical strain can especially cause harm to health if it: - is excessive, - involves having to twist the body, - can cause sudden movement of heavy objects, or - is imposed with the body in an unsteady position.
c.Layout of the working environment The layout of the working environment can cause an increased risk of harm to health if: - there is insufficient room to perform the work, - the floor is uneven and can cause tripping, or is slippery concerning the employees’ footwear, - objects must be handled at different heights due to differences in the level of the floor or work surface, - the floor or support point is unstable, - the workplace or working environment does not allow the employee to handle the object manually at a safe height or from an appropriate working position, or - the temperature, humidity or ventilation is inappropriate.
d.The work task The work task can especially cause harm to health if it involves one or more of the following: - too frequent, repetitive and prolonged work operations that put particular strain on the muscular-skeletal system. Static work shall be reduced as far as possible, - lifting, lowering or carrying over too great distances, - not enough time for necessary rest or restitution, or - a work pace determined by a process that the employee cannot adjust.
In connection with ergonomically strenuous work such as heavy or repetitive work or work at computer screens, the employees shall receive training in how the work is organised, expedient work techniques, the choice and use of work clothes and the use of aids. The employer shall ensure that the employees and their representatives are provided with necessary information about ergonomic risk factors associated with heavy and repetitive work and work at computer screens that may be harmful to health, and how to avoid harmful health effects. When possible, the employees shall be informed about the weight and stability of objects they handle in their work. The employees shall be informed about the health-related consequences of not performing the work or not using the computer screen workstation in accordance with the training and guidelines. Chapter 23A Work that may entail a risk of exposure to violence and threats of violence.
The employer shall identify any work situation conditions that may entail violence or threats of violence for the employees. During the planning, organisation and execution of the work, the employer shall ensure that an individual and joint assessment is conducted of any conditions that may entail a risk of violence and threats of violence. The risk assessment shall pay particular attention to: - the organisation and facilitation of the work, - where, when and in what situations the employee may be exposed to violence or threats of violence, - work performed alone, - location and organisation of working hours, - staffing, - competence/expertise, - design of work premises and technical solutions, - the effect of implemented and planned preventive measures.
If work is to be performed that may entail a risk of exposure to violence or threats of violence, the necessary training and drills shall be carried out in the prevention and handling of violence and threat situations. The training shall include the use of safety equipment if relevant. The employer shall ensure that training and drills are repeated and adapted to any significant changes in the risk assessment and otherwise as required. The employer shall ensure that employees and their representatives are given the necessary information about risk factors related to violence and threats of violence, and implement measures and routines to prevent, handle and follow up violence and threat situations. The employees shall receive information about routines for notifying and reporting violence and threats of violence. The employer shall implement the necessary measures based on the health and safety risks identified in the risk assessment. The employer shall ensure that risks of violence and threats of violence are reduced or removed insofar as possible. When implementing measures, the following must in particular be taken into consideration: a. the organisation and facilitation of the workplace and the work that will be performed, b. systematic maintenance of relevant work equipment, etc., e.g. of alarm equipment where this is used, c. opportunity to summon help, d. staffing, including employees working alone.
The employer shall ensure that employees that are exposed to violence and threats of violence receive the necessary follow-up, concerning both the physical and mental strain that the incident may have caused. Chapter 24. Work on operations control and safety monitoring
The employer shall ensure necessary training before the employees are assigned independent operations control or safety monitoring work. The training shall enable the employees to perform their regular work tasks and to handle situations that may arise in the event of critical operational disturbances. The employees shall receive necessary training when changes are made to facilities, procedures etc. Regular exercises shall also be organised in handling hazardous situations that may arise. The content and scope of the training shall be documented. When planning work that involves control of automatic systems, the adaptation shall be based on analyses of the process, system and assigned tasks. It must be possible to document the analyses. The information system, control system and adaptation of the work in general shall be planned in accordance with the employees’ physical and mental fitness. Control rooms shall be designed and located to ensure optimum operational safety for the system and the employees concerning the risk of accidents. In particular, account shall be taken of the risk of fire, explosion and emissions of hazardous substances and biological material. The employer shall ensure that the work is organised to provide the highest possible degree of system safety. In the assessment, the employer shall consider: - the system's intrinsic safety; - possibilities for incorrect operation in connection with operation and maintenance; - possibilities for handling nonconformity and fault situations effectively; - the employees’ workload; - the employees’ experience and knowledge; - the employees’ physical and mental fitness.
Analyses shall be prepared that take account of the control room operations to be carried out in connection with: - start-up of the system; - normal operation; - change of operating conditions; - operational disturbances; - critical operating conditions; - shutting down and stopping; - maintenance.
If the systems include computer systems, the analyses shall include both equipment and software. The employer shall facilitate the work and position the equipment in accordance with the results of the analyses described in Sections 24-2 and 24-4 and having regard to ergonomic conditions. Information shall be easily understandable and be based on the uniform use of symbols and colour codes. The information system shall be designed so that the user can retrieve necessary information at all times for the tasks that need to be performed under different operating conditions. Information systems shall be dimensioned for both normal and critical situations. The design and choice of information systems, including control devices and information sensors, shall be based on the need for efficient operation and for reducing the risk of incorrect operation. Control devices and information sensors shall be designed and placed in a logical setting to reduce the risk of incorrect operation. The employee must always have a good overview and not have to spend an unnecessary amount of time on necessary work operations. Text affixed to the equipment that is of importance to the user shall be in Norwegian. The instruction material that is necessary to ensure safe operation and use of the equipment shall be in Norwegian. This also applies to information about how to respond in the event of fault warnings. The control devices shall be clearly marked in Norwegian. A plan must be in place that includes an overview of the division of tasks, staffing and shift plans based on analyses as stated in Section 24-2. Tasks shall be clearly defined, and they shall be described and facilitated so that no harm to health arises as a result of, for example: - too many or too strenuous tasks; - monotonously few or unvaried tasks; - an unclear division of labour between employees or between employees and their superiors; - unclear deputy functions.
The plan shall also contain instructions and procedures for the operation of the system from the control room. Start-up of the system, normal operation, change of operating conditions, operational disturbances, shutting down and stopping, and maintenance shall be described. Instructions shall also be available on how the employees can get necessary urgent assistance to handle hazardous situations that may arise. Instructions shall also be available on special tasks to be performed when accidents occur. The employer shall ensure that systematic records are kept of the following: - significant operational disturbances; - near-accidents and accidents at the work site; - changes made at the work site.
The registration and documentation shall form the basis for the assessment of changes and updates, and for the facilitation of operations control and safety supervision. Chapter 25. Requirements for inspection, marking and filling of compressed air cylinders for diving and respiratory protection equipment
Undertakings that inspect, test, label and top up breathing air must comply with recognised standards in their work with compressed air cylinders and cylinder valves. The employer shall ensure inspection and hydrostatic pressure tests of compressed air cylinders and cylinder valves for breathing air for underwater use at least every other year, and of other compressed air cylinders for breathing air at least every five years. The first inspection and hydrostatic pressure test can be performed three years after the marked date of manufacture. Inspections of compressed air cylinders and cylinder valves shall be carried out by an inspector approved by the Labour Inspection Authority. A person competent to perform inspections must have reached the age of 18 and have completed a course with training in a. regulatory requirements for inspection and filling; b. preparation and planning for inspection; c. mechanical damage; d. corrosion theory for steel and aluminium; e. cleaning and inspection of valves; f. pressure testing – manner of operation and requirements; g. practical pressure testing; h. aids for the inspection; i. scrapping rules; j. marking and registration.
The undertaking approved as an inspection body shall ensure that the competent person has the requisite qualifications and equipment for carrying out a fully satisfactory inspection. The inspector shall keep a list of the inspected equipment, which shall include: a. the owner's name; b. the manufacturer's name; c. serial number; d. internal volume in litres; e. test pressure (in bar); f. month and year of the inspection; g. the result of the inspection and pressure testing; h. any modifications made to cylinders or valves; i. the competent person's signature.
The list shall be stored for at least ten years after the last inspection was recorded. Compressed air cylinders that a competent person has approved for continued use shall be punch-marked with the month and year of inspection and an inspection stamp. The inspection punch mark shall be placed immediately after the month and year. The markings shall be punched into the shoulder of the cylinder, preferably after the previous inspection date. Compressed air cylinders that are not approved for continued use shall be stamped with an X over the inspector's stamp, filling pressure, test pressure and filling gas. If it is impossible or inadvisable to mark the compressed air cylinder, for example, because the cylinder is very small, the competent person shall issue an inspection certificate that the owner shall keep and present when the cylinder is filled. The inspection certificate shall contain: a. the owner's name; b. the manufacturer's name; c. serial number; d. the month and year of the inspection, and the inspection number; e. the competent person's signature.
Compressed air systems for filling breathing air shall have: a. necessary filters and accessories, b. a pressure gauge for checking the filling pressure, c. a safety valve, and d. a pressure limitation valve (pressure control choke) for each outlet with different filling pressures, if the safety valve is not equipped with this function.
The compressor's safety valve can function as the safety valve for the highest filling pressure if the valve is set to that pressure. The filling panel with accessories shall provide a clear overview to avoid incorrect operation. The filling pressure gauge shall have a range of no more than twice the maximum filling pressure. The safety valve for the outlet shall be adjusted and sealed to a maximum of 15% above the filling pressure stamped on the cylinder. The pressure limitation valve shall be set so that the cylinder pressure at 15 °C does not exceed the filling pressure stamped on the cylinder. Written instructions shall be available for the operation and maintenance of compressed air and filling systems. A log shall be kept of the operating hours for the compressed air system's compressor. Any changes, repairs and replacements made to the compressed air system and the results of compressed air tests shall be entered in the log. The breathing air from the filling system shall be tested regularly for CO, CO2, oil and water content by a person with the requisite knowledge. The tests shall be adapted to the structure and operating conditions of the compressor. The results shall be entered in the compressor log, which shall be signed by the person who carried out the tests. The filling pressure gauge and safety valves on the outlet and the final compression stage shall be checked every year. The employer shall appoint a person to check, and, if applicable, adjust and seal the safety valves. Before cylinders are filled, they shall be checked to verify that the deadline for testing has not expired, that the inspection stamp is valid and that the valve is undamaged. If the test deadline has expired or the cylinder does not have a valid inspection stamp, it must not be filled until it has been checked and tested. If a cylinder or valve is damaged, or if damage is suspected, the cylinder shall not be filled until it has been checked by an approved inspector to the extent deemed necessary by the competent person. Cylinders shall be filled so that the internal overpressure at 15 °C does not exceed the filling pressure stamped on the cylinder. Compressed air cylinders shall only be filled by persons who a. have reached the age of 18, b. have been given the necessary training in compressed air cylinders, and c. have been made aware of the risks associated with the work.
Chapter 26. Health and safety during work under water or under increased ambient pressure
Before diving operations are initiated, the employer shall map the risks and difficulties the diver can be exposed to. Diving operations shall then be risk assessed and planned, and measures shall be implemented so that the diving operation can be performed safely concerning the risks the assignment may entail for the diver and any other employees involved. The risk assessment shall emphasise all factors in the surroundings that can have a bearing on the diving operation. Scuba diving with a self-contained air supply shall not be planned with decompression stops. Diving deeper than 50 metres may only be carried out as saturation diving in accordance with the diving regulations for offshore petroleum activities. When planning diving operations, an approved diving medical physician shall be consulted as required. Based on a risk assessment, the employer shall prepare safety procedures for safe diving; see Section 26-1. The procedures shall refer to the diving and treatment tables used. The employer shall ensure that employees who participate in diving operations are familiar with the procedures to be used in connection with the diving. The employer shall prepare an emergency response plan, which must include staffing, equipment and emergency procedures as well as measures that follow from or are supplementary to the emergency procedures, including the use of surface decompression chambers. Emergency procedures for diving operations shall include cases where hazardous or accident situations may arise, including situations that can be perceived as critical. The emergency procedures must include a description of each person's duties and obligations in an emergency. The employer must provide training and exercises in emergency response plans and the duties of each person in an accident or hazardous situation. Emergency exercises with all participants in diving activities must be performed when there are changes in operational patterns, new crew, new equipment, etc., and at least every six months. The emergency response plan and emergency procedures shall be reviewed regularly and kept up to date. Written work instructions shall be prepared for each work assignment and the conditions under which the diving operation is to take place. The instructions shall include a description of the work assignment, the procedure for safe execution, special conditions that can affect the diving operation in question, what safety measures must be implemented and what qualifications the diver needs to ensure the safe execution of the assignment. The work instructions shall be made known to the employees concerned and be handed over in good time before the work is initiated. The employer shall ensure that a diving medical physician contributes to preparing and maintaining safety procedures and emergency response plans, particularly as regards physiological, medical and hygiene factors. Based on the risk assessment, the employer must make the necessary equipment available so that the diving operation can be carried out in a completely safe manner. Breathing gas must be provided with surface-supplied diving equipment. If the diving operation can be carried out in a completely safe manner, scuba diving equipment may still be used during public safety diving and training in public safety diving, recreational dive training and recreational dive guiding, and for diving down to a depth of 18 metres when Section 26-11 permits diving with a class A diving certificate provided there is direct access to the surface. Diving operations planned with decompression stops shall be notified in writing to the Labour Inspection Authority in good time before the diving operation is initiated. If it is not possible to give notification in advance, it shall be sent as soon as possible. The notification shall contain the following information: a. the name and registered address of the undertaking; b. the name of a contact person with telephone number and email address; c. the start time, place and duration of the diving operation; d. a description of the nature of the assignment; e. confirmation that a hyperbaric chamber will be present at the dive site.
An explanation shall be provided when notification cannot be given in advance. Employers who wish to carry out test dives must obtain the Labour Inspection Authority's consent in advance. The application shall contain the following information: a. specification of the purpose of the diving operation; b. information about the activities that the applicant wishes to carry out; c. specification of the dive site; d. specification of when the diving operation is to be carried out; e. mapping of hazards and assessment of risk, and plans and measures to reduce the risk factors; f. a description of procedures to be established to ensure that the diving operation is carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; g. a description of the employee's qualifications and the equipment to be used to ensure the safe execution of the test diving operation; h. documentation of valid medical certificates for persons who will be deployed under water or under increased ambient pressure; i. declaration from the employer that those participating in the diving operation have the requisite competence; j. documentation that contact has been established with an approved diving medical physician who will be on standby during the diving operation; k. statement on the application from the safety representative or, if the undertaking does not have a safety representative, an employee representative; l. a declaration from the employer that necessary first aid equipment will be available; m. a declaration from the employer that all equipment to be used during the diving operation has been checked before the diving operation. The inspection must be documented in writing; n. emergency response plan for potential hazard and accident situations; o. a complete overview of any exemption applications of relevance to the diving operation; p. approval from the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics.
A person assigned by the employer to carry out work under water or under increased ambient pressure must have a diving certificate in accordance with these regulations that cover the applicable diving activity and must have a valid medical certificate. A class A diving certificate permits light and easy work under water down to a depth of 30 metres, but not work as described in the third paragraph. For the work to be considered light and easy, no equipment must be needed that would significantly change the diver's buoyancy. When assessing what is light and easy work, attention must also be paid to the weather conditions, wave height, currents, light, visibility in the water, and other factors that might affect the complexity of the tasks to be performed. For commercial diving down to a depth of 50 metres, a class B diving certificate is required. The same applies to diving on ship hulls, near a remote-controlled underwater vehicle, in or near sea pens, diving less than 10 metres away from pillars, quays, pipelines, constructions and facilities and anywhere else there might be a risk of getting stuck. A class B diving certificate is also required when using a game bag with a weight in water above 2 kg and for work with hydraulic, pneumatic or otherwise energy-consuming work equipment such as mud suction dredgers, flushing equipment, ejector pumps, cranes, hoists, lifting equipment, lifting balloons, etc. During diving for scientific purposes organised by universities, research institutions and government institutions, lighter work on the seabed may be performed, such as scientific research, taking samples, registration and taking photographs, near pillars and quays as stated in the third paragraph, without regard for the restrictions laid down for diving with a class A diving certificate near such constructions etc. in the second paragraph. This exemption does not apply to work on or in direct connection with the above-mentioned constructions etc., or near a remote-controlled underwater vehicle. The employer must prepare a written safety assessment in advance. To perform public safety diving and search for persons presumed dead, a diving certificate pursuant to Section 26-20 is required. For public safety diving and training in public safety diving, work equipment may be used, and diving may be performed in places without regard for the restrictions laid down for diving with a class A diving certificate in the second paragraph. This also applies to searches for persons presumed dead and when in an emergency the police ask divers who have been trained pursuant to Section 26-20 for assistance with other tasks than public safety diving, when the purpose is to protect people, material values, the common good or the environment, or to investigate criminal activity. For training in public safety diving, the safety assessment must be in writing. The employer shall ensure that everyone who participates in diving operations has the requisite: a. theoretical and practical training and instruction to deal with the hazards that the diving operation may entail; b. training in correct use and maintenance of the diving equipment; c. training in the use of first aid equipment, including oxygen treatment equipment; d. fitness of health for the work the person is to carry out.
A diving supervisor must: a. have completed documented safety training pursuant to Section 26-23, b. have a diving certificate in accordance with these regulations, c. be able to lead the diving operation in a completely safe manner, d. be able to ensure the diver's safety, e. have relevant experience as a diver, and f. be experienced in using communication systems.
A diver must have a diving certificate according to these regulations for the relevant depth and work operation and must have the requisite knowledge for the tasks assigned. A standby diver must have a diving certificate in accordance with these regulations for the relevant depth and work operation. The line attendant shall have good knowledge of diving and the relevant diving operation. The line attendant must be familiar with the requirements of these regulations and the safety procedures. The line attendant must be familiar with the line signals and be able to use them. As a minimum, diving instructors providing practical training must: a. have the same type of diving certificate as the training aims to qualify for; b. have at least one year's experience in the type of diving in question; c. be fit to carry out instruction work; d. have basic knowledge of applicable regulations; e. know emergency procedures and emergency response measures.
Diving instructors providing practical training in undertakings that provide training of recreational divers shall either have a class A diving certificate or have undergone safety training in accordance with recognised European standards for training recreational divers. It must be possible to document the safety training. The employer must ensure that persons working underwater are qualified for the work. The employer must ensure that divers have the necessary and specific professional qualifications required to perform work under water in a completely safe manner. The requirement for professional qualifications applies in addition to the requirement for a diving certificate in accordance with these regulations. The professional qualifications must be documented in writing. To perform public safety diving and search for persons presumed dead, a class A diving certificate is required as well as two weeks’ professional training. The training for a class A diving certificate must provide the basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to be able to stay and move safely under water. The training must enable the diver to perform simple and light work under water down to a depth of 30 metres. The training must cover knowledge of systematic work on health, safety and the environment as well as applicable laws and regulations. Safety training must be provided on the following topics: a. diving theory b. diving physiology c. first aid d. decompression tables e. communication systems f. underwater hazards g. risk assessments h. introduction to the use of hyperbaric chambers i. practical diving j. use of diving equipment k. use of common and simple work equipment l. maintenance and repairs m. surface procedures n. basic diving supervision and o. marking of the dive site.
The training must include scuba diving and surface-supplied diving with air as the breathing gas. The training must have a duration of at least seven weeks. A person with a class S diving certificate given pursuant to the regulations of 30 November 1990 no. 944 relating to diving, may be issued with a class A diving certificate following training pursuant to the first and third paragraphs, with a duration of at least four weeks The training for a class B diving certificate shall be based on class A. It shall provide the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to be able to dive and work at depths down to 50 metres safely and securely. The safety training shall cover the following: a. the risks that diving down to 50 metres can entail, b. physical and medical preconditions, c. surface-supplied diving, d. progression diving down to 50 metres, e. complications in connection with diving, f. use of a hyperbaric chamber, g. use of wet bell, h. use of a warm-water wet suit, i. operational conditions, j. diving equipment, k. common types of work equipment, l. common types of breathing gas, and m. diving supervision.
The training shall have a duration of at least 9 weeks. Training in diving supervision includes a diving supervisor course and completion of a refresher course every five years. The diving supervisor course must have a duration of at least two weeks, divided evenly between theoretical and practical training. In the theory part, safety training must be given in: a. organisation and management, b. making a survey of hazards and problems, risk assessment, planning and implementation of measures c. emergency response, d. diving medicine and lifesaving first aid e. lessons learnt from the evaluation of previous accidents, f. communication, g. accident site management, h. behaviour in stressful situations, including emotional first aid, and i. good operational practice.
During the practical training, each course participant must at least once take part in a practical exercise playing the role of the diving supervisor, and the exercise must include planning, risk assessment and leading the diving operation, handling a diving accident, including accident site management, briefing and debriefing. The refresher course must have a duration of at least three days. The course must be based on the documented safety training for diving certificates in accordance with these regulations and on the training in the diving supervisor course. The course must include an evaluation of earlier accidents and facilitate sharing of experiences from incidents. Each course participant must at least once take part in a practical exercise playing the role of the diving supervisor, and the exercise must include planning, risk assessment and leading the diving operation, handling a diving accident, including accident site management, briefing and debriefing. The training must also include a theory test in the regulations relating to diving, basic diving medicine, use of diving tables and log-keeping. For recreational dive training and recreational dive guiding it is sufficient that the diving supervisor has received training in accordance with recognised European standards for the training of diving supervisors. Nationals of other EEA countries or Switzerland who intend to set up business in Norway and perform underwater work must apply to the Labour Inspection Authority for a permit before starting such work; see Chapter 9 of the Regulations concerning Administrative Arrangements. A permit is granted if the applicant presents: - proof of nationality, and - a certificate of competence or another certificate of qualifications required for work in another EEA state or Switzerland.
For nationals of another EEA state or Switzerland who are legally established in another EEA country or Switzerland and who intend to perform underwater work in Norway temporarily, Section 9-3 of the Regulations concerning Administrative Arrangements applies, in addition to the special provisions that follow from Section 9-4. Nationals of countries outside the EEA and Switzerland need a permit from the Labour Inspection Authority to practise as a diver and perform the function of diving supervisor or standby diver; see Chapter 9 of the Regulations concerning Administrative Arrangements. The staffing must be appropriate for the work tasks to be performed, the risks which the divers may be exposed to, and emergencies that might arise. The assessment of what is safe staffing must be documented. The diving operation must as a minimum be performed by a diving supervisor, a diver, a standby diver and a line attendant. When there are several divers in the water, the number of line attendants must be increased correspondingly. An exemption from the requirement in the second paragraph is made for undertakings that train recreational divers (instructors in recreational diving) and undertakings that perform recreational dive guiding. For recreational dive training and recreational dive guiding, at least two instructors or guides must be present. When two or more instructors or guides are in the water at the same time, one must be appointed diving supervisor. An exemption from the requirement in the second paragraph is made for diving in a pool such as a swimming pool with a depth of up to six metres. In such cases, the diving operation must as a minimum be performed by one diver and one standby diver. An exemption from the requirement in the second paragraph is made for public safety diving. For public safety diving and training in public safety diving, the diving operation must as a minimum be performed by one diving supervisor, one diver and one standby diver. For public safety diving from a helicopter, the staffing may be two public safety divers when this is safe and necessary because of limited space in the helicopter. One of the public safety divers must be the diving supervisor. The line attendant function must be handled by qualified personnel in the helicopter. The employer must ensure that the diving supervisor and other participants in the diving operation are suitable for the tasks assigned to them. The diving supervisor must: a. lead the diving operation, b. ensure that the health and safety of the diver and other employees are attended to during the preparations for and execution of the diving operation, c. establish communication with the diver, d. know the length of the umbilical that is in the water at all times, e. make sure a log is kept of the diving operation, f. lead the surface decompression in the hyperbaric chamber and ensure that decompression is carried out safely and make sure injured divers receive treatment in accordance with applicable procedures and the advice of an approved diving medical physician, g. interrupt the diving operation if it is unsafe to continue, and h. assist the diver in the form of tools and equipment.
The standby diver must: a. help check that the diving equipment is water-tight and functions properly before the diving operation begins, and that the lifeline or umbilical is securely fastened to the diver, and b. be ready for immediate assistance by intervening or assisting the diver in an emergency. The standby diver must be located at the surface, already fully dressed with his mask off and ready to enter the water as quickly as possible and at the latest within one minute. In a pool such as a swimming pool with a depth of up to six metres, the standby diver does not need to be fully dressed already. For public safety diving and training for public safety diving, the standby diver may be in the water if it is safe, provided a diving supervisor and a line attendant are present at the surface. c. The standby diver must have a minimum of 15 minutes of bottom time available without any previous dive that limits his function as a standby diver.
The line attendant must: a. be responsible for the lifeline both during the execution of the diving operation and in an emergency, b. handle communication with the diver using lifeline signals, c. know the length of the umbilical at all times, d. watch the diver's actions and movements as far as possible, and e. maintain an overview of activities in the area and inform the diving supervisor of this.
All conditions and equipment used in connection with a diving operation shall be supervised during diving. Particular emphasis shall be given to continuous monitoring of divers under water. The dive site shall be marked during diving operations. Diving and stops during diving must be facilitated and carried out in accordance with recognised diving and treatment tables for safe diving. Diving must be performed within the bottom time restrictions described in the following table: Bottom time restrictions for diving with surface decompression (OD-O2 ) and decompression in water, as well as for TUP (Transfer Under Pressure) decompression Depth (meters) 0-12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 OD-O2 and in water (min) 240 180 120 90 70 60 50 40 35 30 30 25 25 20 TUP (min) 240 240 180 180 180 130 110 95 85 75 65 60 55 50 A dive computer may only be used as an extra safety tool, and on the condition that the diving supervisor checks the diver's time and depth and makes sure the ascent and any decompression stops are within the guidelines stipulated in the diving table. Diving according to a multilevel table must not take place unless the employer has ensured: a. that quality assurance is also provided using a dive computer (RGBM, Bühlmann or Thalmann algorithm) where the diving is interrupted if the multilevel table and the dive computer do not permit a direct ascent to the surface at any time, b. continuous digital depth monitoring at the surface, c. digital logging of the pressure-time profile and d. digital logging of the time remaining before a decompression dive.
During recreational dive training and recreational dive guiding, diving tables and a dive computer may be used that complies with recognised European standards for training recreational divers. In connection with diving with decompression stops, a hyperbaric chamber shall be available and ready for use at the dive site. When warranted by the risk assessment, a hyperbaric chamber shall be available within a reasonable time in connection with diving without decompression stops. The choice of a hyperbaric chamber shall be based on the duration and scope of the diving operation. Diving operations must have voice communication between the diver and the diving supervisor in a language they both master. In addition to voice communication, a lifeline must be used. Line signals must have been agreed upon. Training must be given, and exercises organised in the use of line signals. In cases where voice communication fails, the dive must be interrupted unless it needs to continue in order to save lives. When a helicopter with two public safety divers is used, cf. Section 26-27, seventh paragraph, voice communication must be used between the diver and the line attendant. An exemption from the requirement in the first and second paragraphs is made for undertakings engaged in the training of recreational divers (instructors in recreational diving), undertakings engaged in recreational dive guiding, and for diving in a pool such as a swimming pool with a depth of up to six metres, unless the risk assessment shows that voice communication and/or a lifeline will be necessary. For all types of breathing equipment used in connection with diving, each diver must have sufficient breathing gas to be able to get to a safe location. There must be sufficient reserve breathing gas for at least 10 minutes breathing at the maximum planned working depth calculated based on a respiratory minute volume of 62.5 l/min. The required amount of reserve breathing gas will in no case exceed 2800 litres. For scuba diving, a buoyancy compensator or equipment with a similar function that will bring the diver to the surface must be used. An exemption from the requirement in the first paragraph, second sentence is made for public safety diving and training in public safety diving, recreational dive training and recreational dive guiding. In connection with diving operations, the following information must be logged for each dive and be verified by the diving supervisor: a. date, b. dive site, c. the nature and scope of the work assignment, d. names of participants and allocated tasks, e. the depth and pressure-time profile for each diver, f. gas mixture (if other than air), and g. any undesirable incidents/non-conformities.
The logging must be done digitally, and the information must be retained for 10 years. The information must be available to the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, safety representatives and each diver. Undertakings that carry out diving operations shall prepare and make available complete documentation, including: a. an organisation plan for the undertaking that shows how the diving activities are organised, b. each person's duties in connection with the diving activities, c. safety procedures, d. contingency plans, including emergency procedures, e. work instructions, f. accident reporting procedures, g. the diving and treatment tables used, and h. logging of the diving operation, i. maintenance procedures for the diving equipment, and keeping inspection logs.
The employer shall ensure that the diving equipment to be used is designed and arranged with sufficient durability and functionality to be capable of protecting the employees from harm to life and health during the use of the equipment, including accidents, strain injuries and exposure that may cause harm to health in the short or long run. All equipment worn by the diver shall be in accordance with applicable international or European standards, or national standards where they exist. The employer shall assess the risks and implement necessary measures to ensure that diving equipment placed at the disposal of employees is suitable for the diving operation and fit for purpose. It shall be possible to use the diving equipment without any risk of harm to the life or health of the person performing the diving operation. Lifelines and fixing devices shall be able to withstand the stresses they can be exposed to and have sufficient strength to lift the diver out of the water. The same applies to the umbilical if it is used as a lifeline. In connection with surface-supplied diving operations, equipment (a diving panel) shall be in place to supply the diver with breathing gas in all predictable situations. The design of the diving panel shall provide a good overview and prevent incorrect operation. The breathing gas shall have the correct composition, temperature and flow rate, and be supplied in the correct amount. Communication equipment must be designed to work under all conditions, ensuring stable, continuous communication between the diver and surface personnel. The person monitoring the dive must be able to clearly hear the diver breathing and speaking. Cabled communication equipment must be used in all diving operations. Voice communication must be shielded from noise and other disturbances. An exemption from the requirement in the first and second paragraphs is made for undertakings engaged in the training of recreational divers (instructors in recreational diving), undertakings engaged in recreational dive guiding, and for diving in a pool such as a swimming pool with a depth of up to six metres, unless the risk assessment shows that cabled communication is necessary. The employer shall ensure that the hyperbaric chamber, the hyperbaric chamber panel and the piping are designed to ensure that the chamber provides adequate protection for employees in connection with decompression or treatment of decompression sickness. The hyperbaric chamber shall be designed and fitted out for its purpose. Work and diving equipment that is in use, must be subject to regular maintenance and annual inspections. The employer must ensure that the diving system and the personal diving equipment are cleaned regularly. The employer must ensure that the manufacturer's instructions are followed when the work and diving equipment is maintained, inspected and cleaned. In connection with diving operations, the employer must follow the instructions prepared by manufacturers or others relating to the use of equipment, the conditions it can be used under and limitations for use. Medical certificates must be issued by an approved diving medical physician. Such medical certificates will be valid for one year. If a medical examination shows that an employee has a disease or injury that increases the risk of accidents or harm to health in connection with diving operations, the employee must not be used for such work. The employer may demand that the diver undergoes a new medical examination when the employer or diver finds that there are health problems which may have a bearing on the diver's health or ability to attend to his/her own or others' safety. The physician's decision may be appealed. The appeal will be considered by the same appeal board as for people working on facilities in the offshore petroleum activities, cf. sections 18 and 19 of the regulations of 20 December 2010 no. 1780. The employer shall ensure that the diver can be exposed to compression in the event of an emergency. Treatment of decompression sickness in a hyperbaric chamber shall start as soon as possible. The employer must ensure that first aid equipment is readily available in all places where the working conditions so require. In addition, oxygen treatment equipment must be available at the dive site. The employer must ensure that an injured diver can be treated continuously with oxygen until treatment in a hyperbaric chamber can commence. As a minimum, the oxygen treatment equipment must have sufficient capacity to treat a diver for 30 minutes calculated based on a minute ventilation of 15 l/min. If more diving undertakings are to carry out a diving assignment together, they shall appoint one principal undertaking that will coordinate the duties and measures that follow from these regulations. The appointed principal undertaking shall be documented in writing. Undertakings that perform diving operations must send a notification to the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority with the following information: a. company name, b. business registration number, c. contact information, d. what type of diving work is performed, e. the name and contact information of the diving medical physician who participates in preparing and maintaining the undertaking's safety procedures and emergency response plans, and f. the name and registration number of any diving vessels.
The undertaking is obligated to submit a new notification within five years if its activities continue. If there are changes to the information in the first paragraph, the undertaking is obligated to report this. Chapter 27. Rock work
Before the work commences, geological, rock-technical and other matters shall be investigated insofar as it is necessary to carry out the work safely. A health, safety and working environment (HSE) plan shall be prepared in writing. The HSE plan shall be prepared based on a risk assessment. The plan shall be readily available in the workplace and shall be stored as long as necessary for safety purposes. The HSE plan shall be regularly updated and worded so that it can be understood by each employee. The HSE plan shall be prepared before the work commences and shall be revised if significant changes, extensions or alterations take place in the workplace. The HSE plan shall make it clear that the risks to which the employees are exposed in the workplace have been identified and assessed and shall describe what measures should be implemented to prevent injuries and accidents. In particular, the plan shall show that a safety assessment has been carried out of the design, use and maintenance of the workplace and equipment. Where relevant, the HSE plan shall include measures to ensure - safe transport of persons; - rock support; - stabilisation of the ground; - safety in connection with the risk of rock falls or landslides; - inspection of the workplace; - registration and keeping records of measurements.
If employees from several undertakings are present in the same workplace, the HSE plan shall describe the objective, measures and procedures for the principal undertaking's coordination of the HSE measures. For each workplace, the HSE plan shall describe what rules to follow to safeguard the employees’ health, safety and working environment and to achieve safe use of methods and equipment. In addition, the HSE plan shall contain an overview of escape routes, information about the use of evacuation, rescue and first aid equipment, and what measures to take in an emergency in or near the workplace. The HSE plan shall also contain provisions relating to the rescue organisation. The HSE plan shall contain an overview of rock caverns on a scale that makes the presentation understandable. In addition to tunnels and areas of excavation, the overview must show the known features that may have a bearing on the operations and safety. The HSE plan shall contain information about key aspects of the ventilation system and shall also describe equipment and measures required to prevent explosions. If harmful gases are or may be present in the air, the HSE plan shall describe the available protective equipment and the preventive measures that have been implemented. The HSE plan shall provide a detailed description of what measures to take to prevent, detect and combat fire and the spread of fire. The workstations shall be designed, constructed, equipped, put into operation, used and maintained so that the employees can carry out their tasks without jeopardising their own or other employees’ health and safety. The workstations must be kept in good order and hazardous substances or deposits removed or controlled in order not to endanger the employees’ health and safety. The workstations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ergonomic principles, at the same time an account must be taken of the need for employees to follow the work operations taking place at their workstations. In all workplaces, the activities shall be supervised by the employer, or a person appointed by the employer. This person must have the competence required to exercise the supervisory function. In all workplaces, there must be a sufficient number of employees with the requisite skills, experience and training to perform the tasks assigned to them. Workstations for underground rock work shall be constructed, operated and equipped and maintained so that employees can work and move in them with a minimum risk Galleries/drifts shall be signposted so that it is easy for the employees to find their way around. Work involving a special risk and work that can give rise to serious risk in combination with other activities shall only be carried out by employees who are specifically authorised by the employer and who have specialised skills in that particular area. Such authorisation shall specify the conditions to be met and the precautions to be taken before, during and after completing the work. The employer shall notify the Labour Inspection Authority as soon as possible of any serious hazardous situations that arise in the workplace. The employer shall confirm such notification in writing within a reasonable period, and the safety representative shall be issued with a copy of the confirmation. The employer shall prepare instructions to ensure that: - inspections are carried out continuously of the rock and of previously completed securing work; - Loose rock that could pose a hazard is removed as soon as possible or safely secured; - rock scaling is carried out from a safe position by employees with experience and an understanding of scaling work; - visibility, lighting and sound conditions in the workplace are satisfactory where scaling is carried out using manual tools; - information about any special matters with a bearing on the securing work is passed on to the next shift and registered in writing, and the documentation is kept in the workplace for the duration of the work; - barriers are put in place as soon as possible around areas in which there may be a risk of uncontrolled rock falls or landslides, and the barriers are not removed until inspection and necessary scaling or securing has been carried out.
In order to protect the employees from danger while they are carrying out their tasks, the workplace shall be supervised by the employer or persons appointed by the employer. Such supervision may only be carried out by persons who have the necessary skills and competence. When required in the HSE plan, manned workstations shall be visited by an inspector at least once during each shift. The employer shall take necessary measures to put in place alarm systems and other means of communication as necessary in order to initiate immediate assistance, evacuation and rescue operations should the need arise. When a workstation is manned by a single employee, it must be ensured that the employee can keep in contact by telecommunication. In cases where the means of communication are not sufficient to safeguard the employees’ health and safety, manned workstations shall be inspected at least once every two hours. A system must be in place to make it possible to keep records of employees who are deployed underground at any time and where they are likely to be. The work shall be planned having regard to those parts of the HSE plan that concern the risk of rock falls or landslides. As a preventive measure, the height and gradient of excavated overburden and excavation faces should therefore be adapted to the nature of the underlying surface, the quality of the rock and the excavation methods. Before work starts or is resumed, overburden or excavation faces above work areas or traffic routes shall be inspected for loose material and rock. If necessary, the walls shall be scaled. Landfill sites for excavated material, waste heaps, slag heaps and other storage sites, as well as sludge basins, shall be designed, constructed, operated and maintained so that they are stable and safeguard the employees’ health, safety and working environment. The employer shall ensure that adequate measures are put in place where substances associated with a health and safety risk can be emitted into the air. These measures shall: a. remove or collect the pollutants at the source, or b. dilute the pollutants to a level at which they do not put employees at risk.
The ventilation system shall be designed and operated so that it ensures satisfactory air quality in areas that are worked in or occupied. The ventilation parameters shall be measured and recorded regularly. In places where operational preparations, demolition work or other work is carried out under special operational circumstances that prevent the installation of satisfactory permanent ventilation, special measures shall be taken to safeguard the employees’ health and safety, for example by installing temporary ventilation. The employees shall be instructed as necessary about measures to avoid exposure to air pollution. Maintenance shall include the removal of any potentially harmful deposits and impurities from ventilation installations. Underground transport systems shall be installed, operated and maintained to safeguard the health and safety of the employees who operate or use them, or who occupy nearby areas. Where emergency lighting cannot be installed in the workplace, the employees shall be equipped with personal lamps. When working underground, the employees shall be equipped with personal lamps that are suitable for the purpose. The storage, transport and use of initiating devices shall be carried out by duly authorised competent persons. The tasks shall be organised and performed in such a way that there is no risk to the employees. Where electrical initiators are used, it must be possible to warn of lightning quickly and reliably when there is a risk of thunderstorms. Operator stations on work equipment used for rock work such as drilling, scaling, use of hydraulic hammers, crushing and loading must be fitted with a protective structure that will protect the operator from injury caused by undetonated explosives or rock falls when there is a risk of this occurring. Any mechanical and electrical equipment that is in an area where there may be a risk of fire and explosion from the ignition of gas, vapour or volatile liquids shall be suitable for use in such areas. If necessary, the equipment shall be fitted with suitable protective devices and fail-safe systems. Mechanical equipment and plant must be of adequate strength and free from visible defects and suitable for their intended use. Electrical equipment and plant shall have sufficient capacity and strength for their intended use. Mechanical and electrical equipment and installations shall be installed and protected to prevent hazards. A suitable programme shall be prepared for the systematic examination, maintenance and, if appropriate, testing of mechanical and electrical equipment and plant. Maintenance, examination and testing of all parts of the plant or equipment shall be carried out by a competent person. The maintenance work shall be carried out with due regard to ongoing activities. Records of examinations and tests must be kept and stored appropriately. Where a ventilation system is used, it must be kept in good working order. Adequate safety equipment must be always maintained ready for use and in good working order. The employer shall ensure that nobody occupies the danger zone during drilling with rock drilling rigs for mine and tunnel excavation and that operators are adequately protected against rock bursts. During rock drilling operations, all harmful rock dust shall be removed insofar as it is possible. Combustion engines used underground shall be inspected regularly and adjustments made as necessary. A log shall be kept of inspections and adjustments. Petrol or gas must not be used as fuel for combustion engines underground. This prohibition does not apply to emergency vehicles. Measures shall be taken to consider quantities and concentrations of hazardous and potentially explosive substances in the air. When measures are in place that are activated automatically, records shall be kept of measured values as provided for in the HSE plan. Smoking is prohibited in areas subject to particular fire or explosion hazards. It is also prohibited to use an open flame and to carry out work that can pose an ignition hazard unless adequate safety precautions are taken to prevent the occurrence of fires or explosions. When working underground in mines or quarries where hazardous gases could be present or in mines containing flammable dust, it is also prohibited to carry smoking tobacco or any object that can be used to produce a flame. When working underground in mines or quarries where hazardous gases could be present or in mines containing flammable dust, torch cutting, welding and similar work may only be carried out by way of exception. Where an exception is made, specific measures shall be taken to safeguard the health and safety of employees. Mines and quarries shall be deemed to pose a gas hazard where it cannot be precluded that firedamp will accumulate in a volume that can form a potentially explosive atmosphere. Measures shall be taken to identify areas of risk, protect employees on production sites that are being extended towards or into such areas, and gain control of the risk. While work is in progress, an account shall be taken of possible firedamp emissions. Measures shall be taken to remove any risks associated with firedamp as far as possible. Ventilation measurements as stated in Section 27-9 shall be supplemented by firedamp measurements. Firedamp levels shall be continuously checked in discharged air flows in places where the construction and extraction are mechanised and at excavation faces etc. where one is dependent on mechanical ventilation. Only explosives and initiating devices that are designed for use in mines susceptible to firedamp may be used. Employees shall be protected in areas where a sudden release of gas can occur, with or without entrainment of broken minerals or rock, rock bursts or water inflow. All necessary measures shall be taken to combat and prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres. In areas with an explosion hazard, all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent the ignition of explosive atmospheres. Coal mines shall be deemed to be susceptible to flammable dust, except where the HSE plan shows that none of the coal seams being worked contains dust liable to propagate an explosion. Only explosives and initiating devices that are intended for use in mines susceptible to flammable dust may be used in such mines. Measures shall be taken to reduce flammable dust deposits and to remove, neutralise or bind the dust. The propagation of flammable dust or firedamp explosions, which are liable to trigger further flammable dust explosions, shall be limited by a system of explosion barriers. The location of such explosion barriers shall be described in a document that must be kept updated and available in the workplace. In all places where workplaces are designed, constructed, fitted out and used, put into operation or maintained, suitable measures shall be taken to prevent the outbreak and spread of fire. Measures shall be taken so that any outbreak of fire can be stopped quickly and effectively. The number of combustible materials that are kept underground shall be limited to what is absolutely necessary. When it is necessary to use hydraulic fluids, such use shall, as far as possible, be limited to fluids that are not easily ignitable to avoid the risk of fire and the spread of fire. The hydraulic fluids must satisfy specifications and test conditions relating to fire resistance and hygiene criteria. If hydraulic fluids are used that are not in accordance with such specifications, conditions and criteria, further precautions shall be taken to avoid increasing the risk of fire and spread of fire. The employer shall ensure that proper evacuation and rescue equipment is available and maintained. The employees shall always have respiratory protection equipment available and within reach, so that they can withdraw to safety. The employees shall receive training in the measures that are expedient in emergencies. The equipment shall be maintained and ready for use at all times. Appropriate and sufficient breathing and resuscitation equipment shall be available in all areas where employees can be exposed to harmful atmospheres. The equipment shall be safely stored and maintained. A sufficient number of employees shall receive training in the use of available first aid equipment and be present at the workplace. A suitable rescue organisation shall be set up so that appropriate action can be taken rapidly and effectively in the event of any serious accident. In order to be able to assist at all underground sites, the rescue organisation shall have a sufficient number of trained rescue workers and appropriate rescue equipment at its disposal. Regular safety drills shall be organised in all workplaces that are normally staffed. The primary purpose of such drills is to train and check the skills of those employees to whom special duties have been assigned in an emergency relating to the use, handling or operation of emergency equipment. If the risk assessment shows that employees are exposed to gas or dust that puts them at risk of developing pneumoconiosis or other harmful conditions, the employees shall undergo medical examinations adapted to the risk to which they are exposed. The medical examination shall be carried out before the employees start any work where they risk exposure. Such examinations shall be carried out at regular intervals thereafter and at least every five years. The content and frequency of the examination shall be decided by a medical practitioner based on the employee's health and the nature, degree and duration of the exposure. On termination of the employment relationship, the medical practitioner will decide whether there is a need for a medical examination. If further follow-up is needed, the employees shall be informed about this in writing. Employees who are exposed to dust that puts them at risk of developing pneumoconiosis shall undergo an X-ray examination of the lungs before the work starts. This does not apply to employees who have undergone such an examination in the past five years. An X-ray examination of the lungs shall also be carried out whenever it is considered necessary. The medical practitioner decides whether this is necessary and the frequency of such examinations based on the employee's health condition and the nature, degree and duration of exposure. Chapter 28. Work in connection with carbon dioxide extinguishing systems
The employer shall ensure that instructions for installation and testing provide adequate safeguards against the accidental release of such systems. The employer shall ensure that safety measures are implemented as necessary. When carbon dioxide extinguishing systems are rendered inoperable due to repairs, alternative fire preparedness measures shall be considered. Before a carbon dioxide system is put back into ordinary operation after repairs or inspection, it must be ensured that the system is in good working order. Whether it is necessary to establish an additional evacuation route from rooms containing or protected by carbon dioxide that does not have direct access to the open air or two independent escape routes, shall be considered in each case. In connection with the installation of carbon dioxide systems, necessary measures shall be taken to ensure that the installation can be carried out in a completely safe manner. Before starting work on the release mechanism and connection between the manifold and the individual cylinders a. the cylinders must be in place and properly fastened. Only one protective cylinder valve cap may be removed at any one time, should this be necessary for alignment purposes; b. installation of the carbon dioxide piping must be completed; c. other work in the carbon dioxide room must be completed; d. installation of the release cabinet with valves and locking facilities must be completed, e. the door to the carbon dioxide room must be fitted with a lock; f. the main valves’ ‘open’ and ‘closed’ position indicators must be checked by the work supervisor; g. the main valves must be set to the ‘closed’ position and locked.
The protective cylinder valve caps shall remain in place on the cylinders until the work mentioned in the first and second paragraphs has been completed and work on adjusting pull cords etc. and on making up the connection between the cylinders and manifold is about to start. Starting cylinders and release mechanisms must not be connected until the piping between the main valves and the cylinders has been tested for leakages. Only those involved in the work shall have access to the carbon dioxide room while the release mechanism is being adjusted. The door to the carbon dioxide room shall always be locked when the room is unoccupied. If testing of the carbon dioxide system involves the operation of one or more main valves, the rooms protected by carbon dioxide must be unoccupied When the installation of a carbon dioxide system is completed, the carbon dioxide room and the release cabinet shall be kept locked. Before locking up, it must be ensured that the main valves are closed. Before starting any repair and inspection work in rooms protected by a carbon dioxide extinguishing system, a. the release mechanism for these rooms shall be effectively secured so that panic release of the system is not possible; b. the system shall be locked by closing and locking the main valves and, if applicable, the distribution valves; c. if the main valves of a system cannot be locked in the closed position, the system shall be secured by installing a spectacle flange on high-pressure pipes before or immediately after the main valve and setting it to the closed position.
In connection with repairs, inspection and replacement of carbon dioxide systems, the rules for installation of a new carbon dioxide system shall be complied with insofar as they are applicable. If repairs, maintenance or inspection of a carbon dioxide system involves the operation of one or more main valves, the rooms protected by carbon dioxide must be unoccupied. Chapter 29. Work in or on tanks, pipelines, rooms etc. where flammable products or hazardous substances could be present
When an undertaking plans to conduct work in or on tanks, rooms, pipelines or similar where there is a possibility that flammable products or hazardous substances have accumulated, the undertaking shall implement measures as necessary to ensure that the work can be carried out without risk to life or health. Before the work starts, the undertaking shall see to inspections and necessary measurements to ensure that the working atmosphere is free of hazards. Such inspections shall be carried out by a competent person who has been specially trained for the task. When the working atmosphere is considered to be free of hazards, the inspector shall issue a certificate permitting the work. The undertaking shall notify the Labour Inspection Authority of who is assigned the task of inspector at any time. Chapter 30. Risk of avalanches in occupancy areas and work areas
The employer shall ensure that a proper inspection is carried out and a report is prepared as the basis for a risk assessment of the avalanche risk. If there is a risk of accidents due to avalanches in or on work sites, access roads, and residential and occupancy areas, an avalanche expert shall carry out an inspection to consider what securing and emergency measures may be necessary to implement. At the same time, any precautions that need to be taken in situations where there is a risk of an avalanche shall be determined. On construction sites where an avalanche risk has been identified, emergency preparedness shall be established of a scope and with equipment as decided in consultation with the expert and the local public rescue service. Personal protective equipment shall be made available to the crew, and rescue and first aid equipment shall be procured as necessary. Regular drills shall be organised. Where several employers are involved in construction activities, emergency preparedness shall be managed and coordinated by the principal undertaking. Employees who enter areas where there is an avalanche risk shall be instructed about the risks using posted notices or in another expedient manner, and they shall be obliged to comply with the safety instructions that are issued. All access roads where there is an avalanche risk shall be clearly marked. -
Part 5: Register of exposed employees
Chapter 31. Register of exposed employees
The employer shall ensure that a register is kept of: a. employees who are or may be exposed to to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals classified as Carc. 1A, Carc. 1B, Muta. 1A or Muta. 1B under the Regulations of 16 June 2012 No 622 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP). b. employees who are or may be exposed to substances, mixtures or processes on the following list: - work involving the production of auramine, - work involving exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which occur in soot, tar or pitch, - work involving exposure to dust, fumes or mist emitted during calcination and electrolytic processing of nickel from ore, - work that involves highly acidic processes to produce 2-propanol, - work that entails exposure to hardwood dust, as well as substances or mixtures released during such processes.
c. employees who work with lead and lead compounds.
The register shall include the individual employee's name, national ID number, position and workplace, and information about which hazardous chemicals the employee is exposed to, how and in what concentrations the exposure takes place, and the time and duration of the exposure. The register shall not contain any other information. The information about individual employees exposed to carcinogenic or mutagenic chemicals shall be stored for at least 60 years after the exposure has ceased. Information about employees exposed to reprotoxic chemicals shall be stored for at least five years after the exposure has ceased. The register shall not be destroyed in whole or in part except with permission from the Labour Inspection Authority. The employer shall keep a register of employees who must attend medical examinations as stated in Section 4-11. The register shall include the employees’ name, national ID number, position, date of employment, nature and duration of the work, and the exposure the employees are exposed to. The register shall also contain information about the date of the most recent medical examination and the name of the medical practitioner who conducted the examination. The register shall not contain any other information. The information about individual employees shall be stored for at least 60 years after the exposure has ceased. The register shall not be destroyed in whole or in part except with permission from the Labour Inspection Authority. The employer shall keep a register of employees who are or have been exposed to biological agents in infection risk group 3 or 4 and biological factors with the D notation, see Section 6-1 of the Regulations concerning Action and Limit Values. The register shall include the employees’ name, national ID number and the type of work that has been performed and, if possible, the biological factor to which the employees have been exposed. The register shall also contain information about exposures in connection with any accidents or incidents. The register shall be stored for at least 10 years after the exposure has ceased. In the following cases, the register shall be stored for up to 40 years following the last known exposure that could potentially cause infection: a. by biological agents known to be capable of giving rise to persistent or latent infections; b. that, in the light of present knowledge, are undiagnosable until illness develops many years later; c. that have particularly long incubation periods before illness develops; d. that result in illnesses that recrudesce at times over a long period despite treatment; or e. that may have serious long-term sequelae.
The register of exposed employees shall be placed at the disposal of the Labour Inspection Authority if the undertaking is discontinued. The employer shall keep a register of employees who work with ionising radiation. The register shall contain information about the employees’ name, address, national ID number, current position, date of employment and individually measured radiation doses. The employer shall ensure that a register is kept of employees who are exposed to hazardous substances during rock work. The register shall contain information about the employees’ name, national ID number, position, workplace, the nature of the work and the nature, extent and duration of the exposure. The register shall not contain any information of a private nature. The information about individual employees shall be stored for at least 60 years after the exposure has ceased. The register shall not be destroyed in whole or in part except with permission from the Labour Inspection Authority. Employees who are listed in registers regulated under this chapter shall be informed about and have access to the information that concerns them personally. Information in the register that is not of a personal nature shall be made known to the employees. The register shall be available to safety and health personnel, safety representatives, members of working environment committees and others who have special duties relating to safeguarding health and safety in the workplace, and the Labour Inspection Authority. If an undertaking with a register of exposed employees is discontinued, the register shall be transferred to the Labour Inspection Authority. -
Part 6: Final provisions
Chapter 32. Final provisions
Wilful or negligent violation of these regulations or decisions made pursuant to these regulations, or aiding and abetting thereto, is a criminal offence pursuant to Chapter 19 of the Working Environment Act. If anybody acting on behalf of the undertaking has violated provisions in these regulations or decisions made pursuant to these regulations, the undertaking may be fined pursuant to Section 18-10 of the Working Environment Act. The diving certificates that were issued pursuant to regulations of 30 November 1990 no. 944 relating to diving, will still permit the diving for which the certificate was issued. Permission to dive with class S diving certificates will cease from 1 January 2021. These regulations enter into force on 1 January 2013.