Category: OHS Act

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2-Hour Fire-Rated Steel Stores

2-hour fire-rated steel storesWhat Is a 2-Hour Fire-Rated Steel Store – And Do You Need One?

When working with flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, acetone, or solvents, fire safety isn’t just best practice — it’s a legal requirement. Whether you’re operating a warehouse, workshop, or production facility, safely storing hazardous materials is essential to protect your staff, comply with legislation, and maintain business continuity.

One of the most effective safety measures for flammable liquid storage is a 2-hour fire-rated steel store. But what exactly does “2-hour fire-rated” mean — and when is such a store necessary for your site?

What Does “2-Hour Fire-Rated” Actually Mean?

A 2-hour fire rating refers to how long a structure can resist fire exposure while maintaining its structural integrity and preventing internal temperature spikes. In this case, it means the steel store has been tested and certified to withstand fire conditions for 120 minutes.

This endurance is measured under standard fire test conditions, often simulating the heat curve of a structural blaze. During that time, the internal contents are protected against the full force of fire — giving emergency services time to respond and providing a crucial safety buffer for personnel evacuation.

In practical terms, it’s about containing the danger long enough to prevent disaster.

Legal Compliance: What South African Law Says:

In South Africa, the safe storage of flammable liquids is enforced under the General Safety Regulations (GSR) of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. Specifically, GSR 4(2) states:

“No employer shall require or permit a flammable liquid to be used or applied other than in a room, cabinet or other enclosure specially constructed for this purpose of fire-resisting material or in a place which, owing to its situation or construction or any other feature or circumstance, is of such a nature that-
(a) no fire or explosion hazard is, can or may be created thereat…”

You can view the full legislation: here.

This means that if you’re storing more than minimal quantities of flammable liquids, especially indoors or near structures, a fire-rated store is likely required to meet compliance.
Failure to comply can not only result in penalties and shutdowns, but also puts your staff and assets at serious risk.

When Do You Need a 2-Hour Fire-Rated Store?

Not every situation demands a 2-hour fire-rated store, but many do. Here are typical scenarios where one is either strongly recommended or legally required:

  • You’re storing bulk quantities of Class I or II flammable liquids (e.g., petrol, ethanol, acetone).
  • The store is placed inside a building, rather than outdoors or in an isolated zone.
  • There’s insufficient separation distance between the store and other structures, walkways, roads, or personnel.
  • Your site is under strict insurance requirements or subject to a fire safety audit by local authorities or compliance officers.

In all these cases, a certified 2-hour fire-rated store offers peace of mind and may be the only acceptable solution under legal and insurance frameworks.

Features of a Compliant Fire-Rated Steel Store

A properly engineered fire-rated store isn’t just a steel box with thick walls. It incorporates a range of safety features that are essential for risk mitigation:

  • Third-party certified 2-hour fire rating
  • Built-in ventilation to prevent flammable vapour buildup
  • Compliant sump to catch leaks or spills
  • Reinforced, fire-resistant doors with secure locking

These stores are designed with both passive and active fire safety principles in mind — meaning they don’t just resist fire but actively help reduce the spread of flammable vapours and liquids.

Optional Add-Ons for Enhanced Safety

Depending on your application or risk profile, you may want to include custom options, such as:

  • Zone 1 internal lighting
  • Temperature control system
  • Pushback racking systems for drums and IBCs
  • Sprinkler system
  • Extraction system for fumes

Why It Matters

Ultimately, fire-rated storage is about more than just ticking compliance boxes. It’s about:

  • Protecting your people
  • Preventing catastrophic damage
  • Maintaining operational uptime
  • Ensures long-term legal and insurance compliance

Even a small fire can escalate quickly when flammable liquids are involved. A 2-hour fire-rated steel store ensures that, in the worst-case scenario, your risk is contained, controlled, and mitigated. Often times an insurance company will not honor a claim in the event of a fire if flammable liquids were not properly stored.

Why Choose Spill Doctor?

At Spill Doctor, we supply fully compliant, third-party certified 2-hour fire-rated steel stores, designed for South African conditions and legislation. We offer:

  • Full consultation and advice
  • Customizable configurations
  • Drawings and approvals assistance
  • Turn-key solution from drawings to delivery

Whether you need a standard unit or a fully customized fire-rated enclosure, we’ve got a solution for you.

Need help choosing a compliant fire-rated store that suits your needs?

📞 Get in touch with us: here.
🛒 Explore our full range of 2-hour fire-rated stores: here.

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Navigating South African Spill Containment Regulations

Navigating South African Spill Containment Regulations Graphic

 

Navigating South African Spill Containment Regulations especially when it comes to hazardous liquids and chemical storage, South African businesses have a clear legal obligation: managing spills effectively is not optional. Proper spill containment is critical not only for environmental protection but also for workplace safety and regulatory compliance. This article breaks down the key regulations, compliance requirements, and practical steps you can take to ensure your business stays on the right side of the law.

Key Regulations Governing Spill Containment in South Africa
South Africa’s legal framework addresses spill containment through a combination of environmental laws and occupational health and safety standards:

 

National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) specifically Chapter 7, Section 28, businesses have a “duty of care” to prevent environmental harm. This includes taking reasonable measures to contain hazardous spills.

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEM:WA) chapter 2, provides the overarching framework for waste management in South Africa, requiring businesses to comply with waste containment and handling standards as specified by national strategies and regulations developed under this Act.

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) section 8(1)(2): Employers must provide a safe workplace, minimizing workers’ exposure to hazardous substances through appropriate containment and spill management systems.

Common Compliance Requirements:

 

To meet these legal obligations, businesses typically need to implement:

Secondary containment systems such as spill pallets, and bunded flooring are designed to hold at least 110% of the largest container’s volume or 25% of the total volume of all containers being stored, whichever is greater as outlined in the National Environmental Management: Waste Act: NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR THE STORAGE OF WASTE. As well as routine inspections and maintenance of storage areas and containment equipment to identify and address risks proactively.

Challenges and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with spill containment regulations can result in:

  • Significant financial penalties and fines from environmental authorities.
  • Work stoppages or shutdowns imposed by regulators.
  • Damage to your business reputation through negative publicity.
  • Long-term environmental damage with costly remediation efforts.
  • Increased risk of workplace injuries or health issues for employees.

How Spill Doctor Supports Your Compliance Journey:

At Spill Doctor, We believe that proactive behaviour is necessary for the manufacturing, storage and transporting of hazardous materials or products. Should you not be prepared in the event of a spillage, your company may be liable for the environmental damage caused by the spillage which could result in hefty fines or imprisonment if found negligent. It is vitally important that you have both proactive and reactive procedures in place for any small or large spillages.

Understanding and complying with South Africa’s spill containment regulations isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about protecting your people, your environment, and your business. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can confidently meet legal requirements and build a safer workplace.

If you’re unsure about your current spill containment measures or need expert advice, contact us today.

Additionally, our full range or Spill Pallets, Drip trays, Drum Trolleys, etc. can be found here.

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OHS Act Explained – How to Keep Your Employees Safe

What is the Occupational Health & Safety Act?

The Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHS Act) was designed to ensure safety procedures and systems are implemented and followed in the workplace. The OHS Act protects employees by providing legal protection against a work environment that doesn’t follow the legislation. Without the OHS Act, employers could become lazy when implementing health and safety procedures which could lead to the workplace becoming a dangerous working environment. 

The following will outline why the Occupation Health & Safety Act is important for employers, employees and people working in health and safety industries.

According to the OHS Act, its purpose is to:

  • Protect the health and safety of persons working with equipment, machinery or hazardous materials
  • Protect external persons against hazards to health and safety arising out of or in connection to activities that may take place in a work environment
  • Establish an advisory council for occupational health & safety and provide for matters connected herewith

The sole purpose of the act is to protect employees from factors that may cause risk to their health and safety, as well as external people who may be exposed to dangerous activities and environments generated by a company (customers or people near the workplace). Employers must ensure they adhere to the procedures and requirements stipulated in the OHS Act. Any company with 20 or more employees are required to work in conjunction with a health and safety committee. The health and safety committee are tasked with identifying potential health risks. The Committee usually examine workplace incidents and investigates any complaints made by employees or external persons.

The Act also protects employers by requiring employees to take reasonable care of their health and safety as well as others while at work. It motivates employees to report any incidents or risks that an employer may not know about.

Why is the OHS Act Important?

The Act was put in place to ensure the safety of workers and the environment throughout the country. The act establishes procedures that enforce safe, productive and healthy work environments for every employee. The Act protects all persons involved in a company, from the employer to employees and customers exposed to the workplace.

Employees – 

The Act gives employees the right to a safe work environment and a platform to report any misconduct or negligence in the workplace. Employees who know the conditions of the Act can identify health and safety risks and report them to the relevant authorities. As an employee, it is your responsibility to ensure that safety practices are maintained and followed by yourself and your fellow workers. Not following health and safety requirements could result in a fine or imprisonment if you are found responsible for the damage.

Employer – 

The protection of employees and their families’ welfare should be the number one priority for all employers. Ensuring the health and safety of all workers also improves productivity in the workplace as fewer employees will be injured or fall ill. Should an employee be injured or harmed by an employer not upholding the act, they may face hefty fines or imprisonment if found guilty. Health and safety inspections happen randomly and are there to ensure that employers enforce workplace health and safety measures. Failing to adhere to the Act or not passing the inspection could result in your business temporarily closing until the correct procedures have been enforced.

How Can Employers Ensure a Safe Work Environment:

The Occupational Health & Safety Act requires employers to take responsibility for providing a safe working environment to their employees. Employers must evaluate working areas and conduct risk assessments and inspections to ensure safety measures or being adhered to. The Act also directs employers to provide preventative health and safety measures and reactive solutions in the event of an incident.

Informing Your Employees:

It is vital to explain the Occupational Health & Safety Act to employees to ensure they thoroughly understand the potential risks and hazards that may be present in the workplace. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide knowledge about OHS Act and the security measures in place to their employees. Uninformed employees won’t know what procedures to follow or the role they need to play to ensure a safe work environment for all. Not communicating this with your employees could result in failed inspections, fines, or even harm to workers or the environment.

Report Incidents or Accidents:

It is the employer’s duty to notify the Department of Labour if an employee becomes injured or falls ill. Any high-risk incidents that could be detrimental to employees, people in the area or the environment (such as chemical spills or fires), should also be reported. An investigation will be conducted to investigate the incident and to decide whether the employer and employees had followed the regulations stipulated in the OHS Act. If it is concluded that negligence and not following the proper procedures were the cause of the incident, the employer or employee will be held responsible for their actions. 

How Can Employees Ensure a Safe Work Environment:

Employees are responsible for their own health and safety and should follow the procedures and systems put in place for maximum protection. It is also their responsibility to report malfunctioning systems or other employees who may not be following the regulations. The OHS Act provides four basic rights for employees: 

  • The right to participate in health and safety regulations
  • The right to know the health and safety hazards in the workplace
  • The right to refuse work if health and safety procedures aren’t in place
  • The right to raise OHS concerns with no retaliation

In Conclusion, the Occupational Health and Safety Act was put in place to protect all those who are present in the workplace and it is the responsibility of all to implement and follow the correct procedures for maximum welfare. Not following the regulations provided in the OHS Act could result in damage to an employee’s well-being or the environment around your premises.

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8 steps to follow for spill response

Spill Doctor South Africa logo

Accidents happen, plans or steps for spill response in place for when a spill in the workplace occurs keeps you safe.

These 8 steps for spill response, which can assist you when responding to a chemical, oil or hazardous spill.

STEP 1 – ASSESS

As soon as you encounter a spill – and until it has been successfully dealt with – you must constantly assess the risk it poses to personnel, the environment, and property. You should never tackle a spill on your own. Inform colleagues and wait for at least one other person before dealing with an incident. 

STEP 2 – PROTECT

Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to allow you to safely respond to the spill. Check the safety data sheet for any hazards associated with the liquid spilled and then dress accordingly. If in doubt, assume the worst and wear the highest level of PPE. For rapid response, the location of spill containment equipment should also be marked on a readily available site plan. An inventory of on-site chemicals will help responders to understand what they are dealing with. 

STEP 3 – CONTAIN

Following a spill, containment is crucial. It buys time and reduces the area of contamination, thereby lessening the spill’s impact. Use absorbent socks and booms or physical barriers to provide fast, effective containment. It is always better to try to keep any hazardous spill on the surface, so spill kits should be located next to storage areas, with sealing products positioned next to site drains.

STEP 4 – STOP THE SPILL

Once the spill has been contained, you need to stop its source, whether that involves rolling a drum damaged side up, turning off a tap, or plugging the hole in a container. If appropriate, decant any remaining liquid into a secondary container. Remember: never step in the spill.

STEP 5 – REASSESS

After the spill has been contained and the source controlled, reassess the entire situation before starting the clean-up. Ensure that the spill is fully under control.

STEP 6 – CLEAN-UP

This can be as simple as wiping up with sorbent pads, through to using additional sorbents and/or a compatible “wet vac”. Remember to treat contaminated material with the same caution as the spilled liquid itself and dispose of it accordingly.

STEP 7 – DECONTAMINATION

Ensure all personnel involved with the spill are fully decontaminated; at the spill site, all PPE and equipment must also be fully decontaminated and checked. If items have been damaged or cannot be fully decontaminated, dispose of them accordingly and replace them with new ones.

STEP 8 – REPORT AND REPLENISH

Debrief all personnel involved, compile a complete report of the incident, and fill out all associated paperwork. If need be, change your procedures and/or the location of some or all of your spill response equipment. Remember to replenish/restock all front-line equipment and backup stocks, such as PPE and drain covers. Learn from the experience; you will be better prepared should there be a next time. Staff training is paramount: they need to be familiar with the layout of the site, the equipment they will be using, and how to use it safely and effectively. Hopefully, any incident will be a rare occurrence and the only time your staff will need to respond to a spill is during regular refresher training. This training should be programmed in as a matter of course, just like any other training, such as first aid or fire extinguisher use.

You can view our range of spill kits (here).

Spill Doctor’s mission is to assist companies in creating safe and complaint workplaces by providing a range of environmental and health and safety products.