Section 75: Safety provisions in case of fire

75. Safety provisions in case of fire (1) Every place of work shall be provided with such means of escape in case of fire for the employees as may reasonably be required by the Service in the circumstances of every case. (2) (a) In every place of work where persons with impaired vision or hearing are working, there shall be provided such effective means of giving warning in case of fire as may be specified by the Service. (b) Any device specified in paragraph (a) shall be tested by a competent person at least once a month to ensure its continued operation and a record of the test shall be kept by the employer. (3) — (4) All means of escape as specified in subsection (1) shall be properly maintained and kept free from obstruction. (5) — (6) (a) In every place of work, the employer shall take effective steps to ensure that all employees are familiar with the means of escape and procedures to be followed in case of fire. (b) Where a ramp may be required by the Service, it shall have an easy gradient and shall, in no case, be steeper than a ratio of 1:12, and hand rails and non-slip surfaces shall be provided on the ramp. (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), every employer shall carry out a fire drill at least once a year in all places of work requiring a fire certificate under section 76, according to an established fire and emergency plan approved by the Service, and shall keep a record of the drill. O2 – 51 [Issue 6] Occupational Safety and Health Act (7) – (11) — [S. 75 amended by s. 29 (5) (c) of Act 13 of 2013 w.e.f. 5 February 2014.]