June 7, 2018

DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2018-0017

 

I. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE

The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, P.D. 856 was promulgated in 1975 and one of its chapter on Industrial Hygiene provides the standards and guidelines for the protection and promotion of workers' health. The first implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the said chapter was developed in 1991. To cope up with the trends in industrialization and globalization, amendments were made in 1999.

With the resurgence of the manufacturing industries to achieve the Philippine government's goal of inclusive growth, there is a need to strengthen the implementation of the P.D. 856 through the IRR. This would include the active involvement of the Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in support to the Local Government Unit (LGU) in the implementation of the IRR in all industrial establishments inside the economic zones. To facilitate enforcement, standards and operational procedures need to be harmonized with the Department of Labor and Employment and other partner agencies (e.g., Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Civil Service Commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, etc.). CAIHTE

Hence, the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR), that will contribute to a more responsive health system addressing workers' health.

II. OBJECTIVES

This Administrative Order shall prescribe the rules and regulations on Chapter VII — Industrial Hygiene of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, PD 856, to promote and protect workers' health.

III. SCOPE AND COVERAGE

This Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) shall apply to all industrial establishments which are either engaged in the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of goods or processing of raw materials into end-products operated by the government agencies or its instrumentalities including government-owned or controlled corporations, private organizations or firms, individuals or entities.

IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Department — refers to the Department of Health (DOH).

2. Employer — refers to persons, entity, or organization who employ one or more paid workers in the operation of their businesses or trades.

3. IndustrialEstablishment — refers to workplace, which is either engaged in the manufacture, storage, sale, distribution, treatment and disposal of goods or processing of raw materials into end-products except mining and quarrying operations.

4. InvestmentPromotionAgency (IPA) — refers to the authority managing Economic Zones, Freeport Zones, Industrial Estates, and Retirement Areas as identified by the Department of Trade and Industry.

5. HealthOfficer — refers to the Provincial Health Officer, City Health Officer, Municipal Health Officer, or Investment Promotion Agency Health Officer. He/she must be a licensed medical practitioner.

6. HealthandSafetyCommittee — refers to the industrial establishment's planning and policy-making group in-charge of all matters pertaining to occupational health and safety, the composition of which shall be in accordance with the rule as stated in the DOLE's Occupational Safety and Health Standards, as amended.

7. LocalGovernmentUnit (LGU) — refers to the provincial, municipal, chartered and component cities.

8. LocalHealthAuthority — refers to the Provincial Governor, City or Municipal Mayor or Administrator of Investment Promotion Agency.

9. OccupationalHealthWorker — refers to the qualified first-aider, nurse, dentist, or physician, whose service/services have been engaged by the employer in order to provide occupational health services in the industrial establishment.

10. RIRR — refers to Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations on Chapter VII — Industrial Hygiene of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, P.D. 856.

11. Worker — refers to any employed person regardless of nationality in the industrial establishment including its working owner/s, officers and administrative personnel.

12. Workplace — refers to the office, premises or worksite, where the workers are habitually employed and shall include the office or place where the workers who have no fixed or definite worksite, regularly report for assignment in the course of their employment.

V. GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. All workers shall be entitled to a healthy and safe workplace through compliance with the attached RIRR.

2. The requirements for operating an industrial establishment shall be in accordance with this Order and the attached RIRR.

3. The Local Government Units and Investment Promotion Agencies shall be responsible in the enforcement of the provisions of the attached RIRR.

VI. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

1. The provisions to a healthy and safe workplace shall follow Rule III of the RIRR-Responsibilities of Employer, Worker and Health and Safety Committee.

2. The procedures in securing a Sanitary Permit shall be in accordance with Rule IV of the RIRR-Application, Issuance, Renewal and Revocation of the Sanitary Permit.

3. In the operation of industrial establishments, the following Rules of the RIRR shall apply:

a. Rule V — specifies the Sanitary Requirements in the operation of Industrial Establishments.

b. Rule VI — prescribes the Environmental Control Provisions to be followed in the prevention and control of occupational hazards in the workplace.

c. Rule VII — specifies the required Personal Protective Equipment, whenever engineering and administrative control measures are not feasible or insufficient/inadequate as specified in Rule VI of this RIRR. DETACa

d. Rule VIII — requires the appropriate Occupational Health Services to be provided to all workers, depending on the size of establishment, number of workers and nature of undertaking.

4. The policies and standards adopted from other agencies shall be of the latest issuance.

5. The Department of Health in the form of issuance of Administrative Order may amend, modify and change any word, sentence, paragraph, provisions and requirements contained in the RIRR as it deems necessary for the improvement of its implementation at the field level.

VII. RECORDING AND REPORTING

1. The owner/general manager of industrial establishment shall submit the reportorial requirements to the City/Municipal Health Office as stated in the RIRR. In case of industrial establishments in the economic zones, it shall be submitted to the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA.)

2. The consolidation and submission of reportorial requirements shall be done by area of jurisdiction and level of authority, as follows:

a. From the Component City/Municipal Health Office to the Provincial Health Office;

b. From the Chartered Cities, Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA) to the DOH Regional Office; and

c. From the Regional Office to the DOH Central Office through the Occupational Diseases Division, Disease Prevention and Control Bureau.

VIII. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

1. The monitoring and evaluation by area of jurisdiction and level of authority shall be done annually. It shall include the following indicators:

For City/Municipal Health Offices, Chartered Cities and Investment Promotion Agencies

a. List of medical illness and injuries by classification (highly hazardous and hazardous), size (small, medium, large scale), and location of industrial establishments; and

b. List of industrial establishments issued sanitary permit by classification, size, and location.

For Provincial Health Office, DOH Regional Office and DOH Central Office

a. No. of medical illness and injuries by classification, size, and location of industrial establishments; and

b. No. of industrial establishments issued sanitary permit by classification, size, and location.

IX. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Consistent with the defined roles and responsibilities under the RIRR, the following national government agencies and local government units shall:

1. Department of Health

a. Formulates policies, plans and programs for the promotion and protection of workers' health.

b. Prescribes standards, guidelines, and means of control on workplace hazards.

c. Capacitates the DOH Regional Offices, IPAs, and other partner agencies to implement the provisions of this RIRR.

2. DOH Regional Offices

a. Provides technical assistance to LGUs and IPAs for the implementation of this RIRR.

b. Monitors and evaluates the implementation of this RIRR.

c. Networks and collaborates with other agencies in the implementation of this RIRR.

d. Consolidates, maintains and analyzes yearly reports submitted by Provincial Health Office, City Health Office (Chartered) and Investment Promotion Agencies, and submits to the Department.

3. Local Health Authority

Provincial Level

a. Oversees the enforcement of this RIRR.

b. Enacts local ordinances to support and strengthen the implementation of this RIRR.

c. Provides technical assistance to component city/municipality for the implementation of this RIRR.

d. Coordinates with other government agencies at the provincial level relative to the implementation of this RIRR.

City/Municipal Level

a. Exercises jurisdiction in the enforcement of this RIRR.

b. Issues licenses/business permits and suspends or revokes the same for any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits had been issued, pursuant to existing laws or ordinances. aDSIHc

c. Ensures compliance to submission of reportorial requirements of this RIRR.

d. Coordinates with other government agencies relative to the implementation of this RIRR.

e. Enacts city/municipal ordinances to support and strengthen implementation of the provisions of this RIRR.

4. Investment Promotion Agency

a. Exercises jurisdiction in the enforcement of this RIRR in the economic zone.

b. Appoints/designates Health Officer who shall perform both the sanitary and public health functions in the economic zone.

c. Issues licenses/business permits and suspends or revokes the same for any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits had been issued, pursuant to existing laws or ordinances.

d. Coordinates with DOH and local government units relative to the implementation of this RIRR.

e. Issues memoranda to support and strengthen implementation of the provisions of this RIRR in the economic zone.

f. Ensures compliance to submission of reportorial requirements of this RIRR.

X. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

In the event that any rule, section, paragraph, sentence, clause or word of this Administrative Order is declared invalid for any reason, the other provisions thereof shall not be affected.

XI. REPEALING CLAUSE

This Administrative Order rescinds the 1999 Implementing Rules and Regulations on Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, P.D. 856 Amending Administrative Order No. 111 s. 1991 and other related issuances which are inconsistent or contrary with the provisions of this Administrative Order. All other provisions of existing issuances which are not affected by this Order shall remain valid and in effect.

XII. EFFECTIVITY

This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the date of its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MScSecretary of Health

ATTACHMENT

Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) on Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) as Amended

FOREWORD

The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, P.D. 856 has been promulgated more than 40 years ago. It aims to codify the scattered sanitation laws to ensure its keeping with modern standards of sanitation and provide a handy reference and guide for their enforcement. It has 22 chapters and one of which is the Chapter on Industrial Hygiene.

To give full force to the implementation of the provisions of the said chapter, an Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene was issued through Administrative Order 111 series of 1991. In 1999, the said IRR was updated and amended to respond to the challenges confronting our workers as they constantly adjust to the demands of time and the changes taking place in their work environment.

This recent amendments to the IRR on Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene addresses the grey areas in the implementation of the standards, reporting systems as well as its compliance to gender and development issues and concerns. This new IRR has been revised/amended to parallel with the modernization of industries from mechanical operations to computerized operations. Not to mention the continuous proliferation of hazardous chemicals/substances and materials used in manufacturing industries that exposes workers to more risk of chemical poisoning and injuries.

With this relevant changes and updates done to the IRR, we expect our local health implementers to be more than equipped to handle the issues and concerns relative to inspection and monitoring of industrial establishments at their level.

 

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MScSecretary of Health

Pursuant to Section 4 of P.D. 856, The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, the following Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations on Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene of the Code are hereby amended for the guidance and strict compliance by all concerned.

RULE I

General Provisions

SECTION 1. Scope and Coverage. — This revised implementing rules and regulations shall apply to all industrial establishments which are either engaged in the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of goods or processing of raw materials into end products operated by the government agencies or its instrumentalities including government owned or controlled corporations, private organizations or firms, individuals or entities.

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. — As used in these rules and regulations, the following terms shall mean:

A. ACGIH — refers to American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

B. Annual Examination — refers to regular physical examination done once a year.

C. ANSI — refers to American National Standard Institute.

D. DENR — refers to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

E. Department — refers to the Department of Health (DOH).

F. DOLE — refers to the Department of Labor and Employment.

G. Dry Standing Area — refers to platform, false floor, and mats.

H. Effluent — refers to discharges from known sources which goes into a body of water or land, or wastewater flowing out from an industrial establishment including domestic, commercial and recreational facilities.

I. Emergency Clinic — refers to an enclosed area, room or building located within the premises of the establishment and equipped with the necessary medical facilities and supplies, where workers may be brought for examination and treatment of their injuries or illnesses in case of emergency, where more elaborate instruments and equipment (such as examining bed and oxygen tank) are made available for the workers and where the services of a more competent medical staff are provided, who may handle or treat a few simple cases of injuries or illnesses needing short-term confinement, or may refer such cases to hospitals. ETHIDa

J. Emergency Treatment Facility — refers to an enclosed area or room equipped with the necessary medical facilities and supplies, and located within the premises of the industrial establishment where workers may be brought for examination and treatment of their injuries or illness in cases of emergency.

K. Ergonomics — refers to the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

L. First-Aider — refers to any person trained and duly certified or qualified to administer first-aid by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) or by any organization recognized by the Department.

M. First-Aid Treatment — refers to adequate, immediate and necessary medical and/or dental attendance or remedy given in case of injury or sudden illness suffered by the workers, irrespective of whether or not such illness/injury is occupational in nature, before more extensive medical and/or dental treatment can be secured. It does not include follow-up treatment for an injury or illness.

N. Glare — refers to excessive luminance in the field of vision which disturbs the adaptation process of the retina produced by excessive light stimuli.

O. Hazard — refers to a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a worker or workers.

P. Health and Safety Committee — refers to the industrial establishment's planning and policy making group in-charge of all matters pertaining to occupational health and safety. The composition of which shall be in accordance with the rule as stated in the DOLE's Occupational Safety and Health Standards, as amended.

Q. Health Officer — refers to the Provincial Health Officer, City Health Officer, Municipal Health Officer, or Investment Promotion Agency Health Officer. He/she must be a licensed medical practitioner.

R. Hierarchy of Hazard Control — refers to a system used in industrial establishment to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards.

1. Elimination — means physically removing the hazard.

2. Substitution — means to replace hazardous raw materials to lesser or non-hazardous materials.

3. Engineering Control — means instituting appropriate engineering measures to minimize or control hazard.

4. Administrative Control — means limiting or preventing workers' exposure to the hazards i.e., job rotation of worker, time-scheduling, procedure changes, employees training, and installation of signs and warning labels.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — refers to masks, hardhats, goggles, earmuffs/earplugs, coveralls, safety shoes or other garments/equipment designed to protect the workers' body and body extremities from occupational hazards.

S. Highly Hazardous Workplace — refers to an establishment where any or all of the following conditions exist:

1. when the nature of work exposes the workers to dangerous environmental elements, contaminants or work conditions including ionizing radiation, chemicals, fire, flammable substances, noxious components and the like; cSEDTC

2. when the workers are engaged in construction work, logging, firefighting, mining, quarrying, blasting, stevedoring, dock work, deep sea fishing/diving and mechanized farming;

3. when the workers are engaged in the manufacture or handling of explosives and other pyrotechnic products;

4. where the workers use or are exposed to power driven or explosive power actuated tools and equipment; and

5. when the workers are exposed to biological agents such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoas, nematodes and other parasites.

T. Industrial Establishment — refers to workplace which is either engaged in the manufacture, storage, sale, distribution, treatment and disposal of goods or processing of raw materials into end products except mining and quarrying operations.

U. Industrial Hygiene — refers to the science and art devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of those environmental factors or stresses, arising in or from the workplace which cause sickness, impairs health and inefficiency among workers as well as the surrounding communities.

V. Industrial Hygienist — refers to industrial hygiene practitioner involved with the monitoring and analytical methods required to detect the extent of exposure, employing engineering and other methods for hazard control.

W. Industrial Wastes — refers to any solid, semi-solid or liquid and gaseous waste material with no commercial value released by industrial establishment other than excluded material.

X. Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) — refers to the authority managing Economic Zones, Freeport Zones, Industrial Estates, and Retirement Areas as identified by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Y. Large Scale Industries — refers to industrial establishments employing two hundred (200) workers or more.

Z. Less Hazardous Workplace — refers to industrial establishment where none of the condition(s) under highly hazardous workplace exists in its principal activity.

AA. Local Health Authority — refers to the Provincial Governor, City or Municipal Mayor or Administrator of Investment Promotion Agency.

BB. Lux — refers to the unit of measurement for illumination which is equivalent to one lumen per square meter (1 lm/m2).

CC. Medical Staff — refers to industrial establishment's physicians, nurses, dentists, and first-aiders with adequate training on occupational health and safety.

1. Full time — is a service rendered for 8 hours/day; 48 hours/week.

2. Part time — is a service rendered for at least 4 hours/day, 24 hours/week as the case may be.

DD. Medium-scale Industries — refer to the industrial establishments employing fifty one (51) to one hundred ninety nine (199) workers.

EE. Occupational Health Workers — refer to the qualified first-aider, nurse, dentist, or physician, whose service/services have been engaged by the employer in order to provide occupational health services in the industrial establishment.

FF. Occupational Health Practitioner — refers to Occupational Health Worker duly licensed to practice his/her profession in the Philippines and possessing all of the additional qualifications required by the Department and/or DOLE.

GG. Occupational Health Services — refer to services entrusted with essentially preventive functions and responsible for advising the employers, the workers, and their representatives in the establishment of the following:

1. requirements for establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment which will facilitate optimal physical and mental health in relation to work; and

2. adaptation of work to the capabilities of workers in the light of their state of physical and mental health.

HH. Orally Fit — refers to the condition of a worker who is certified by the occupational dentist found to have healthy gums with no calculus, all unsavable teeth extracted and all carious teeth with temporary or permanent fillings at the time of employment. SDAaTC

II. Outfall — refers to the outlet of a drain or sewer.

JJ. Pre-employment Medical Examination — refers to physical and diagnostic examination conducted before an applicant is accepted or hired for employment.

KK. Risk — refers to the chance or probability that a worker will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard.

LL. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — refers to a document that describes the identity of a substance which includes the following: product and company information; composition/information on ingredients; hazards identification; first-aid measures; firefighting measures; accidental release; handling and storage; exposure controls and personal protection; physical and chemical properties; stability and reactivity; toxicological information; ecological information; disposal considerations; transport and regulatory information.

MM. Sanitary Permit — refers to the permit issued by the Health Officer to the industrial establishment upon compliance with the prescribed sanitary, environmental, and occupational health requirements.

NN. Sanitation Inspector — refers to the Rural Sanitary Inspector, Sanitation Officer or Environmental Officer responsible for the enforcement of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.

OO. Sanitary Sewage — refers to domestic sewage containing human excrement and household liquid waste.

PP. Secretary — refers to the Secretary of Health.

QQ. Separation Examination — refers to the physical examination conducted prior to the resignation or termination of the employment of the workers.

RR. Septic tank — refers to the water-tight receptacle which receives the discharge of a plumbing system or part thereof and designed to accomplish the partial removal and digestion of suspended solid matter in the sewage through a period of detention.

SS. Sewer — refers to the pipe line conveying sewage from the building to the septic tank or to any point of discharge.

TT. Sewerage system — refers to a pipeline or conduits, pumping station, force mains constructed drainage ditches, and all other constructions, devices and appurtenances used for collecting or conducting sewage and industrial wastes or other wastes to a point of treatment discharge or ultimate disposal.

UU. Shall — refers to the term "shall" as used in this RIRR construed to mean mandatory.

VV. Small-scale Industries — refer to the establishments employing fifty (50) workers or less.

WW. Special Examinations — refer to specific medical examinations required for the type or nature of exposure of workers.

XX. Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) — refer to airborne concentration of substances and represent conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed daily without adverse effect.

YY. Vermin — refers to a small group of animals such as mice, rats, and insects which are vectors of diseases.

ZZ. Vermin Abatement Program — refers to a control scheme approved by the health officer to eradicate or reduce the vermin population. (Refer to Implementing Rules and Regulations of Chapter XVI-Vermin Control of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines) (P.D. 856).

AAA. Waterworks — refer to the system of reservoirs, channels, mains, pumping and purifying equipment by which a water supply is obtained and distributed.

BBB. Worker — refers to any employed person regardless of nationality in the industrial establishment including its working owner/s, officers and administrative personnel.

CCC. Workplace — refers to the office, premises or worksite, where the workers are habitually employed and shall include the office or place where the workers who have no fixed or definite worksite, regularly report for assignment in the course of their employment.

RULE II

Responsibilities of the Department of Health and the Local Government Unit/Investment Promotion Agency

SECTION 1. Responsibilities of the Department of Health. —

A. Secretary of Health

1. Formulates policies, standards, guidelines, rules and regulations and programs for the promotion and protection of workers' health.

2. Prescribes a list of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) of atmospheric/environmental contaminants as a guide in appraising health hazards and evaluating control measures.

3. Reviews concentration values at regular intervals to amend or modify the list where indicated.

4. Develops standards regarding other concentrations of short intermittent duration capable of causing acute impairment to health.

5. Requires the control of other contaminants known or believed to be capable of causing impairment of health but not included in the list already issued by the Department.

6. Prescribes control measures to eliminate/minimize industrial contaminants and infectious diseases caused by processing or handling industrial products or waste.

7. Promulgates illumination standard values and orders their review at regular intervals to alter or amend values when indicated.

8. Promulgates measures to effectively and adequately control any possible radio-activity to which workers and the general public may be exposed. acEHCD

9. Promulgates measures to regulate noise levels at the workplace.

10. Capacitates the DOH Regional Offices and other partner agencies to implement the provisions of the RIRR.

B. Regional Office

1. Provides technical assistance which includes, but not limited to, conduct of training, investigation, environmental health impact assessment to local government units and IPAs for the implementation of Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) and its revised implementing rules and regulations (RIRR).

2. Monitors and evaluates the implementation of Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) and its RIRR in coordination with the LGUs and IPAs.

3. Networks and collaborates with other agencies in the implementation of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) and its RIRR.

4. Consolidates, maintains and analyzes yearly reports submitted by Provincial Health Office, City Health Office (Chartered) and Investment Promotion Agencies and submits to the Department. (DOH/IH/FORM 9C)

SECTION 2. Responsibilities of the Local Government Unit/Investment Promotion Agency. —

A. Local Health Authority

Provincial Level

1. Provides for the mandatory appointment of a provincial health officer who shall perform both the sanitary and public health functions at the provincial level.

2. Oversee the enforcement of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) and its RIRRs at the provincial level subject to the standards set by the Department.

3. Directs the provincial health officer to consolidate, maintain and analyze yearly reports submitted by the components cities and municipalities. (DPCB/IH/FORM 9A) and submits to the DOH Regional Office.

4. Advocates the passage of local ordinances through the Provincial Board (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) to support and strengthen the implementation of the provisions of this RIRR in their locality.

5. Provides technical assistance which includes, but not limited to, conduct of training, investigation, environmental health impact assessment to local government units-component city/municipality for the implementation of Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) and its revised implementing rules and regulations (RIRR).

6. Coordinates with other government agencies at the provincial level relative to the implementation of this RIRR.

City/Municipal Level

1. Provides for the mandatory appointment of a City or Municipal Health Officer who shall perform both the sanitary and public health functions in their area of jurisdiction.

2. Exercises jurisdiction over the enforcement of the Code on Sanitation including its RIRR in their locality, subject to the standards set by the Department.

3. Issues licenses/business permits and suspends or revokes the same for any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits had been issued, pursuant to existing laws or ordinances.

4. Enforces all laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations relating to sanitation and public health.

5. Directs Health Officer to prepare and submit yearly reports using the DOH/IH/FORM 9A, as follows:

a. From City Health Office (Component City) and Municipal Health Office to the Provincial Health Office.

b. From City Health Office (Chartered City) to the DOH Regional Office.

6. Enforces the suspension/revocation/closure of an industrial establishment if found violating any of the provisions of the Code on Sanitation and its RIRR.

7. Ensures inspection and evaluation of all industrial establishments at least once a year, to check compliance with the set requirements of this RIRR.

8. Coordinates with other government agencies relative to the implementation of this RIRR.

9. Advocates the passage of local ordinances through the City/Municipal Councils (Sangguniang Panlungsod/Pambayan) to support and strengthen implementation of the provisions of this RIRR in their locality.

Investment Promotion Agency

1. Appoints/designates Health Officer who shall perform both the sanitary and public health functions in the economic zone.

2. Exercises jurisdiction over the enforcement of the Code on Sanitation including its RIRR in the economic zone, subject to the standards set by the Department. SDHTEC

3. Issues licenses/business permits and suspends or revokes the same for any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits had been issued, pursuant to existing laws or ordinances.

4. Enforces all laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations relating to sanitation and public health.

5. Directs Health Officer to prepare and submit yearly reports using the DOH/IH/FORM 9B to the DOH Regional Office, copy furnish the host city or municipality.

6. Enforces the suspension/revocation/closure of an industrial establishment if found violating any of the provisions of the Code on Sanitation and its RIRR.

7. Ensures inspection and evaluation of all industrial establishments at least once a year, to check compliance with the set requirements of this RIRR.

8. Coordinates with other government agencies relative to the implementation of this RIRR.

9. Issues memoranda to support and strengthen implementation of the provisions of this RIRR in the economic zone.

B. Health Officer

1. Leads the sanitary inspections of all industrial establishments to determine their compliance with Chapter VII-Industrial Hygiene of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.

2. Issues sanitary permit to all industrial establishments upon compliance with the prescribed requirements.

3. Recommends to Local Health Authority issuance of licenses/business permits and suspension or revocation of the same for any violation of the condition upon which said licenses or permits had been issued, pursuant to existing laws, ordinances and memoranda.

4. Coordinates with other government agencies relative to the implementation of this RIRR.

5. Attends to complaints related to industrial hygiene and recommends appropriate measures for immediate compliance.

6. Refers/elevates to higher authority unresolved issues in relation to industrial hygiene.

7. Prepares and submits yearly reports to the Department, through its Regional Offices. (DPCB/IH/FORM 9A)

RULE III

Responsibilities of Employer, Worker and Health and Safety Committee

SECTION 1. Responsibilities of the Employer. —

A. Provides/installs and maintains in good condition all control facilities and protective barriers for potential and actual hazards in the workplace.

B. Capacitates all affected workers regarding the nature of the hazards and the reasons for the control measures and protective equipment, as provided under Rule VII of this RIRR.

C. Provides the following medical health examinations for free, as provided for in the Omnibus Rules to Implement the Labor Code of the Philippines; Book Four Health, Safety and Welfare Benefits; Rule I Medical and Dental Services, Section 9:

1. Pre-employment Examination

2. Annual Periodic Examination

3. Return to Work Medical Examination

4. Transfer Examination

5. Exit Examination

6. Special Examination as related to worker's exposure to potential or actual hazards in the workplace

D. Provides adequate and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge, when considered necessary in accordance to Rule VII of this RIRR. In addition, conducts workers' training on the proper use of PPE annually. AScHCD

E. Ensures strict compliance on the regular use and proper maintenance of PPE.

F. Ensure compliance on the prescribed TLVs or exposure limits.

G. Ensures that their contracted service-providers shall also conform to the provisions of Rule VII of this RIRR.

H. Creates, supports and monitors the occupational health programs/activities through the health and safety committee.

I. Submits yearly reports required by the Department or the Local Health Authority. (DOH/IH/FORM 9)

SECTION 2. Responsibilities of the Workers. —

A. Strictly observe and practice the use of PPE and other control measures, in accordance with the provision of Rule VII of this RIRR.

B. Observe the proper use and maintenance of equipment provided to them by their employers.

C. Report potential health hazards present in the work environment to the health and safety committee.

D. Cooperate in the implementation of health and safety programs and inspections.

E. All workers shall submit himself/herself to the following health examinations:

1. Pre-employment Examination

2. Annual Periodic Examination

3. Return to Work Medical Examination

4. Transfer Examination

5. Separation Examination

6. Special Medical Examination (as needed)

F. All workers shall secure health certificate from the Health Officer. (DOH/IH/FORM 3)

SECTION 3. Responsibilities of the Health and Safety Committee. —

A. Implements and monitors occupational health programs/activities of the industrial establishment.

B. Conducts regular health and safety meetings at least once a month.

C. Reviews reports of inspection, accident and illness investigations and implementation of program.

D. Submits progress reports to the manager/employer on a quarterly basis.

E. Provides necessary assistance to government inspectors during the conduct of inspection.

F. Initiates and supervises health and safety trainings of workers.

G. Develops and maintains a disaster contingency plan and organizes such emergency service units as may be necessary to handle disaster situations, pursuant to the Emergency Preparedness Manual for Industrial Establishment of the Office of Civil Defense.

H. Furnishes the Department or the Local Health Authority a copy of the Employer's Work Accident/Illness Reports submitted to DOLE.

RULE IV

Application, Issuance, Renewal and Revocation of the Sanitary Permit

SECTION 1. Prior to issuance of business permit or permit to operate, all industrial establishments shall obtain a sanitary permit from the Health Officer under the following Conditions:

A. Application of Sanitary Permit

1. The application of sanitary permit for new industrial establishment shall be filed at the City/Municipal Health Office or IPA having jurisdiction over the said entity.

2. A written application shall be required from the owner/manager of the industrial establishment citing their intention and purpose for establishing such operation together with the duly accomplished registration form (DOH/IH/FORM 1). All existing industrial establishments prior to the approval of this amended IRR, shall also be required to submit registration form for record purposes.

3. The City/Municipal Health Office or IPA verifies the validity of the application and if found in order, schedule the industrial establishment for inspection. AcICHD

B. Renewal of Sanitary Permit

1. The renewal of sanitary permit shall be filed and done yearly in conformity with the local government units' and IPA schedule.

2. Late renewals shall be subjected to penalties set through the city/municipal ordinance or IPA memorandum.

C. Issuance of Sanitary Permit

1. Before the issuance of the sanitary permit, a sanitary inspection of the industrial establishment shall be conducted using the prescribed inspection report form. (DOH/IH/FORM 2).

2. After inspection, the Health Officer shall issue a sanitary permit (DOH/IH/FORM 4) if the industrial establishment is complying with the requirements of this IRR on Industrial Hygiene. A sanitary order shall be issued to the industrial establishment to correct non-complying items. (DOH/IH/FORM 5).

3. Sanitary permit, either new or renewal, shall not be issued without the requisite of inspection.

D. Suspension/Revocation of Sanitary Permit

1. Non-compliance with the requirements of this RIRR shall be grounds for suspension/revocation of the sanitary permit.

2. After prior notice and hearing, the Health Officer, if satisfied that the terms of the two notices have not been complied with or that failure to comply therewith is not excusable, shall implement the revocation of the sanitary permit, or;

3. After the second sanitary order on an extended grace period, a re-inspection was conducted and still the owner failed to comply with such order as reported by the sanitary inspector, the Health Officer shall implement the revocation of the sanitary permit without delay and shall inform other related agencies of the city or municipality of the revocation.

4. Lifting of suspension of permit may be recommended whenever the owner of the industrial establishment satisfactorily corrected the defects.

5. The industrial establishment owner may file a motion for reconsideration to the Local Health Authority if he is not satisfied with the action of the Health Officer.

6. The Local Health Authority may file court proceedings against any industrial establishment continuously operating after the revocation of the said permit.

SECTION 2. Fees. —

A. Corresponding fees shall be paid upon application or renewal of the sanitary permit according to the city/municipal ordinance promulgated or IPA memorandum issued.

B. Fees payable resulting from penalties shall be such amount as prescribed by existing law or as set through city/municipal ordinance or IPA memorandum.

RULE V

Sanitary Requirements in the Operation of Industrial Establishments

SECTION 1. Water Supply — Potable Water Supply shall be Provided to All Workers. —

A. An adequate potable water supply approved as to source and distribution by the Department shall be provided in all places of employment.

B. Approved standard type of drinking water facilities readily accessible shall be provided to all workers in the ratio of one (1) facility for every fifty (50) workers. (Table 1 A of the Appendix)

C. Where a municipal or city waterworks system exists, the industrial establishment shall utilize the water from the system or from its own water supply that complies with the IRR of Chapter II (Water Supply) of P.D. 856 and the latest prescribed water quality standards of the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

SECTION 2. Disposal of Domestic Sewage. —

2.1 Sewerage System — Sewerage works and sewage treatment plants shall comply with the following requirements:

A. All industrial establishments covered by the system shall be connected to the sewer in areas where a sewerage system is available.

B. Completely treated effluent if conforming to the effluent standards prescribed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) may be discharged into a body of water.

C. Storm water shall be discharged to a storm sewer; only sanitary sewage shall be discharged to a sewerage system but this would not prevent the establishment to install a combined system provided it is approved by DENR.

2.2 Septic Tank — Where a public sewerage system is not available, sewer outfalls from industrial establishments shall be discharged into a septic tank to be constructed in accordance with the following minimum requirements:

A. It shall be generally rectangular in shape. When a number of compartments are used, the first compartment shall have the capacity from one half (1/2) to two thirds (2/3) of the total volume of the vault and shall be water-tight. It shall be built of concrete, either pre-cast or poured-in-place. TAIaHE

B. It shall not be constructed under any building or within 25 meters from any source of water supply.

SECTION 3. Disposal of Septic Tank Effluent — The Effluent from the Septic Tank shall be Treated and shall have Passed the Quality Standards Prescribed by DENR Prior to its Discharge to a Body of Water or Soil/Land.

SECTION 4. Management of Industrial Wastes. — The following requirements shall be complied with:

A. All hazardous wastes including radioactive wastes incidental to the operation of the industrial plant shall be collected, stored or disposed of in a manner that will prevent health hazards, nuisance and pollution, in accordance with the latest guidelines set by the DENR.

B. All industrial establishments discharging hazardous wastes shall submit a copy of the method of treatment, approved and certified by the DENR, to the LGU/IPA and/or as prescribed by the Department.

C. All industrial establishments shall discharge their treated wastewater in accordance with the latest requirements set by the DENR.

SECTION 5. Abatement Program for Vermin Control. — An abatement program for the control of vermin shall be maintained.

A. A vermin abatement program shall be maintained in workplaces by their owners, operators or administrators.

B. The procedure and frequency of vermin abatement program shall be determined and approved by the Health Officer.

SECTION 6. Facilities Required. — The following facilities shall be installed in all industrial establishments based on workers population per shift. (Table 1B-1D of the Appendix).

A. Adequate and suitable toilet and bath facilities for both male and female workers at the following ratio:

1. Where the number of female workers employed exceeds one hundred (100), one (1) toilet for every twenty (20) female workers up to the first one hundred (100) and one (1) more for every thirty (30) thereafter.

2. Where the number of male workers employed exceeds one hundred (100), one (1) toilet for every twenty-five (25) male workers up to the first one hundred (100) and one (1) more for every forty (40) thereafter.

3. Where the number of male workers employed exceeds five hundred (500), it is sufficient to provide one (1) toilet for every sixty (60) male workers.

4. In addition, male workers shall be provided with sufficient urinals in the same ratio with toilet bowl in accordance with Rule V, Section 7A (2) and (3) of this RIRR.

5. In the case of field sites, water and sanitation facilities shall be provided.

B. Adequate restrooms and mess halls shall be provided for the workers at the following ratio:

1. Where ten (10) or more workers are employed at any one time, at least one (1) restroom for each sex for their exclusive use shall be provided.

2. Where less than ten (10) workers are employed and a restroom is not available, an equivalent space shall be provided which can be properly screened and made suitable for such use.

C. Dining facilities (mess halls/pantry) shall be provided where there are ten (10) or more workers in an industrial establishment. The recommended space requirement for four (4) workers is 10.80 m2 and for each additional worker, the minimum addition shall be 0.90 m2.

D. A separate bathing/washing facility for each sex shall be provided in the ratio of one bathing/washing facility for every twenty-five (25) workers up to the first one hundred (100) and one more for every forty (40) thereafter.

E. A dedicated lactation area shall be provided for workers (lactating mothers) where they can wash up, or express their milk in privacy and comfort, and store their breastmilk afterwards.

F. Workers of industrial establishments with night shift schedules shall be provided with sleeping areas.

G. The following minimum requirements shall be strictly observed:

1. Every toilet shall be provided with enclosure, partitioned off so as to provide/ensure privacy and shall have a proper door and fastenings, so doors shall be tight-fitting and self-closing.

2. In cases where workers of both sexes are employed, toilet and bath facilities for each sex shall be situated or partitioned so that the interior will not be visible even when the door of any facility is open from any place where workers of the other sex have to work or pass. cDHAES

3. If toilet and bath facilities for one sex adjoin those for the other sex, the approaches shall be separate and toilet and bath facilities for each sex shall be properly indicated. Partition shall be made of concrete or other similar permanent materials.

4. Toilet and bath facilities shall be so arranged so as to be conveniently accessible to the workers at all times while they are at the industrial establishment and shall be kept clean and in orderly condition.

5. Every toilet and bath facility shall be sufficiently ventilated and well lighted and shall not be joined with any workroom, kitchen or dining room, except through the open air or through an intervening ventilated space.

6. Urinals shall be so placed or screened so as not to be visible from other parts of the industrial establishment where workers work or pass.

7. Restrooms and mess halls shall be so arranged so as to be conveniently accessible to the workers and shall be kept clean and orderly at all times.

8. The minimum space provided for a rest room for ten (10) workers shall be 6.0 m2 and for each additional worker, the minimum addition shall be 0.2 m2.

9. Bathing/washing facilities shall include a supply of clean running, hot and cold or warm water; soap; clean towels; or other suitable means of cleaning or drying.

10. Adequate hand-washing facilities shall be so provided within or adjacent to toilet facilities.

11. Washing facilities for working clothes shall be provided to prevent contaminated clothes to be brought home. Working clothes shall be washed and dried between shifts on any job where the process is such that washing or drying is needed or a change of clothes shall be supplied to ensure that dry clothes are available upon return to work.

12. Appropriate toilet facilities shall be provided for use by differently-abled workers.

13. Provision of separate locker rooms for male and female workers.

SECTION 7. Workrooms and Work Equipment. — All places of employment and all workrooms, including machinery and equipment shall be kept clean and sanitary.

A. All places within the industrial establishment including passageways, storerooms, service rooms, machinery, equipment and supplies shall be kept in a clean/sanitary condition with all the dusts, spillage and debris removed at regular intervals, frequent enough to maintain good housekeeping.

B. Where wet process is used, reasonable drainage shall be maintained, dry standing areas (e.g., platforms/false floors, mats) shall be provided.

C. Cleaning shall be strictly done in such a manner so as to avoid dispersal of air contaminants/dust particles into the work environment.

SECTION 8. Location and Siting. — The location and siting of industrial establishments shall be in compliance with existing policies, zoning laws, and ordinances.

A. New industrial establishments shall not be allowed to be constructed in a non-industrial zone as prescribed by the City/Municipal or Provincial Planning and Development Office.

B. Industrial establishments with highly hazardous processes/operations shall be segregated and separated from less-hazardous industrial establishments.

C. In the case of existing industrial establishments located in a non-industrial zone, periodic monitoring of the health status of the population residing in the immediate vicinity of the industrial establishment shall be done by the LGU.

RULE VI

Environmental Control Provisions

The "Hierarchy of Hazard Control" shall be followed to prevent and control occupational hazards in the workplace.

SECTION 1. Control of Physical Hazards. —

A. Noise

1. Where noise levels are above the exposure limits, one or more of the following control measure/s, including but not limited to the following, shall be adopted:

1.1 Engineering Control

1.1.1 Substitution with quieter moving parts of machines, materials or processes.

1.1.2 Total or partial enclosure of noise producing equipment.

1.1.3 Utilization of anti-vibration mountings.

1.1.4 Treatment of the area with sound absorbing materials to decrease reverberation.

1.1.5 Increae the distance or construct barriers between the work area and the noise source. ASEcHI

1.1.6 Construct sound-insulated remote control booths.

1.1.7 Proper upkeep and regular maintenance of machinery.

1.2 Administrative Control

1.2.1 Change of job schedules.

1.2.2 Rotation of workers.

1.2.3 When noise exposure cannot be controlled adequately by environmental changes, the use of hearing protection by workers is necessary.

1.2.4 Hearing conservation program.

1.2.5 Workplace Environment Monitoring (WEM).

2. Permissible Noise Exposure Limits (Table 2A & 2B of the Appendix)

B. Vibration

1. The response of the vibrating surface shall be reduced by any of the following means:

1.1 Interface damping (Friction).

1.2 Application of layer of material with high internal losses over the surface of the vibrating element.

1.3 Designing the critical elements as "sandwich" structures.

C. Heat and Cold Stress

1. The adoption of the following control measures will enable workers to maintain a normal body temperature (NBT).

1.1 Decrease in the number of hours of physical work of the task.

1.2 Modification of the number and duration of exposures.

1.3 Modification of the thermal environment.

1.4 Maintenance of normal thermal conditions of the rest areas.

1.5 Use of appropriate work clothing.

1.5.1 Use of thick clothing, gloves and shoes.

1.5.2 Use of aluminized reflective clothing.

2. Recommended Exposure Limit Values for work in a hot and cold

environment expressed as WBGT, ºC. (Table 2C of the Appendix)

D. Illumination

1. All areas where workers may have to work or pass in emergencies shall be provided during time of use with adequate natural lighting or artificial lighting or both, suitable for the operation and the special type of work performed.

1.1 Natural Lighting

1.1.1 Skylights and windows should be located and spaced so that daylight conditions are fairly uniform over the working area.

1.1.2 Where necessary, skylights and windows should be provided with means to avoid glare.

1.1.3 A regular system of cleaning skylights and windows should be established to ensure that they are kept clean at all times.

1.2 Artificial Lighting — Quality

1.2.1 Artificial lighting shall be provided when daylight fails or for areas where the daylight illumination is not sufficient.

1.2.2 The general lighting should be of uniform level (Table 2D 1 of the Appendix), widely distributed to avoid harsh shadow or strong contrast and free from direct or reflected glare.

1.2.3 Where local lighting is necessary, supplementary lighting at the point of work shall be provided.

1.2.4 Supplementary lighting shall be especially designed for the particular visual task and arranged or provided with shading or diffusing devices to prevent glare.

1.3 Artificial Lighting — Intensity (Table 2D 1 and 2 of the Appendix)

1.3.1 Artificial lighting shall be adequate at the place of work for the operation or work performed.

1.3.2 A minimum of 20 lux shall be provided for yards, roadways, and outside thoroughfares.

1.3.3 A minimum of 50 lux shall be provided:

1.3.3.1 Where discrimination of detail is not essential such as handling coarse materials, coals or ashes, rough sorting or grinding of clay product;

1.3.3.2 For passageways, corridors, stairways, warehouses, storerooms for rough and bulky materials.

1.3.4 A minimum of 100 lux shall be provided:

1.3.4.1 Where slight discrimination of detail is essential such as for the production of semi-finished iron and steel products, rough assembling, milling of grain, opening, picking and carding of cotton, or other primary operation in most of the industrial processes; and

1.3.4.2 For engine and boiler rooms, passenger and freight elevators, crating and boxing departments, receiving and shipping rooms, storerooms and stockrooms for medium and fine materials, locker rooms, toilets and washrooms. ITAaHc

1.3.5 A minimum of 200 lux shall be provided where moderate discrimination of details is essential such as for medium assembling, rough bench and machine work, rough inspection of testing of products, sewing light-colored textile or leather products, canning and preserving, meat packing, planning of lumber and veneering.

1.3.6 A minimum of 300 lux shall be provided where close discrimination of details is essential such as for medium bench, and machine work, medium inspection, fine testing, flour grading, leather finishing and weaving cotton goods or light colored cloth/goods or for office desk work with intermittent reading and writing for filing and mail sorting.

1.3.7 A minimum of 500 lux shall be provided where discrimination of fine details is involved under conditions of a fair degree of contrasts for long assembling, fine bench and machine work, fine inspection, fine polishing and bevelling of glass, fine wood-working and weaving dark colored cloth/goods or for accounting, bookkeeping, drafting, stenographic work, typing or other prolonged close office desk work.

1.3.8 A minimum of 1,000 lux shall be provided where discrimination of extremely fine details is involved under conditions of poor contrast for long periods of time such as for extra fine assembling instrument, jewelry and watch manufacturing, grading and sorting tobacco products, make-up and proof-reading in printing plants, and inspection of sewing dark-colored cloth products.

1.3.9 The provisions of paragraph 1.3.2 to 1.3.8 apply to lighting equipment under average operating conditions. Where conditions allow, it may be necessary to provide initially an illumination of at least 25% more. In locations where dirt will collect rapidly, the initial level should be at least 50% above the recommended standards.

1.3.10 Any windowless room shall be provided with general lighting sufficient in intensity for the most exacting operation carried therein.

1.4 Emergency Lighting

1.4.1 Where large number of workers are employed in buildings more than one storey in height, emergency lighting shall be provided in all important stairways, exits, workplaces and passages.

1.4.2 Emergency lighting systems shall be capable of producing and maintaining for at least one (1) hour a minimum intensity of 10 lux and shall have an energy source independent of the general lighting system installation.

1.4.3 Provision shall be made for the automatic lighting of the emergency system immediately upon failure of the general lighting system.

E. Radiation

1. Provision for ionizing and non-ionizing radiations shall follow the latest standards set by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health, and Research (CDRRHR) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) respectively.

F. General Ventilation

1. Natural or artificial means shall be provided to ensure a safe and healthy working atmosphere which is free from injurious amounts of toxic materials and reasonably free from offensive odors and dust throughout the industrial establishment. The natural air supply in any workroom shall in no instance be less than 0.45m3/second/worker. A ventilation rate of 0.90m3/second/worker is desirable in workrooms in which the work is arduous.

2. All industrial establishments where recognized or established hazards exist due to dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases and the means of control is deemed not adequate by the health authorities, the hierarchy of control measures shall be applied. CHTAIc

3. All equipment and processes that emit or create harmful dust, fumes, vapors, and gases in quantities that can injure the health of those exposed shall thereto be connected to an exhaust system or otherwise effectively controlled.

4. A complete exhaust system shall include an air suction device, hoods, ducts, fans, objectors, separators and receptacles and all the other parts necessary for its proper installation, its inlet velocities shall be regulated at:

4.1. 0.61 m/sec for inlets between 2.44 to 3.66 m above the floor.

4.2 2.54 m/sec for inlets between 3.66 to 4.88 m above the floor.

4.3 5.08 m/sec for inlets more than 5.49 m above the floor.

5. All exhaust system shall discharge to the outside atmosphere provided however, that air may be recirculated if it is passed through a suitable cleaning device and is safe and wholesome when reused. The amount of air recirculated in workrooms shall not exceed seventy-five (75%) percent and in plants and dining rooms shall not exceed fifty (50%) percent.

6. The point of discharge of an exhaust system shall be so located so that the discharge materials shall not re-enter places of employment or habitation, nor create hazard to the public nor cause any general nuisance.

7. Air shall be provided and distributed in all workrooms as required in this RIRR and outside air shall be provided to all workrooms at the rate of 0.48 m3/min/worker, or one-half air change per hour, whichever is greater.

8. Air circulated in workrooms shall be supplied through an air inlets arranged, located and equipped so that workers are not subjected to air velocity exceeding 1.02 m/sec except under special circumstances specified in this RIRR or approved by the Department.

G. Local Exhaust Ventilation

1. The air velocity and/or rate of air flow required through a hood, booth enclosure, and other points of ventilation and through the pipes shall be maintained at all times whenever the machine or process for which the ventilation is applied is in operation or use.

2. The effectiveness of every local exhaust ventilation system shall be determined according to:

2.1 The ability of the hoods, booths or other openings to produce a movement of air toward the opening sufficient to prevent the escape of the contaminant to the workroom beyond the TLVs set-up by the Department.

2.2 The ability of the air flow and main ducts to transport the contaminant through branch and main ducts without settling.

3. Piping shall be located so as to be accessible for inspection and maintenance.

4. Air flow equipment including hoods, pipes, fan motors and collectors shall be effectively grounded.

5. Two or more operations involving more than one substance shall not be permitted to be connected to the same exhaust system when a combination of such substances being removed may constitute fire hazard, an explosion hazard, or otherwise dangerous mixture.

6. Processes or operations using or generating flammable dust, gases, fumes, vapors, mists, fibers or other impurities shall be protected completely from all sources of ignition.

7. The capacity of an exhaust system shall be calculated on the basis of all hoods, booths, and enclosures connected to the system being open, except where the system is so interlocked that only a portion of it can be operated at a given time, in which case of the capacity shall be calculated on the basis that all of the hoods in the group requiring the greater volume rate of exhaust are open.

8. Exhaust system holding dust discharging to the outer air shall be provided with suitable air cleaning devices to remove air contaminants prior to the discharge to the outer air unless otherwise approved by the Department or meets the air quality standards set forth in RA 8749, "The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999."

9. The discharge from any exhaust system shall be in such a manner that no air contaminants will re-enter any window, door or other opening of any work space in quantities sufficient to create health hazards to such space or create a nuisance to surrounding areas.

10. Collected materials shall be removed at intervals frequent enough to ensure that the exhaust system shall meet the requirements of the Rule VI, Section I (F), of this RIRR at all times.

11. Collected materials shall be disposed of in a manner which will not result in a health hazard.

12. Suitable air inlets shall be provided for replacement of fresh air.

SECTION 2. Control of Chemical Hazards. —

A. Substitution of toxic substances to non-toxic substances shall be applied in cases where it is possible and less hazardous processes shall be utilized whenever applicable.

B. Proper ventilation and lighting of the highly hazardous area/s shall be provided.

C. Isolation/enclosure/interposing of a barrier between a hazard and those who might be affected by the hazard shall be applied.

D. The number of workers exposed shall be reduced to a minimum.

E. Safety and health education of the workers shall be implemented.

F. Proper labelling and signage shall be in accordance to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

G. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) shall be provided by manufacturers/distributors/suppliers and shall be made available to agencies/workers upon request. EATCcI

H. Appropriate PPE shall be worn by workers.

SECTION 3. Control of Biological Hazards. —

A. Control measures shall be provided to eliminate or control the transmission of infectious diseases through processing or handling of industrial products or wastes.

B. Appropriate PPE with special emphasis on gloves, goggles, masks, aprons, and water resistant shoes like rubber boots shall be worn by workers at all times.

C. Industrial establishments handling biological agents shall provide control measure such as, but not limited to, fume hoods and biosafety cabinets evaluated by the Department-recognized agency.

D. The workplace environment measurement (WEM) shall be performed annually or as often as needed.

SECTION 4. Ergonomics. —

A. Employers shall assess the risk to the health and safety of workers associated with ergonomic hazards while at work and shall implement effective programs and control measures to eliminate or reduce these risks.

B. For work processes and operations that involve manual handling of loads (lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, or moving loads), repetitives motions, static or improper postures, and exposure to whole body or segmental vibration, the employers shall control or reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorder through appropriate interventions.

C. Control measures shall be identified for tasks that are potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders and evaluated for effectiveness. Control measures include, but are not limited, to the following:

1. Appropriate design of workstation and tools.

2. Use of mechanical aids for handling loads.

3. Changes to work pace such as insertion of rest, breaks, or job rotation of workers.

4. Orientation and training to all workers on proper body position and movements and manual handling of loads.

SECTION 5. Compliance with Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Hazards. — The air quality within the workplace shall be in accordance with the latest Threshold Limit Values for Airborne Contaminants of the DOLE Occupational Safety and Health Standards (Table 4A of the Appendix). However, in case of chemical/substance not listed in the aforementioned Standards, the latest American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists-Threshold Limit Values (ACGIH-TLVs) for Chemical Hazards adopted by the Department will be used as the interim standard (Table 4B of the Appendix), until such time that said chemical/substance is included in the list of DOLE.

SECTION 6. Monitoring of Environmental Controls. —

A. Measurement of the level of hazards shall be done at regular intervals according to the guidelines set by the Department, in consonance with other concerned government agencies.

B. Workplace measurement shall include temperature, humidity, pressure,

illumination, ventilation, noise and concentration of airborne contaminants.

C. The employer shall carry out the indoor workplace measurement and other areas where highly hazardous work is being performed and shall keep a record of such measurement which shall be made available to the enforcing authority.

D. The workplace measurement shall be performed periodically, not to exceed 2 years or as deemed necessary. A shorter inspection interval shall be prescribed for the following conditions, such as but not limited to:

1. hazardous operation

2. change in process

3. change in raw materials

4. increased incidence of occupational diseases

E. The workplace measurement shall be performed by the industrial hygienist or health and safety personnel of the industrial establishment, who have adequate training and experiences in workplace measurement.

F. In the event of inability to perform the workplace measurements, the employer may request the services of the Local Government Unit, the Department or the DOLE and DOLE-accredited service providers to perform such measurements at their expense. DHITCc

RULE VII

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The employer shall provide PPE for its workers and visitors as deemed necessary.

SECTION 1. Workers and visitors shall not be subjected or exposed to hazardous environmental condition without appropriate PPE.

SECTION 2. The PPE shall be used whenever engineering (e.g., elimination and substitution) and administrative control measures are not feasible or insufficient/inadequate as specified in Rule VI of this RIRR and during maintenance, clean-up, and repair.

SECTION 3. A PPE Program shall be developed and implemented by the industrial establishment to provide workers with the necessary information such as:

A. Identify work situations that require the use of PPE;

B. Proper selection of PPE; and

C. Appropriate use and maintenance of PPE.

SECTION 4. Every employer and his/her contracted service-providers shall, at their own expense, provide their workers with the necessary and appropriate PPE.

SECTION 5. It shall conform to the following minimum requirements:

A. Adequate protection against the particular hazard for which it was designed or intended.

B. Reasonably comfortable to use;

C. Well-fitted and shall not unduly interfere with the movements of the user;

D. Durable, easily cleaned and capable of being disinfected; and

E. Approved-type.

SECTION 6. All PPE shall comply with the Philippine National Standards set by the DTI or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards of the DOLE. Refer to the list of recommended PPE for use (Table 5A and 5B of the Appendix).

A. Eye and Face Protection

1. Whenever eye protection is needed, worker whose vision requires the use of corrective lenses shall wear goggles or spectacles of any of the following types:

1.1 Spectacles which provide optical corrections;

1.2 Goggles that can be worn over corrective spectacles without disturbances; or

1.3 Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind the protective lenses.

2. Limitations and precautions indicated by the manufacturer shall be transmitted to the user and care shall be taken to ensure that such limitations and precautions are strictly followed and observed.

3. For purposes of design, construction, testing, use of eye and face protection, the latest ANSI National Standards for Occupational Eye and Face Protection Equipment is adopted.

B. Respiratory Protection

1. The type of respirator furnished by the employers to protect the health and safety of the workers shall be compliant with the latest Philippine National Standards set by DTI.

2. Respiratory Protective Program shall include the following:

2.1 Proper selection of respirators on the basis of the hazards to which the worker is exposed.

2.2 Sufficient instruction and training in the proper use and limitations of respirators.

2.3 The assignment of respirators to individual workers for their exclusive use shall be observed.

2.4 Respirators issued for the exclusive use of one worker shall be cleaned and disinfected after each day's use or as often as necessary.

2.5 Appropriate examination and testing of the conditions of the work area in order to assure that the allowable degree of worker's exposure is maintained and to determine the effectiveness of the control measures.

3. For purposes of proper selection, design, construction, testing and use of respirators, the latest recommendation of the ANSI National Standards Practices for Respiratory Protection or its equivalent is adopted. cEaSHC

4. Standard procedures shall be developed for the use of respirators. These should include all information and guidance necessary for their proper selection, use and care. Possible emergency uses of respirators should be anticipated and planned for.

5. Written procedures shall be prepared covering safe use of respirators in dangerous environment that might be encountered in normal operations or in emergencies. All workers shall be familiar with these procedures and the right respirators to use.

C. Head Protection

1. Appropriate head protection shall be provided by the employer.

1.1. Hard hats for the protection of workers from impact penetration from falling and flying objects, blows and from limited electric shock and burns shall be provided where there is reasonable probability of exposure to such hazards.

1.2. Hard hats shall be made of non-combustible or slow burning materials.

1.3. The total weight of a complete hard hat should not be more than 0.45 kg.

1.4. Hard hat shall have a brim all around to provide protection for the head, face and back of the neck except in confined spaces.

1.5. The cradle and sweatband of hard hat shall be detachable and replaceable.

1.6. For work in excessive moisture, hard hat shall be made of waterproof material.

1.7. For the purpose of proper selection, design, construction, testing and use of head protectors, the latest ANSI requirements for Industrial Head Protection is adopted.

D. Hair Protection

1. All workers with long hair employed around machinery shall completely cover their hair with well-fitting caps or other equivalent protection. For better protection, workers shall be advised to have short hair.

2. Caps shall be made of materials not easily flammable and sufficiently durable to withstand regular laundering, disinfecting and cleaning.

E. Hand and Arm Protection

1. When selecting gloves, consideration should be given to the hazards to which the wearer may be exposed to and the ease and free movement of the fingers.

2. Gloves shall not be worn by workers operating drills, punch presses or other machinery in which the hand may be caught by moving parts.

3. Gloves, mittens, and leathers, or pads for workers handling sharp edged or abrasive objects shall be made of tough materials and where necessary provided with special reinforcement.

4. Gloves, mittens and sleeves for workers handling hot metals shall be made of suitable heat resisting materials.

5. Gloves and sleeves for electrical workers shall be made of rubber or other suitable materials conforming to the test requirements on dielectric strength.

6. Gauntlets for workers handling corrosive substances such as acids and caustics, shall be made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or pliable plastic material resistant to corrosion.

7. Gauntlets for protecting workers against the action of toxic, irritating or infectious substances shall:

7.1. cover the forearm as much as possible;

7.2. have a closed fit at the upper end; and

7.3. not have the slightest break.

8. Hand and arm protectors torn during use shall be replaced immediately.

H. Hearing Protection

1. The systematic and correct use of ear protectors can prevent hearing loss and other noise-induced hearing impairment. Individual hearing protectors include ear plugs, earmuffs and hearing protective helmets.

2. Mandatory use of hearing protectors are necessary when the sound level within a workplace exceed the 85 dBA for an 8-hour working period.

3. Ear protectors of whatever type should ensure efficient noise attenuation of the noise penetrating into the external ear canal.

4. A distinction must be made between requirements of individual ear protectors against powerful noise occurring for short periods during the work shift, against noise with clearly defined low or high frequency spectra and against broad-band industrial noise to which workers are exposed during the entire shift.

5. Protection against powerful noise can only be achieved with highly efficient ear protectors, i.e., helmets which are made of rigid materials with built-in earmuffs tightly fitting to the head.

6. Earmuffs for low frequency noise must have large volume and relatively heavy muff shells, those for high frequency noise must be light with small shells filled with sound absorbent material, well-fitting around ear with their sealing rims. CTIEac

7. The attenuation specifications for ear protectors fall into the groups A, B and C for both earmuffs and earplugs. These specifications allow for existing types of ear protectors and should permit for wearing them in comfort for four (4) hours without interruption.

8. Earplugs for repeated use should be available in standard sizes to ensure good individual fit; their weight is not specified but should not exceed 10 g.

I. Safety Harness, Life Lines and Safety Nets

1. Workers working in surfaces above open pits or tanks, steep slopes, moving machinery and similar locations, or working from unguarded surfaces six (6) meters or more above water or ground, temporary or permanent floor platform, scaffold construction or where otherwise exposed to the possibility of falls hazardous to life or limb, shall be secured by safety harness and lifelines. In situations where safety harness and lifelines in guarded platforms and scaffolds or temporary floors are not feasible, safety nets shall be provided and installed.

2. Window washers or cleaners working outside buildings six (6) meters or more above the ground or other surfaces unless protected from falling by other means, shall use safety harness attached to suitable anchors.

3. Workers entering a sewer, flue, duct or other similarly confined places shall be provided and required to wear safety harness with lifelines attached and held by another person stationed at the opening ready to respond to agreed signals.

4. Workers who are required to climb and work on top of poles six (6) meters or more shall use safety harness. On top of structures where there is no place to strap a safety harness, a messenger line shall be installed for strapping the safety harness or lifelines.

5. Requirements:

1.1 Safety harness shall be made of chromed tanned leather, linen or cotton webbing or other suitable materials at least 11.5 cm. wide and 0.65 cm. thick and of sufficient strength to support a weight of 114 kg. without breaking.

1.2 Hardware used for safety harness should have a strength of approximately equal to the strength of the waist band. Buckles shall hold securely without slippage or other failure. This holding power should be achieved by only a single insertion of the strap through the buckle in the normal or usual way.

1.3 Harness anchors shall be made of metal machined from bar stock, forged or heat treated, capable of supporting a pull of 2,730 kg. without fracture applied in the direction which the anchor must withstand should a man fall. All anchors and fastenings shall be provided with means to prevent turning, backing off or becoming loose. Anchor fittings with single thread section which is merely screwed into reinforcing plates shall not be used. Metals recommended for harness anchors are nickel, copper alloy and stainless steel.

1.4 Lifelines shall be made of good quality manila rope of at least 1.9 cm. diameter or equivalent material such as nylon rope of at least 1.27 cm. diameter and shall be of sufficient strength to support a weight of 1,140 kg. without breaking.

1.5 Safety nets shall not be less than 0.94 cm. diameter mesh ropes and not less than 1.90 cm. diameter border ropes (perimeter) made of manila rope or other materials that can absorb the impact of a falling body equally as nets fabricated from manila rope of the dimensions specified. The mesh shall be arranged not to exceed 15.25 cm. on centers positively and securely attached to avoid wear at each crossing point and at points of contact with the border.

1.6 Safety nets shall be equipped with adequately padded thimbler sockets or equivalent means of attachments. Supports and anchorages shall be of sufficient size and strength to catch any falling worker. The nets shall be attached to sufficient supports outside and beyond the area of possible fall and supported at sufficient heights to prevent sagging to any solid object beneath when cushioning the fall of a worker.

1.7 Safety harness, lifelines and safety nets shall be inspected before use and at least once each week thereafter. Defective harness, lines or nets shall be immediately discarded and replaced or repaired before reuse. SaCIDT

J. Foot Protection

1. Workers shall be provided with approved safety shoes and leg protection whenever necessary as determined by the nature of work.

RULE VIII

Occupational Health Services

SECTION 1. Occupational Health Services shall be provided to all workers in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed hereunder by the Department and DOLE.

SECTION 2. Coverage. —

A. This section shall apply to all industrial establishments as defined in Rule I.

B. The Department shall be responsible for the development and enforcement of dental health standards in industrial establishment.

SECTION 3. Occupational Health Services. —

Every employer shall establish in his/her place of employment, occupational health services including health programs in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the Department and DOLE.

A. Functions: Without prejudice to the responsibility of each employer for the health and safety of the workers in his/her employment, and with due regard to the necessity for the workers to participate in matters of occupational health and safety, occupational health services shall have the following functions as are adequate and appropriate to the occupational risks of the industrial establishment.

1. Identification and assessment of the risks from health hazards in the workplace;

2. Surveillance of the factors in the working environment and working practices which may affect the workers' health, including sanitary installations, canteens, and housing where these facilities are provided by the employer;

3. Advice on planning and organization of work, including the design of the workplace, on the choice, maintenance and condition of machinery and other equipment, and on substances used in work;

4. Participation in the development of programs/projects for the improvement of working practices as well as testing and evaluation for the possible health effects brought about by the new equipment;

5. Advice on occupational health, safety and hygiene, as well as on ergonomics and personal protective equipment;

6. Surveillance of workers' health in relation to work;

7. Promotion of the adaptation of work to the workers and vice versa;

8. Collaboration in providing information, training and education in the fields of occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine and ergonomics;

9. Organization of first-aid and emergency treatment; and

10. Participation in the evaluation and analysis of occupational diseases and accidents.

SECTION 4. Organization and Preventive Services. —

A. Occupational health services can be provided by any of the following entities:

1. The Occupational Safety and Health Committee;

2. Government authorities or official services recognized by the Department and/or the DOLE;

3. Social security services;

4. Any other bodies authorized by the Department and/or DOLE; or

5. A combination of any of the above.

B. Occupational Health Services organized for a single small-scale industrial establishment shall employ occupational health practitioner, who shall conduct the inspection of the workplace.

1. at least once every two (2) months for highly hazardous industrial establishment employing 1-50 workers;

2. at least once every six (6) months for less-hazardous industrial establishment employing 1-50 workers.

C. Occupational Health Services organized for a single, less-hazardous medium scale industrial establishment employing 51 to 199 workers shall have an occupational health practitioner who shall conduct an inspection of the workplace at least once every three (3) months.

D. Occupational health services organized for a single, highly-hazardous medium-scale industrial establishment employing 51 to 199 workers shall have a part-time occupational health physician who shall perform the duties as provided for under Rule VIII Section 7A, of this RIRR.

E. For highly hazardous and less-hazardous large-scale workplace employing 200 workers and more, occupational health services shall be organized as a service solely for a single industrial establishment, and shall have a part-time or full-time occupational health physician, in accordance with the provisions of Rule VIII Section 5B as one of its personnel. Such occupational health physician shall perform the duties of an occupational health physician as provided for under Rule VIII Section 7A, of this RIRR. cHECAS

F. When an occupational health service is organized as a service common to a number of industrial establishments, the following regulations shall be followed:

1. for small-scale workplace within contiguous area, the total number of industrial establishments shall not exceed ten (10); and

2. for medium-scale workplace within contiguous area, the total number of industrial establishments shall not exceed four (4).

SECTION 5. Emergency Health Services. —

A. Medicines and Facilities

1. Every employer covered by this RIRR shall keep in his/her workplace at least the minimum quantity of emergency and essential medicines, medical supplies and equipment and medical facilities listed in Table 3A of the Appendix on medicines, supplies and facilities, for the use of the workers in the industrial establishment.

2. The medicines, medical supplies and facilities prescribed in Table 3A of the Appendix may be substituted with other comparable medicines and/or facilities as prescribed by the occupational health physician of the workplace.

3. The medicines, medical supplies and facilities prescribed in Table 3A of the Appendix shall be kept inside the treatment room/medical clinic required under Rule VIII Section 5A (1) and shall be replaced with the same quantity immediately after use or consumption.

B. Medical and Dental Services: (Table 3B of the Appendix for the required health personnel)

For highly-hazardous workplaces:

1. Where the number of workers is from 1 to 50, the services of a full-time first-aider shall be provided, who may be one of the workers in the workplace and who has immediate access to the first-aid medicine prescribed in Rule VIII Section 5 (A), of this RIRR.

2. Where the number of workers is from 51 to 99, the services of a part-time occupational health nurse shall be provided, who shall stay in the premise of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week. Where there are more than one work shift in a day, the nurse shall stay at the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. The services of a full-time first-aider including the maintenance of an emergency treatment room for workers shall also be provided.

3. Where the number of workers is from 100 to 199, the services of a part-time occupational health physician and a part-time dentist shall be provided, each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, three (3) times a week, and each one working on alternate days with the other, where there are more than one work shift in a day, the physician and the dentist shall stay in the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. In addition, the services of a full-time occupational health nurse and a full-time first-aider shall be provided. An emergency treatment room shall be maintained in the workplace.

4. Where the number of workers is from 200 to 600, the services of a part-time occupational health physician and a part-time dentist shall be provided, each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week, and each working in alternate periods with the other. Where there are more than one work shift in a day, the physician and the dentist shall stay at the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. The services of a full-time occupational health nurse and a full-time first-aider shall also be provided. An emergency medical clinic for workers shall be maintained in the workplace.

5. Where the number of workers is from 601 to 2,000, the services of a full-time occupational health physician shall be provided who shall stay in the premises of the workplace eight (8) hours a day, six (6) times a week in alternate periods with the other. The services of a full-time dentist shall also be provided. The physician and the dentist shall stay at the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. The services of a full-time occupational health nurse and a full-time first-aider shall be provided for every shift. An emergency medical and dental clinic for workers shall be maintained in the workplace.

6. Where the number of workers is more than 2,000, provisions shall be made for the services of a full-time occupational health physician and a full time dentist, each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace eight (8) hours a day, six (6) times a week during the work shift which has the biggest number of workers. In addition, provisions shall likewise be made for the services of one (1) part-time occupational health physician for each of the other work shifts who shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week. The services of a full-time occupational health nurse and a full-time first-aider shall also be provided for every work shift. An emergency hospital having a bed capacity of one (1) bed for every one hundred (100) workers and a dental clinic shall be maintained in the workplace. AHDacC

7. Every employer of the industrial establishments having factories/plants using, manufacturing or formulating pesticides under Toxicity Categories I and II of the World Health Organization (WHO) Toxicity Classification Standards shall provide the following:

7.1 a medical clinic within 100 meters from the working areas in the formulating/manufacturing plant;

7.2 the services of a competent full-time occupational health physician who shall stay in the medical clinic provided for above, at least eight (8) hours a day during the work shift which has the biggest number of workers;

7.3 a bathroom with showers and eye wash facilities within the workplace; and

7.4 an examining table with capacity to allow Trendelenburg position.

For Less-Hazardous Workplaces:

1. Where the number of workers is from 1 to 99, the services of full-time first-aider shall be provided who may be one of the workers in the workplace and who has immediate access to the first-aid medicines prescribed under Rule VIII Section 5 (A), of this RIRR. Where the number of workers is from 51 to 99, an emergency treatment room shall be provided.

2. Where the number of workers is from 100 to 199, the services of a part-time occupational health nurse shall be provided who shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week. Where there are more than one work shift in a day, the nurse shall stay in the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. The services of a full-time first-aider shall be provided. An emergency treatment room for workers shall be maintained in the workplace.

3. Where the number of workers is from 200 to 600, the services of a part-time occupational health physician and a part-time dentist shall be provided, each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, three (3) times a week, on alternate days with the other. Where there are more than one work shift in a day, the physician and the dentist shall stay in the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. In addition, the services of a full-time occupational health nurse and a full-time first-aider shall be provided. An emergency treatment room for workers shall be maintained in the workplace.

4. Where the number of workers is from 601 to 2,000, the services of a part-time occupational health physician and a part-time dentist shall be provided, each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week working in alternate periods with the other. Where there are more than one work shift in a day, the physician and the dentist shall stay in the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. The services of a full-time occupational health nurse and a full-time first-aider shall also be provided. An emergency clinic for the workers shall be maintained in the workplace.

5. Where the number of workers is more than 2,000, the services of a full-time occupational health physician and a full-time dentist shall be provided, each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace eight (8) hours a day, six (6) times a week during the work shift which has the biggest number of workers. In addition, the services of one (1) part-time occupational health physician for each of the other work shift shall be provided, who shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week. The services of a full-time occupational health nurse and full-time first-aider for every work shift shall also be provided. An emergency medical and dental clinic for workers shall be maintained in the workplace.

For both highly hazardous and less-hazardous workplaces:

1. Where there are more than one work shift in a day, additional services of a full-time first-aider for every work shift shall be provided.

2. Where only a treatment room is provided for the workers, in case of emergency, access to the nearest medical/dental clinic or to a medical/dental clinic located not more than 5 kilometers away from the workplace shall also be provided. Such access shall be in the form of providing the necessary transportation facilities and a written agreement with the medical/dental clinic to attend to such emergencies brought to them.

3. The physician/dentist required to stay in the workplace during the work shift having the biggest number of workers shall be on call at any time during the other shifts to attend to emergencies.

C. Emergency Hospital

1. An employer with 2,000 workers and above is required to establish an emergency hospital and dental clinic in his/her workplace as required in this RIRR. However, if there is a hospital and dental clinic located not more than five (5) kilometers away from the workplace or can be reached within 10 minutes of travel, the employer may enter into an agreement with the said health facility to provide the emergency services as required in this RIRR. The employer shall ensure that an emergency vehicle is always available 24/7. IDSEAH

D. Contracts for Occupational Health Services:

1. Contracts for occupational health services entered into by the employer shall only be with occupational health practitioners accredited by the DOLE, and/or occupational health clinics accredited by the Department. Also, the employer shall ensure the availability of emergency transport services as required in Rule VIII Section 5 (C1).

2. Occupational health practitioner, whether acting singly or as part of a group/association, cannot enter into a contract for occupational health practitioner services with more than ten (10) industrial establishments.

3. Part-time occupational health physician/nurse cannot enter into contract for occupational health services with more than four (4) industrial establishments.

4. When full-time occupational health physician/nurse who is also a qualified occupational health practitioner, has entered into a contract for occupational health services with one (1) industrial establishment, he/she shall not have engaged himself/herself, with or without a written contract, for the same services with any other industrial establishment.

5. The employer shall furnish the Department and the Local Health Authority concerned a copy of each of the contracts for Occupational Health Services.

SECTION 6. Training and Qualifications of Health Personnel. —

A. Qualifications

1. A first-aider must be able to read and write and must have completed a course in first-aid conducted by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) or any institution recognized by the Department.

2. A nurse must have passed the examination given by the Board of Examiners for Nurses and duly licensed to practice nursing in the Philippines with at least fifty (50) hours of Basic Training in Occupational Health Nursing conducted by the DOLE, Academe, or by any institution/organization duly authorized/accredited or recognized by the Department and DOLE.

3. A physician, whether part-time or full-time, must have passed the examination given by the Board of Examiners for Physicians, is licensed to practice medicine in the Philippines, and a graduate of the Basic Training Course in Occupational Health and Safety conducted by the DOLE, Academe, or by any institution/organization duly authorized/accredited or recognized by the Department and DOLE.

4. A physician engaged by the employer of a highly hazardous establishment employing more than 2,000 workers, to be its full-time occupational health physician must have, in addition to the qualifications required under Rule VIII, Section 6A (3) of this RIRR, a diploma or master's degree in occupational health or industrial health or its equivalent or completed a residency training program in occupational medicine, must be duly certified by the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), and must have registered with the DOLE.

5. A dentist, whether part-time or full-time, must have passed the examination given by the Board of Examiners for Dentists, is licensed to practice dentistry in the Philippines, and has completed a basic training course in occupational health and safety conducted by the DOLE, the Academe, or by any institution/organization duly authorized/accredited or recognized by the Department and DOLE.

6. An occupational health practitioner, as defined under Rule I, Section 1 of this RIRR must have all of the following qualifications:

6.1 a graduate of an advanced training course in occupational health and safety conducted by the DOLE, Academe, or any institution/organization duly authorized/accredited or recognized by the Department and DOLE; AHCETa

6.2 at least five (5) years of working experience in the field or practice of occupational health and safety; and

6.3 duly accredited by the Department and DOLE.

B. Opportunities for Training

1. Physicians, dentists, and nurses who lack the special training qualifications provided for in Rule VIII Section 6 of this RIRR, shall comply with this requirement within six (6) months from the date of employment.

2. All industrial establishments without the required trained first-aider on the date of this RIRR shall, within six (6) months, have the required number of workers to undergo the prescribed first-aid training.

C. Refresher Training

1. The occupational health personnel and the first-aiders of every establishment shall undergo a minimum of eight (8) hours refresher training course in their respective fields at least once a year.

SECTION 7. Duties of the Health Personnel. —

A. Duties of the Occupational Health Physician:

1. Organizes, administers and maintains an occupational health service program integrating therein an occupational safety program;

2. Monitors the work environment for health hazards through periodic inspection of the workplace;

3. Prevents diseases or injuries in the workplace by establishing proper medical supervision over substances used, processes and work environment;

4. Conserves the health of the workers through periodic physical examinations, proper advice for placement and health education;

5. Evaluation of ability and disability of worker for placement of work;

5.1 Fit to work and recommendation to the management;

5.2 Physical status of the worker.

6. Provides medical and surgical care to restore health and earning capacity of injured workers;

7. Maintains and analyzes records of all medical cases and prepares and submits annual medical reports to the employer and to the Department or the Local Health Authority, as required by this RIRR;

8. Conducts studies on occupational health within his/her means and resources;

9. Acts as adviser to management and labor on all health matters; and

10. Reports directly to top management.

B. Duties of the Occupational Health Dentist

1. Plans, organizes and establishes a comprehensive dental health program integrating occupational health, hygiene and safety;

2. Conducts a complete and thorough oral examination (using x-ray and other diagnostic aids) to ensure that workers are orally fit and certifies their fitness for work as required during: pre-employment, annual examination, special, transfer and exit examinations;

3. Provides prompt treatment and/or referrals of occupational and non-occupational oral diseases;

4. Reports to company physician and supervisors for immediate and appropriate action, cases of occupational oral diseases detected after oral examination during employment which cannot be attended to by the dental service;

5. Recommends to management all workers found exposed to occupational hazards that may affect their oral health to be provided with suitable PPEs;

6. Discusses with workers their oral conditions and recommends positive actions with emphasis on good and proper nutrition that the workers can take to improve their oral health;

7. Conducts dental health information and education campaign;

8. Serves as member of the Health and Safety Committee conducting, among others, investigation of accidents and inspection of workplaces; and

9. Maintains and analyzes records of all dental cases and prepares and submits annual dental reports to the employer and to the Department or the Local Health Authority.

D. Duties of the Occupational Health Nurse

1. In the absence of a physician, organizes and administers a health service program integrating occupational health, hygiene and safety;

2. Provides nursing care to injured or ill workers;

3. Participates in health maintenance examination. If a physician is not available, to perform work activities which are within the scope allowed by the nursing profession and if more extensive examinations are needed, to refer the same to a physician;

4. Participates in the maintenance of occupational health, hygiene and safety during OSH committee meetings for the improvement of working environment affecting the health and well-being of the workers; and

5. Maintains a reporting and recording system, and if a physician is not available, prepares and submits an annual report to the employer and the Department or the Local Health Authority/IPA as required by this RIRR.

E. Duties of the First-Aider

1. Gives first aid treatment in case of injury or illness, before the services of a physician becomes available. If the case needs a physician, the first aider shall immediately call or refer the injured to one; ScHADI

2. Participates in the maintenance of occupational health, hygiene and safety programs, if member of the Health and Safety Committee; and

3. Maintains first aid supplies and medicines.

F. Duties of the Occupational Health Practitioner

1. Advises the employers, the workers and their representatives in the workplace, the necessary requirements in establishing and maintaining a healthy and safe working environment which will facilitate optimal physical and mental health for workers;

2. Conducts periodic inspection of the workplace as required under Rule VIII, Section 4B of this RIRR;

3. Acts as adviser to the employer, workers and their representatives in matters concerning the organization, administration and maintenance of an occupational health program; and

4. Maintains a reporting and recording system and prepares and submits an annual medical report to the employer and to the Department or the Local Health Authority/IPA as required by this RIRR.

SECTION 8. Occupational Health Program. —

A. Aside from the responsibilities of the employer under Rule III, Section 1 of this RIRR, the employer shall organize, maintain and sustain an occupational health program to achieve the following objectives:

1. Ensure workers' health and their suitability to work which they can perform with an acceptable degree of efficiency without endangering their own health and safety and that of their co-workers;

2. Protect workers against health hazards in their working environment in order to prevent occupational as well as non-occupational diseases;

3. Provision for first-aid, emergency services and treatment, depending on the nature of the industrial establishment;

4. Assure adequate medical care to ill and injured workers;

5. Encourage personal health maintenance and physical fitness and proper nutrition practices;

6. Provide guidance, information and services for the family planning programs; and

7. Implement the DOH and DOLE health programs.

B. The Health Program shall include but not limited to the following activities:

1. Maintenance of a healthy work environment by requiring occupational health workers to conduct regular and periodic appraisal of sanitary conditions, inspection of premises, including all facilities therein, and evaluation of the working environment in order to detect and appraise occupational health hazards and environmental conditions affecting comfort and job efficiency;

2. Health Examinations

2.1 Pre-employment Examination

2.2 Annual Examination

2.3 Special Examination

2.4 Transfer Examination

2.5 Separation or Exit Examination

3. Diagnosis and treatment of all illnesses and injuries both occupational and non-occupational;

4. Immunization and reproductive health programs (DOH and DOLE programs);

5. Accurate and complete records of each worker starting from his/her first examination or treatment, which must be under the custody and control of the occupational health worker. Such records shall be made available to the worker or his/her duly authorized representative and shall not be used for discriminatory purpose or in any other manner prejudicial to his/her interest. Also, appropriate precautions are taken to ensure that the ethical principle of confidentiality is always observed in handling the medical records of workers; aICcHA

6. Health Education and Counselling in which the occupational health worker, in coordination with the supervisor, will impart appropriate health information to workers, such as health hazards, cleanliness, orderliness, safe work practices, use and maintenance of approved personal protective equipment and the use of available health services and facilities; and

7. Nutrition program which shall be under the supervision of a nutritionist/dietician.

SECTION 9. Physical Examination. —

A. All workers, irrespective of age and sex, shall undergo the required physical examinations:

1. before employment;

2. periodically or at such intervals as may be necessary on account of the conditions or risks involved in the work;

3. when transferred or separated from employment; and

4. when injured or ill.

B. All examinations shall:

1. be complete and thorough;

2. be rendered free of charge to the workers;

3. include x-ray or special laboratory examinations when necessary due to the peculiar nature of the employment; and

4. particularly diagnostic examinations, be done in DOH accredited laboratories and testing centers.

C. The results of these physical examinations shall be recorded carefully and legibly on appropriate forms by the occupational health workers charged with such responsibility.

D. Records of physical examinations and all information obtained by the health personnel shall be considered strictly confidential.

E. Pre-employment Physical Examinations

1. Pre-employment Physical Examination shall be conducted:

1.1 to determine the physical condition of the prospective worker at the time of hiring, and

1.2 to prevent the placement of worker on a job where, through some physical or mental disorders, he/she may be in danger or may pose danger to his/her fellow workers or to the property of the industrial establishment.

2. Pre-employment physical examination shall:

2.1 be a general clinical examination including special laboratory examinations when necessary due to the peculiar nature of the worker's prospective employment;

2.2 include chest x-ray examinations. Under the following circumstances, x-ray examination shall be rendered free of charge:

2.2.1 where the employer or establishment is required by this RIRR to engage the services of an Occupational Health Physician and where there are x-ray facilities in the establishment;

2.2.2 where the employer does not maintain such facilities, x-ray examinations shall be conducted by the government clinics or hospitals; or by the occupational health physician and private clinics or hospitals when applicants are referred to them.

3. Upon completion of the examination, the applicant shall be rated as follows:

3.1 Class A — Physically fit for any type of work.

3.2 Class B — Physically under-developed or with corrective defects, (error of refraction, dental caries, defective hearing and other similar defects) but otherwise fit to work.

3.3 Class C — Employable but owing to certain impairments or conditions (PTB, heart disease, hypertension, anatomical defects) requires special placement or limited duty in a specified or selected assignment requiring follow-up treatment/periodic evaluation.

3.4 Class D — Unfit or unsafe for any type of employment (advanced CVD with threatened failure, malignant hypertension and other similar illnesses, and severe injuries).

F. Annual Medical Examinations

1. Shall be as complete and as thorough as the pre-employment medical examinations.

2. Shall include all special examinations and/or investigations deemed necessary for the diagnosis of these diseases which will be free of charge in case the workers are exposed to occupational health hazards.

3. Shall include, whenever feasible, a chest x-ray examination at least once a year which shall be rendered free of charge to the workers.

4. Shall be as frequent as the nature of employment may warrant taking into consideration the special hazards involved and their relative importance. EHaASD

5. Shall include regular biochemical monitoring which shall be conducted free of charge for workers exposed to toxic substances/pesticides classified under FPA classification of pesticide based on toxicity and hazard. (see Table 6 of the Appendix)

6. Shall have an interval of no longer than one (1) year between two (2) consecutive periodic physical examinations.

G. In occupations, where there is a risk to the health of the worker either due to toxic substances they handle or of the environment in which they work, only persons who are pronounced medically fit shall be employed.

H. When occupational diseases have been detected in workers and continued employment might jeopardize their health, their employment shall be discontinued until after their complete or satisfactory recovery. If circumstances permit, such workers shall meanwhile be given some other job consistent with their state of health and which shall not impede or retard their recovery.

I. Transfer Examinations

1. Applicants examined for employment and accepted for specific work or job shall not be transferred to another work or job until they have been re-examined by the physician and certified that the transfer is medically advisable.

J. Special Examinations

1. Special examinations are tests required as baseline and for early detection of occupational and work-related diseases that may arise from specific type or nature of hazards workers are exposed to. These examinations include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.1 Audiometry examination — to assess the hearing ability of workers exposed to noise.

1.2 Pulmonary function test — to assess the lung function of workers who are exposed to respiratory hazards, who are using respirators, or who may be assigned to physically demanding work.

1.3 Vision test — to identify and correct visual defects for workers assigned to visually intensive work.

1.4 Eye examination — to detect abnormalities in workers exposed to UV radiation (such as welding), laser and infrared or with potential or actual trauma to the eye.

1.5 Liver function tests — to assess the status of the liver among workers with potential or actual exposure to hazards that can damage the liver.

1.6 Kidney function tests — to assess the status of the kidneys among workers with potential or actual exposure to hazards that can damage the kidneys.

1.7 Other special examinations that are necessary to determine the occupational health status of workers.

2. Special examinations may be required where there is undue exposure to health hazards such as lead, mercury, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, nitroglycol and other similar substances.

K. Return to Work Examination

1. to detect if illness of the worker is still contagious;

2. to determine whether the worker is fit to return to work; and

3. after prolonged absence for health reasons, for the purpose of determining its possible occupational causes.

L. Separation or Exit from Employment Examination

1. to determine if the worker is suffering from any occupational diseases or work-related diseases;

2. to determine whether he/she is suffering from any injury or illness which has not completely healed; and

3. to determine whether he/she has sustained an injury.

RULE IX

Penal Provisions

SECTION 1. Any person, firm, corporation or entity who shall violate, disobey, refuse, omit or neglect to comply with any of the provisions of this Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations shall be guilty of misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine not exceeding P1,000 or both depending upon the discretion of the court.

SECTION 2. Any person, firm, corporation or entity who shall interfere with, hinder, or oppose any officer, agent, or member of the Department or of the Bureaus, Offices, Services and Regional Offices under it, provincial, city or municipal health officers, sanitary engineers, and sanitary inspectors of the Local Government Units and IPA in the performance of his/her duty as provided for under these revised rules and regulations, or shall tear down, mutilate, deface or alter any placard, or notice affixed to the premises in the enforcement of these revised implementing rules and regulations shall be guilty of misdemeanor and punishable, upon conviction, by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine not exceeding P1,000 or both depending upon the discretion of the court. DaIAcC

SECTION 3. Any person, firm, corporation or entity who shall operate an industrial establishment without the necessary sanitary permit shall be subjected to the same penal provision as specified in Rule IX, Sections 1 and 2, of this RIRR.

RULE X

Separability and Repealing Clauses

SECTION 1. In the event that any rule, section, paragraph, sentence, clause or word of this RIRR is declared invalid for any reason, the other provisions thereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 2. All pertinent rules and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this RIRR are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

RULE XI

Date of Effectivity

This Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved by

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MScSecretary of Health

 

APPENDICES

Table No.	Title
1A	Standard Drinking Water Facility
1B	Required number of toilet bowls and urinals
1C	Restroom and dining facilities
1D	Bathing and washing facility
2A	Permissible noise exposure limits
2B	Threshold limit values for impulsive or impact noise
2C	Recommended exposure limit values for work in a hot environment expressed as WGBT,
2D	Illumination levels
2D (1)	Efficacy ranges and color rendering indices of various lamps
2D (2)	Types of lamp: its rated power, light output and rated life
3A	Table of medicines, medical supplies, and facilities
3B	Required Health Personnel
3C	Qualifications of Health Personnel
4A	TLVs for Airborne Contaminants (Adopted by DOH from the DOLE Occupational Safety and Health Standards-1989)
4B	TLVs for chemical substances in the work environment (adopted by DOH from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists-2016 issue)
5A	Types and uses of personal protective equipment
5B	Protection clothing materials
6	FPA classification of pesticide based on toxicity and hazard based on formulations

 

FORMS

DOH/IH/Form Number	Title
1	Registration Form
2	Inspection Report Form
3	Medical Examination Form
4	Sanitary Permit
4A	List of Inspected Industrial Establishments
4B	Consolidated Number of Inspected Industrial Establishments (Province)
4C	Consolidated Number of Inspected Industrial Establishments (Chartered City)
4D	Consolidated Number of Inspected Industrial Establishments (Investment Promotion Agency)
4E	Consolidated Number of Inspected Industrial Establishments (Region)
5	Sanitary Order
6	Compliance to Sanitary Order
7	Renewal of Sanitary Permit
8	Approval of Application
9	Annual Medical Report (Establishment)
9A	Consolidated Annual Medical Report (City/Municipal)
9B	Consolidated Annual Medical Report (Investment Promotion Agency)
9C	Consolidated Annual Medical Report (Provincial)
9D	Consolidated Annual Medical Report (DOH Regional Office)