Office of Safety, Health & Environment


Updated: Dec 2021

Register of Safety & Health
Legislations/Guidelines Applicable to NUS


The table below provides an overview of national safety and health legislation and guidelines applicable to NUS. Please refer to the summary provided to understand the requirements for each legislation/guideline.
Kindly consult your respective Safety and Health Coordinator/Officers for more information and the details of the requirements.  




Legislation Summary Licenses / Permits / Competency
Administered by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) link
1. Workplace Safety & Health Act link
The Workplace Safety and Health Act and its subsidiary legislation is an essential part of the Workplace Safety and Health framework. The Act has four key features:
A. It places the responsibility for workplace safety on all stakeholders along the lines of control at the workplace;
B. It focuses on Workplace Safety & Health systems and outcomes, rather than merely on compliance;
C. It facilitates effective enforcement through the issuance of remedial orders;
D. To prevent accidents at the source, it issues higher penalties for non-compliance and risky behaviour.
Refer to the subsidiary legislation for more information.
Subsidiary legislations that are under the WSH Act 
1A. WSH (Approved Code of Practice) Notification link
The Workplace Safety and Health Council has approved Codes of Practice to provide practical guidance on safety and health to the industry. The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) sets the preferred work practices or standards that industry practitioners are expected to adopt when managing workplace risks unless an alternative course of action can achieve the same or better standard of health and safety in the workplace. As ACOP are considered expected industry standards, it may be cited as a reference in a court of law on what constitute "reasonably practicable" measures.

Code of Practice and Singapore Standard (SS) under ACOP are available here:
A. Singapore Standards eShop link
B. NUS Central Library Singapore Standard Database link
C. WSH Council Code of Practice Resource Database link


Refer to the individual ACOP for more information on competency requirements

1B. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for working in an enclosed space (e.g. chamber, tank, manhole, vat, silo, pit, pipe, flue) where:
A. Dangerous gases, vapours or fumes are liable to be present to such an extent as to involve a risk of fire or explosion, or persons being overcome thereby;
B. Supply of air is inadequate, or is likely to be reduced to be insufficient for sustaining life; or
C. There is a risk of engulfment by material

 		 Approved confined space entry permit by competent persons before entry into confined spaces.
1C. WSH (Construction) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for operating/working within a construction worksite on:

A. Safety & Health Management System
B. Permit-to-Work System
C. General Provisions for structures, supports, storage, placement of materials, equipment use and personal protective equipment
D. Electrical Safety
E. Cantilevered and Material Platforms
F. Disposal of Construction Materials
G. Formwork structure
H. Demolition, Excavation and Tunneling Works
I. Compressed Air Environment
J. Handling and Use of Explosives
K. Piling Work
L. Use of Cranes, Employee's lift or material handling machinery


Permit-to-work system for:

A. Demolition work
B. Excavation and trenching work in a tunnel or hole in the ground
C. Lifting operations involving tower, mobile or crawler crane
D. Piling work
E. Tunnelling work
1D. WSH (First Aid) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for :
A. Sufficient numbers of first-aid (FA) boxes per floor
B. Competent first-aider(s) for the workplace at a minimum ratio of 1 first aider per 100 employees
C. A first-aid room where there are more than 500 employees at the workplace
D. Emergency eye and body flushing facilities where any persons may be exposed to toxic or corrosive substances


Appointed FAs are required to be trained and certified by MOM approved training provider
1E. WSH (General Provisions) Regulations link
The regulations specify the general safety & health requirements for a workplace. It includes but not limited to, the following:
A. Duties of occupier or employer to take adequate measures to protect and prevent harmful exposure to substances
B. Use of infection agents and biohazard materials
C. Establish & implement Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedure
D. Use of lifting gear, lifting appliances and machines
E. Use of pressurised equipment (e.g. Steam boilers, Steam/Air Receivers)
F. Exposure to toxic dust, fumes or other contaminants
G. Permissible exposure levels (PEL) of toxic substances*
H. Use of hazardous substances
I. Requirements for Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
J. List of toxic substances and its respective PELs can be found in Schedule 1 of the regulations.
Lifting gears, lifting appliances, lifting machines and pressurised equipment must be examined at a prescribed frequency by an Authorised Examiner
1F. WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations link

 

 The regulations specify the requirement for reporting of work-related fatality, dangerous occurrences, injuries and occupational diseases that occurred in the workplace to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) within ten calendar days after the date of the incident when the staff:
A. Has been granted light duties or medical leave in-relation to a workplace incident
B. Has been admitted to the hospital for observation or treatment for more than twenty-four hours
C. Has been diagnosed with an occupational disease by a registered medical practitioner
D. Has observed any dangerous occurrence occurring at the workplace

The employer# will need to notify MOM as reasonably and practicable, where any workplace accident leads to the death of the staff

#All incident/accident are to be reported to OSHE via AIMS. OSHE will follow up with the reporting to MOM if required.

 Not Applicable
1G. WSH (Medical Examination) Regulations link
The regulations specify the medical examination (pre-placement/periodic) requirement for personnel in the workplace whose work involves any of the following:
A. Use or handling of or exposure to the fumes, dust, mist, gas or vapour of arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese or mercury or any of their compounds;
B. Use or handling of or exposure to the liquid, fumes or vapour of benzene, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, organophosphates or vinyl chloride monomer;
C. Use or handling of or exposure to tar, pitch, bitumen or creosote;
D. Use or handling of or exposure to the dust of asbestos, raw cotton or silica;
E. xposure to excessive noise; or any work in a compressed air environment

 		 Periodic medical examination to be completed by an approved designated workplace doctor (DWD)
1H. WSH (Noise) Regulations link
The regulations specify the noise control and monitoring requirements for workplaces where personnel are exposed to excessive noise as defined below:
A. Equivalent sound pressure level of 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour workday
B. Peak sound pressure level exceeding 140 dB(C)
C. Noise level exceeding the permissible exposure limit specified in the schedule of the regulations

The requirements include implementing measures to control noise, performing periodic noise monitoring, conducting training and education, and providing hearing protectors.
  		Periodic noise monitoring to be conducted by a competent person
1I. WSH (Operations of Cranes) Regulations link

 

 The regulations specify the requirements to establish a plan for any lifting operation involving the use of a mobile, crawler, overhead travelling, jib cranes and lorry cranes
 		 Workers such as lifting supervisor, crane operator, rigger, and signalman involved in any lifting operations are competent to perform lifting operation under the regulation's scope.
1J. WSH (Risk Management) Regulations link

 

 The regulations specify the requirements to conduct a risk assessment (RA), implement appropriate control measures to eliminate/reduce foreseeable risk before starting any work activity and record, communicate outcome, and conduct periodical reviews. RAs shall be reviewed:
A. At least once every three years
B. Where there are a significant change in work practices, procedures
C. Upon the occurrence of an incident/accident in the workplace

  		Not Applicable
1K. WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations link
The regulations specify the requirements for any scaffolding works at the workplace. Competent scaffold erectors and supervisors to perform scaffolding works
1L. WSH (Work at Height) Regulations  link
The regulations specify requirements for any work that requires an employee to work at places where the person can:
A. Fall from an elevated workplace
B. Fall through an opening
C. Fall through an open edge
D. Fall through a fragile surface
E. Can be injured due to the distance of the fall
A. Competent workers and supervisors to perform WAH activities
B. Working at heights where personnel is liable to fall a distance of 3m or more requires a hazardous WAH permit, and the work must be assessed and approved by a WAH assessor and authorised manager


 

2. Work Injury Compensation Act  link
The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) provides a legal framework for employed workers to seek compensation for injuries suffered arising out of and in the course of their employment and regulating insurance providers for liability under the Act. Not Applicable

 
Administered by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) link
3. Fire Safety Act link
This Act regulates fire safety in buildings and premises. The key elements in the Act include:
A. Abatement of fire hazards in premises
B. Fire prevention in buildings
C. Control of fire safety works
D. Control of petroleum and flammable materials

 

 Refer to the subsidiary legislations for more information
Subsidiary legislations that are under the Fire Safety Act 
3A. Fire Safety (Petroleum and Flammable Materials) Regulations link

The regulations specify requirements for the import, transport and storage of petroleum and flammable materials (PFM) within a prescribed maximum allowable quantity (MAQ).

 A PFM license is required to store and use PFM materials
Administered by National Environment Agency (NEA) link
4. Environmental Protection and Management Act link
This Act regulates air, water and noise pollution, the safe management of hazardous waste and the protection and management of the environment and resource conservation.

 

 Refer to the subsidiary legislations for more information
Subsidiary legislations that are under the EPMA
4A. Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations link

 
The regulations specify requirements for:
A. Storage and use of toxic and environmentally scheduled hazardous substances (HS) materials
B. Scheduled HS must not be bought or used without the appropriate permit or licence applied through the Faculty/School/Institute
C. Maintain an inventory record and ensure storage area is access-controlled
A. Apply and maintain a HS permit to store/use scheduled HS chemicals
B. HS licence is required to import scheduled HS chemicals
4B. Environmental Protection and Management (Ozone depleting Substances) Regulations link
The scope of the regulations prohibits the import and export of ozone-depleting substances specified in the schedule in Singapore.

 

 Not Applicable

5. Environmental Public Health Act link

 

This Act regulates the disposal and processing/treatment of industrial and domestic waste. Waste collection shall be contracted through licensed disposal contractors.   

Refer to the subsidiary legislations for more information
Subsidiary legislations that are under the EPHA
5A. Environmental Public Health (General Waste Collection) Regulations link

 

The regulations specify requirements for collecting, transport, sanitary infrastructure, general health for building, disposal of toxic waste and general waste.

 Not Applicable
5B. Environmental Public Health (Toxic Industrial Waste) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for the disposal of toxic and environmentally hazardous chemicals:
A. Roles and responsibilities between the generator and toxic industrial waste (TIW) collector
B. Engage a licensed TIW collector to collect hazardous waste generated
C. Generator and TIW collector are required to have an emergency response plan to deal with spills, leaks or accidents during transfer and transport

 

 Not Applicable

6. Sewerage & Drainage (SD) Act  link
This Act regulates the construction and maintenance of sewerage and land drainage systems and the discharge of sewage and trade effluent.

 

 Refer to the subsidiary legislation for more information
Subsidiary legislations that are under the SD Act   
6A. Sewerage and Drainage (Trade Effluent) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for the discharge of trade effluent (wastewater) into public sewers, including:
A. Prohibited release of scheduled organic compounds into the public sewers
B. Prohibited disposal of active biological agents or laboratory chemical waste into a sink that leads to a public waterway
C. The maximum concentration of  scheduled metals/substances in trade effluent


Not Applicable

7. Radiation Protection Act link
This Act regulates the import, export, manufacture, sale, disposal, transport, storage, possession and use of radioactive materials, ionising radiation apparatus and non-ionising radiation apparatus.

The Act also makes provision concerning the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, establishing a system for the imposition and maintenance of nuclear safeguards, and implementing the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

 

 Refer to the subsidiary legislation for more information
Subsidiary legislations that are under the Radiation Protection Act 
7A. Radiation Protection (Ionizing Radiation) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for ionising radiation irradiating apparatus and radioactive materials, including:
A. Licencing requirements
B. Age requirement and conditions for engaging radiation work
C. Control of radiation exposure
D. Medical and radiological supervision
E. Labelling of irradiating apparatus and radioactive materials
F. Storage of radioactive materials
G. Accounting, transport and checking of radioactive materials
H. Use of radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus in teaching/research processes, research installations and educational institutions
I. Reporting of radiation accidents


A. Licence to keep/possess and to use irradiating apparatus (i.e. L3 and L5)
B. Licence to keep/possess and to use/handle radioactive materials (i.e. L4 and L6)
C. Registration as a radiation worker (i.e. R1)
7B. Radiation Protection (Transport of Radioactive Materials) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for the packing, labelling, and transportation of radioactive materials.

 

 Not Applicable
7C. Radiation Protection (Non-ionizing) Regulations link

 

The regulations specify requirements for ultraviolet sunlamps, microwave ovens, medical and industrial ultrasound apparatus with power output 1,200W or more, magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus, entertainment lasers and high power lasers (Class 3b or Class 4). It includes:

A. Licencing and medical surveillance requirements
B. Age requirement and conditions for engaging in radiation work
C. Control of radiation exposure
D. Requirement for various regulated non-ionising irradiating apparatus


Licence to keep/possess, use, import and export non-ionising radiation apparatus (i.e. N2, N3, N4A and N4B)

# Information on N3 license exemption for confocal microscopes link 
8. Control of Vectors and Presticides Act link
The Act provides requirements for the following:
A. Destruction of vectors and control of vector-borne diseases
B. Provide control of sale and use of pesticides and vector repellents
C. Provide registration, licensing and certification of persons enegated in vector control work

Permit is required to import, breed and use vectors
Administered by the Central Narcotics Bureau link and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) link
9. Misuse of Drugs Act link
This Act regulates the following:
A. Possession, supply, import, manufacture and record-keeping of controlled drugs
B. Possession, supply, import, manufacture of controlled substances and materials useful for the production of controlled drugs
C. Possession and supply of controlled drugs by medical practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, veterinary surgeons

 
A. A permit is required to store and use controlled drugs from the CNB
B. A licence is required to import scheduled drugs from HSA
Administered by Health Sciences Authority (HSA) link
10. Poisons Act link
This Act regulates the import, possession, manufacture, compounding, storage requirements, access control, transport, and sale of poisons.

 

 License required from HSA to import any scheduled chemicals regulated as poisons
Administered by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) link
11. Arms and Explosives Act link
This Act regulates the manufacture, use, sale, storage, transport, importation, exportation and possession of arms, explosives and explosive precursors.

 

 Refer to the subsidiary legislation/rules for more information
Subsidiary legislations that are under the AE Act
11A. Arms and Explosives (Explosive Precursors) Rules link
The regulations specify requirements for a licence to store and possess explosive precursors.
A. Maintain an inventory record and ensure storage area is access-controlled
B. Put in place security measures as determined by Singapore Police Force to prevent unauthorised access to the explosive precursors

 

 Licence to store/keep and possess/control explosive precursors.
  Administered by the Singapore Customs link
12. Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act link
The Act regulates the development, production, stockpile and use of scheduled chemical weapons under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

 

 Refer to the subsidiary legislation/rules for more information
Subsidiary legislations that are under the CW Act 
12A. Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for the import, manufacture, storage and use of chemical weapons:
A. Maintain a purchase, usage and transfer record of the chemical weapons under their possession for Schedule 1 and 2 scheduled chemical weapons
B. Put in place security to prevent unauthorised access to the scheduled chemical weapons

 


Licence to import, export, produce, process, use scheduled chemical weapons
Administered by the Ministry of Health (MOH) link
13. Biological Agents and Toxins Act link
The Act provides requirements:
A. To prohibit and regulate the possession, use, import, transhipment, transfer and transportation of biological agents, inactivated biological agents and toxins
B. To provide safe practices in the handling of such biological agents and toxins


 

 Approval is required for the possession, import, handling and transportation of scheduled biological agents and toxins
Subsidiary legislations that are under the BATA  
13A. Biological Agents and Toxins (Transportation) Regulations link
The regulations specify requirements for the transportation of scheduled biological agents and toxins listed in the first, second, third, and fifth schedules.


 

 Hazardous Materials Transport Driver Permit is required to transport scheduled materials

14. Infectious Disease Act link
The Act provides requires for the prevention and control of infectious diseases and is jointly administered by MOH and NEA::
A. Notification of specified infectious diseases
B. Empowerment to conduct medical examination or treatment of a person suspected to be a carrier or came into contact with an infectious disease
C.
 Declaration and closure of area that is suspected/confirmed to be a source of the infection
D.
 Measure to prevent introduction and/or importation of diseases into Singapore through its ports of entry


Permit is required to import cadaveric human parts into Singapore
Administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) link
15. Infrastructure Protection Act link
The Act provides requirements for protecting specific areas, places and other premises in Singapore against security risks.


 

 Facilities with the first schedule Part II, second schedule and fifth schedule biological agents and toxins listed under BATA shall have their facilities gazetted as a protected place.
Administered by the National Parks Board (NParks) link
16. Animal and Birds Acts
link
The Act provides requirements for:
A. Preventing the introduction and spreading of diseases of animals, birds or fish
B. Control of the movement of animals, birds or fish into, within and from Singapore
C. Preventing of cruelty to animals, birds or fish
D. General welfare and improvement of animals, birds or fish in Singapore

 
A. Licence to possess veterinary biologics
B. Permit to import veterinary biologics, animals or animal products
C. Permit to export veterinary biologics can be done without an AVS-issued export licence



17. Control of Plants Act
 link
The Act provides requirements for the
A. Cultivation, import, transhipment and export of plants and plant products
B. Protection of plants and plant products against pests and diseases
C. Control of the introduction of pests into Singapore
D. Use of pesticides
E. Development and improvement of the plant industry

 

 Bio-Security Assurance Arrangement (BSAA) is required before importing genetically modified plant materials, insects, worms, and microorganisms defined as plant pests.

18. Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act link
The Act provides requirements for the import, export, re-export and introduction of
A. Sea of species of animals and plants, and parts and derivatives of such animals
B. Plants found in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

 

 CITES permits and certificates shall be obtained before importation and exportation of endangered flora and fauna under CITES
Administered by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) link
19. Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act link
The Act provides requirements for making provisions generally for protecting the marine environment and preventing, reducing, and controlling pollution of the sea. Not applicable
Administered by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) link
20. Air Navigation Act link
The Act provides requirements for the control and regulation of aviation to maintain, enhance and promote safety and security in civil aviation. Refer to the subsidiary legislation/rules for more information
Subsidiary legislations that are under the Air Navigation Act
20A
 Air Navigation (101 – Unmanned Aircraft Operations) Regulations link

 
The regulations specify requirements for the purchase and the use of unmanned aircraft (UA) for recreation, education, business or non-recreation/non-education purposes.
A. Research & Development activities are classified as "business or non-recreation/non-education" category
B. Even though operator permit applications no longer require pilot assessment and have pilot listings, training records and flight logs will need to be maintained internally, which are subject to audits by CAAS
Operators shall also seek the permission of the owners of any NUS facility, premise or building before operating indoors.

#Approval from Office of Safety Health and Environment (Emergency Management Division) shall be obtained before any activities involving unmanned aircraft flown outdoors within NUS campus. For more information, please refer to the NUS UA Guidelines  link

 
A. Register your UA with ODPRT
B. For UAs total weight < 250g
•    Apply for Operator Permit and Class 1 Activity Permit
•    Obtain UA Pilot License with the relevant categories
C. For UAs total weight > 250g
•    Apply for Operator Permit and Class 1 Activity Permit
•    Obtain UA Pilot License with the relevant categories


Administered through the COVID-Multi-ministry Taskforce 
21. COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 link

 
An Act to provide temporary measures, and deal with other matters, relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Not Applicable



Guidelines Summary Licenses / Permits / Competency
1. The Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
link
Administered by the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee

The guidelines provide requirements to ensure the safe containment, handling, and transport of GMOs used in research and provide a common framework for assessing and notifying research on GMOs.

 

 GMAC notification/ endorsement required for
•    Importation and exportation of GMOs/GMO-derived products
•    Research with genetic modification and genetically modified organisms.
2. WHO Laboratory Biosafety manual
4thEdition link
3rd Edition link
Administered by the World Health Organization (WHO)

The guidelines provide recommendations to develop/establish national codes of practice and implement biological safety for clinical, research and epidemiological purposes. The current edition places a higher emphasis on personal responsibility and introduces biosecurity concepts to prevent the inappropriate use of biological agents that can cause harm to the general public.

Not Applicable
3. WSHC Resources link

 

Administered by the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC)

The guidelines provide recommendations to improve WSH practices with resources from various from management and safety professionals to supervisors and workers 

Not Applicable
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