Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)RegulationsPhysical Agents Regulations, 202416. Personal protective equipment and facilities |
| (1) | Where it is not reasonably practicable to ensure that the exposure of an employee to a physical agent is either eliminated or controlled, the employer must provide the employee with suitable personal protective equipment. |
| (2) | Where personal protective equipment is provided, the employer must ensure that— |
| (a) | the relevant personal protective equipment is capable of reducing the exposure to the physical agent concerned; |
| (b) | selection of the relevant personal protective equipment takes into consideration— |
| (i) | the nature of the physical agent; |
| (ii) | the type of work to be done; |
| (iii) | the physical effort required to do the work; |
| (iv) | the length of time it will have to be worn; |
| (v) | the requirements in relation to the work for visibility, comfort and employee communication; |
| (vi) | compatibility with any other personal protective equipment that may be needed; and |
| (vii) | any recommendations made by the occupational health practitioner; |
| (c) | information, instructions, training and supervision are provided with regard to the correct inspection, use, care and disposal of personal protective equipment; |
| (d) | reusable personal protective equipment is kept in a hygienic condition and proper working order; |
| (e) | facilities are provided for the safe disposal of disposable personal protective equipment, in a manner that would not cause any hazard; |
| (f) | the relevant personal protective equipment is readily available; |
| (g) | storage facilities for personal protective equipment are provided when not in use; and |
| (h) | personal protective equipment is used or worn by enforcing the use thereof. |
| (3) | Subregulations (1) and (2) also apply to persons other than employees who may be exposed to physical agents. |