PREAMBLE (NOT PART OF THE STANDARD)

In order to promote public education and public safety, equal justice for all, a better informed citizenry, the rule of law, world trade and world peace, this legal document is hereby made available on a noncommercial basis, as it is the right of all humans to know and speak the laws that govern them.

END OF PREAMBLE (NOT PART OF THE STANDARD)

ISBN 978-0-626-22246-8

SANS 10255:2009
Edition 2.1

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
Health, safety and environmental guidelines for the construction and operation of timber treatment plants

Published by SABS Standards Division
1 Dr Lategan Road Groenkloof Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Tel: +27 12 428 7911 Fax: +27 12 344 1568
www.sabs.co.za
© SABS

Acknowledgement

The SABS Standards Division wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance received from the South African Wood Preservers’ Association (SAWPA) in producing the preliminary documents on which this standard is based.

Foreword

This South African Standard was approved by National Committee SABS SC 218A, Timber preservation – The preservative treatment of timber, in accordance with procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3 of the WTO/TBT agreement.

This document was published in September 2009.

This document supersedes SANS 10255:2003 (edition 2).

A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been technically modified by amendment No. 1.

Reference is made in 4.1 (two references), 5.2, 5.3 (two references), 5.4 (two references), 5.5.1, 5.5.4, 6.2, 6.3.3.1, 6.3.3.8, 6.3.11, 8.1, 8.4, 11.1.1(a), 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 13.1 and table B.1 (four references) to “safety legislation”. In South Africa this means the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993).

Reference is made in 4.1 and 7.1 to “relevant environment legislation”. In South Africa this means the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) (ECA) and the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), respectively.

Reference is made in 5.5.1 to “relevant legislation”. In South Africa this means the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).

Reference is made in 6.3.11 and 7.1 (two references) to “relevant legislation”. In South Africa this means the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965 (Act No. 45 of 1965).

Reference is made in 11.1.4 to “relevant legislation”. In South Africa this means the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998).

Reference is also made in 15.1 (two references) to “relevant legislation”. In South Africa this means section 54 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996) and the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996) in its entirety respectively.

Introduction

This standard is aimed at the improvement of the occupational health and safety of plant personnel and the prevention of environmental contamination in and around the timber treatment plant.

The standard is not intended to be definitive but describes, in general terms, measures to control some of the hazards associated with the use of various toxic chemicals. Prescribed procedures for the safe handling and disposal of waste materials, chemicals and empty containers are available from various chemical suppliers. Attention is directed to annex A which lists the relevant Acts with which compliance is required in South Africa.

Contents

Health, safety and environmental guidelines for the construction and operation of timber treatment plants

1 Scope

This standard serves as a practical guide on occupational health and safety and environmental aspects in and around timber treatment plants with the intention to reduce health and safety and environmental risks. It is applicable to any treatment process (as described in SANS 10005) in which waterborne preservatives, flame-retardants, anti-sapstain chemicals, organic solvent-based preservatives or oil-borne preservatives are used.

2 Normative references

The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this standard. All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference to a standard is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division.

SANS 275/EN 12083, Respiratory protective devices - Filters with breathing hoses, (Non-mask mounted filters) - Particle filters, gas filters, and combined filters - Requirements, testing, marking.

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SANS 397 (SABS 397), Safety helmets for industrial use and for firemen.

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SANS 416, Chemical resistant gloves.

SANS 433, Barrier creams.

SANS 1288, Preservative-treated timber.

SANS 1320-1 (SABS 1320-1), PVC gum boots – Part 1: Injection-moulded gumboots.

SANS 1320-2 (SABS 1320-2), PVC gum boots – Part 2: Dip-moulded gumboots with pre-moulded stuck-on outer soles and heels.

SANS 1320-3, PVC gum boots - Part 3: Injection-moulded ankle boots for men.

SANS 1404 (SABS 1404), Eye-protectors for industrial and non industrial use.

SANS 1455-1 (SABS 1455-1), Respiratory equipment for protection against harmful particulates and gas—Part 1: Masks for particulates and gas.

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SANS 1455-2 (SABS 1455-2), Respiratory equipment for protection against harmful particulates and gas—Part 2: Particulate respiratory filters.

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SANS 1455-3 (SABS 1455-3), Respiratory equipment for protection against harmful particulates and gas—Part 3: Particulate filtering masks.

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SANS 1455-4 (SABS 1455-4), Respiratory equipment for protection against harmful particulates and gas—Part 4: Gas and combination filters.

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SANS 10005 (SABS 05), The preservative treatment of timber.

SANS 10228, The identification and classification of dangerous goods for transport.

SANS 10231, Transport of dangerous goods – Operational requirements for road vehicles.

SANS 10232-1, Transport of dangerous goods – Emergency information systems – Part 1: Emergency information systems for road transportation.

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SANS 50149/EN 149, Respiratory protection devices – Filtering half masks to protect against particles – Requirements, testing, marking.

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SANS 50443/EN 443, Helmets for fire fighting in buildings and other structures.

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SANS 60079-1/IEC 60079-1, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres – Part 1: Flameproof enclosures “d”.

3 Definitions and abbreviations

For the purposes of this standard, the definitions given in SANS 1288 and SANS 10005 and the following apply

3.1 Definitions

3.1.1
bogie rail drip pad

area adjacent to the treatment plant, to contain drippage of chemicals from the treated timber on the bogie rails or traverses, as described in 6.3.12.2.2

3.1.2
bunded area

pit
area surrounded by a bund wall and that is designed to hold a prescribed volume of liquid

3.1.3
dosing vat

tank of about 100 L capacity used to dose concentrate chemical from the chemical storage tank

3.1.4
drip pad area

area adjacent to the treatment plant, to accommodate the treated timber as described in 6.3.12.2

3.1.5
hazardous chemical substance
HCS

any toxic, harmful, corrosive, irritant or asphyxiant substance, or mixture of such substances, found in timber preservatives

3.1.6
impervious

impervious to the relevant preservative treatment chemical or chemical solution used in the treatment plant

3.1.7
measuring tank

vertical calibrated tank from which treatment solution is drawn to pressurize into the timber in the treatment vessel

3.1.8
mixing tank

vertical calibrated tank in which a chemical is blended with a solvent or water

3.1.9
timber treatment plant

totality of the treatment vessels (usually a cylinder or an open tank), working tanks, storage tanks, vacuum chests, motors, pumps, pipe work and electrical and all relevant auxiliary equipment (excluding the boilers), required to carry out the treatment of timber

3.1.10
treatment plant area

area on a site comprising the timber treatment plant (see 3.1.9), bogie rail drip pad (see 3.1.1) and the drip pad area (see 3.1.4)

3.1.11
treatment vessel

chamber in which timber is treated using a combination of vacuum and pressure cycles (or both)

3.1.12
vacuum chest

small steel tank sited between the treatment vessel and the vacuum pump

3.1.13
working tank

vertical or horizontal tank from which the treatment vessel is filled during a treatment process

3.2 Abbreviations

3.2.1
EIA

environmental impact assessment

3.2.2
HCS

hazardous chemical substance

3.2.3
LOSP

light organic solvent preservative

3.2.4
MSDS

material safety data sheets

3.2.4
TREM

transport emergency card

4 Responsibilities and duties

4.1 Management or employer

Every employer shall provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employees. It remains the responsibility of management to ensure that sound environmental and occupational health and safety management policies are established and implemented in timber treatment plants. Health and safety representative(s) and, when relevant, health and safety committees, shall be appointed in accordance with the safety legislation (see foreword).

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Due to the nature of the chemicals and the equipment used for the treatment of timber, health and safety risk assessments and environmental impact assessments shall be carried out at all timber treatment plants. Such assessments ensure the health and safety of the employers as required by the safety legislation (see foreword), and also sound environmental management in accordance with the relevant environment legislation (see foreword).

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4.2 Employees

Every employee shall take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his actions or omissions. Employees shall, with regard to any duty or requirement imposed on his employer by any prevailing legislation, for example environmental and occupational health and safety, cooperate with such employer to enable that duty to be performed or requirement to be complied with.

5 Occupational health risk assessments

5.1 General

Risk assessments shall be carried out on all chemical processes and in all other areas where the health of workers is important, for example personal hygiene facilities such as toilets, locker rooms, washrooms and dining halls. The risk assessments shall identify the hazards and evaluate the risks associated with the treatment chemicals to the health of the employees, and the steps that need to be taken to minimize the risks.

5.2 Assessment of potential exposure

After consultation with the health and safety representative or health and safety committee, the employer shall arrange an immediate assessment to be done to determine if any employee is exposed to any HCS. These assessments shall be done at intervals not exceeding two years and shall be done in accordance with the relevant regulations of the safety legislation (see foreword).

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5.3 Air monitoring

Where the inhalation of HCS in preservative treatment chemicals is a risk, a measurement programme (air sample analysis) of airborne concentrations of the HCS shall be established and carried out in accordance with the relevant regulation of the of the safety legislation (see foreword). The levels of chemicals that workers are exposed to shall be continuously monitored to ensure that exposure limits are not exceeded.

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The air monitoring measurement programme shall be carried out by an inspection authority approved in terms of the safety legislation (see foreword) or by a person whose ability to do the measurements is verified by an approved inspection authority.

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5.4 Medical surveillance

Medical surveillance is essentially medical testing that is carried out to inform the employer which workers are being affected or are likely to be affected as a result of exposure to the chemicals in their work place. Medical surveillance shall be carried out when

1. workers are exposed to HCS listed in the regulations contained in the safety legislation (see foreword);

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2. the risk assessment on the chemical processes and air monitoring indicates that the health of workers is at risk; and
3. a qualified occupational health practitioner recommends that the relevant workers be placed under medical surveillance.

The medical surveillance programme shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant regulation of the safety legislation (see foreword) and can contain biological monitoring of exposure (biological monitoring and biological effects monitoring) and medical screening of workers. Biological monitoring of exposure and medical screening shall be done by a qualified medical practitioner or nurse with the necessary occupational health qualifications.

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5.5 Occupational hygiene

5.5.1 Facilities

The following facilities shall be provided in accordance with the relevant regulations of the safety legislation (see foreword) and the provisions of the relevant legislation and shall be kept in good working order and in hygienic condition at all times:

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1. ablution blocks with showers, toilet facilities, wash basins, soap and water;
2. lockers and change rooms; and
3. emergency showers and eyewash facilities.

5.5.2 Emergency facilities

Emergency showers and eyewash facilities shall be installed within the bunded area (see 6.3.2).

5.5.3 Contaminated water from showers and wash basins

Water from the showers or wash basins that is contaminated with treating solution shall not be discharged into the ablution drains or storm water drains. In the case of waterborne preservatives, the contaminated water could be used in the preparation of treating solutions; otherwise it shall be collected and stored until it can be neutralized and disposed of in an approved way (see clause 8).

5.5.4 Dining area

Separate dining rooms or dining areas and smoking areas shall be provided, as required by the relevant regulation of the safety legislation (see foreword), for use by the employees. Personnel shall use only those locations for eating, drinking or smoking that management has set aside for those purposes. No eating, drinking or smoking shall be allowed within the treatment area (see 6.3.12.1) and no foodstuffs shall be stored within this area.

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5.6 Rainwater

Provision shall be made to divert all storm water from the treatment area. This diverted water shall remain uncontaminated. Should there be any signs of contamination, the water shall be contained and used in the treatment process. (See also 5.5.3.)

6 Safety

6.1 Chemical safety programme

Chemical safety is an important part of an environmental management programme (see clause 7). Significant elements should include:

1. monitoring programmes for workers’ health, in order to ensure that exposure limits are adhered to and that proper records are kept of accidents and incidents involving chemicals;
2. appointing a person responsible for monitoring occupational health and safety;
3. using only registered chemicals and keeping all relevant information on handling, storage and first aid up to date;
4. controls to ensure that correct handling and safety procedures are followed by all employees;
5. information on and training in the above, involving employees (see 11.1); and
6. ongoing liaison with local emergency services (fire brigade, hospitals, etc.) regarding chemical safety procedures.

6.2 Safety risk assessment

A programme of safety risk assessments shall be established whereby all possible risks regarding a person’s safety in a treatment plant shall be identified and evaluated with the aim of incorporating measures that will eliminate such risks.

The assessments shall be carried out by the designated health and safety representative(s) appointed in accordance with the safety legislation (see foreword).

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6.3 Plant safety

6.3.1 General

The safe and successful operation of timber treatment plants depends on the following:

1. sound design and installation;
2. regular inspection and planned maintenance;
3. compliance with Quality Management System (QMS) approved operating procedures;
4. adequate training and supervision of operators; and
5. compliance with the code of hygiene (see 11.5).

Failure to comply with and implement the above can lead to poor productivity, accidents or environmental problems.

6.3.2 Bunded area

6.3.2.1 General

All constituent parts of a timber treatment plant shall be within a bunded area(s). The bunded area may be either covered or uncovered (see 6.3.12.3). The walls and floor of the pit or bunded area shall be of a impervious material and shall be maintained in that condition.

NOTE Ideally all bund walls should finish above normal ground level.

6.3.2.2 Size

The pit or bunded area shall be of adequate size to accommodate the total volume of the chemicals present, plus 10 % of the volume. A separate bunded tank farm of adequate size to accommodate the volume as determined in table 1 may be provided for chemicals in storage. (See 6.5.2.)

6.3.2.3 Position

The location of the door of the treatment vessel relative to the pit or to the bund wall shall be such that any chemical solution remaining in the treatment vessel spills into the pit (or bunded area).

6.3.2.4 Inspection

Wall and pit inspections shall be carried out regularly and any faults affecting the water containment properties shall be attended to immediately.

6.3.3 Treatment vessels

6.3.3.1 General

If compressed air or liquid pressure is used during the treatment process, the treatment vessel shall comply with the requirements of the Vessels under Pressure Regulations, 1996 as promulgated in the safety legislation (see foreword).

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All treatment vessels shall be regularly inspected for deterioration, for example corrosion, and immediately repaired when necessary.

6.3.3.2 Seal

Before the door of a treatment vessel is closed, care shall be taken to ensure that the door seal is in position and has been wiped clean of any debris, and that the seal is in good workable condition.

6.3.3.3 Door safety

The door of the treatment vessel shall be closed during non-working hours. A warning notice indicating that all the chemical solution in the treatment vessel has been pumped out shall be placed on the door face, even though a reliable mechanical fail-safe interlock system is installed (see 6.3.3.4). Where the door is suspended from a single bolt, a safety chain shall be added in case the bolt breaks.

NOTE A treatment vessel door that is not fully and safely locked during the treatment process can be dislodged and blown open either by internal pressure or by the weight of the solution.

6.3.3.4 Fail-safe interlock system

Except in the case of multiple-bolt doors, a fail-safe interlock system (mechanical, not electrical) that will prevent the door of the treatment vessel from being opened during the process cycle shall be fitted to avoid unnecessary spillage and flooding.

NOTE An example of such a fail-safe interlock system is a valve fitted over the door-opening mechanism, which will prevent the operator from loosening the bolt direct, in order to open the door. This valve will have to be opened first and all remaining internal pressure will therefore be relieved.

6.3.3.5 Control panel signal

In the case of automated plants, the control panel shall receive an electrical signal indicating when the door is fully locked.

6.3.3.6 Pressure-relief valves

The treatment vessel shall be provided with a pressure-relief valve that prevents the plant from being operated at pressures exceeding the working pressure of the treatment vessel. An additional pressure-relief valve shall be provided if the pressure pump is capable of exceeding the test pressure of the vessel. It shall be set to bypass at a slightly higher pressure (+25 kPa to +50 kPa) than the first pressure-relief valve, thus acting as an added safety precaution. The valve shall be sealed to prevent tampering or unnecessary adjustment.

6.3.3.7 Vacuum chest

If a vacuum chest is linked into the vacuum line, a quick-action valve shall be situated between the treatment vessel and the vacuum chest and shall be kept in the closed position during any pressure cycle. The chest shall be fitted with a sight glass or with a level switch.

NOTE When the treatment vessel is full, the solution level will show in the sight glass and the operator can close the valve to stop the vacuum pump from flooding. A level switch will stop the vacuum pump when the treatment vessel is flooded.

6.3.3.8 Marking

Each treatment vessel defined by the safety legislation (see foreword) as a pressure vessel shall be legibly and durably marked with at least the following information:

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1. the design code;
2. the working pressure and test pressure; 10
3. the treatment vessel manufacturer’s name;
4. the drawing number;
5. the date of manufacture;
6. the date of hydraulic pressure test, and the test pressure, in megapascals;
7. the inspection authority (where applicable); and
8. the plant manufacturer’s unique identification number.

6.3.3.9 Rails

The rails shall be clear and in good working condition. When the treatment vessel is loaded, the rails shall be aligned and properly secured to prevent derailments. Provision shall also be made to prevent the trolleys from floating off the rails during the treatment process.

6.3.4 Tanks

6.3.4.1 Design and construction

6.3.4.1.1

All tanks for the mixing, storing, working and measuring of treatment chemicals, together with the associated pipe work, gauges and structures, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with recognized engineering standards.

6.3.4.1.2

Information on recommended construction materials for the treatment plant shall be obtained from the suppliers of the preservatives.

6.3.4.1.3

All tanks manufactured from corrosive materials shall be protected against external corrosion (by means of at least a prime coating and a top coating). Where corrosive chemicals are used the interior of the tanks shall be coated with a suitable epoxy coating.

6.3.4.2 Position

The tanks shall be placed on a firm foundation within the bunded area. If mild steel tanks are used, they shall be elevated above the ground for air circulation by 50 mm to 100 mm.

6.3.4.3 Vapours/mists

Some chemicals or solvents give off flammable vapours. Smoking shall not be allowed in the treatment plant areas. “No smoking” signs shall be posted. Because vapours can accumulate in a closed tank or above a creosote tank or under a roof, tanks shall be well vented. Special precautions shall be taken when tanks are being cleaned, when samples are being drawn from a creosote tank or when a manhole or door is being opened. The correct safety clothing shall be worn at all times (see 11.6). Smoking areas shall be demarcated.

6.3.4.4 Maintenance and inspection

All closed-up tanks shall be fitted with manholes for maintenance and inspection purposes. Manhole covers shall be secure. The manholes shall be so positioned that they are accessible and, if possible, well ventilated. No individual shall be allowed to enter an enclosed tank without having obtained the necessary authorization by management and without supervision.

6.3.4.5 Open tanks

Open tanks shall be protected with suitable handrails to prevent persons from falling into them.

6.3.4.6 Sampling taps

All above-ground working tanks (excluding creosote tanks) shall have easily accessible sampling taps that give a representative sample of the contents. Each sampling tap shall be locked or shall have a removable handle.

6.3.4.7 Marking

Each tank shall be legibly and durably marked with at least the following information:

1. the total tank capacity, in litres;
2. the construction material;
3. the wall thickness, in millimetres;
4. the type of treatment solution that the tank contains; and
5. additionally, in the case of measuring and mixing tanks, the tank capacity, in litres per millimetre of depth.

6.3.5 Pipe work and valves

6.3.5.1 Pipe work

All pipe work shall be protected against damage and corrosion, and shall be easily accessible for inspection and maintenance.

6.3.5.2 Valves

Valves shall be easily accessible for operation and regular inspection. All valves shall be closely checked for leakages, especially on the vacuum circuit, where air leakage is more difficult to detect.

6.3.5.3 Tank overflow

Tanks shall be provided with overflow pipes of suitable diameter to ensure fast drip-free overflow from storage tanks to measuring tanks and from measuring tanks to mixing tanks. These overflow pipes shall form part of a closed-circuit system.

6.3.6 Water supply

To prevent siphoning or back-flow, a water supply pipe shall feed into the top of a tank that forms part of the treatment plant unless fitted with a ball float valve. (See also 5.5.3.)

6.3.7 Mixer (if present)

6.3.7.1 Design

The design of a mixer shall be such as to prevent any liquid from being splashed or spilled from the mixing tank.

6.3.7.2 Mixing process

6.3.7.2.1

The mixing process shall take place at atmospheric pressure. During the loading of chemicals into the mixing tank, the procedures recommended by the chemical supplier shall be followed.

6.3.7.2.2

Treatment solutions shall be introduced from the mixing tank into the storage tanks by means of a closed-circuit system.

6.3.7.2.3

Chemical concentrates in liquid or paste form shall be passed carefully into a dosing vat, from where they will be gradually introduced into the mixing tank.

6.3.7.2.4

Chemicals in powder form shall be carefully placed into a perforated cage within the mixing tank. From there, they will then be flushed into the solvent in the mixing tank, to provide the working solution required.

6.3.7.2.5

The mixing process should preferably be done by agitation and not by stirring. If the agitators create rotation of the contents, side baffle fins shall be installed in the mixing tank.

NOTE Mixing by means of a high volume transfer pump is very efficient.

6.3.7.3 Open container

Open chemical containers shall not be stored in the mixing area. The chemicals needed for a mix shall be used up or shall be returned to the lock-up storage area. All empty containers and containers with unused chemicals shall also be returned to the lock-up storage area (see also 6.5). Mixes shall be calculated in full drum/bag multiples, since it is undesirable to have small portions of the concentrated chemicals lying about.

6.3.7.4 Drum washers

A drum washer should be used to empty containers of paste products. High-pressure water jets should be avoided as a means of mixing, owing to the health hazard presented by the mist.

6.3.8 Pumps

6.3.8.1 Protective guard

All couplings, pumps and motor shafts shall be well protected, to prevent loose clothing from getting caught in them.

6.3.8.2 Leakage

Pumps shall be regularly inspected for leaks. Gland leakage shall be led away to the sump or pit, for recovery into the treatment system.

6.3.9 Control panel

6.3.9.1 Protection

All electrical control panels and switches shall be situated under cover, away from rain, chemical spray and spillage.

6.3.9.2 Labelling

All valves, switches, isolators, etc., shall be suitably identified to enable a person to operate the plant after he has read the treatment manual. All functions of the plant shall be recorded step by step in the manual, with all the valve numbers being given.

6.3.9.3 Electrical installation

All electrical installations shall be installed by a qualified competent person and shall be checked at regular intervals to ensure that the equipment is in safe working order.

6.3.9.4 Flameproof equipment

In terms of SANS 60079-1, flameproof motors and fittings shall be used in the case of flammable solutions (including creosote and light organic solvent preservative (LOSP)) and shall be checked and maintained and the results kept on record.

6.3.10 Haulage or extraction of timber from the treatment vessel

Timber handling equipment varies and is generally dependent on local conditions. A forklift or winch is often used. To prevent injuries and downtime, equipment (e.g. winch drum, rope, lifting devices) shall be regularly inspected and checked. The winch shall be protected with an overload switch and a drum guard to prevent cross-winding: in the case of bollard winches a foot-switch that will allow the operator to stop the winch, and in the case of drum winches a non-latching dead man’s switch. When applicable, crosby clamps shall be fitted correctly.

6.3.11 Boiler

The boiler shall be maintained in accordance with the safety legislation (see foreword), and shall meet the relevant requirements of the relevant legislation (see foreword).

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6.3.12 Site

6.3.12.1 Treatment and storage areas

The areas for the treatment of timber and for the storage of treated timber shall be clearly demarcated. All practical precautions shall be taken to prevent the environment from becoming contaminated with timber treatment chemicals.

6.3.12.2 Drip pads

6.3.12.2.1 Storage drip pad

If a treatment process without a final vacuum is used, a storage drip pad shall be provided that is adjacent to the treatment plant and that can accommodate a quantity of timber at least 10 % more than the maximum quantity treated over any 24 h period. (See also 3.1.4) The storage drip pad shall have an impervious floor slab that drains back to the pit or bunded area, to contain any drippage or spillage. (See also 9.1.)

6.3.12.2.2 Bogie rail drip pad

A bogie drip pad, immediately adjacent to the treatment plant and of at least the same length as the treatment vessel, shall be provided at bogie rails and traverses. The drip pad shall have an impervious floor slab that drains back with a minimum fall of 1:500 to the bunded area, to contain any drippage or spillage. The drip pad shall project at least 300 mm on either side of the timber bogies on the rails or traverses.

6.3.12.3 Cover

At least one of the following requirements shall be met:

1. If the size of the bunded area conforms only to 6.3.2.2, then a cover is required over at least the bunded area plus over any other drip pads that drain into the bunded area.
2. A cover over the bunded area is not required if the bunded area complies with the requirements of 6.3.2.2 and can accommodate a 1:50 year flood over an area that includes the bunded area and any uncovered drip pads that drain into the bunded area.

6.3.12.4 Housekeeping

Housekeeping is of the utmost importance in and around the treatment plant area. All areas that are subject to the build-up of chemical deposits (except oil-borne preservatives and LOSP) shall be kept clean by regular hosing down with water, which shall be directed into collection sumps for re-use or for suitable disposal. The practice of dry sweeping is not allowed.

Oil-borne preservatives and LOSP deposits shall be soaked up with sawdust and shall be disposed of in accordance with clause 8.

6.3.12.5 Stacking

Timber shall be stacked safely and neatly to prevent it from falling and causing injuries. The height of a stack shall be not more than three times its base width.

6.4 Operator’s office or control room

6.4.1 General

There shall be a functional operator’s office or control room at the plant.

6.4.2 Ergonomics

6.4.2.1 Lighting

To ensure a pleasant working atmosphere, the operator’s office should be large enough and have adequate lighting. It should be able to accommodate a suitable sink, shelves for equipment, and a desk, chair and filing cabinet or cupboard.

6.4.2.2 Ventilation

The operator’s office shall be well ventilated to remove all vapours.

6.4.3 Office rules

Only the authorized personnel shall be allowed into the office. Only laboratory chemicals and tools used in the treatment process may be kept in the office, neatly stored. Chemical analysis may be done in the office, but, after analysis, all the samples shall be returned to the treatment plant.

6.5 Storage area

6.5.1 Off-loading area

All deliveries of chemicals shall be made in a clearly demarcated lockable storage area. This area shall be of sufficient size to accommodate bulk or drum supplies (or both). Care shall be taken to provide adequate safety during the off-loading and storing procedures. (See also 15.2.)

Protective clothing shall be worn while the chemicals are being handled. (See also 11.6.)

The off-loading area shall be paved with impervious load-bearing material and shall be so designed that it drains into the bunded area appropriate for the type of chemical being stored.

6.5.2 Locked storage area

Chemicals shall only enter the treatment plant in adequately sealed containers or in tankers. The chemicals shall be kept in a lock-up storage area or tank. A stock book of all chemicals received and mixed shall be kept in accordance with the QMS procedures.

7 Environmental management

7.1 General

Environmental issues are complex and wide ranging and to manage them, every aspect of the operation needs to be carefully controlled. Specialized environmental management tools are available to carry out assessments, to guide treatment plant design and operations, and to manage discharges and wastes effectively. The most effective way to prevent or reduce environmental impact is through a systematic management programme that co-ordinates the various activities, allocates resources and monitors the results. The management programme should include environmental monitoring, environmental auditing and environmental reporting. These programmes should consider all environmental media such as air, soil and water.

All new timber treatment plants, or, in the case of additions to existing plants, all new additions, shall meet the requirements of the relevant provincial authorities in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations issued in terms of the relevant environment legislation (see foreword). All facilities shall meet the relevant requirements of the relevant legislation (see I foreword).

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Preservative treatment plants that use chemicals and processes that are listed as scheduled I processes in terms of the relevant legislation (see foreword) shall be registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.

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7.2 Environmental monitoring, auditing and reporting

7.2.1 Environmental monitoring

Monitoring is necessary in order to provide baseline information about environmental quality before operations begin. This initial information, together with subsequent monitoring, indicates the extent to which the operation complies with regulations, and the extent to which stricter standards are necessary. Regular monitoring will show any changes in the impact of the operation on, for example, water quality (surface water and ground water), plants and animals, soils, and human health.

Routine environmental monitoring compares the effect of operational discharges with the baseline information. Aspects of the operation to be monitored include air emissions from stacks, pipes or distribution sources, industrial discharges, domestic and sanitary waste discharges, and other wastes. Continued monitoring of the receiving environment, for example, ground water or river water, will reveal the impact of the discharges.

Regular inspection of the operation itself can pinpoint vulnerable aspects of the operation, for example, unsafe chemical storage, unsafe waste disposal, poor performance of treatment plant or poor maintenance of safety equipment.

Monitoring does not only serve environmental ends. Excessive contaminants in waste water can indicate economic losses of raw or refined material and general operating inefficiencies. Early detection of contamination can forestall costly remedial treatment.

7.2.2 Environmental auditing

7.2.2.1

An environmental audit is a management tool comprising a systematic, documented, periodic and objective evaluation of how well the environmental organization, management and equipment are performing, with the aim of helping to safeguard the environment by

1. facilitating management control of environmental practices, and
2. assessing compliance with policies, which would include meeting regulatory requirements.

7.2.2.2

Environmental audits can have different objectives and can be conducted by teams of individuals with varied backgrounds and skills. The audit involves gathering and analysing facts, drawing conclusions about the status of environmental programmes and reporting on these to appropriate management representatives. One important component of a full environmental audit is the requirement to check on regulatory compliance. Compliance audits include comparing the current operation with applicable laws and regulations (standards). Compliance auditing is sometimes needed for the purpose of amending permits and licences and is often part of wider environmental auditing.

Experience shows that environmental auditing can also have a number of other benefits, such as the following:

1. increasing employee awareness of environmental policies and responsibilities;
2. identifying potential cost savings, including those resulting from waste minimization;
3. evaluating environmental training programmes;
4. providing an information base for use in emergencies and for evaluating the effectiveness of emergency response arrangements;
5. enabling management to give credit for good environmental performance;
6. helping to improve relations with authorities, by convincing them that complete and effective audits are being undertaken, and by informing them of the type of procedure adopted and the results obtained; and
7. facilitating the insurance cover for environmental damage liability.

7.2.2.3

A “current status audit” (a CSIR term) at the beginning of the process can indicate where the worst impacts and breach of compliance are occurring. Management can then prioritize its response actions accordingly. (Monitoring information would be incorporated into such an audit.)

7.2.2.4

In addition to comprehensive environmental audits used to document the overall environmental performance, a number of more limited, in-depth audits can provide information on specific technical issues such as site, energy and waste.

7.2.3 Environmental reporting

Reporting is the third stage, where environmental information is prepared and submitted to management. The report gives an overview of performance, and outlines areas for improvement and the actions needed to achieve this.

7.3 Environmental impact assessment (EIA)

7.3.1

The role of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is to contribute to the planning process of a new timber treatment facility or to the planning of an addition to the existing plant. An EIA investigates the potential environmental impacts (positive and negative) of the proposed development in a systematic way. The process of assessment often identifies alternative engineering options and measures that can be taken to reduce impacts. As a result, an EIA can have a major positive influence on the design of a project.

7.3.2

National or provincial legal requirements for carrying out a formal EIA shall be adhered to.

7.3.3

Conducting an EIA requires environmental expertise and insight in addition to technical knowledge about the project. For major projects, a multidisciplinary team is usually assembled to gather further information, to evaluate the impacts and to propose practical alternative measures.

7.3.4

An EIA should include the following steps, to an extent and level of detail that fits the size of the project:

1. establishment of an environmental profile of the site (to identify sensitive areas);
2. identification of project activities (including all discharges, wastes and emissions);
3. assessment of likely impacts on the environment because of project activities and of possible project alternatives; and
4. identification of ways to reduce such impacts, and inclusion of these measures in the revised project.

7.3.5

Environmental assessments should be concise, be limited to significant environmental issues and be aimed at informing project designers and project decision makers, including financiers. The level of detail should be in proportion to the extent of potential impacts.

8 Waste management and disposal

8.1 General

The employer shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, comply with the relevant regulations of the safety legislation (see foreword) with regard to the disposal of HCS.

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8.2 Contaminated materials

8.2.1 Treated timber

8.2.1.1 Disposal of treated timber waste

Treated timber waste shall be disposed of in a suitable and lawful way. Disposal options for timber waste treated with currently used chemicals are given in 8.2.1.2 and 8.2.1.3. Treated timber shall not be used for domestic heating, or for cooking or for making charcoal.

8.2.1.2 Timber treated with copper-chromium-arsenic (CCA)

Timber treated with CCA shall be disposed of in an approved landfill. Timber treated with CCA shall not be disposed of by means of burning.

8.2.1.3 Timber treated with other treatment chemicals

Timber treated with other treatment chemicals shall be disposed of in an approved landfill or by burning. Burning shall only be carried out in non-residential areas, and the ash shall be disposed of in an approved landfill.

8.2.2 Containers and packaging

All used containers (drums, plastics bags, etc.) shall be neutralized and rinsed three times and returned to the chemical supplier. If this is not possible, containers shall be neutralized and made unusable by holing and crushing before disposal in a dumping area approved by the local authorities. (Rinsing should be re-used as process water.)

NOTE Contaminated waste (drums, containers, plastics bags, etc.) that accumulates on the site should not be disposed of in municipal dumping areas.

8.2.3 Other contaminated material

Contaminated sawdust, sand, etc., shall be disposed of in a dumping area approved for the purpose by the relevant regulatory authority. These waste materials shall not be used for mulching, gardening or any commercial purposes.

8.3 Chemical sludge

Sludge shall be stored in containers that are resistant to acid corrosion as recommended by registered waste disposal companies. These containers shall be stored in a secure bunded area and shall disposed of by a registered waste disposal company (see also 15.3). Chemical sludge shall not be disposed of into sewers or municipal drains.

NOTE Chemical sludge is produced by a chemical reaction in the treatment solution. Sludging can be caused by temperature, acidity changes, wood extractives, iron contamination and minerals in the water. It covers all the solid paste and other suspensions that accumulate in, among other places, pressure cylinder door sumps, open tanks (hot-cold open tank process), and flooding pits and at the bottom of working tanks.

8.4 Spillages

All spillages shall be reported to management, in accordance with the safety legislation (see foreword). (See also clause 14.) Minor contained spills can be

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1. brushed or directed into the pit or sump and pumped into the appropriate storage tanks, or
2. soaked up with an absorbent material such as sand, placed in suitable containers and disposed of as toxic waste by a registered waste management company.

9 Post-treatment handling

9.1 Freshly treated timber

All freshly treated timber shall be drip free before dispatch. In the case of timber treated with CCA, the timber shall be stacked for a period of time which will allow for sufficient fixation of the CCA chemical before it is dispatched to the purchaser or end user. Excess chemical solution shall be kept for re-use in the treatment process or for safe disposal dispatch. (See 6.3.12.2, 8.3 and 8.4).

9.2 Manual removal from treatment vessel

Special care shall be taken to avoid direct contact of the chemicals with the body when timber is being extracted by hand. Gloves and protective clothing shall be worn (see 11.6).

9.3 Cleaning the storage and bogie rail drip pads

To prevent dust from waterborne preservatives accumulating on a concrete drip pad area, the drip pad areas shall be hosed down at least once a week and the washings shall be collected for re-use.

9.4 Sampling of contaminated soil

When soil contamination is suspected, the following sampling plan is recommended (see figure 1) for analysis by an accredited laboratory. Each soil core sample shall be stored in a plastic bag. The sample number, sampling depth and distance from the drip pad area shall be noted on the bag. In the event of major soil contamination, the preservative supplier/manufacturer shall be approached for guidance.

Figure 1 — Recommended sampling diagram

10 Process

Timber shall be treated in accordance with SANS 10005 or, when relevant, with mining timber treatment specifications or anti-sapstain treatment practices.

11 Health risks

11.1 Training

11.1.1

Employers and employees shall be well informed of the risks of exposure to treatment concentrates and solutions and other health and safety risks in the total treatment plant operation. Employers shall, before any employee is exposed or might be exposed, ensure that the employee is adequately and comprehensively informed and trained, with regard to the following:

1. the contents and scope of the safety legislation (see foreword);

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2. the potential sources of exposure to treatment chemicals and machinery;
3. the potential risks to health and safety caused by exposure;
4. the measures to be taken by employers to protect the employees against any risk from exposure;
5. the precautions to be taken to protect themselves against health risks associated with the exposure, including the wearing of protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment (see 11.6);
6. the necessity, correct use, maintenance and potential of safety equipment, facilities and engineering control measures provided;
7. the necessity of personal air sampling and medical surveillance; 20
8. the importance of good housekeeping at the workplace and personal hygiene;
9. the safe working procedures regarding the use and handling of plant operation machinery as well as the use, handling and storage of treatment chemicals; and
10. procedures to be followed in the event of spillages, leakages or any other emergency situation.

11.1.2

MSDS’s obtained from suppliers/manufacturers of the treatment chemicals shall be displayed in the operator’s office or control room and in other strategic positions.

11.1.3

Plant operators and workers shall be instructed and trained in the correct handling and use of the treatment chemicals. Training shall be carried out by qualified competent person(s) and shall include emergency procedures in the case of a personal accident or an exposure to spillage. The quality control manager and the safety officer shall also be trained.

11.1.4

All training shall be provided for by management on an ongoing basis as required by the relevant legislation (see foreword). Records shall be kept of all training done by the employees.

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11.2 Exposure

Exposure to treatment chemicals shall be limited and controlled in accordance with the relevant regulations of the safety legislation (see foreword). This includes the introduction of engineering control measures, which shall include the provision of plant emergency equipment (see clause 12), plant safety (see 6.3), suitable protective clothing (see 11.6) and written work procedures that will ensure that

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1. all chemicals, especially HCS, are safely handled, used and disposed of;
2. process machinery, equipment, tools, and extraction and ventilation systems are safely used and maintained;
3. good housekeeping is achieved; and
4. early corrective action can be identified and taken.

Protective clothing and emergency equipment shall be inspected at regular intervals, to ensure adequate protection.

11.3 Health records

Occupational health records shall be kept of all employees exposed to treatment chemicals. These records shall include the results of all assessments, air sampling and medical surveillance as required by the relevant regulations of the safety legislation (see foreword).

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Regular medical surveillance, carried out by an occupational medical practitioner, is advisable for individuals who are directly involved with the treatment process or who handle freshly treated timber.

11.4 Audit and maintenance of control measures

Employers shall ensure that the control measures and the equipment supplied for safety are available and that they are used at all times. Thorough assessments of engineering control measures shall be carried out in accordance with the HCS regulations of the safety legislation (see foreword).

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11.5 Code of hygiene

11.5.1 Before work (in the change room)

Personnel shall comply with the following before work:

1. remove normal clothing and put on the necessary personal protective equipment; and
2. ensure that all personal protective equipment is in good condition.

NOTE Barrier cream should be available to persons with sensitive skins (see SANS 433).

11.5.2 During work

Personnel shall comply with the following during work:

1. do not eat, drink or smoke in the treatment area;
2. avoid putting hands, pens or pencils into the mouth; and
3. do everything possible to prevent chemicals from splashing or dripping onto clothing.

11.5.3 During work breaks

Personnel shall keep to the following routine at the start of a work break:

1. go to the washroom;
2. take off gloves, boots and overall;
3. wash hands, arms and face thoroughly with soap and cold water; and
4. put on clean exterior clothing.

Carry out all these steps before eating, drinking or smoking.

It is recommended that the dining areas be situated so that the personnel coming into contact with treatment chemicals and processes are able to leave their immediate work areas via the facilities described in 5.5.1 and eat and drink in the designated dining area after having been decontaminated by washing their hands etc., and having removed any contaminated clothing before entering the dining area.

11.5.4 After work

Personnel shall keep to the following routine after work has ceased:

1. wash the outsides of the gloves and turn them inside out;
2. wash the insides of the gloves and hang them out to dry.
3. take off all protective clothing;
4. examine clothing to establish if they are in good working condition (see 11.6.7)
5. use the showering facilities that are available; and
6. wash thoroughly before putting on normal clothing to go home.

11.6 Personal protective equipment

11.6.1 General

Personnel shall remove their protective clothing when they leave the treatment area and shall put it on again before they re-enter. Provision shall be made for protective clothing for visitors to the treatment area. The basic protective clothing and accessories that shall be provided, and the applicable standards, are listed in table 2 (11.6.7).

11.6.2 Head and eye protection

Personnel who open drums, mix chemicals or open the treatment vessel door shall wear hard hats with face visor or goggles, in order to protect the head and face and especially the eyes.

11.6.3 Nose and mouth protection

A nose and mouth respirator shall be worn when powder or crystalline preservatives are being opened and mixed. The respirator filter pad shall be changed regularly or disposable facemasks shall be worn. When the door of a treatment vessel is being opened, a respirator and facemask shall be worn to prevent inhalation of the fumes. Respirators and facemasks shall be capable of controlling the exposure to below the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for the relevant HCS.

11.6.4 Hand, arm and face protection

A water-resistant and chemical-resistant barrier cream that complies with SANS 433 shall be available. When handling treated timber, mixing treatment chemicals, opening chemical drums or operating the treatment plant, personnel shall wear strong PVC-coated gloves. Contaminated gloves shall not be worn outside the treatment area.

It is recommended that persons with skins sensitive to the treatment chemical used should not be allowed to work in the treatment area.

11.6.5 Body protection

When duties are being carried out within the treatment area, a PVC apron shall be worn over the overall in order to protect the body. The recommended overall has no pockets and is acid resistant; it should be laundered frequently on site. The laundry water may be added to other contaminated water (see 5.5.3).

11.6.6 Foot protection

PVC gumboots fitted with safety toecaps provide the best foot protection. Alternatively, safety shoes could be recommended for warm climates, but not on sites that are likely to be muddy and wet.

11.6.7 Maintenance of protective equipment

All protective clothing and equipment shall be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are kept in good condition and efficient working order fit for the purpose intended (see 11.5.4(d)).

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12 Plant emergency equipment

12.1

The following minimum plant emergency equipment shall be available and shall be easily accessible at all timber treatment plants:

1. spade;
2. stable broom;
3. bucket (preferably PVC);
4. suitable fire-fighting equipment; and
5. bags of neutralizing chemicals, and instructions for use (as supplied by the chemical supplier/manufacturers (see clause 14)).

12.2

In addition, the following should be available:

1. a scraper;
2. two 25 L open-top PVC drums;
3. a spatula;
4. polyethylene bags;
5. sample bottles and labels; 24
6. a torch;
7. a drum opener; and
8. a wheelbarrow.

13 Accident prevention, safety and first aid

13.1 Legal requirements

The legal requirements relating to qualified first-aid workers and to first-aid equipment, as set out in the safety legislation (see foreword), shall be strictly adhered to.

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13.2 Safety awareness

Selected posters, banners and slogans relating to safety in the workplace shall be displayed at strategic points at the treatment plant. Screening of safety films can effectively promote safety awareness.

13.3 Labelling of chemicals

Safety labels as required by the Department of Agriculture shall be available for all the relevant chemicals used.

13.4 First-aid kit

A complete first-aid kit shall be available at the treatment plant near the treatment area. All emergency medication, for example for burns, chemicals in eyes, chemical inhalation or ingestion, shall be available. The first-aid equipment shall never be situated in the same room as the chemicals.

13.5 First-aid treatment

Recommendations for elementary first-aid treatment are set out in tables 3 to 6.

No first-aider shall try to undertake the duties of a doctor. It is a first-aider’s duty to deal with minor cuts, bruises, splashes, etc., but a doctor shall be called at once, should anything more serious occur, for example,

1. the swallowing or inhalation of chemicals,
2. continued eye irritation after first-aid treatment,
3. numbness of the skin or body, or
4. difficulty in breathing.

14 Emergency spillage procedures

Emergency spillage procedures for the different types of treatment solution are set out in tables 7, 8, 9 and 10. Personnel working within the plant area shall be trained in the use of neutralizing chemicals. These neutralizing chemicals shall be kept under lock and key in close proximity to the treatment area, together with the plant emergency equipment (see clause 12).

15 Transport and receipt of chemicals

15.1 General

This applies to the transportation and receipt of timber preservatives that are classified as dangerous goods in terms of SANS 10228 as well as to the transportation of chemical sludge from the treatment plant.

The relevant legislation (see foreword) makes it an offence for dangerous goods including hazardous waste products to be consigned, transported or received except as prescribed in chapter VIII of the National Road Traffic Regulations (Regulations 273-283).

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The relevant legislation (see foreword) defines dangerous goods as those commodities, substances and goods listed in SANS 10228. Dangerous goods covered by the regulations include flammable liquids, compressed and liquefied gases, oxidizing agents, and corrosive and poisonous substances.

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Regulations apply to all vehicles, irrespective of weight, used to transport dangerous goods in excess of the exempt quantities tabled in annex C of SANS 10232-1.

Vehicles shall be appropriately placarded as prescribed in SANS 10232-1 and shall be transported by drivers who hold a category “D” professional driving licence and who are trained with regard to the transportation of dangerous goods. In addition, the correct documentation shall be on board (see 15.3).

All road vehicles that transport dangerous goods shall comply with the provisions of SANS 10231.

SANS 10231 establishes rules and procedures for the safe operation and handling of road vehicles that are used to carry dangerous goods in excess of the exempt quantities. It covers the duties of the consignor, operator and consignee; loading and unloading procedures and the behaviour en route.

15.2 Duties of the consignor and consignee in terms of SANS 10231

For the purposes of the Regulations, a consignor means the person who offers dangerous goods (including waste) for transport in a vehicle and includes the manufacturer or his agent. The consignee means the person who accepts dangerous goods which have been transported in a vehicle.

SANS 10231 stipulates that a third party shall not transport dangerous goods unless agreements have been concluded with the other relevant parties (consignor and consignee) concerning the nature and quantity of dangerous goods, and the type and location of facilities at both loading and off-loading points. Agreements hold the supplier responsible for loading, the operator/driver for transportation and the consignee responsible for off-loading.

The consignor and consignee shall nominate a qualified person to do the following:

1. ensure that the loading or off-loading operation takes place in an area where all necessary safety measures associated with the material being transported are observed and that is equipped with the necessary safety equipment;
2. ensure that the operation takes place correctly; and
3. remain in the vicinity of the flow control valves during fluid type transfers, where he can stop the transfer immediately in the event of rupture, spillage or any other emergency.

NOTE In terms of SANS 10231, a qualified person is a person trained to perform any specific task, and nominated by the operator or consignee.

15.3 Additional duties of the consignor in terms of SANS 10231

This subclause relates to the collection of timber preservatives from a depot or agent and includes the transportation of hazardous chemical waste from the treatment plant.

The consignor is responsible for supplying the operator or driver with the following documentation:

1. appropriate transport emergency (TREM) cards (as prescribed in SANS 10232-1) that provide information on the hazards and emergency information for a material being carried and instructions on how to deal with an incident;
2. full written instructions relating to the substance hazards and handling and emergency action to be taken in the event of spillage (i.e. relevant MSDS); and
3. the appropriate dangerous goods declaration form(s) (as prescribed in SANS 10232-1).

Annex A
Relevant legislation

(normative)

In South Africa the following Acts are relevant to health, safety and environmental issues:

• −The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965 (Act No. 45 of 1965);
• −The Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989);
• −The Fertilizers and Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947);
• −The Hazardous Substances Act, 1973 (Act No. 15 of 1973);
• −The Health Act, 1977 (Act No. 63 of 1977);
• −The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977);
• −The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998);
• −The National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996);
• −The National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998);
• −The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) and Regulations;
• −The Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998); and
• −Provincial ordinances and local by-laws.

Annex B
Reference schedule for treatment plant management

(informative)

Table B.1 gives information regarding the health and safety and environmental aspects in this standard of which management should be aware.

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© SABS

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