General Regulation - Preventive Measures for Work Accidents

This Regulation establishes the norms governing the application of Title V concerning the Protection of Workers' Health and other provisions on the matter contained in the Labor Code.

It is the responsibility of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security to inspect and evaluate work centers and to establish standards for activities related to the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases conducted at the national level. CHAPTER II OBJECT

The purpose of this Regulation is to establish the conditions of Safety and Health in which work must be performed in work centers, without prejudice to the regulations that may be issued for each activity in particular. CHAPTER III SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND DEFINITIONS

This Regulation applies throughout the territory of the Republic and has the purpose of establishing, developing, and providing legal, technical, and administrative mechanisms for the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases in work centers. The provisions of this Regulation shall be applied in every place and class of work, whatever the legal form of its organization and provision; likewise, they shall regulate actions intended to promote and protect workers' health. All employers both public and private, contractors, subcontractors, and workers and their organizations, as well as public and private entities shall be subject to the provisions established in this Regulation.

Given that the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security is responsible for Safety and Hygiene in work centers, it shall coordinate its activities for the prevention of occupational hazards with the Secretariat of Health and the Honduran Institute of Social Security.

For the purposes of applying this Regulation, occupational hazards shall be understood as those caused to workers by exposure to risk factors in work environments. Occupational hazards are work accidents and occupational diseases.

The following are considered representatives of employers and, as such, bind them in their relations with other workers: Directors, Managers, Administrators, and in general, persons who exercise functions of direction or administration on behalf of the company.

Likewise, representatives of workers are considered those designated by the union or corresponding organization or those designated in a general assembly of workers, when there is no recognized organization. CHAPTER IV OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYERS AND THEIR ORGANIZATIONS

In addition to those contained in the Labor Code and in Social Security laws and their regulations, all employers are obligated to:

• a)

  Guarantee the safety and health of workers in all activities related to the company.

• b)

  Guarantee the development of permanent programs for safety and health at work aimed at protecting and maintaining workers' health; without prejudice to the normal functioning of their activities.

• c)

  Observe in all activities carried out in their company the legal provisions and applicable safety and health norms and measures.

• d)

  Adopt appropriate measures to protect, promote, and advance workers' health, through the installation, operation, and efficient maintenance of necessary control systems and equipment to prevent occupational hazards in work centers.

• e)

  Register their employees with the IHSS, where this agency has coverage in order to guarantee workers affected by an occupational hazard the rights that the law confers upon them; however, they may expand the provision of these services through private institutions. Temporary work shall be subject to the regime established for such purpose.

• f)

  Adopt adequate measures to create and maintain conditions of safety and health in their companies and work centers, preventing contaminants from exceeding the levels permitted in this Regulation.

• g)

  Provide free of charge to their workers the necessary personal protective equipment.

• h)

  Install first aid kits in factories or work centers and maintain at all times the medicines and healing materials necessary to provide first aid to workers who are victims of a hazard.

• i)

  Keep a record of every worker in their service in which the following minimum information must appear: name and address, social security number, and the name and address of the beneficiaries of legal indemnifications, in case of death of the worker due to an occupational hazard.

• j)

  Participate obligatorily in the formation and functioning of the mixed commissions of hygiene and safety that are organized in the company.

• k)

  Keep an adequate record of work accidents and occupational diseases that occur in work places.

• l)

  Provide the facilities required for the performance of inspections or investigations conducted by competent authorities, as well as other activities that may be necessary for the protection of workers' health.

• m)

  Allow the participation of representatives of the mixed commissions of hygiene and safety in inspection visits conducted by the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security.

• n)

  Allow the competent authority to extract samples of substances and materials for analysis and study, aimed at taking measures to prevent occupational hazards. o) Provide the competent authority with information about work processes and operations and about substances and their storage for the aforementioned purposes. p) Post in visible places and disseminate among workers the instructional materials and prevention measures that are issued and adopted regarding safety and health at work. q) Conduct training programs on the hazards to which the company's workers are exposed, emphasizing the measures for controlling and preventing work accidents and diseases. r) Provide workers who are Members of the Mixed Commissions with the necessary facilities and assistance so they can attend courses, seminars, and other events, as well as to develop educational programs in this area. s) Carry out in their facilities or work centers the rectifications or modifications that the competent authority orders in accordance with the law.

In addition to those contained in the Labor Code and in Social Security laws and their regulations, workers' obligations are:

• a)

  Comply with the provisions of this Regulation as well as the norms, regulations, manuals, and instructional materials issued for the prevention of occupational hazards.

• b)

  Use machines, equipment, tools, substances, and other means appropriately, making proper use of personal protective equipment and machinery safety and control devices. In case of doubt regarding how to use them, they shall request assistance from their immediate superior to receive the respective instructions.

• c)

  Cooperate and participate in the safety and health programs at work implemented in their work center, as well as in measures aimed at the prevention of occupational hazards.

• d)

  Collaborate and actively participate with the mixed commissions of hygiene and safety organized in their work center.

• e)

  Attend courses, seminars, and training sessions in this area held in common agreement with the employer, union, governmental institutions, or the hygiene and safety commission.

• f)

  Refrain from operating without proper authorization vehicles, machinery, and equipment other than those assigned.

• g)

  Notify their immediate superior of the existence of unsafe or defective conditions, failures in facilities, machinery, work processes and operations, and hazard control systems.

• h)

  Refrain from introducing or consuming alcoholic beverages, drugs, or other unauthorized substances in work places or centers, or from presenting themselves under the effects of intoxicating substances, drugs, narcotics, or hallucinogens.

• i)

  Provide assistance at any time requested, when by accident or imminent risk the lives of coworkers or the employer's interests are in danger.

• j)

  Submit to medical examination as an indispensable requirement for job entry and during employment at the employer's request or by order of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security.

• k)

  Refrain from anything that could endanger their own safety, that of their coworkers, and that of other persons, as well as the safety of establishments, workshops, machinery, and work places.

• l)

  Use and maintain in good condition all safeguards, protections, and safety systems used to prevent occupational hazards; as well as comply with all norms and recommendations concerning their health, discipline, and conduct.

The hygiene and safety commission is a body for promotion and surveillance of health and safety norms and regulations within the company and shall therefore not deal with matters relating to labor contractual relations proper; personnel problems, disciplinary matters, or union matters shall be handled in other instances.

In each public or private institution or company where ten (10) or more permanent workers are employed, a mixed commission of hygiene and safety shall be organized, composed of an equal number of representatives from the employer and from the workers. Its organization and functioning shall be in accordance with the norms of this Chapter.

One or more commissions may be established in the same work center according to work shifts, considering the number of workers in its service or work centers or stations it has available, or according to the way it is organized; in temporary work activities, only one commission shall be established.

Each mixed commission of hygiene and safety shall be composed of an equal number of representatives from the employer and from the workers, with their respective alternates, as follows: From 10 to 49 workers, one representative from each party From 50 to 99 workers, two representatives from each party From 100 to 499 workers, three representatives from each party From 500 to 999 workers, four representatives from each party From 1000 or more workers, five representatives from each party Only full members shall attend commission meetings. Alternates shall attend in the absence of full members and shall be notified of meetings by the commission president.

The commissions must be established within a period not exceeding thirty days from the date the work center begins operations, and must be properly registered with the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security.

The Secretary of Labor and Social Security shall maintain and keep updated the registry of mixed hygiene and safety commissions and shall notify the employer or his representative of the registration date, the number of representatives and their respective alternates, and the name of each one of them.

For the purpose of keeping the registry of mixed commissions updated, the employer or his representative shall communicate to the competent department of the Secretary of Labor and Social Security any modifications that occur in any of the following data:

• a)

  Change of address of the workplace.

• b)

  Change of representative to the mixed hygiene and safety commission.

• c)

  Reduction or increase in the number of workers.

• d)

  Change of economic activity branch.

• e)

  Change in the IHSS employer number.

• f)

  Change of union.

• g)

  Closure or suspension of activities.

The members of the mixed commissions shall preferably be persons with basic knowledge in the matter of prevention of occupational hazards, or in any case, directly related, through their activity, to the productive processes or original sources of potential hazards.

The representatives of the employer shall be appointed directly by him and the representatives of the workers by the union, and in the absence thereof, by free and secret election of the workers. When one of the parties has not appointed its representatives despite repeated notification in this regard, the competent department of the Secretary of Labor and Social Security shall proceed to appoint them in order to ensure compliance with the law.

The secretary of the mixed hygiene and safety commission shall be elected by the full commission.

The members of the commission shall be elected for a period of two years, after which they may be reelected.

Meetings shall be held during working hours, and the work performed therein shall be considered as substitutive or additional to the duties assigned to the positions they hold in the company. Members of the commissions shall serve without remuneration, and the company shall provide a meeting room, stationery, and other office equipment that facilitate meetings and other commission activities.

The quorum for the commission to hold sessions shall consist of more than half of its members present at the meeting, and it shall meet with the members present, and its decisions shall have full validity.

The mixed hygiene and safety commissions shall meet at least once a month, in the company's premises and during working hours. They may also hold extraordinary meetings at the request of the majority of its members when circumstances warrant it.

The hygiene and safety commissions shall have the following functions:

• a)

  Ensure strict compliance with this Regulation, the special regulations on hygiene and safety of the company, and other standards relating to the health and safety of workers.

• b)

  Conduct monthly visits to the buildings, installations, and equipment of the workplace in order to verify the safety and health conditions prevailing therein, and shall make rounds as they deem necessary to work sites that require it due to their hazardous nature; for this visit the commission shall designate two of its members for each sector.

• c)

  Ensure compliance with health and safety programs in the workplace being conducted in the company and propose necessary reforms for their proper development.

• d)

  Investigate and analyze the causes of work accidents and occupational diseases and propose necessary prevention measures.

• e)

  Supervise with those in charge of the company's preventive programs, the training received by workers regarding hazards in their activities.

• f)

  Report semiannually to labor authorities on the activities carried out.

• g)

  Monitor the supply of personal protective equipment to workers, reviewing whether it is adequate for the hazard to be prevented, as well as its quality and that the replacement is carried out when it does not meet the minimum safety conditions for which it was supplied. In case of disagreement about the quality of the equipment, the commission shall appoint a technician on the matter whose opinion shall be respected by the commission.

• h)

  Request and analyze reports issued by those in charge of health and safety programs in the workplace.

• i)

  Act as surveillance agents for the fulfillment of the occupational health and safety program and report the status of execution to the competent unit of the Secretary of Labor and Social Security.

• j)

  Inform and warn the management of the company, the union organization where it exists, the workers, and the Secretary of Labor and Social Security, as appropriate, of the defects and irregularities detected that may generate hazards, in order to adopt preventive measures.

• k)

  Promote among workers their interest in undergoing medical examinations.

• l)

  Ensure that all workers receive information on occupational health and safety and promote among them the practice and observance of preventive measures to avoid occupational hazards.

• m)

  Promote the dissemination and publicity of occupational health and safety through training courses, work sessions, and talks to employers and workers, through posters, notices, and messages on matters and topics relating to this area.

• n)

  Propose the granting of distinctions to company personnel and its managers when they have had outstanding participation in hazard prevention, as well as the imposition of sanctions for non-compliance with occupational health and safety standards and measures of mandatory compliance within the company. ñ) Ensure the effective organization of fire-fighting brigades and first aid. o) Monitor that injured workers receive first aid in a timely manner. p) Prepare annually a report of the activities carried out during the year, submitting it to the Secretary of Labor and Social Security in the last two weeks of the month of November; sending a copy of the same to the Honduran Institute of Social Security.

The functions of the president of the commission are:

• a)

  Exercise the representation of the commission.

• b)

  Preside over and guide the meetings of the commission.

• c)

  Make the necessary arrangements to determine the place or site of the meeting.

• d)

  Prepare the topics to be discussed at each meeting.

• e)

  Process before the company's administration the recommendations and agreements approved by the commission and inform it of all its activities.

• f)

  Report to workers on the activities of the commission.

• g)

  Coordinate everything necessary for the proper functioning of the commission.

The functions of the secretary of the commission are:

• a)

  Convene the members of the commission in writing.

• b)

  Verify the attendance of the members of the commission at scheduled meetings.

• c)

  Take note of the topics discussed, prepare the minutes of each meeting, and submit it for discussion and approval by the commission.

• d)

  Maintain the files concerning the activities carried out and provide all information required by the employer, the workers, the competent department of the Secretary of Labor and Social Security, and the Honduran Institute of Social Security.

• e)

  Maintain the book of minutes of ordinary and extraordinary sessions.

The obligations of the employer are:

• a)

  Allow the election of the workers' representatives to the commission, guaranteeing the freedom of voting.

• b)

  Designate its representatives to the commission.

• c)

  Designate the president of the commission.

• d)

  Provide the necessary means for the normal performance of the commission's functions.

• e)

  Study the recommendations and agreements emanating from the commission and determine the adoption of corresponding measures and inform the commission of the decisions taken in this regard.

The obligations of workers are:

• a)

  Freely elect their representatives to the commission.

• b)

  Report to the commission any hazardous situations that arise and express their suggestions for improving working environments.

• c)

  Comply with occupational health and safety standards, and with the regulations and instructions ordered by the employer and the competent authorities.

The employer in coordination with the Secretary of Labor and Social Security and the Honduran Institute of Social Security shall facilitate the training of the commissions regarding risk factors present at the workplace and everything related to its proper functioning.

In work centers or places where there are fewer than ten (10) workers, the employer or his representatives shall appoint an Occupational Safety Delegate who shall have the following functions:

• a)

  Promote the interest and cooperation of workers in relation to occupational health and safety.

• b)

  Communicate to the employer or his representative the dangerous situations that may occur at any work station and propose the measures that in his judgment should be adopted.

• c)

  Examine issues relating to order, cleanliness, environment, machinery and work processes in the company.

• d)

  Communicate to the employer the risks detected.

• e)

  Provide first aid to injured workers. The functions of the Occupational Safety Delegate shall be compatible with those normally performed by the worker for the company.

In case of serious accident or imminent risk, the commission shall meet on an extraordinary basis and with the presence of the person in charge of the area where the accident occurred or the risk was determined.

The mixed commissions shall draw up minutes of ordinary and extraordinary meetings, which shall record information on:

• a)

  Conclusions derived from the visits carried out.

• b)

  Results of investigations conducted due to occupational risks that occurred, the probable causes that originated them, the measures indicated to prevent them and their compliance.

• c)

  Educational activities on occupational safety and health matters carried out in practice.

• d)

  Other motions, observations and discussions that they consider relevant. These minutes shall be made available to the competent authority.

In order that workers are duly informed of the risks occurring in the work centers where they provide their services, the hygiene and safety commissions shall inform them periodically about the analysis of the causes that produced them and the preventive measures that are adopted.

In the event that there is no agreement in the commission regarding the conditions of safety and health of the work center and the measures to be adopted, the Secretary of Labor and Social Security through the competent department shall decide on the matter in question, and once the decision is final it shall be mandatory for both parties to comply.

All companies are subject to this Regulation. Companies that employ 10 or more workers and have in their work environment risk factors not contemplated in this Regulation are obligated to submit for approval to the competent department of the Secretary of Labor and Social Security a Special Regulation on Occupational Hygiene and Safety, whose compliance shall be mandatory for employers and workers.

Employers, through the mixed hygiene and safety commissions of the company, shall inform all workers timely and appropriately about the risks involved in their work, the preventive measures and the correct work methods.

Workers shall be informed about the elements, products and substances they must use in production processes or in their work, regarding the identification of the same, synonyms and generic name, regarding permissible exposure limits, average lethal doses, symptoms of intoxication, first aid, the chronic dangers to human health and regarding the control and prevention measures they must adopt to avoid these risks.

As a measure to protect the internal environment of the work center, workers shall be informed about the proper disposal and elimination of waste generated by the company and by themselves as well as about the mechanisms of mitigation and control in case of industrial accidents.

Employers, prior to the acquisition of machinery, equipment, raw materials and substances necessary in the productive processes of the work center, shall request from the supplier the technical information necessary regarding the potential risks that may be generated to the detriment of the worker, the mitigation and control measures in case of industrial accident and the norms and manuals of operation and maintenance.

Employers shall comply with the obligations established in this Chapter through the occupational safety and health department of the company and shall inform the occupational hygiene and safety commissions of its actions.

Workers or their representatives may request from employers and competent state authorities information about occupational safety regulations concerning: substances, equipment, machinery used in productive processes for the adequate protection of their health.

The Secretary of Labor and Social Security through the competent department shall inform periodically through the corresponding channels, organizations of employers and workers, state institutions and private organizations that develop activities in this area, about the risk factors present in the work environment in the different production sectors, the measures of mitigation or control of risk factors and the techniques for the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases.

To prevent occupational risks, public and private employers, contractors and subcontractors shall facilitate a program of safety and health in the work in their companies.

The occupational safety and health program consists of the planning, organization, execution and evaluation of occupational hygiene and safety activities, occupational medicine and preventive medicine, aimed at preserving, maintaining and improving the individual and collective health of workers in their occupations and which must be developed in their work sites in an integral and interdisciplinary manner.

Occupational Safety and Health Programs. The occupational safety and health programs shall include the following components: 1. Occupational Hygiene and Safety Activities which shall be directed towards: a) Investigating work accidents and occupational diseases that have occurred, determining their origin and applying the necessary corrective measures. b) Identifying, evaluating and controlling through appropriate technical studies the risk factors present in the work environment that may affect workers. c) Establishing and implementing the necessary measures for the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases and verifying their effectiveness through periodic evaluations of the work environment. d) Maintaining an adequate record of work accidents occurring in the company. e) Providing a technical and organizational plan for the elimination, correction and control of detected risk factors. 2. Occupational Medicine Activities which shall be directed towards: a) Conducting medical examinations for personnel selection, job transfers, temporary work, periodic examinations and reinstatement in accordance with risk factors present in the work environment. b) Maintaining an adequate record of occupational diseases and work-related diseases affecting the working population of the company. c) Conducting epidemiological surveillance activities of occupational diseases, work-related diseases and occupational absenteeism. ch) Providing first aid training in coordination with mixed hygiene and safety commissions, maintaining prompt care services in case of accidents. d) Providing advisory services in occupational safety and health matters to companies and worker organizations in accordance with risk factors and productive processes. e) Developing training activities on occupational diseases, work accidents and work-related diseases. f) Appropriately coordinating prevention activities, medical care and hospital services with institutions responsible for providing these services. 3. Preventive Medicine Activities which shall be directed towards:

• a)

  Sports, cultural and social activities.

• b)

  Prevention of alcoholism, tobacco use, drug addiction and other addictions.

• c)

  Prevention of infectious-contagious diseases.

• d)

  Activities aimed at preventing sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

• e)

  Prevention of chronic degenerative diseases.

• f)

  Prevention activities to avoid the aggravation of work-related diseases.

• g)

  Others, in accordance with their incidence in the working population of the company.

Occupational Safety and Health Program Records. Occupational safety and health programs shall maintain updated records of the following:

• a)

  List of raw materials and chemical products used in the company.

• b)

  Evaluation of occupational risk factors and control systems utilized.

• c)

  Study of work positions.

• d)

  Personal protective equipment, its type, brand and time of supply to each worker.

• e)

  Collection and statistical analysis of work accidents and occupational diseases.

• f)

  Absenteeism due to work accidents, occupational diseases and common illnesses.

• g)

  Results of internal occupational safety and health inspections.

• h)

  Worker occupational medical history with their respective clinical and biological control examinations.

• i)

  Specific emergency plans for the prevention of industrial accidents.

Modalities for Occupational Safety and Health Programs. Occupational safety and health programs may be implemented according to the following alternatives:

• a)

  Exclusive and specific to each company.

• b)

  Jointly with other companies.

• c)

  Contracted with an entity that provides these services, recognized by the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security for these purposes.

Oversight and Regulation of Occupational Safety and Health Programs. In order to guarantee the proper development of occupational safety and health programs in private companies and public institutions, the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security, in coordination with the Secretariat of Health and the Honduran Institute of Social Security shall proceed to elaborate and approve the standards that regulate the organization and operation of said programs. CHAPTER X GENERAL CONDITIONS OF WORK CENTERS SECTION I BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Structural Safety. 1. All buildings, permanent or temporary, shall be of safe and solid construction to prevent risks of collapse and those derived from atmospheric agents. 2. The foundations, floors and other elements of buildings shall offer sufficient resistance to support and suspend safely the loads for which they have been designed. 3. The loads that industrial facilities can support or suspend shall be indicated by means of signs or inscriptions, and it is prohibited to overload the floors and levels of buildings.

Surface Area and Cubic Space. 1. Work areas shall meet the following minimum conditions:

• a)

  Two point fifty (2.50) meters of height from floor to ceiling.

• b)

  One (1) square meter of surface area per worker.

• c)

  Ten (10) cubic meters per worker, calculated as follows: the width multiplied by the length multiplied by the height of the area divided by the number of workers. 2. However, in commercial establishments, service facilities and areas intended for offices and professional spaces, the height referred to in subsection a) of the preceding section may be reduced to two point forty (2.40) meters, but respecting the cubic space per worker established in subsection c), and provided there is adequate air renewal. 3. For the calculation of surface area and cubic space, the spaces occupied by machines, apparatus, installations and materials shall not be taken into account.

Floors, Ceilings and Walls. 1. The floor shall constitute a homogeneous, level and smooth set, without cracks or fissures; it shall be of consistent material, non-slippery or not subject to becoming slippery with use, and easy to clean. It shall be at the same level and, if not, height differences shall be bridged by ramps with a slope not exceeding ten percent (10%). 2. Walls shall be smooth, painted with light tones and susceptible to being washed or whitewashed. 3. Ceilings shall meet sufficient conditions to protect workers from the inclemencies of the weather.

Corridors and Aisles. 1. Corridors, galleries and aisles shall have a width appropriate to the number of persons who must circulate through them and to the particular needs of the work. 2. Their minimum dimensions shall be as follows:

• a)

  One point twenty (1.20) meters of width for main corridors.

• b)

  One (1) meter of width for secondary corridors.

• c)

  Seventy-five (75) centimeters of width for corridors used for machine and equipment supervision work. 3. The separation between machines or other apparatus shall be sufficient for workers to perform their work comfortably and without risk. It shall never be less than eighty (80) centimeters, measured from the most protruding point of the path of mobile parts of each machine. Exception is made for work that by the nature of its production performs modular and assembly line work. When apparatus with mobile parts that invade free space in their displacement exist, personnel circulation shall be marked with painted stripes on the floor that delimit the path through which transit must occur. 4. Around furnaces, boilers or any other machine or apparatus that is a source of radiant heat, a free space of no less than one point fifty (1.50) meters shall be left. The floor and walls within this area shall be of non-combustible material. 5. Every corridor through which workers must circulate or remain shall be at a height of one point eighty (1.80) meters or more and shall provide the necessary protection to the worker.

Fixed Stairs and Service Stairs. 1. All stairs and escalators, platforms and landings shall provide sufficient resistance to support the loads for which they are to be used. Where persons with disabilities are to be moved, the necessary facilities shall be provided. 2. Stairs and platforms constructed of perforated material shall not have interstices that allow objects to fall through. 3. The maximum allowable opening shall not exceed ten (10) millimeters. 4. None of the stairs shall have a height greater than three point seventy (3.70) meters between landings. Intermediate landings shall have, at minimum, one point twelve (1.12) meters measured in the direction of the staircase. 5. The free vertical space shall not be less than two point twenty (2.20) meters from the steps. 6. Staircases, except service staircases, shall have at least ninety (90) centimeters of width and their inclination relative to the horizontal shall not be less than twenty (20) degrees nor greater than forty-five (45) degrees. 7. When the slope is less than twenty (20) degrees, a ramp shall be installed, and when it is greater than forty-five (45) degrees, a fixed ladder shall be used. The steps, excluding projections, shall have at least twenty-three (23) centimeters of tread, and the risers shall not be more than twenty (20) centimeters nor less than thirteen (13) centimeters in height. 8. There shall be no variation in the width of the steps nor in the height of the risers in any section. The installation of spiral staircases is prohibited, except for service staircases. 9. All staircases that have four risers or more shall be protected with railings on the open sides. 10. Staircases between walls whose width is less than one (1) meter shall have a handrail on the right side in the downward direction and those greater than one (1) meter shall have a handrail on each side. 11. The height of railings and handrails on staircases shall not be less than ninety (90) centimeters. 12. The free width of service staircases shall be at least fifty-five (55) centimeters. 13. The inclination of service staircases shall not be greater than sixty (60) degrees, and the minimum width of steps fifteen (15) centimeters. 14. The opening of windows situated more than ninety (90) centimeters above the landing level and whose width is less than thirty (30) centimeters shall be guarded with bars or grilles to prevent falls.

Stairs Attached to Walls. 1. Staircases shall be solidly attached to buildings, storage areas, machines or elements that require them. 2. In fixed wall staircases, the distance between the face of the steps and the walls closest to the ascending side shall be at least seventy-five (75) centimeters. The distance between the rear part of the steps and the nearest fixed object shall be at least sixteen (16) centimeters. There shall be a clear space of forty (40) centimeters on both sides of the axis of the staircase if it is not provided with cages or equivalent devices. 3. If fixed wall staircases are used for heights greater than nine (9) meters, landing platforms shall be installed every nine (9) meters or fraction thereof. 4. The fixed wall staircase that has a height greater than four (4) meters shall have, at minimum, from that height onwards, surrounding protection. This measure shall not be necessary in conduits, narrow pits, installations that by their construction provide such protection.

Hand Ladders. 1. Hand ladders shall always provide the necessary guarantees of solidity, stability and safety and, where applicable, of insulation or non-combustibility. 2. When made of wood, the rails shall be of a single piece, and the steps shall be well joined and not merely nailed. 3. Wooden ladders shall not be painted, except with transparent varnish, to prevent possible defects from being hidden. 4. The splicing of two ladders is prohibited, unless their structure has devices specially prepared for this purpose. 5. Simple hand ladders shall not span more than five meters unless they are reinforced in their center, and their use is prohibited for heights exceeding seven (7) meters. For heights greater than seven (7) meters the use of special ladders is mandatory, capable of being firmly fixed by their top and base, and for their use a safety belt shall be mandatory. Truck ladders shall be provided with railings and other devices that prevent falls. 6. In the use of hand ladders, the following precautions shall be adopted:

• a)

  They shall be supported on flat and solid surfaces or, failing that, on horizontal plates of sufficient resistance and stability.

• b)

  They shall be equipped with shoes, iron points, clamps or another anti-slip mechanism at their base or with fastening hooks at the top.

• c)

  For access to elevated places, they shall extend by one meter the upper support points. ch) Ascent, descent and work shall always be done facing the ladder.

• d)

  When they rest on posts, fastening brackets shall be used.

• e)

  They shall not be used simultaneously by two workers.

• f)

  The transport by hand of weights exceeding 25 kilograms is prohibited on them.

• g)

  The distance between the feet and the vertical line of its upper support point shall be one-fourth the length of the ladder up to such support point. 7. Double or ladder-type scissors shall be equipped with chains or cables that prevent their opening when in use, and with stops at their upper end.

Work Platforms. 1. Work platforms, fixed or mobile, shall be constructed of solid materials, and their structure and resistance shall be proportional to the fixed or mobile loads they are to support. 2. The floors and aisles of work platforms shall be non-slip, shall be kept free of obstacles and shall be provided with a drainage system that permits the evacuation of liquids. 3. Platforms that present the danger of falling from more than two meters shall be protected along their entire perimeter by railings and baseboards with the conditions specified in Article 60. 4. When work is performed on mobile platforms, safety devices shall be used that prevent their displacement or falling.

Floor Openings. 1. Floor openings shall always be protected with railings of a height not less than ninety (90) centimeters with baseboards of fifteen (15) centimeters in height. 2. Openings for fixed wall staircases shall be protected on all sides and with mobile railings at the entrance. 3. Openings for staircases shall be protected on all sides, except on the entrance side. 4. Openings for hatches, conduits, wells and trap doors shall have fixed protection on two sides and mobile protection on the other two when both are used for entry and exit. 5. Floor openings with little use may be protected by a mobile cover that rotates on hinges flush with the floor, in which case, whenever the cover is not in place, the opening shall be protected by a portable railing. 6. Holes intended exclusively for inspection may be protected by a simple cover of adequate resistance without the need for hinges, but secured in such a manner that it cannot slide.

Wall Openings. Openings in walls that are less than ninety (90) centimeters above the floor and have minimum dimensions of seventy-five (75) centimeters in height by forty-five (45) centimeters in width, and through which there is danger of falling more than two (2) meters, shall be protected by railings, grilles or other safeguards that complete the protection up to ninety (90) centimeters above the floor and that are capable of resisting a minimum load of one hundred fifty (150) kilograms per linear meter.

Railings and Baseboards (Skirting or Trim). 1. Railings and baseboards shall be made of rigid and resistant materials. 2. The height of railings shall be ninety (90) centimeters at minimum measured from the floor level, and the gap existing between the baseboard and the railing shall be protected by a horizontal bar or intermediate strip, or by vertical barrettes, with a maximum separation of fifteen (15) centimeters. 3. Baseboards shall have a minimum height of fifteen (15) centimeters above the floor level. 4. Railings shall be capable of resisting a load of one hundred fifty (150) kilograms per linear meter.

Emergency Doors and Exits. 1. The exits and emergency doors of work centers shall have visible access or be properly signposted, shall be sufficient in number and width so that all workers employed therein can abandon them quickly and safely. Providing them with the necessary facilities for the evacuation of persons with disabilities. 2. The communication doors in the interior of work centers shall meet the same conditions. 3. In the accesses to the doors and emergency exits, no obstacles shall be permitted that interfere with the normal exit of workers, avoiding in all cases overcrowding. 4. The maximum distance between emergency exit doors shall not exceed 55 meters. 5. The minimum width of emergency doors shall be one point twenty (1.20) meters when the number of workers who normally use them does not exceed 50; and 1.80 meters with double leaf when it exceeds this amount. 6. Doors that are not swing doors shall open toward the exterior. 7. No emergency door shall remain locked in such a way as to prevent evacuation in case of contingency. 8. Emergency doors that communicate to stairs shall not open directly onto their steps, but onto landings of width equal to those. 9. In work centers exposed to risks of fire, explosion, sudden intoxication or others that require rapid evacuation, a minimum of two emergency exits shall be mandatory, located on different sides of the premises.

Cleaning of Windows. 1. The cleaning of windows and skylights shall be enhanced to prevent the accumulation of dust or other materials that prevent adequate lighting of the premises. 2. For these operations, staff shall be provided with suitable tools that allow easy cleaning and, where applicable, personal protection equipment that prevents possible risks of falls.

The premises intended for housing and dormitories shall be regulated by the specific regulation issued by each sector by economic activity. The minimum requirements for dormitories shall be the following: 1. The premises intended for dormitories of permanent personnel shall meet the conditions established in a general manner for buildings and premises in Section I of this Chapter, those intended for workers of one and the other sex shall be properly separated. 2. The windows shall allow adequate natural lighting and ventilation such that the temperature therein is maintained comfortably. 3. Beds shall be made of easily cleanable material, provided with a mattress, placed at a minimum height from the floor of forty (40) centimeters and with minimum dimensions of eighty (80) centimeters by one point ninety (1.90) meters and shall be separated at a distance of one (1) meter. When beds are bunk type, they shall have a maximum of two levels and one (1) meter of height between one and another. 4. Employees shall maintain the dormitories and bedding in a state of hygiene and cleanliness. 5. Cabinets or lockers shall be provided. 6. Dormitories shall be completely isolated from work premises, warehouses and workshops. 7. The presence of seriously ill persons or those with infectious contagious diseases in the dormitories is prohibited; if necessary, a space shall be provided for an infirmary.

Housing 1. When the company must, by law, provide family housing to the worker, it shall consist at a minimum of: kitchen, dining room, one bedroom for the married couple, one for sons and another for daughters, all of them with direct light and ventilation. The walls, ceilings and floors shall be smooth and easy to clean. 2. The dimensions of the bedrooms shall be: seven (7) square meters for one bed; twelve (12) square meters for two beds, and six (6) square meters for each additional bed. The minimum ceiling height shall be two point sixty (2.60) meters. 3. In each housing unit there shall exist, at least, one toilet, lavatory and shower.

Dining Areas 1. The areas designated for dining rooms shall be located in places close to work areas, separated from other premises and from unhealthy or bothersome sources. 2. When the areas designated for dining rooms are enclosed spaces, the floors, walls and ceilings shall be smooth and susceptible to easy cleaning, shall have adequate lighting, ventilation and temperature, and the minimum ceiling height shall be two point forty (2.40) meters and shall be provided with tables, chairs and drinking water, whether the food service is provided by the company or whether this service is provided by third parties at the expense of the worker or whether the worker provides his own food.

Kitchens 1. When companies designate premises for kitchen, these shall meet the general conditions established in section 2 of the preceding article and shall be adapted to extract fumes, vapors and odors by means of forced ventilation hoods with suction, if necessary. 2. They shall be maintained at all times in conditions of absolute cleanliness, and food waste shall be deposited in closed containers until its removal. 3. Food shall be preserved in the appropriate place and at the appropriate temperature, and in a refrigerated chamber, if necessary. 4. They shall be provided with the necessary kitchenware, which shall be maintained in complete hygienic and clean condition. 5. Drinking water shall be available for food and for the cleaning of kitchenware and utensils.

Water Supply 1. Every workplace shall have a sufficient supply of drinking water, in proportion to the number of workers, easily accessible to all of them and distributed in places close to work stations. 2. It shall not be permitted to draw or transfer water for human consumption by means of vessels, barrels, cans and other open containers or provisionally covered. 3. Workers are prohibited from drinking water by applying their lips directly to faucets, and fountain dispensers are recommended. 4. It shall be indicated by signs whether the water is or is not potable. 5. There shall be no connections between the drinking water supply system and the system for water that is not appropriate for drinking, avoiding contamination by porosity or by contact.

Changing Rooms and Sanitary Facilities. 1. In work centers where appropriate, changing rooms and sanitary facilities shall be provided for use by personnel, properly separated for workers of each sex. The minimum surface area of the same shall be one (1) square meter for each worker who is to use them, and the minimum ceiling height shall be two point forty (2.40) meters. 2. They shall be provided with seating and individual lockers or compartments, with keys, to store clothing and footwear. 3. In commercial establishments employing fewer than 10 workers, changing rooms may be replaced by hooks or lockers that allow clothing to be stored. 4. The changing rooms or sanitary facilities shall have a washbasin with running water provided with soap, for every 10 employees or fraction thereof. 5. The company shall provide hot air dryers, semi-automatic towel dispensers or paper towels, and in the latter case, adequate containers for depositing used material. 6. Workers who perform markedly dirty work or handle toxic substances shall be provided with the special cleaning means necessary in each case.

Toilets and Urinals. 1. In every work center there shall be toilets with running water discharge and shall have toilet paper. They shall be installed with separation by sex and with adequate containers for waste. 2. The number of toilets in work centers shall be regulated by the following table: Number of Employees | Number of Toilets Required 1 – 15 | 1 16 – 35 | 2 36 – 55 | 3 56 – 80 | 4 81 – 110 | 5 111 – 150 | 6 Increase of 40 or more | Additional for each 40 or more. 3. When toilets communicate with work areas, they shall be kept closed and shall have natural or forced ventilation. If they communicate with sanitary facilities or corridors that have ventilation to the outside, the ceiling of cubicles may be omitted. They shall have no direct communication with dining areas and kitchens. 4. The minimum dimensions of toilet installations shall be one point ten (1.10) square meters of surface area and two point forty (2.40) meters of height. 5. The doors shall completely prevent visibility from the outside and shall be provided with interior closure. 6. Toilets and urinals shall be installed and maintained in proper conditions of disinfection, deodorization and suppression of emanations.

Showers. 1. When the worker, by reason of his activity is exposed to contact with materials that affect his personal hygiene, handles toxic, infectious or irritating substances, is exposed to excessive heat, develops physical efforts superior to normal, or the hygiene of the manufacturing process requires it, the company shall install a shower with cold or hot water, for every 15 workers or fraction thereof who work in the same workday. The Secretariat of Labor and Social Security shall make a list of companies by economic activity, subject to this provision. 2. Showers shall be isolated, closed in individual compartments, with doors provided with interior closure. 3. They shall preferably be located in changing rooms and sanitary facilities or in locations close to them, with proper separation for each sex. When showers do not communicate with changing rooms and sanitary facilities, hooks shall be installed on their walls to hang clothing. 4. In the work referred to in provision 1 of this article, the necessary means of cleaning and asepsis shall be provided.

Common Standards of Maintenance and Cleaning. The floors, walls and ceilings of toilets, washbasins, showers, changing rooms and sanitary facilities shall be continuous, smooth and impermeable, painted in light tones and with materials that allow washing with disinfectant or antiseptic liquids with the necessary frequency. All its elements, such as faucets, drains and showers shall always be in perfect working order, and lockers and seats apt for their use. It is prohibited to use these facilities for uses other than those for which they are intended. SECTION IV EMERGENCY SANITARY INSTALLATIONS

Sanitary Installations. 1. In all work centers, fixed or portable first aid kits shall be provided, properly marked and conveniently located, which shall be in charge of the trained person designated by the company. Each first aid kit shall contain at minimum: hydrogen peroxide, sterile gauze, cotton, bandages, antiseptic soap, adhesive tape, analgesics, tourniquet, rubber bags for water or ice, sterilized gloves, clinical thermometer, splints, elastic bandages, slings or straps and rigid board. They shall be reviewed monthly and immediately replenished as used. Once first aid has been provided by the person in charge of health care, the company shall provide the necessary care for medical attention of the sick or injured person. 2. Medical personnel, facilities and equipment of these services shall be regulated in the specific regulations issued by each sector by economic activity. 3. In companies that have medical services, it shall be responsible for providing first aid to workers who need it urgently, due to accident or illness, during their stay at the work center.

Conditions of Facilities. In those outdoor work where 20 or more workers are employed, temporary installations must be provided that protect the worker from rains that would prevent him from carrying out his work.

Temporary Shelters. In outdoor work centers, when workers are unable to return to their regular residence each day, temporary shelters shall be installed equipped with dormitories and dining halls.

Dormitories. a) Temporary facilities intended for dormitories shall meet the minimum conditions provided for in article 64. b) It is prohibited to eat inside facilities intended for dormitories.

Dining Areas. Dining areas shall be installed with the following conditions:

• a)

  They shall have benches or chairs and tables.

• b)

  Sufficient dishware or tableware shall be provided for the workers who will use them.

• c)

  They shall be maintained in absolute cleanliness.

• d)

  They shall have adequate means for heating meals.

• e)

  They shall have adequate ventilation.

• f)

  They shall be protected with metal mesh.

Hygienic Facilities. If running water exists in the vicinity, showers and toilets shall be installed; if not, latrines shall be constructed in accordance with the specifications of the Ministry of Health.

Supply of Water. In any case, workers shall be provided with potable water in containers that have all hygienic guarantees.

Protective Clothing. In all outdoor work, permanent workers shall be provided with appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the risks of rain when working under this climatic condition.

Apparatus, machines, and tools that have the manufacturer's specifications shall be installed in accordance with what those specifications establish, and machinery that does not have specifications shall be regulated by this Chapter.

Fixed Machine Installations. 1. Machines shall be located in areas of sufficient size that permit their correct assembly and safe execution of operations. 2. They shall be placed on floors or ground of sufficient resistance to support the foreseeable static and dynamic loads. Their assembly shall be such that it ensures the stability of the machine and that the vibrations that may be produced do not affect the structure of the building. 3. Machines that, by the nature of the operations they perform, are sources of risks harmful to safety and health shall be properly protected to prevent or reduce them. If this is not possible, they shall be installed in isolated or separate locations from the rest of the production process. The personnel in charge of their operation shall use the personal protective equipment corresponding to the risks to which they are exposed.

Separation of Machines. 1. The separation of machines shall be sufficient so that operators can perform their work freely and without risk, and shall depend on:

• a)

  The amplitude of the operators' movements necessary for the execution of work.

• b)

  The shape and volume of the feed material, the products manufactured, and waste material.

• c)

  In any case, the minimum distance between the most protruding parts of the machines and any other structure shall never be less than eighty (80) centimeters. 2. A safety zone shall be established between the aisle and the work station area, or in its case the most protruding part of the machine, which in no case shall be less than forty (40) centimeters. Said zone shall be signaled in a clearly visible manner for workers.

Placement of Materials and Tools. 1. In the vicinity of machines, a storage area shall be established for feed materials and manufactured products, so that these do not constitute an obstacle for operators, nor for the manipulation or repair of the machine itself. 2. Machine tools that must be kept next to them shall be properly placed and organized in appropriate cabinets, tables, or shelves. 3. Storage of tools and materials unrelated to the machines in the vicinity of them is prohibited.

Transmission Shafts. 1. Horizontal transmission shafts located at heights lower than two point fifty (2.50) meters above the floor or work platform and inclined and vertical ones up to the same height shall be protected with rigid covers. 2. Any transmission shaft located above a vehicle traffic lane and whose distance to the highest point of the loads of such vehicles is less than two (2) meters must be properly protected. 3. All shafts located at levels below ground shall be protected in accordance with the dimensions of the pit, by covers of sufficient rigidity to support the weight of foreseeable loads or by guardrails with a minimum height of ninety (90) centimeters. 4. All exposed transmission housed in the bed of a machine must be surrounded by a framework placed according to the requirements of the location, so as to cover the accessible part thereof. 5. The protruding ends of transmission shafts shall be protected by fixed safety rings. The guard or cover shall extend in any of the parts to be covered at a distance not less than the diameter of the shaft to be protected.

Belt Transmission. 1. Belt transmissions located less than two point fifty (2.50) meters from the ground of a work platform shall be protected by guards. 2. All exposed belts whose strands are over a transit or work zone shall be protected by a guard that encloses both strands of the belt. 3. The guards shall be of sufficient resistance to retain the belt in case of breakage. 4. The width of the guard shall exceed fifteen (15) centimeters on each side of the belts. 5. The guards must allow for inspection and maintenance of the belts. 6. Belts out of service shall never be left supported on moving shafts or those that could be in motion, with appropriate supports being provided for this purpose. 7. Seamless belts shall preferably be used. If this is not possible, they must be joined or assembled in a safe manner. 8. Belts must be examined periodically and kept in good condition. 9. Belt transmission systems shall be provided with the necessary devices to discharge static electricity in locations where this could be dangerous. 10. It is prohibited to manually operate any class of belts while in motion; these shall be operated through belt-shifters, poles, belt-changers, or other similar devices.

Gears. 1. Gears actuated with mechanical or manual movements shall be protected with complete covers and provided with lubrication holes. 2. Similar protective means shall be adopted for worm gear transmissions, racks, and chains.

Friction Mechanisms. 1. The point of contact of the friction-driven actuation mechanism shall be completely protected. 2. Wheels with spokes or discs with holes shall be completely enclosed by fixed guards.

Protection of the Point of Operation. To prevent the dangers that may be caused to the worker by the mechanical elements of machines through catching, cutting, lacerating, piercing, pressing, abrading, or projectile action, the most appropriate protections shall be installed according to the specific risk of each machine.

Guards. The parts of machines where there are mechanical hazards and where the worker does not perform operative actions shall have effective guards, such as covers, screens, or railings, which shall meet the following requirements:

• a)

  Effective in their design.

• b)

  Of resistant material.

• c)

  Removable for adjustment or repair. ch) That allow for control and lubrication of machine elements.

• d)

  That their assembly or removal can only be done intentionally.

• e)

  That do not constitute risks in themselves.

Safety Devices. To protect the worker against the aggressive mechanical action of the points of machines where he performs operative actions, the necessary safety devices shall be adopted to delimit the field of operative movements thereof. These devices shall meet the following requirements:

• a)

  They shall constitute, if possible, an integral part of the machines.

• b)

  They shall act free of hindrance.

• c)

  They shall not unnecessarily interfere with normal production process.

• d)

  They shall not limit the operator's visual field.

• e)

  The worker's field of operation shall remain free of obstacles.

• f)

  They shall not require the worker to adopt forced positions or movements.

• g)

  The means of retaining projections shall not impede the operator's visibility.

• h)

  They shall not constitute risks in themselves.

Personal Protection. When machines with accessible dangerous elements are used and cannot be totally protected, safe work procedures shall be adopted and adequate means of individual protection shall be used to reduce risks to the minimum possible level. In particular, necessary measures shall be taken to prevent entanglement of hair, work clothing, or other objects that the worker may be carrying.

Securing of Guards. 1. Machines whose operation involves serious risk shall be provided with a locking system that interconnects the guards with the control organs or the electrical control circuit, in such a way as to prevent the machine from functioning when the guards are not in place. In cases where this is not possible, removing the guards is prohibited, permitting this only for maintenance work. 2. Machines that continue to function with risk after cutting the motive force shall be provided with an effective braking device that will prevent the opening of the guards before the dangerous parts of the machines that may come into contact with the worker have stopped.

Switches. The control switches of machines shall be designed, placed, and identified in such a way that their operation is safe and cannot be involuntary.

Start-up Buttons. 1. Start-up buttons shall comply with the following conditions: a) Be recessed in such a way as to require the use of the fingertip to operate them. b) They shall preferably be green in color and smaller in size than stop buttons. 2. In those machines in which cutting, crushing, and riveting operations are performed and in which it is not possible to install safety guards and whenever there is risk to the operator's hands, a dual manual control mechanism shall be provided. 3. The start-up of a machine may only be effected by a voluntary action on an actuating device provided for such purpose. Under no circumstances shall automatic start-up of a machine occur after a stop, whether by restoration of electrical power or for any other reason. 4. The actuating organs shall be located outside dangerous zones and in such a way that their manipulation cannot cause additional risks.

Stop Buttons. Each machine shall be provided with an actuating device that permits its total stop in safe conditions. The stop order shall take priority over start-up orders. Once the machine or its dangerous elements have stopped, the energy supply to the actuating organs shall be interrupted. Stop buttons shall be easily accessible from any point of the work station, protruding from the surface on which they are installed, and shall be red in color.

Emergency Stop. Every machine shall have an emergency stop device whenever a shorter stop time than normal is required in relation to the risks presented by the machine. An emergency stop shall be provided whenever protective measures do not completely eliminate the risk when a dangerous event occurs. The emergency stop cannot be considered as a substitute for protective measures. The emergency stop control shall be accessible from any point of the machine where an accident may occur.

Pedals. Pedal controls shall comply with the following conditions: 1. They shall have dimensions adaptable to the width of the foot. 2. They shall be provided with a protective cap that prevents involuntary actuation. 3. They shall require an appreciable and voluntary pressure from the foot, without causing fatigue.

Levers. Lever controls shall only be permitted if they meet the following conditions: 1. Be protected with guards against involuntary actuation. 2. Be properly signaled and located in such a way as to avoid confusion.

Start-up and Stop of Fixed Machines. The start-up and stop of main motors when connected with mechanical transmissions to other machines shall be effected following a prior notice or agreed signal, which must be clearly perceived at all work stations whose machines or mechanisms are operated by them. Fixed machines shall have the necessary control mechanisms for their start-up or stop. Machines operated by a main motor shall have a stop control that permits stopping each one of them separately. Those machine installations that are operated by several individual motors or by a main motor and perform work that depends on one another shall have one or more general stop devices. When there are several work stations on the same machine, start-up devices shall be arranged at each one of them in such a way that it is impossible to start the machines until all controls are actuated. Similarly, each one of them shall have a stop device in such a way that the actuation of any of the devices can stop the machine in case of emergency.

Use of Machines. 1. Machines shall be used only in carrying out the functions for which they have been designed. 2. All operators who use machines shall have been properly instructed and trained in their operation and in the inherent risks of the same. They shall also receive specific instructions on the garments and elements of personal protection that they are required to use. 3. A machine shall not be used if it is not in perfect working condition, with its protections or safety devices in correct position and operation. 4. Machinery shall not be subjected to overloads, high pressures, excessive speeds, or tensions that may endanger the safety of the worker using it or that of third parties. 5. If during the use of a machine it is necessary to clean or remove debris near a dangerous element, the operation shall be carried out with appropriate auxiliary means that guarantee sufficient safety distance.

Maintenance of Machines. 1. Machines, their guards, and safety devices shall be inspected, lubricated, and subjected to all maintenance operations established by the manufacturer or that may be convenient for their proper functioning. 2. Maintenance and repair operations shall always be carried out with the machines stopped except in their parts that are totally protected; once stopped, they shall be locked and the motive force shall always be disconnected, and a visible sign shall be placed indicating the condition of the machine and prohibiting its start-up. In those cases in which technically the operations described could not be carried out with the machinery stopped, it shall be mandatory to carry them out by specialized personnel and under the direction of competent technicians. 3. The removal of machine residues shall be carried out with the necessary frequency to ensure perfect order and cleanliness of the work station. 4. A preventive maintenance program shall be established.

Alarm and Signaling. Alarm signals shall be easily perceptible and comprehensible and without ambiguity. Machinery shall carry sufficient warnings and signaling to alert workers of the probable risks that may occur.

Other Risks. Machine protections shall be appropriate to protect workers against the risks of fire, explosion, and overheating of the equipment itself or from emissions of gases, dust, liquids, vapors, or other substances produced, used, or stored by these. Machinery shall be designed to protect workers against the risks of direct and indirect contact with electricity. In any case, the electrical parts of work equipment must comply with the provisions of the corresponding specific regulations. Machines that involve risks from noise, vibrations, or radiation shall have the necessary protections or devices to limit, to the extent possible, the generation and propagation of these physical agents. The parts of a machine that reach high or very low temperatures shall be protected against the risks of contact or proximity of workers. All machinery used for the formulation, transfer, or transport of corrosive liquids or those at high temperature shall have adequate protections to prevent accidental contact of workers with the same.

Use and Maintenance. 1. The maintenance of portable machines shall be in accordance with the provisions of Article 102 of this Regulation. 2. When portable machines cease to be used, even for brief periods, they shall be disconnected from their power source. 3. Portable machines shall be subjected to a complete inspection by qualified personnel at regular time intervals, depending on their state of preservation and the frequency of their use. 4. Portable machines shall be stored in clean, dry places and in an orderly manner. 5. The control organs of portable machines shall be located and protected in such a way that there is no risk of involuntary start-up and shall permit easy stop of those machines. 6. Any electrically powered machine or tool of a voltage higher than 24 volts must be provided with a connection to a ground conductor. 7. Those of double insulation design or fed by a circuit separation transformer are excepted from the above safety provision. 8. Portable tools powered by motive force shall be sufficiently protected to prevent the operator handling them from dangerous contacts and projections. 9. Their cutting, piercing, or tearing elements shall be covered with insulation or protected with sheaths or screens that, without hindering the operations to be performed, shall provide the maximum degree of safety for the work. 10. Electrically powered tools shall meet the requirements established in Chapter XIII of this Regulation. 11. In pneumatic tools, triggers shall prevent unintended operation, valves shall close automatically when no longer pressed by the operator, and hoses and their connections shall be firmly secured to the compressed air tubes.

General Standards and Use. 1. Hand tools shall be constructed with resistant materials, shall be the most appropriate for their characteristics and size for the operation to be performed, and shall have no defects or wear that might hinder their correct use. 2. The union between their elements shall be firm to prevent any breakage or projection of the same. 3. The handles or grips shall be of adequate dimensions. They shall have no sharp edges or slippery surfaces and shall be electrically insulating if necessary. They shall be solidly fixed to the tool without any protruding bolt, nail, or fastening element and in no case shall they present edges or cutting surfaces. 4. Cutting and piercing parts shall be kept properly sharpened. 5. Every hand tool shall be maintained in perfect condition. When burrs, cracks, or other defects are observed, they shall be corrected, and if this is not possible, the tool shall be discarded. 6. During use they shall be free of grease, oils, or other slippery substances. 7. To prevent falls, cuts, or similar risks, they shall be placed in appropriate tool holders or shelves. 8. It is prohibited to place hand tools in open hallways, stairs, or other elevated places from which they may fall on workers. 9. For the transport of cutting and piercing tools, appropriate boxes or sheaths shall be used. 10. Operators shall properly use and care for the tools assigned to them and shall alert their immediate supervisor of defects observed. 11. Workers shall receive precise instructions on the use of the tools they must use in order to prevent accidents, and in no case may they be used for purposes other than those for which they are intended.

Personal protective equipment. Workers must be provided free of charge with personal protective equipment in accordance with the type of work they perform and consisting of, among others:

• a)

  Insulating gloves (in accordance with the voltage at which work is performed).

• b)

  Insulating footwear without metallic elements (in accordance with the voltage at which work is performed).

• c)

  Protective helmets for the head (in accordance with the voltage at which work is performed). ch) Harnesses, safety belts and safety waistbands.

• d)

  Goggles or screens against impacts, arcs or projection of particles.

• e)

  Work clothing.

• f)

  Capes, etc. The company must conduct a study of the personal protective equipment needs for each work station in relation to existing risk factors. The employer shall perform a periodic review of the condition of personal protective equipment and shall verify mandatory use by workers, and shall also replace this equipment when it shows deterioration from normal use. When this equipment deteriorates due to worker negligence, its replacement shall be the worker's responsibility. Work clothing must be non-flammable. While workers operate on circuits or installations subject to voltage, they shall wear clothing without metallic accessories and shall avoid unnecessary use of metallic objects and flammable equipment, shall carry tools and utensils in cases and shall use the corresponding personal protective equipment in accordance with the voltage levels at which they are working. The use and maintenance of personal protective equipment must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the general standards provided for in this Regulation.

Work tools and equipment. When performing work on electrical circuits or equipment, the employer must supply, among others, the following work tools and equipment: a) Voltage absence verifiers (detectors). b) Insulating poles. c) Insulating platforms and mats. ch) Insulating sheaths and caps. d) Portable ladders made of insulating material. e) Grounding and short-circuit equipment. f) Insulating tools. g) Signage material. Under no circumstances shall the manufacturer's standards for the use of work tools be violated, nor shall they be used for purposes other than those for which they were designed. Work with lifting machinery on overhead lines or in their proximity shall be permitted only when the distance between any part of the machinery and the nearest energized cable is greater than:

• a)

  1.5 meters for lines with voltage up to 1 kV.

• b)

  2.0 meters for lines with voltage between 1 - 20 kV inclusive.

• c)

  4.0 meters for lines with voltage between 35 - 110 kV inclusive. Lifting equipment used on energized lines must have an insulated basket and be equipped with grounding and must be operated by personnel properly trained and authorized to do so. It is prohibited to perform work with defective or poorly maintained lifting machinery. Before beginning work, a complete inspection of the equipment must be performed.

Training and accreditation. The installations for generation, transformation, distribution and use of electrical energy, whether temporary or permanent in nature, as well as extensions, modifications and repairs thereof, must be performed by personnel trained and accredited for the work to be performed using appropriate materials and techniques and in accordance with applicable legal standards. SECTION II LOW VOLTAGE

Access to electrical installations. Places of passage or access to electrical installations must be designed to permit comfortable and safe transit, being free of objects that could cause accidents or that hinder exit in case of emergency.

Protection against direct contact. In electrical installations and equipment, for the protection of persons against contact with parts normally energized, one or more of the following precautions shall be adopted: 1. The active parts of the installation shall be moved away to a sufficient distance from the place where persons normally are or circulate, to avoid accidental contact or by the handling of conducting objects, when these may be used near the installation. 2. The active parts shall be covered with appropriate insulation, which shall maintain its properties indefinitely and which shall limit contact current to a harmless value. 3. Obstacles shall be interposed that prevent all accidental contact with the active parts of the installation. Protective obstacles must be securely fastened and resist usual mechanical stresses.

Protection against indirect contact. For the protection of persons against the risks of indirect electrical contact by alternating or direct current, one or more of the following safety devices shall be adopted, depending on the case: 1. Grounding of masses, with an appropriate resistance and that is permanently monitored by a device that automatically indicates the existence of any fault voltage, or automatically separates the installation or part thereof in which the fault voltage has occurred from the power source supplying it. 2. Installation of differential circuit breakers that effect automatic disconnection of fault currents. 3. Separation of utilization circuits from power sources by means of transformers, keeping all conductors of the utilization circuit isolated from ground, including the neutral. 4. By double insulation of electrical equipment and machinery. 5. Use of safety voltages not exceeding 24 volts in damp and wet locations and 50 volts in dry locations. 6. Coverage of masses with protective insulation. 7. Simultaneous inaccessibility of conducting elements and masses.

Conductors. Fixed electrical conductors shall be properly insulated with respect to ground. Portable conductors and suspended conductors shall not be installed or used in circuits operating at voltages exceeding 250 volts, unless such conductors are standardized for such use. Bare conductors shall not be used; in any case their use is prohibited:

• a)

  In work locations where highly combustible materials exist or environments of gases, dust or flammable products.

• b)

  Where dust may accumulate on them, such as in cement, flour, or textile factories.

• c)

  In damp and wet locations. Bare conductors or those whose insulating coating is insufficient shall be located out of reach, and when this is not possible they shall be effectively protected to prevent any possible contact. Conductors and electrical material in general for installations in flammable, explosive, corrosive environments or with exposure to humidity shall be standardized for these types of risks.

Low voltage switches and circuit breakers. Switches, fuses and/or circuit breaker systems shall not be exposed in a manner that avoids accidental contact of persons or objects, and their exposure to projections and electrical arcs. The use of lever and knife switches that are not properly protected is prohibited. Switches located in locations of a flammable or explosive nature shall be placed outside the danger zone and when this is not possible they shall be of proven antideflagration or antiexplosion type. The use of wires or cables as fuses is prohibited. Fuses shall be constructed such that when they melt they cannot produce projections or arcs. Fuses mounted on distribution panels shall be located so that no energized element can be touched and shall be installed in such a manner that: a) They can be disconnected by means of a switch or automatically. b) They can be conveniently handled by means of appropriate electrical tools.

Electric motors. 1. Electric motors shall be installed or protected in such a manner that their moving parts cannot be a cause of accidents. 2. They shall be protected against short circuits and overloads in all their phases; automatic magnetothermal switches (preferably to fuses) shall be used that act as load disconnectors with visible disconnection. 3. They shall be protected against loss of voltage by a minimum voltage relay or automatic power supply disconnection device, when spontaneous motor startup as a consequence of voltage restoration could cause accidents. 4. They shall not be installed in contact with easily combustible materials. 5. Electric motors without proper antideflagration shielding or antiexplosion type shall never be installed in locations whose environments contain or could contain flammable or explosive gases, particles or dust.

Portable electrical tools and equipment. 1. The supply voltage for portable electrical tools of any type shall not exceed 250 volts. 2. If they are equipped with a motor they shall have devices to connect the accessible metallic parts thereof to a protection conductor, unless they are of the double insulation type. 3. In conductive locations or spaces, the supply of portable electrical tools and lamps shall not exceed 24 volts, unless they are supplied by means of a circuit separation transformer. 4. Portable tools shall have incorporated a safety device that prevents the risk of inadvertent startup. 5. Only manually portable lamps in perfect condition and that have been designed for such purpose shall be used. The handle and protective basket shall be of insulating material, the flexible power supply cable must be suitable for severe service. 6. Direct connection without receptacle of electrical equipment is prohibited.

Lifting and transport machinery. 1. Lifting and transport machinery shall be put out of service by means of an omnipolar general switch operated by hand, placed in the main circuit and easily identified. 2. Elevators and their metallic structures, motors and electrical panels of lifting machinery shall be connected to ground. 3. The running rails of workshop cranes shall be connected to a protection conductor. 4. Lifting equipment used on energized lines must have an insulated basket and be equipped with grounding and must be operated by personnel properly trained and authorized to do so. 5. Before beginning work, the good condition of the lifting machinery and its safety devices shall be verified. They shall be tested without load, verifying the brakes, limiters, load capacity indicators and signage. 6. Tests must be performed away from energized cables.

Electric welding. 1. The mass of welding equipment shall be grounded, as well as one of the conductors of the utilization circuit for welding. 2. The welding circuit shall be grounded. 3. The connection terminals for the utilization circuit of welding equipment shall be designed in such a manner as not to permit accidental contact. 4. The exterior surface of electrode holders and their jaws shall be insulated. 5. Electrode holders and electrodes shall be prevented from coming into contact with extraneous conducting objects. 6. Electrode change is prohibited without guaranteeing the operator with adequate insulation for this work. 7. Under no circumstances shall electrodes come into contact with the skin of the worker or with the worker's clothing. 8. The hot electrode shall not be introduced into water for cooling. 9. Every welding equipment must have a switch and a device for protection against overloads at its power supply point. 10. When welding work is performed in highly conductive locations, voltages not exceeding 50 volts shall be used; in any case the no-load voltage between the electrode and the workpiece shall not exceed 90 volts in alternating current or 150 volts in direct current. The welding equipment must be located outside the enclosure in which the worker operates.

Overhead electrical lines. 1. In work on overhead lines of multiple conductors, for safety purposes the conductor with the highest voltage is considered the system voltage. This requirement shall be valid in the event that any of such lines are telephone lines or of any other use. 2. Work shall be suspended when rain or nearby storms occur. 3. In lines of two or more circuits, work shall not be performed on one of them while the other is energized, if its execution requires moving the conductors in such a manner that they could come into contact. 4. In work to be performed on poles, a protective helmet with attachment, climbers and safety belts shall be used in addition to other equipment. If ladders are used for such work, they shall be made of insulating material in all their parts. 5. When vehicles equipped with baskets or cranes are used in such work, the driver must avoid not only contact with energized lines but also excessive proximity that could cause a discharge through the air; the remaining operators shall remain away from the vehicle and in the event of accidental contact with its elevated elements, the driver shall remain inside the cabin until such contact is eliminated.

Work in underground networks. 1. Before performing the cut in an underground cable, the absence of voltage in it shall be verified and subsequently, the terminals nearest shall be short-circuited and grounded. 2. In openings of trenches and excavations for the repair of underground cables, barriers and obstacles shall be previously placed, as well as the corresponding signage. 3. In the interior of isolated enclosures or in underground installations that cannot be ventilated from the outside, the operator who must enter them shall carry autonomous breathing equipment and a safety belt, assisted from the outside by a coworker. 4. In underground networks all work performed in them shall be suspended if the voltage absence verification test results in greater than zero.

Grounding. 1. Competent personnel shall perform annual inspection of the groundings of installations during the season when the ground is dry. 2. To ground an installation, the grounding conductors shall first be connected to the ground terminal and subsequently connected by means of the appropriate device to the installation. To remove the grounding the procedure is reversed. 3. Before performing cuts in in-service ground circuits, a conducting bridge to ground must be placed at the cut location. The person performing this work must be electrically isolated. 4. It shall be ensured that during the course of work, personnel do not come into simultaneous contact with two ground circuits that are not electrically connected, as these may have different potentials. 5. It shall not be permitted to use an underground network of metal conduits as a grounding electrode.

Works in low voltage installations. Before beginning any work on low voltage, the conductor or installation where the work is to be carried out shall be identified. Every installation shall be considered energized until proven otherwise with apparatus designed for that purpose. In addition to personal protective equipment (helmets, goggles, footwear, etc.), the most appropriate safety material shall be used in each case from among the following: a) Insulating gloves. b) Insulating platforms or mats. c) Insulating covers and caps. ch) Voltage checkers or discriminators. d) Insulating tools. e) Signaling material (discs, barriers, flags, etc.). f) Portable lamps. g) Safety transformers and circuit isolation transformers. In works carried out without tension:

• a)

  The part where work is to be performed shall be isolated from any possible power supply by opening the sectioning apparatus closest to the work zone.

• b)

  Each of the cited sectioning apparatus shall be blocked in the open position, if possible, with a notice on its control prohibiting its operation.

• c)

  The absence of tension shall be verified by means of a verifier in each of the electrically separated parts of the installation.

• d)

  Phases a, b and c are considered live work and must be performed using personal protective equipment and safety material.

• e)

  Service shall not be restored upon completion of the work without verifying that there is no danger whatsoever. When works are performed on electrical installations under tension, the personnel in charge of performing them shall be trained in the work methods to be followed in each case and in the use of safety material, equipment and tools.

Premises with risk of fire or explosion. 1. Electrical equipment and installations located in these places shall have constructive and installation characteristics that prevent fire or explosion and shall be flame-proof, explosion-proof or of similar protection. 2. The performance of work under tension is prohibited in these places.

Humid and wet premises. When safety voltages are not used in humid premises, electrical equipment and installations shall have construction and installation characteristics such that they are protected against vertical water drops; in wet premises this protection shall be against water spray.

Premises with risk of corrosion. In premises with risk of corrosion, in addition to the protection required in wet premises, it shall be required that the external part of apparatus and conduits have a coating that is unalterable to the action of the chemical aggressive agent.

Accumulator batteries. In premises where accumulator batteries with the possibility of gas release must be installed, the following measures shall be adopted:

• a)

  The electrical equipment used shall be protected against the effects of vapors and gases released by the electrolyte.

• b)

  The premises shall be provided with natural or artificial ventilation that guarantees perfect and rapid air renewal. Evacuated vapors must not penetrate into adjoining premises.

• c)

  Light sources shall be constructed of material appropriate to withstand the corrosive environment and that prevents gases from penetrating into the interior. Accumulators that do not permanently ensure sufficient insulation between parts under tension and ground shall be installed with supplementary insulation. This insulation shall not be affected by humidity.

• d)

  Accumulators shall be arranged in such a way that the replacement and maintenance of each element can be easily carried out. Service corridors shall have a minimum width of seventy-five (75) centimeters.

• e)

  If the service voltage is higher than 250 volts in relation to ground, the floor of service corridors shall be electrically insulating.

• f)

  Bare parts under tension, when tensions higher than 250 volts exist between these, shall be installed in such a way that it is impossible to touch them simultaneously and inadvertently.

Static electricity. To avoid risks from static electricity, and especially to prevent sparks in flammable environments, the following precautions shall generally be adopted: 1. In installations susceptible to generation or accumulation of electrostatic charge, one of the following measures shall be adopted: a) Humidification of the environment at levels of 50-70% b) Electrical connection of conductive elements to each other and to ground. c) Air ionization. 2. The adaptation and use of any of the measures indicated above shall be conditioned by the particular characteristics of the protected installation and annexes, and especially their flammability and explosivity characteristics shall be taken into account. 3. Workers who may be subject to electrostatic discharge shall wear anti-electrostatic footwear and work clothing that prevents charge accumulation. 4. Electrical connection of conductive elements of the installation to each other and to ground shall be mandatory in the following cases: a) Transfer of flammable fluids. b) In industrial handling of explosives and detonators. c) Pneumatic transport of flammable powders. d) Spraying of metallic objects. 5. To avoid the possibility of electrical arcs or sparks when grounding any mobile element, a switch shall be placed in said grounding circuit and the operation shall be performed according to the following sequence:

• a)

  Ensure that the switch is open.

• b)

  Connect the mobile equipment to ground.

• c)

  Close the switch. Disconnection shall be performed in reverse order. 6. When the above precautions prove insufficient, static electricity eliminators or neutralizing equipment shall be used.

Inaccessibility of high voltage installations. 1. All work to be performed on the generation, transmission and distribution system belonging to the electrical energy supply company shall require prior authorization from this company. 2. Every enclosure of a high voltage installation must be protected from ground level by a metal or concrete barrier with a minimum height of two point fifty (2.50) meters, provided with high voltage danger warning signs and equipped with closure systems that prevent access by unauthorized persons. 3. Large-capacity oil switches or other flammable liquid switches, whether or not automatic, whose operation is performed manually, shall be separated from their operating mechanism by adequate protection or safeguard, in order to protect service personnel against the effects of possible liquid spray or electrical arc at the moment of operation. 4. Passageways and access areas shall be clean and free of obstacles. 5. It is prohibited to open or remove protective safeguards from cells of a high voltage electrical installation before removing tension from the conductors and apparatus contained therein. Conversely, it is prohibited to apply tension to the conductors and apparatus located in a cell without previously closing the protective safeguard.

Works in high voltage installations. Standards. 1. In all work on a high voltage installation there shall be a work supervisor who shall be present and direct it by designation or delegation of the company. 2. Equipment and especially high voltage switching apparatus shall be properly signalized in the installation and reflected in the plans. 3. Brigades performing work on high voltage electrical installations shall have radio, telephone, or any other effective means that ensures communication between said brigade and the maneuvering or operation center. 4. Protective barriers or any other effective signalization means shall be placed that clearly and visibly delimits the work zone. 5. Work shall not be performed on electrical installations in the open air when rain or approaching storms exist. The decision to suspend work shall be made by the work supervisor. 6. Before beginning any work, the installation or conduits where the work is to be performed shall be identified. 7. Every installation shall be considered under tension while contact verification through apparatus designed for that purpose has not been performed. 8. During performance of the work, workers shall have available in the work location installation diagrams with indication of the energy supply cutoff points that ensure the absence of tension at the work point. 9. Aerial electrical lines mounted on the same supports, in whole or in part of their course, shall be considered, for safety purposes, as having tension equal to that of the highest.

General procedure for high voltage work. 1.- Before performing work on high voltage electrical installations, the following precautions shall be adopted: At the power source: a) Open with visible or effective cutting all possible sources of tension. Cutting with a switch shall not be admitted except when contact parts are visible and there are guarantees of the impossibility of unintended closure, or when by its construction it guarantees that the cut is effective. If the switch is not of visible or effective cut, the corresponding sectioning switches must necessarily be opened (performing physical, electrical, mechanical or hydraulic blocking). b) Block, if possible, the cutting apparatus. In any case, the control shall be signalized with the prohibition of operation. c) Verify the absence of tension. d) Grounding and short-circuit in all possible sources of tension. e) Place appropriate safety signals, delimiting the work zone. f) The indicated in points a), b) and c) shall be communicated to the corresponding work supervisor. At the work location: g) Verify the absence of tension with apparatus designed for that purpose and the conductors shall be grounded and short-circuited. In the case of underground cable, grounding shall be done at the power source. h) Mark and delimit the limits of the work zone. On de-energized aerial lines: i) Verify the absence of tension. j) Verify that the electrical bridges (jumpers), switches or short-circuits that isolate the work zone are effectively open. k) Install safety indicators at the circuit opening points. l) Install the grounding system at possible power supply points of the circuit where work will be performed. 2. Service restoration shall be performed following the following process: At the work location:

• a)

  Verify work completion and individual communication to all brigade personnel that protective devices will be removed.

• b)

  Remove groundings, complementary protective material and signalization.

• c)

  Regroup in a safe location all personnel who have participated in the work. ch) Remove groundings and short-circuits, as well as protective devices and signalization that have been placed and the work material used.

• d)

  The work supervisor shall perform a tour of the entire area where personnel under their responsibility worked, ensuring that everything is in order for normal operation. At the power source: f) Remove the grounding. g) Unblock the cutting apparatus and remove signalization from the controls.

Operations on high voltage apparatus. 1. In work and operations on sectioning switches and circuit breakers, the following standards shall be followed: a) For electrical insulation of personnel operating high voltage cutting apparatus, including circuit breakers, at least two of the following protective elements shall be used simultaneously: - Insulating pole - Insulating gloves - Insulating platform or mat - Equipotential connection of the manual control of the cutting apparatus and maneuvering platform. b) If cutting apparatus is operated mechanically, precautions shall be taken to prevent unintended operation. c) On the controls of cutting apparatus, signs shall be placed indicating, where applicable, that they cannot be operated. 2. In work and operations on transformers, these shall not be considered de-energized unless both the low and high voltage have been disconnected. In addition to this and according to the type of transformer, the following measures shall be followed. Power or voltage transformers: a) The placing in service of a transformer shall begin by closing the high voltage cutting apparatus. A high/low voltage transformer disconnected from high voltage is dangerous whenever there is the possibility of it receiving current from low voltage. b) Work in the transformer tank is prohibited without first verifying complete gas elimination by means of the appropriate detector. c) Smoking or use of any type of flame is prohibited in the vicinity of a transformer. When performing oil handling work, adequate fire extinguishing elements shall be at hand. If this work is performed in a transformer cell, if fire protection is installed, it shall be ensured that it is in service and ready for manual actuation. d) When work is performed on a transformer, except for those indicated in the preceding paragraph, its fire protection shall be blocked to prevent unintended operation. Current transformers: a) Every intervention in the circuit fed by the secondary of a current transformer in service must be preceded by short-circuiting of the secondary terminals of said transformer. b) While the primary of a current transformer is under tension, the secondary circuit must be closed on the apparatus that feeds it or be short-circuited. Under no circumstances shall the secondary be left open. 3. Once a capacitor or battery of static capacitors is separated from its power source by visible cutting, before working on them it shall be short-circuited and grounded, waiting the necessary time for its discharge. 4. In alternators, synchronous motors, dynamos and electric motors; before manipulating inside a machine the following shall be verified:

• a)

  That the machine is stopped.

• b)

  That the output terminals are short-circuited and grounded.

• c)

  That fire protection is blocked;

• d)

  That the rotor feed fuses are removed, when this maintains the machine under permanent tension, and e) That the atmosphere is not flammable or explosive.

Live work in high voltage installations. For the performance of live work in high voltage electrical installations, the following precautions shall be adopted: 1. General conditions. a) Specific work methods shall be adopted that are duly authorized. b) Personnel performing these works shall be properly trained and authorized by the company for the execution thereof, as well as in rescue techniques and first aid. c) Safety materials, work equipment and tools appropriate for each specific work shall be used. d) Work shall be suspended in cases that may be affected by storms, fog or atmospheric precipitation; the decision shall be made by the work supervisor. 2. Each work.

• a)

  Shall be authorized by the competent technician designated by the company for these works,

• b)

  Specific oral and written instructions shall be given by the competent technician of the work method to be followed,

• c)

  The task shall be constantly monitored by the work supervisor. ch) The work method shall be strictly followed. 3. An individual technical file of the most important materials shall be adopted, in which the precautions that must be observed and measures for its maintenance shall be specified. 4. Each work group shall be provided with communication means that permit establishing contact at any time with the command post and receiving instructions from it. 5. In any case, this class of work shall be prohibited to personnel who are not specialized.

Work in proximity to energized high voltage installations. 1. Any type of work performed in the vicinity of energized aerial lines shall be performed taking the necessary safety measures. 2. When work, assembly and other tasks are performed in the vicinity of aerial lines, barriers or warning signs shall be placed with the purpose of recalling the existence of the same and ensuring compliance with safety measures. 3. In work with vehicles, cranes, etc., in proximity to unprotected aerial lines, the following precautions shall be taken: a) The presence of personnel on such vehicles or apparatus is prohibited during the performance of work, except for the workers who operate them. b) In the event the vehicle or apparatus remains under tension and the operator who operates it is in the cabin, the operator shall not abandon it until the risk has been eliminated. 4. In the vicinity of aerial lines it is strictly prohibited: a) To perform loading and unloading work without maintaining the appropriate safety distance, as well as to deposit soil, rubble or materials that reduce the safety distance of the line to ground. b) The transport in vertical position of objects such as: steel bars, pipes, surveying staffs, posts, etc. that may give rise to accidental contacts. 5. When it is necessary to perform work on a high voltage installation under tension in proximity to conductors or unprotected high voltage apparatus, the following measures shall be observed:

• a)

  The instructions that the work supervisor issues for each particular case shall be followed.

• b)

  The operation shall be performed under the supervision of the work supervisor, who must be constantly occupied with maintaining the safety measures set by the supervisor; with the delimitation of the work zone and the placement, if necessary, of protective screens.

• c)

  In any case, it shall be guaranteed that the distance of any part of the worker to the nearest point under tension is in accordance with the following measures: TENSION BETWEEN PHASE (KV) MINIMUM DISTANCE (Meters) Up to 10 0.80 15 0.90 20 0.95 25 1.00 30 1.10 45 1.20 66 1.40 110 1.80 132 2.00 230 3.00 380 4.00 d) If the above measures are not sufficient to perform the work in full safety conditions, the work shall be performed in the absence of tension in the installation, for which the corresponding authorization for the opening and clearance of the electrical circuit must be requested from the appropriate authority.

General conditions. 1. Premises in which boilers or steam generators are installed must meet the following requirements: a) Be of sufficient dimensions, maintaining a minimum distance between generators or walls of not less than two (2) meters. b) Have two (2) exits or openings in different directions. c) Must be sufficiently illuminated, especially at the observation points of pressure gauges and water level tubes, where illumination shall not be less than 300 lux. d) Be sufficiently ventilated and easily accessible from any side. e) Be located in premises exclusively for them. f) Their roofs shall be of light construction and vertical columns shall be solid, compact and resistant. g) In a visible place a board containing service instructions shall be placed, both for normal operation and for cases of anomalies. 2. Boilers or generators shall be provided with the following safety elements:

• a)

  Two (2) safety valves regulated to the maximum effective working pressure.

• b)

  Shutoff valves in the feed circuit.

• c)

  Draining device.

• d)

  Pressure gauges and thermometers.

• e)

  Two water level indicator tubes.

• f)

  Flame control device.

• g)

  Combustion regulation device.

• h)

  Water feed regulation device.

• i)

  Relief or purge valves, pressure and load regulation valves.

Pressure apparatus. In every premises in which pressure apparatus exists, detailed instructions shall be placed, and the installation diagram indicating the safety devices prominently and the standards for correctly performing the operations. These standards shall be adapted to the specific instructions that may have been indicated by the machinery manufacturer. Workers prior to their use must be instructed and trained in the handling and monitoring of these apparatus and may not access their use without having passed a competency examination.

Furnaces and heaters. Furnaces, boilers and other apparatus that increase the ambient temperature shall be protected by means of coatings, screens or any other appropriate form, to prevent the action of radiant heat on workers employed in their vicinity, leaving around them a free space of not less than one point fifty (1.50) meters.

Work on boilers. 1. Boilers, whether manually or automatically ignited, shall be conveniently monitored during the entire time they are in service. 2. All measures shall be taken to prevent flame flashbacks. For the observation of the flames of the furnace, protective screens of adequate dimensions shall be used. During ignition and shutdown operations and in cases of flame reversal, the observation opening shall remain closed. 3. Pokers shall never be left on the floor; they shall always be placed on shelves specially designed to prevent burns to workers. 4. Before performing the ignition operation, the fuel that may have accumulated in the location shall be purged and the sweeping of flammable mixtures shall be carried out. This sweeping is advisable to be carried out also after the boiler has been shut down. 5. When the steam pressure of the boiler approaches the working pressure, the safety valves shall be tested by hand. 6. During the operation of the boilers, the water level in the indicator shall be reviewed repeatedly and periodically, purging the water columns in order to verify that all connections are free. 7. The fuel supply valves to the boiler shall be reviewed frequently, remedying any possible leaks. 8. The surfaces of the boiler, accessories, and conduits connected to it that are at high temperatures shall be properly insulated. 9. The safety valve escapes shall be kept away from work stations and located in appropriate places. 10. For work inside the boiler, a written entry authorization shall be mandatory, specifying the operations and precautions to be observed and the general standards for work in confined spaces shall be followed. 11. No operator shall enter the boiler without the supervision of another worker located outside it to provide assistance if necessary; the operator entering the boiler shall be equipped with a safety harness and lifeline. 12. It is prohibited to enter a boiler or undertake work in them before the steam, water, and fuel valves have been closed and locked according to the work requirements and this blockage visibly signaled. The visible cutoff of electrical power shall be carried out. 13. When the work to be performed concerns only one apparatus and can be carried out without the need to stop the boiler, this apparatus shall be isolated and locked appropriately before beginning work, provided that this lockout does not affect the safety devices of the installation. 14. When it is necessary to perform repairs on any of the parts of the boiler or accessories indicated below, its operation shall be stopped and maintained at atmospheric pressure:

• •

  Parts subject to pressure.

• •

  Manometers.

• •

  Level gauges.

• •

  Water, drain, and steam piping.

• •

  Steam outlet, check, and safety valves.

• •

  Fuel inlet. 15. Before proceeding to open the boiler, it shall be ensured that it is at atmospheric pressure. The boiler shall be allowed to cool to ambient temperature before any work inside it is begun. 16. During the execution of work inside boilers, furnaces, and smoke ducts, these shall be kept perfectly ventilated and at ambient temperature. They shall not be entered before the amount of oxygen in their atmosphere and the presence of toxic gases in proportions below the permissible limits have been verified. 17. In the case of cleaning with agents that may produce gas release, any flames in the vicinity shall be avoided, and the operator shall be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment. 18. After the work, an inspection shall be carried out by a competent person of the boiler and before closing the doors and seals, the absence of persons, tools, or foreign materials inside shall be meticulously verified. 19. For work involving the use of electric tools or lighting, the boiler shall be considered as a wet and highly conductive location.

Each boiler and pressure vessel shall have a preventive maintenance plan in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Every boiler and pressure vessel shall be subject to periodic inspections by competent personnel who shall certify its structural condition and conduct tests to determine thickness and absence of defects. The safety devices, indicators, automatic control systems, and alarms shall be periodically verified. The safety valves shall be dismantled and tested on a test bench with the periodicity indicated by the manufacturer; the manometers shall be checked with a standard manometer, on-site or on a test bench, at least once per year. At all times, the correct measurement of the level and temperature indicators shall be ensured.

Storage and handling. In the premises of workplaces that have pressure gas containers inside, the following precautions shall be taken: 1. The storage of containers containing pressure gases inside the premises shall be in accordance with the following requirements: a) Their number shall be limited to the needs and forecasts of their consumption, avoiding excessive storage. b) They shall be placed in a convenient manner to prevent falls and collisions. c) They shall be kept away from flammable substances or sources of heat, as well as protected from sunlight and intense and continuous humidity. d) The walls of the premises shall be made of fire-resistant materials and warning signs indicating the corresponding danger shall be placed at access points. e) The tanks shall be equipped with the corresponding threaded cap. 2. The following precautions shall be followed:

• a)

  Copper or alloys of this metal shall not be used in elements that may come into contact with acetylene.

• b)

  They shall always be kept in a vertical position.

• c)

  Oxygen tanks and their accessories shall not be greased and shall not be in contact with acids, gases, or flammable materials.

General standards. 1. Pipes or hoses for supply shall not be connected or disconnected when under pressure. 2. The compressor shall not be put into operation in environments that may contain flammable or explosive materials in suspension. 3. Before connecting or disconnecting an air coupling to an installation or tool, the air flow shall be cut off and the air present in the installation shall be purged. 4. Flexible hoses must be equipped with appropriate couplings to portable tools and the hose shall not be permitted to be secured to a pipe by means of a clamp. A chain of adequate resistance shall also be installed, attached to the hose and the housing of the tool. 5. Flexible hoses of compressed air shall be replaced as soon as any external deterioration is visible or at the time specified by the manufacturer. 6. The cleaning of machines and the blowing of deposits with compressed air shall always be carried out with appropriate personal protection. 7. In the interior of compressed air tanks, the presence of grease or oil that may give rise to flammable mixtures shall be avoided through periodic cleaning or automatic purge devices. 8. When hoses are installed at height or in a vertical direction, they shall be supported with suspension cables, bridges, and other appropriate fastening elements. 9. The outlets of compressed air shall not be directed toward any operator and shall not be used as a method of personal cleaning.

Premises. 1. Work premises where industrial cold is produced and where there is danger of release of noxious or combustible gases shall be separated in a manner that allows their isolation if necessary. They shall be equipped with devices that detect and warn of leaks and escapes of such gases and provided with a ventilation system that allows their rapid evacuation to the outside. 2. When escapes of gases occur, once the premises have been evacuated by personnel, they shall be isolated from the immediate surroundings, putting the ventilation system into service. 3. If these escapes occur, the operation of the compressors and generators shall be stopped by means of controls and remote controls. 4. In the most visible place of the machinery room, there shall be a manual or instruction table for the correct operation of the installation, as well as the procedure to be followed in case of breakdown. 5. The doors of the machinery room that communicate with the rest of the building shall be resistant, non-combustible, and of continuous surface. They shall open to the outside of the premises and shall have a device that prevents them from remaining open. 6. In the machinery room, the existence of flame-producing apparatus installed on a permanent basis shall be prevented.

Equipment. 1. Before opening any element of the refrigeration circuit, it shall be verified that the refrigerant has been previously pumped to the liquid reservoir. It shall also be verified that the pressure inside the circuit is less than or equal to atmospheric pressure, by means of a high-sensitivity manometer. 2. Valves, safety elements, and automatic control devices shall be reviewed periodically and shall be kept in good working order. 3. Water-cooled refrigeration condensers shall be cleaned periodically in order to eliminate residual deposits and scale. 4. Operators of refrigeration installations shall be properly instructed in the operation of the installation, its risks, means of protection, and conduct to follow in case of accident.

Cold storage rooms. The doors of cold storage rooms shall have closing devices that allow them to be easily opened from inside. There shall be a light signal indicating the presence of persons in the interior. Cold storage rooms operating at below-zero temperatures shall have, next to the door and on its interior side, calling devices, such as a bell, siren, or telephone, one of which not electrically operated, properly lit with a pilot light to prevent the formation of ice on it. This pilot light shall be on whenever the doors are closed. In an identical place, signaled and illuminated, an axe and other manual tools shall be provided that allow the forced exit of operators in case they become trapped.

Personal protective equipment. 1. In every industrial refrigeration installation, protective respiratory apparatus against gas escapes shall be provided, choosing the type of these in accordance with the nature of the same. 2. Refrigeration installations that use ammonia or other agents harmful to the eyes shall have respiratory masks with ocular protection and, if not incorporated in such protection, hermetically sealing goggles shall be used. 3. Installations based on carbon dioxide shall have autonomous air-supplied respiratory apparatus, with filtering-type apparatus being prohibited. 4. Respiratory apparatus and goggles shall be used when it is unavoidable to enter the premises where dangerous gas escapes have occurred, or when it is feared that they may occur, and in repair work, replacement of installation elements, refilling, etc. 5. Respiratory apparatus shall be kept in perfect condition and in a form and place easily accessible in case of accident. The state of effectiveness shall be periodically verified, and personnel shall be exercised in their use. 6. Workers who must remain for prolonged periods in premises with low temperatures, cold storage rooms and refrigeration deposits, shall be provided with appropriate warm clothing, head coverings, and leather footwear with insulating soles, as well as any other necessary protection for such purposes. 7. To workers who have to handle keys, taps, etc., or whose hands must come into contact with very cold substances, insulating gloves or mittens made of material insulating from the cold shall be provided.

Construction and maintenance. 1. All elements that constitute the structures, mechanisms, and accessories of lifting apparatus shall be of solid material, well constructed, and with adequate resistance for their use and purpose. 2. Lifting apparatus shall be kept in perfect condition and working order, following the indications supplied by the manufacturers.

Maximum load. 1. The maximum load in kilograms of each lifting apparatus shall be marked on it in a form that stands out and is easily legible. 2. It is prohibited to load these apparatus with weights exceeding that indicated by the manufacturer, except in resistance tests. These tests shall always be conducted with maximum safety guarantees and under competent technical direction.

Handling of loads. 1. The raising and lowering of loads shall be carried out slowly, avoiding any sudden stop or start, and in the latter case it shall be done, whenever possible, in a vertical direction to prevent swinging. 2. It is prohibited to execute lifting efforts in an oblique direction. For these operations, winches, hoists, and pulley systems shall be employed. These operations shall be carried out under the direction of a competent person. 3. The placement and maneuvering of lifting apparatus shall be carried out in a manner that maintains safety distances from electrical conductors. 4. Operators of lifting apparatus shall avoid transporting loads over workers. In installations with fixed work bridges, the passage of loads over them shall be avoided. Should this situation occur, an alarm shall be sounded and the maneuver shall be stopped until the personnel have been evacuated from the passage area. The persons in charge of the operation of apparatus and those giving directions and maneuvers shall be instructed and shall know the signal code for the operation of lifting and transport apparatus. 5. The raising and transport by means of lifting apparatus shall be carried out ensuring the stability of the loads. 6. When it is necessary to move dangerous loads, such as molten metal or objects held with electromagnets over work areas, warning shall be given with sufficient advance notice to allow workers to position themselves in safe places; the operation shall be carried out until there is evidence that personnel are protected from the risk. 7. Lifting apparatus shall not be left with suspended loads. 8. When apparatus are operating without load, the operator shall raise the hook or apparatus sufficiently for it to pass freely over persons and objects. 9. It is prohibited to ride on loads, empty hooks, or empty slings. 10. When not all of the areas through which the loads must pass remain within the field of vision of the operator, one or more workers shall be employed to direct the maneuver. 11. It is prohibited for any worker to remain or pass in the vertical line of the loads. 12. Sudden lowering of the load is prohibited, and such lowering shall be controlled by motor, brake, or both. The stacking of the load shall be previously reviewed before its raising by the person responsible for the maneuver, and the absence of loose objects and pieces shall be verified. 13. If, after the load is raised, it is observed that it is not correctly placed or secured, the operator shall sound the alarm and lower it to effect its adjustment. 14. Operators of lifting apparatus and workers who work with these apparatus shall use appropriate personal protective equipment for the risks to which they are exposed. 15. All lifting operations shall be properly planned, adequately monitored, and carried out with a view to protecting the safety of workers. In particular, when two or more work teams must simultaneously lift a load, a procedure shall be developed and applied to ensure good coordination of the operators. 16. If two or more work teams for lifting loads are installed in a workplace in such a way that their areas of action cross, appropriate measures shall be adopted to prevent collisions between the loads or the elements of the equipment themselves. 17. Work shall be organized so that while a worker is attaching or detaching a load by hand, they can perform this operation with complete safety and also have direct or indirect control of the apparatus.

Review and maintenance. 1. Every lifting apparatus, after its installation, shall be properly reviewed and tested by specialized persons before being used. 2. All elements of lifting apparatus subjected to stress, including guides, shall be:

• a)

  Reviewed by the operator at the start of each work shift, detecting if there are loose or defective parts.

• b)

  Thoroughly inspected at least every three months, cables, hooks, slings, pulleys, brakes, electrical controls, and command systems.

• c)

  Tested after each major alteration or repair.

• d)

  Completely inspected and tested in their principal and accessory parts at least once every 12 months by competent technical personnel. 3. The technically competent person in charge of the maintenance of these lifting apparatus shall issue a certificate after each inspection and test, which shall remain in the possession of the company. 4. The results of reviews and repairs shall be recorded in a maintenance log.

Brakes. 1. Lifting apparatus shall be equipped with devices for effective braking of a weight equivalent to one and a half times the maximum load. In case of interruption of energy, the brake shall act automatically. 2. Lifting apparatus operated by electricity shall be equipped with limiters that automatically cut off the energy when the maximum permissible height or displacement is exceeded.

Cables. 1. They shall be of construction and size appropriate for the operations for which they are intended. 2. The eye splices and loops for hooks, rings, and other accessories shall be equipped with adequate thimbles. 3. Cables shall always be free of knots, without permanent twists or other defects. 4. They shall be periodically inspected, removing from service those whose strength is affected by broken, worn, or corroded wires. Those presenting more than ten percent (10%) of broken threads, counted along 2 cable sections separated from each other by a distance less than 8 times their diameter, shall be discarded. 5. The ends of cables shall be tied or immobilized to prevent unraveling. 6. The ends of cables on the drums of lifting apparatus shall be securely fastened in a manner that does not interfere with the proper winding of the cable. 7. Cables shall be wound, at least two full turns on the drum when the hooks for the load are in their lowest position. 8. Lifting cables shall be of a single piece in the longitudinal direction. 9. All cable splices shall be carefully inspected at regular intervals, and clamps or brackets shall be properly adjusted if they show signs of loosening. 10. Cables shall be periodically treated with appropriate lubricants, free of acids or alkaline substances, to maintain their flexibility and prevent oxidation, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 11. The safety factor in the same shall be no less than 6.

Chains. 1. The maximum tolerated load shall be legibly stamped on all chains for lifting. 2. New or repaired chains shall be tested before being used. 3. The rings, hooks, links, or eyes of the ends shall be of the same material as the chains to which they are attached. 4. Chains for lifting shall be wound only on drums, shafts, or pulleys that are equipped with grooves of sizes and shapes such as to allow the chain its proper winding. 5. When the links suffer excessive wear or have been bent or cracked, they shall be cut and immediately replaced by the manufacturer or by a competent technician. 6. Chains shall be kept free of knots and twists. 7. Chains for lifting or for slings shall be removed from service when: a) The chains have been lengthened more than five percent (5%) of their length. b) The wear on the link connections represents twenty-five percent (25%) of the original thickness of the link. 8. The joining of broken elements by wire or bolt is prohibited. 9. The use of open links as an attachment element is prohibited and the connection of the chain to its attachment point shall not be made by means of links of section inferior to those of the chain. 10. The storage of chains must be carried out by hanging them from supports in such a manner that they can be handled without danger and excessive effort, and at the same time, they shall be protected against oxidation.

Ropes. 1. Ropes shall not slide over rough surfaces or in contact with earth, sand, or over sharp angles or cutting edges, unless they are protected. 2. They shall not be deposited in locations where they are exposed to contact with corrosive chemical substances, nor shall they be stored with knots or on damp surfaces. 3. Ropes shall be in perfect conditions of use, not presenting broken fibers, short fibers, wear, or other defects that could diminish their resistance; they shall be reviewed periodically in order to verify such circumstances. 4. The splicing of ropes is prohibited. 5. Ropes shall only be used for the elevation of light loads, and in operations where there is no risk to workers.

Slings. 1. Slings shall be constructed with chains, cables, or textile straps of sufficient resistance, according to the work for which they are intended. The maximum tolerated load shall be indicated adequately. 2. Slings shall be inspected: a) Each time before being used, by the operator or by another designated worker. b) Periodically, but at intervals not exceeding three months by a competent technician. 3. All slings, except endless slings, shall be provided with rings, eyebolts, or other devices, so that they can be safely suspended from hooks. 4. Slings that present cuts, wear, or other damage shall be removed and destroyed. 5. Loads shall be gathered and slung in the vertical line of the hook before hoisting; this shall not be carried out until the appropriate signal, indicating that the load is complete, prepared, and ready. 6. They shall be placed in a manner that prevents the fall or slipping of all or part of the load, using the necessary strands according to the nature of the materials and securing it adequately. The load shall be balanced properly by centering it with special care in products of greater length, such as logs, rails, tubes, etc., preventing them from protruding unevenly and from being able to slip. 7. The angle formed by the strands of the slings shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) degrees and if necessary, a load coupling bar shall be used. 8. Under no circumstances shall loads be slung that exceed the lifting capacity of any apparatus. 9. When hoisting barrels or drums, this shall not be done using the edges of their bottoms as attachment points for hoisting, unless they were constructed for such purpose. 10. In the case of using multiple strands, the upper ends shall be joined with an appropriate shackle or ring; under no circumstances shall they be hooked separately.

Hooks. 1. The hooks of lifting devices shall be equipped with safety latches that prevent the accidental disengagement of the load and that the hook becomes caught in structures or projections when it moves empty. 2. The maximum tolerated load shall be legibly stamped on each hook. 3. The parts of the hook in contact with cables, chains, or ropes shall be rounded; these elements shall never be loaded on the point of the hook.

Pulleys. 1. The diameter of the pulleys shall be adjusted to the composition of the cable and the use of the lifting device, always requiring, at a minimum, that the diameter thereof be twenty (20) times greater than that of the cable. 2. The grooves of the pulleys shall be adapted for easy displacement and winding of the links of the chains. 3. When cables or ropes are used, the grooves shall be of adequate dimensions so that they can move freely and their surface shall be smooth with rounded edges. 4. Pulleys shall be provided with cable guards or equivalent devices to prevent the cable from coming off the groove.

Hoisting Drums. 1. The drums of lifting devices shall be provided with flanges at each end, in such a way as to prevent the exit of cables, chains, or ropes when fully wound. 2. In order to obtain regular winding of cables, chains, or ropes, the drums shall be grooved or provided with guides, except in the case of manually operated winches. 3. The diameter of the hoisting drums shall be equal to or greater than 30 times that of the cable and 300 times the diameter of the largest wire.

Hand-Operated Capstans or Winches. 1. Hand-operated capstans or winches shall be constructed in such a manner that the effort applied by a person on the crank does not exceed 15 kilograms, when the maximum tolerated load is being hoisted, and shall be provided with: a) Ratchet wheels on the shafts of the drums or adequate devices, to prevent the regression of movement while the load is being hoisted. b) Effective brakes to control the lowering of loads. 2. When the winch crank does not have a clutch, the necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent injuries caused by the rotation of the crank. 3. Before using the capstan or winch, the following shall be verified: a) That it is properly ballasted or that the securing to the ground is sufficient to prevent sliding or lifting. b) That no one circulates between the capstan or winch and the load, when the maneuver is being carried out.

Mechanically-Operated Hoisting Winches. 1. Winches shall be equipped with effective devices that automatically stop the load in any position, in the event that power is cut. 2. Control levers on the winches shall be provided with adequate locking devices. 3. These devices shall be securely fastened and conveniently ballasted.

Jacks. 1. Jacks for lifting loads shall be supported on a firm base, shall be placed properly centered and vertical, and shall have mechanisms that prevent their sudden descent. 2. Once the load is raised, supports or pivots shall be placed that shall not be removed while any worker is working under the load. 3. They shall be used only for permissible loads, according to their power, which shall be engraved on the jack.

Provisional Work Elevators and Cargo Lifts. 1. Cargo lifts and elevators shall be provided with devices that prevent free fall of the cabin under any contingency. 2. The cabin shall be provided with safety devices that prevent the opening of doors outside of the established stops; these devices shall continue to function in case of power failure. 3. The cargo lift shall be provided with devices that allow the manual or mechanical displacement of the cabin under safe conditions to a safe stopping area, when it had become immobilized in its path due to power cuts or any other circumstance. 4. Perimetral enclosure shall be provided to the cabin throughout its height, in such a way as to prevent the risk of falling by users and crushing, trapping, or collision with fixed objects or structures. Access to the cabin shall be safe, preventing the risk of falls from height by means of railings and toe boards; there shall be no distance that allows the introduction of a foot between the fixed structure and the base of the cabin platform. 5. The cabin shall be provided with alarm devices. 6. Elevators and cargo lifts shall clearly indicate in a clearly visible location the maximum load they can transport, and shall have a device that prevents their start-up when overloaded.

General Standards. 1. The solidity and firmness of the ground shall be previously ensured. Cranes mounted outdoors shall be installed taking into account wind pressure factors. For speeds exceeding 80 kilometers per hour, special measures shall be provided through anchoring, concrete blocks, or metallic bracing. 2. Mobile cranes shall be equipped with safety stops on all their paths. 3. When cranes are operated from the floor of the premises, corridors shall be provided along their path with a width of 90 centimeters. 4. Cranes shall be used in accordance with general provisions regarding lifting devices and those specific provisions indicated by the manufacturer. 5. All gears and other mechanical force transmission devices shall be covered with adequate protections. 6. Access to crane cabs or crane walkways shall be permitted only to properly authorized persons. 7. When cranes are equipped with suspension electromagnets, the following indications shall be observed: a) The electrical circuits of the electromagnets shall be maintained in good condition, regularly checking electrical insulation. b) They shall not be left suspended temporarily when not in use, and shall be disconnected when the cranes are to be used in other operations. c) The passage or permanence of persons under electromagnets is prohibited when the crane is in operation; the risk area shall be appropriately signalized. d) The persons in charge of the electromagnets shall use tongs made of non-magnetic material to guide the electromagnet and under no circumstances shall they be positioned under loads. e) Electromagnetic or pneumatic clamping devices shall be provided with effective devices to prevent accidental load fall for at least 10 minutes in case of power failure, when this circumstance occurs an alarm shall sound. 8. All cranes shall be provided with hoisting height limiters and maximum load limits, which shall comply with the following requirements: a) They shall be actuated directly by the hoisting motor or by the crane hook. b) The trigger mechanism of the limiting device shall be directly actionable and shall not depend on springs. c) The height limiting device shall act on the brake when maximum hoisting height is reached, and shall allow load descent after having acted. 9. Hoisting loads with oblique pull is prohibited. 10. The following is prohibited during the use of cranes: a) Attempting to extract semi-buried or trapped objects. b) Abandoning the command post, not even momentarily without having lowered the load and having placed the controls in neutral. 11. Before starting the machine it is mandatory to: a) Verify that the controls are in neutral position. b) Ensure that neither person nor any obstacle is found in the path of travel.

Crane Cabs. 1. Cabs not at ground level shall be constructed with incombustible materials. 2. Cabs shall be installed so that the operator has the greatest possible field of visibility during the entire operation. Crane cabs located outdoors shall be closed and provided with windows on all sides. 3. The doors of the cabs shall open onto platforms or landings, and if this is not possible, safety devices shall be provided that are properly signalized. 4. Cabs shall be provided with an adequate fire extinguisher. 5. Windows shall be constructed in such a manner as to allow the cleaning of the glass from inside, without danger to personnel. 6. The glass of the cabs shall be made of safety glass. 7. Any danger of the operator falling through the windows shall be prevented by means of effective protections. 8. Cabs shall have adequate ventilation and in case of being subject to extreme temperatures, they shall be thermally conditioned. 9. In environments with excessive concentration of smoke, gases, or dust, the cabs shall be adequately conditioned, providing a filter at the air intake. 10. Cabs of automotive cranes shall be provided with a door on each side and the latches shall open with rotation in both directions. 11. Access to the cabs shall be equipped with adequate protective means.

Automotive Cranes. 1. Signs or notices shall be installed in the cabs thereof to indicate the maximum tolerated load, according to the positions of the boom. 2. The platforms shall be made of non-slip materials. 3. They shall be provided with supports, wedges, or metal feet, to anchor the crane or vehicle, as appropriate, in loading and unloading operations. 4. They shall be equipped with lighting means and warning sound devices. 5. Operators shall ensure that no part of the crane strikes objects or electrical cables; for this purpose the crane shall have travel limiters. 6. The crane operator shall not operate it while there is any worker in the radius of action of the machine. 7. There shall be a minimum space of sixty (60) centimeters between any moving part and frames or fixed structures, in order to prevent entrapment of workers.

Bridge Cranes. 1. They shall be provided with easy and safe access from the ground or platforms to the crane cab, and from the cab to the bridge walkways by means of fixed ladders or stairs. 2. They shall have walkways and a platform with a width not less than seventy-five (75) centimeters along the entire length of the bridge. 3. Walkways and platforms shall be of solid construction and shall be provided with railings and toe boards that comply with the conditions provided in this Regulation. 4. Bridge crane cabs shall be equipped with windows of sufficient durability to protect the operator against projections of molten, corrosive materials and against radiation and bothersome or harmful emanations. 5. Bridge cranes shall be equipped with sound signal devices.

General Standards. 1. All elements of transporters shall have sufficient resistance to support the loads they are to transport. 2. Floors, platforms, and walkways along the transporters shall maintain a minimum width of forty-five (45) centimeters and shall be kept free of obstacles, shall be non-slip, and shall have drainage to prevent the accumulation of liquids. 3. When persons are to pass over the transporters, bridges shall be installed. The bridges and their access stairs shall be equipped with railings and toe boards. 4. When the transporters are at floor level or in pits, they shall be protected with railings and toe boards. Identical protection shall be installed on the walkways and platform of elevated transporters. 5. Transporters located at heights that cross over work areas shall be equipped with boards or lower screens to collect materials that could fall from them. 6. For the loading of bulk materials, hoppers shall be provided for feeding the transporters. 7. Hoppers, whose upper part is located at less than ninety (90) centimeters in height above work floors or platforms, shall be protected in accordance with the standards provided for floor openings. 8. Brakes shall be provided for stopping the machinery, and devices to prevent the transporter from operating in the opposite direction to that intended. 9. Mechanically-driven transporters shall be provided, at loading and unloading stations and at the discharge and return ends, with stopping devices to stop the machinery of the transporter in case of emergency. 10. Workers are prohibited from traveling on transporters not equipped for such purpose. 11. Localized suction systems shall be installed at loading and unloading points and at transfer points between transporters, susceptible to creating a dusty atmosphere, when these are located in enclosed areas.

Channel Transporters. The discharge area of channel transporters shall be provided with retention mechanisms, which prevent the projection of the load onto the personnel in the area.

Belt Conveyors. At the points of contact of the belts with the drums, adequate guards shall be installed to prevent possible entrapment.

Helical or Screw Conveyors. They shall always be protected throughout their entire path by resistant covers that prevent all contact with the worker; the feeder or feeding point shall be protected in a special manner.

Pneumatic Conveyors. 1. They shall be solidly fastened to fixed points. 2. Technically necessary measures shall be adopted to prevent the risk of ignition by friction. 3. The openings of the blowers or suction fans, as well as those for feeding shall be protected with metal grilles, solid gratings or other safety devices. 4. The openings for cleaning and inspection of the conduits in pneumatic conveyors shall be equipped with sliding or rotating doors with hermetic adjustment. 5. The necessary precautions shall be taken to eliminate static electricity. 6. When feeding is required, if the openings are greater than twenty-five (25) centimeters, they shall have means to prevent workers from being dragged into the conduits.

Roller Conveyors. Roller conveyors shall be protected by guides or railings on both sides of the conveyor to prevent the fall of the load. In those driven by motive force, the axles and gears shall be protected by guards.

Pipeline Conveyors. 1. The materials of which they are constructed and their thickness shall be adequate to the temperature, pressure and nature of the substances they conduct. 2. They shall be installed in a manner that prevents a possible siphon effect. 3. They shall be firmly joined to fixed points or mounted on supports. 4. The pipelines and valves accessible, through which fluids at very high or very low temperature circulate, shall be covered with heat-insulating materials, so that the surface temperature is between fifty (50) and zero (0) degrees Celsius. 5. If they transport flammable substances, they shall not pass near boilers, open flame apparatus, motors or switches and shall be properly protected. 6. No leaks of annoying, toxic, corrosive or flammable substances shall occur. 7. They shall be painted with different colors for each fluid or group of fluids of the same nature that they conduct in accordance with what is established in this Regulation. 8. Instructions and plans of the installations shall be posted in visible locations for rapid detection and repair of leaks.

Manual Wheelbarrows or Carts. 1. They shall be made of resistant material in relation to the loads they have to support and of an appropriate model for the transport to be carried out. 2. The wheels shall be pneumatic or at least with rubber tires. 3. When carts are used on steep slopes or highly inclined surfaces, they shall be equipped with brakes. 4. The stacking of materials on them shall be ensured in a manner that maintains balance. 5. The handles shall be equipped with hand guards. 6. The aisles and ramps provided for the passage of these means shall comply with the requirements of width and solidity.

Bucket Conveyors. The buckets shall be completely covered throughout their entire path, provided with resistant guards and at least two point one five meters (2.15) in height, in order to prevent the fall of materials on persons. Special specifications and regulations shall be applied for specialized equipment and according to manufacturer specifications.

Tractors and Other Motorized Transport Means. 1. The startup control commands shall have the means to prevent unauthorized starting. 2. Vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines shall not be used in places where there is a high risk of fire or explosion or with inadequate ventilation, unless special preventive measures are adopted. 3. Their use shall only be permitted for drivers who have the respective license to operate these vehicles. 4. The driver's seat shall be equipped with adequate suspension and shock absorption elements; the use of a safety belt shall be mandatory. 5. In forklifts it is mandatory to have a protective canopy for the driver that protects him from the fall of loads when raising or lowering. 6. In tractors and motorized hand trucks it shall be mandatory to install safety frames or cabins that guarantee, in case of overturn, a safety space for the operator between the structure and the ground; the safety frame or cabin shall constitute a structure integrated in the equipment. 7. Powered hand trucks and tractors shall be equipped with acoustic and luminous signals, effective service and parking brakes, and shall also have the necessary rearview mirrors. 8. Vehicles shall carry, in a clearly visible place, an indication of the maximum load they can transport. 9. In trailers, measures shall be taken to prevent risks resulting from a blockage or interruption in the energy supply. 10. Risks of contact or entrapment of the operator with the mobile organs of the transport means, including wheels or tracks, shall be eliminated or reduced. 11. In the zones of passage and movement of machinery where there are workers on foot, the necessary measures shall be taken to prevent risks of blows and running over of workers; in any case, traffic regulations shall be established and the machinery passage zone shall be signaled. 12. The transport of persons in vehicles not intended for such purpose is prohibited.

The following rules are of general application in all work carried out at height and that this entails risks to the safety and health of workers.

Materials Employed. All materials related to this work shall be of adequate quality and free from visible defects, shall have the necessary resistance to withstand the stresses to which they must be subjected; they shall be maintained in good condition of preservation and shall be replaced when they cease to satisfy these requirements.

Overloads. The following conditions shall be avoided: 1. Structural floors shall not be loaded with materials, or in general any load that could cause their collapse, with such precautions being especially extreme in those of recent construction. 2. The accumulation of materials on floors and work platforms shall be done only to the extent necessary for the execution of the work and without ever exceeding the working load.

Climatic Conditions. Work on roofs, scaffolds or any other outdoor location that by its characteristics could determine a danger of falling from height is prohibited when there are conditions of intense rain, hail or winds that threaten the stability of the installations or of persons. In case of justified necessity or urgency in carrying out such work, the necessary measures shall be adopted that guarantee the safety of workers.

Protection Systems. 1. In work that must be carried out at heights greater than two (2) meters, a system of collective protection against falls of persons and objects shall be adopted and when it is not possible or sufficient, personal protection measures shall be adopted. 2. Personnel who perform work at heights greater than six (6) meters shall undergo medical examinations prior to their entry to the company and subsequently each year an occupational examination shall be performed, in order to detect if they present the ideal physical conditions for this type of work. 3. All openings in floors or structural members that could pose a risk of falling for workers must be protected with covers or surrounded with railings or baseboards; those openings must be signaled in the most appropriate manner. 4. Safety railings and baseboards must be installed in order to protect workers against falls from the perimeter of the floor and structural members located more than two (2) meters and when it is not possible to do so, safety nets must be installed and maintained or adequate safety belts or harnesses must be provided and used. 5. The railings and baseboards shall meet the conditions provided in article 60 of this Regulation.

Safety Nets. 1. They shall have a resistance capable of withstanding in free fall a mass of one hundred (100) kilograms, from six (6) meters in height. 2. Their construction materials must have adequate resistance and sufficient flexibility to form collection bags, as well as resist the action of atmospheric agents. 3. Between the rigid supports of the net and the net itself, there must be a distance in vertical direction sufficient so that the falling person does not impact said supports. 4. The safety net may not be placed in any case less than two (2) meters above the ground and must present a slight inclination toward the interior in order to prevent bounces toward the exterior. 5. The net must project a horizontal distance from the edge of the structural member, to be able to retain a falling body; this distance increases with the height of fall to the net and must be at least the following: FALL HEIGHT OF A BODY TO THE NET IN METERS - MINIMUM NET OVERHANG IN METERS - 1 - 2.00 - 2 - 2.30 - 3 - 2.50 - 4 - 2.70 - 5 - 2.90 - 6 - 3.00

Special Work. 1. Exceptionally, personal protection means shall be used in those work of short duration or sporadic or in those others that present difficulties that make it impossible to use collective protections, or in which temporary removal of these is necessary, they shall be replaced by personal protection means. 2. In the case indicated above, the collectively removed protections temporarily shall be replaced immediately after the causes that motivated their provisional removal disappear. 3. Workers in charge of placing or removing collective protections shall use the necessary personal protection means.

Access to workplaces. 1. Places where work is performed shall have access that permits safe passage, remaining free of obstacles and adopting the necessary measures to prevent slipping. 2. Access to elevated sites or places during construction periods must be equipped with safe means such as: fixed construction stairs, ramps, and catwalks. 3. Fixed and construction stairs. This type of stairs shall be used when there are twenty (20) or more workers and their width shall depend on the number of workers using them and shall comply with the following conditions: a) Openings and gaps shall be properly protected with regulatory railings. b) When permanent steps have not been constructed, temporary ones shall have a minimum width of ninety (90) centimeters, a minimum depth of twenty-three (23) centimeters, and the spacing between two (2) steps shall be between thirteen (13) and twenty (20) centimeters. The inclined bases of stair structures shall not be used as passage areas until the corresponding steps have been added. c) They shall be kept clean and unobstructed, avoiding the placement of materials in access areas or spaces. d) A minimum lighting level of one hundred fifty (150) lux shall be maintained. 4. Passages and catwalks. In those areas of floors under construction where workers must pass, overcoming gaps with risk of falling from height, passages and catwalks shall be arranged so as to guarantee the safety of personnel who must circulate through them. Catwalks shall comply with the following conditions:

• a)

  They shall have a minimum width of sixty (60) centimeters for pedestrian passage and eighty (80) centimeters for material passage, with a joined floor without protrusions, and those situated more than two (2) meters in height shall also have regulatory railings and baseboards.

• b)

  Those situated less than two (2) meters in height, from which there is risk of falling onto dangerous substances or points, shall also have regulatory railings and baseboards.

• c)

  The pieces constituting the floor shall rest on adequate supports and shall be designed so as to prevent sliding and tipping.

• d)

  The characteristics of the supports, their number and arrangement, shall be defined necessarily based on the loads they are to bear.

Roofs and tiles. 1. Before executing any work on roofs and tiles, it shall be mandatory to verify that they have sufficient resistance to bear the weight of workers and materials to be placed on them. Likewise, the resistance of the points used for securing safety devices or work means shall be verified. 2. The risk of persons falling from height along the perimeter contours shall be prevented by one of the following means: a) Perimeter work platforms with railings. b) Protective nets. c) Regulatory perimeter railings. In work that, due to its short duration, sporadic nature, or other causes, may justify non-use of the aforementioned collective protections, personal protection means may be used as the only form of prevention, and suitable attachment points shall be installed for the use of such personal protection means. 3. When work must be performed on roofs or tiles whose resistance is deficient, questionable, or of a fragile nature, the necessary devices shall be used so that work is performed without workers coming into contact with the roof at any time; for this purpose, platforms, catwalks, or boarding shall be used, and in their use the following conditions shall be complied with:

• a)

  They shall be placed so that they rest on two or more resistant elements with no possibility of tipping or sliding.

• b)

  They may be moved without the worker needing to rely on the roof.

• c)

  In case of impossibility of using the foregoing means, a collection system shall be installed under the roof or a safety harness shall be used, secured at all times to at least one fixed point or a sliding fastening system, with the maximum free fall distance being less than one (1) meter.

Metal Structures. 1. In work involving assembly and elevation of metal structures, it is prohibited, without the use of collective protection means or, failing that, appropriate personal protection elements, to perform any type of work or movement with risk of falling greater than two (2) meters and especially to walk on structure profiles. This work shall be performed by specialized personnel. 2. For access to work planes, one or more of the following measures shall be provided: a) Scales or service stairs in sufficient number. b) Fixed or mobile regulatory catwalks. 3. To reduce the risk of this work, assembly of pieces shall be done on the ground, whenever possible. In case of impossibility of using the foregoing system, work platforms or similar devices shall be used, equipped with all the protection elements prescribed for them. 4. Definitive unions of pieces that are assembled shall be executed, or they shall be left perfectly fixed with means of provisional fastening or union, before releasing them from securing cables. 5. Collective protections, provisional or definitive, that must be placed shall be installed on the ground, whenever possible, before their elevation.

Concrete Structures. 1. Work on construction of formwork, placement of reinforcing steel, concrete pouring, and removal of formwork shall be executed using, whenever possible, falsework, scaffolding, platforms, or catwalks that comply with regulatory safety standards. In those cases where this is not possible, the use of a safety harness is mandatory, secured to fixed points already provided or to systems that permit safe sliding. 2. Formwork shall be secured with props whose number and arrangement shall be as necessary for the loads to be borne. 3. Removal of formwork operations shall be performed with great care, avoiding shocks, vibrations, and falling of formwork material onto workers. 4. Nails on boards and timbers used in formwork shall be removed when performing the corresponding formwork removal work.

Floor Slabs. 1. In work involving construction of floor slabs with risk of falling from height, one or more of the following preventive measures shall be taken:

• a)

  Installation of safety net under the floor slab under construction.

• b)

  Use of scaffolding.

• c)

  Use of regulatory catwalks.

• d)

  Use of safety harness. Transit and direct support of workers on fragile parts of floor slabs is prohibited. For this purpose, catwalks or other equivalent means shall be suitably supported on resistant elements. 2. All floor slab openings shall be covered by platforms, metal meshes, nets, or similar elements.

Scaffolding. 1. The entire perimeter of scaffolding that presents danger of falls from heights exceeding two (2) meters shall be protected by regulatory railings and baseboards. 2. In scaffolding, adequate construction techniques shall be used that ensure its resistance, non-deformation, and stability; where applicable, the following standards shall be applied:

• a)

  Used wood shall not be used, only when its condition, in the judgment of the technical direction or responsible delegated person, is suitable to withstand the stresses to which it must be subjected.

• b)

  The fastening elements in assemblies shall have characteristics such that they permit maintaining rigidity of the joint at all times.

• c)

  The planks forming the scaffolding platform shall be arranged and fastened solidly so as not to cause tipping, sliding, or any other dangerous movement. They shall be positioned parallel so as to cover the entire surface of the scaffolding. The scaffolding platform in working position shall be substantially horizontal, authorizing up to a 10% slope in elevation and descent operations.

• d)

  The width shall be as precise as necessary for easy circulation of workers and adequate storage of tools, implements, and materials necessary for the work to be performed, with a minimum value of sixty (60) centimeters for six (6) meters in height and eighty (80) centimeters for greater heights.

• e)

  Communication between work platforms at different heights shall be made by means of stairs or scales firmly fixed at their upper and base parts.

• f)

  Whenever scaffolding presents danger of oscillation and overturning, it shall be fixed to rigid elements of the construction.

• g)

  Access to scaffolding situated more than two (2) meters in height, during assembly or disassembly, is not authorized except to workers in charge of these tasks, who must at all times use personal anticaída protection secured to points provided for this purpose or to safe systems that permit sliding thereof.

• h)

  Scaffolding during assembly and disassembly, in a condition that may be dangerous, shall be signalized by means of signs or the area shall be cordoned off.

• i)

  Only materials necessary to ensure continuity of work shall be stored on scaffolding, provided that the maximum load that it is capable of supporting is not exceeded.

• j)

  The edge of the scaffolding shall not be more than thirty (30) centimeters away from the vertical wall.

Resistance Testing of Scaffolding. 1. Before the first use of any scaffolding, it shall be subjected to a thorough inspection or a load test under the responsibility of the technical direction of the work. 2. Inspections and tests shall be repeated after a prolonged interruption of work or for any other cause that may have diminished the safety conditions.

Ropes. The use of ropes as elements for support and elevation of scaffolding is prohibited.

Cables. 1. Before placing in service and periodically, cables shall be thoroughly examined and those whose resistance has been diminished by breakage of ten percent (10%) of the wires shall be rejected. 2. Metal cables used for support and elevation of scaffolding shall be free of loops and knots. 3. Metal cables used as means of support and elevation of scaffolding shall have a safety factor of six (6).

Attachment Hooks. In all places where maintenance work with risk of falling from height must be performed, rust-resistant metal hooks resistant to oxidation and capable of bearing a unit load of seven hundred fifty (750) kilograms shall be designed and placed, where work or personal protection means may be secured.

Window Maintenance. In work involving maintenance of windows from the exterior, when the operation presents danger, work shall be performed with, at least, one of the following protections:

• a)

  Mobile scaffold or similar element, equipped with the safety devices prescribed for them.

• b)

  Suspension harness that shall be secured to anchors firmly fixed to the building.

• c)

  Anticaída protection and fastening system that shall be secured to anchors firmly fixed to the building.

This Chapter establishes the minimum safety and health provisions relating to manual handling of loads, preventing in particular injuries to the dorsolumbar column of workers.

Manual handling of loads shall be understood as any operation of transport or securing of a load by one or more workers, such as: lifting, placing, pushing, pulling, or moving, that by its characteristics or ergonomic conditions entails imminent risk.

The employer shall adopt the technical or organizational measures necessary to avoid manual handling of loads, especially through the use of equipment for mechanical handling thereof, either automatically or controlled by the worker.

When manual handling of load cannot be avoided, the company shall be obligated to provide workers with the means of protection to prevent occupational risks.

Workers in charge of the handling and loading of materials shall be instructed on the proper way to carry out said operations safely.

When heavy objects are lifted or transported by two or more workers, the operation shall be directed by a single person, in order to ensure unity of action.

The maximum weight of load transport that a worker can bear manually, for the transport of sacks, bundles or any type of merchandise or materials shall be regulated by the following table. INDIVIDUAL WEIGHT IN KILOGRAMS WEIGHT IN POUNDS Adult Male 40 – 45.4 88 – 100 Adult Female 15 – 20 33 – 44 Young Person (Male) (ages 16 to 18 years old) 15 – 20 33 – 44 Young Person (Female) (ages 16 to 18 years old) 12 – 15 26 – 33

In work centers, the norms established in the following articles of this Chapter and the concordant provisions of this regulation for fire prevention and extinction shall be observed; likewise, in industries where work exists with specific fire risk, the prescriptions imposed by the general or special technical regulations issued by the Fire Department of Honduras or by other agencies within the scope of their respective competencies shall be complied with.

Companies shall have an action plan against fires and evacuation of premises approved by the Fire Department of Honduras.

In order for the fire risk to affect the smallest number of workers:

• a)

  Premises in which easily combustible substances are produced or used and are exposed to sudden fires or rapid propagation shall be constructed at convenient distances from each other and isolated from the remaining work centers.

• b)

  When separation between premises is impossible, they shall be isolated with resistant masonry walls or with walls of non-combustible materials without openings, which act as fire breaks.

• c)

  Whenever possible, work premises exposed to fires shall be oriented avoiding exposure to strong winds.

In the construction of premises, fire-resistant materials shall be used and its construction plans, as well as its calculation report shall require approval from the Technical Department of the Fire Department of Honduras. When foreseeable fires would be of moderate speed, and except that the industrial process requires other special distribution, the number of floors and superimposed stories shall not exceed two (2) and the height of each shall not be less than four (4) meters; if fires were to occur and their foreseeable immediate cause would be any explosion or there existed the risk of rapid fire propagation, the height shall be limited to a single story. The limits set in the preceding paragraph may be extended to 2 additional stories, when the structure of the premises and the protective devices installed therein eliminate or substantially reduce the fire risk. In these cases each floor shall constitute a fire sector. The stairwell openings, and elevator and dumbwaiter shafts, shall constitute fire sectors, access to the floors shall be equipped with fire-stopping doors.

Interior distribution of premises. The areas of greatest fire risk shall be isolated from the rest of the premises, and shall constitute a fire sector. Communications with these areas shall be conducted through fire-stopping doors.

Hallways and corridors, doors and windows.

• a)

  The floors of hallways and corridors whose minimum dimensions shall be in accordance with what is established in Chapter X of this Regulation, shall be smooth and fire-resistant and small differences in level shall be overcome with smooth ramps, keeping them free of obstacles.

• b)

  Emergency exit doors shall always be free of obstacles and shall open outward without the need to use keys or locks. If they must remain closed under normal working conditions, they shall open easily.

• c)

  Vertical emergency doors, rolling shutters, and revolving doors are prohibited.

• d)

  In premises where rapid fire propagation is possible, there shall be at least two or more exits in opposite directions, and before and after them there shall be a clear space of three (3) meters with fire-resistant floors and walls. Doors intended for emergency exits shall be signaled in accordance with Chapter XX of this Regulation.

• e)

  No fixed work station shall be more than twenty-five (25) meters from a door that can be used for exit in case of danger.

• f)

  All workers shall be aware of the existing exits.

Stairs a) Stairs shall be constructed or covered with fire-resistant materials, and when they connect various floors no work station shall be more than twenty-five (25) meters from them. b) Their width shall be equal to the exits or doors with which they communicate. If the fire risk is very high, metal safety stairs shall be installed along the facade with easy access from all floors where work is performed. c) The stairwell openings shall be closed to prevent them from acting as chimneys in case of fire. d) Stairs shall meet the different conditions stated in Chapter X of this Regulation, shall be of non-slip material, shall have emergency lighting and shall be kept free of all obstacles.

Elevators and dumbwaiters. The shafts of elevators and dumbwaiters shall be of the closed type made of fire-resistant material, and when possible, shall not be installed in stairwell openings. The prohibition of use in case of fire shall be signaled.

Exit signs and lighting. All exterior doors, practicable windows and exit corridors shall be clearly labeled with indelible signs and preferably illuminated or fluorescent. Every evacuation route shall have assured emergency lighting.

Lightning rods. Lightning rods shall be installed:

• a)

  In buildings where explosives are manufactured or handled.

• b)

  In tanks containing highly flammable substances.

• c)

  In high chimneys.

• d)

  In buildings of labor centers that stand out for their height.

Industrial installations and equipment. In work premises especially exposed to fire risks:

• a)

  There shall be no furnaces, stoves, boilers or open flame devices.

• b)

  Machinery, transmission elements, apparatus or tools that produce sparks or whose heating may cause fires by contact or proximity with flammable substances shall not be used.

• c)

  The pipelines conducting dangerous fluids or high temperatures shall be completely hermetic and shall be constructed or coated with material resistant to breakage, leaks, fire-resistant, anticorrosive and when necessary insulating. The fittings and connections of the conducting pipelines shall withstand the expansions that may normally occur or in case of fire. Pipelines shall be painted with colors that allow knowing what fluid circulates through them and its dangerousness. Pipelines that pose danger by simple contact shall not be accessible.

• d)

  To eliminate the dangers of fires that may arise from electrical installations or lighting and static electricity, the norms indicated in Chapter XIII of this Regulation shall be complied with.

• e)

  Where flammable substances are handled, strict temperature control shall be established to prevent the production of flammable gases and vapors. In any case the temperature shall be clearly below the self-ignition point of the substances. Ventilation measures shall be extremized to prevent the accumulation of gases and vapors. All contact of flammable substances with hot surfaces of installations and equipment shall be avoided, and the incidence of radiant heat on them shall be prevented. The environmental humidity shall be monitored in work premises where metals or substances are used that upon reacting with water may cause fires or explosions.

• f)

  Non-combustible containers with automatic and hermetic closure shall be provided in work premises to deposit all industrial waste of flammable material, as well as slag, rags or tow impregnated in easily combustible oil or grease. These containers shall be emptied daily.

Storage, handling and transport of flammable materials a) The joint storage of materials that upon reacting with each other may cause fires is prohibited. b) Flammable materials may only be stored in the places and with the quantitative limits indicated by the current technical regulations, approved by the Technical Department of the Fire Department of Honduras. c) Flammable products or materials shall be stored in premises distinct from work premises, and if this were the only one in completely isolated areas; at work stations or places only the strictly necessary quantity for the manufacturing process shall be deposited. d) In warehouses of flammable materials, floors shall be non-combustible and impermeable, in order to prevent leaks toward basements, sumps or drains. e) Before storing finely pulverized flammable substances, their cooling shall be verified. f) The filling of flammable liquid containers shall be done slowly and avoiding free fall from openings in the upper part, to prevent mixing of air with explosive vapors. g) Containers of flammable liquids or substances shall be labeled indicating their contents, dangerousness and precautions necessary for their use. h) Before storing containers of flammable products, their hermetic closure shall be verified or if they have suffered any deterioration or breakage. i) The packaging and wrapping of flammable substances shall be carried out, whenever possible, outside the warehouses from which they come, with the appropriate precautions and personal protective equipment in each case. j) The transport of flammable materials shall be carried out in strict compliance with the national norms established in current legal provisions and international agreements on such matter, ratified by the State of Honduras.

General Measures a) Any worker who must intervene in a fire shall be instructed and trained in extinction techniques, evacuation, and first aid. These workers shall refrain from participating in a fire if they do not have the necessary protective equipment. b) Material intended for fire fighting shall not be used for other purposes and its location, free of obstacles, shall be known by the persons who must use it, and there must be adequate signage of all firefighting elements, with clear indication of norms and operations to be performed. c) Fire hydrants located in any facility with fire risk shall be compatible in diameter and coupling with the material used by the entities responsible for fighting fires in the area where the facility is located, providing if necessary adapters in sufficient number, located in a visible manner at the corresponding hydrant. d) All personnel in case of fire shall be required to act according to the instructions received from the Administration or Management of the company and give the alarm in request for help. e) All written notices and instructions shall be made in the Spanish language.

Fire Brigades a) In industries or workplaces with fire risk, a fire brigade or team shall be created, which shall be instructed and trained on the handling and maintenance of extinguishing installations and materials, alarm signals, evacuation of workers, and immediate assistance to the injured. b) Companies classified with a high degree of fire risk shall equip their brigades with: helmets, insulating suits, boots, gloves, and safety belts with life rope; likewise it shall provide masks and autonomous respiratory equipment. c) The company shall designate the fire brigade or team leader.

Classification of Facilities with Fire Risk The classification of the level of fire risk in facilities shall have the following valuations:

• a)

  Facilities with low fire risk;

• b)

  Facilities with moderate fire risk;

• c)

  Facilities with high fire risk;

• d)

  Facilities with very high fire risk. This classification shall be carried out by the Technical Department of the Honduran Fire Department, which shall issue a report according to the level of risk that corresponds in each particular case.

Location of Fire Extinguishers According to Fire Risk Classification Facilities with low fire risk shall have one or several portable extinguishers of 10 pounds, in such a way that their maximum reach shall not be greater than 25 meters from any occupied point. Facilities with moderate fire risk shall have several portable extinguishers of 20 pounds, in such a way that their maximum reach shall not be greater than 20 meters from any occupied point. Facilities with high fire risk shall have several portable extinguishers of 20 pounds, in such a way that their maximum reach shall not be greater than 15 meters from any occupied point.

Special Measures for High Fire Risk Facilities a) They shall have detection, alarm, and automatic extinction systems. b) They shall strictly comply with the provisions of this Regulation on electrical installations. c) Fire drills shall be conducted, with frequency related to the existing risk and at least every six months. d) When the fire risk is very high, in addition to the previous measures, a network of equipped hydrants shall be installed, in such a way that any point in the facility is less than twenty-five meters from one of them. e) Each cabinet shall be equipped with hoses of fifty (50) to one hundred (100) feet long and of one and one-half (1.5) inches in diameter or other measures standardized by the Honduran Fire Department. f) The installation of hydrant network shall have an exclusive tank for fires of forty (40) cubic meters minimum capacity. g) The installation of hydrant network shall be for exclusive use in fires and shall be maintained charged. h) The pump motor that feeds the hydrant network shall be capable of supplying a minimum pressure of fifty pounds per square inch at the nozzle tip, with the valve open.

Signage Fire extinguishers, hydrants, and other means of extinction and alarm shall be properly signaled.

Fires shall be classified into four groups, according to the combustible materials present, without prejudice to any of them belonging to two or more groups: Classification of Fire Type Class of Fires Definition Method of Extinction A Fires that involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. Water is used to achieve a cooling or immersion effect that reduces the ignition temperature. B Fires that involve flammable liquids, fats, and gases. BC and ABC extinguishers. C Fires that involve energized electrical equipment. This type of fire can sometimes be controlled by a non-conductive extinguishing agent. The safest procedure is always to try to de-energize the high-voltage circuits and treat it as a Class A or B fire according to the type of fuel involved. D Fires that include combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium. The extremely high temperature of some metals when burning makes water and other common extinguishing agents ineffective for their extinction. There is no single agent that effectively controls all combustible metals. There are special extinguishing agents available for the control of fires of each type of metal and are specially marked for that combustible metal. In any fire, if there are nearby electrical installations under tension, a non-conductive agent must be used; chemical powder (up to 1000 volts) or carbon dioxide shall be used. In no case shall water be used.

In facilities with high fire risk, it is strictly prohibited to smoke or introduce matches, lighters, or ignition devices. This prohibition shall be indicated with visible signs at the entrance and in the free spaces of the walls of such facilities. It is likewise prohibited for personnel to introduce or use work tools not authorized by the company that may cause sparks by contact.

In fire prevention installations, the following measures shall be observed: 1. All fire protection, detection, alarm, and extinction devices shall be maintained in good working condition. 2. The storage and installation of materials that obstruct or hinder access to such devices shall be avoided. 3. Periodic reviews and tests appropriate to each type of device shall be carried out, with the frequency necessary to ensure its effectiveness at any time. 4. In no case shall a fire protection, alarm, or extinction device remain more than six months without being reviewed. 5. Fire extinguishers shall be placed at a height of one point twenty (1.20) meters from the floor to its base and shall carry indications in Spanish language, of:

• a)

  Nature of the extinguishing agent.

• b)

  Mode of use.

• c)

  Dangers of use.

• d)

  Capacity in pounds.

• e)

  Manufacturing mark.

• f)

  Date of last review. 6. Periodic reviews of detection, alarm, or extinction systems or devices shall be accredited by the company.

To verify the proper functioning of prevention systems, the training of fire brigades or teams, and that workers in general know and participate, drills shall be conducted by order of the company and under the direction of the fire brigade or team leader, and notice shall be given to the Fire Department so that it supervises these drills.

This Chapter establishes the basic provisions for signage in matters of safety and health applicable to all workplaces.

The choice of the type of signal and the number and type of placement of signals or signage devices in each case shall be made taking into account the characteristics of the signal, the risks, the elements or circumstances to be signaled, the extent of the area to be covered, and the number of workers involved, in such a way that the signage is as effective as possible.

Signage shall not be affected by the concurrence of other signals or circumstances that hinder its perception or understanding. Signage shall remain in place as long as the situation that motivates it persists.

Signage shall not be used to transmit information, additional messages, or those different from those that constitute its own objectives.

Means and signage devices shall be kept clean, inspected, repaired, or replaced when necessary so that they preserve at all times their operational purposes.

Signaling systems that require a power source shall have emergency power supply that guarantees their operation in case of power interruption, except when the risk disappears with the interruption of electrical power supply.

Safety and health signaling shall be carried out by means of safety colors, panel-type signals, signaling of obstacles, dangerous places and marking of traffic routes, special signaling, luminous or acoustic signals, verbal communications, and gestural signals.

Safety colors shall have the following characteristics: 1. They must attract attention and indicate the existence of a hazard, as well as facilitate its rapid identification. 2. They may equally be used by themselves to indicate the location of devices and equipment that are important from the point of view of safety.

Safety colors, their meaning and other indications regarding their uses are shown in the following table. RED Prohibition Danger-Alarm Fire-fighting material and equipment Dangerous behavior Stop, stopping, disconnection and emergency devices. Identification and location. YELLOW OR ORANGE Warning Attention, caution. Verification. BLUE Obligation Specific behavior or action. Obligation to wear personal protective equipment. GREEN Rescue or assistance Premises, etc. Safe situation. Doors, exits, passages, materials, rescue or emergency post. Return to normality.

The combination between safety colors, contrast colors and symbols or pictograms shall be made in accordance with the following table: SAFETY COLOR CONTRAST COLOR SYMBOL COLOR Red Yellow Blue Green White Black White White Black Black White White

Prohibition signs shall have the following characteristics: 1. Circular shape. 2. Black symbol on white background, red borders and band (transverse descending from left to right crossing the pictogram at 45° in relation to the horizontal). The red color must cover at least 35% of the signal surface.

Warning signs shall have the following characteristics: 1. Triangular shape (equilateral triangle). 2. Black symbol on yellow background and black borders (The yellow must cover at least 50% of the signal surface). Examples of the following warning signals are provided.

Obligation signs shall have the following characteristics: 1. Circular shape. 2. White symbol on blue background (The blue must cover at least 50% of the signal surface). Examples of the following obligation signals are provided.

Signs relating to fire-fighting equipment shall have the following characteristics: 1. Rectangular or square shape. 2. White symbol on red background (The red color must cover at least 50% of the signal surface). Examples of the following fire-fighting signals are provided.

Rescue or emergency signs shall have the following characteristics: 1. Rectangular or square shape. 2. White symbol on green background (The green must cover at least 50% of the signal surface). Examples of the following rescue or emergency signals are provided.

The characteristics of panel-type signals are the following: 1. The surface of a panel signal shall depend on the distance at which it must be perceived; for this purpose it shall comply with the following formula: S = L² Where L is the distance in meters at which the signal can be perceived, and S is the surface of the signal. This formula applies for distances less than fifty (50) meters. 2. The shape and colors of these signals shall be in accordance with the preceding articles depending on the type of signal in question. 3. Symbols shall be as simple as possible, avoiding unnecessary details for their understanding. 4. Signals shall be made of material that best resists impacts, weather conditions and environmental factors. 5. The dimensions, as well as the colorimetric and photometric characteristics of the signals shall guarantee their good visibility and understanding.

The requirements for the use of panel-type signals are the following: 1. Signals shall preferably be installed at an appropriate height and position in relation to the visual angle, taking into account any obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the hazard or object to be signaled, or when it is a general hazard, at the entrance to the hazard zone. 2. The place where the signal is installed must be well illuminated, accessible and easily visible. If general illumination is insufficient, additional illumination shall be used, or phosphorescent colors or fluorescent materials that are well illuminated shall be used. 3. Too many signals in close proximity to each other that could cause confusion shall not be used. 4. Signals must be removed when the situation that justified them ceases to exist.

Risk of falls, collisions and blows. 1. For the signaling of uneven levels, obstacles or other elements that cause risks of falls of persons, collisions or blows, the corresponding panel or a safety color may be chosen with equal effectiveness, or both may be used in a complementary manner. 2. The delimitation of those areas of the workplace to which the worker has access in the course of their work, in which there are risks of falls of persons, falling objects, collisions or blows shall be signaled by means of a safety color. 3. The color signaling referred to in the two preceding paragraphs shall be carried out by means of alternating yellow and black stripes; the stripes shall be inclined approximately 45° and be of similar dimensions in accordance with the following model.

Characteristics that the marking of traffic routes must have. 1. When the use and equipment of the premises so require it, for the protection of workers, vehicle traffic routes shall be clearly identified by means of continuous stripes of a clearly visible color, preferably white or yellow, taking into account the color of the floor. 2. When painting the stripes, the necessary safety distances between vehicles that may circulate on the route and any object that could be nearby, as well as between pedestrians and vehicles, shall be taken into account. 3. Permanent external routes that are located in built-up areas shall also be marked to the extent necessary, unless they are equipped with barriers or an appropriate perimeter.

Piping, containers and storage areas of hazardous substances and preparations. 1. Visible containers and piping that contain or may contain hazardous substances or preparations must have the corresponding warning signal. Exceptions may be made for containers used for a short time and those whose contents change frequently, provided that adequate alternative measures are taken, fundamentally in the training and information of workers who handle these substances. 2. Warning signals shall be stuck, fixed or painted in visible locations on containers or piping. In the case of the latter, signals shall be placed along the piping in sufficient numbers and whenever there are points of special risk, such as valves or connections in their vicinity. The intrinsic characteristics and conditions of use of the labels shall be adjusted, where appropriate, to the provisions for panels as regards resistance to damage and conditions of use. The information of the signals may be supplemented with other data, such as the name, formula of the hazardous substance or preparation, or additional details about the risk. In piping that transports hazardous fluids, the direction of fluid circulation and, if applicable, the pressure or temperature at which it circulates must be identified mandatorily in addition to the foregoing data. 3. Areas, premises or enclosures used to store significant quantities of hazardous substances or preparations shall be identified by means of the appropriate warning signal, placed as the case may be, near the storage location or at the entrance to it. The storage of various hazardous substances or preparations may be indicated by means of the "general hazard" warning signal.

Identification marking of pressure containers. Containers containing fluids under pressure shall bear an identification mark indicating their contents. This mark shall be placed in a visible location, near the valve and preferably outside its cylindrical section, and shall include the following information:

• a)

  The complete technical name of the fluid.

• b)

  Its chemical symbol.

• c)

  Its corresponding color.

Basic colors. Pipelines or conduits that transport fluids (liquids and gases) and solid substances shall be painted with appropriate colors in accordance with the following standard: Classification of Materials Color Fire protection materials Red Dangerous material Yellow Orange Safe material Green, white, black, aluminum gray Protective materials Bright blue

The light emitted by the signal shall produce an appropriate luminous contrast with respect to its surroundings based on the foreseen conditions of use. Its intensity shall ensure its reception, without producing glare.

The luminous surface that emits a signal may be of uniform color or may display a symbol on a determined background.

Two luminous signals that could cause confusion shall not be used simultaneously, nor shall a luminous signal be placed near another luminous emission of similar characteristics.

When an intermittent luminous signal is used, the duration and frequency of the flashes shall permit correct identification of the message, preventing it from being perceived as continuous or confused with other luminous signals.

Devices for emitting luminous signals for use in case of serious danger shall be subject to periodic reviews or shall be equipped with an auxiliary bulb.

The acoustic signal shall have a sound level superior to the level of ambient noise, so that it is clearly audible, without being bothersome. An acoustic signal shall not be used when ambient noise is too intense.

The tone of the acoustic signal or, in the case of intermittent signals, the duration, spacing, and grouping of impulses shall permit correct identification and clear distinction from other acoustic signals and ambient noise. Two acoustic signals shall not be used simultaneously.

The sound of an evacuation signal shall be continuous.

A luminous and acoustic signal shall indicate, upon activation, the need to perform a specific action and shall be maintained while such need persists.

The effectiveness and proper functioning of luminous and acoustic signals shall be verified before their entry into service and subsequently, through the necessary periodic tests.

Intermittent luminous and acoustic signals provided for alternate or complementary use shall employ identical codes.

A gestural signal shall be precise, simple, easy to perform and understand, and shall be clearly distinguished from another gestural signal.

The use of both arms at the same time shall be done symmetrically and for a single gestural signal.

The person who emits the signals, called the signal supervisor, shall give maneuvering instructions by means of hand signals to the recipient of the signals, called the operator.

The signal supervisor shall dedicate themselves exclusively to directing the maneuvers and the safety of workers located in the immediate vicinity.

If the conditions provided for in the preceding point are not met, one or more supplementary signal supervisors shall be used.

The operator shall suspend the maneuver being performed in order to request new instructions when they cannot execute the received orders with the necessary safety guarantees.

Accessories for gestural signaling:

• a)

  The signal supervisor shall be easily recognized by the operator.

• b)

  The signal supervisor shall wear one or more appropriate identification elements, for example, jackets, armbands, bracelets, helmets.

• c)

  The identification elements indicated shall be in bright colors, preferably the same for all elements, and shall be used exclusively by the signal supervisor.

Coded gestures. The set of coded gestures included herein does not prevent the use of other codes, in particular in certain sectors of activity. GENERAL GESTURES. START. Attention, assumption of command. Both arms extended horizontally, palms of the hands facing forward. STOP. Interruption, end of movement. Right arm extended upward, palm of the right hand facing forward. END. Of operations. Both hands joined at chest height. VERTICAL MOVEMENTS. HOIST. Right arm extended upward, palm of the right hand facing forward, describing a slow circle. LOWER. Right arm extended downward, palm of the right hand facing inward, describing a slow circle. VERTICAL DISTANCE. Hands indicate the distance. HORIZONTAL MOVEMENTS. FORWARD. Both arms bent, palms of the hands facing inward, forearms moving slowly toward the body. BACKWARD. Both arms bent, palms of the hands facing outward, forearms moving slowly, away from the body. TO THE RIGHT. With respect to the signal supervisor. Right arm extended more or less horizontally, palm of the left hand facing downward, making small slow movements indicating the direction. TO THE LEFT. With respect to the signal supervisor. Left arm extended more or less horizontally, palm of the left hand facing downward, making small slow movements indicating the direction. HORIZONTAL DISTANCE. Hands indicate the distance. DANGER. DANGER. Both arms extended upward, palms of the hands facing forward.

Verbal communication is established between a speaker or emitter and one or more listeners, in a language formed by short texts, sentences, groups of words, or isolated words, possibly coded.

Verbal messages shall be as short, simple, and clear as possible; the verbal ability of the speaker and the hearing faculties of the listener or listeners shall be sufficient to guarantee safe verbal communication.

Verbal communication shall be direct (use of the human voice) or indirect (human or synthetic voice, transmitted by an appropriate means).

The persons involved shall be well acquainted with the language used, in order to be able to pronounce and correctly understand the verbal message and adopt, according to it, the appropriate conduct in the field of occupational health and safety.

If verbal communication is used in place of or as a complement to hand signals, words such as the following shall be used: START. To indicate assumption of command. STOP. To interrupt or end a movement. END. To end operations. HOIST. To hoist a load. LOWER. To lower a load. FORWARD or BACKWARD to the right or to the left. (The meaning of these movements must comply, where applicable, with the corresponding hand signal codes.) DANGER. To effect an emergency stop. SPEED UP. To accelerate a movement for reasons of safety.

Emergency situations. Signaling directed at alerting workers or third parties to the appearance of a dangerous situation, and the consequent and urgent need to act in a certain manner or to evacuate the danger zone, shall be accomplished by means of a light signal, an acoustic signal, or verbal communication. With equal effectiveness, any one of the three may be chosen; a combination of a light signal with an acoustic signal or with verbal communication may also be used.

The use of personal protective equipment shall be mandatory when the use of collective protective measures is not possible or if such measures do not guarantee complete protection against occupational hazards.

The use of personal protective equipment in no case relieves the obligation to employ collective preventive measures that may be feasible.

Without prejudice to its effectiveness, personal protective equipment shall, to the extent possible, allow the performance of work without unnecessary discomfort to the person performing it and without reduction in their performance, and shall not in itself entail other risks.

The employer shall be obligated to:

• a)

  Provide workers with the necessary accessories for the proper maintenance of personal protection means or their components, in accordance with their respective characteristics and needs.

• b)

  Instruct workers on the correct use and maintenance of personal protection means, provide them with necessary training, and inform them of their limitations.

• c)

  Determine the places and work posts where the use of personal protection means is necessary.

• d)

  Select personal protection equipment appropriate to each case, in a manner that reduces the risk to the health and safety to which workers are exposed.

• e)

  Supervise the correct use of personal protection equipment.

Worker obligations are:

• a)

  Use personal protection means in their work in accordance with the instructions issued by the employer or their representative.

• b)

  Make correct use of these means, not introducing any type of reforms or modifications to them.

• c)

  Maintain in perfect condition the personal protection equipment that has been provided.

• d)

  Communicate to their immediate supervisor any deficiencies or anomalies observed in the condition or functioning of protection means or the absence thereof.

Personal protection means must be homologated. In the case of products manufactured in the country, the company shall certify the homologation to the Secretary of Labor and Social Security; in the case of imported personal protection garments, this Secretary shall require for their use in work centers that they be at minimum homologated and certified in their country of origin.

The conditions of use of personal protection equipment and in particular the duration of use shall be determined taking into account:

• a)

  The severity of the risk.

• b)

  The time or frequency of exposure to the risk.

• c)

  The conditions of the work post.

• d)

  The characteristics of the equipment itself, taking into account its useful life and expiration date.

• e)

  Personal protection equipment shall be for the exclusive use of assigned workers. SECTION II WORK CLOTHING

Every worker who is exposed to certain risks of accidents or occupational diseases or whose work is under difficult or markedly dirty conditions shall be obligated to use work clothing, which shall be provided free of charge by the company. The same obligation is imposed in those activities in which the failure to use work clothing could create risks for the users or for consumers of food, beverages, or medicines.

Work clothing shall generally meet the following minimum requirements:

• a)

  It shall be made of light and flexible fabric that permits easy cleaning and disinfection, and appropriate to the temperature and humidity conditions of the work post.

• b)

  It shall fit well to the worker's body, without compromising comfort and ease of movement.

• c)

  Whenever circumstances permit, sleeves shall be short and when long they shall be adjusted perfectly by means of elastic fabric endings.

• d)

  Additional elements such as pockets, cuffs, buttons, parts folded upward, cords, etc., shall be eliminated or reduced as much as possible to avoid soiling and the danger of catching.

• e)

  In work with risk of catching, the use of suspenders, bracelets, chains, necklaces, rings, etc., shall be prohibited. SECTION III HEAD PROTECTION

When in a work location there exists a risk of materials falling, violent projections of objects onto the head, or impacts, the use of a safety helmet shall be necessary.

Safety helmets shall be resistant and lightweight, made of non-combustible or slow-burning material and shall not be electrical conductors.

In work posts where there exists a risk of hair catching due to proximity of machines or moving apparatus or when accumulations of dangerous or dirty substances occur, the covering of hair with nets, caps, or other appropriate means shall be mandatory, eliminating in all cases the use of bows or ribbons.

Safety helmets shall possess the following characteristics:

• a)

  The adjustable headgear of the helmet shall be in optimal conditions and adapt correctly to the head.

• b)

  When put on, a perfect fit must be achieved to guarantee comfort during work and also to prevent it from falling.

• c)

  They shall be manufactured with material resistant to mechanical impact, without compromising its lightness; the material shall be dielectric.

• d)

  They shall be for personal use, and in those extreme cases in which they are to be used by other persons, the interior parts that are in contact with the head shall be changed.

• e)

  Those helmets that have suffered violent impacts or show deterioration shall be replaced. SECTION IV FACE AND EYE PROTECTION

The use of personal protection equipment for face and eyes shall be mandatory in all those work locations where risks exist that could cause injuries to them.

The means of protection for face and eyes shall be selected principally based on the following risks:

• a)

  Impact of particles or solid bodies.

• b)

  Exposure to contaminated environments.

• c)

  Projection or splashing of cold, hot, caustic liquids and molten metals.

• d)

  Dangerous radiations due to their intensity or nature.

• e)

  Glare. SECTION V EYE PROTECTION

Eye protection shall be achieved through the use of glasses or protective screens of different types of frames and lenses, whose selection shall depend on the risk intended to be avoided.

Protective glasses shall meet the following minimum conditions:

• a)

  Their metal or plastic frames shall be lightweight, resistant to heat deformation, non-combustible, comfortable and of anatomical design, without compromising their resistance and effectiveness.

• b)

  Glasses for protection against splashing of liquids shall be completely closed and fit well to the face, and shall have incorporated ventilation holes.

• c)

  For eye protection in environments contaminated with irritating, caustic, or toxic substances, recourse shall be made to the use of masks that combine eye protection with protection of the respiratory tract.

• d)

  For protection against particle impacts, glasses with normal frames shall be used, with lateral protections that may be perforated for better ventilation.

• e)

  The glasses shall be easy to clean and shall reduce the visual field as little as possible.

Glasses and other elements of eye protection shall be kept clean and shall be protected against rubbing, and if used by several persons, they shall be delivered after disinfection and with elastic bands replaced. SECTION VI FACE PROTECTION

To prevent injuries to the face, facial screens shall be used, and the material of the body thereof shall be appropriate for the risk to be protected against.

The means of protection for the face shall be of the following types:

• a)

  Hinged screens with their own harness.

• b)

  Hinged screens attached to the protective helmet.

• c)

  Screens held by hand.

For the protection of the face against projections of solid bodies or splashing of liquids, screens made of transparent organic material free of scratches or deformations shall be used. For protection against radiation in work in furnaces and foundries, screens of insulating or reflective material shall be used with a dark visor for radiation filtering, which must also withstand the temperature to which it may be exposed.

Welding screens shall resist projections of molten metal and shall have a visor for filtering radiation. This filter shall be protected by a protective cover of transparent glass, which must resist projections of molten metal. Screens used for electric welding shall not have any metallic parts on their exterior. SECTION VII PROTECTIVE LENSES AND VISORS.

The following measures shall be observed with protective lenses and visors:

• a)

  Protective lenses and visors, whether made of glass or transparent plastic, shall be optically neutral, free of bubbles, specks, ripples and other defects, and colorless ones shall transmit no less than eighty-nine percent (89%) of the incident radiation.

• b)

  When there is a risk of glare in the work to be performed, the lenses shall be colored or shall have a filter to guarantee sufficient light absorption.

• c)

  Lenses and visors used as a means against particle impact shall have the mechanical characteristics to withstand the foreseeable impact energy.

Workers who work in welding and oxycutting, and in other work where there is exposure to dangerous radiation, shall use filters and visors in accordance with the following shade or filter standard: Filter No. 3 and 4. To prevent glare caused by the reflection of sunlight and welding light performed in contiguous areas, pouring of molten metals or work in furnaces. Filter No. 5. In welding or cutting operations with gas (Acetylene) using torch tips with small orifices. Filter No. 6. In arc welding or cutting operations with current not exceeding thirty (30) amperes. Filter No. 10. In welding or cutting operations with gas (Acetylene) when using torch tips with large orifices or when performing arc welding with current of thirty-one (31) to seventy-five (75) amperes. Filter No. 11. In arc welding operations with current of seventy-five (75) to two hundred (200) amperes. Filter No.13. In arc welding operations with current of two hundred one (201) to four hundred (400) amperes. Filter No. 14. In arc welding operations with a current of four hundred one (401) amperes and above. SECTION VIII HEARING PROTECTION

When the noise level at a work station or area exceeds the established safety margin, the use of individual hearing protection elements or devices shall be mandatory, without prejudice to the obligation to establish collective protection measures.

Hearing protectors shall provide sufficient attenuation and their selection shall be made in accordance with their attenuation curve and the characteristics of the noise.

Insert hearing protectors shall be for non-transferable personal use, and external ones periodically and whenever they change users, shall be subjected to an appropriate disinfection process that does not affect their technical and functional characteristics. SECTION IX PROTECTION OF RESPIRATORY PATHWAYS

In all those work stations where there are environments contaminated with concentrations exceeding permissible levels, the use of personal protective equipment for respiratory pathways shall be mandatory with characteristics such that:

• a)

  It adapts properly to the user's face.

• b)

  It does not cause excessive fatigue to inhalation and exhalation.

• c)

  It has adequate retention capability in the case of dependent equipment.

• d)

  It has the necessary characteristics so that the user has the air required for breathing, in the case of independent equipment.

• e)

  The parts in contact with the skin shall not cause irritation to the epidermis.

Independent respiratory protection equipment shall be used in work where there is a highly dangerous atmosphere or one deficient in oxygen.

Respiratory masks with mechanical filters shall be used in those work activities where the contaminant is found in the form of particulate matter (dust, smoke or mist).

Masks or respirators equipped with chemical filters shall be used for respiratory protection against gases and vapors. The chemical filter to be used shall be in accordance with the risk to be protected against. Filters shall be replaced in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer and the conditions of use.

Respiratory protection equipment shall be stored in appropriate places and after use shall be cleaned and disinfected.

Respiratory protection does not exempt from the obligation to control the work environment through collective protection measures and ventilation. Its use is only indicated in those cases where technically the control of contaminants is impossible or incomplete and in short-duration operations. SECTION X PROTECTION OF UPPER EXTREMITIES

The protection of the upper extremities shall be carried out primarily by means of finger cots, gloves, mittens, wristlets and sleeves selected for work that involves, among others, the following risks:

• a)

  Impact or dangerous splashing.

• b)

  Cuts, punctures or abrasions.

• c)

  Dangerous electrical contacts.

• d)

  Exposure to high and low temperatures.

• e)

  Exposure to radiation.

• f)

  Contact with chemical substances.

Equipment for the protection of upper extremities shall have the following characteristics:

• a)

  They shall be flexible, allowing as much as possible the normal movement of the protected area.

• b)

  In the event there are seams, they shall not cause discomfort.

• c)

  As much as possible they shall allow perspiration.

For the protection of hands and arms the following shall be used:

• a)

  Leather gloves for handling objects with sharp or abrasive edges.

• b)

  Rubber, latex or plastic gloves for protection against acids, alkaline substances, etc.

• c)

  Gloves with heat-insulating coating for workers who operate in furnaces, foundries, etc.

• d)

  Leather gloves for electric and autogenous welding work.

• e)

  Gloves made with stainless steel mesh for work involving the cutting and deboning of meat, vegetables, fish, etc.

• f)

  Gloves to protect workers against the action of toxic, irritating or infectious substances that shall cover the forearm.

• g)

  For electrical work, gloves manufactured in rubber, neoprene or plastic material shall be used, which shall bear indelibly marked the maximum voltage for which they have been manufactured, prohibiting the use of other gloves that do not meet this essential requirement.

• h)

  Protective creams may be used complementarily in cases where required.

In work with risk of falling heavy objects or pinching of fingers under large loads, safety footwear shall be used that shall have steel toes or a protective cap to protect the worker's feet against penetration by sharp objects.

In the face of risk of contact with chemical products or against moisture, high waterproof boots resistant to aggressive materials shall be used.

Workers engaged in work with dangers of electrical discharge shall use insulating footwear without any metallic elements.

In those operations where sparks are dangerous, the footwear shall not have metallic parts (iron nails). Whenever the work requires it, the sole shall be non-slip. The protection of lower extremities shall be completed when necessary with the use of foot covers and leg guards.

The protection of the trunk shall be carried out by means of aprons that shall have the necessary characteristics to protect against splashing or contact with chemical products, proximity to open flame or objects at high temperatures, and projections of molten metals.

The use of safety belts shall be mandatory in all work that reasonably involves risks of injury from falls from height; their use shall not exempt the adoption of adequate collective protection measures.

Before proceeding to their use, the user shall inspect the belt or harness and its fastening means, and must report any anomalies to their superior or immediate supervisor.

The fastening system shall be protected against the abrasive and cutting action of materials that may come into contact with it. Special vigilance shall be maintained over the safety and resistance of the anchor point. The length of the fastening shall be as short as possible compatible with the operation. The worker shall work as close as possible to the vertical of the anchor point and this shall always be located above their head.

When in addition to the restraint of the operator it is intended to protect against the possible consequences of a fall, fastening systems equipped with shock-absorbing devices and safety harnesses shall be used instead of belts.

All belts, harnesses, fittings and fasteners shall be examined at frequent intervals and any defective parts shall be replaced.

Welding and metal cutting operations, even in cases where they are occasional operations, shall only be performed by qualified persons.

In the installation and use of electric welding the following provisions are mandatory:

• a)

  The casing of each welding apparatus shall be grounded.

• b)

  The fixed connection for incorporation to the primary circuit network shall only be performed by an authorized electrician.

• c)

  The connection terminals for the secondary circuit shall be carefully insulated.

• d)

  The outer surface of hand-held electrode holders and, as much as possible their jaws shall be insulated.

• e)

  The ground cable shall be connected directly to the piece to be welded (or as close to it as possible), taking special care in its correct connection and using appropriate clamps.

• f)

  The welding apparatus shall be disconnected from the network before moving them or performing any maneuvers and during long interruptions.

• g)

  Prior to their use the cables shall be carefully reviewed, discarding any that show defects.

• h)

  Care shall be taken in the laying of cables, avoiding hot objects, puddles, sharp edges, sparks and welding projections or any place that could affect their insulation. It shall be ensured that vehicles do not pass over them or that they are not struck; cables that must cross a traffic route shall be protected by means of passage supports resistant to compression.

• i)

  The holder shall not be placed on conductive materials.

• j)

  The holder or electrode shall never come into contact with the operator's clothing or body.

• k)

  Welding is prohibited in the rain or with clothing wet from rain or sweat.

Arc welders shall use the following personal protective equipment:

• a)

  Face and eye protection screen.

• b)

  Long-sleeved leather gloves.

• c)

  Leather armguard.

• d)

  Leather apron.

• e)

  Quick-opening leg guards, with pants worn above f) Safety footwear. g) Safety helmet, when work requires it. h) Safety glasses. Autogenous and oxycutting welders shall use the same protective equipment; instead of a screen they shall have appropriate protection glasses. It shall be verified prior to use that the screen has no cracks that allow light to pass through and that the radiation protection glass is appropriate to the intensity and diameter of the electrode. When chipping slag or brushing welds, welders shall protect their eyes against particle projection using safety glasses or transparent screens. When welding on metal elements, insulating safety footwear must be used. When working at height and a safety belt must be used, the belt shall be protected to prevent sparks from burning it. The welder's assistant personnel shall wear absorbent glasses with lateral protection and shall use gloves, armguards, and other protective garments against molten metal projections in relation to their proximity to the arc. The use of clothing stained with grease, solvents, or other combustible substances is prohibited.

If there are workstations adjacent to the welding station, they shall be protected from radiation by means of appropriate screens that prevent visual contact of nearby workers with the welding point.

The places where welding work is performed must be well ventilated. In confined spaces, local suction systems must be used. In open areas, where natural ventilation is not capable of clearing the operator's breathing zone of welding fumes, this control system must also be used. The use of local suction is particularly required in welding and oxycutting on galvanized materials and on metals with anti-oxidant coatings (paints) with a lead or chromium base. In welding and oxycutting on stainless steel and special alloys, where carcinogenic or highly toxic products may be found in fumes, ventilation and control measures shall be strictly enhanced.

In welding and oxycutting work in confined spaces, in addition to the provisions of Chapter XXVI, the following measures shall be followed:

• a)

  Never ventilate with oxygen or use it as compressed gas to clean welding areas.

• b)

  The cylinders for oxycutting and the welding apparatus shall remain on the exterior.

• c)

  Special vigilance shall be maintained over the insulation of the welding clamp and safety-voltage lighting shall be used.

• d)

  A general ventilation system for the confined space shall be provided and fumes shall be captured by means of a local extraction system; if the latter is insufficient, personal protective equipment shall be mandatorily used.

In the use and storage of oxygen cylinders and combustible gas cylinders (propane or acetylene) the following rules shall be followed:

• a)

  Cylinders shall be kept protected from electrical contact, separated from heat sources and protected from the sun.

• b)

  Special trolleys designed for their transport and use shall be used; appropriate containers shall also be used when transported by cranes or other lifting devices; electromagnets shall never be used for this purpose.

• c)

  Full cylinders must be kept in a vertical position, supported by straps, clamps, or chains; when not in service they shall be covered with their safety cap.

• d)

  On the support or cart, the oxygen cylinder and the combustible gas cylinder shall have their discharge valves directed in opposite directions.

• e)

  Empty cylinders and full cylinders shall be stored separately.

• f)

  Oxygen cylinders and combustible gas cylinders shall be located in different sites.

• g)

  Oxygen cylinders shall not be placed near flammable substances and grease storage areas.

• h)

  The taps and pressure reducing regulators of oxygen cylinders shall never be greased nor stained with oil.

• i)

  Copper tubing or alloys containing it in proportions exceeding seventy percent (70%) shall not be used in acetylene conduits.

• j)

  The taps of cylinders shall never be forced nor shall these be dismantled or joints replaced. Defective cylinders shall be sent to the supplier.

There shall be a written work procedure that regulates the placement of pressure reducing regulators, opening of valves, purging of gases, ignition of the torch, care of hoses, and other safety measures; operators shall be instructed and trained in the practice of this procedure.

Prior to performing work, the good condition of the hoses shall be verified. In laying out the hoses, the same precautions shall be taken as with electrical cables. Leaks in connections shall be located using a soapy solution; a flame shall never be used for this purpose. The minimum distance between the torch and the cylinders shall be ten (10) meters; this distance may be reduced to five (5) meters if there are protections against heat radiation.

The torch shall be ignited with a friction lighter, never with a match. Care shall be taken to keep the torch nozzles clean, using brass needles for this purpose. The oxygen and combustible gas conduits shall have flame arrestor valves that shall be installed as close as possible to the torch, compatible with the comfort of its use. The torch shall never be placed on the cylinders nor even when turned off.

Combustible or flammable materials must not exist in the area where welding and oxycutting operations are performed. When it is necessary to perform a one-time welding and oxycutting operation in a place where such materials exist, the work area shall be cleared so that spark or molten metal projection onto such materials becomes impossible. The welder shall have a fire extinguisher and shall know the locations of hydrants or secondary fire suppression means. In locations where welding or oxycutting is performed, the storage of combustible or flammable materials is prohibited. Prior to welding or oxycutting operation on a sheet, screen, or separator plate, the operator shall inspect the opposite side, verifying that there are no people and combustible materials; this inspection shall also be performed when work ends. During the operation, the welder shall monitor the point of fall of incandescent projections and shall ensure that there are no openings in floors and partitions through which incandescent projections may pass to zones containing combustible materials. If such openings exist, prior to the operation they shall be covered with fire-resistant covers.

Before proceeding to weld a container that has contained combustible gases or liquids, it shall be completely emptied and cleaned; subsequently it shall be inertized with carbon dioxide or another gas of similar characteristics; The containers shall have vents for the escape of gases.

When working with pressure spray painting, the employer shall take the necessary measures to protect workers against the harmful effects of the substances used and prevent the risks of fire or explosion inherent to this type of work; the employer shall have all safety information about the products used and at a minimum the safety data sheets, which shall be required from the supplier. The employer shall instruct operators in correct work procedures and the risks to which they are exposed.

In work establishments, every site intended for spray painting parts shall be equipped with a suction booth and constructed in such a way that paint emanations do not affect other people.

The booths shall be adequately separated from areas where hot work is performed, and no-smoking signs shall be posted.

The booths shall be constructed of fire-resistant material, and their interior surfaces shall be smooth and easy to clean. The inlets of the suction ducts shall be equipped with paint purification equipment that can be easily cleaned and the fans shall be explosion-proof. The installation of the booths shall be done in such a way that the operator does not have to position himself between the suction intake and the object being painted.

Paint and varnish residues shall be extracted from the booths and their devices at least once per week. Spark generation shall be avoided in the elimination of paint or varnish residues from said booths and flammable substances shall not be used for cleaning.

Cabins intended for spray painting operations shall have forced ventilation. The amount of air to be extracted shall be sufficient to prevent the dispersion of solvents in the environment that exceed maximum permissible quantities. In any case, the minimum air velocity in the open area of the cabin shall be fifty (50) centimeters per second.

Painted or varnished objects shall be dried in such a manner as to prevent fires, explosions, or damage to the health of workers.

Ovens or closed dryers used for forced drying of painted objects shall be constructed of non-combustible material. They shall have mechanical ventilation to maintain the concentration of flammable vapors below twenty-five percent (25%) of the minimum explosion level. The air circulation system shall be combined with the heat source in order to interrupt heating when the ventilation system ceases to operate.

The respiratory passages, eyes, and skin of the spray gun operator shall be appropriately protected according to the degree of exposure. The mask used shall be appropriate to the product being used; chemical filters that retain vapors produced during paint application shall be used when the protection provided by mechanical or particulate filters is insufficient. In cases of high paint concentrations in the environmental atmosphere, the operator shall use semi-autonomous equipment that provides pure air taken from an uncontaminated environment.

Workers engaged in spray painting operations shall be provided with aprons, gloves, caps, and other skin protections as necessary and shall have a sufficient quantity of appropriate products to clean paint from their hands and face. In no case shall solvents be used for cleaning; all contact of paint or solvents with the skin shall be avoided.

Contact between the body and the spray nozzle or point of the installation where leaks have occurred shall be avoided, due to the possibility of intradermal injection of paint at these points at high pressure, particularly in airless applications.

Exposure to the thermo-hygrometric environmental conditions of workplaces shall not imply a risk to the safety and health of workers. The risk to worker health from exposure to extreme thermo-hygrometric conditions may be from heat (thermal stress from heat) or from cold (thermal stress from cold). The existence of risk to health from thermal stress due to heat depends on both environmental conditions and the activity performed by the operator and the clothing worn. An evaluation of the risk of thermal stress from heat shall be carried out using the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index evaluation method, normalized internationally. Under conditions of extreme thermal exposure, the previous evaluation may be complemented with the methods of required sweat rate and thermal stress from heat or thermal overload.

Insofar as possible, the environmental conditions of workplaces shall not constitute a source of discomfort or annoyance to workers. To this end, extreme temperatures and humidity levels, abrupt temperature changes, annoying air currents, unpleasant odors, excessive irradiation, and solar radiation through windows, lights, or glass partitions shall be avoided. In closed work premises, the following conditions shall be met in particular: 1. The temperature of premises where sedentary office-type work or similar work is performed shall be between seventeen degrees Celsius (17°C) and twenty-seven degrees Celsius (27°C). The temperature of premises where light work is performed shall be between fourteen degrees Celsius (14°C) and twenty-five degrees Celsius (25°C). 2. Relative humidity shall be between thirty percent (30%) and seventy percent (70%), except in premises where there is a risk from static electricity, where the lower limit shall be fifty percent (50%). 3. Workers shall not be exposed frequently or continuously to air currents whose velocity exceeds the following limits: a) Work in non-warm environments: 0.25 m/s b) Sedentary work in warm environments: 0.5 m/s c) Non-sedentary work in warm environments: 0.75 m/s These limits shall not apply to air currents expressly used to prevent thermal stress in intense heat exposures, nor to air-conditioned currents, for which the limit shall be 0.25 m/s for sedentary work and 0.35 m/s in other cases. 4. Without prejudice to what is provided regarding ventilation of certain premises, the minimum air renewal of work premises shall be thirty cubic meters (30 m³) of clean air per hour and worker, in the case of sedentary work in non-warm environments not contaminated by tobacco smoke, and fifty cubic meters (50 m³) in other cases, in order to avoid stale atmosphere and unpleasant odors. The ventilation system used, and in particular the distribution of clean air inlets and stale air outlets, shall ensure effective air renewal in the work premises.

For purposes of applying what is established in the previous article, account shall be taken of the limitations or conditions that may prevail in each case regarding the processes or operations being conducted and the particular characteristics of the workplace itself, as well as the climate of the area in which it is located; and in any case, the thermal insulation of closed premises must be adapted to the climatic conditions particular to the location.

In open-air workplaces and in work premises that, due to the activity conducted, cannot remain closed, measures shall be taken so that workers can protect themselves from inclement weather.

The environmental conditions of rest areas, premises for on-duty personnel, hygiene services, dining areas, and first aid premises shall correspond to the specific use of these premises and shall comply in all cases with what is provided in items 1 and 2 of Article 339.

When workers are exposed to high temperatures, they shall be properly protected from the effects of heat load by the following methods, in order of priority or preference: 1. Isolation of the heat source. In those heat sources that release an excessive amount of heat to the environment, their external surfaces shall be covered, insofar as the industrial process permits, with insulating materials of appropriate technical characteristics to reduce the thermal effect. 2. Screening of the heat source. If covering the heat source is not possible or if the effects of such covering are insufficient, screens made of heat-reflecting and absorbing materials shall be installed between the heat source and the worker, as appropriate, or air curtains incident on the worker in order to prevent harmful exposures. If visibility of the operation cannot be interrupted, screens shall be provided with observation windows with special heat-reflecting glass. 3. Distance of the worker. When, due to the characteristics of the industrial process, it is not feasible to isolate the heat source or install screens, the worker shall be moved away from the heat source to reduce exposure to heat below the maximum tolerated limits. 4. Air-conditioned cabins. If the worker, due to process requirements, must be located near the heat source and it is not feasible to isolate or screen it, air-conditioned cabins shall be installed so that the worker is not exposed to high temperatures.

In work establishments where operations or processes at very low temperatures are carried out (cold rooms, etc.), employers shall supply workers with semi-permeable fabric overalls with insulating material relief, respective lining and zipper, hood of the same material with free space for eyes, nose and mouth, and rubber boots. Workers who must handle keys, faucets, etc., or whose hands must come into contact with very cold substances shall be provided with gloves or mittens made of cold-insulating material. When the temperature of work premises is below ten degrees Celsius (10°C), and especially in work that, due to the characteristics of the process and operations to be carried out, must be performed in cold environments, it is recommended to evaluate the risk of thermal stress from cold using the Required Insulation Index method or the Cold Air Current Index method.

In work to be carried out in closed premises where workers are exposed to low or high temperatures, the time spent by operators in extreme thermal conditions shall be limited by organizing work so that within each hour of work, there are periods of time during which the operator is in comfortable thermal conditions that permit recovery.

In work premises the following measures shall be observed: 1. The lighting of each zone or part of a workplace shall be adapted to the characteristics of the activity conducted in it, taking into account: a) Risks to the safety and health of workers dependent on visibility conditions. b) Visual demands of the tasks performed. 2. Whenever possible, work premises shall have natural lighting, which shall be supplemented with artificial lighting when the former alone does not guarantee adequate visibility conditions. In such cases, general artificial lighting shall preferably be used, complemented in turn with localized lighting when specific zones require high lighting levels. 3. The minimum lighting levels of work premises shall be the following: A: CIRCULATION ZONES AND GENERAL INTERIOR AREAS LOCATION OR ACTIVITY Em(

• 1)

  UGR(

• 2)

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  Observations(

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  Circulation zones Hallways and circulation routes 100 28 40 At ground level. If vehicles circulate, increase to 150 lux Normal stairs and escalators 150 25 40 Loading/unloading docks 150 25 40 Rest areas, first aid areas and sanitary facilities Dining rooms 200 22 80 Rest areas 100 22 80 Physical exercise rooms 300 22 80 Changing rooms, services and washrooms 100 25 80 Infirmary 500 19 80 Medical care room 500 19 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Control rooms Boiler rooms, switches, etc. 200 25 60 Switchboards, fax rooms 500 19 80 Storage rooms and cold chambers Storage rooms 100 25 60 200 lux if continuously occupied Packing areas 300 25 60 Shelving storage areas Hallways without workers 20 --- 40 Hallways with workers 200 22 60 Control posts 200 22 60 B: INDUSTRIAL AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES LOCATION OR ACTIVITY Em(

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    UGR(

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    Ra(

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    Observations(

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    Agricultural activities Product loading, equipment and machinery handling 200 25 80 Stables and barns 50 --- 40 Calving stalls and sick animal facilities 200 25 60 Feed preparation, milking and utensil washing 200 25 60 Bakeries Dough preparation and bread production 300 22 80 Finishing and decoration 500 22 80 Cement and concrete industry Drying 50 28 20 Material preparation, ovens and mixers 200 28 20 Work with general machinery 300 25 80 Briquette molding 300 25 80 Ceramic and glass industry Drying 50 28 20 Material preparation and work with general machinery 300 25 80 Enameling, engraving, polishing, precision operations, manufacture of glass instruments 750 19 80 Optical glass polishing, manual polishing, engraving, work on medium precision products 750 16 80 Hand drawings and precision work: decorative engraving, etc. 1000 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Artificial precious stone manufacturing 1500 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Chemical, plastic and rubber industries Remote control process installations 50 --- 40 Process installations with limited manual intervention 100 28 40 Work premises with continuous manual intervention 300 25 80 Laboratories and precision measurement rooms 500 19 80 Pharmaceutical product manufacturing 500 22 80 Tire manufacturing 500 22 80 Color inspection 1000 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Cutting, finishing and inspection 750 19 80 Electrical industry Wire and cable manufacturing 300 25 80 Winding: - Large spools 300 25 80 - Medium spools 500 22 80 - Small spools 750 19 80 Coil impregnation 300 25 80 Tinning 300 25 80 B: INDUSTRIAL AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES LOCATION OR ACTIVITY Em(

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      UGR(

    • 2)

      Ra(

    • 3)

      Observations(

    • 4)

      Assembly and assembly: - Rough (e.g. Large transformers) 300 25 80 - Medium (e.g. Control panels) 500 22 80 - Fine (e.g. Telephones) 750 19 80 - Precision (e.g. Measurement equipment) 1000 16 80 Electronics workshops, testing and adjustment 1500 16 80 Food industry Initial classification and product washing, grinding, mixing, packaging 300 25 80 Barrel filling plants, product cooking for preserves, peeling, drying and curing of tobacco, infusions, malting, sugar manufacturing, chocolate manufacturing, fermentation warehouses 200 25 80 Work posts in slaughterhouses, butcher shops, dairies, refineries, sugar refineries, filtration rooms 500 25 80 Fruit and vegetable classification and cutting 300 25 80 Candy manufacturing, cooking tasks, pure cigar production 500 22 80 Bottle and container inspection, product control, decoration, classification 500 22 80 Laboratories 500 19 80 Color inspection 1000 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Foundries and molding Service tunnels and warehouses 50 --- 20 Safety signal colors must be recognizable Platforms and loading docks 100 25 40 Sand preparation 200 25 80 Mechanical preparation 200 25 80 Mixers 200 25 80 Foundry zone 200 25 80 Vibrator demolding 200 25 80 Molding machine 200 25 80 Manual molding 300 25 80 Machine molding 300 25 80 Mold manufacturing 500 22 80 Jewelry manufacturing Work with precious stones 1500 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Jewelry manufacturing 1000 16 90 Manual watch manufacturing 1500 16 80 Hair salons Hairdressing work 500 19 90 Laundries and dry cleaning Garment reception, marking and classification 300 25 80 Washing and dry cleaning 300 25 80 Ironing 300 25 80 Inspection and repair 750 19 80 Leather industry Work in tanks, troughs, etc. 200 25 40 Fleshing, scraping and buffing hides 300 25 80 Leather dressing and shoe manufacturing: cutting, punching, forming, sewing, polishing 500 22 80 Classification of tanned hides 500 22 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Machine hide dyeing 500 22 80 Quality control 1000 19 80 Color inspection 1000 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Glove manufacturing 500 22 80 Shoe manufacturing 500 22 80 Metal working Open die forging 200 25 60 Pillar hammer forging 300 25 60 Welding 300 25 60 Heavy and medium machinery (Tolerance >= 0.1 mm) 300 22 60 Precision machinery (Tolerance < 0.1 mm) 500 19 60 Layout, inspection 750 19 60 Tube and wire work (hot forming) 300 25 60 Heavy sheet machine work (thickness >= 5 mm) 200 25 60 Sheet work (thickness < 5 mm) 300 22 60 Tool manufacturing 750 19 60 Assembly: - Rough 200 25 80 - Medium 300 25 80 - Fine 500 22 80 - Precision 750 19 80 Galvanizing 300 25 80 Painting and surface treatments 500 25 80 Tempering, sharpening operations, precision mechanics, micromechanics 1000 19 80 Paper industry Pulp mills 200 25 80 Paper manufacturing and processing, cardboard manufacturing 300 25 80 B: INDUSTRIAL AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES LOCATION OR ACTIVITY Em(

      • 1)

        UGR(

      • 2)

        Ra(

      • 3)

        Observations(

      • 4)

        Bookbinding: Folding, classification, gluing, cutting, embossing and sewing 500 22 80 Power plants Fuel supply 50 --- --- Safety signal colors must be recognizable Boiler room 100 28 40 Machine room 200 25 80 Complementary rooms: pump rooms, condenser rooms, etc. 200 25 60 Control rooms 500 16 80 Control panels are often in vertical position. Condition the display screens Outdoor switching equipment 20 --- --- Safety signal colors must be recognizable Printing plants Cutting, electrochemical coating, plate work, printing machines 500 19 80 Paper classification and manual printing 500 19 80 Type composition, retouching, lithography 1000 19 80 Color inspection in printing 1500 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 5000° K Copper and steel engraving 2000 16 80 Rolling mills and iron and steel work Production plants without manual operations 50 --- 20 Safety signal colors must be recognizable Production plants with occasional manual operations 150 28 40 Production plants with continuous manual operations 200 25 60 Plate storage 50 --- 20 Safety signal colors must be recognizable Furnaces 200 25 60 Rolling mill train, spooling and cutting 300 25 40 Platforms and control panels 300 22 80 Inspection, measurement and checking 500 22 80 Passageways, hatches, warehouses, etc. 50 --- 20 Safety signal colors must be recognizable Textile industry Bale and roll opening zones 200 25 60 Washing, carding, combing, pre-spinning, etc. 300 22 80 Spinning and winding 500 22 80 Prevent stroboscopic effects Warp, weaving, braiding, knitting 750 22 80 Manual design and pattern drawing 750 22 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Garment manufacturing and clothing. Sewing 500 22 80 Cutting 500 22 80 Quality inspection 750 19 80 Packaging 300 25 80 Ironing 300 25 80 Maintenance 500 22 80 Laundry 300 25 80 Warehouse and storage 200 25 40 Hallway 100 28 40 B: INDUSTRIAL AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES LOCATION OR ACTIVITY Em(

        • 1)

          UGR(

        • 2)

          Ra(

        • 3)

          Observations(

        • 4)

          Finishing, dyeing 500 22 80 Drying room 100 28 60 Automatic printing 500 25 80 Selection, adornment and arrangement 1000 19 80 Color inspections, manufacturing control 1000 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Arrangements that cannot be perceived at first sight 1500 19 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Hat manufacturing 500 22 80 Vehicle manufacturing Assembly and body work 500 22 80 Painting, paint booths, polishing booths 750 22 80 Painting: touch-ups, inspection 1000 16 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Upholstery 1000 19 80 Final inspection 750 19 80 Wood industry Automatic processing: drying, plywood manufacturing, etc. 50 28 40 Steam treatment 150 28 40 Band saw 300 25 60 Prevent stroboscopic effects Workshop bench work, assembly and gluing 300 25 80 Varnishing, painting, decoration placement 500 22 80 Machine wood work: turning, planing, cutting, sanding, grooving, milling, etc. 500 19 80 Prevent stroboscopic effects Wood selection for veneering 750 22 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Wood marquetry and inlay work 750 22 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K Quality control 750 19 90 Color temperature Tc >= 4000° K C: OFFICES LOCATION OR ACTIVITY Em(

          • 1)

            UGR(

          • 2)

            Ra(

          • 3)

            Observations(

          • 4)

            Files, copiers, circulation areas 300 19 80 Reading, writing, typewriting, data processing 500 19 80 Condition the display screens Technical drawing 750 16 80 Computer-aided design (CAD) 500 19 80 Condition the display screens Meeting rooms 500 19 80 Reception desks 300 22 80 Storage areas 200 25 80 D: STORES LOCATION OR ACTIVITY Em(1) UGR(2) Ra(3) Observations(4) Public sales areas 300 22 80 Both Em and UGR are determined by the type of store Cashier's post 500 19 80 Packing table 500 19 80 Em(1) Average level of maintained illumination over the work area, in lux UGR(2) Unified Glare Rating index obtained in accordance with the procedure given by CIE in its Publication No. 117. (For a given lighting system it may be supplied by the installing company) Ra(3) Color rendering index of light sources (supplied by the manufacturer). The maximum value of Ra is 100 The Secretariat of Labor and Social Security, through its specialized department, may modify, expand, or reduce the values of permitted lighting levels in workplaces when it deems necessary due to alterations in worker health, after verification, or due to new international technical studies that modify the standards. Observations: Among other requirements of a lighting system is the color temperature of light sources, Tc, expressed in degrees Kelvin. This parameter refers to the tone of the light. 1. These lighting levels shall be measured at the height where a task is performed; in the case of general use areas at eighty-five (85) centimeters above ground level and in circulation routes at ground level. 2. These minimum levels shall be doubled when the following circumstances concur: a) In general use areas and circulation routes, when due to their characteristics, condition or occupancy, there are appreciable risks of falls, collisions, or other accidents. b) In zones where tasks are performed, when a visual appreciation error during their execution could pose a danger to the worker performing them or to third parties, or when the contrast of luminance or color between the object to be viewed and its background is very weak. However, these limits shall not apply to activities whose nature prevents their application.

Uniformity and glare.

General Regulation on Preventive Measures for Work Accidents and Occupational Diseases Labor and Social Security Secretariat. Republic of Honduras 122 The lighting of workplaces shall comply, moreover, with respect to its distribution and other characteristics, with the following conditions: 1. The distribution of illumination levels shall be as uniform as possible 2. It shall be sought to maintain levels and contrasts of illuminance appropriate to the visual demands of the task, avoiding abrupt variations of illuminance within the work area and between this and its surroundings. 3. Direct glare caused by sunlight or artificial light sources of high luminance shall be avoided. In no case shall these be placed without protection in the worker's visual field. 4. Indirect glare caused by reflective surfaces located in the work area or its vicinity shall likewise be avoided. 5. Systems or light sources that impair the perception of contrasts, depth or distance between objects in the work area shall not be used, nor those that produce a visual impression of intermittence or that may give rise to stroboscopic effects. 6. The surfaces of walls and ceilings of work premises shall be painted in light colors so that they absorb the least amount of light, and contribute to the uniformity of illumination.

Localized illumination. When the nature of the work requires intense illumination in a desired location, general illumination shall be combined with complementary local lighting, adapted to the work being performed and arranged in such a manner as to avoid glare. To reduce the visual fatigue of the operator, and the reduction of visual efficiency, the following luminance or brightness relationships must be met. 1. Between the task and its immediate surroundings, it is recommended that the luminance of the immediate surroundings be less than that of the task but not less than one-third (1/3). 2. Between the task and its distant surroundings, it is recommended that the luminance ratio not exceed ten (10) nor be less than one-tenth (1/10).

Workplaces, or parts thereof, in which a failure of normal lighting would pose a risk to worker safety, shall have emergency lamps on evacuation and safety routes, capable of maintaining at least for one hour an intensity of 50 lux, and their energy source shall be independent of the normal lighting system.

The lighting systems used shall not create electrical, fire or explosion risks, complying in this regard with the provisions of the specific applicable regulations.

General Regulation on Preventive Measures for Work Accidents and Occupational Diseases Labor and Social Security Secretariat. Republic of Honduras 123 SECTION III NOISE AND VIBRATIONS

In all work establishments where noise is produced above the permissible levels in this Regulation, technical studies shall be conducted to apply systems or methods that can reduce or dampen them to the maximum. Preference shall be given to examining old, defective or poorly maintained machinery, adjusting or replacing it as the case may be.

When sound pressure exceeds the maximum permissible levels, the exposure of workers shall be reduced by means of the following systems and in the order that follows: 1. Acting on the source of emission in the following ways: a) Isolating the source of emission by locating noisy machinery or processes outside or away from the normal work area; b) Placing machinery within acoustic enclosure. c) Following an adequate maintenance program for keeping the moving parts in perfect working condition, or d) Replacement of machines or modification of processes with less noisy ones. 2. Acting on the environment to attenuate propagation in the following ways:

• a)

  Isolating work stations located in noisy environments.

• b)

  Covering, as appropriate, floors, walls and ceilings with soundproofing materials.

• c)

  Implementing acoustic screens or barriers. 3. When despite these measures, workers must be exposed to noise levels higher than those permitted, the use of corresponding personal protective equipment shall be mandatory. 4. Likewise, personnel rotation shall be carried out reducing exposure times, so that throughout the work day the established limits are not exceeded.

The maximum permissible level for continuous noise in workplaces shall be 85 decibels of sound pressure measured on the A scale (dBA) of the sound meter and at head height.

Daily worker exposure to continuous or intermittent noise shall not exceed the equivalent permissible limits established in the following table:

General Regulation on Preventive Measures for Work Accidents and Occupational Diseases Labor and Social Security Secretariat. Republic of Honduras 124 EXPOSURE TIME PERMITTED PER WORK DAY (HOURS) AVERAGE LEVEL OF SOUND PRESSURE MEASURED ON THE A SCALE (Decibels) 8 85 4 90 2 95 1 100 0.50 105 0.25 110 0.13 115 * The value of 115 decibels A shall be considered the maximum exposure limit, and workers shall not be exposed to higher levels of continuous noise.

For exposures to impulse or impact noise, the maximum sound pressure level that shall not be exceeded at any time during the work day is one hundred forty (140) dB linear.

When daily exposure consists of two or more periods of exposure to continuous or intermittent noise of different sound levels, the combined effect of the different exposures shall be considered rather than the individual effect.

The employer shall perform an auditory function assessment every 5 years and shall supply hearing protectors to all workers who request them when they are exposed to noise levels equal to or greater than 80 dB(A) and less than 85 dB(A), during 8 hours or equivalent exposure for any other sound pressure level. Workers shall mandatorily use the hearing protectors supplied by the employer when they are exposed to sound pressure levels higher than 85 dB(A) during 8 hours or equivalent exposure, or when a peak level of 140 dB measured on the linear scale is exceeded at any instant. The employer shall subject workers to auditory function assessment every year when they are exposed to these noise levels. The employer shall furthermore signalize the area where these levels are exceeded and shall establish a program of technical and organizational measures to reduce worker exposure.

Employers or their representatives are obligated to maintain safe sound levels for worker health and hearing, for which they must establish a hearing conservation program that covers all personnel who, by reason of their occupation, are exposed to sound levels equal to or greater than 85 dB(A).

Every hearing conservation program shall include:

• a)

  Environmental analysis of noise exposure;

• b)

  Systems for controlling noise exposure; and c) Measurements of the hearing capacity of exposed persons, through pre-employment, periodic and exit audiometric tests.

  General Regulation on Preventive Measures for Work Accidents and Occupational Diseases Labor and Social Security Secretariat. Republic of Honduras 125 A complete record of the results of environmental noise measurements, noise exposure by work station, and audiometric tests by person shall be maintained at the establishment, accessible to the competent authorities whenever they request it.

The Labor and Social Security Secretariat, through its specialized department, may modify, expand or reduce the values of permissible sound levels in workplaces when it deems necessary due to health alterations of workers, following verification, or due to new international technical studies that modify the standards.

To prevent the production of vibrations in machines and tools:

• a)

  Their perfect static and dynamic balance shall be ensured.

• b)

  They shall be maintained in perfect working condition, with worn or defective ones being repaired or discarded.

• c)

  Anti-vibration mounting and suspension systems shall be used.

Machines and tools that produce vibrations, such as pneumatic hammers, riveters, compactors, etc., shall be equipped with fork-type devices or other damping mechanisms and workers who use them shall be provided with anti-vibration gloves.

To combat machinery vibrations or their transmission, the following measures shall be employed:

• a)

  Dynamic and static balancing of machinery.

• b)

  Anti-vibration castings or supports.

• c)

  Anti-vibration mounting.

• d)

  Machines that produce vibrations that may be transmitted to other parts of the building shall be installed appropriately distant from columns, castings or structural support elements.

• e)

  Ducts for forced circulation of gases, liquids or solids in suspension shall be equipped with devices that prevent the transmission of vibrations.

To moderate the adverse effects of exposure to vibration, workers shall not be continuously exposed to it, and shall interrupt work for a minimum of approximately 10 minutes per hour of continuous exposure.

Work in which operators use vibration-producing tools such as drills shall only be performed by specialized persons who are trained in the use of minimum gripping force.

Persons permanently exposed to vibrations shall undergo annual medical examination.

Companies that permanently and directly handle biological agents or where, due to raw materials used or working conditions, workers may be exposed to biological risks, shall have a protocol for evaluation of exposed personnel and a plan for evaluation and control of risk factors, which shall include:

• a)

  Nature of biological agents to which workers are or may be exposed.

• b)

  Diseases susceptible to being contracted by workers and the allergic and toxic effects that may result from exposure to biological agents in their activity.

• c)

  Categories of workers who, due to their state of health, cannot be exposed to or work in positions with risk of exposure to biological agents.

• d)

  Control and correction measures to be implemented.

• e)

  Preventive measures and particularly vaccinations through the corresponding health authorities.

When it is determined that in certain work positions workers may contract a disease or have their health affected, the employer shall proceed to:

• a)

  Eliminate by technical procedures the possibility of exposure to the biological agent.

• b)

  When this is not possible due to the nature of the work, the employer shall establish safe work procedures; said procedures shall be written detailing the ways to perform operations and the prevention measures that workers must employ in carrying them out.

• c)

  Establish measures to prevent the spread of biological agents in work places, for which purpose it shall establish work means that prevent the formation of aerosols and possibilities of surface contamination by hands and objects.

• d)

  Establish prohibitions against access by unauthorized personnel for carrying out operations with biological risk.

• e)

  Implement collective protection measures which shall include: Biological safety cabinets; specified disinfection procedures; efficient vector control; biological hazard signage; adoption of safe measures for receipt, handling and transport of biological agents; and biological safety material such as safety centrifuges.

• f)

  Implement personal protection measures which shall include: Work clothing, barrier-type protection garments, respiratory and eye protection.

Compliance with the following hygienic measures shall be monitored:

• a)

  Prohibition of eating, drinking or smoking in work places.

• b)

  Prohibition of certain dangerous operations such as mouth pipetting and recapping of needles before disposal.

• c)

  Specification of procedures for obtaining, handling and processing samples of human and animal origin.

• d)

  Workers shall have dressing facilities with all necessary amenities for their personal hygiene, including antiseptic products.

• e)

  Workers shall have 10 minutes within the work day for personal hygiene before meals and another 10 minutes before leaving work.

• f)

  Upon leaving the work area, the worker shall remove work clothing and personal protective equipment that may be contaminated by biological agents and shall keep them in places that do not contain other garments.

• g)

  The employer shall be responsible for the washing, decontamination and, if necessary, destruction of work clothing and protective equipment, and it is strictly prohibited that workers take them to their home for such purpose.

Monitoring of worker health and vaccination. 1. The Employer shall ensure adequate and specific monitoring of the health of workers with risk of exposure to biological agents; this monitoring shall be conducted before exposure and at regular intervals, in accordance with medical practice and the existence of early detection tests. The results of the tests shall be made available to workers. 2. When there is risk of exposure to biological agents for which there is an effective vaccine or preventive treatments, these shall be made available to workers, informing them of the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination. The offer to the worker of the corresponding measure and his acceptance of it shall be recorded in writing. 3. A medical record of each exposed worker shall be maintained.

Documentation. The employer shall be required to maintain:

• a)

  Study of biological risk assessment.

• b)

  List of exposed workers.

• c)

  Medical record with the results of tests performed and medical examinations conducted on each exposed worker.

• d)

  The employer shall maintain this documentation available to the competent authority.

In the importation, manufacture, storage, transport, commercialization, handling or disposal of chemical substances, all necessary measures and precautions shall be taken to prevent harm to the health of workers, the general population, and the environment.

The Secretariat of Labor and Social Security, in coordination with the Secretariat of Health, may prohibit the use or establish restrictions on the importation, manufacture, transport, storage, commerce and use of a substance or product that, due to its intrinsic characteristics or safe handling, implies serious acute or chronic risks to the health of persons who use it.

Persons under whose responsibility tasks of transport, commercialization, use or disposition of chemical products are carried out shall be responsible for their proper use and handling, providing for this all necessary training to the workers who use them.

For reasons of health and safety of workers, the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security through the competent department is empowered to:

• a)

  Determine the categories of workers who, for health reasons, are not fit to use them.

• b)

  Collect samples of chemical products for corresponding analysis for health prevention purposes.

• c)

  Monitor that workers are subjected to periodic medical examination according to the risk to which they are exposed.

• d)

  Issue decrees, regulations, norms and other legal regulations that correspond in this matter.

• e)

  Enact the preventive measures that the use of these products requires.

In cases not expressly regulated in the present Chapter, the norms provided in the Chapter regarding Chemical Products for Agricultural Use shall apply subsidiarily.

Duties of the company regarding the use of chemical products. With the objective of protecting the health of workers and the general population, the company has the following duties in the handling, use and disposal of chemical products:

• a)

  Shall not utilize chemical products until obtaining pertinent information from the supplier or from other reasonably available sources, regarding the risks that these products imply for the health and safety of workers.

• b)

  Shall not utilize chemical products that have not been appropriately labeled or marked and for which safety data sheets have not been provided.

• c)

  Shall not utilize chemical products until workers have received the necessary information and training for the correct use and handling of these products.

• d)

  The company shall maintain a record of all hazardous products used in the workplace, with the references described in the safety data sheets;

• e)

  For specific operations or in cases where control measures are insufficient, the company shall supply adequate personal protective equipment.

• f)

  The company shall conduct adequate supervision of the application of the control measures stipulated for safety in the use of these substances.

• g)

  The company shall prepare an emergency and evacuation plan containing provisions to address any incident and/or accident that occurs in relation to chemical products, in the event of accidental exposure to the same, an involuntary emission, a fire or an explosion.

• h)

  The company shall guarantee by means of technical control measures that the exposure of operators to the chemical products they handle does not pose any risk to their health.

• i)

  The company shall comply with the standards and guidelines issued by the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security, regarding health and safety in the handling of chemical products used in its industrial processes.

Duties of workers who use chemical products. Workers shall have the following duties:

• a)

  Workers shall comply with all measures provided to eliminate or minimize the risks that the use of chemical products in work entails for themselves, other persons and the environment;

• b)

  Workers shall look out for their own health and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work;

• c)

  Workers shall use correctly all means at their disposal for personal, collective and environmental protection in order to avoid occupational risks and damage to the ecosystem;

• d)

  Workers shall alert without delay their supervisor of any situation that in their judgment may entail a risk;

• e)

  Workers may not refuse to undergo medical or laboratory examinations ordered by the company or the competent authorities, provided that said examinations have the purpose of detecting occupational diseases related to the activity they develop in the company.

Workers who handle chemical products for industrial use shall receive adequate training in the safe use and handling of these products and continuous reminders during work, paying special attention to safety measures in the handling of these products.

Workers who use these products shall be trained according to their activity in the following areas: toxicity of the compounds used, absorption routes, handling of concentrated and formulated products, methods of application, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, precautions to prevent contamination of other substances, food, clothing and water supplies, signs and early symptoms of poisoning, first aid measures, personal and collective protection measures, disposal and elimination of waste and environmental protection.

The training of personnel who handle chemical products shall be in accordance with the product used and in the case of extremely toxic, corrosive, flammable or explosive compounds, emphasis shall be placed on safety measures, prevention of poisoning, measures for environmental protection and first aid. Only personnel who have completed the training and who demonstrate that they effectively possess good knowledge of the risks and procedures to follow shall be permitted to use this type of products.

The company shall provide adequate facilities for personal hygiene, which shall contain lockers to store workers' clean clothes, showers, hand-washing facilities, sanitary facilities and special areas to deposit contaminated clothing. The lockers for clean clothing shall be completely separated from the deposits of contaminated clothing.

Once the work shift has ended, workers shall wash or bathe as the case may be, depositing dirty or contaminated clothing in the designated locations for this purpose.

The company shall monitor compliance with hygiene rules such as not drinking, smoking and eating in workplaces and thoroughly washing face and hands before eating.

In cases where corrosive, irritant, highly toxic products are handled and in any other necessary case, the company shall install emergency showers and/or eyewash stations in work areas, so that they may be used by workers in case of contamination with these products; showers shall be installed in conveniently selected locations, easily accessible to workers and the supply and pressure of water shall be guaranteed during the work shift.

All chemical products shall carry as a minimum the following indications: 1. The chemical product shall have affixed to its container, drawings and/or texts in the form of signs or labels, which may be engraved or glued to it and which in no case shall replace existing safety signage. 2. Labels shall at a minimum contain the following:

• a)

  Name of the substance or preparation.

• b)

  Name, address, telephone of the manufacturer or importer.

• c)

  Symbols or drawings indicative of danger.

• d)

  Description of the risks, both chronic and acute exposure.

• e)

  Precautions and preventive measures in its handling and use.

• f)

  Measures to be taken in case of accidents and first aid.

In the labeling of these products and in the absence of national standards, an international labeling system shall be used that will allow identification of the following hazards: explosives, oxidizing agents, flammable, highly flammable, toxic, very toxic, corrosive, harmful and irritant. A single dangerous chemical product can be defined in terms of one or more of these hazards.

When the company receives chemical products that have not been labeled or do not have safety data sheets, they shall refrain from using them until they obtain the corresponding information from the supplier.

Chemical product waste shall be identified as such and the names of the components shall be indicated for the purpose of protecting the health of workers, while these residues remain in the company's facilities.

Each container and each packaging lid used shall be marked. The detailed indications of the markings on the container or packaging shall remain visible during all phases of supply and use of the chemical products.

Every company that handles chemical products shall have safety data sheets, whether of a hazardous substance or of a preparation and these sheets shall include at least the following information: a) Identification of the substance or preparation. b) Composition or information on the components. c) Physical and chemical properties. d) Stability and reactivity. e) Identification of hazards. f) Environmental control. g) Personal protection. h) Measures to combat fires. i) Measures to be taken in case of accidental spill. j) Handling and storage. k) First aid. l) Toxicological information. ll) Ecological information. m) Considerations relating to disposal. n) Information relating to transport. ñ) Other information.

Personal protective equipment shall be used in accordance with the risk to which workers are exposed and the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions; in the event that exposure may cause the substance to come into contact with the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, or respiratory tract, the following equipment shall be used in the workplace:

• a)

  Overalls and/or apron.

• b)

  Neoprene or rubber boots.

• c)

  Waterproof gloves.

• d)

  Safety glasses or face shields.

• e)

  Mask for gases and vapors. This equipment shall comply with the corresponding standards of Chapter XXI of this Regulation.

The washing of work clothes shall be the responsibility of the company when, due to the nature of its activity, workers are permanently exposed to chemical substances. The persons in charge of washing work clothes and overalls contaminated with these products shall follow the following instructions:

• a)

  They shall use protection (gloves, aprons) when handling contaminated clothing;

• b)

  Workers' clothes shall be washed the same day they have been contaminated by a spill or leak.

• c)

  Clothing that has been used in slightly contaminated environments may be washed every three days.

• d)

  Clothing contaminated with chemical products shall be washed separately from clothing that is not contaminated;

• e)

  Contaminated clothing shall always be pre-washed by soaking it in an appropriate container.

• f)

  Preferably warm or hot water shall be used.

• g)

  Clothing that is highly contaminated shall be washed two or three times or shall be discarded;

• h)

  Clothing shall be dried in the sun.

• i)

  Clean and dry clothing shall be stored in the designated locations. The washing of clothing shall be carried out by mechanical means and the wash water shall be treated as provided by national legislation for its disposal.

Since it is necessary to use protection systems in companies where chemical products are used, preventive actions shall be carried out in the following order:

• a)

  At the source of contamination in order to prevent the emission of the contaminant into the environment.

• b)

  On the means of diffusion in order to prevent its propagation.

• c)

  On the receptor, that is, the worker.

Actions at the source of contamination. Action at the point in the process where the contaminant is generated shall be carried out in the following order of priority:

• a)

  Selection of adequate equipment and design.

• b)

  Substitution of the product.

• c)

  Modification of the process.

• d)

  Enclosure of the process.

• e)

  Isolation of the process.

• f)

  Wet methods.

• g)

  Local extraction.

• h)

  Maintenance.

When the measures provided for in the preceding article are not possible or are insufficient, control shall be exercised over the means of diffusion by applying measures such as cleaning and dilution ventilation.

Action on the receptor or worker. Actions on the receptor, that is, the worker, are justified only when the two previously mentioned options are impossible and the following shall be carried out as a priority:

• a)

  Training and information.

• b)

  Personnel rotation.

• c)

  Enclosure of the worker.

• d)

  Personal protection.

Workers who handle chemical products shall be familiar with the following aspects:

• a)

  The common names and/or chemical names of the products they prepare.

• b)

  The correct method of measuring, transferring, preparing, mixing, and applying the product.

• c)

  The correct method of storing products and the standards to be followed in case of product deterioration or container breakage.

• d)

  The appropriate method of cleaning spills and the disposal of containers and waste.

• e)

  The correct use of personal protective equipment.

• f)

  The risks to human beings and safety measures in their use.

• g)

  First aid in case of an emergency.

• h)

  The measures to be taken in case of fire, and in particular the means of extinction that should not be used.

The equipment used to measure and transfer products shall be adequate in order to reduce contamination to the maximum possible extent and to handle the product under safe conditions. During these processes and in any other process in which dangerous products are used, workers shall use the required personal protective equipment, especially with highly toxic, corrosive, or irritating products.

The company shall establish safe work methods that guarantee the safety and health of workers in the exercise of their work; in no case shall spills and splashes occur on the bodies or clothing of workers.

First aid means shall be available as necessary to neutralize the effects of splashes on the human body, which shall be made available to workers.

Persons in charge of transporting chemical products shall:

• a)

  Know the names of the chemical products they transport.

• b)

  Know the safety measures for the transport of these products.

• c)

  Be trained to act appropriately in case of a spill.

• d)

  Know the main symptoms of poisoning caused by the substances they regularly transport.

• e)

  Know first aid measures for cases of poisoning.

• f)

  Apply personal hygiene measures.

The transport of chemical products shall be carried out according to the following standards:

• a)

  They shall never be transported in the same compartment in which food, clothing, and medicines are carried.

• b)

  Transport shall be carried out in a compartment isolated from the driver and other persons in the unit.

• c)

  The containers containing these products shall be correctly secured to the unit's body to prevent falls or displacement.

• d)

  Transport shall be carried out in vehicles or units with facilities to protect products from sun or rain.

• e)

  In the case of a spill of one of the products, the unit shall be decontaminated as appropriate in these cases.

• f)

  Upon completion of transport, the unit shall be cleaned.

• g)

  Chemical products shall be transported in their original containers; if a transfer has taken place, the containers shall comply with safety standards regarding closure tightness, mechanical resistance, material compatibility, etc.; these containers shall be properly labeled.

• h)

  The necessary and reasonable quantity of absorbent or neutralizing material shall be transported to control a possible spill or discharge of the substances being transported.

• i)

  There shall be a written procedure that describes the necessary precautions in transport and the actions to be taken in case of any contingency.

In case of a spill of these products, the drivers of the transport units shall:

• a)

  Use personal protective equipment before proceeding with decontamination.

• b)

  Use the appropriate neutralizing material and/or absorbent for the spilled product.

• c)

  Discard the absorbent material from the product in an appropriate container. This container and the material it contains shall be disposed of following the procedures established for waste.

• d)

  Wash the contaminated area with compatible liquid neutralizer.

• e)

  Inform the supervisor or immediate supervisor of the spill that occurred.

• f)

  Bathe upon completion of the decontamination work of the transport unit.

Vehicles used in the transport of chemical products activities shall carry the respective safety data sheet supplied by the manufacturer.

In the transport of chemical products, the standards for the transport of dangerous goods that have been established by the competent institutions shall be followed.

The facilities for the storage of chemical products shall comply with the following minimum requirements:

• a)

  The installations must be solidly constructed in such a manner that storage is secure.

• b)

  The warehouses shall be situated on non-floodable terrain.

• c)

  They shall be roofed to protect against sun or rain.

• d)

  Personal protective equipment and spill control and cleanup equipment shall be available at all times.

• e)

  They shall have natural or forced ventilation that guarantees that the concentrations of substances in air do not exceed levels of toxicity or hazard, both during ordinary operation and in the event of a possible transfer.

These facilities, in order to facilitate their careful and repeated cleaning, shall meet the following conditions:

• a)

  The walls and ceilings shall be smooth and impermeable.

• b)

  The floors shall be arranged with slopes and collection channels that prevent the accumulation of spilled liquids and facilitate their drainage to a safe location.

• c)

  Objects that are not necessary for the performance of work shall not be stored, and existing objects shall, as far as possible, be easy to clean.

• d)

  They shall be constructed and isolated in such a way that the substances stored cannot reach other work locations under any contingency.

The warehouse shall remain clean, properly ventilated and illuminated, and chemical products shall be appropriately signaled. They shall be stored classified by their chemical properties and separating incompatible substances. The products shall be perfectly identified and shall be kept labeled at all times.

All workers in the warehouses shall be informed verbally and by means of written instructions of the hazards inherent in this activity, personal safety measures, first aid, and measures to be adopted in case of spill.

The Fire Department may recommend the installation of lightning rods in warehouses that store chemical products and when the level of risk warrants it.

The company's management personnel and the person directly responsible for the storage of these substances are obligated to: 1) Obtain and transmit information on the properties of the substances, for which they shall have at all times the safety data sheets of the stored products and, if necessary, shall obtain complementary information not appearing therein. 2) They shall control at all times that containers and packaging are correctly labeled. 3) They shall establish safe work procedures, put them into practice, and verify their exact compliance. 4) They shall prepare and update a storage plan, which shall include: a) The maximum total allowable quantity of substance stored b) Maximum allowable quantity of each class of substance c) Actual quantity stored of each product; this information shall be updated daily. d) Location of storage in different facilities or in different zones within the same facility, in relation to the incompatibility of the substances. e) Maximum heights and stacking conditions in relation to the fragility of containers and their properties. f) Interior distribution of space in the facilities, ensuring the width of aisles and maneuvering space required for manual or mechanical handling of cargo. g) Signaling and prohibition of storage at exits and evacuation routes. 5. An emergency and evacuation plan shall be prepared and kept updated. 6. They shall prepare and have available a plan of periodic inspections to ensure that the installations and safety devices remain operational at all times. 7. They shall guarantee the training of personnel working in these facilities and in particular:

• a)

  Knowledge of the risks related to the handling of stored hazardous substances.

• b)

  Applicable preventive measures, rules of conduct to be observed, and the use of personal protective equipment.

• c)

  The conduct to be followed in case of any contingency.

• d)

  The procedures for waste disposal and the measures to be applied in case of spill.

• e)

  Knowledge of safe work procedures.

• f)

  Function and correct use of safety elements and installations and the consequences that will result from their incorrect operation.

Chemical products shall be stored in facilities separate from workplaces or in completely isolated enclosures; at work stations or places, only the strictly necessary quantity for the manufacturing process shall be deposited. Joint storage of substances that may cause fire when reacting with each other is prohibited, and likewise the joint storage of flammable substances and toxic or highly toxic substances is prohibited.

Flammable liquids in mobile containers shall be stored in facilities that meet the following basic characteristics:

• a)

  There shall be no sources of ignition.

• b)

  The walls shall have high fire resistance and the door shall be fireproof;

• c)

  It shall have a drainage system and control for possible spills;

• d)

  The electrical installation shall be anti-deflagration or explosion-proof tested;

• e)

  It shall have fire detection and protection systems.

• f)

  They shall have an automatic emergency ventilation system when exceeding the unit capacity of 250 liters.

• g)

  The resistance capacity of the containers in their stacking shall not be exceeded.

• h)

  They shall have good ventilation.

When storing incombustible flammable liquids in fixed containers, in addition to the provisions of the previous article, the following provisions shall be complied with:

• a)

  They shall have normal and emergency vents on the containers.

• b)

  The containers shall be protected against corrosion.

• c)

  They shall be protected from any flooding contingency and located on non-floodable terrain;

• d)

  Protection shall be provided against static electricity generation through grounding and equipotential connections between all metallic parts of the installation.

• e)

  The filling pipes shall preferably be connected from the lower part.

• f)

  They shall be installed within retention containers for possible spills, with drainage to a safe location.

• g)

  They shall have fire protection in accordance with the liquid, form of storage, situation, and distance to other storage facilities.

• h)

  If installed in a facility, it shall have good ventilation.

The storage of chlorine and other liquefied gases shall comply with the following provisions:

• a)

  They shall be situated at a minimum distance of 20 meters from places with risk of fire and explosion, protected from access by persons not authorized to access the installation.

• b)

  They shall have a collection and absorption installation system to neutralize possible leaks.

• c)

  They shall have water spray curtains on the perimeter of the retention container to reduce the dispersion of leaks.

• d)

  The tanks shall be protected against temperature increase.

• e)

  Fixed containers with pipes at their lower part shall have retention tanks with a volume not less than two-thirds of the largest tank and with a height greater than one meter.

• f)

  They shall have an alternative empty tank to which a transfer can be made from any tank affected by an incident.

• g)

  Every fixed tank shall be equipped with a chlorine quantity indicator, pressure indicator with maximum pressure alarm, maximum allowable load alarm, and safety valve.

• h)

  In every chlorine storage installation a storage, alarm, and evacuation plan is necessary. Its knowledge by all installation personnel shall be guaranteed, and there shall be personnel trained in chlorine handling and specially trained in combating leaks, with periodic emergency simulation drills being conducted.

• i)

  Autonomous breathing equipment shall be available near the installations.

In containers for storing corrosive chemical products, the following indications shall be observed:

• a)

  Tanks of corrosive products shall have permanent ventilation pipes and access for drainage to a safe location, in addition to those for loading and unloading; the outlet of the vents shall be kept away from circulation routes and operation points.

• b)

  The transfer of corrosive liquids shall preferably be carried out by gravity; transport shall be carried out in appropriate containers and their emptying shall be done mechanically or with wheelbarrows equipped with platforms and fastening devices for portable containers.

• c)

  All containers with corrosive products shall be kept closed, except at the moment of extracting their contents or proceeding with their cleaning. Stacking storage shall never be done.

• d)

  In case of corrosive liquid spill, the affected area shall be signaled and safeguarded to prevent the passage of workers through it, taking appropriate measures to proceed with its cleaning by neutralizing the spilled product and subsequently washing with water or compatible liquid.

• e)

  The handling of corrosive liquid shall only be carried out by previously trained workers equipped with personal protective equipment.

• f)

  Facilities where corrosive products are stored shall have an adequate ventilation system.

• g)

  Fixed containers shall have a retention container capable of holding all liquid stored in case of tank rupture.

• h)

  When corrosive liquids are stored in mobile containers, the warehouse floor and the first ten centimeters of the facility wall shall be resistant and hermetic to the liquid, including the door and opening. Spilled products shall drain to a safe location.

• i)

  Facilities where corrosive products are stored shall be appropriately signaled and access shall only be permitted to authorized personnel.

The company shall be responsible for ensuring that waste from chemical products is not discharged directly into water courses or reservoirs, soil, or air. It shall be subjected to treatment and disposal in such a manner that it does not produce risks for workers or the environment.

All containers used to contain industrial chemical products shall be decontaminated before disposal; for this they shall follow the special indications according to the chemical product and the decontamination standards issued by the manufacturer or supplier, especially with regard to the specific neutralizing products used in each product.

The company shall have an evacuation plan and emergency procedures in cases of fire, explosion, massive leaks of liquid products or gases, in order to ensure a rapid exit route for personnel from the workplace and efficient emergency control and intervention.

Personnel in charge of these contingencies shall be previously and adequately trained to face the risk. They shall have the necessary personal protective equipment, adequate equipment against fire, and the elements necessary to reduce or eliminate spills of chemical products. Periodic drills shall be conducted.

The company shall provide auditory or visual alarms to alert workers of the risk or risks that warrant an immediate evacuation of the work center facilities. For the evacuation process of the company to be efficient, the company shall previously inform workers of the procedures to follow in these cases.

Within the process of training workers during these contingencies, the following shall be specifically established:

• a)

  Prompt and timely notice by the worker to the immediate supervisor of the alarm or contingency situation.

• b)

  Authorizations issued by the immediate supervisor or supervisors to sound the emergency alarm.

• c)

  The procedure for requesting appropriate emergency services, whether in the company's own facilities or external special bodies outside the company.

• d)

  The use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the risk to be combated.

• e)

  The provisions for evacuating the work area, premises, or establishment.

• f)

  The evacuation of surrounding areas if necessary.

• g)

  The measures intended to minimize the incident. SECTION XV FIRST AID

The company shall possess one or several first aid kits that shall contain medicines and first aid supplies to be used in case of any worker accident.

The equipment, means, and first aid facilities shall be properly signaled for prompt care of the injured. These services shall have emergency showers or eye wash stations.

Personnel trained in first aid shall be available for any contingency during all shifts while productive processes with contamination risk are carried out or dangerous chemical products are used.

The personnel responsible for providing first aid shall be trained and instructed in techniques for caring for injured persons and shall be knowledgeable about the effects that may be produced in a contingency by the different chemical products used in the company.

The company shall guarantee, through its own means or external means, the transport under appropriate conditions of injured persons to the nearest health centers or hospitals.

All natural and legal persons engaged in the activities of storage, transport, handling, and use of chemical products for agricultural use shall comply with the health and safety standards established in this Chapter.

Work with agrochemicals may not be performed by persons under 18 years of age, pregnant women, women in lactation periods or of childbearing age, nor by those workers who for health reasons have a contraindication for performing these tasks.

Every employer shall guarantee adequate training of workers in the safe use and handling of these products.

The provisions regarding Duties of the Company and Workers, Training, Personal Hygiene, Work Clothing, Washing of Work Clothing, Handling and Mixing, Transport, Warehouses, Storage, Procedures in Case of Emergency, First Aid, and other applicable provisions shall be governed by the corresponding SECTIONS of Chapter XXIV OF CHEMICAL PRODUCTS FOR INDUSTRIAL USE of this Regulation. SECTION II LABELING

Agrochemical containers shall have the respective labels indicating the degree of toxicity of the product they contain. The labels shall be clearly marked with the characteristic color of the toxicological category of the substance, and shall contain information on how the preparation should be used, the basic precautions to be observed during its application, and first aid measures in case of poisoning.

The company shall require its suppliers to ensure that products are properly labeled, with their respective seal and in the Spanish language. Labels shall be designed in accordance with the specifications indicated in the standards issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. SECTION III PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal protective equipment shall comply with the specifications established in Chapter XIX of this Regulation.

Personal protective equipment shall consist of the following clothing items:

• a)

  Wide-brimmed hat.

• b)

  Overalls or long-sleeved shirt.

• c)

  Rubber boots.

• d)

  Waterproof gloves.

• e)

  Safety glasses or face shields.

• f)

  Mask for dust or vapors as appropriate.

In order to reduce the discomfort caused by personal protective equipment, the company shall: a) To the extent possible, use agrochemicals of the lowest toxicity possible. b) Apply the agrochemical during the coolest hours of the day, when it is more comfortable to wear protective equipment. SECTION IV SPRAYING EQUIPMENT

Before beginning the application of products, spraying pumps shall be inspected to verify their operating condition. The site where the agrochemical is deposited in the pump shall be filled with clean water to detect any leaks or obstructions and to verify that pressure is adequate. Similarly, the condition of hoses and nozzles shall be verified for signs of leakage, obstructions, or deterioration.

Personnel who use spraying equipment powered by motor force, whose sound pressure levels exceed eighty-five (85) decibels, shall be provided with necessary hearing protection; this personnel shall be subjected annually to audiometric examinations to investigate the effect of this risk factor on the worker's hearing.

Equipment used in the application of agrochemicals shall be maintained in good working condition. If the equipment suffers product losses, the damaged or deteriorated components shall be repaired. Special attention shall be given to hoses, plugs, and other main sites where spills frequently occur. SECTION V TERRESTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF AGROCHEMICALS

Before beginning the application of agrochemicals, supervisors and workers shall:

• a)

  Ensure that they have available appropriate work clothing and personal protective equipment, both of which are clean and in good working condition. Deteriorated items shall be replaced with new ones or items in good condition.

• b)

  Verify that the application equipment being used is appropriate for the operation, eliminating the presence of obstructions, leaks, or spills that constitute a safety risk for the worker.

• c)

  Ensure that sufficient agrochemical is available to complete the operation.

• d)

  Supervisors shall ensure that all workers involved in the agrochemical application have perfect knowledge of the procedure to be followed.

• e)

  Notice shall be given in advance to coworkers in the same work area or adjacent areas, as well as to neighbors who may exist near the application zone, regarding the operation that is to be carried out.

During the application of agrochemicals, the following precautions shall be observed:

• a)

  The worker shall wear appropriate work clothing and personal protective equipment.

• b)

  If clothing becomes contaminated, it shall be removed and replaced with clean clothing to prevent product absorption through the skin. The worker shall not be permitted to work with contaminated wet clothing.

• c)

  Eating, smoking, or drinking shall not be permitted while the application is being carried out.

• d)

  Clean water shall be kept on hand for washing.

• e)

  Clogged nozzles shall never be cleared by blowing with the mouth.

• f)

  Applications shall not be made against the wind.

• g)

  Unauthorized persons shall not be allowed to enter the application area.

After applying the agrochemical, workers shall:

• a)

  Transport all concentrated, formulated, or mixed agrochemical that remains unused to the warehouse or area designated for this purpose.

• b)

  Not dispose of empty containers of concentrate or containers that have held agrochemicals without having been decontaminated and perforated.

• c)

  Safely eliminate all residue of agrochemical that remains unused and cannot be reused.

• d)

  Clean personal protective equipment and wash their hands and any other parts of the body that have become contaminated.

• e)

  Clean the equipment used in the application and decontaminate it, if necessary, before using another type of agrochemical.

The company shall inform workers of the work areas that have been recently treated with agrochemicals and the date and time when it is no longer dangerous to enter such zones. Harvesting of products shall be done after the period of time recommended by the manufacturer has elapsed, provided it does not pose risks to workers. SECTION VI AERIAL APPLICATIONS OF AGROCHEMICALS

Aerial applications shall be carried out only on non-windy days. During the application, necessary precautions shall be taken to avoid contamination of nearby residential areas, water supply sources, and animal grazing areas. The distance between these zones and the applications shall be a minimum of three hundred (300) meters.

Aerial applications shall preferably be carried out with an electronic flagman; if a worker acts as flagman, he shall be positioned at an approximate distance of fifty (50) to one hundred (100) meters from the zone to be treated.

The population adjacent to the zone that will be sprayed shall be informed in advance of the day, hour, and duration of the applications, so that all necessary measures may be taken to prevent contamination incidents from the products employed.

Access by unauthorized persons to zones where applications will be carried out is prohibited, and warning signs shall be placed at the limits of these zones.

In order to prevent workplace accidents, vehicles used for aerial applications (airplanes, helicopters, etc.) shall be maintained in good working condition, both the equipment of the aircraft itself and the equipment used in the applications.

Pilots who perform aerial applications of agrochemicals shall be trained and have at least the necessary knowledge regarding:

• a)

  Application dosage.

• b)

  Chemical name of the product.

• c)

  Effects on humans and precautions to be adopted during application.

• d)

  First aid in case of poisoning.

Pilots shall apply agrochemicals only after they have taken measures to ensure that:

• a)

  Persons not involved in the application remain outside the area to be treated and are sufficiently distant to avoid all contact with any drift caused by wind or the inherent characteristics of the application.

• b)

  Animals and/or water sources that may be damaged or contaminated by the agrochemical are not within the area to be treated, nor so close to it that there exists reasonable possibility of damage from drift.

• c)

  The agrochemical is limited to the area in which the applications will be carried out.

The pilot shall immediately suspend applications if:

• a)

  A person not participating in the operation accidentally enters the area and is exposed to the effects of the agrochemical.

• b)

  If there is a probable risk to the health of workers or neighbors in adjacent areas due to drift.

• c)

  If crops, animals, or water sources have been directly exposed to the agrochemical or to the effects of drift.

The pilot shall take the necessary precautions to avoid contamination, for which he must:

• a)

  Avoid all physical contact with agrochemicals, with the application equipment, or with contaminated surfaces.

• b)

  Wear appropriate protective clothing, which shall be changed daily or more frequently if contaminated.

• c)

  Shower and put on clean clothes as soon as possible after the flight is completed or if contaminated.

• d)

  Not fly when the application equipment presents leaks or spills.

• e)

  Not fly through the cloud produced by his own application.

• f)

  Ensure that all pipes through which the agrochemical circulates under pressure are mounted outside the cabin, in order to avoid exposure to the product in the event of accidental release.

The flaggers during applications shall:

• a)

  Wear personal protective equipment and work clothing appropriate according to the agrochemical to be applied.

• b)

  Shower and change clothes as soon as the application is finished or more frequently if clothing remains wet or contaminated.

• c)

  Always work downwind.

• d)

  Never remain where exposure or drift of agrochemicals is evident.

• e)

  Not touch recently treated crops, nor walk between them.

The company shall prevent contamination of water supply sources for both human and animal consumption, for which purpose it shall avoid direct applications and washing of application equipment in nearby areas, as well as prevent remote contamination caused by drift from rainfall in recently treated agrochemical zones.

Decontamination. All used containers containing agrochemicals must be decontaminated before disposal, for which the following three decontamination steps shall be followed:

• a)

  Complete emptying of the container contents into the mixing tank and draining for 30 seconds.

• b)

  Rinsing of the container at least three times, with a volume of water that is at minimum equal to ten percent (10%) of the total volume of the container.

• c)

  Addition of the liquid from each of the rinses to the mixing tank.

Disposal of combustible containers. After the decontamination process and except in the case of some products where the labels warn otherwise, combustible containers shall be burned in high-temperature incineration furnaces.

When incineration of containers is carried out, workers engaged in this activity shall ensure that the caps and plugs have been removed and that the containers have been perforated to prevent explosions or work accidents.

Disposal of noncombustible containers. Noncombustible containers, after having been decontaminated in the manner previously described, shall be perforated on the sides and on the top and bottom, flattened, and subsequently disposed of by transporting them to the site previously selected as a sanitary burial landfill.

The person in charge of the sanitary landfill shall be informed that the containers contain residues of toxic materials; additionally, he shall be instructed in the handling of residues of these products and containers, and shall be warned about the possible effects of these substances on human health.

Transit of animals, workers, or unauthorized persons through the area marked as a sanitary landfill is prohibited; the company shall take all necessary precautions and measures, especially regarding signage of the area and supervision of compliance with orders issued in this regard.

Under no circumstances shall reuse of empty decontaminated containers be permitted for storing food, animal feed, or water for domestic consumption or for workers.

When cleaning or repair work is carried out in spaces or tanks that have contained combustible or flammable chemical products, the following precautions shall be observed:

• a)

  Prior to the start of work, the company management shall guarantee in writing the safety conditions under which the work will be performed.

• b)

  All tank and space cleaning and repair work shall be performed under the supervision of a competent technician.

• c)

  Prior to beginning work inside tanks, combustible residues shall be eliminated and the levels of explosivity, oxygen quantity in the atmosphere, and the absence of toxic substances shall be verified. These measurements shall be made by the competent technician who shall certify that the tank meets the safety requirements for persons and/or safety for hot work (oxy-cutting, grinding, welding).

• d)

  The level of explosivity before and during work shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the lower explosive limit. The percentage of oxygen in the tank atmosphere shall be maintained at twenty-one percent (21%), or that which corresponds to local altitude, and toxic substances in the air shall be below their permissible levels.

• e)

  At the beginning of work, isolation of the tank shall be performed. This operation shall comprise the disconnection of fuel pipes and auxiliary installations. In the event that isolation is performed by means of valves, the necessary measures shall be adopted so that, once closed, they cannot be opened subsequently; this activity shall be carried out by a worker sufficiently trained in this operation.

• f)

  For performing work inside tanks, a written entry permit shall be mandatory, specifying the operations and precautions to be observed.

• g)

  All persons performing the work shall be aware of the precautions that must be adopted when cleaning or repairing a fuel tank, and the risks existing to workers in nearby work areas shall be communicated.

• h)

  Tank covers shall be opened with the necessary precautions to prevent the production of sparks, using non-sparking tools.

• i)

  For work involving the use of electrical tools, fuel tanks shall be considered as humid locations, highly conductive and with explosion risk.

• j)

  For the entire time that any worker is laboring inside a tank, an assistant shall remain on the outside, attentive and ready to assist him, for which purpose he shall be secured with a safety harness.

• k)

  Workers shall wear closed footwear, without metal parts and with reinforced toe, to prevent slipping, impacts, and spark production; likewise, clothing shall not have metal parts.

• l)

  The coupling and uncoupling of hoses, as well as all storage and transfer operations, shall be performed in such a manner that fuel spillage does not occur. ll) There shall be no sources of ignition nearby during the evacuation of gases.

• m)

  In the event that mixtures of volatile products must be evacuated within the explosive limits, or when tank ventilation could reach an explosivity level between the aforementioned levels, before initiating the ventilation process, inertization and sweeping with Carbon Dioxide or other inert gas of existing vapors shall be conducted. Subsequently, tank ventilation shall be proceeded with.

• n)

  During the performance of work in the confined space, evacuation of gases and smoke produced during work shall be ensured by means of a local extraction system; if this were not effective, workers shall use appropriate respiratory protective equipment. ñ) The quality of interior air in the tank space shall be guaranteed, for which a general ventilation system shall be provided that ensures the sweeping of the total volume of air contained in the tank. o) When welding or oxy-cutting work is performed, prior verification of the absence of flammable vapors or liquids shall be conducted to perform this work, and once completed, the remains of welding material shall be collected; oxygen and acetylene cylinders and the electrical welding group shall remain outside the vessel. Torches and hoses shall not be left inside the tank at the end of the work day or during prolonged absences. p) A competent technician shall certify the completion of work.

Workers who perform their duties at data display screens shall follow the following guidelines: 1. The communication elements (screen, keyboard, and document) shall be adjustable and tiltable at the user's will and convenience. 2. The support of the communication elements shall be stable and adjustable so as to minimize uncomfortable head and eye movements. 3. The support of frequently viewed communication elements shall be placed as close as possible in front of the operator when in his normal working position. 4. The work surface shall be adapted to the task, so that the elements to be viewed can be located at a distance appropriate to the operator's visual acuity. 5. When it is a matter of data entry workstations, a document holder shall be provided. The screen and the document holder shall be sufficiently close to one another, and at the same distance to avoid eye rotation and constant vision accommodation. 6. Lighting aspects shall be cared for so that the lighting level of the work station itself is appropriate to the task to be performed, as well as to prevent reflections and glare on the screen or other part of the work equipment. 7. The nominal viewing distance is a function of the size of the characters to be displayed; distances between 35 and 85 cm are considered acceptable. Although for usual office tasks it is considered that the nominal viewing distance should not be less than 40 cm. 8. The design of the workstation shall favor movement, for which a chair shall be installed that allows easy movement of the upper body, giving the trunk an inclination of 110-120 degrees and the head less than 20 degrees, as well as sufficient space to place documents and use paper documents and ease in being able to move the keyboard to different positions. 9. The size and shape of the work surface are mainly determined by the tasks that must be performed and by the equipment necessary for them, namely: a) For data entry tasks, a rectangular surface of 800 mm by 1200 mm. b) When data display screens involve the use of cathode ray tubes, it will need 1000 mm. 10. The spatial distribution of equipment at the workstation shall be planned after a task analysis that determines the importance and use of each element. The display screen that is used most frequently shall be located in the central field of vision, while the most important controls and those used most frequently (Keyboard and mouse), such as the keyboard, shall be located in zones of optimal reach. 11. Perform preoccupational, periodic, and post-occupational vision screening of the operator, providing the necessary protective mechanisms or, failing that, visual correctors. 12. Rest periods shall be 15 minutes for every two hours of continuous work.

The violation or non-compliance by employers with the provisions of this Regulation shall be sanctioned by the Secretaría de Trabajo y Seguridad Social, which shall evaluate and classify the infractions and shall impose sanctions applying the provisions established in the Labor Code and its regulations.

Non-compliance with the requirements within the established deadlines (the Labor Code, Law of Administrative Procedures and other related Laws) shall give rise to the following sanctions:

• I)

  Admonishment. The Director General of Social Welfare of the Secretaría de Trabajo y Seguridad Social shall admonish the employer or his representative who has failed to comply with the requirements by means of an official letter in which the infractions to the provisions issued by this regulation or others in force related to worker health shall be noted.

• II)

  Fines. The Directorate General of Social Welfare of the Secretaría de Trabajo y Seguridad Social, once peremptory deadlines have expired, shall impose the fines provided for in the Labor Code and its regulations. The payment of fines imposed does not exempt the violator from the execution of the works that have been ordered by the Secretaría de Trabajo y Seguridad Social. The following infractions or violations shall be sanctioned with fines: a) The obstruction of the fulfillment of the duties and powers that legally correspond to inspectors. b) Physical or moral aggression by employers or their representatives toward Inspectors, without prejudice to the criminal actions that may correspond. c) Disobedience or non-compliance with the measures and provisions that inspectors issue in the name and representation of the Secretaría de Trabajo y Seguridad Social within the limit of their legal powers.

• III)

  Seizure of products. The head of the competent unit of the Secretaría de Trabajo y Seguridad Social may request the intervention of the Secretaría de Salud to order the seizure of products that directly cause the health problem of workers in the workplace or work center, by means of a reasoned resolution based on the background and with the information deemed relevant.

• IV)

  Temporary or partial closure of the establishment. The head of the competent unit of the Secretaría de Trabajo y Seguridad Social in coordination with the Secretaría de Salud and the Municipal Mayor's Office, according to the area of institutional competence, by means of a motivated resolution, may order the temporary or partial closure of the workplace, based on the background and the persistence of the workers' safety and health problem.

Violations or infractions by workers of their obligations and duties in the field of occupational health and safety shall be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Code and its regulations and other applicable legal instruments.

Certifications of the resolutions or agreements by means of which fines are imposed, issued by the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security shall have the value of enforceable titles for the purpose of initiating collection proceedings to enforce the fines.

Legal Remedies. Against decisions that impose sanctions in the matter of occupational health, the remedies of reconsideration and appeal shall proceed in accordance with current national legislation. CHAPTER XXIX OF FINAL PROVISIONS

In all matters not provided for in this Regulation, the provisions of the Labor and Social Security Laws and Regulations shall apply.

The reforms to this Regulation shall enter into force as of the date of publication in the official journal "LA GACETA". BE IT KNOWN RICARDO MADURO JOEST PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC GERMAN EDGARDO LEITZELAR VIDAURRETA SECRETARY OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR AND SOCIAL SECURITY EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT No STSS June 28, 2004