c) Danger zone boundaries under Point l of 2.1.1.3 shall be determined in accordance with guidance of manufacturers. With respect to pressurized pipelines, boundaries of danger zones shall equal the greater value between values determined in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and values under Schedule 2;

Schedule - Danger zone boundaries for testing of pressurized pipelines

Types of pipelines and testing pressure

Pipe diameter (mm)

Diameter of the smallest danger zone from the outer edge of the pipes (m)

< 300

7

300 ÷ 1000

10

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20

≤ 500

10

> 500

20

≤ 500

15

> 500

25

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2.1.1.5 The use of materials, components, products, construction machinery on construction sites, and PPE must comply with relevant law provisions (including regulations and law on: Goods quality; construction; occupational safety and hygiene; health; environmental protection; fire prevention and firefighting; traffic, chemicals, management and use of weapons, explosive ordnance, explosive precursor substances, and combat gears) and the following regulations:

a) Using materials, components, and products that meet standards and regulations hereunder;

b) Construction machinery must be accompanied by all adequate documents at the time of sale (or rent), including: Manufacturers’ instructions on installation, testing, use, or operation, and maintenance; certificate of origin; certificate of quality; certifications or test results issued by manufacturers or certificate of conformity to standards (if any); certificate of conformity to regulations according to QCVN (if corresponding National technical regulation exists); periodic inspection (if any);

c) Materials and machinery subject to strict occupational safety and hygiene requirements must undergo safety inspection in accordance with regulations and law on occupational safety and hygiene;

d) Construction machinery must:

- Be designed reasonably and with ergonomics in mind (in which, seats of employees must be particularly focused on);

- Be kept in proper operational conditions;

- Be operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions;

- Be installed by employees who have received training for that type of construction machinery;

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2.1.2 Temporary passages and work area access

2.1.2.1 Temporary passages in construction sites must conform to relevant design standards, technical requirements and be subject to traffic safety assurance measures.

2.1.2.2 Work area access must be sturdy, safe, and installed with sufficient warnings and signs.

2.1.3 Hygiene, environment, and health

2.1.3.1 Organizations and individuals related to construction activities on construction sites must comply with regulations and law on occupational safety and hygiene, health, and environmental protection.

2.1.3.2 Employers must prepare and implement programs, plans, and measures for maintaining hygiene and environment of construction sites and adjacent areas, including:

a) Assign appropriate storage and warehouses for materials, components, products, and construction machinery;

b) Regularly clean and remove refuse, wastes on construction sites;

c) Storage of unused loose materials must be positioned in a manner that does not affect construction activities, movement within construction sites, and adjacent areas;

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dd) Collect wastewater and solid waste on construction sites, treat wastewater, and transport solid waste out of construction sites in accordance with regulations and law on environmental protection;

e) Establish barriers or take other appropriate measures to keep: Emission, noise, vibration, and other factors within the permissible range according to regulations and law on environmental protection.

NOTE: Permissible indices of air, noise, and vibration quality are specified under QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT, QCVN 06:2009/BTNMT, QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT, and QCVN 27:2010/BTNMT.

2.1.3.3 Employers must promulgate regulations on safety assurance of employees working on construction sites, which include but are not limited to:

a) Regulations on hygiene and environment;

b) Regulations on cases where work must be suspended in case of natural disaster or extreme weather events (see 2.1.11);

c) Regulations on use, storage, and maintenance of PPE (see 2.19);

d) Regulations on working hour and health conditions for employees who: Work night shifts; operate construction machinery; work at height, on sloped surfaces, in basements, in tunnels, in toxic environment, in environment with compressed air, amidst loud noises, or in other confined spaces; use explosive substances; work on the water (or close to the water), underwater; and work in areas with other hazardous factors in accordance with regulations on occupational safety, hygiene, and health;

dd) Regulations on use and operation of construction machinery;

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g) Regulations on use and handling of materials, components, products, substances, and chemicals on construction sites.

2.1.3.4 Employees working on construction sites must comply with regulations promulgated by employers mentioned under 2.1.3.3.

2.1.4 Falling object prevention

2.1.4.1 Safety measures for areas susceptible to falling objects mentioned under Point h of 2.1.1.3, Point b of 2.1.1.4 must conform to 2.1.1.2.

NOTE: See regulations relating to danger zones and safety assurance measures against risk of falling objects under 2.2 through 2.15 hereof.

2.1.5 Fall prevention

2.1.5.1 Guardrails must be installed to prevent humans from falling when working at height of 2,0 m or more (from the ground or from the floor), on the roof, on sloped surfaces, pitched roof, or around openings or holes.

2.1.5.2 If guardrails cannot be installed, at least one of the following measures must be implemented:

b) Install and maintaining safety nets or platforms for catching falling persons;

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NOTE: Cases where lanyard and lifeline are elaborated under relevant sections of this Regulation.

2.1.6 Collapse prevention

2.1.6.1 Prior to continuing construction after a temporary suspension or maintenance, repair, upgrade, expansion, dismantlement, or deconstruction of an existing structure, review and safety assurance measures must be taken so as to prevent partial or total collapse of the structure, including:

a) Review and structural safety assessment (load-bearing capacity assessment) of the structure part or entirety. If structural safety assessment results show risk of collapse, temporary support must be established in accordance with 2.3;

NOTE 1: If construction process continues after a period of suspension, project developers, construction supervisors (or EPC general contractors), design contractors, and employers are responsible for conducting structural safety assessment in regard to completed structures, parts, and sections of the structures based on visual inspection, documents and construction quality dossiers, design dossiers, technical instructions and requirements of the design, and test result, other test results of the structures.

NOTE 2: In regard to existing structures, structural safety assessment shall conform to construction laws (if any) and relevant regulations in this document.

b) Identifying of danger zones and implementation of preventive measures, safety assurance in accordance with 2.1.1.2 through 2.1.1.4.

2.1.7 Preventing trespassing

2.1.7.1 Construction sites must be barricaded to prevent trespassing. If construction sites are located in remote or rural areas, warning signs can be erected to prevent trespassing as long as there are people assigned to guard, issue warning, and control entry, exit.

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2.1.7.2 Do not allow unauthorized individuals to enter construction sites (including temporary site accommodations). In case visitors arrive for business purposes or as a leisure activity, the visitors are allowed only to visit approved locations while donning appropriate PPE, complying with regulations of the construction sites, and instructions of competent individuals.

NOTE: Competent individuals are persons authorized by project developers or employers to implement safety assurance for business or leisure visitors as well as security measures in construction sites.

2.1.8 Fire prevention and firefighting

2.1.8.1 Organizations and individuals engaging in construction activities on construction sites must adhere to this Regulation and other regulations of the law pertaining to fire prevention and firefighting.

2.1.8.2 Employers and employees must take all necessary measures in order to:

a) Prevent the risk of fire;

b) Quickly and effectively control the fire;

c) Ensure quick and safe evacuation.

2.1.8.3 Flammable materials, components, substances, and chemicals must be stored separately in appropriate storage and protected from trespassers.

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2.1.8.5 In confined spaces or areas where flammable gases, dust, vapor can be dangerous:

a) Only electrical appliances (including electrical wire, other power sources) and hand-held lamps with fire safety assurance are allowed;

b) Open fire, heat-generating equipment, and other flammable sources are not allowed;

c) “No smoking” signs must be erected;

d) Flammable substances, refuse such as wood, cardboard, sawdust, rag, waste contaminated with fats and oils must be regularly and promptly cleaned and removed from these areas;

dd) Appropriate ventilation system must be installed.

2.1.8.6 At work areas:

a) All flammable and very flammable materials and substances must be placed in sealed boxes or containers made of metal or other flameproof materials;

b) Refuse (flammable and very flammable substances) must be regularly cleaned and removed.

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2.1.8.8 Welding, heat cutting, and other heat-generating activities shall only be conducted when:

a) All welding and cutting tools have been examined, inspected, tested for safety as per the law;

b) All appropriate preventive measures have been taken in order to reduce fire risks;

c) These activities are conducted under supervision of persons who have received training and certificate pertaining to fire prevention and firefighting.

NOTE: Safety assurance in the use of heat-generating equipment must comply with QCVN 03:2011/BLDTBXH, QCVN 17:2013/BLDTBXH, and other relevant National technical regulations.

2.1.8.9 In regard to areas prone to fire risks, appropriate firefighting equipment must be positioned in visible and accessible locations whereas water supply for firefighting must be properly situated with sufficient pressure. All firefighting equipment must be periodically maintained, examined, and inspected for safety in accordance with regulations on fire prevention and firefighting. Access to firefighting equipment such as nozzles, hoes, handheld fire extinguishers, valves, couplings must be clear at all time.

2.1.8.10 All appropriate fire alarm equipment and devices must be installed in areas where fire risks are present and other necessary locations. These equipment and devices must be audible and be able to transmit signals, warnings regarding to fire, signs of fire, or risks of fire to all positions in construction sites attended by employees.

2.1.8.11 Signs relating to fire alarm, fire extinguishing equipment and devices must be positioned in a visible location and indicate:

a) Where buttons (or switches) of fire alarm devices or where the nearest fire alarm devices are located;

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2.1.8.12 Exit accesses must be regularly inspected and clear at all time, especially exit accesses of areas at heights and limited access areas such as basements, underground structures, tunnels, restricted spaces; fire exit signs must be erected in appropriate and visible locations.

2.1.8.13 Employers must:

a) organize and provide training pertaining to the use of firefighting equipment and evacuation skills for employees (including procedures, what needs to be done in case of fire, and evacuation solutions or skills);

b) assign at least 2 people who have undergone fire safety training as per the law to assist firefighting when necessary at construction sites.

2.1.8.14 Employers and relevant personnel departments must record the number of employees, name of employees, means of communication with employees in each shift for the purpose of management and fire protection.

2.1.8.15 Employers must devise plans for detail and effective evacuation to allow everyone on site to evacuate rapidly and without panic. In addition, evacuation plans must account for the cases where construction machinery and equipment stop working or have to stop working in case of fire. Employers must organize periodic evacuation drills for all employees on site.

2.1.9 Lighting

2.1.9.1 Appropriate lighting with sufficient light must be installed in areas where natural light is insufficient for maintaining safety such as during night-time, in basements, and in tunnels (including portable or hand-held lights if appropriate). Access of work areas and areas which people frequently travel through at construction sites must receive lighting for the purpose of safety assurance.

NOTE 1: See QCVN 22:2016/BYT for lighting requirements at workplace and specific types of work.

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2.1.9.2 Artificial light must be controlled so as to prevent glare, flash, or shadows which will prevent employees from performing their work safely due to inability to accurately perform tasks, inability to see clearly or reduced visibility.

2.1.9.3 Lights must be protected by physical measures and other appropriate measures to prevent shattering by collision or strong wind.

2.1.9.4 Electrical wires for hand-held lighting equipment must have dimensions and technical properties suitable with electrical engineering requirements and appropriate durability to withstand harsh conditions during construction.

NOTE: See 2.16 for more detail.

2.1.10 Lightning safety

2.10.1 Prior to carrying out construction activities, contractors are responsible for surveying conditions and adopting necessary technical solutions for lighting safety at construction sites in accordance with TCVN 9385:2012 and relevant law provisions.

2.1.11 Natural disasters and dangerous weather conditions

2.1.11.1 During storm and hurricane seasons, employers are responsible inspecting and adopting solutions below:

a) Collect and secure loose items such as wooden planks, boards, boxes, metal containers, doors, and other loose items to prevent danger to people in construction sites and the vicinity;

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c) Implement protective measures (if necessary) for walkways, rails, foundation structures supporting construction machinery and equipment on construction sites vulnerable to flood or inundation;

d) Implement other necessary measures to protect people at construction sites from storms, hurricanes, heavy rain, flood, inundation.

2.1.11.2 Other than those professionally trained for rescue, employees are prohibited from working in areas that are directly affected by natural disasters or weather events that can harm them in the following cases:

a) In case of tropical depression, storms or breezes corresponding to wind force level 5 or higher (according to the Beaufort wind scale under QCVN 02:2009/BXD);

b) In case of hurricanes, hails, lightning;

c) In case air temperature exceeds 35 ^oC or is lower than 0 ^oC without specialized PPE;

d) In case of inundation on construction sites or underground structures, tunnels;

dd) In case of heavy rain of 51 mm/24 hours or 26 mm/12 hours or higher;

e) When working underwater, close to or on the water where strong waves are present (wave height at 2,0 m or more), strong current.

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2.1.11.3 Following natural disasters, contractors are responsible for inspecting and assessing risk of safety on construction sites (such as land depression, holes, electrical wires, electrical appliances, electrical systems, and other dangerous factors), scaffold conditions, temporary supporting structures, structural safety in accordance with Point a of 2.1.6.1, conditions of suspended (or anchored) items on construction sites and other work items under 2.1.11.1.

2.1.11.4 Employees shall only continue working as soon as contractors confirm safety assurance conditions in writing.

2.1.12 Suspended construction

2.1.12.1 Prior to suspending construction, conform to 2.1.11.1 and the following regulations:

a) Shut all unnecessary sources such as electricity, gas, water, compressed air, other fuel that supply: Electrical wires, electrical appliances, electrical system; construction machinery in construction sites or on construction sites;

NOTE 1: Adopt procedures for suspending or changing construction machinery in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and relevant regulations hereunder.

NOTE 2: In regard to hoist shafts, if suspension duration is longer than periodic inspection duration or 12 months, hoist shafts must be dismantled or lowered to their free-standing height and kept within construction perimeters.

b) Support and cover construction areas prone to collapse or damage due to natural disasters or dangerous, extreme weather events;

c) Adopt measures for preventing trespassing in accordance with 2.1.7.

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2.1.12.3 Employees shall only continue working as soon as contractors confirm safety assurance conditions in writing.

2.2 Scaffolding and ladder

2.2.1 General provisions

2.2.1.1 Employers are responsible for placing scaffolds, ladders, ramps, and other measures and promulgating regulations on management, use, inspection, and regular inspection hereof for the purpose of safety assurance in areas of construction sites where employees are to slip or fall while performing work (such as working at heights, on platforms, or in holes, on building exterior, traveling between storeys or ascending or descending ramps).

2.2.1.2 Scaffolds must allow safe access by employees via the use of ladders or stairs or ramps. Ladders, stairs, and ramps must by fixed and immovable.

2.2.1.3 Ladders, stairs, components of scaffolds and scaffolds must be designed, manufactured, assembled, used, inspected, and maintained in accordance with applied standards and manufacturers’ instructions.

2.2.1.4 In regard to scaffolds at a 28 m height or more, contractors are allowed to design if they have experience of similar work or select organizations, individuals to design accordingly.

NOTE: Height of scaffolds is calculated from the foundation of the scaffolds to the top of the scaffolds (foundation can be the ground surface or supporting structures).

2.2.1.5 Scaffolds and parts thereof must:

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b) be made from quality materials and products and suitable for use purposes; come in all necessary sizes; and have sufficient load-bearing capacity depending on use purposes;

c) be maintained as per the law.

2.2.1.6 In regard to scaffolds, ladders, and parts thereof that are made from materials, components, and products that are non-metal (such as bamboo, wood) and not to standards, employers are responsible for producing design dossiers (which at least must include installation and structure drawings of all primary components and parts), issuing installation and assembly procedures, solutions, inspecting sturdiness, stability of scaffolds and joints, and testing load-bearing capacity depending on use purposes with minimum load factor of test load of 4. The test must be supervised and verified by competent individuals.

NOTE 1: Competent individuals mean construction supervisors affiliated to project developers (or EPC general contractors).

NOTE 2: See 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.5, 2.2.7, and 2.2.8 for other requirements pertaining to scaffolds, ladders, and other components made of non-metal materials and not to standards.

2.2.2 Materials

2.2.2.1 Materials involved in manufacturing and installing of scaffolds must be quality materials that meet requirements under 2.1.1.5.

2.2.2.2 Wood (bars, rods, planks) and other non-metal materials used as scaffolds must be straight, hard, and not have any defect (such as puncture, fissure, rotten) which can affect load-bearing capacity of scaffolds.

2.2.2.3 Defective lashings (lashings that have come in contact with acid or other corrosive substances or lashings that have been damaged) must not be used in scaffolds. Lashings and couplers used in scaffolds made of wood or other non-metal materials must be tested for load-bearing capacity, meet design requirements or applied standards of relevant materials, and be approved by competent individuals.

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2.2.2.4 Boards used in scaffolds must be protected from fissure and splitting.

2.2.2.5 Ladders and boards used in scaffolds must not be entirely coated in paint so that any defect can be spotted visually.

2.2.2.6 Scaffold materials must be stored separately and kept in appropriate conditions in order to maintain quality.

2.2.2.7 Bars, tubes, connectors, and accessories of metal scaffolds must:

a) use quality materials appropriate to applied standards;

b) not be damaged or deformed;

c) be protected from corrosion by appropriate substances.

2.2.2.8 Connectors must be made from quenched steel or similar materials and must be installed in a manner that prevents deformation of scaffolding tubes, bars.

2.2.2.9 Scaffolding tubes must be straight and cross-section thereof must be perpendicular to the axis. Cracked, chipped, damaged, deformed, or corroded scaffolding tubes are not allowed for use.

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2.2.3 Design, manufacturing, and assembly

2.2.3.1 Scaffolds must be designed to withstand load and the following force:

a) Weight of the scaffolds and parts thereof;

b) The greatest vertical load applied on the scaffolds where safety factor of load supported by the scaffolds is not lower than 4 or conforms to regulations of competent authorities. Ropes and suspension cables of suspended scaffolds must be designed in a manner that safety factor of the greatest load applied on these ropes and cables is not lower than 6 or conforms to regulations of competent authorities;

NOTE: Vertical load applied on the scaffolds is determined by weight of humans, objects, materials, products, machinery, tools, and other items supported by the scaffolds.

c) Effects of wind (see parameters under QCVN 02:2009/BXD) and other forces (if necessary);

d) Effects of depression and tilt (if any).

2.2.3.2 Scaffolds must be fastened, secured, and anchored properly.

2.2.3.3 If scaffolds are not designed to be free-standing scaffolds, they must be vertically and horizontally secured to the constructions in progress (or existing structures) as per installation design.

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2.2.3.5 Bars supporting work boards and horizontal beams must be secured and maintained at the correct positions, properly secured to horizontal bars, vertical bars, or primary bars in order to maintain stability of the scaffolds during use.

2.2.3.6 Scaffolds and supporting structures of work boards must be installed on sturdy standards and base plates, secured and supported firmly to maintain stability and prevent horizontal displacement or slip.

2.2.3.7 Walls or weak building blocks, water drainage pipes, smoke exhaust pipes, structures or structural elements that do not serve the purpose of connecting or supporting in scaffolds and scaffolding are not allowed.

NOTE: Prior to assembly, employers must survey and carry out inspection (where inspection results must be recorded in writing) in order to ensure that all components and structures of the constructions (including temporary supporting structures) must meet load-bearing capacity requirements and ensure compatibility for supporting or connecting with scaffolds. Construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors) are responsible for inspecting and approving in writing.

2.2.3.8 In order to prevent falling object hazards, work boards, walkways and ladders of scaffolds must be enclosed by curtains or sheets with sufficient durability and dimensions.

2.2.3.9 Nails joining elements must be fully driven all the way in. Nails must not be partially driven and bent inwards (to prevent spontaneous loosening).

2.2.3.10 Do not throw or release items, parts of scaffolds from the scaffolds or from above. Items or parts of scaffolds are only allowed to be lowered slowly from scaffolds to designated areas under supervision of competent individuals who are staying at the same elevation as where the items and parts of scaffolds are being lowered.

NOTE 1: These areas shall be determined and inspected for safety on the basis of danger zones under 2.1.1.2 and 2.1.4.

NOTE 2: Competent individuals are construction overseers or occupational safety and hygiene overseers of contractors who have received training pertaining to safety assurance in work.

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a) Other separation distances have been prescribed by competent individuals;

b) Electrical wires and electrical transmission equipment are reported and confirmed in writing by authorities (or organizations) overseeing electrical transmission to not carry electricity or are not used during installation, assembly, use, dismantlement of scaffolds and decided by competent individuals.

NOTE: Competent individuals include representatives of project developers or directors of project management boards of project developers, chief supervisors for construction of project developers (or EPC general contractors) and site managers (of contractors).

2.2.3.12 In regard to scaffolds with at least 2,0 in height, guardrails and toe boards are required on work boards, walkways, and stairs.

2.2.3.13 Work boards, stairs, ladders, and walkways of scaffolds must have appropriate dimensions; especially bay width which must be sufficient for the purpose of safety and not be lower than 50 cm.

2.2.4 Inspection, supervision, and maintenance

2.2.4.1 Scaffolds must be inspected and inspection results must be recorded in writing (may include images) by competent authorities:

a) Before scaffolds are used;

b) Periodically during use:

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- At least 1 day for suspended scaffolds and climbing scaffolds;

- At least 12 hours for non-metal scaffolds.

c) When scaffolds are changed or damaged during use or after earthquakes, storms, hurricanes, prolonged heavy rain or any occasion that potentially affects durability and stability of scaffolds (such as collision by loads, construction machinery, equipment, or other collisions).

NOTE: Competent individuals are construction overseers or occupational safety and hygiene overseers of contractors who have received training pertaining to safety assurance in use of scaffolds.

2.2.4.2 The inspection mentioned under 2.2.4.1 ensures that scaffolds use quality materials, are of the correct type and are assembled as per the law and measures have been taken for safety assurance and prevention of accidents.

2.2.4.3 Assembly schemes of scaffolds must not be altered or deviated from the approved designs; scaffolds must not be dismantled without approval and inspection, supervision of competent individuals.

NOTE: See 2.2.4.1 for competent individuals.

2.2.4.4 Scaffolds must be maintained in proper working conditions; scaffolds parts must be fixed and must not be replaced during use.

2.2.4.5 It is not allowed to partially dismantle scaffolds and use the rest of the scaffolds. If the rest of the scaffolds must be used , calculation and inspection for the purpose of safety assurance during use.

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2.2.5.1 If scaffolds must support lifting equipment, the scaffolds must additionally meet requirements below:

a) Scaffolds must be inspected by competent individuals, fitted with reinforcement measures and other safety measures (if necessary); including solutions for preventing displacement of transoms;

NOTE: Competent individuals mean persons designing the scaffolds or persons who have received training in structural analysis and experience in designing and inspecting scaffold design. The inspection must be conducted together with persons managing lifting equipment.

b) Scaffolds must be connected to fixed parts or sections of the buildings where closest to location of lifting equipment;

c) Scaffolds must meet requirements for the use of lifting equipment under 2.4.

2.2.6 Prefabricated scaffolds

2.2.6.1 Prefabricated scaffolds must have sufficient parts and components for assembly, bracing, and lashing. The use of prefabricated scaffolds must comply with manufacturers’ instructions or (suppliers’).

2.2.6.2 Prefabricated scaffolds must be tested and inspected prior to release in accordance with design, applied standards, and regulations on product, goods quality.

2.2.6.3 Scaffolding tubes of different kinds are not allowed in the same prefabricated scaffolds (scaffolding).

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2.2.7 Use of scaffold

2.2.7.1 Employers must inspect compliance with regulations on scaffold design during use in accordance with 2.2.4.

2.2.7.2 Take appropriate measures (such as tagline) to prevent loads from colliding with scaffolds.

2.2.7.3 When transferring heavy loads onto scaffolds, the loads must not be transferred or placed on scaffolds abruptly.

2.2.7.4 Loads and impact must be evenly distributed on scaffolds.

2.2.7.5 Scaffolds must be regularly inspected during use so as to not be overloaded or improper use.

2.2.7.6 Materials and items are allowed for temporary storage on scaffolds (for immediate use).

2.2.8 Suspended scaffolds

2.2.8.1 In addition to general safety requirements applicable to scaffolds, especially issues relating to load-bearing capacity, stability, tilt prevention, and falling protection, suspended scaffolds must additionally meet requirements below:

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b) The quantity of anchorages must be selected depending on dimensions and shapes of work boards;

c) Employees must be equipped with lifelines which are anchored fixed and independently of anchorages of scaffolds;

NOTE: Lifelines must be tested with similar safety factor as suspension ropes, cables of suspended scaffolds as mentioned under 2.2.3.1.

d) Anchoring parts of suspended scaffolds must be designed, assembled, and inspected thoroughly in order to maintain load-bearing capacity;

dd) Components such as ropes, winches, and pulleys of suspended scaffolds must be designed, assembled, used, and maintained in accordance with 2.4;

e) Suspended scaffolding must be examined, tested with loads, inspected for safety, and approved by competent individuals as per the law before use.

NOTE 1: See 2.2.8.2 for load testing and inspection.

NOTE 2: Competent individuals include construction machinery operators (or safety managers) of contractors and construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors) who have experience in suspended scaffolds.

2.2.8.2 Load testing and inspection of suspended scaffolds shall conform to the following regulations:

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b) Other suspended scaffolds must be tested with loads as per design with minimum safety factor of 4 for design lifting load (including humans, materials, and equipment placed on suspended scaffolds);

c) Points where scaffolds are anchored to or connected to or fixed onto structures or scaffolds (for example: using a suspended cradle scaffold to hang on onto another scaffold): Test load according to design with minimum safety factor of load at 4 times the load that the scaffolds are designed to support (including load of cables, boards, equipment, accessories, and load to be applied on the suspended scaffolds);

d) Anchoring parts of suspended scaffolds must be tested with load equal to design lifting load according to Point b of this section with minimum safety factor of 4.

2.3 Temporary supporting structure

2.3.1 General provisions

2.3.1.1 In regard to temporary supporting structures, surveying, design, construction, assembly, examination, testing, safety inspection (see 2.3.5), commissioning, use, monitoring, maintenance, dismantlement, and documentation shall conform to regulations and law on constructions applicable to constructions and this document.

NOTE: Cofferdams are temporary supporting structures Safety assurance requirements for working in cofferdams and caissons shall conform to 2.9.

2.3.1.2 Temporary supporting structures must:

a) be made from quality materials and products as per 2.1.1.5;

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c) be connected and secured to maintain position and shape.

2.3.1.3 If temporary supporting structures have at least 2 levels or layers:

a) Levels and layers of temporary supporting structures must be connected and secured properly;

b) Safe accesses are required (via scaffolds, ladders, or other means) for the purpose of inspection of temporary supporting structures. Accesses to temporary supporting structures must be clearly and visibly marked and fitted with falling protection;

c) Implement measures to ensure that temporary supporting structures and parts thereof do not lose stability or collapse due to collision or abrupt contact during assembly, use, and dismantlement.

2.3.1.4 In regard to temporary supporting structures and parts thereof that are made from non metal or non-quality parts and components, employers are responsible for producing design dossiers (which must include assembly drawings, structures of primary parts, components) and devising assembly solutions and procedures; testing integrity and stability of assembled temporary supporting structures and connecting parts after the temporary supporting structures are assembled; testing load-bearing capacity depending on use requirements with design-compliant test load before use.

NOTE 1: Competent individuals mean construction supervisors affiliated to project developers (or general EPC contractors).

NOTE 2: See 2.3.2 through 2.3.8 for specific requirements applied to non-metal and non-quality temporary supporting structures.

2.3.1.5 Placement of load onto temporary supporting structures (or parts thereof) is not allowed until such temporary supporting structures (or parts thereof) are deemed safe for load placement by competent individuals, unless otherwise specified in design dossiers.

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2.3.1.6 Only employees in the performance of their tasks are allowed to enter and work in areas where temporary supporting structures are located.

2.3.1.7 Other requirements pertaining to formworks and support for site-cast concrete are specified under 2.11.

2.3.1.8 Employees are not allowed to work on or inside temporary supporting structures during major vibrations.

2.3.2 Materials

2.3.2.1 Materials of temporary supporting structures must be design-compliant and quality materials. Materials of temporary supporting structures shall be selected in the same manner as materials of building structures.

2.3.2.2 Wood and other non-metal materials used as girders, braces, and standards must be perfectly straight, durable, and not defective in a way that affects their load-bearing capacity.

2.3.2.3 The following items are prohibited from use for temporary supporting structures: defective bolts, connectors, nails, screws, clamps; metal items that have come in contact with acid or corrosive substances; products that fail technical requirements of design.

2.3.2.4 Implement measures to prevent fissures in boards used as formworks.

2.3.2.5 Materials of temporary supporting structures must be stored and kept in adequate conditions to prevent effect on their quality and away from materials unfit for temporary supporting structures.

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2.3.2.7 Materials of beams, braces, casings, connectors, and accessories of temporary supporting structures must be quality materials with proper type and satisfactory to technical requirements of the design; are not damaged, deformed, and maintained using substances suitable for the materials.

2.3.2.8 Metal connectors must be manufactured and assembled in a manner that does not cause deformation of primary connectors and load-bearing tubes.

2.3.2.9 Metal connectors and load-bearing tubes must be perfectly straight. Do not use connectors and tubes that have been cracked, split, or extensively corroded.

2.3.2.10 Do not use materials of different metals in the same temporary supporting structure (other than as formworks) if load-bearing capacity of the temporary supporting structure is not tested.

2.3.3 Surveying and design

2.3.3.1 Surveying operations serving the design of temporary supporting structures must ensure sufficient parameters for convenient design, construction, and assembly.

NOTE: Parameters serving design shall be decided by persons designing temporary supporting structures on the basis of: Purpose of support and types of structures involved; location and environment of use; geological and hydrographical conditions; base and foundation conditions; conditions of connection with primary structures (supported structures); conditions of structures anchoring, holding, suspending temporary supporting structures; construction solutions, weight, and other necessary parameters.

2.3.3.2 Temporary supporting structures must be designed to:

a) Ensure load-bearing capacity (without sustaining damage, defects, or collapse) against the greatest weight and impact during use in accordance with technical regulations and standards applied to the design and actual support requirements;

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b) Ensure localized stability, general stability, slip protection, and failure protection;

c) Ensure control of deformation and displacement (due to depression, tilt, torsion, etc.) according to design requirements of primary structures (supported structures) and standards applied to structural construction and commissioning of primary structures.

NOTE: In regard to temporary supporting structures which support construction machinery and equipment, requirements pertaining to deformation and displacement shall conform to manufacturers’ instructions or relevant standards.

2.3.3.3 Design dossiers of temporary supporting structures must include:

a) Regulations on the use of prefabricated materials and products (if any);

b) Construction drawings of base and foundation; details supporting, anchoring, or connecting to primary structures;

c) Manufacturing drawings and requirements;

d) Construction, assembly, and dismantlement drawings;

dd) Presentation of design calculation (load, impact, structural element design, connection design, and details relating to load-bearing capacity and stability of temporary supporting structures);

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g) Other documents (if any).

2.3.3.4 In regard to temporary supporting structures below, contractors are allowed to design if they are experienced in similar tasks or select appropriate structural design organizations and individuals:

a) Temporary supporting structures that are at least 9 m tall;

b) Temporary supporting structures that have at least 3 levels or 3 layers;

c) Temporary supporting structures in form of girders or consoles that are at least 3 m long;

d) Temporary supporting structures that support concrete floor that are at least 300 mm thick or concrete girders whose cross section in 0,5 m² in area or floors with similar load;

dd) Temporary supporting structures that support scaffolds mentioned under 2.2.1.4;

e) Temporary supporting structures that support dug holes (of earth and rocks) that are at least 2,0 m deep;

g) Temporary supporting structures that provide support in underground structures, tunnels;

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NOTE: Structure levels shall be determined on the basis of structure type under Circular promulgated by Ministry of Construction.

i) Temporary supporting structures that support, anchor construction machinery and equipment that have strict occupational safety and hygiene requirements according to Point c of 2.1.1.5.

NOTE: In order to minimize risks (construction machinery and equipment) when using the aforementioned temporary supporting structures, project developers shall consider and decide on inspecting temporary supporting structure design devised by independent organizations and individuals before approving construction measures.

2.3.4 Construction and assembly

2.3.4.1 Safety assurance in construction and assembly of temporary supporting structures must conform to relevant regulations pertaining to construction tasks mentioned under this document.

FOR EXAMPLE: Temporary supporting structures that provide support in bridge girder construction and utilize reinforced concrete foundation and prefabricated steel frames. In this case, safety assurance must be implemented in accordance with this Regulation when: Driving piles (see 2.12), casting concrete (see 2.11), erecting steel structures (see 2.10), using scaffolds (see 2.2), operating lifting equipment (see 2.4), and carrying out other related safety assurance tasks.

2.3.5 Testing and safety inspection

2.3.5.1 In cases below, temporary supporting structures and elements, parts thereof must be tested (for load-bearing capacity, deformation, displacement, and stability) in order to assess the ability to satisfy design requirements before use:

a) Requirements for testing are specified under design dossiers;

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c) The design uses steel, metal of a thickness less than 4 mm;

d) They are used for suspending, supporting (in form of console) loads;

dd) They are used for anchoring (e.g. tiebacks, anchors) and sustain load of at least 50 kN;

e) Independent supporting pillars and bars must sustain load of at least 100 kN or have high slenderness (close to the maximum allowable slenderness under standards applied in their design);

g) Supporting struts and girders whose span length is at least 15 m; struts or girders in form of consoles whose length is at least 4,5 m;

h) Other temporary supporting structures that are specialized systems or mechanical equipment used for supporting, suspending, or anchoring (excluding construction machinery and equipment mentioned elsewhere in this document) according to regulations or requirements of competent authorities.

2.3.5.2 Temporary supporting structures and/or elements, parts thereof listed under machinery, equipment, and materials that have strict occupational safety and hygiene requirements under Point c of 2.1.1.5 must be inspected for safety in accordance with regulations of competent authorities.

2.3.5.3 Contractors are allowed to conduct tests for temporary supporting structures mentioned under 2.3.5.1 if they have experience of similar tasks or choose appropriate conformity assessing bodies to conduct the test. The test must be witnessed by: Organizations or individuals designing temporary supporting structures, contractors erecting temporary supporting structures, contractors constructing structures or supported structures and construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

2.3.5.4 Temporary supporting structures testing outline (details, solutions, procedures, and other requirements) must be devised by organizations and individuals designing the temporary supporting structures or inspecting organizations (if this is the case, testing outline must be approved by organizations and individuals designing the temporary supporting structures).

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2.3.6 Inspection, supervision, use, and maintenance

2.3.6.1 Temporary supporting structures must be inspected and inspection results must be recorded in writing (may include images) by competent individuals:

a) Before they are brought into use;

NOTE: All temporary supporting structures that require testing and safety inspection in accordance with 2.3.5.

b) During use at time periods mentioned under design dossiers or applied standards without exceeding the “minimum intervals” below applied to temporary supporting structures:

- 6 hours for temporary supporting structures of wood and other non-metal materials, temporary supporting structures that utilize supporting mechanical equipment (for example: hydraulic jack), temporary supporting structures positioned on unstable ground surfaces or structures, temporary supporting structures providing support or implementing earthworks in underground structures and tunnels;

- 24 hours for temporary supporting structures of metal and temporary supporting structures for suspending or serving as anchorages for other structures;

- 48 cases for other cases.

c) When they are replaced or damaged during use or due to impact of natural disasters.

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2.3.6.2 Temporary supporting structures must be inspected in accordance with 2.3.6.1 before use. Inspection results must be recorded in writing in order to ensure that:

a) Temporary supporting structures have been built, assembled, commissioned, and tested (according to 2.3.5.1) or tested for safety (according to 2.3.5.2) in accordance with temporary supporting structure design dossiers, regulations on construction quality control according to construction laws and regulations on safety inspection of competent authorities;

b) temporary supporting structures will be used for the right purpose and subjects as per design;

c) All safety assurance, accident protection, and incident resolution measures have been implemented.

2.3.6.3 Do not adjust, change design and assembly, dismantlement procedures of temporary supporting structures according to design dossiers without examination, supervision, and approval of competent individuals (see 2.3.6.1) and organizations or individuals designing the temporary supporting structures.

NOTE: If temporary supporting structures must be adjusted due to changes in support demands; the calculation and inspection must be implemented and design adjustment of temporary supporting structures must be implemented or approved by organizations or individuals designing the temporary supporting structures. Re-inspection before use must conform to 2.3.6.1 and 2.3.6.2.

2.3.6.4 Placement of load on temporary supporting structures must conform to design requirements and must be done in a manner that the loads do not abruptly transfer or affect temporary supporting structures thereby causing temporary supporting structures to lose stability.

2.3.6.5 While using temporary supporting structures:

a) Regularly monitor, inspect, and supervise to ensure that temporary supporting structures are not overloaded, displacements, deformation, and safety control parameters satisfy design requirements or are not used for the right purposes;

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2.3.6.6 Temporary supporting structures must not be used as storage of materials or placement of construction machinery and equipment unless they are used immediately, and the structures are guaranteed for safety assurance (according to design dossiers or approval of organizations, individuals designing them) and approved by site managers.

2.3.6.7 Temporary supporting structures must be maintained during use in accordance with design dossiers.

2.3.7 Total dismantlement, partial dismantlement, and re-assembly

2.3.7.1 Employers must arrange inspection and supervision to ensure that all temporary supporting structures and parts thereof are dismantled in proper order and eligibility for dismantlement (including partial dismantlement and re-assembly) of each elements, parts, and temporary supporting structures) conforms to regulations under design dossiers.

2.3.7.2 As soon as temporary supporting structures are partially dismantled and re-assembled for further use, the construction, examination, supervision, monitoring, use, and maintenance must conform to 2.3.1 through 2.3.6.

2.3.7.3 In regard to supported structures that are structures or parts of structures or structures under construction, total dismantlement of temporary supporting structures is allowed only when supported structures have sufficient load bearing capability, conform to design, and are approved by site managers, chief supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

NOTE: In regard to other supported structures such as dug holes, tower cranes, silos, machinery, equipment, and other supported structures, contractors shall decide on partial or total dismantlement of temporary supporting structures depending on their use demand and safety assurance requirements for personnel on site.

2.4 Lifting equipment

2.4.1 General provisions

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2.4.1.2 Employers must devise and implement plans so that lifting equipment and lifting accessories are selected, installed, examined, tested (for load), inspected, maintained, operated, and dismantled in a manner that:

a) Prevents all potential accidents;

b) Conforms to requirements for management and use of machinery, equipment, and materials according to occupational safety and hygiene laws, QCVN 7:2012/BLDTBXH, other relevant National technical regulations, and manufacturers' instructions.

2.4.1.3 Lifting equipment and lifting accessories must be designed, manufactured using quality materials, durable, and be able to fulfill their use demand.

2.4.1.4 Technical dossiers of lifting equipment (and parts thereof), lifting accessories must specify:

a) Safe working load;

b) Safe working load corresponding to different lifting radii for lifting equipment that can change its lifting radius;

c) Requirements for using equipment corresponding to safe working load under Point a and Point b of this section.

2.4.1.5 If only parameters mentioned under Point a of 2.4.1.4 of lifting equipment and lifting accessories are specified, they must be clearly and visibly marked (or written, fixed).

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2.4.1.7 Lifting equipment must be supported, anchored, lashed, and held in place. Load bearing capacity of ground surface where lifting equipment is located (or foundation, structures supporting lifting equipment) must be surveyed, calculated, designed and necessary safety assurance measures must be implemented in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and actual demands. Structures supporting, anchoring, lashing, holding lifting equipment in place, connecting lifting equipment to constructions must be examined and conform to regulations applicable to temporary supporting structures under 2.3.

2.4.1.8 Installation of lifting equipment

2.4.1.8.1 The installation of fixed lifting equipment must satisfy the requirements below:

a) The fixed lifting equipment must not be displaced by load, vibration, or other factors;

b) Operators are not placed in a state (or position) of danger posed by loads, cables, or cable reels;

c) Operators are able to observe the entire operating area of lifting equipment and vicinity thereof or able to communicate with loading and unloading areas via telephones, signals, or other appropriate means of communication.

2.4.1.8.2 Minimum clear distance from moving parts of lifting equipment and lifting accessories:

a) to stationary objects in surrounding areas (such walls, pillars) shall be 70 cm;

b) to power lines shall conform to QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

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2.4.1.8.4 Do not make structural change or repair any part of lifting equipment without approval and supervision of competent individuals. All changes must be tested or inspected for safety as per the law (in regard to machinery, equipment, and materials that demand strict occupational safety and hygiene requirements).

NOTE: Competent individuals are individuals designing the lifting equipment or authorized individuals of manufacturers (or suppliers) or construction machinery and equipment managers (or safety managers) of contractors and construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors) who have received training in construction machinery.

2.4.1.9 Examination, testing, and safety inspection

2.4.1.9.1 Lifting equipment and lifting accessories must be examined, tested, or inspected for safety (see 2.4.1.9.3 for subjects of inspection):

a) before using for the first time;

b) after assembling at construction sites;

c) periodically during use (if regulated by competent authorities or manufacturers);

d) after repair;

dd) change to structure or position of the equipment.

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a) Test loads and other requirements shall conform to manufacturers’ instructions or regulations of competent authorities (if any);

b) The examination and safety testing must be conducted by individuals assigned to operate or individuals eligible for conducting safety inspection as per the law. The examination and safety testing must be observed by construction machinery and equipment managers (or safety managers) of contractors and construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

2.4.1.9.3 In regard to lifting equipment and lifting accessories that demand strict occupational safety and hygiene requirements under 2.1.1.5, safety inspection must:

a) conform to regulations under inspection procedures promulgated by competent authorities;

b) be conducted by organizations entitled to conduct technical inspection for occupational safety as per the law;

c) be conducted and observed, supervised by construction machinery and equipment managers (or safety managers) of contractors and construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

2.4.1.9.4 Examination, testing, or inspection results of lifting equipment and lifting accessories must be recorded using form promulgated by competent authorities. These documents must be produced and stored as parts of construction dossiers and must be presented at request of competent authorities, project developers, operators, or their representatives.

2.4.1.10 Control system (equipment) and cabins

2.4.1.10.1 Control system (equipment) of lifting equipment must:

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b) be arranged to ensure convenience for users and operators, provide sufficient seat width and unobstructed vision;

c) be fitted with (where necessary) appropriate remote locks or shift locks to prevent unwanted drift;

d) be placed in areas where they are not in the way of loads;

dd) have all instruction manuals and clear, specific instruction panels pertaining to purpose and methods of operation.

2.4.1.10.2 Lifting equipment must be fitted with over speed protection devices and anti-drop devices in case of loss of power (for example: power outage).

2.4.1.10.3 Operators of outdoor lifting equipment must be provided with:

a) Cabins that are safe and impervious to weather, designed and manufactured with ergonomic principles in mind;

b) Clear and obstructed vision of lifting, lowering areas;

c) Safe access to and out of the cabins.

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2.4.1.11.1 Operators of lifting equipment shall only operate the type of equipment which they have been trained for and must comply with working procedures regulated by employers.

2.4.1.11.2 Lifting equipment and lifting accessories must not lift or lower loads exceeding their safe working loads.

2.4.1.11.3 Operation of lifting equipment is prohibited without the presence of signaling equipment or personnel.

2.4.1.11.4 Human transport by lifting equipment is prohibited unless such lifting equipment is designed, manufactured, assembled, and used for human transport or in emergencies (such as heavily injured individuals who may die without immediate aid) and safe for human transport.

NOTE: Lifting platforms for human must conform to QCVN 20:2015/BLDTBXH.

2.4.1.11.5 Loads must be fastened, suspended, anchored securely to prevent from slipping, dropping.

2.4.1.11.6 Work platforms or containers for lifting, lowering bricks, tiles, stone slabs, or other loose materials must be tightly wrapped to prevent dropping.

2.4.1.11.7 If wheelbarrows are placed directly on work platforms (or raised platforms), the wheelbarrows must be fastened and anchored onto the work platforms or protected from moving by other measures and the platforms must also be tightly wrapped.

2.4.1.11.8 For the purpose of lifting and lowering wheelbarrows, the wheels must not serve as lifting accessories (i.e. do not hook or attach towing cables to the wheels) unless measures have been taken to prevent the wheels and axles from slipping away from the bearings and load bearing capacity and safety have been tested (in the same manner applicable to lifting accessories).

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2.4.1.11.10 The lifting and lowering must be done in a manner where dogmen do not have to lean towards void areas.

2.4.1.11.11 The lifting and lowering of loads in areas frequently occupied by people and other mobile construction machinery and equipment must be done in enclosed sections (in order to isolate from nearby traffic) or sections where measures such as prohibiting or diverting movement of people and mobile construction machinery and equipment are taken. Danger zones must be established and safety assurance must be implemented in these sections in accordance with regulations under 2.1.1.2 through 2.1.1.4.

2.4.2 Hoist

2.4.2.1 Hoists must conform to QCVN 16:2013/BLDTBXH and regulations below.

2.4.2.2 Barriers must be placed on all sides of hoist on ground level and all accesses from hoists to the constructions.

2.4.2.3 Height of barriers (other than the entrance) must be sufficient to prevent people from falling (approximately 2,0 m) without being lower than 1,1 m.

2.4.2.4 Doors of hoists must:

a) be in the form of mesh or net or perforated boards that allows people to see through; and

b) be at least 2,0 m tall except for areas where such height is infeasible; and

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2.4.2.5 Masts must be able to resist yielding and not buckle when brakes are jammed.

2.4.2.6 In regard to installed hoists whose range of operation is lower than height of the structures, while structure section above is under construction, cover the top of the hoists for the purpose of safety assurance and preventing falling objects.

2.4.2.7 Foundation or supporting structures of hoisting towers must be designed and built for the purpose of safety assurance and firmly. Hoisting towers must be secured and anchored to the foundation and the structures at different elevations according to installation design. Structures supporting, anchoring hoisting towers must conform to 2.3.

2.4.2.8 Ladders are required from the bottom to the top of outdoor hoists for the purpose of inspection and maintenance.

2.4.2.9 Engines of hoists must be strong enough to control the greatest lifting and lowering load depending on requirements of transport tasks.

2.4.2.10 Engines of hoists must automatically stop reeling when the platforms reach the highest landings according to installation design.

2.4.2.11 Brakes of cable reels (of cable hoists) must be engaged when joysticks are not in operation mode (brakes are automatically put on when joysticks are at 0).

2.4.2.12 Human transportation by hoists designed solely for material transportation.

2.4.2.13 Do not use ratchets (of types that lift or lower the platform when pawls are removed from the ratchet gears) in cable reels (of cable hoists).

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2.4.2.15 Platforms must be fitted with anti-dropping safety brakes to support the greatest load in case lifting cables snap.

2.4.2.16 Hoist cages and platforms must be fitted with locking mechanisms at each landing (for loading, unloading) for the purpose of safety assurance.

2.4.2.17 Sides of the platform that do not support loads must be fitted with toe guards and enclosed by mesh of steel or other appropriate materials to prevent loads (materials, products) from falling out.

2.4.2.18 In order to prevent danger of falling objects, platforms must be enclosed.

2.4.2.19 If hoist counterweight is combined from multiple blocks, these blocks must be designed in a way that they can be secured to one another.

2.4.2.20 Counterweight of hoists must move along masts.

2.4.2.21 Landings of hoists (where loads are loaded, unloaded, lowered) must be fitted with appropriate work platforms that meet safety assurance requirements.

2.4.2.22 The following information must be displayed in visible locations with comprehensible writing:

a) On all types of hoist:

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NOTE: It is encouraged to convert total load into number of pieces, packages, or containers in which materials are commonly transported (for example: number of cement bags).

- On hoist engines: Unit of lifting load in kg or other appropriate units of lifting load and allowable lifting, lowering load (safe working load).

b) On hoists for human transportation: The greatest number of passengers and total maximum load at any time (safe working load);

c) On hoists for cargo transportation: The phrase “Cấm sử dụng để vận chuyển người” (Not for human transport) in accesses to hoists and landings (work platforms).

2.4.2.23 Hoists for human transportation must be fitted with cages which are designed and installed in a way that prevents humans and objects from falling outside of the cage.

2.4.2.24 Hoist cages must be fitted with doors on all accessible sides. Doors of cages must be prevented from opening when the cages are moving except for the case where the cages are in loading, unloading positions. Cage doors must be closed before the cages move.

2.4.2.25 Gates on accesses to hoist shafts must be prevented from open when hoists are moving unless hoist cages are in loading, unloading positions. These gates must be closed before the cages move.

2.4.3 Derrick cranes

2.4.3.1 Derrick cranes must be built on sturdy foundation (or supporting structures) that can withstand the greatest load both in operation mode and non-operation modes.

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2.4.3.2 Equipment (or mechanisms) is required to prevent guyed masts of derrick cranes from being removed from their installation location.

2.4.3.3 Electric derricks must be safely grounded as per the law.

2.4.3.4 Counterweights must be positioned in a way that prevents the backlegs, base plates, and masts from deforming too much.

2.4.3.5 In regard to derrick cranes mounted on wheels:

a) Use solid bars to keep accurate spacing between the wheels;

b) Install supporting (anchoring) systems to prevent falling in case wheels are broken or masts are displaced from their position.

2.4.3.6 Do not alter boom length without written approval of manufacturers or suppliers.

NOTE: When altering boom length, parameters relating to safe working load and corresponding working conditions must be provided by manufacturers or suppliers in technical instructions. Carry out examination, testing, and inspection as per the law before using derrick cranes.

2.4.3.7 Booms of Scotch derrick must not installed near backlegs.

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2.4.3.8.1 The anchoring of guy wires must be secured by using loops or sills embedded in concrete platforms or foundation or anchoring structures.

2.4.3.8.2 The top of masts of guy derricks must be connected to 6 evenly spaced guy wires.

2.4.3.8.3 The angle created by guy wires and horizontal plane must not be greater than 45 degrees.

2.4.3.8.4 Guy wires of guy derricks must have their tension allowed to be adjusted by adjustable screws or turnbuckles or other appropriate equipment.

2.4.3.8.5 Joints, rotating masts, and sills must be maintained and lubricated with oil and grease on a regular basis.

2.4.3.8.6 If guy derricks are not in use, booms must be properly anchored to prevent from flailing.

2.4.4 Pulley pillars, pillar complex, towers

2.4.4.1 Pulley pillars, pillar complex, towers (hereinafter referred to as “lifting pillars”) must be:

a) Straight;

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c) Installed vertically or slightly inclined towards the load and firmly anchored, held in place.

2.4.4.2 If lifting pillars are assembled from multiple segments, segments and joints must be made from reliable materials with sufficient load-bearing capacity.

2.4.4.3 The bottom of lifting pillars must be supported and anchored in place so that the pillars are not displaced during operation.

2.4.4.4 Once installation (or relocation) of lifting pillars is complete, the entire lifting equipment must be re-examined and tested with the greatest expected load before being put into use.

2.4.4.5 If lifting pillars are used to lift and lower work platforms and large containers, adopt solutions for preventing rotation, flip, and lowering load properly (for example: taglines).

2.4.5 Tower crane

2.4.5.1 In regard to tower cranes whose cabins are at heights, operators of tower cranes must satisfy regulations under 2.4.1.11.1 and must have undergone training for working at heights.

2.4.5.2 The selection of tower cranes must rely on technical properties of available types of tower cranes, operation requirements, characteristics of the construction sites.

2.4.5.3 Wind effect must be taken into account when tower cranes are under construction, operating, and not operating.

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2.4.5.5 Ensure a safety distance between tower cranes and holes, rivers, and canals. Tower cranes mounted on rails are only allowed on ramps with slope specified under manufacturers’ instructions.

NOTE: A safety distance means a distance that ensures stability of foundation of tower cranes and must be determined by calculation and experience in similar conditions. The surveying, calculation, design, and construction of foundation, base of tower cranes shall conform to 2.3 in case of temporary supporting structures.

2.4.5.6 Tower cranes must be built in open space with sufficient area for installation, operation, and dismantlement.

NOTE: Tower cranes must be positioned in a way that the working arms do not hover above buildings and constructions in use, public roads, other constructions in progress, railways, and power lines. If this requirement cannot be met, detail safety assurance plans and solutions must be produced for all scenarios.

2.4.5.7 If tower cranes face risk of collision in case of simultaneous operation, it is required that prior to operation:

a) A means of direct communication is required between tower cranes;

b) A warning system is installed in cabin of each tower crane to inform each other about potential danger.

2.4.5.8 Tower crane installation and dismantlement solutions, procedures must conform to manufacturers’ instructions. Tower cranes must be inspected for safety before use.

2.4.5.9 The climbing of tower cranes must comply with manufacturers’ instructions. Free standing height without lashing of tower cranes must not exceed free standing height regulated by manufacturers.

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2.4.5.11 An anemometer must be installed at the highest position of tower crane and an interface displaying wind speed must be positioned in the cabin.

2.4.5.12 Monitoring devices are required to control safe working load corresponding to lifting radius. Do not mount signboard or other wind-blocking objects on tower cranes if they do not meet manufacturers’ instructions.

2.4.5.13 Do not use tower cranes for cases where working arms can sustain tremendous force such as magnet lifting mechanism or steel balls for demolition or pile driving.

2.4.6 Lifting, lowering ropes

2.4.6.1 Ropes of lifting equipment must have clear origin, quality, and meet task requirements.

2.4.6.2 Installation, maintenance, examination, and testing of lifting, lowering ropes must be carried out in accordance with manufactures’ instructions and regulations under 2.4.1.

2.4.6.3 Do not use repaired steel ropes for lifting equipment.

2.4.6.4 If multiple independent cables and ropes are used for lifting work platforms, each cable must be able to lift the work platforms.

2.5 Construction machinery and equipment for moving, lifting earth, materials, and road construction

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2.5.1.1 When using construction machinery and equipment for moving, lifting earth, materials, and road construction, safety assurance solutions must include:

a) Safety assurance when construction machinery and equipment move, operate close to power lines;

NOTE: Safety assurance must conform to QCVN 01:2020/BCT and other relevant technical law provisions.

b) Solutions for preventing construction machinery and equipment from tipping over or overturning in areas with dug holes, elevation change, or water.

2.5.1.2 Construction machinery and equipment users, operators are only allowed to use, operate the type of construction machinery and equipment that they have been trained for and must comply with regulations of the law on traffic, working regulations promulgated by employers.

2.5.1.3 In regard to construction sites where construction machinery and equipment are used:

a) Safe and convenient work area accesses must be located;

b) Traffic in construction sites must be coordinated and controlled for the purpose of safety assurance when construction machinery and equipment move and operate in accordance with 2.1.2.

2.5.1.4 Erect warning signs or implement appropriate control measures for the purpose of safety assurance when construction machinery and equipment move, operate. Implement separate safety assurance solutions for cases where construction machinery and equipment are in reverse.

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2.5.1.6 If operators must be positioned on the construction machinery and equipment in order to operate them, additional protective structures must be installed to protect operators in case these machinery and equipment fall over or other objects fall into the cabins.

NOTE: Structures additionally fitted on construction machinery and equipment must conform to (not violating technical regulations) manufacturers' instructions and be designed, tested to ensure that they are used for the right objectives and do not affect operation of the machinery and equipment.

2.5.1.7 Construction machinery and equipment are not allowed to traverse bridges, viaducts, embankments, or any other existing structure if safety assurance of these structures is not guaranteed.

NOTE: In regard to existing structures or other structures where information on allowable load is not available, project developers and/or contractors are responsible for surveying and carrying out load bearing safety assessment for these structures before allowing construction machinery and equipment to traverse them.

2.5.1.8 Information panels on construction machinery and equipment must specify:

a) Gross weight (when carrying load);

b) Maximum axle load (downward load on wheels or points of contact with the floor) and/or the greatest compression on ground level in case of diggers, bulldozers, excavators, heavy-duty vehicles, and other similar construction machinery and equipment;

b) Net weight (when not carrying load).

2.5.1.9 Construction machinery and equipment must be equipped with: Electric sound alarms and headlights for forward and reverse gears, electric brakes (or air brakes, hydraulic brakes), hand brakes, taillights, noise cancelling devices (noise cancelling exhausts of engines) and turn signals such as lights and sirens.

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a) be designed and manufactured with ergonomic principles in mind and be able to withstand extreme weather conditions;

b) be fully enclosed to prevent dust;

c) provide operators with clear and unobstructed vision of operating areas;

d) be equipped with navigation system and rear-view mirrors on both sides.

2.5.1.11 Distance from cabins of excavators and digging surface must be maintained at at least 1,0 m.

2.5.1.12 If earthmoving machines and equipment are moving or stop working, their joysticks must lean towards the direction of motion, buckets must be raised and not contain any load (except when moving downhill).

2.5.1.13 Engines, brake system, steering wheels, chassis, blades, chains (tracks), towing ropes, pulleys, hydraulic system, transmission system, bolts, and other components relating to safety of the construction machinery and equipment must be inspected on a daily basis and before every shift.

2.5.1.14 Construction machinery and equipment must not be parked on ramps when their engines are still running.

2.5.1.15 Keep oil, grease, mud, and other slippery substances away from floors and stairs of construction machinery and equipment.

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2.5.1.17 Do not position and operate bucket excavators on top of or at the feet of rock and earth bluffs with slope larger than 60 degrees.

2.5.1.18 During examination or maintenance or repair, implement safety assurance measures for working at heights in accordance with 2.7 at positions that are 2,0 m or more in height (for example: working arms) if safety assurance structures have not been implemented on the examined, maintained, or repaired construction machinery and equipment.

2.5.2 Excavator and digger

2.5.2.1 Brake pedals for all motions of electric excavators must be fitted with 2 independent locking devices.

2.5.2.2 Excavators and diggers must be equipped with emergency stop system which must be separate from control system of the machinery.

2.5.2.3 Excavators and diggers equipped with deep digging attachments must be designed or fitted with effective stopping mechanism so as to maintain a minimum distance of 40 cm between bucket teeth and joysticks.

2.5.2.4 Excavators and diggers design to lift load using lifting mechanism (working arms) are required to have information panels positioned in the cabins and on the joysticks. Words in the information panels must be durable (cannot be erased), clear, and specific pertaining to safe working load and safe working conditions when lifting load.

2.5.2.5 Excavators and diggers equipped (or additionally fitted) with equipment so that they can operate as self-propelled excavators must:

a) be examined, tested, or inspected in accordance with regulations applicable to lifting equipment under 2.4. before being allowed for use;

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c) ensure compatibility with existing equipment and safe working capacity of additional attachments (if any).

2.5.2.6 Excavators and diggers using internal combustion engines must:

a) be grounded or protected against static;

b) be equipped with fire extinguishers.

2.5.2.7 Electric excavators and diggers

2.5.2.7.1 Only competent individuals are allowed to connect and disconnect excavators, diggers from electrical wires powering such equipment.

NOTE: Competent individuals mean users, operators, or managers of construction machinery and equipment or electrical safety managers of contractors.

2.5.2.7.2 In regard to excavators and diggers in use, electrical connection and relays of these equipment must be examined on a daily basis and before each shift.

2.5.2.8 Operation of excavators and diggers

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2.5.2.8.2 Buckets and grabs of excavators, diggers must be prevented from falling, flipping, rotating, or dangling unexpectedly while working.

2.5.2.8.3 Prior to exiting excavators or diggers, users and operators thereof must:

a) release the clutch reasonably;

b) rest grabs or buckets on the ground.

2.5.2.8.4 Buckets of excavators and diggers must be prevented from drifting when they are being repaired or their teeth are being replaced.

2.5.2.8.5 When excavators or diggers are operating close to cliffs or walls (or constructions), measures for preventing people from entering danger zones of the machinery must be established (where they can get injured or die if the machinery falls over).

2.5.2.8.6 Trucks must not receive load in areas where danger of falling objects is imminent. In case of force majeure, no personnel are allowed to stay in the vehicles while receiving load.

2.5.2.8.7 Parked trucks must be at least 60 cm away from any component of excavators and diggers (even when the excavators and diggers fall over).

2.5.2.8.8 In regard to machines that use hydraulic buckets, upon completion of the tasks, pistons must be retracted into cylinders and if necessary, lower support bars to stabilize the machine and its components.

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2.5.3.1 Prior to exiting bulldozers, operators must:

a) apply brakes;

b) lower blades and rippers;

c) enter neutral gear.

2.5.3.2 When not being used, bulldozers must be parked on flat ground or surfaces.

2.5.3.3 Operators must lower the blade of bulldozers that are climbing slopes.

2.5.3.4 Blades of bulldozers must not be used as brakes except for cases of emergency.

2.5.4 Graders

2.5.4.1 During operation, tractors (or hauling vehicles) and scrapers (or grader blades) must be connected by safety bars.

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2.5.4.3 When descending slopes, graders must be in gear.

2.5.5 Asphalt and asphalt concrete pavers

2.5.5.1 The front platforms of pavers must be coated (or layered) with lumpy metal sheets to prevent slip.

2.5.5.2 Standing mixers must be fully enclosed by wood or metal sheets with openings for observation, lubrication, and maintenance.

2.5.5.3 Buckets, spreaders, funnels (for laying, spreading) bitumen must be sufficiently enclosed for the purpose of safety assurance.

2.5.5.4 Sprayers must be fitted with fire-resistant-rated shields with openings for observation.

2.5.5.5 In order to prevent fire risks by foaming:

a) Bitumen mixers must be fitted with equipment for preventing foam from making contact with combustion chambers; or

b) Only use non-foaming products.

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2.5.5.7 Equip sufficient number of fire extinguishers no lower than 2 in proper operation condition at work areas.

2.5.5.8 Materials shall only be introduced to the mixers when drying drums have been warmed up.

2.5.5.9 Do not use open flame for the purpose of examining asphalt quantity in containers.

2.5.5.10 Do not use open flame for the purpose of heating up diluents.

2.5.5.11 If fire of burner is quenched:

a) Immediately shut fuel supply (of combustion);

b) Combustion tubes must be carefully ventilated by fans to prevent backfire.

2.5.5.12 Do not open inspection gap in mixers if pressure in the mixers is greater than ambient pressure.

2.5.6 Road finishers

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2.5.7 Road rollers

2.5.7.1 Prior to compacting road surface with road rollers, conduct examination of road bearing capacity of soil and general safety, especially edges of slopes (for example: river banks, embankments, cut and fill embankments)

2.5.7.2 When moving downhill, road rollers must be in gears.

2.5.7.3 When road rollers are not being used:

a) Brakes must be applied;

b) Engines must be in the lowest gear if the road rollers are pointing uphill;

c) Engines must be in reverse if the road rollers are pointing downhill;

d) Engines must be shut off (including electrical switches and control);

dd) All wheels must be wedged.

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2.6.1 General provisions

2.6.1.1 Hand-operated equipment and other machinery, equipment operated (controlled) manually or by other power sources must conform to regulations under 2.1.1.5 and the following regulations:

a) They must be used and maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions for the purpose of safety assurance for users. If equipment, tool, machinery must be used for purposes other than their intended design, such use must be assessed and deemed safety assurance by competent individuals;

NOTE: Competent individuals mean construction machinery and equipment managers, safety managers of contractors and/or representatives of manufacturers.

b) They must be used and operated by employees who have received training for the right type of equipment and tools assigned to them by employers;

c) They must be fitted with protective, covering apparatus or other protective measures in accordance with relevant National technical regulations.

2.6.1.2 Detail instruction panels pertaining to safe use and operation that are simply presented and comprehensible to users and operators must be placed in appropriate locations by employers or manufacturers.

NOTE: Vietnamese instructions are required.

2.6.1.3 Safety assurance measures include detail procedures for safe operation and use for hand-operated equipment and tools and other machinery, equipment on construction sites.

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2.6.1.5 Machinery, equipment, and tools when not used must be cut off from power sources and must be isolated prior to cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, or repair.

2.6.1.6 Extendable wires and tubes (for example: electrical wires, gas tubes) must be kept as short as possible to prevent all safety risks.

2.6.1.7 All moving parts that potentially cause safety risks in machinery and equipment must be covered, enclosed, and properly protected in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and applied standards.

2.6.1.8 Electric machinery and equipment must be fitted with proper emergency stopping devices (or switches, breakers) which are located in visible spots where users, operators can immediately turn off machinery and equipment and prevent them from restarting.

2.6.1.9 All machinery and equipment must be designed with or fitted with speed limiters to enforce the maximum speed limit. If machinery and equipment can change speed, only machinery and equipment which start from the lowest speed are allowed.

2.6.1.10 Users and operators of hand-operated equipment, tools, and other machinery, equipment must be provided with appropriate PPE including ear-protection if they work with machines that generate a lot of noise.

NOTE: PPE shall conform to requirements under 2.19.

2.6.2 Hand-operated equipment and tools

2.6.2.1 Hand-operated equipment and tools and their attachments shall only be reinforced, disassembled, and repaired by competent individuals.

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2.6.2.2 Blades of cutting tools and equipment must be sharp.

2.6.2.3 When heads of hammer or slamming tools crack or show signs of damage (for example: termites for wooden tools), treat or grind all corners and sides with proper radius.

2.6.2.4 When unused or transported, sharp and pointy equipment, tools must be wrapped by materials that cannot be punctured or cut and placed in appropriate containers.

2.6.2.5 Only insulated (or non-conductive) hand-operated equipment and tools are allowed close to or in areas where active electric appliances are operating.

2.6.2.6 Only non-sparking hand-operated equipment and tools are allowed close to or in areas where flammable materials, other flammable or explosive vapour or gas is present.

2.6.3 Hand-operated pneumatic equipment and tools

2.6.3.1 Start button (trigger) of pneumatic hand-operated equipment and tools must:

a) be positioned in appropriate location to prevent accidental activation by collision;

b) be fitted in a manner that gas valve closes automatically as soon as the operator releases the trigger.

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a) be designed and used with design pressure and purpose;

b) be tightened on the outlet side and accompanied by washers (if necessary).

2.6.3.3 Pneumatic hammers and pneumatic guns must be fitted with bit protection (or containment spaces if necessary) to prevent items (nails, screws, bolts, rivets, debris) from falling when the equipment is operating.

2.6.3.4 Prior to calibrating or repairing pneumatic equipment and tools, disconnect the equipment and tools from compressed air sources and release all pressure in compressed air pipes.

2.6.4 Hand-operated nail gun

2.6.4.1 Only nail guns operated by explosive force with low free speed, unless otherwise required due to technical reasons.

2.6.4.2 Nail guns (or nailers) must have:

a) Protective sheets or covers which cannot be removed when the nailers are operating; and

b) A mechanism which prevents accidental activation of the nailers due to falling or during loading; and

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d) A mechanism which prevents the nailers to fire if the nose is not pressed against the work surface with enough force.

2.6.4.3 Recoil of nailers must be low enough to prevent injuries for operators.

2.6.4.4 Noise of nailers must be within permissible limit so as to not injure operators’ hearing ability.

2.6.4.5 Nailers must be inspected before use to ensure that:

a) All safety assurance components are in good conditions;

b) The nailers are clean, in good operating conditions; all moving parts do so with ease and the nose is not jammed.

2.6.4.6 Nailers must be completely disassembled on a periodic basis (in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions) to allow inspection of damage and wear of safety equipment and features.

NOTE: Competent individuals mean technicians of manufacturers, users of equipment and tools (for appropriate tasks) or repairmen of mechanical equipment and tools of contractors.

2.6.4.7 Nailers shall only be repaired by competent individuals specified under 2.6.4.6.

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a) Environment factors or other factors can actuate the nailers;

b) Flammable or explosive gas is present.

2.6.4.9 When not being used, nailers must be placed in appropriate containers. Such containers must:

a) be made from appropriate materials for protection and safety assurance;

b) be marked and contain a list of items inside;

c) be locked when unused;

d) not contain items other than nailers and boxes of nails, screws.

2.6.4.10 Do not store or transport nailers that have been loaded or are containing nails.

2.6.4.11 Nailers must be maintained and used in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and shall only be used by employees who have received training for using nailers safely.

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2.6.5.1 Electrical hand-operated or moveable equipment and tools must use low-voltage electricity.

2.6.5.2 Electrical equipment and tools must be grounded unless otherwise specified by manufacturers’ instructions. Ground wires must be protected by covers or metal box to prevent damage to sections where the wires connect to the equipment and tools.

2.6.5.3 Electrical equipment and tools must be inspected and maintained on a regular basis by electricians or electrical safety managers of contractors. Record of inspection and maintenance must be stored.

2.6.6 Woodworking machine

2.6.6.1 Do not collect debris, shavings, sawdust, and other items produced by active woodworking machines by hands, even those close to the machines.

2.6.6.2 If shaving, sawdust covering and collector system is installed, the system must be operational.

2.6.6.3 For the purpose of reducing risk of safety loss, mechanical feeders are recommended.

2.6.6.4 Cutting blades and saw blades must be wrapped and covered as much as possible.

2.6.6.5 Circular saws must have durable, firm, adjustable housing for saw blades and riving knives and be designed for the saw blades in use. Throat plate clearance must be as low as possible.

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2.6.6.7 Saw blades of band saws (other than the moving blades) must be covered completely. Wheels of band saws must be completely enclosed by durable and hard cover.

2.6.6.8 Band saws (of cutting chain) must be fitted with auto tensioning feature.

2.6.6.9 Wood jointers must be fitted with fences which can cover the length and width of work pieces and can be easily adjusted vertically and horizontally.

2.6.6.10 Thickness planers must be fitted with roller-type feeders or anti-kickback devices in order to allow them to be as free as possible.

2.6.6.11 Woodworking machines must be provided with sufficient clearance to avoid injuries when processing, handling large work pieces.

2.6.7 Engine

2.6.7.1 Engines must:

a) be manufactured and installed in a manner so that they can start safely and are unable to exceed the speed limit;

b) be fitted with control units which can limit speed when necessary;

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2.6.7.2 Internal combustion engines are not allowed for prolonged use in confined spaces unless ventilation and emission extraction are properly implemented to protect employees.

2.6.7.3 When internal combustion engines are being refueled:

a) Starting system must be shut off;

b) Fuel must be prevented from falling over or spilling out of containers;

c) Do not smoke or introduce open flame in the vicinity;

d) Operational fire extinguishers are required.

2.6.7.4 Reserve fuel containers are required outside of engine rooms.

2.6.8 Construction silos

2.6.8.1 Silos must:

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b) be able to withstand different types of load; load bearing components of silos such as shells, floors, or bottom, and other load bearing components do not deform (or crack) more than what is regulated by standards applicable to silo design and/or silo properties (regulated by designers or users of silos).

2.6.8.2 Fixed stairs or ladders or hoists are required to allow employees to access the inside and outside of silos when needed.

2.6.8.3 Equipment determining quantity of materials in the silos is required so that entering the silos for such purpose is not required.

2.6.8.4 Display the following information clearly on the silos:

a) Regulations and specific requirements on silo filling;

b) Danger warning pertaining to grain entrapment in case of silos containing granular materials.

2.6.8.5 Install stirrers, air compressors, or other mechanical equipment in silos containing materials that can jam (for example: materials that can change from powder to clump). In order to deal with blockage, prepare necessary equipment such as rods, bars (for stirring, poking), hammers (for chiseling, demolishing) or digging tools.

2.6.8.6 Firefighting equipment is required for silos containing spontaneously combustible materials.

2.6.8.7 In case of silos whose contents can form explosive gas or vapour mixtures, the following requirements must be complied with:

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b) Only non-sparking equipment and tools are allowed;

c) Vents are required on the shells of the silos.

2.6.8.8 Silo entrance must be fully enclosed and protected by doors and locks.

2.6.8.9 Restrict human access to silos, except when:

a) Outlets are closed, inlets are closed, and material filling has been suspended;

b) Employees are assigned task which require them to enter the silos;

c) Persons entering silos are wearing lanyard and lifeline firmly connected to a stationary objects with sufficient load-bearing capacity for the purpose of safety assurance;

d) Persons entering silos are accompanied by other persons for constant supervision and appropriate rescue equipment.

2.6.9 Concreting construction machinery and equipment

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2.6.9.2 In regard to large outlets or gutters or drums of concrete mixers using mixing blades, grating steel mesh is required to prevent human from falling inside.

2.6.9.3 In addition to braking mechanism to stop mixing, an equipment to stabilize mixing drums of the concrete mixers (or concrete plants) when lifted.

2.6.9.4 Before cleaning mixing drums of concrete mixers (or concrete plants), lock the outlets, disconnect from electricity, and atop all preventive measures for safety assurance of employees inside the mixing drums.

2.6.9.5 When using buckets (or hoppers) to pour concrete using cranes or overhead cables, the buckets must be stored away from objects surrounding the pouring sites (for example: security posts, other equipment in construction sites or houses closes to construction sites) to prevent falling risks of buckets or concrete.

2.6.9.6 Buckets (hoppers) containing concrete must be transported to pouring sites using appropriate measures.

2.6.9.7 Buckets (hoppers) suspended and transported by cranes and overhead cables must be held by hooks with safety latches (compliant with regulations on lifting accessories).

2.6.9.8 When concrete is poured out of buckets (hoppers), employees must stand outside of swaying radius of the buckets (hoppers).

2.6.9.9 Concrete silos, booms, or belt conveyors must:

a) be assembled by competent individuals;

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b) be inspected on a daily basis and before each shift and verified for safety assurance for operation by managers of construction machinery and equipment of contractors, concrete manufacturers (suppliers).

2.6.9.10 Cable reels (or cranes) for lifting (or pulling) buckets (or hoppers) must be positioned in a manner that their operators can clearly observe the entire concrete pouring stages (pouring into buckets, lifting, unloading concrete, and lowering buckets). When operators of cable reels (or cranes) are unable to observe any of the stages mentioned above, a coordinator is required.

2.6.9.11 If operators of cable reels (or cranes) and coordinators cannot observe the buckets (or hoppers), devices (or equipment) signaling position of the buckets (or hoppers) are required.

2.6.9.12 Masts of containers in concrete plants must be accurate and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to prevent the containers from jamming in concrete plants.

2.6.9.13 Scaffolds supporting concrete chutes must be able to support the chutes when completely filled with concrete and all employees on the scaffolds, and have minimum safety factor of 4.

NOTE: See 2.2 for scaffold requirements.

2.6.9.14 Concrete chutes must:

a) be firmly anchored and lashed on both ends and in corners;

b) be equipped with gas exhaust valves close to both ends;

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2.6.10 Compression station, machine, equipment

2.6.10.1 Compression stations, machines, equipment, and attachments thereof must be examined, tested, and/or inspected for safety in accordance with QCVN 01:2008/BLDTBXH.

2.6.10.2 Only employees who are assigned and conform to the QCVN 01:2008/BLDTBXH are allowed to operate steam boilers and pressure vessels.

2.6.10.3 Air compressors must:

a) be equipped with automatic devices that prevent pressure from exceeding the maximum set pressure;

b) be equipped with quick exhaust valve;

c) be arranged and positioned in proper locations to prevent pollution of attended places and confined spaces.

2.6.10.4 Air compressors where explosive gas mixtures can form must be provided with non-sparking protection.

2.6.10.5 Water cooling devices serving cylinders of air compressors must allow observation of the water flow inside.

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2.6.10.7 Exhaust pipes of machines that generate high heat during operation must be equipped with:

a) Fusible plug;

b) Insulation cover to protect users and prevent fire.

2.6.10.8 If there are explosion or toxic risk due to vapour containing oil in the air, oil separators are required between air compressors and air receiver.

2.6.10.9 Shut off valves fitted in exhaust pipes must comply with the following requirements:

a) The valves are located in areas that facilitate inspection and cleaning;

b) At least one safety valve is required between air compressors and shut off valves.

2.6.10.10 Working parts, including speed control units, safety valves, and oil separators must be examined, cleaned, and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

2.6.10.11 Air receivers must:

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b) be fitted with appropriate openings for inspection and cleaning;

c) be examined, maintained, and tested in appropriate frequency and in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.

2.6.10.12 Safe working pressure must be color-coded on pressure gauges.

2.6.10.13 When necessary or for the purpose of preventing danger, pressure-reducing valve and/or shut off valves must be installed on pipes connecting air receivers and air compressors.

2.6.10.14 A shut off valve is required between air receiver and each equipment using compressed air.

2.6.10.15 Cylinders containing compressed air (including dissolved air or liquefied air) must be manufactured using appropriate materials, fitted with proper safety devices, examined, tested and/or inspected, stored, transported, and used as per the law.

2.6.11 Belt conveyors, screw conveyors

2.6.11.1 Belt conveyors and conveyor screws must be manufactured and installed to avoid collision between stationary parts and moving parts or between objects.

2.6.11.2 If belt conveyors crossing areas where people work or move below are not completely covered, catch platforms (or safety nets) must be installed to prevent falling hazards. In addition, barriers preventing trespassing must be installed in appropriate locations, where belt conveyors change direction or at transfer stations. Emergency stop devices and switches of belt conveyors must be positioned in convenient spots so that operators (or persons assigned to supervise the operation) can access easily and rapidly.

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NOTE: For the purpose of preventing danger, emergency stop devices are recommended.

2.6.11.4 In case multiple belt conveyors and screw conveyors operate simultaneously, control units must be designed in a way where if a belt conveyor or screw conveyor stops working, the other belt conveyors and screw conveyors cannot transfer load onto that belt conveyor or screw conveyor.

2.6.11.5 Screw conveyors must be fully enclosed by cover. Do not remove the cover as long as the screw conveyors have not stopped working and engine has not been shut off.

2.6.11.6 When a belt conveyor or screw conveyor is loading a container or hopper, equipment preventing overloading is required.

2.6.12 Material crushing and screening stations, machines

2.6.12.1 Crushing and screening stations, machines must be located away from construction sites for the purpose of ensuring safety assurance, preventing injuries and health problems of employees (caused by dust, noise, vibration, and other harmful factors).

NOTE: See 2.18 for regulations on safety assurance for dust, noise, vibration, and other factors.

2.6.12.2 Crushing stations and machines must be equipped with overload protection and circuit breakers that are separate from crushing parts in visible locations in order to prevent unexpected activation during repair or maintenance of the machinery.

2.6.12.3 Electric motors, switches, connectors, and other electrical equipment must be protected against dust and humidity.

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2.6.12.5 Access to feeding hoppers of crushing machines and screening mesh must be cleaned by water or other appropriate methods.

2.6.12.6 Electrical wires must be placed beneath ground level or at height satisfactory to electricity safety assurance, color-coded with bright, visible colors, and durable.

2.6.12.7 Earthmoving equipment used at crushing stations must be cleaned and maintained after every shift.

2.6.13 Generator

2.6.13.1 Generators must conform to electricity laws and QCVN 01:2020/BCT for the purpose of safe and reliable operation.

NOTE: See 2.16 for detail regulations on electricity safety assurance.

2.6.13.2 Nameplate capacity of generators must not be lower than the greatest expected consumption.

2.6.13.3 Generators must be placed in completely enclosed areas, properly ventilated, and protected against trespassing.

2.6.13.4 Generators must be provided with overload protection and separate circuit breakers to prevent remote or unexpected activation during maintenance.

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NOTE: Exhaust pipes must be installed at reasonable locations with reasonable height to expel emission and prevent emission from being flown back at employees by wind.

2.6.13.6 If generators are located close to accommodations of employees or occupied existing structures, the generators must be placed in sturdy rooms (chambers) or separate areas compliant with environmental protection laws, occupational hygiene and safety laws, and electricity laws.

NOTE 1: See 2.18 for regulations on harmful environment factors (dust, noise, vibration, and other factors).

NOTE 2: See 2.16 for regulations on electricity safety assurance.

2.7 Working at height

2.7.1 General provisions

2.7.1.1 For the purpose of preventing danger, employers must devise plans and implement safety assurance solutions to prevent falling; first aid and emergency medical care for the following cases:

a) Working at height: When employees work inside, outside, on top of the constructions or in other work areas where they are positioned at a height of 2,0 m or more (from the sole of a standing employee’s feet) from the platform below such as the ground, the floor, structures, bottom of pits, and other surfaces;

b) Working on roofs and pitched roofs (greater than 10 degrees of slope).

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2.7.1.3 Scaffolds, ladders, ramps, or other safe means are required in work areas mentioned under 2.7.1.1 to allow employees to move safely.

2.7.1.4 If guardrails cannot be installed, employees working at height (even at a height below 2,0 m without other protective measures) must be properly protected by safety nets, catch platforms or provided with work platforms or lanyards and lifelines both of which must be properly secured.

NOTE: See 2.2 and other relevant sections of this document for specific regulations on scaffolds, ladders, and other safety assurance measures for employees (for example: construction and assembly of structures, formworks, and concrete pouring are specified under 2.10 and 2.11).

2.7.1.5 Employees working at height and working on the roof must be trained and equipped with protective equipment, falling protection in accordance with 2.19 and QCVN 23:2014/BLDTBXH. Employers must provide proper protective equipment, adopt safety assurance measures in accordance with 2.7.2 and 2.7.3, and examine, monitor employees’ health (physical and mental health) before and during work.

2.7.2 Working on roof

2.7.2.1 All work on roofs must be planned in advance and closely examined, supervised.

2.7.2.2 Crawling boards serving movement of employees must be firmly fastened and anchored into roof structures.

2.7.3.3 Roofing brackets for placing of boards serving movement of employees must have the same slope as that of the roof and must be firmly supported, anchored into roof structures.

2.7.2.4 Guardrails on the edges of the roofs must have at least one middle bar (to protect employees while crouching or kneeling) unless other safety assurance measures have been implemented (for example: lanyards).

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2.7.2.6 Boards for covering and concealing roof openings must be firm and installed at the openings.

2.7.2.7 In regard to pitched roofs, appropriate crawling boards and/or roof ladders must be installed on the roof to prevent slip. Crawling boards and roof ladders must be firmed anchored into roof structures.

2.7.2.8 While performing roof works, keep examining guardrails and toeboards to keep them in firm conditions.

2.7.2.9 When employees are working on roofs made of fragile materials (such as: glass, tiles, etc.), install walkways on roof surfaces (such as ladders or crawling boards over firm supports) to allow employees to tile roof and move safely.

2.7.2.10 At least 2 crawling boards are required so that employees are not required to stand on the roofs made of fragile materials to move crawling boards (or roof ladders) or for any other reason.

2.7.2.11 In regard to areas where roof tiles made of fragile materials will be installed, appropriate safety assurance measures are required such as supporting steel mesh (or catch platforms) before tiling the roofs depending on roof conditions.

2.7.2.12 Struts or other intermediate supporting structures of roof tiles of fragile materials must be designed and installed in a way where the risk of roof tiles dropping is minimized.

2.7.2.13 In regard to rain gutters which are made of fragile materials and allow people to walk on them, fall prevention measures must be installed below the gutters and must be at least 1,0 m wider than the gutters towards both sides.

2.7.2.14 Warning signs for fragile roof sections must be erected on walkways and areas leading to the roof.

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2.7.3.1 When installing, repairing, and maintaining tall structures, scaffoldings appropriate to the nature of the structures and safety nets below are required if specialized safety assurance equipment and devices are not available.

NOTE: Tall structures include structures similar to pillars, columns, and towers such as piles of suspension bridges, telecommunication towers, utility poles, tall chimneys, monuments, advertising panels, similar structures, façade of buildings, monuments, silos, large dams, and other structures.

2.7.3.2 The topmost work platforms of scaffolds must be at least 65 cm below the top of the structures.

2.7.3.3 Scaffolds and catch platforms below which are attended by working employees must be unattended and unoccupied to prevent falling hazards.

2.7.3.4 The gap between scaffolds and structures must not exceed 20 cm.

2.7.3.5 Catch platforms must be installed above:

a) Accesses to tall structures;

b) Walkways and work areas of employees to prevent falling hazards.

2.7.3.6 In order to assist ascension and descent of tall structures, the following equipment is required:

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b) Steps of steel ladders must be firmly anchored into surface or wall of the structures;

c) Other appropriate equipment.

2.7.3.7 When climbing steel ladders on the exterior of tall structures, employees are required to use lanyard with core of steel. Lanyard must be tied on the free end (where it is connected to safety harness of employees) and lowered by at least 3 m (from the anchorage).

2.7.3.8 When employees are working on separate tall structures, danger zones must be established and controlled by no-trespassing barriers to create safe zones for outsiders in accordance with 2.1.1.2.

2.7.3.9 Employees carrying out construction, maintenance, or repair task on tall structures are not allowed to:

a) work outdoors without wearing lanyards and lifeline attached to ladders (anchored into the tall structures) or loops, anchorage of tall structures;

b) place tools between lanyards and body or in pockets of protective suits that are not designed to hold tools;

c) pull, drag, or carry heavy materials or equipment up, down, or out of work areas on tall structures;

d) fasten or anchor pulleys or scaffolds into additional anchorage loops (which are attached to the exterior of tall buildings) without examining and testing load bearing capacity and firmness of these loops in advance;

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e) scale tall structures without safety assurance equipment stated under 2.7.3.6;

g) work on active tall structures (for example: chimneys that are working), unless safety assurance measures have been implemented.

2.8 Implementing earthwork and constructing underground structures

2.8.1 General provisions

2.8.1.1 Prior to implementing earthwork and tasks relating to soil, rock, caissons, tunnels, and other underground structures (hereinafter referred to as “implementing earthwork and constructing underground structures”), the following measures must be implemented to prevent dangerous factors:

a) Temporary support or other appropriate measures to prevent soil, rocks, and other materials from sliding, falling;

NOTE: See 2.3 for regulations on temporary supporting structures.

b) Fall prevention measures; measures for preventing danger caused by mud, soil, rock, or water entering dug holes, caissons, and construction sites in underground structures, tunnels;

NOTE: See 2.1.5, 2.2, 2.7, and relevant sections of this document for regulations on fall prevention.

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NOTE: Requirements pertaining to air quality, environment, and ventilation shall conform to QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT, QCVN 06:2009/BTNMT, QCVN 02:2019/BYT, QCVN 26:2016/BYT, QCVN 34:2018/BLDTBXH, and this document.

d) Evacuation and rescue measures for employees in case of fire, explosion, inundation, or being buried by collapsing materials or collapsing structures;

NOTE: Requirements pertaining to safety assurance of fire, explosion, and rescue shall conform to QCVN 01:2011/BCT, QCVN 04:2017/BCT, QCVN 01:2018/BCT, QCVN 03:2019/BCT, QCVN 07:2020/BCT, and this document.

dd) Thorough surveying to examine the presence of water pockets, air pockets, and groundwater and implement appropriate preventive measures.

2.8.1.2 In regard to temporary supporting structures serving earthwork and construction of underground structures: The construction, assembly, replacement, or dismantlement must be accompanied by supervision and approval of competent individuals in accordance with 2.3.

2.8.1.3 Attended areas in locations of earthworks and construction of underground structures must be examined and supervised by competent individuals on a regular basis. supervision results must be recorded. Employees are not allowed to work alone unless they are supervised by competent individuals.

NOTE: Competent individuals include construction site managers, persons assigned with the management of construction, safety, construction machinery and equipment, technical systems (for example: electricity, water, ventilation, fire prevention and firefighting) of the contractors; construction and safety supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

2.8.1.4 Employees assigned with tasks relating to earthwork and construction of underground structures must perform their assigned task and use PPE in accordance with 2.19 and QCVN 23:2014/BLDTBXH.

2.8.1.5 Employers are responsible for:

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b) providing specific instructions and ensuring that employees understand the assigned tasks before working; supervising the compliance with instructions of employees.

2.8.1.6 Temporary supporting structures, scaffolds, materials, products, tools, equipment, construction machinery and equipment, and other equipment must be examined, maintained, tested, inspected, and used in accordance with 2.1.1.5 and regulations relating to specific subject under this document.

2.8.1.7 Tasks that involve working in compressed air environment must conform to 2.9.

2.8.1.8 Tasks that involve the use of explosive substances must conform to 2.8.5, 2.8.6, and 2.17.

2.8.1.9 Tasks shall only be carried out when competent individuals have examined and verified safety assurance.

NOTE: See 2.1.1.2 and 2.8.1.1 for examination requirements.

NOTE 2: See 2.8.1.3 for competent individuals.

2.8.2 Earthwork

2.8.2.1 Prior to implementing earthwork at construction sites:

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NOTE: Construction solutions, solutions for handling incidents, and rescue solutions must be produced by contractors and examined, approved in accordance with construction laws and other field-specific laws.

b) Stability of the soil must be assessed and verified by competent individuals;

NOTE 1: Stability of the soil shall be assessed in accordance with criteria under technical instructions of the design and/or standards applied to the projects.

NOTE 2: Competent individuals include construction managers of contractors and construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors) and designers or designing contractors (if actual geographic or overall conditions differ from initial proposition of the design).

c) Competent individuals (see Point b of 2.8.2.1) must examine to ensure that earthwork does not affect structures, infrastructure systems, and traffic roads in construction sites and adjacent areas;

d) Project developers and employers must determine specific location of infrastructure systems that can cause damage during construction such as sewers, combustible gas pipes, water pipes, electrical wires, and other underground systems;

dd) Combustible gas, water, electricity, or other relevant utilities must be disconnected or suspended for the purpose of preventing danger during construction;

e) If underground pipes, electrical wires, and other underground systems cannot be relocated or disconnected, they must be fenced off or placed overhead and properly warned or protected by physical barriers for safety assurance;

g) Location of temporary bridges, roads, and soil, waste mass must be determined;

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i) Employers must examine and confirm that construction sites are not contaminated by toxic gases, chemical substances, or refuse that can pose a risk to health (see 2.18);

k) The digging of soil and rocks in tunnels, underground passages, and other underground structures must conform to 2.8.3.

2.8.2.2 Surfaces of dug holes must be thoroughly examined:

a) On a daily basis, before each shift and whenever the task is suspended for longer than 24 hours;

b) After blasting;

c) After soil and rocks unexpectedly slide or sink;

d) After temporary supporting structures are damaged or overly deform;

dd) After heavy rain, flood, inundation, mist, or snow;

e) Upon encountering large rocks while digging.

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2.8.2.4 Obstacles (for example: concrete blocks) and/or appropriate barriers must be placed to prevent objects from falling into dug holes. Large construction machinery, equipment, and vehicles are not allowed to park close to dug holes unless the design of support provided for dug holes has taken this situation into account.

2.8.2.5 If signs of safety loss are found in attended structures above during earthwork, immediately take necessary actions to ensure safety assurance.

NOTE: Structures adjacent to or on top of dug holes must be monitored and surveyed on a regular basis for the purpose of safety.

2.8.2.6 Displacement of soil and rocks on the walls of dug holes (where employees are directly exposed to danger) must be controlled and ensured for the purpose of safety assurance such as forming into a slope, using temporary supporting structures, employing mobile covering structures, or implementing other necessary solutions depending on characteristics and conditions of nearby soil and rocks.

2.8.2.7 Temporary supporting structures must be regularly examined in accordance with 2.3 and measures must be taken to ensure that standards, wedges, and other parts are fixed in place, are not displaced, are not overly deformed, or lose stability.

2.8.2.8 During the depositing of soil and rocks, if signs of safety loss are found in supporting structures of deposited soil and rocks, immediately take necessary solutions for the purpose of safety assurance; regularly monitor surface of deposited soil and rock to identify risk of depression and take appropriate safety assurance solutions, particularly the risk of construction machinery and equipment tilting, collapsing while working.

2.8.2.9 Wooden structures must be regularly examined and protected from termites, decay, dam, or deformation.

2.8.3 Construction of underground structures

2.8.3.1 General provisions

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NOTE: Safety assurance plans and solutions must be devised for people and structures; rescue and evacuation solutions must be ready in case of fire, flood, inundation, landslide, and soil instability and conform to construction plans and solutions of contractors.

2.8.3.1.2 Employers must inspect safety assurance conditions of areas where employees work on underground structures before, after, and at least once during each shift.

NOTE: Safety assurance solutions devised by contractors must specify inspected entities and inspection contents; especially safety assurance pertaining to fire, explosion, ventilation, air quality, electricity, lighting, and means of egress.

2.8.3.1.3 Areas attended by only one employee at a time must be examine at least twice per shift.

2.8.3.1.4 Carry out overall inspection of construction machinery, equipment, structures of current buildings under construction and adjacent buildings, temporary supporting structures (of constructions and equipment), scaffolds, work area accesses, evacuation solutions and means of egress, storage, medical utilities, work areas, cleaning areas, ventilation system, fire prevention and firefighting, other relevant system and equipment at least once per week for the purpose of safety assurance. Inspection results must be recorded in writing and verified by competent individuals.

NOTE: Competent individuals include site managers and chief supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

2.8.3.1.5 Employees working in underground structures must abandon work areas when:

a) Ventilation system is damaged;

b) Other threats to safety are present.

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2.8.3.1.6 Employers must establish and maintain effective and continuous communication system from areas close to work areas of employees in underground structures (including from the deepest areas) to surface.

2.8.3.1.7 When working on underground constructions where fire and explosion risks are present due to flammable gases (for example: methane), safety assurance tasks must conform to regulations and law and technical regulations on safety in mining operations.

NOTE National technical regulations on mines and coal mines include QCVN 01:2011/BCT, QCVN 04:2017/BCT, QCVN 01:2018/BCT, QCVN 03:2019/BCT, QCVN 07:2020/BCT, and other relevant standards (if any).

2.8.3.1.8 Air in underground construction sites must be regularly monitored and examined, and appropriate safety assurance solutions must be implemented (see 2.8.3.3).

2.8.3.1.9 Exit accesses must be indicated by signs and symbols which are visible in poor lighting conditions.

2.8.3.2 Shaft construction

2.8.3.2.1 Shafts that are not contained in hard rocks must be encased (supported along circumference of the shaft) or protected by other safety assurance solutions.

2.8.3.2.2 The dismantlement of support of shaft bottom must be done in a gradual manner depending on sinking rate.

2.8..3.2.3 Scaffolds, work platforms, or suspended platforms are required to allow employees to work safely inside shafts (see 2.2.1.1).

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2.8.3.2.5 Shafts deeper than 30 m must be fitted with bracing or reinforcement rings (usually in form of steel structures) at the top of the shafts which can withstand the highest calculated load throughout construction process.

2.8.3.2.6 Steel bracing or reinforcement rings must be grounded for lightning protection. Wooden bracing or reinforcement rings must be provided with fire protection.

2.8.3.2.7 People descending shafts or transporting small items (or equipment, tools) down shafts must go through gates (or doors) located on the side of the shafts. Gates and doors must be at least 2,0 m in height.

2.8.3.2.8 Warning signals must be sent to operators of lifting equipment (such as: cranes) when loads (materials, equipment) can move out of safety limits.

NOTE: Safety assurance requirements pertaining to the use of lifting equipment under this section and sections hereunder shall be implemented together with those under 2.4.

2.8.3.2.9 Communication codes must be displayed in physical form in rooms or cabins where lifting equipment is operated and at every load lifting, lowering positions.

2.8.3.2.10 Winch-operated cranes must be equipped with:

a) Brakes that automatically stop and hold loads when power supply to cranes is lost;

b) Accurate depth gauge system.

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2.8.3.2.12 Human transportation devices are required for shafts deeper than 30 m.

NOTE: Devices for transporting humans such as hoists or other lifting equipment must be inspected for safety and conform to 2.4, 2.1.1.4, and national technical regulations relating to the type of equipment involved.

2.8.3.2.13 Cages or cars for transporting humans must be equipped with braking devices or brakes to automatically hold the cages or cars (with sufficient loads) if the cables snap or are slack.

2.8.3.2.14 Appropriate equipment for holding cages or cars at lifting, lowering positions is required.

2.8.3.2.15 Shafts where humans are transported in containers must satisfy the following requirements:

a) There are no objects or features protruding from the exterior of the containers in a way that can cause the containers to jam;

b) The containers must be at least 1,1 m in depth;

c) The containers must be fitted with features or equipment which prevents the containers from unexpectedly tilt, rotate, or flip;

d) The containers must not open by itself.

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a) The maximum speed at which human transportation is being conducted;

b) Maximum number of people or maximum load for safety assurance of each ride.

2.8.3.2.17 All lifting and lowering activities in shafts must be coordinated using appropriate signals.

2.8.3.2.18 Install 2 separate communication system (digital signals or other kind) before commencing tunnel construction from the shafts.

2.8.3.3 Ventilation

2.8.3.3.1 Ventilation in underground structures shall conform to TCVN 6780-3:2009 (or relevant applied standards) and regulations below.

2.8.3.3.2 Air in underground construction sites must be circulated to satisfy TCVN 6780-3:2009, in particular:

a) Temperature must not be too high;

b) The content of harmful dust, vapour, smoke, and gas must be reduced to keep air quality at safe level;

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2.8.3.3.3 Backup air supply plans are required in underground construction sites.

2.8.3.3.4 In tunnels and areas following a session of blasting:

a) Mechanical ventilation must be implemented to provide sufficient air to the surface;

b) Ventilation must be implemented immediately following a session of blasting to eliminate harmful gas and dust; additional solution such as watering or humidifying;

c) If necessary, additional ventilation equipment must be installed to effectively remove harmful gas and dust.

2.8.3.3.5 Employees must be provided with backup air supply (such as: personal breathing apparatus) to prepare for an emergency (either structural or technical) which leads to the unavailability of ventilation.

2.8.3.4 Fire prevention and firefighting

2.8.3.4.1 Fire prevention and firefighting in underground structures must conform to 2.18, National technical regulations, and other fire prevention and firefighting laws.

NOTE: National technical regulations pertaining to fire prevention and firefighting include QCVN 01:2011/BCT, QCVN 04:2017/BCT, QCVN 01:2018/BCT, QCVN 03:2019/BCT, and QCVN 07:2020/BCT.

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2.8.3.4.3 Do not store flammable materials and substances at underground construction sites unless these materials and substances are stored in dedicated storage which satisfies fire safety regulations.

2.8.3.4.4 Lubricating oil and grease, rags, and other similar flammable, explosive materials and substances when used for construction machinery and equipment must be contained in tight metal containers and at a safe distance in case of caissons, lifting equipment, explosive ordnance, and wood materials.

2.8.3.4.5 Do not use open flame at underground construction sites unless there are no fire and explosion risks.

2.8.3.4.6 Do not use gasoline-powered construction machinery and equipment for underground construction unless approved by competent fire prevention and firefighting authorities.

2.8.3.4.7 When welding or cutting with heat (fire) in underground construction, ensure the followings:

a) Structures and temporary supporting structures of wood or other flammable materials must be coated with fire resistant layers;

b) Operational fire extinguishers are required;

c) Constant monitoring and supervision are required to promptly detect fire;

d) Welding dust and fumes must be eliminated by exhaust removal.

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2.8.3.5.1 The use of electricity in underground construction must satisfy National technical regulations on electricity and electrical appliance safety, TCVN 6780-4:2009, regulations under 2.16 and regulations below.

2.8.3.5.2 Main circuit breakers of power source of underground construction:

a) Must be installed above ground;

b) Can only be accessed and operated by persons assigned to close power, cut power by contractors with participation of competent individuals under 2.8.1.3.

2.8.3.5.3 If necessary, appropriate lightning protection is required above ground.

2.8.3.5.4 2 separate power sources are required (a main source and a backup source) to power electric machinery and equipment (such as exhaust fans, water drainage pumps, and other equipment) in the vicinity of the shafts. If these equipment and machinery stop working, employees will face certain danger.

2.8.3.5.5 Power switches must be safe (protected from fire, dust, water).

2.8.3.5.6 Lighting fixtures used in underground construction must be protected by glass layers or other transparent materials.

2.8.3.5.7 Depending on actual conditions, lighting fixtures can be required to be protected from dust, air, and water.

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2.8.3.6 Lighting

2.8.3.6.1 Lighting for construction must satisfy regulations under 2.1.9 and 2.16.

2.8.3.6.2 In addition to the main light sources, backup light sources must be maintained in proper operation mode and can provide lighting long enough to allow employees to escape to surface safely in case of emergency.

2.8.4 Drilling

2.8.4.1 When drilling in loose rocks and soil, if specialized safety assurance solutions or equipment is not available, proceed to drill on a small scale to prevent cave-in.

2.8.5 Transport, storage, and use of explosive substances

2.8.5.1 The transport, storage, and use of explosive substances (explosives, explosive ordnance) must comply with national technical regulations and relevant law provisions.

NOTE: National technical regulations relating to the use of explosive substances are specified under 2.17.1.1.

2.8.5.2 Do no transport explosive substances together with other materials in the same container.

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2.8.6 Blasting

2.8.6.1 Blasting must conform to regulations and law on management and use of weapons, explosive ordnance, explosive precursors; relevant national technical regulations (see 2.17.1.1)and other relevant technical regulations of competent authorities pertaining to the use of explosive substances and explosive devices.

2.8.6.2 Do not place other electric circuits on the same side of the tunnels where electric circuits serving detonation are located.

2.8.6.3 Prior to blasting, break all circuits in danger zones (areas affected by the blast) except the detonation circuits.

2.8.6.4 Only appropriate battery-powered lights are allowed while loading explosives or explosive ordnance.

2.8.6.5 Following each blasting session, immediately examine and clean of all debris and loose rocks.

2.8.7 Transport via trains and railway vehicles

2.8.7.1 Transportation system must comply with relevant national technical regulations.

NOTE: The national technical regulations relating to transport via trains and railway vehicles include QCVN 01:2011/BCT, QCVN 04:2017/BCT, TCVN 6780-2:2009.

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2.8.7.3 Transport activities using mechanical system must be controlled by appropriate signaling system.

2.8.7.4 Trains and vehicles must be equipped with headlights on the front and at the rear.

2.8.7.5 The handling of derailment via towing shall only be implemented under control and supervision of competent individuals mentioned under 2.8.1.3.

2.8.7.6 Do not transport humans using trains and vehicles unless such trains and vehicles are designed specifically for human transportation.

2.8.8 Dust control

2.8.8.1 During underground construction, adopt appropriate measures to prevent the formation or eliminate sources of dust (in particular silica dust) that are smaller than 5 µm.

2.8.8.2 If dry core drilling is being performed, dust collection and extraction must be implemented during drilling process.

2.8.8.3 If wet core drilling is being performed, only drills that operate when being supplied with water are allowed.

2.8.8.4 In case of blasting, floors, roofs, and side walls of structures in the vicinity of the blast radius must be watered or humidified prior to detonation.

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2.8.8.6 Dug materials must not come into contact with strong airflow during transportation.

2.8.8.7 If rock crushers are used underground, adopt appropriate measures for preventing dust of machinery locations from infiltrating work areas.

2.8.9 Construction of underground pipes

2.8.9.1 Prior to construction, carry out test drills on the pipes to confirm the presence of air pockets or groundwater.

2.8.9.2 Ventilation system is required in underground pipes.

2.8.9.3 If pipes are installed in areas with groundwater, flood barriers must be installed at the end of the pipes.

2.8.9.4 Appropriate and reliable means of communication must be provided.

2.8.9.5 Solutions for rapid evacuation are required to enable employees to get out of pipes in case of emergency.

2.8.9.6 Solutions for rescuing people facing danger in the pipes and unable to move to safety on their own are required.

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2.9.1 General provisions

2.9.1.1 In regard to cofferdams and caissons, surveying, design, construction, assembly, examination, testing (if required so by the design), inspection (if requested by competent authorities), commissioning, monitoring, use, maintenance, dismantlement (in case of cofferdams), and document storage shall conform to construction laws (applicable to constructions) and this document.

2.9.1.2 Cofferdams and caissons must:

a) be built, manufactured, assembled according to design, and made of quality, appropriate, and durable materials (depending on use demands);

b) be fitted with necessary preventive measures and solutions in order to maintain safety for employees even when water or other materials manage to infiltrate.

c) be fitted with work area accesses that satisfy safety assurance for employees.

2.9.1.3 Manufacturing, navigation, installation, repair, and dismantlement of cofferdams or caissons must be implemented under direct supervision of competent individuals.

NOTE: Competent individuals include construction and safety managers of contractors and/or designers (in case of issues relating to design) and construction and safety supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors); who have experience in cofferdams and caissons.

2.9.1.4 Employees shall only be granted access to cofferdams or caissons to work once safety assurance has been examined and verified by competent individuals (see 2.9.1.3). Examination results must be recorded.

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2.9.1.6 Only employees satisfactory to 2.9.1.5 are allowed to work in compressed air environment under constant supervision of competent individuals (see 2.9.1.3) for activities and physical, mental health.

2.9.1.7 No personnel are allowed to work in an environment where the pressure exceeds 2,5 bar, except for personnel who have received professional training for emergencies (for example: rescue and accident remediation) and are equipped with specialized PPE.

2.9.1.8 For each shift, documents containing information on duration in which employees have spent working in chambers (compartments) filled with compressed air and decompression duration must be kept.

2.9.1.9 If pressure of work areas exceeds 1,0 bar, employees must receive medical examination within 4 weeks prior to being assigned with the tasks.

2.9.1.10 Employees working constantly in a compressed air environment where pressure is lower than 1,0 bar must receive periodic medical examination once every two months. The interval between sessions of medical examination will be inversely proportional to the pressure of working environment.

2.9.1.11 If employees stop working in compressed air environment for at least 10 days or temporarily stop working due to sicknesses or other reasons, they must receive medical examination prior to returning to work. These employees must be assigned to work in compressed air environment with gradual increase in intensity.

2.9.1.12 In regard to projects where employees work in compressed air environment, project developers or employers must maintain constant presence of medical and rescue personnel.

NOTE: Medical personnel on construction sites include doctors, nurses, people assigned to provide first aid, having training and experience with the tasks, and equipped with specialized medical equipment for use in compressed air environment.

2.9.1.13 When employees working in compressed air environment where pressure exceeds 1,0 bar, employers must inform the nearest hospitals about name and address (including phone number and other means of communication) of medical personnel assigned to supervise medical affairs at construction sites.

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NOTE: Identity cards must specify that the wearers must be admitted to decompression chambers instead of hospitals if the wearers feel tired.

2.9.1.15 Employers are responsible for designating buildings (or rooms) with seats to allow employees working in compressed air environment to rest following decompression.

2.9.1.16 Do not allow individuals who have not previously worked in compressed air environment to access compressed air environment, except for cases where such individuals are contained in man locks together with experienced competent individuals (see 2.9.1.3) or medical personnel who will guide appropriate responses (including how to handle scenarios) during compression process.

2.9.1.17 Equipment operators are not allowed to increase pressure 0,25 bar during compression process until they have made sure that no person is irritated by the compression; then, equipment operators shall increase pressure at a maximum rate of 0,5 bar per minute.

2.9.1.18 If any person feels irritated during compression process, immediately stop compression and gradually decrease pressure.

2.9.2 Working in cofferdams and caissons

2.9.2.1 In order to prevent danger, caissons must be firmly supported and held in place.

2.9.2.2 Caissons must undergo hydrostatic test as per technical instructions and/or applied standards prior to use.

2.9.2.3 Caissons containing flammable materials must be fitted with water supply pipes for firefighting, appropriate couplings, fire extinguishers or hoses.

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2.9.2.5 Working chamber

2.9.2.5.1 Working chambers must be equipped with wet-bulb thermometer to read evaporation temperature of water.

2.9.2.5.2 Limit tasks carried out in compressed air environment when wet-bulb temperature exceeds 28 ^oC unless these tasks are absolutely necessary.

2.9.2.5.3 When a working chamber is being attended, doors between the working chamber and decompression equipment that leads to areas with a lower pressure must be left open if the decompression equipment is not in use.

2.9.2.6 Decompression chamber

2.9.2.6.1 When pressure in working chamber is above 1,0 bar, appropriate decompression chamber is required in a position convenient for employees working in compressed air environment.

2.9.2.6.2 Decompression chamber must have 2 compartments and all its equipment must be managed and operated by designated individuals.

2.9.2.6.3 When a decompression chamber is being attended, individuals managing and operating the equipment must monitor and supervise to take actions when necessary.

2.9.2.7 Decompression equipment

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a) Barometers to allow operators to read pressure reading in the decompression equipment and in each working chambers; barometers to allow individuals occupying the decompression equipment to read pressure reading in the decompression equipment;

b) Clocks to allow operators and occupying individuals to accurately read time;

c) Means of audible communication between operators and occupying individuals;

d) Means of transmitting images or (non-verbal) signals from the decompression equipment to the operators;

dd) Equipment to allow operators outside of decompression equipment to accurately reduce or cease the supply of compressed air into the decompression equipment.

2.9.2.7.2 Individuals occupying decompression equipment are not allowed to reduce air pressure by themselves unless:

a) They are allowed and instructed by equipment operators;

b) They face an emergency at which point the use of special equipment in decompression equipment is required (usually the special equipment must be sealed or locked).

2.9.2.7.3 Instruction panels or other appropriate means of communication pertaining to preventive measures with which occupying individuals must comply during compression or decompression and upon completing decompression are required.

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a) Control the increase and decrease of pressure in the equipment;

b) If the pressure exceeds 1,0 bar, log the time of entry and exit of each person, pressure measured at time of entry and exit, and decompression period of each individual into physical records (or storage device).

2.9.2.8 Air supply

2.9.2.8.1 Compressed-air installations must be powered from air supply stations (equipment). Air supply stations must be able to provide clean air (at the same pressure as pressure in working chambers and not lower than 1,0 m³/minute/person) to any working chamber.

2.9.2.8.2 Prevent air pollution of air provided for caissons from air compressors or any other source.

2.9.2.8.3 Air pipes must be double pipes (consisting of pairs of pipes) and fitted with check valves.

2.9.2.8.4 Compressed-air installations must have sufficient supply capacity as per demand and backup capacity for the purpose of safety assurance in case of emergency, damage, or repair.

2.9.2.8.5 Backup air compressors are required in case of emergency.

2.9.2.8.6 2 power supply systems using separate sources are required for every air compressor.

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2.9.2.9.1 Reliable means of communication such as bells, whistles, or phones must be maintained between working chambers and aboveground working units.

2.9.2.9.2 Signal codes (rules in making and sending signals) must be displayed in physical format or whichever format that is convenient for reading at workplace.

2.9.2.10 Lighting

2.9.2.10.1 Proper lighting is required in decompression equipment, decompression chambers, and working chambers.

2.9.2.10.2 2 separate lighting systems powered by independent sources are required.

2.9.3 Tunnelling work in compressed air environment

2.9.3.1 Bulkheads separating working chambers from areas with lower pressure must be able to withstand the maximum pressure acting upon the bulkheads.

2.9.3.2 In order to prevent rapid flooding or inundation by water or other materials, bulkheads must be positioned close to tunnel openings or tunneling shields in order to allow employees to evacuate in a timely manner.

2.9.3.3 Tunnels that can be flooded or inundated by water or other materials must be fitted with bulkheads within 60 m from the tunnel openings.

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2.9.3.5 If non-electric air compressors are used, a single power source cannot power more than 50% of total air compressors.

2.9.3.6 Each air duct must be fitted with an air receiver, a shut off valve, a pressure-reducing valve, and a check valve close to decompression equipment.

2.9.3.7 Air supply from the air receiver to working chambers must be done via double air pipes.

2.9.3.8 An adjustable safety valve is required outside of bulkhead on separate pipelines leading from working chambers through the bulkhead to outside.

2.9.3.9 In addition to using decompression equipment and decompression chambers, tunnels are advised to be fitted with emergency decompression system which is capable for rescuing all employees of a shift.

2.9.3.10 Appropriate decompression chamber is required when employees working in compressed air environment in tunnels where pressure exceeds 1,0 bar.

2.9.3.11 Tunnels whose diameter or height is 5 m or more are required to be fitted with gangways connecting tunnel openings to the nearest decompression chamber. Gangways must have a minimum clear height of 1,8 m.

2.9.3.12 Tunnels are required to be fitted with water pipes to supply water to working chambers. Water inlets of these water pipes must be located within 30 m of tunnel openings.

2.9.3.13 When blasting in tunnels in compressed air environment, comply with 2.17 and the following regulations:

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b) After blasting, do not enter working chambers until all smoke and dust have settled.

2.10 Construction, assemble, and dismantlement of structures and modules

2.10.1 General provisions

2.10.1.1 The assembly and dismantlement of structural elements, structures, temporary supporting structures must be implemented by trained employees under supervision and coordination of competent individuals.

NOTE 1: See 2.3 for competent individuals entitled t o supervise tasks relating to temporary supporting structures.

NOTE 2: Competent individuals entitled to supervise the assembly and dismantlement of structural elements, structures must conform to construction laws.

NOTE 3: Structural elements and structures include: Pillars, girders, frames, bracers, load-bearing walls, and other structural elements, structures that are load bearing components of buildings. Structural elements and structures can be steel structures, prefabricated structures (reinforced concrete, steel - concrete mixture, steel, wood, or other materials).

NOTE 4: Non-structure elements include but are not limited to: Elements used for sheltering (glass walls, exterior walls made of other materials); walls separating spaces; elements, objects, equipment fixed or positioned or suspended from buildings (stairs, steel ladders, skybridges between buildings, toilet modules, cooling towers, antenna towers, advertising panels, and other similar elements).

2.10.1.2 Adequate preventive measures must be adopted for the purpose of safety assurance. In which, particularly pay attention to the use of temporary supporting structures to prevent dangerous factors in case assembling (or dismantling) structures weaken or lose stability, electricity hazards, falling hazards, safety loss hazards when lifting, lowering structures, elements, and when not using PPE.

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NOTE 2: Tasks relating to the use of lifting equipment and other equipment are specified under 2.4 and other relevant sections of this document.

NOTE 3: Tasks relating to the use of scaffolds and PPE are specified under 2.2, 2.19, and other relevant regulations of this document.

2.10.1.3 Prior to assembling structures and structural elements, employers must rely on practical conditions (premise, capacity of equipment, dangerous factors, hazardous factors, weather conditions, and other relevant details), design dossiers and technical instructions for assembly tasks to produce construction plans, solutions, and safety assurance solutions.

2.10.1.4 Prior to dismantlement of structures and elements of buildings that utilize prefabricated structures, employers must rely on practical conditions (premise, capacity of equipment, dangerous factors, hazardous factors, weather conditions, load-bearing conditions or capacity of connection, elements, structures), as-built dossiers (and changes relating to dimensions, load of elements, structures) produce construction plans, solutions, and safety assurance solutions.

NOTE: In case of dismantlement tasks, particularly pay attention to the sequence of actions and supporting solutions to prevent dismantling elements and structures from collapsing.

2.10.1.5 At work areas, employers must:

a) properly guide employees (depending on assigned tasks) pertaining to solutions and procedures for carrying tasks;

b) assign sufficient personnel and device specific regulations on cooperation in task execution;

c) provide equipment and instruments necessary for the transport, storage, lifting, lowering, and assembly (or dismantlement) of structures and elements.

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2.10.1.7 The assembly and dismantlement of non-structural elements must conform to the following regulations:

a) If non-structural elements have significant weight or dimensions and require the use of lifting equipment, conform to regulations under 2.10.1, 2.10.2, and 2.10.3;

b) If non-structural elements have insignificant weight or dimensions and do not require the use of lifting equipment, conform to regulations under 2.10.1, regulations on scaffolds and ladders under 2.2, regulations on working at height under 2.7, and other regulations relating to safety assurance in this document.

2.10.2 Assembly and dismantlement of steel structures, prefabricated structures

2.10.2.1 Safety of employees engaging in the assembly and dismantlement of structures and elements must be guaranteed by appropriate solutions and equipment and compliant with regulations relating to:

a) Ladders, stairs, skybridges, or fixed work surfaces;

b) Work platforms, containers, racks, or other equipment suspended by lifting equipment;

c) PPE, lanyards, lifelines, safety nets, or temporary platforms (see 2.10.3);

d) Mobile electric work platforms;

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e) Fire prevention and firefighting, rescue, and relevant tasks.

2.10.2.2 Structures and elements must be designed and manufactured so that safety assurance is maintained during transport and assembly in a manner that complies with design and construction standards; each structure and element must be accompanied by information on their own weight.

NOTE: In case of dismantling elements, if information on weight of the elements cannot be found, determine the weight based on weight of the manufacturing materials.

2.10.2.3 In addition to ensuring stability of structural elements and structures (or parts thereof) during assembly, for the purpose of preventing dangerous factors, design should take into account and provide specific guidelines on:

a) Conditions and methods of transporting, storing, providing temporary support during assembly or dismantlement;

b) The ability to install safety assurance equipment such as guardrails and work platforms;

c) Convenience in suspending, clamping, and fixing elements that are being assembled with assembled or constructed structures and elements.

2.10.2.4 Parts and components positioned inside or manufactured together with the elements and structures serving lifting, lowering, and transport must be designed and manufactured with appropriate shape, size, and placed in appropriate location to meet the following regulations:

a) They are able to withstand stress, load, and forces put on them;

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NOTE: Details and components placed in advance for lifting and lowering of elements with flat form or surfaces (for example: floor tiles, walls, stringers) must be manufactured in a way that they do not protrude from the elements.

c) Structures and elements when lifted do not lose stability or rotate.

2.10.2.5 Prefabricated concrete elements and structures shall only be moved or assembled once the concrete has set to a strength specified under technical instructions of the design. Prior to assembly, examine prefabricated elements and structures for defects (if any).

2.10.2.6 Storage units of elements and structures must meet the following requirements:

a) The elements and structures face no risk of falling and collapsing;

b) The elements and structures are not damaged due to storage conditions and the environment;

c) Racks supporting the elements and structures must be placed on firm surface and designed to prevent these elements and structures from randomly displacing.

2.10.2.7 Elements and structures are protected from deformation and loss of stability during storage, transport, and assembly.

2.10.2.8 Lifting equipment must conform to regulations under 2.4 and:

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b) Be approved by construction managers (or construction and assembly managers) and/or tested in accordance with regulations of manufacturers and competent authorities.

2.10.2.9 Lifting hooks must be self-locking or safety hooks and labeled with maximum load.

2.10.2.10 Clamps and other lifting accessories must satisfy the following requirements:

a) They have appropriate shape and sizes to ensure sufficient grip without damaging structures and elements;

b) They are labeled with maximum permissible load in the most unfavorable conditions.

2.10.2.11 Appropriating lifting equipment and solutions are required to prevent lifted instruments from unexpectedly rotating or flipping.

2.10.2.12 If necessary, prior to lifting structures and elements, safety assurance equipment is required such as guardrails, barriers, and work platforms (to isolate danger zones; prevent falling).

2.10.2.13 Prior to assembling and dismantling structures and elements, employers must provide and guide employees to use PPE in order to avoid occupational accidents and work with ease.

2.10.2.14 Structures and elements must be inspected for defects prior to being unloaded from lifting equipment. Sheet-type structures and elements (such as: walls, glass partitions) must remain stable under the effect of wind and other lateral forces.

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2.10.2.16 If employees assigned to assemble and dismantle structures and elements work in harsh weather conditions such as breeze, frost, snow, or other conditions where visibility is reduced, they must proceed with caution and immediately stop if weather conditions turn dangerous (see 2.1.11).

2.10.2.17 Immediately stop working if structures, elements, or work areas are slippery or covered in frost or snow.

2.10.2.18 When necessary, in order to prevent danger, additional accessories and components must be fixed onto existing structures and elements to serve the assembly of suspended scaffolds, anchoring of lanyards, or other safety assurance measures (for example: safety nets, catch platforms).

2.10.2.19 Measures and equipment must be utilized to prevent employees from falling and slipping while working on high girders or ramps. Areas where the use of lanyards is not feasible, other appropriate solutions must be taken such as safety nets among other effective solutions.

2.10.2.20 Prior to assembling structures and elements at great height (for example: roof girders and trusts with large span), these structures and elements must undergo assembly and lifting test on ground level.

2.10.2.21 Prior to installing, assembling, and dismantling individual structures and elements, establish danger zones below work areas and control danger zones in accordance with 2.1.1.2. Danger zones must be determined based on the possibility that the involved structures and elements may fall, even in case of sudden breeze or tower crane accidents.

2.10.2.22 Steel scaffolds or high girders that are under constructions must be fully braced and lashed to maintain stability until they have been firmly connected to supporting structures as per design.

2.10.2.23 Do not reduce cross-section area of multiple load bearing structures and elements by cutting, drilling, or other processes.

NOTE: The cutting, drilling, and processing must comply with technical instructions of the design and/or applied standards.

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2.10.2.25 If cellular girders are assembled individually, they must be fixed into place according to design and must be prevented from displacing by themselves.

2.10.2.26 See 2.10.3 for cases where disassembly and dismantlement require temporary work platforms.

2.10.3 Temporary work platform

2.10.3.1 If work platforms in use have openings or large gaps, these openings and gaps must be sealed by temporary work platforms (use solid platforms or similar) for the purpose of safety assurance.

2.10.3.2 Temporary work platforms and safety assurance covers must be maintained throughout construction process and shall only be removed if doing so is necessary for other tasks and be replaced by other safety assurance measures.

2.10.3.3 Fixed work platforms must be prioritized in order to reduce risk of safety loss.

2.11 Formworks and concrete work

2.11.1 General provisions

2.11.1.1 In case of buildings whose structures or structure parts use site-cast concrete, temporary support (including formworks) work and concrete work must be conducted by employees who have been trained for relevant task and under supervision, coordination of competent individuals.

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NOTE 2: Competent individuals entitled to supervise the construction of concrete structures must conform to construction laws.

NOTE 3: In regard to structures using site-cast concrete structures and prefabricated structures, assembly of these structures shall conform to 2.10.

2.11.1.2 Preventive measures must be taken for the purpose of safety assurance and focus on: Temporary support work to prevent danger caused by weak or unstable structures; risk of falling; risk of safety loss when using machinery and equipment for processing steel, steel rebar, transporting, casting concrete, pulling prestressing cable; fire hazard when using welding machine and other thermal processing equipment; risk of blackout during concrete casting.

2.11.1.3 Temporary supporting structures (including formworks) must conform to 2.3 and additional regulations applicable to formworks under 2.11.2.

2.11.2 Formwork

2.11.2.1 Surveying, design, assembly, safety testing and inspection, examination, monitoring, use, maintenance, and dismantlement must conform to regulations under 2.3.1 through 2.3.7 and the following regulations:

a) Formwork must be designed and assembled in a manner that maintains stability of work platforms and bracing, allows ladders, stairs, ramps, and other means of access to be easily assembled and connected to formworks;

b) Vertical or leaning formworks must be examined, assembled, and dismantled under supervision of experienced individuals;

c) Installation drawing of formworks containing detail information on spacing between girders and standards must be provided for individuals in charge;

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dd) Adjustable support and standard systems must have their position locked in place once adjustment has been made;

e) Temporary supporting structures shall only be dismantled when concrete has set in accordance with technical instructions and/or applied standards;

g) In order to avoid falling hazards during dismantlement, vertical formworks must be entirely dismantled; parts that are not dismantled must be supported or firmly anchored in place;

h) Mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic lifting equipment used for formworks must be fitted with automatic braking or holding mechanism to prevent danger in case lifting equipment malfunctions;

i) Vacuum lifting equipment shall only be used for flat, clean surfaces and must be able to automatically shut down in case of a blackout or equipment malfunction.

2.11.2.2 In case of specialized formworks (sliding formwork, climbing formworks): Surveying, design, assembly, testing, safety inspection (if inspection is required as per Point c of 2.1.1.5), use, dismantlement, and other relevant tasks must conform to regulations under 2.3.1 through 2.3.7.

2.11.3 Concrete work

2.11.3.1 The construction of site-cast concrete structures, especially large span and multistorey concrete structures must conform to procedures specified under construction solutions. Construction solutions must be produced on the basis of design dossiers, construction and commissioning technical instructions and standards applicable to projects, which include the following information:

a) Technical specifications of steel cables, steel reinforcement, concrete, and other materials involved, including technical solutions for installation and resolutions;

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c) Load-bearing capacity calculation results of the structures in case steel and steel reinforcement structure, arrangement. In case of prestressing cables, spreadsheet containing calculations of tensile strength and specific tension.

2.11.3.2 Record and keep information relating to casting process, including factors that potentially affect strength development of concrete strength.

2.11.3.3 In regard to the reeling of prestressing cables, operators of cable reels must not face the reeling apparatus.

2.11.3.4 Stages of construction (for example: assembling temporary supporting structures, steel cables, reinforced concrete, concrete casting; pulling prestressing cable; maintenance; dismantlement of formworks; experimentation, and other relevant tasks) must have their procedures specified and their implementation coordinated, examined, and supervised by competent individuals.

NOTE: See 2.11.1.1 for competent individuals.

2.11.3.5 During concrete casting, regularly inspect safety assurance (see 2.3.6) in order to promptly discover risks of safety loss (such as collapse of bracing, base plates, standards, among other risks).

2.11.3.6 Materials, elements, construction machinery and equipment must not be piled up or placed in areas where concrete is setting.

2.12 Piling

2.12.1 General provisions

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NOTE 1: Tasks relating to the use of lifting equipment and other equipment are specified under 2.4 and other relevant sections of this document.

NOTE 2: Piling work on water surface shall conform to 2.12.4 and 2.13.

2.12.1.2 Piling must be done by employees who have received training and special training for piling under supervision and coordination of competent individuals.

NOTE: Competent individuals are construction managers of contractors and/or construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

2.12.1.3 Prior to piling, locate and protect existing underground structures (such as electricity supply, gas supply, water supply and drainage, communication). After driving piles (or casting concrete in bored piles), these underground structures must be restored with proper operating conditions and safety.

2.12.1.4 Piling machinery and equipment must be placed on stable base plates, not slanted or depressed more than what manufacturers’ instructions allow.

NOTE 1: Foundation of piling machinery and equipment can vary depending on actual conditions as follows: Solid wood base or boards; thick steel plates; reinforced concrete boards; on floating safety assurance equipment (when piling on water surface) or on sturdy soil or rock without depression.

NOTE 2: Base and foundation of equipment shall conform to 2.3. Floating device used in water surface construction shall conform to regulations under 2.12.4 and 2.13.

2.12.1.5 Piling machinery and equipment must be regularly protected and supervised (by assigning personnel to supervise, install barriers or safety nets).

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2.12.1.7 If multiple piling machinery and equipment work simultaneously in an area, they must be arranged, distributed, and controlled to prevent collision.

2.12.1.8 In case of pile drivers:

a) If the lead must be slanted, appropriate counterweight must be installed and equipment (mechanism) for maintaining the slant and preventing slip is required;

b) If pneumatic hammers are used, gas pipes and pneumatic hammers must be safely suspended (connected) to prevent them from being ejected when joints fail.

2.12.1.9 In regard to piling tasks that use rams, hammers must be suspended (connected) safely to prevent them from being ejected if joints fail.

2.12.1.10 Adopt appropriate solutions to prevent piling machinery and equipment from tipping over; pay special attention to cases where piling machinery and equipment operate close to holes and ramps.

2.12.1.11 Measures must be taken to prevent cables from slipping out of pulleys or wheels on top of piling machinery and equipment.

2.12.1.12 Fall prevention measures must be taken when driving long poles, heavy poles, support poles, king posts, long or heavy steel cages (for bored piles).

2.12.1.13 Appropriate measures must be taken to prevent hammers from missing the piles.

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2.12.1.15 Piles driven by press-in must fulfill regulations under 2.12.

2.12.2 Examination and maintenance of piling machinery and equipment

2.12.2.1 Piling machinery and equipment shall only be used if they have been examined, tested, and inspected in accordance with 2.1.1.5 and verified by employers to be safe for use.

2.12.2.2 Piling machinery and equipment must be examined, tested, and tested on a periodic basis in accordance with instructions of manufacturers and competent authorities.

2.12.2.3 Leads (or drilling arms and piling machinery and equipment) and suspension blocks, pulleys, and control systems must be inspected prior to each shift.

2.12.2.4 Components and the entire piling machinery and equipment must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.

2.12.3 Operation of piling machinery and equipment

2.12.3.1 Driving of piles and bored piles tasks (driving support piles king post, steel cages; driving or removing concrete chutes, and casting concrete for bored piles) must be managed and coordinated via appropriate signals.

2.12.3.2 Employees working close to piling machinery and equipment must wear hearing protection, helmets or hard hats, and other PPE appropriate to the task requirements and construction ground requirements.

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2.12.3.3 Other than force majeure, piles must be placed in advance in areas away from pile drivers. The distance from these areas to pile drivers must at least equal twice the length of the longest piles.

2.12.3.4 When driving piles at an angle, the piles must be placed on guides.

2.12.3.5 If pile drivers or drilling rigs are not used, hammers (or drilling buckets) must be locked at the lowest position (the bottommost of hammer ram or drilling rigs) and properly covered to avoid collision with employees.

2.12.4 Pile machinery and equipment placed on flotation devices

2.12.4.1 When driving piles on water, preventive measures relating to safety assurance must be implemented in accordance with 2.13 and at least one operational and standby rescue vessel is required.

2.12.4.2 Members of pile driving teams on flotation devices (vessels, boats, floats, rafts, and others) must be trained to control the devices.

2.12.4.3 Flotation devices and piling machinery and equipment must be equipped with sirens, horns, alarms, or other effective signaling devices.

2.12.4.4 Flotation devices and piling machinery and equipment must be equipped with appropriate fire prevention and firefighting devices.

2.12.4.5 Based on weight of piling machinery and equipment, place them on work platforms of flotation devices in a way where the work platforms are always in stable position (without being slanted or displaced).

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2.12.4.7 Openings on the floor of flotation devices and work platforms must be protected by coverings firmly attached to the floor and exactly fit the openings.

2.12.4.8 Work platforms are required to be equipped with wheel, pulleys, and other assisting equipment to allow operators to direct piles (or bracing piles, king posts, steel cages, concrete chutes and hoppers) in any direction to driving positions (or concrete driving positions) in a safe manner.

2.12.4.9 Number of employees working on piling tasks on flotation devices must be regularly checked.

2.12.4.10 Requirements pertaining to the use, operation, and equipment on flotation devices moving on water surface and other requirements pertaining to construction work on water surface must conform to regulations under 2.13.

2.12.5 Larsen sheet piles and hat-type sheet piles

2.12.5.1 In order to prevent danger of wind or other causes, hand-operated control cables or other effective means must be utilized to control Larsen sheet piles and hat-type sheet piles.

2.12.5.2 If H-frame scaffoldings taller than 2,0 m are used to assist construction work, these scaffoldings must not be used as work platforms unless guardrails, toe boards, and ladders are also installed to allow access by employees.

2.12.5.3 Length of control cables must be shorter than length of piles; the cables must be kept from being tangled around the piles or becoming incapable of controlling the piles due to the wind.

2.12.5.4 If the piles are too heavy for clamps (which are designed to hold the piles) to be opened by remote control apparatus or by employees while standing on ladders, cages enabling employees to access and open the clamps.

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2.12.5.6 If Larsen sheet piles and hat-type sheet piles are driven by heavy objects (rocks or concrete), they must be kept stable.

2.12.5.7 Cofferdams are required to be equipped with pumps capable of keeping water out.

2.13 Working over water

2.13.1 General provisions

2.13.1.1 In areas close to or over water surface attended by employees, employers must take actions to:

a) Prevent employees from falling under water;

b) Resuscitate drowned employees;

c) Enable safe movement.

2.13.1.2 Safety assurance measures for tasks conducted over the water and relevant tasks must include:

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b) Rescue buoys, personal flotation devices, and flotation equipment;

c) Protective measures from dangerous factors of reptiles and other animals.

2.13.1.3 Employees working close to or over the water must receive training, advanced training, comply with handling procedures in case of emergency, know how to swim, not work alone, work only when supervised and coordinated by competent individuals.

NOTE: Competent individuals shall be defined in accordance with construction laws and other relevant field-specific laws.

2.13.1.4 Overpass, bridges, pontoon bridges, pedestrian bridges, walkways, and certain work areas must:

a) have sufficient load-bearing capacity, stability, and appropriate purpose;

b) have sufficient width to allow employees to move safely and not lower than 50 cm;

c) have flat surfaces without extensively protruding objects like nails, screws, and bolts which can trip employees;

d) receive adequate artificial lighting if natural light is not sufficient to guarantee working environment;

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e) be fitted with toe boards, guardrails, wires or similar equipment to prevent falling;

g) not be occupied by equipment, tools, and other obstacles;

h) be lined or covered with boards or sand or similar materials which must be firm and not easily displace or be protected by other measures if the surfaces are slippery or lumpy;

i) not be damaged by rising tide or breeze, especially floor boards of overpass and work platforms used in areas prone to tidal effect;

k) be fitted with ladders or stairs to allow employees to access high areas; Ladders and stairs must be firm, capable of load bearing, of sufficient length, and securely anchored. Ladders attached to construction machinery and equipment over the water surface must be fitted with safety cages for falling protection;

l) be able to float in case of overpass, pedestrian bridges, and other walkway structures in areas with rapid rising tide and strong current.

2.13.1.5 Flotation devices are required to be fitted with safe refuge for employees in case construction sites face high risk of safety loss due to heavy rain, hail, thunderstorm, hurricane, lightning, or unexpected tidal movements.

NOTE: Safe refuge shall be used if moving landward is not feasible in a timely manner or an incident causes the flotation devices to be adrift.

2.13.1.6 These flotation devices must contain adequate rescue equipment such as lanyards, rafts, and rescue ring buoys.

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a) be able to withstand the maximum load by use demand;

b) be firmly anchored to allow task execution and prevented from going adrift;

c) be accessed by means that conform to safety assurance.

2.13.1.8 Steel surfaces must be designed accordingly to prevent slip.

2.13.1.9 Openings on the floor of flotation devices (including uncovered barrels) must be protected to prevent people from falling in via nets, boards, guardrails, or other appropriate measures.

2.13.1.10 Walkways close to or over the water or on flotation devices must be placed on top of pipelines.

2.13.1.11 No personnel are allowed in hydraulic dredging equipment rooms alone and without the consent of managers and operators.

2.13.1.12 Cables, lifting accessories, lashes, control cables, cutting (drilling) bits and other loose accessories serving construction purposes must be inspected on a daily basis.

2.13.1.13 Employees shall only embark and disembark flotation devices from positions specified under construction solutions.

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2.13.1.15 While working close to or over the water, regulations on inland waterway and maritime traffic promulgated by competent authorities must be complied with, including: Installation of traffic signs; requirements pertaining to equipment, instruments, and safety assurance on flotation devices; the use of flotation devices, and equipment installed, used on flotation devices, and other requirements relating to flotation equipment and devices.

NOTE: Relevant National Technical Regulations include QCVN 102:2018/BGTVT, QCVN 67:2018/BGTVT, QCVN 39:2020/BGTVT, QCVN 20:2015/BGTVT, QCVN 23:2016/BGTVT, QCVN 42:2015/BGTVT, QCVN 73:2019/BGTVT, QCVN 94:2016/BGTVT, QCVN 97:2016/BGTVT and other regulations promulgated by competent authorities.

2.13.2 Vessels

2.13.2.1 Vessels serving human transport must conform to regulations under 2.13.1.15.

2.13.2.2 When vessels are used for human transport:

a) Only assigned, experienced individuals allowed to operate vessels for the purpose of human transport shall operate vessels;

b) Do not carry more people than the maximum permissible load of the vessels; maximum number of people or permissible load must be specified and displayed at a visible location on the vessels;

c) Prepare sufficient number of floats and other appropriate rescue equipment on vessels which must be arranged and preserved as per the law;

d) Employers must assign individuals to supervise the human transport.

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2.13.2.4 Electric vessels must be fitted with appropriate fire extinguishers.

2.13.2.5 Paddling vessels must be equipped with backup paddles.

2.13.2.6 Rescue vessels must have transport capacity suitable with devised rescue solutions and appropriate dimensions to stay stable on the water. Engine-powered vessels operating in tidal waves or strong current must have starting equipment fixed onto the engines. When unused, engine-powered vessels must have their engines started several times in the day.

2.13.3 Rescue

2.13.3.1 Employers are responsible for producing rescue solutions in accordance with regulations and law on rescue and comply, cooperate with competent local rescue authorities.

2.13.3.2 Employers working close to or over the water must be equipped with life vests and/or other appropriate flotation devices. Life vests must allow wearers to move, be able to keep wearers afloat upright, protect the body, remain visible, keep the wearers from trapping underwater, and emit light if necessary (for construction at night or during limited visibility).

2.14 Working underwater

2.14.1 General provisions

2.14.1.1 Employees working underwater (hereinafter referred to as “divers”) must:

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b) have experience in diving and carrying out underwater tasks similar to the assigned task; or be trained and supervised by experienced divers;

c) only work under supervision and coordination of competent individuals.

NOTE 1: Competent individuals mean construction managers, safety managers of contractors or construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

NOTE: Assisting personnel (assisting actions of divers, signaling, transmitting information, and other carrying out other coordination tasks), construction managers, safety managers of contractors, construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors) and other individuals working under water must satisfy requirements applicable to divers.

2.14.1.2 Employers must take actions to:

a) prevent divers from drowning, facing dangerous factors such as water pressure, strong current, low temperature, water pollution, marine creatures, limited visibility, collision with underwater objects, and other dangerous factors underwater;

b) implement rescue attempt for divers in cases that are threatening to health and lives of divers;

c) enable safe movement.

2.14.1.3 Safety assurance measures for underwater and over the water tasks must include specific regulations on the use of the following equipment:

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b) Safety equipment relating to tasks over the water (see 2.13);

c) Rescue equipment such as rescue buoys, life vests, and other personal floating devices;

d) Protective equipment to avoid dangerous factors of reptiles and other animals;

dd) Other equipment (such as: decompression equipment, decompression chambers) for safety assurance for divers taking deep dive (deeper than 10 m) or other performing other dangerous underwater tasks.

2.14.1.4 Diving tasks shall only be permitted when diving teams are ready. A team of divers consist of:

a) Two divers for joint working underwater;

b) At least one assistant;

c) At least one pump operator;

d) A third diver (equipped with adequate diving kit) ready to work when a replacement is required or in case of emergency such as rescue;

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2.14.1.5 Divers and relevant employees must undergo training and advanced training pertaining to mandatory procedures for emergency situations.

2.14.1.6 Divers are not allowed to take deep dive or perform other dangerous underwater tasks without the consent of medical personnel and without specialized diving equipment for these tasks.

NOTE: Medical personnel on construction sites mean doctors, nurses, or first-aid personnel who have received training and experience in diving, working underwater, and persons directly monitoring, supervising health of employees working underwater.

2.14.1.7 Regularly check the number of employees working underwater and over the water.

2.14.2 Medical supervision

2.14.2.1 Divers are not allowed to work underwater if they have not received medical examination in the last month and if they are not verified by medical personnel to have sufficient (mental and physical) health to work.

2.14.2.2 If a divers stop working for more than 14 days due to illness or injury, employers are not allowed to assign tasks to these divers until medical examination verifies that the divers have adequate (mental and physical) health to get back to working underwater.

2.14.2.3 Divers must receive monthly medical examination.

2.14.2.4 Divers are required to immediately inform medical personnel and employers if they do not feel well.

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2.14.2.6 Panels containing the following information are required in appropriate and visible spots in work areas (on flotation devices, coordination zones on land, areas occupied by relevant individuals):

a) Name, address, phone number and/or other effective means of communication of the nearest medical personnel with experience in first aid and medical care relating to diving tasks;

b) Name, address, phone number and/or other effective means of communication of the nearest available divers;

c) Address (location) of the nearest decompression equipment (or decompression chambers) and name, phone number and/or other effective means of communication of decompression equipment managers.

2.14.2.7 If diving activities are conducted in waters deeper than 10 m: Decompression equipment (or decompression chambers) and appropriate equipment (see 2.9.2) must be available close to construction sites.

2.14.3 Time working underwater

2.14.3.1 Employers are responsible for specifying time working underwater and break time of divers in a manner that fit:

a) Physical and mental health conditions of each diver, depth, water pressure, and capacity of underwater equipment;

b) Regulations applicable to extremely arduous, toxic, dangerous occupations and professions promulgated by competent authorities (Ministry of Labor - War Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Health).

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2.14.4.1 Regulations under this section apply to diving while wearing diving suits, helmets, and regular equipment. Self-contained diving equipment must comply with standards applicable to design, manufacturing, production, use, operation, examination, testing, maintenance, and regulations of competent authority (if any).

NOTE: Self-contained diving equipment includes but is not limited to: Specialized diving apparatus (propulsion vehicle, scooters); complete wetsuit including clothing, diving hood, snorkels, and breathing apparatus (oxygen tank), and other accessories.

2.14.4.2 Employers must provide divers with adequate diving equipment, including equipment for entering and leaving the water, means of communication, and appropriate lanyards and safety belts.

2.14.4.3 Diving outfit:

a) Divers must be provided with specialized diving suits;

b) When diving in cold water, divers must be provided with liners made of insulation materials, diving hoods, and gloves.

2.14.4.4 Appropriate measures allowing divers to enter and exit water such as stairs, ladders or platforms are required.

2.14.4.5 Air supply equipment must comply with the following:

a) If air is delivered by pipe, air pump or air compressor or cylinder is required;

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c) Air supplied to divers to breathe must be to quality, appropriate to human respiration, at pressure suitable with diving equipment and underwater working conditions;

d) Air pump is be kept operational as long as divers are still wearing diving suits or diving hoods;

dd) Air supply lines between air compressor and divers must be made of fortified rubber (by net or wrapping wire or other similar measures), be able to withstand the highest pressure (according to use demand) without deforming, and have sufficient tensile strength;

NOTE 1: The ability to withstand pressure and tensile strength of air supply lines must be examined via testing.

NOTE 2: Joints (or connecting components, details) in air supply lines must be firm rotating joints (coupler type) that cannot be loosened during use.

NOTE 3: Air supply lines must be compatible with air receivers, oil and water filters, safety valves, shut off valves, flow control valves, and pressure gauges.

e) Capacity of air receivers must be sufficient to provide air for divers, even in the event that air compressors malfunction until regular air supply is restored (either hand pump, backup compressors, or other effective methods);

g) Check valves are required between air receivers and air compressors;

h) Electric air pumps must allow immediate transition to manual operation or be accompanied by backup hand pumps with sufficient capacity;

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2.14.4.6 Lanyards must be quality type with tensile strength and minimum safety factor of 6 times the expected working load, must be examined by tension test, and must have sufficient length as per use requirements.

2.14.4.7 Signalling and communication:

a) Diving activities must be coordinated by appropriate signaling system which is understood by all relevant personnel;

b) Assisting individuals must guarantee operating conditions and safety assurance of signal cables and air supply lines (see 2.14.4.11);

c) If divers enter the water from flotation devices, divers must inform individuals responsible for management and supervision on land about location of these flotation devices;

d) If divers perform dangerous underwater activities such as blasting or working under strong current, they must use telephone (or radio transceiver) to maintain communication with people above the water;

dd) Telephone (or radio transceivers) used by divers must be handsfree type.

2.14.4.8 Lighting:

a) Electric lights must be provided for divers working at night or underwater areas with insufficient lighting;

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2.14.4.9 Flotation devices:

a) Rescue vessels and other rescue equipment must be available;

b) Flotation devices used for diving activities must have sufficient spaces for working and storing construction materials, equipment, be kept stable on water, and safely anchored even in case of strong wind and current.

2.14.4.10 First aid and rescue equipment must be available where diving activities are conducted and conform to regulations under 2.18.2 and 2.18.3.

2.14.4.11 Examination, testing, and maintenance of diving equipment:

a) Prior to being introduced into use, diving equipment must be examined, tested, and verified for safety assurance;

b) Before each shift, diving equipment must be examined for safety assurance and approved by competent individuals (see 2.14.1.1);

c) The use of the following diving equipment, diving aid equipment and machinery (see below) shall only be permitted if they have been examined, tested, and verified for safety assurance by equipment managers within 24 hours before use:

- Pumps, air compressors (or cylinders), air supply lines for: Leak, the ability to withstand pressure greater than working pressure, the ability to supply air for divers during the period in which pumps or air compressors malfunction;

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- Independent, synchronous diving equipment.

d) If unused, diving equipment must be stored in appropriate rooms or lockers and must not be used for any other purpose;

dd) Diving equipment must be rinsed by clean water (saltwater must not be used for this purpose), let dry, and dried before being put in storage;

e) Diving outfits and air supply lines must be stored in dry areas without oil, grease, or tar;

g) Diving equipment must undergo thorough and comprehensive examination or have their components, parts replaced (or the entire equipment when necessary) at least once every 3 months in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and/or applied standards.

2.14.5 Diving activities

2.14.5.1 Before diving, divers must get accustomed to the current, be informed about traffic situation in diving sites and risks to divers such as submarine cables, water inlet pipes, and anchoring cables of flotation equipment.

2.14.5.2 Divers are not allowed to enter the water if they are ill or feeling unwell or under the influence of alcohol or other substances or on a full or empty stomach.

2.14.5.3 When divers enter the water:

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b) Assisting individuals must examine and make sure that diving suits are not absorbing water and assist divers in descending slowly;

c) Assisting individuals must examine and supervise to prevent divers from descending too fast, and get divers back to the surface if signalling cannot be done.

2.14.5.4 When divers are underwater, assisting individuals must constantly supervise and:

a) Monitor air supply lines and lanyards;

b) Communicate with divers in appropriate moments;

c) Make sure that divers are not threatened by operation of vessels or other dangerous factors in the vicinity of work areas of divers and get divers to the surface if the divers face dangerous factors;

d) Regularly communicate and inform competent individuals (see 2.14.1.1).

2.14.5.5 In case of cold weather, precautions must be taken to prevent frosting of air supply lines, valves, and other parts of diving equipment.

2.14.5.6 If necessary, flotation devices are not allowed to approach work areas of divers.

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2.14.5.8 When divers are lowered into water by cranes or other lifting equipment, these lifting equipment must not be used for any other purpose while lifting, lowering divers.

NOTE 1: See 2.4 for regulations on the use of lifting equipment.

NOTE 2: Operation of lifting equipment must be coordinated by assisting individuals.

2.14.5.9 If divers descend from vessels or other motorized flotation devices, precautions must be taken to prevent danger to divers caused by propellers and rudders and underwater electrical discharge.

2.14.5.10 During underwater rescue and salvaging operations, do not lift or pull underwater objects until divers have communicated the following information:

a) The objects being salvages have been secured properly;

b) The divers have moved to a safe location and have fulfilled all safety conditions to allow the objects to be salvaged safely.

2.14.5.11 Divers must be brought to the surface when:

a) Signal transmitted by divers is unclear;

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2.14.5.12 Do not throw, drop, or move any objects into water where divers are working.

2.14.5.13 If divers ascend too fast:

a) Signal lines and air supply lines must be retrieved quickly together with the divers;

b) As soon as the reach the surface, divers must take another dive and wait for an appropriate amount of time before they can resurface again (in order to reduce decompression effect).

2.14.5.14 Divers must be brought to the surface slowly and in stages according to diving procedures approved by employers for the purpose of safety assurance.

2.14.6 Underwater blasting

2.14.6.1 The storage, transport, and use of explosive substances, explosives, and attachments, removal of explosive substances, and other tasks relating to construction work that involves explosive substances must conform to regulations and law on management and use of weapons, explosive ordnance, explosive precursors, and combat gears, relevant national technical regulations, and regulations under 2.17.

2.14.6.2 Underwater blasting must be done under supervision of competent individuals (see 2.14.1.1) or competent underwater blasting experts in accordance with regulations on management and use of weapons, explosive ordnance, explosive precursors, and combat gears.

2.14.6.3 Explosives substances and detonators for underwater blasting must be selected, designed, and manufactured in a way so that they cannot be infiltrated by water during use.

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2.14.6.5 Electrical wires and fuses must be protected from damage by waves and current.

2.14.6.6 Electrical wires must be insulated and contain 2 cable cores.

2.14.6.7 Insulated materials and components of joints in electrical wires must be waterproof.

2.14.6.8 Employers must adopt preventive measures to keep divers safe from risks such as:

a) Detonating equipment is jammed or damaged;

b) Electrical wires or fuses are pulled, bent, twisted;

c) Air supply lines or lanyards of divers are tangled or stuck into detonating cords, fuses, or blocks of explosives.

2.14.6.9 Blocks of explosives and their detonators must be prepared beforehand above the water.

2.14.6.10 Detonating cords must be held in place at the blasting location by fastening with heavy objects or other appropriate measures.

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2.14.6.12 Detonating cords shall only be used only one and each detonating cord shall only have one detonating switch (trigger).

2.14.6.13 Do not detonate before the followings have been checked to make sure that:

a) Divers have got out of the water and evacuated out of danger zones;

b) Blocks of explosives are not accidentally displaced from intended position by divers;

c) All personnel and flotation devices have evacuated out of danger zones;

d) All preventive and rescue measures have been taken.

2.14.7 Underwater metal welding and cutting

2.14.7.1 Only divers who have received training in underwater welding and cutting (hereinafter referred to as “underwater welders”) are allowed to perform these tasks.

2.14.7.2 Equipment used for underwater welding and cutting must be inspected for safety in accordance with regulations of competent authorities.

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2.14.7.4 When welding or cutting with oxygen and liquefied fuel (gasoline or other fuel), preventive measures must be taken to prevent surface fire caused by fuel escaping from the burner.

2.14.7.5 Fuel containers must be manufactured, transported, and used in accordance with relevant requirements under 2.1.8, 2.18.4, and other relevant regulations of this document pertaining to preservation, use, and treatment of flammable substances and toxic substances.

2.14.7.6 Uniform, helmets, and gloves of underwater welders when performing photoelectric welding and cutting must be insulated.

2.14.7.7 Direct current is required for underwater welding, cutting except for force majeure.

2.14.7.8 Assisting individuals must cut power supply of welding equipment as soon as the equipment malfunctions or shows signs of malfunction or in case of emergency.

2.14.7.9 Electrical wires, electrical connectors, electrode and electrode holders must be insulated by waterproof materials.

2.14.7.10 Electrodes shall only be changed if their holders are damaged and assisting individuals have informed underwater welders about the damaging of the electrode holders.

2.15 Structure demolition

2.15.1 General provisions

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2.15.1.2 The following tasks are required for the purpose of demolition:

a) Surveying and collecting of information pertaining to structural solutions, connecting structural elements, as-built drawings, and/or detail construction drawings;

NOTE: If design drawings and as-built drawings of existing structures are not available, individuals issuing decision on demolition or demolition contractors are responsible for organizing (and implementing if eligible) the development of outline, survey, and structure condition dossiers, including information on adjustment, replacement of occupancy or structure if possible (even during renovation, repair, upgrade).

b) Surveying and collecting of information on dangerous substances and chemicals present in the construction sites; existing technical systems to identify hazardous and dangerous factors;

c) Identifying and evaluating risk of collapse of structures and structural elements during demolition;

NOTE: When surveying structures, pay special attention to geography conditions (soil foundation) where the structures are located, conditions of roof structures (struts, girders, floors), type of structures used as primary load bearing structures (pillars, walls, girders, and other primary load bearing structures).

d) Surveying and identifying of location of medical, telecommunication, industrial production facilities, and other facilities which utilize equipment sensitive to vibration, dust, and noise;

dd) Designing demolition (include detail information on demolition procedures and methods), safety assurance plans and solutions.

NOTE 1: Safety assurance solutions following demolition must take into account relevant factors which include but are not limited to: Implementation solutions and procedures; the use of machinery, equipment, instruments; cover solutions; temporary supporting structures; scaffolds and other means of access; hygiene and environment solutions, and other details relating to human safety assurance. Dangerous factors must be identified and dealt with accordingly.

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2.15.1.3 Prior to demolition, proceed as follows:

a) Examine and verify that no unauthorized personnel are present at the construction sites;

b) Shut down all electricity, flammable gas, water, vapour, air sources and supply equipment, and other supply sources which are supplying the structures to be demolished. If several supply sources must be used (for example: electricity, water), the supply sources must be covered for the purpose of safety assurance and persons assigned to perform security and supervision duty are present outside of demolished structures.

2.15.1.4 If electricity, water, or other utilities must be sustained inside the demolished structures during demolition, they must be protected from damage.

2.15.1.5 Danger zones must be barricaded, surrounded by guiding and warning signs, and guarded by individuals to prevent trespassing. Exterior barricades must be firm, at least 2 m high, and surrounding the demolition sites. Personnel assigned with guard duty must be stationed at entrances and outside of barricades (even outside of working hours).

NOTE: See 2.1.1.2, 2.1.1.3, and 2.1.1.4 for regulations on types of danger zones in construction sites.

2.15.1.6 Employees engaging in demolition shall only perform the assigned tasks. Prior to each shift, employers must provide specific guidelines for employees regarding contents, procedures, and solutions for implementing tasks and safety assurance measures. All demolition tasks must be coordinated and supervised by competent individuals.

NOTE: Competent individuals mean construction managers, safety managers of contractors or construction supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

2.15.1.7 If structures to be demolished contain dangerous substances and chemicals, implement cleansing and cleaning procedures; when necessary, employees must be equipped with and wear appropriate PPE, especially breathing protection.

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a) Implement fire prevention and firefighting in accordance with 2.1.8;

b) Isolate structures to be demolished from adjacent existing structures by fire resistant materials;

c) Clean and relocate flammable materials and substances in the structures.

2.15.1.9 When demolishing structures, follow the procedures specified under demolition design applicable to structures and elements with caution so as to not cause loss of stability of structure sections that are not demolished.

2.15.1.10 In order to prevent danger caused by the collapse of elements, structures, or the entire buildings, temporary support must be provided in accordance with 2.3. Temporary supporting structures must suit structure conditions following initial structural safety evaluation and surveying (specified under 2.15.1.2), conform to structure demolition procedures and the type of machinery, equipment employed for demolition.

2.15.1.11 Do not store demolished elements and structures above structures that are being demolished to prevent falling hazard caused by wind or other impact such as vibration, collision.

2.15.1.12 To prevent dust, water the structure sections being demolished or the entire structures if necessary between appropriate intervals. When watering, pay attention to electricity safety assurance.

2.15.1.13 Do not demolish underground walls or foundation structures if they are used as shield against rocks and soil or support for the structures themselves or adjacent structures. Implement the following tasks prior to demolition:

a) Fortify, brace, and firmly anchor adjacent structures or buildings; and/or

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2.15.1.14 Implosion technique shall only be used when the following conditions are met:

a) Areas around demolished structures are relatively flat and large enough for tasks relating to demolition;

b) Equipment and people are able to move to safe position.

2.15.1.15 Prior to implementing implosion technique, if load currently supported by the structures to be demolished is not equal to the design load, to allow a more effective demolition task, the following tasks can be executed in order as follows:

a) First, reduce load of the structures to be demolished by removing excess objects and non-structural elements;

b) Then, weaken structures (reduce load-bearing capacity) by removing or weaken several load bearing structures. This task must be calculated and examined thoroughly to ensure that the structures still retain load-bearing capacity and stability against wind, collision, or other impact.

NOTE: See NOTE 4 under 2.10.1.1 for non-structural elements.

2.15.1.16 If explosive substances are used for demolition of a structure or structure section, employers must establish danger zones of the blast. Demolition with explosive substances must be done by experienced individuals and conform to regulations and law on management and use of weapons, explosive ordnance, explosive precursors, combat gears, regulations under 2.17, and other regulations under this document.

NOTE: When establishing danger zones, see regulations under 2.1.1.4.

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2.15.1.18 When using excavators and/or bulldozers, take into account characteristics and dimensions of demolished structures and capacity of involved equipment. See 2.5 for the use of excavators and bulldozers.

2.15.1.19 If wrecking balls are used for demolition:

a) Danger zones around the structures must have minimum width from contact point of the wrecking balls to the structures equal to 1,5 times the height of the structures being demolished;

NOTE: See 2.1.1.4 for regulations on danger zones.

b) Wrecking balls must be controlled to prevent collision against other structures around the demolished structures.

2.15.1.20 If buckets (or hammers) are used for demolition, danger zones must have minimum width of 8 m from movement of the buckets (or hammers).

2.15.1.21 During demolition, if safety assurance measures are not taken to prevent falling hazards, catch platforms are required along the walls or outer edge of the demolished buildings. Catch platform must have minimum width of 1,5 m and minimum live load bearing capacity of 6,0 kN/m². In addition, safety nets must also be installed vertically to prevent objects from bouncing off catch platforms.

2.15.2 Wall demolition

2.15.2.1 Walls must be demolished storey-by-storey starting from the roof.

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2.15.3 Floor demolition

2.15.3.1 Platforms or walkways appropriate to characteristics of the floor, standing position and machinery, equipment position are required for the purpose of safety assurance of employees.

2.15.3.2 Openings that allow transport of debris and waste must be barricaded.

2.15.3.3 In regard to floor girder structure, the order of demolition shall start from auxiliary girders to primary girders to prevent risk of collapse.

2.15.4 Demolition of metal structures

2.15.4.1 When cutting or demolishing metal structures, measures must be taken to prevent the structures from being twisted, disjointed, or unexpectedly collapsing.

NOTE: Preventive measures must also be taken when cutting steel reinforcement and steel embedded in concrete structures.

2.15.4.2 Metal structures must be demolished storey-by-storey.

2.15.4.3 Metal components and elements must be lowered slowly.

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2.15.5.1 Do not demolish tall structures such as pillars, towers, columns (such as: piers, chimneys, monuments) by blasting or implosion unless surrounding spaces are large enough to allow demolished structures to fall safely.

2.15.5.2 Employees are not allowed to stand on top of tall structures.

2.15.5.3 Refuse shall only be moved when demolition is not being executed or under controlled conditions for the purpose of safety assurance.

2.15.6 Demolition of structures that use asbestos

2.15.6.1 When demolishing structures that use asbestos, employees will frequently make contact with dust and refuse containing asbestos which can cause health problems. Thus, employers must take actions and provide PPE for employees (for example: dust masks) when the level of asbestos dust exceeds the limit value specified by the QCVN 02:2019/BYT.

2.16 Electricity

2.16.1 General provisions

2.16.1.1 All electrical systems (including appliances, wires, accessories) and related tasks on construction sites must comply with regulations on construction, electricity, occupational safety and hygiene, other field-specific regulations, and regulations below.

2.16.1.2 Surveying, design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, commissioning, management, use, operation, repair, maintenance, and dismantlement (if any) of electrical system must:

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b) comply with national technical regulations on electrical safety and engineering, including: QCVN 01:2020/BCT, QCVN QTD 5:2009/BCT, QCVN QTD 6:2009/BCT, QCVN QTD 7:2009/BCT, QCVN QTD 8:2010/BCT, Regulation on Electrical Equipment dated July 11, 2006 and other regulations relating to electrical equipment, PPE, and fire prevention, firefighting equipment under this document.

2.16.1.3 Before starting and during the process of installing electrical system, employers are responsible for examining and implementing safety assurance regulations relating to tasks under 2.1 and other sections of this document, especially, the following details:

a) Construction, assembly, and safety assurance solutions in accordance with national technical regulations on electrical safety (see 2.16.1.2);

b) Specialized PPE to protect against risk of electrocution on construction sites;

c) Rescue solutions in case of accidents or incidents relating to electricity.

2.16.1.4 Electrical appliances and systems must have dimensions and characteristics appropriate to technical requirements and their working conditions; and must:

a) have sufficient durability to work during construction, assembly, and operation;

b) not be damaged (or be protected from damage) due to water, dust, temperature, or chemicals.

2.16.1.5 Electrical appliances and systems must be built, assembled, and maintained to prevent external risks of electrocution, explosion, and fire.

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2.16.1.7 Electricity supply for electrical appliances must be done by isolators; isolators must remain functional even in case of emergency.

2.16.1.8 Electrical appliances, sockets, and outlets must be marked and label to inform purpose and voltage involved.

2.16.1.9 Areas with electrical installation must contain informative drawings or guidance pertaining to the arrangement, installation of electrical appliances and circuits. On construction sites, electrical circuits and appliances must be identified by labeling or other appropriate methods.

2.16.1.10 Electrical circuits and appliances that use different voltage in the same system must be distinguished by visible signs such as markings, labels, and color-coding.

2.16.1.11 Appropriate measures must be taken to prevent the electrical system from receiving a current whose voltage exceeds that specified under the system’s technical regulation.

2.16.1.12 Lighting protection must be installed for electrical appliances and system depending on actual conditions on the construction sites, structures, and technical regulations of electrical appliances as per manufacturers' instructions.

NOTE: See 2.1.10 for lighting protection requirements on construction sites.

2.16.1.13 Telecommunication lines must not be placed together with medium-voltage and high-voltage lines.

2.16.1.14 In a flammable environment or storage of explosive substances or flammable liquid, fire resistant electrical wires and appliances are required.

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2.16.1.15 On construction sites, the following warnings and announcements must be placed in appropriate and visible places:

a) No unauthorized individuals allowed to enter electrical room or operate, interfere with electrical appliances;

b) Specific guidelines on sequence of actions in case of: Fire, first aid, emergency medical care, resuscitation for electrocuted individuals;

c) Name and method of communication (address, phone number, or other effective means of communication) of at least 2 persons assigned with electrical safety management task.

2.16.1.16 Appropriate notifications and warnings must be placed in areas close to or at location of dangerous electrical appliances.

2.16.1.17 Employers are responsible for providing adequate guidance and ensuring that all individuals using, operating electrical appliances know and understand potential danger of electrical appliances and the use thereof.

2.16.2 Examination and maintenance

2.16.2.1 Electrical systems and appliances must be examined, tested, or inspected in accordance with 2.16.1.2 and 2.16.3.1 before use.

2.16.2.2 Prior to each shift, users and operators of electrical appliances must examine exterior and electrical wire conditions; pay attention wires that are regularly twisted, bent, or otherwise affected by other physical forces, and only use, operate the appliances when safety has been guaranteed.

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NOTE: See 2.16.2.8.

2.16.2.4 Prior to performing any task relating to electrical wires and appliances which are not required to be powered at all time, comply with the following regulations:

a) Electrical safety managers must cut electricity then make sure that the electrical wire and appliances no longer contain electricity;

b) Implement preventive measures (warning signs, temporary barricades, supervising personnel) to prevent unexpected electricity supply or activation of appliances;

c) Electrical wires and appliances must be grounded, accompanied by “Grounding" sign, and protected against short circuits;

d) Charged components or electrical appliances operating in the vicinity must be appropriately protected (via warning signs, temporary barricades, supervising personnel) to avoid unexpected physical contact.

2.16.2.5 Upon completion of tasks related to electrical wires and appliances, resupply of electricity must be done at the command of electrical safety managers who have examined and verified that short circuit, grounding system, and safety assurance work areas have been guaranteed.

2.16.2.6 Individuals assembling, maintaining, and dismantling electrical appliances and systems must be provided with sufficient instruments and electrical PPE (rubber gloves, cover sheets or carpets, and other methods) in accordance with 2.1 and safety regulations of electricity.

2.16.2.7 Electrical wires and appliances must always be considered to be powered unless thorough examination has confirmed that they are not powered.

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2.16.3 Testing and inspection

2.16.3.1 Installed electrical appliances and systems must be examined, tested, and/or inspected in accordance with regulations and law on electricity, occupational safety and hygiene, and those of competent authorities. All examination, testing, and inspection results must be recorded.

NOTE: As per applicable laws, the list and entries of installed electrical appliances and instruments which require inspection are specified under Circular No. 33/2015/TT-BCT dated October 27, 2015 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

2.16.3.2 The periodic examination, testing, and/or inspection must indicate efficiency of electric leakage protection devices and grounding systems.

2.16.3.3 Pay special attention to grounding of electrical appliances, maintain continuity of protection (or cover) of electrical wires, maintain conditions of electrodes and insulation resistance, prevent physical damage, and maintain connector conditions at supply sources.

2.17 Explosive substances

2.17.1 General provisions

2.17.1.1 The storage, transport, handling (processing), and use of explosive substances (explosive ordnance, explosive precursors, explosive substances) and accessories to perform detonation (hereinafter referred to as “blasting”); removal of explosive substances and other tasks relating to blasting must conform to regulations and law on management and use of weapons, explosive ordnance, explosive precursors, combat gears, relevant national technical regulations, and this document.

NOTE: Technical regulations relating to explosive substances include: QCVN 01:2014/BCT, QCVN 01:2015/BCT, QCVN 01:2019/BCT, QCVN 02:2012/BCT, QCVN 02:2013/BCT, QCVN 02:2015/BCT, QCVN 03:2012/BCT, QCVN 03:2013/BCT, QCVN 03:2015/BCT, QCVN 03:2020/BCT, QCVN 04:2012/BCT, QCVN 04:2015/BCT, QCVN 04:2020/BCT, QCVN 05:2012/BCT, QCVN 05:2015/BCT, QCVN 05:2020/BCT, QCVN 06:2012/BCT, QCVN 06:2015/BCT, QCVN 06:2020/BCT, QCVN 07:2012/BCT, QCVN 07:2015/BCT, QCVN 08:2015/BCT and other technical regulations issued by competent authorities on the use of explosive substances and explosive devices.

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2.17.1.3 Prior to the blasting, construction and safety assurance solutions must be approved by competent authorities in accordance with regulations and law on management and use of weapons, explosive ordnance, explosive precursors, combat gears; scope of work and responsibilities of relevant individuals must be displayed in physical documents.

2.17.1.4 Detonators, fuses, electrical wires, and other blasting equipment must conform to technical regulations on management and use of weapons, explosive ordnance, explosive precursors, combat gears, and relevant national technical regulations under 2.17.1.1.

2.17.1.5 Explosive substances’ original packaging shall only be removed right before use.

2.17.1.6 In order to reduce risk of safety loss, except for force majeure, blasting must be done:

a) during break time or outside of work hour;

b) on the ground during daytime.

2.17.1.7 If aboveground blasting must be done during nighttime, walkways must receive adequate lighting.

2.17.1.8 If blasting may cause danger to personnel of other organizations or people in adjacent areas:

a) Relevant organizations and individuals must be informed about preparation time and blasting time;

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c) Measures must be taken to prevent trespassing to danger zones; guard and supervisory personnel are required.

2.17.1.9 Before loading explosive substances or bringing explosive substances, all unauthorized personnel must leave danger zones.

NOTE: Danger zones must be specified in construction and safety assurance solutions and identified depending on level of impact of the blast to humans, structures, relevant equipment, and in accordance with 2.1.1.4. It is necessary to note that vibration can also cause objects, elements installed or anchored/attached to structures close to blasting areas to fall.

2.17.1.10 Personnel supervising and guarding drilled holes loaded with explosive substances or areas where explosive substances have been planted are required 24 around the clock.

2.17.1.11 Before sending the final warning signal pertaining detonation time, all people in danger zones must evacuate to predetermined safe locations when appropriate (according to approved construction and safety assurance solutions).

2.17.1.12 The final warning signal must be loud, clear, and unmistakable and sent 1 minute before detonation. After detonation and safety assurance conditions have been verified by detonation managers, a signal “Vụ nổ đã hoàn thành và đảm bảo an toàn” (Detonation completed and safety guaranteed) must be sent.

2.17.1.13 In order to prevent trespassers during detonation process, the following regulations must be complied with:

a) Barriers preventing trespassing are required;

b) Signs that read “Danger - Blasting area” are required in visible locations;

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d) Notifications pertaining to the blasting are required in visible locations;

dd) Individuals performing supervision and guard duty are required around the clock.

2.17.1.14 Do not smoke or use open flame in blasting area.

2.17.1.15 See 2.14 for underwater blasting.

2.17.2 Storage, transport, and handling (processing) of explosive substances

2.17.2.1 Unused explosive substances must be returned to the original facilities and must be recorded upon withdrawal from and upon reentry to the facilities.

2.17.2.2 Explosive substances and detonating devices must be stored and transported separately.

2.17.2.3 Individuals storing, transporting, handling (processing) explosive substances are not allowed to smoke or carry lighting equipment that is inappropriate according to fire and explosion safety assurance regulations.

2.17.2.4 Means of transport carrying explosive substances must:

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b) have firm wooden or non-shiny metal;

c) have appropriate structures to keep explosive substances from falling outside;

d) have at least 2 appropriate fire extinguishers;

dd) be clearly marked by a red flag or flag of other appropriate color; be identified by words or other appropriate methods to inform readers that these vehicles are carrying explosive substances.

2.17.2.5 Explosive substances and detonating devices must be transported in specialized containers in whole unit containers or specialized non-shiny metal containers.

2.17.2.6 Do not transport different kinds of explosive substances in the same container.

2.17.2.7 Containers must be marked (or labeled) to inform readers about the exact type of explosive substances inside.

2.17.2.8 Storage of explosive substances for long-term use must conform to QCVN 01:2019/BCT and the following regulations:

a) The storage must be located where safe for attended structures and areas (occupied by people or close to traffic vehicles);

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c) The storage must be clean, dry, ventilated, and protected against mist and frost;

d) The storage must be protected by secure locks and guards around the clock.

2.17.2.9 In storage of explosive substances:

a) Only electric lighting fixtures that are fire and explosion resistant are allowed;

b) Do not store easily flammable substances or introduce shiny metal objects.

2.17.2.10 While inside storage of explosive substances or danger zones on construction sites (areas where explosive substances are transported to), do not:

a) smoke;

b) use matches, open flame, light bulbs that are not fire and explosion resistant;

c) use weapons;

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2.17.2.11 Do not open the storage while geomagnetic storm (solar flare) is active or before the presence of geomagnetic storm.

NOTE: Constantly monitor the situation, daily weather forecast especially in areas prone to thunderstorm, tornadoes, and information on geomagnetic storm.

2.17.2.12 If explosive substances and detonating devices must be temporarily stored outside the storage: Temporary storage or specialized mobile containers are required in scale appropriate to the quantity of explosive substances and detonating devices in accordance with requirements on storage of explosive substances under this document and under QCVN 01:2019/BCT.

2.17.2.13 Individuals moving inside storage of explosive substances must wear specialized footwear or use specialized wrapping to cover footwear.

2.17.2.14 Only competent individuals entitled to handle (process) explosive substances are allowed to keep keys to storage, temporary storage, and specialized containers of explosive substances.

2.17.2.15 Do not use sparking or shiny equipment and tools (for example: metal lathe) to open containers of explosive substances.

2.17.2.16 Take measures to prevent explosive substances from exploding as a result of collision.

2.17.2.17 Do not carry explosive substances in person.

2.17.2.18 As soon as signs of geomagnetic storm are identified, employers must evacuate all employees from storage or use areas of explosive substances to safe locations.

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2.17.3 Disposal of explosive substances

2.17.3.1 The disposal of explosive substances must conform to regulations and law on management and use of weapons, explosive substances, explosive precursors, and combat gears, manufacturers' instructions, QCVN 01:2012/BQP, QCVN 03:2017/BQP, and other relevant regulations promulgated by the Ministry of National Defense.

2.17.3.2 Do not burn packaging materials of explosive substances in kitchens, furnaces, or other confined spaces. Do not stay within 30 m radius of burning sites of packaging materials of explosive substances.

2.18 Harmful factors, first aid, and occupational health services

2.18.1 General provisions

2.18.1.1 In regard to tasks where employees face risk of harmful factors (see 1.4.32), employers must take necessary safety assurance actions.

2.18.1.2 Employers must identify and classify harmful factors into levels depending on their level of impact on human health in order to develop safety assurance measures corresponding to the type of work, use and operation of construction machinery and equipment, substances, chemicals, and radiation on construction sites.

NOTE: Harmful factors can become dangerous factors if effective safety assurance measures appropriate to the type of work and working conditions, environment are not adequately taken.

2.18.1.3 Safety assurance measures must focus on eliminating or reducing risks of sources of dangerous substances and chemicals and the followings:

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b) Prevent or restrict direct contact or minimize impact of harmful factors by using technical solutions, organization and administration solutions;

c) Solutions for reducing noise and vibration caused by construction machinery and equipment and construction works are required;

d) Control emission and distribution of dangerous substances and chemicals to the environment;

dd) Provide training on accurate posture (including standing posture), correct methods, or procedures to be complied with to allow employees to avoid unwanted injuries, accidents, occupational diseases when they: Lift, pick up, carry, haul heavy objects or use hand-held devices; work in stationary positions; perform repetitive actions or tasks;

e) Appropriate protective solutions for adapting to climate conditions that can endanger employees;

g) In addition, if details under Points a through e of this section are not appropriate or cannot be implemented adequately, employers must:

- Train employees about knowledge and skills for eliminating or minimizing harmful factors;

- Provide adequate PPE and request employees to wear PPE appropriate to type of work.

2.18.2 Health care for employees

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NOTE: The confirmation of whether medical facilities (or other medical services) are appropriate and satisfactory shall conform to regulations of Ministry of Health.

2.18.2.2 Employees must receive periodic medical check-up and supervision to ensure that their health is suitable with the task at hand.

NOTE: Periodic medical check-up depending on the type of work shall conform to regulations of competent authorities (Ministry of Labor - War Invalids and Social Affairs and Ministry of Health).

2.18.2.3 Employers must:

a) produce plans, monitor and control working environment in accordance with regulations and law on occupational safety and hygiene;

b) Prior to construction, inform employees about all harmful and dangerous factors at construction sites; provide training to allow employees to avoid risk to their safety and health which derive from various work on construction sites (including tasks that they do not perform but are affected by).

2.18.2.4 Employers must provide occupational safety and hygiene training for employees in accordance with regulations and law on occupational safety and hygiene; pay special attention to:

a) Changes related to employees pertaining to: Work (or task); construction machinery and equipment; construction technology; construction procedure and solutions; materials, products, and substances to be used; protective equipment, PPE, and other changes (if any);

b) Employees who do not work for at least 6 months on construction sites.

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2.18.3.1 On construction sites, employers must designate medical sections around the clock to provide first aid and preliminary treatment for health-related issues of employees faced with accidents or illness in accordance with regulations on occupational safety, hygiene, and medical.

2.18.3.2 The establishment of medical section (personnel and facilities) must be detailed in written form and with the consent of employee’s representative bodies.

NOTE: See 2.18.3.6 for requirements of facilities of medical sections.

2.18.3.3 If employees may face life-threatening risks (such as: drowning, high pressure, suffocation, electrocution), first-aid personnel must be trained to perform resuscitation, other first-aid techniques, and rescue procedures appropriate to the type of occupational accidents.

2.18.3.4 Rescue and resuscitation equipment must suit the demands. Stretchers must be available at construction sites.

2.18.3.5 First-aid kits must:

a) be prepared at work areas, even isolated areas such as maintenance walkways (if appropriate), on transport vehicles, and other construction machinery and equipment;

b) be protected from pollution brought by dust, moisture, oil, grease, chemicals, and other damaging factors;

c) not contain items other than first-aid equipment and instruments;

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dd) be regularly examined and preserved properly by medical managers or first-aid personnel.

2.18.3.6 The requirements for facilities and human resources of medical sections on construction sites must rely on the number of employees working in any given shift in accordance with medical laws and the types of possible accidents on construction sites in order to prepare appropriate materials and equipment. The medical sections must be kept under management and responsibility of competent and trained individuals as per the law.

NOTE 1: Circular No. 19/2016/TT-BYT dated June 30, 2016 of the Ministry of Health specifies: If the number of employees is at least 300, stand-alone first-aid and emergency care sections are required; other requirements on human resources, equipment, and facilities are also specified under this Circular.

NOTE 2: If employees work underwater at a depth below 10 m without specialized diving equipment or in high pressure compressed air environment, decompression chambers or decompression equipment is required.

2.18.4 Dangerous substances and chemicals

2.18.4.1 Employers must notify, publicize, and guide (see 2.18.4.6) to inform employees about dangerous substances and chemicals (see 1.4.7) present or used on construction sites.

NOTE: Organizations and individuals designing, manufacturing, supplying materials, elements, products, and equipment for construction sites must also provide employers with information on the presence of dangerous substances and chemicals.

NOTE 2: Competent authorities and occupational organizations must study and inform relevant organizations and individuals about toxic substances and chemicals recently introduced into use (or recent discovered) in materials, elements, products, and equipment imported or domestically manufactured.

2.18.4.2 The transport, storage, and use of dangerous substances and chemicals on construction sites must comply with applicable regulations on chemicals, environmental protection, and other relevant field-specific laws.

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2.18.4.3 The use and disposal of materials, products, and containers (package, wrapping, box, bottle) of dangerous substances must comply with regulations and law on environmental protection, chemicals, national technical regulations, and regulations and law of competent individuals.

NOTE 1: The list of national technical regulations on the environment are specified under 1.3.1.

NOTE 2: Safety assurance in the use, preservation, and transport of dangerous chemicals must comply with the QCVN 05A:2020/BCT and relevant national technical regulations.

2.18.4.4 Vehicles containing dangerous substances and chemicals must bear labels which contain information the substances and chemicals, their characteristics, warnings, safe use instructions (including solutions and procedures for safe handling in case of leakage, spill) as per the law.

2.18.4.5 Use instructions and procedures for safe handling must be complied with in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions in case of leakage, spill.

2.18.4.6 Notification on dangerous substances and chemicals on construction sites must be positioned in visible locations at work areas, on construction sites, and understandable to employees.

NOTE: The list of substances, chemicals dangerous and prohibited from use is specified under Appendix of Decree no. 113/2017/ND-CP dated October 9, 2017 of the Government.

2.18.4.7 The use of dangerous substances and chemicals in construction work must prioritize methods of delivery other than spraying (such as brush or roller).

2.18.4.8 If the use of toxic, volatile substances, chemicals, solvents is required for diluting or painting, general and localized ventilation is required. If ventilation is not implemented adequately, breathing protection equipment and other chemical safety assurance measures are required.

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NOTE 2: It is recommended that paints and adhesives containing toxic substances and chemicals should be soluble in water.

2.18.4.9 When using dangerous substances and chemicals, employees must:

a) avoid skin contact with dangerous substances and chemicals, especially those that can be absorbed through the skin (for example: wood preservative chemicals) or can cause dermatitis (for example: wet cement);

b) perform personal hygiene, wash clothing and tools after finishing tasks related to dangerous substances and chemicals.

NOTE: Allergic reaction or dermatitis caused by certain substances can be minimized by adding other additives (these additives can be introduced from manufacturing stage; for example: adding iron sulfate to cement and cement products containing hexavalent chromium).

2.18.4.10 In regard to carcinogenic substances and chemicals published by competent authorities (for example: asphalt, asbestos, some types of heavy oil, and other solvents), strict measures must be taken to prevent skin contact or inhalation of these substances and chemicals.

NOTE: In addition to substances and chemicals published as carcinogens, substances and chemicals which have been proven to be contributing factors of cancer should also be focused on.

2.18.5 Dangerous, toxic air

2.18.5.1 If work areas of employees contain dangerous or toxic air, all safety assurance measures according to regulations and law on occupational safety and hygiene and relevant national technical regulations must be implemented.

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NOTE 2: Requirements for safety working conditions in dangerous, toxic air environment are specified under QCVN 34:2018/BLDTBXH and QCVN 03:2019/BYT.

2.18.5.2 Employers must measure and examine air quality at work areas and establish conditions for entering work areas with dangerous, toxic air. Equipment and instruments must be installed in areas containing dangerous, toxic air so that they will issue warnings when air quality is insufficient as per the law. If air quality is insufficient for employees to work, employers must take actions then verify safety assurance. Entry and exit from areas containing dangerous, toxic air must be supervised by competent individuals in accordance with regulations and law on occupational safety and hygiene, regulations under 2.18.5.4 and 2.18.5.5.

NOTE 1: Competent individuals mean construction managers, safety managers of contractors or construction and safety supervisors of project developers (or EPC general contractors).

NOTE 2: Air quality measurement and examination must be repeated after appropriate intervals and at least once in each shift.

NOTE 3: Air quality measurement and examination must be done by eligible or professionally trained organizations, individuals as per the law.

2.18.5.3 In regard to confined spaces and areas with flammable gas: Do not use naked light, open flame, or perform heat-producing tasks (for example: welding, cutting) unless competent individuals have examined, processed, and confirmed the safety levels. The measurement, examination, processing, entry, and exit of confined spaces, areas containing flammable gas must conform to regulations under 2.18.5.2, 2.18.5.4, and 2.18.5.5. Only non-sparking equipment and instruments, fire resistant hand-held lights, and safety flashlights are allowed for the purpose of initial examination, cleaning, and other necessary tasks.

2.18.5.4 Do not enter confined spaces and areas with dangerous, toxic air unless air quality has been examined and verified by competent individuals (see 2.18.5.2) to be safe for work and ventilation has been guaranteed.

2.18.5.5 If conditions under 2.18.5.4 are not fully met, employees shall only be allowed to enter areas mentioned under 2.18.5.4 when they have provided and worn breathing air supply (or personal breathing appliances), lanyards and lifelines and other necessary PPE. Working time of employees must depend on safe usage duration of air supply equipment and must be regulated, supervised by employers.

2.18.5.6 When employees are in confined spaces or areas with dangerous or toxic air, employers must:

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b) assign rescue personnel to station in work areas or close to openings and open doors (that lead to areas with quality air);

c) prepare adequate effective means of communication between employees and rescue personnel.

2.18.6 Risk of radiation

2.18.6.1 Ionizing radiation

2.18.6.1.1 If employees must work in conditions where they have high risk of exposing to ionizing radiation, employers must produce safety assurance plans and solutions with strict regulations, supervise, and ensure safety of employees.

NOTE 1: Employees facing high risk of exposing to ionizing radiation if they work in nuclear energy industrial facilities or in structures containing nuclear materials or perform tasks that involve the use of radioactive sources.

NOTE 2: Specific requirements on safety assurance, radioactive source, nuclear material, and nuclear device security must conform to nuclear energy laws.

2.18.6.2 Non-ionizing radiation

2.18.6.2.1 If employees must work in areas where they are exposed to non-ionizing radiation (especially welding or cutting tasks that involve flame), employers must provide and employees must wear appropriate PPE in order to protect the eye, face, skin.

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NOTE: Safety assurance for employees exposing to ultraviolet ray, electromagnetic field, lighting, and other details is specific under QCVN 23:2016/BYT, QCVN 21:2016/BYT, QCVN 25:2016/BYT, and other medical laws.

2.18.7 Working in hot, cold, humid environment

2.18.7.1 Employees working in hot, cold, or humid environment may have health issues. In this case, employers are responsible for adopting adequate preventive measures to protect employees’ health in accordance with regulations and law on occupational safety and hygiene and:

a) reasonably arrange working time appropriate to health conditions of employees; especially employees working in cabins, confined spaces, underwater, or outdoors;

b) guiding and enabling employees to recognize by themselves early signs of disorder and fatigue;

c) providing adequate PPE for employees;

d) frequently monitoring health and providing medical supervision while employees are working;

dd) ensuring adequate human resources, equipment, and means of first aid and emergency care; organizing first aid and emergency care training;

e) monitoring health and progression of occupational diseases of employees.

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2.18.8 Noise and vibration

2.18.8.1 In order to reduce harmful impacts employees caused by noise and vibration of construction machinery and equipment, employers are responsible for:

a) prioritizing construction machinery, equipment, procedures, and solutions that produce little noise and/or vibration in accordance with 2.18.8.2;

b) arranging reasonable work in order to minimize employees’ level or duration direct exposure to construction machinery, equipment, and activities that produce noise and vibration in accordance with 2.18.8.3;

c) providing employees with PPE (the types can be used in combination with protective headwear) that provide hearing protection when noise level exceeds the limit under QCVN 24:2016/BYT and other regulations and law on occupational safety and hygiene;

d) providing appropriate protective gloves for employees when vibration exceeds the limit under QCVN 27:2016/BYT.

2.18.8.2 Appropriate and modern construction machinery, equipment, technical solutions and technologies should be considered and prioritized to reduce noise and vibration as follows:

a) Use pneumatic or electro-pneumatic hammer drill (machine, equipment) instead of pneumatic hammer drills;

b) Use remotely controlled rammers and hammer drills;

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d) Adopt measures for better supporting or holding manually operated equipment in order to reduce vibration effect or better reducing vibration while operating machinery and vehicles (including for seats on machinery and vehicles).

2.18.8.3 Employers must prioritize reducing duration of employees’ direct exposure to noise and vibration in operation of the following machinery and equipment:

a) Hammers, drills, air compressors;

b) Hand-held equipment that produces extreme noise and vibration (for example: nail guns, screw guns);

c) Hand-operated rammers, especially when used in cold weather.

2.18.9 Dust

2.18.9.1 In order to reduce harmful impacts on employees brought by dust from machinery and equipment and during construction process, employers are responsible for:

a) using construction machinery, equipment, construction procedures, and methods that produce little dust;

b) using equipment or solutions for dust control, especially fine dust via the use of appropriate dust filter or humidifying equipment, machinery while maintaining electricity and chemical safety assurance;

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d) providing employees with breathing protection (the types that can be used in combination with protective headwear) when dust concentrations at work areas exceed the limit set under QCVN 02:2019/BYT; especially areas where toxic dust such as asbestos dust, silica dust, mineral wool dust, and coal dust are present.

2.18.10 Biological factors

2.18.10.1 In areas containing diseases or other biological factors such as organisms, microorganisms, insects, viruses that can cause danger or illnesses to humans, project developers and employers must take preventive and biological safety assurance measures which take into account route of infection in accordance with regulations and guidance of competent medical authorities; and:

a) inform employees about diseases and dangerous biological factors present on construction sites;

b) designate sanitary areas for use by employees in accordance with QCVN 01:2011/BYT;

c) adopt specific solutions for preventing harmful organisms (for example: rats and insects) in accordance with regulations and guidelines of Ministry of Health;

d) clean and sterilize using appropriate chemicals and vaccinate employees;

dd) prepare antidote, appropriate preventive and treatment medicine (especially in construction sites in remote, rural areas, and areas away from medical facilities);

e) prepare appropriate PPE (such as clothing, shoes, boots, gloves, protective goggles, hat, protective gear) and other appropriate preventive measures.