OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT, 1993: HAZARDOUS BIOLOGICAL AGENTS REGULATIONS
Notice Title: Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (“OHSA”): Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations
Government Notice: GN 1887 in GG 46051 on 16 March 2022
Commencing date: 16 March 2022
The Minister of Employment and Labour (“the Minister”) has under section 43 of the OHSA published new Hazardous Biological Agent Regulations, 2022 (“HBAR”).
Changes includes amongst other that the new HBAR lists coronavirus as a listed hazardous biological agent, classed as Group 3. It therefore places legal responsibilities on employers in respect of employers to limit the exposure and mitigate the risks of infection by SARS-CoV-2.
The new HBAR repeals the Regulations for Hazardous Biological Agents, GNR 1390 of 27 December 2001.
For a copy of the Government Gazette Notice click here.
How to ensure compliance at my operations?
The HBAR applies to every employer or self-employed persons at a workplace where:
- An HBA is produced, processed, used, handled, stored or transported; or
- Exposure to an HBA may occur.
For assistance or queries please contact Gert van der Waal at gert@shangoni.co.za.
