DOE issues RE safety regulations

MANILA, Philippines - Safety in the operations of renewable energy (RE) projects should be a priority of the private sector, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

The DOE has released the RE Safety, Health and Environment Rules and Regulations that assigns the oversight body and lays the guidelines for private firms.

“This circular shall apply to all employers, employees, contractors and other entities engaged in RE operations in the Philippines,” DOE said.

It is the first circular signed by new DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla.

Specifically, the director of the Renewable Energy Management Board (REMB) is tasked to enforce all the regulations concerning occupational safety, health and environment.

The director can also inspect RE operations nationwide and suspend the project of erring firms, DOE said.

The employers, for their part, “shall submit to the REMB director an annual comprehensive safety, health and environmental management plan and program for the succeeding year.”

“A general safety, health and environment policy statement in writing shall be issued by the employer or corporate organization to reflect management’s positive attitude, support and commitment to effective leadership and program administration for safety, health and environment,” DOE said.

Every employer shall appoint at least one full-time safety engineer or officer at any phase of the RE project.

A safety, health and environment committee should also be organized in all RE facilities upon the start of operations.

Employees, meanwhile are required by the DOE to use of equipment in accordance to safety policies of their companies.

The employee should inform his employer on any risks at work and potential shortcomings in the employer’s protection arrangements.

Should there be two or more employers in a work place, DOE said the companies must cooperate with the another contractor for safety procedures.

“Within six months upon the effectivity of this circular, REMB shall, in consultation with RE stakeholders and relevant government agencies, promulgate the Code of Practice of this circular,” DOE said.

Since 2009, the DOE has awarded around 300 service contracts for green energy projects which include geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass and ocean technology.

Employer’s shall also ensure that their employees are provided with adequate safety and health training.

Following accidents, all employers are tasked to report to the REMB in writing the details of losses and casualties incurred in the incident.