Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 92 Adopted 25 February 2003

Labour Protection Requirements in Performing Construction Work

Issued pursuant to
Section 25, Clause 6
of the Labour Protection Law

I. General Provisions

1. The Regulation prescribes labour protection requirements in performing construction work.

2. The Regulation shall apply to the following construction work (except for construction work related to survey and extraction of mineral resources):

2.1. underground works;

2.2. earthworks (including the installation of artificial earth structures);

2.3. construction of external engineering networks;

2.4. work with concrete;

2.5. bricklaying;

2.6. isolation and roofing work;

2.7. carpentry and joinery work;

2.8. assembly and dismantling of pre-fabricated (ready-made) building structures;

2.9. finishing work (for example, plastering work, tiling work, painting, wall papering, glazing work);

2.10. installation and assembly of internal plumbing networks and equipment for buildings;

2.11. demolition, dismantling and disassembly of structures;

2.12. building repair;

2.13. reconstruction, renovation and restoration of structures;

2.14. maintenance of structures if it is related to any type of work referred to in this Paragraph;

2.15. performance of drilling;

2.16. dredging and underwater work.

[29 January 2008]

3. Construction work causing increased risk to safety and health of employees shall be:

3.1. work in which employees are subject to the following risks:

3.1.1. burial with earth under earthfalls;

3.1.2. flooding;

3.1.3. drowning;

3.1.4. falling from a height over 1.5 m;

3.1.5. sinking into unstable earth;

3.2. work where employees come into contact with harmful chemical or biological substances which create a risk to the safety and health of employees or which, in accordance with the requirements of laws and regulations, are subject to special supervision;

3.3. work where employees are exposed to the risk of being irradiated with ionising radiation and the performance of which is regulated by the laws and regulations regarding protection against radiation;

3.4. work in high voltage power line protective zones;

3.5. work performed underground (for example, in wells or tunnels);

3.6. work where a system of air supply is necessary for employees;

3.7. work in which employees are exposed to increased air pressure (for example, in cofferdams and caissons);

3.8. work involving the use of explosives;

3.9. work involving the assembly, disassembly or dismantling of structures, building constructions, building elements or equipment.

[29 January 2008]

4. The relevant local government building authority shall control the compliance with this Regulation at the project preparation stage, but at the execution of the project stage - the State Labour Inspectorate. The State Revenue Service shall also control compliance with the requirements specified in Paragraphs 28.¹, 28.², 28.³, 28.⁴, 28.⁵, 28.⁶, 28.⁷ and 28.⁸ of this Regulation.

[29 January 2008]

II. Project Supervisor, Labour Protection Co-ordinators, Prior Notice

5. A project is a construction related process comprising an aggregate of co-ordinated and controlled procedures for which a starting date and an end date have been specified and the objectives of which have to be achieved within a set time period, and within cost and resource limits.

5.¹ A project has the following implementation stages:

5.¹.1. project preparation stage - the stage from the commencement of the development of the project up to the commencement of construction work;

5.¹.2. project execution stage - the performance of construction work.

[29 January 2008]

6. For the preparation, execution or supervision of the execution of a project, a client shall assign a project supervisor - a natural or legal person who acts on behalf of the client (for example, the main performer of construction work or performer of individual construction work). If the client does not assign a project supervisor, he or she him or herself shall assume the rights and duties of project supervisors specified in this Regulation.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

7. A labour protection co-ordinator at the project preparation stage is a natural or legal person to whom the client or project supervisor has entrusted the performance of the duties referred to in Paragraph 15 of this Regulation during the project preparation stage (hereinafter - the project preparation co-ordinator). If the project preparation co-ordinator is a legal person, it shall ensure that the function of the project preparation co-ordinator is implemented by a natural person who complies with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 7.¹ of this Regulation.

[1 July 2014]

7.¹ The project preparation co-ordinator may be a person who has obtained an architect practice certificate or construction practice certificate in the field of design in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and regulations and complies with at least one of the following requirements:

7.¹ 1. has obtained the knowledge in labour protection (theoretical part) of basic level and specialised knowledge in labour protection in construction;

7.¹ 2. has obtained the first-level or second-level higher education in the field of labour protection.

[1 July 2014 / The requirement referred to in Sub-paragraph 7.¹ 1 for the project preparation co-ordinator to additionally acquire specialised labour protection knowledge in construction shall come into force on 1 January 2015. See Paragraph 78]

8. A labour protection co-ordinator at the project execution stage is a natural or legal person to whom the client or project supervisor has entrusted the performance of the duties referred to in Paragraph 16 of this Regulation during the project execution stage (hereinafter - the project execution co-ordinator). If the project execution co-ordinator is a legal person, it shall ensure that the function of the project execution co-ordinator is implemented by a natural person who complies with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 8.¹ of this Regulation.

[1 July 2014]

8.¹ The project execution co-ordinator may be a person who:

8.¹ 1. has obtained a construction practice certificate in the field of construction work management and construction supervision in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and regulations and complies with at least one of the following requirements:

8.¹ 1.1. has obtained the knowledge in labour protection (theoretical part) of basic level and specialised knowledge in labour protection in construction;

8.¹ 1.2. has obtained the first-level higher vocational education in the field of labour protection;

8.¹ 2. has obtained the second-level higher vocational education in the field of labour protection.

[1 July 2014 / The requirement referred to in Sub-paragraph 8.¹ 1.1 for the project execution co-ordinator to additionally acquire specialised labour protection knowledge in construction shall come into force on 1 January 2015. See Paragraph 78]

9. If the construction work is carried out by several performers of individual construction work on a construction site, the client shall appoint one or more project preparation co-ordinators and project execution co-ordinators.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

10. The appointment of the project preparation co-ordinator and the project execution co-ordinator shall not relieve the client and the project supervisor of their liability regarding compliance with the requirements of labour protection.

11. The client shall ensure that a labour protection plan is formulated prior to the commencement of construction work in accordance with Chapter IV of this Regulation if:

11.1. construction work on a construction site is performed by several performers of individual construction work;

11.2. one of the construction works referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Regulation is performed;

11.3. in accordance with Paragraph 12 of this Regulation, it is necessary to send a prior notice regarding the performance of construction works.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

12. The client has a duty, before the construction work starts, to forward a prior notice to the State Labour Inspectorate regarding the performance of construction work (annex) in any of the following cases:

12.1. if the scheduled duration of the construction work exceeds 30 working days and more than 20 employees are employed simultaneously on the construction work;

12.2. if the planned volume of construction work exceeds 500 person-days (total working days worked by one or more employees).

[29 January 2008]

13. The client shall display the information included in the prior notice regarding the commencement of construction work in a visible place on the construction site and, if necessary, shall periodically update it.

[29 January 2008]

13.¹ The duties referred to in Paragraphs 9, 11, 12, and 13 of this Regulation may be assigned by the client to the project supervisor by mutual agreement thereon.

[29 January 2008]

III. Project Preparation and Execution Stages, Duties of Co-ordinators

14. A person performing the duties of a project supervisor shall comply with the general principles for labour protection set out in the Labour Protection Law, in particular in the following cases:

14.1. in deciding on the architectural, technical and organisational aspects, in planning the work or stages of work which are to take place simultaneously or in succession;

14.2. in estimating the volume of the construction work to be carried out simultaneously and the time period required for completing each of the stages, taking into account the labour protection plan and all the documents which have been formulated and adjusted in accordance with Sub-paragraphs 15.2, 15.3 and 16.3 of this Regulation.

[29 January 2008]

15. The project preparation co-ordinator has the following duties:

15.1. to co-ordinate the fulfilment of the requirements laid down in Paragraph 14 of this Regulation with the project supervisor, main performer of construction work, performers of individual construction work and self-employed persons;

15.2. to formulate a labour protection plan in accordance with Chapter IV of this Regulation, including also measures related to the construction work referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Regulation;

15.3. to prepare appropriate documentation including information on labour protection requirements;

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

16. The project execution co-ordinator has the following duties:

16.1. to co-ordinate the implementation of the general principles of labour protection when deciding on technical or organisational measures, in planning the performance of various construction works simultaneously or in succession and in estimating the necessary time period required for their execution;

16.2. to co-ordinate and supervise the execution of the labour protection plan and the project for carrying out the work in order to ensure that the main performer of construction work, performers of individual construction work and self-employed persons comply with the requirements laid down in Paragraph 26 of this Regulation and the execution of the labour protection plan;

16.3. to make necessary adjustments to the labour protection plan and to the documentation referred to in Sub-paragraph 15.3 of this Regulation, taking into account the work performed and changes in the construction site, and in the construction project (if such have been made);

16.4. to organise the co-operation of the main performer of construction work and performers of individual construction work (also of those performers of individual construction work who work on one and the same construction site in succession), co-ordinate their activities in order to protect employees and prevent accidents at work and occupational diseases, ensure mutual exchange of information in accordance with the requirements of the Labour Protection Law and, where necessary, involve self-employed persons;

16.5. to co-ordinate labour protection measures provided by the main performer of construction work and performers of individual construction work and to verify the execution thereof;

16.6. to perform the necessary measures in order to prevent the presence of unauthorised persons on the construction site.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

16.¹ If construction work is performed by one performer of individual construction work, the person who performs the duties of project supervisor shall be responsible for the execution of the duties referred to in Sub-paragraphs 15.2, 15.3, 16.1, 16.3 and 16.6 of this Regulation.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

IV. Labour Protection Plan

17. A labour protection plan shall be developed in order to provide all construction participants with the necessary labour protection information.

18. A labour protection plan shall include specific information necessary for the provision of labour protection in construction work.

19. A labour protection plan shall be developed up to commencement of construction work. If project conditions change, the plan shall be revised. The project execution co-ordinators and the person who performs the duties of project supervisor shall become acquainted with the labour protection plan before the relevant performer of individual construction work is attracted.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

20. The development of a labour protection plan shall have two stages:

20.1. the first stage - the project preparation stage shall include measures from the beginning of the project development up to the selection of a contractor for the commencement of construction work;

20.2. the second stage - the project execution stage shall include measures during the performance of construction work.

[29 January 2008]

21. A labour protection plan in the project preparation stage may be developed as an individual document or incorporated as a separate chapter in the construction work organisation part of the technical construction project including the following information therein:

21.1. use of parcels of land adjacent to the area intended for the construction site:

21.1.1. buildings and facilities that may restrict the performance of construction work;

21.1.2. surface and underground engineering communications;

21.1.3. traffic routes and restrictions related to them (for example, access to fire-fighting devices, time limitations for the supply of materials and parking of vehicles);

21.1.4. structures in which materials harmful to health have been utilised or unsteady or unstable constructions, and in the demolition or reconstruction of which specific labour protection measures are necessary;

21.1.5. the nature of the earth (indicating composition, state of pollution, stability, old pits or other underground obstructions);

21.1.6. existence of technical documentation for structures to be demolished (may be information submitted by the client);

21.2. the risk factors contained in the construction project which cannot be avoided, and also relevant labour protection measures;

21.3. detailed recommendations for labour protection measures regarding which the performer of individual construction work is entitled to request explanations;

21.4. potential risk factors which may arise during the construction process due to materials harmful to health, and necessary information regarding the requirements of laws and other regulatory enactments;

21.5. information regarding the territory of the intended construction site:

21.5.1. possibilities of access to the construction site and emergency exits;

21.5.2. location of temporary structures and individual workstations;

21.5.3. loading and unloading areas for building materials, warehouses;

21.5.4. transport routes and pedestrian walkways;

21.5.5. driveways and thoroughfares for fire-engines;

21.6. co-ordination of the labour protection measures to be taken on the construction site and the exchange of relevant information between the client, project supervisor, the main performer of construction work, performers of individual construction work and self-employed persons;

21.7. measures in accordance with the construction work referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Regulation.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

22. A labour protection plan in the project execution stage may be incorporated in a construction work performance project by supplementing it with the following information:

22.1. general procedures for organising labour protection on the construction site;

22.2. changes which during the execution of the construction work take place in:

22.2.1. work plans and schedules;

22.2.2. nomenclature and supply schedules of construction products, building materials, technological systems and equipment;

22.2.3. work schedules for workforce movement and for the main building machinery.

23. If the necessary information is included in other construction documents or the construction design drawings, the labour protection plan may only contain references to the location where such information may be found.

24. For socially significant or technically complex building projects, the plan may be uncompleted. In the abovementioned case the project execution plan shall include:

24.1. procedures by which the general management of labour protection is organised;

24.2. general safety requirements on the construction site;

24.3. explanations regarding accessibility of information during the project preparation stage, and also further management and control;

24.4. procedures by which changes made in the project shall be included and incorporated in the labour protection plan, in the individual stages of the construction work performance project or in another technological document of construction work execution.

V. Obligations of the Main Performer of Construction Work, Performer of Individual Construction Work and Employee

[29 January 2008; 01 July 2014 / Amendments to the title of the Chapter shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

25. In order to ensure safety and health protection of employees on the construction site, the performer of individual construction work shall:

25.1. in conformity with the nature of the construction site and the construction work, working conditions and risk factors, take measures that provide compliance of the workplaces with the requirements referred to in Chapters VI, VII and VIII of this Regulation;

25.2. comply with the instructions of the project preparation co-ordinator and the project execution co-ordinator.

[1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

26. When performing construction work, the main performer of construction work and the performer of individual construction work shall take into account the general principles of labour protection laid down in the Labour Protection Law, also in relation to:

26.1. demarcating the construction site and maintaining it in a clean state and in good order;

26.2. choosing the workplaces. In determining relocation and movement routes and areas for the location of equipment the necessity for free access to each workplace shall be taken into account;

26.3. conditions under which various materials are handled;

26.4. technical servicing and inspection of machines, equipment and installations when commencing operations, and also regular inspections during operation in order to eliminate defects which cause a risk to the safety and health of employees;

26.5. installation of storage areas and labelling of various materials (regarding especially dangerous materials or substances);

26.6. collection and removal of used dangerous materials and substances;

26.7. storage, collection, movement and disposal of waste and construction debris;

26.8. changes in the time period intended for the execution of the various types of work and work stages, based on work progress on the construction site;

26.9. co-operation with self-employed persons;

26.10. co-operation and co-ordination of work with other industrial facilities on the construction site or in its proximity.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

27. The performer of individual construction work shall provide employees or trusted representatives thereof with comprehensible information on all the measures that in accordance with the requirements laid down in the Labour Protection Law will be taken on the construction site for work safety and health protection of employees.

[1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28. The performer of individual construction work shall consult with employees or their trusted representatives and ensure their participation in resolution of all matters related to work safety and health protection of employees, in particular if they are related to labour protection in the performance of construction work.

[1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28.¹ The performer of individual construction work, including the main performer of construction work, shall ensure that a list of the employees employed at the construction object is located therein. If the construction work is performed by several performers of individual construction work, they shall each submit to the main performer of construction work or, if such does not exist - the client, a list of the employees employed at the construction object which shall be approved by a signature and seal indicating the following information regarding the employees:

28.¹ 1. given name and surname;

28.¹ 2. personal identity number or number of the work permit for foreigners employed in Latvia;

28.¹ 3. the date of entering into and number of the employment contract or work-performance contract;

28.¹ 4. name of the performer of individual construction work.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28.² The main performer of construction work or, if such does not exist - the client, shall keep the lists referred to in Paragraph 28.¹ of this Regulation at the construction object until the acceptance for service of the structure.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28.³ The performer of individual construction work or the main performer of construction work shall issue an employee identity card to each employee at the construction object upon presentation of a personal identification document or a driver's licence. The identity card shall include:

28.³ 1. the given name and surname of the employee;

28.³ 2. personal identity number or number of the work permit for foreigners employed in Latvia;

28.³ 3. the date of entering into and number of the contract of employment or work-performance contract;

28.³ 4. name of the performer of individual construction work;

28.³ 5. a photograph of the employee;

28.³ 6. seal of the performer of individual construction work or the main performer of construction work.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28.⁴ If the employee identity card has been issued by the performer of individual construction work, the employee shall, upon arriving for the first time in the territory of the construction object, also present to the main performer of construction work or his or her representative a personal identification document or a driver's licence in addition to the employee identity card.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28.⁵ If the employee identity card at the commencement of work has not yet been issued or it has been lost, the main performer of construction work or, if such does not exist - the client, is entitled to let the employee into the territory of the construction object also upon presentation of a personal identification document or a driver's licence, however, for not more than five consecutive working days.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28.⁶ Being in the territory of the construction object, the employee has a duty to keep the employee identity card, a personal identification document or a driver's licence in an accessible place and, if necessary, present it to representatives of the controlling State authorities. The employee shall immediately notify of the loss of an employee identity card to the project execution co-ordinator or the main performer of construction work, and also to the performer of individual construction work if the employee identity card has been issued by the performer of individual construction work. The main performer of construction work or, if such does not exist - the client, shall register the fact of the loss of the employee identity card and shall keep such information until making a new identity card.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28.⁷ If it is necessary for other persons to enter the territory of the construction object, the main performer of construction work shall issue a visitor's card to such persons.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

28.⁷ The main performer of construction work shall ensure that only employees which are indicated in the list referred to in Paragraph 28.¹ of this Regulation and who have an employee identity card, a personal identification document or a driver's licence, and also other persons with a visitor's card enter the territory of the construction object.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

VI. Labour Protection Requirements for Organisation of Workplaces at Construction Sites

29. Stability and solidity requirements:

29.1. materials, equipment and any component which, when moving, causes a risk to the safety and health of employees shall be stable and safe;

29.2. access to any surface involving insufficiently resistant materials is not authorised without appropriate equipment or means that enable the work to be carried out safely.

30. Energy distribution installations (systems, equipment and networks) shall be designed and installed so as:

30.1. not to create a risk of fire or explosion;

30.2. not to present a risk of electrocution caused by direct or indirect contact with the energy distribution installation;

30.3. in construction and choice of equipment and protection devices the type and power of the energy distributed, working conditions and the competence of persons with access to parts of the installation shall be taken into account.

31. Emergency routes, passageways and exits shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

31.1. emergency routes, passageways and exits shall be clear and ensure the most rapid passage to a safe area and as safe as possible evacuation of employees from all workplaces in case of serious and direct danger;

31.2. the number, location and dimensions of emergency routes, passageways and exits shall be determined taking into account the utilisation of the construction site, buildings, structures and premises (including temporary construction work structures, sheds), the equipment therein and dimensions thereof and the maximum potential number of persons present;

31.3. emergency routes, passageways and exits shall be indicated in conformity with the requirements regarding the use of safety signs at workplaces specified in laws and regulations;

31.4. emergency lighting of adequate intensity shall be provided for emergency routes, passageways and exits requiring illumination in case the work lighting fails.

32. Fire alarm, automatic fire-fighting systems and fire-fighting devices shall conform to the following requirements:

32.1. taking into account the location of the construction site, the specific nature of the buildings and structures, the dimensions and use of the premises, the equipment therein, the physical and chemical properties of the materials used, and the maximum potential number of persons present, workplaces shall be provided with an adequate number of appropriate fire-fighting devices and, where necessary, fire detectors and alarm systems;

32.2. fire-fighting devices, fire detectors and alarm systems shall be regularly inspected and maintained;

32.3. appropriate inspections and training of employees shall be organised at regular intervals in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding fire-safety requirements;

32.4. fire-fighting devices shall be conveniently accessible and simple to use and their location shall be indicated by signs located in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding the use of safety signs at workplaces and fire safety.

33. Ventilation shall conform to the following requirements:

33.1. a sufficient supply of fresh air shall be ensured in workplaces, taking into account the nature of the work and the physical demands placed on employees;

33.2. ventilation systems shall be maintained in good order, regularly cleaned and the efficiency of their operation inspected;

33.3. the operation of mechanical ventilation systems and air-conditioning equipment may not cause draughts that may cause a risk to the safety and health of employees;

33.4. if the employer or trusted representatives of employees determine that it is necessary for the health protection of employees, a ventilation control system which detects disturbances in the operation of a ventilation system shall be installed;

33.5. waste created during the work process which, by polluting the air, creates a direct and immediate hazard to the health of employees shall be removed without delay.

34. Protection against noise and harmful external influences:

34.1. employees may not be exposed to harmful levels of noise, vibrations or to harmful external influences (for example, gases, vapours, dust);

34.2. if employees have to enter a zone in which there are highly inflammable substances or where the atmosphere might contain toxic, harmful substances or have an insufficient oxygen level, such zone shall be monitored to prevent serious and direct hazard;

34.3. employees may not be present in a closed increased danger area where a supply of oxygen or air has not been provided;

35. The temperature at a workplace shall be suitable for the working methods and the physical demands placed on the employees.

36. Natural and artificial lighting of workplaces, premises and traffic routes shall conform to the following requirements:

36.1. workplaces, premises and traffic routes shall be provided with sufficient natural light and equipped with artificial lighting in such a way that the total lighting is adequate for the safety and health of employees;

36.2. where necessary, portable light sources that are impact resistant shall be utilised;

36.3. the artificial lighting may not alter or affect the visibility of signals or signposts;

36.4. lighting installations in premises, workplaces and traffic routes shall be so placed that employees are not exposed to the risk of an accident;

36.5. emergency lighting of adequate intensity shall be installed in workplaces, premises and traffic routes with artificial lighting, if employees are subject to serious and direct hazard due to damaged artificial lighting.

37. Doors and gates shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

37.1. sliding doors shall be fitted with a safety device to prevent the doors from being derailed and falling over;

37.2. doors and gates opening upward must be fitted with a mechanism to prevent them from falling downward;

37.3. doors and gates that open to emergency routes, passageways and exits shall be indicated in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding the requirements for the use of safety signs at workplaces;

37.4. if it is not possible to ensure the passage of pedestrians through gates, doors for pedestrians shall be installed in proximity to the gates intended for means of transport;

37.5. the operation of mechanical doors and gates shall not cause a risk to the safety and health of employees, and the doors and gates shall be fitted with easily identifiable and accessible emergency devices, which allow them to be opened manually if due to failure of the power supply the doors and gates do not open automatically.

38. Traffic routes and areas in which the life or health of employees may be endangered (hereinafter - danger area) shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

38.1. traffic routes, including stairs, fixed ladders, and also loading and unloading platforms and ramps shall be easy, safely and appropriately accessible in such a way as not to cause a risk to employees working in the proximity thereof;

38.2. the number and dimensions of pedestrian walkways and traffic routes shall correspond to the number of users and the activities to be performed;

38.3. if traffic routes are utilised by means of transport and pedestrians, sufficient safety clearance must be installed or adequate protective devices must be provided for all pedestrians;

38.4. traffic routes shall be clearly indicated and marked, as well as monitored and maintained regularly;

38.5. traffic routes shall be at a sufficient distance away from doors, gates, thoroughfares, pedestrian walkways, corridors and staircase landings;

38.6. there shall not be obstructions in the traffic routes and near the doors thereof, and they can be used at any time without hindrance;

38.7. if there are danger areas of restricted access in the construction site, they shall be demarcated or equipped with relevant devices preventing unauthorised persons from entering the danger areas;

38.8. employees working in danger areas shall be provided with protective equipment;

38.9. danger areas shall be clearly indicated and marked in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding the use of safety signs at workplaces.

39. Loading and unloading platforms and ramps shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

39.1. they must conform to the dimensions and loading weight of the freight to be transported;

39.2. they shall have one or more exit points;

39.3. loading and unloading ramps shall be equipped so as to protect employees from falling.

40. Workplaces shall be spacious enough so that after the required equipment and installations are put in place, the employees can move freely while performing their work.

41. First aid:

41.1. the performer of individual construction work shall ensure the provision of first aid and the possibility to call at any time personnel trained in providing first aid;

41.2. the performer of individual construction work shall ensure that employees who have been injured in an accident or have suddenly become ill can be taken to a place where they can be provided with emergency medical care;

41.3. depending on the type of activity, extent of work and risk of the work environment, one or more first aid rooms must be provided that are furnished with first aid products, equipment and devices, and for which easy access to stretchers can be ensured;

41.4. first aid rooms shall be clearly marked in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding the use of safety signs at workplaces;

41.5. first aid kits shall be available at all workplaces where, due to working conditions, it is necessary, and the location thereof shall be clearly indicated;

41.6. the addresses and telephone numbers of emergency medical care and rescue services shall be indicated in a clearly visible place.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

42. Changing rooms and lockers shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

42.1. changing rooms shall be installed if wearing of special working clothes is intended in the work process or if it may not be requested to employees for reasons of health or propriety to change in another place;

42.2. changing rooms shall be easily accessible, sufficiently spacious, and fitted with lockers, seats and facilities that enable employees, where necessary, to dry their work clothes and their own clothing and personal effects;

42.3. separate changing rooms shall be installed for men and women or, if this is not feasible, separate use of changing rooms shall be ensured for men and women;

42.4. if working conditions are connected with exposure to harmful factors (for example, dangerous substances, humidity, dirt), separate lockers shall be installed for the keeping of the employees own clothing and work clothes;

42.5. if the installation of changing rooms is not necessary, each employee shall be provided with a lockable place to keep his or her own clothes and personal effects.

43. Showers, washbasins and lavatories shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

43.1. shower rooms shall be installed if they are necessary due to the work to be performed, and also if it has been determined by the employer or a trusted representative of employees. If possible, separate shower rooms shall be installed for men and women. If it is not possible, separate use of shower rooms for men and women shall be ensured;

43.2. shower rooms shall be sufficiently spacious to permit employees to wash in conformity with hygiene requirements and without hindrance to each other;

43.3. showers shall have cold and hot water;

43.4. where, due to the working conditions, shower rooms are not necessary, a sufficient number of washbasins with running water (including hot water, where necessary) shall be installed in the proximity of the workrooms and the changing rooms;

43.5. separate washbasins shall be installed for men and women, or, if this is not possible, separate use of washbasins for men and women shall be ensured;

43.6. if shower rooms or washbasins are installed separately from changing rooms, easy access from one room into another shall be ensured;

43.7. taking into account the number of employees, an adequate number of washbasins and lavatories with personal hygiene products (toilet paper, soap, towels or other devices for hand drying) shall be installed;

43.8. lavatories and washbasins shall be installed close to the workrooms and rest rooms, changing rooms and shower rooms;

43.9. separate lavatories shall be installed for men and women or, if this is not possible, separate use of lavatories for men and women shall be ensured.

44. Rest rooms and living quarters shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

44.1. if it is necessary for the safety and health protection of employees, employees shall be provided with comfortable, accessible rest rooms with an adequate number of tables and seats with backrests and (or) living quarters taking into account the specific nature of work to be performed and the number of persons employed on the construction site, as well as if the construction site is located far away from populated areas or the living quarters of the employees;

44.2. if it is not possible to install appropriate rest rooms employees shall be provided with other rooms in which they can stay during work breaks;

44.3. if the living quarters are utilised permanently, rest rooms and an adequate number of lavatories, washbasins and shower rooms shall be installed. The living quarters shall be equipped with beds, closets, tables and seats with backrests in conformity with the number of employees, and where necessary, living quarters shall be allocated separately for women and men.

45. Employed pregnant women, women in a period following childbirth up to one year and breastfeeding women during the whole period of breastfeeding shall be provided with a possibility to lie down and rest in suitable conditions.

45.¹ If disabled persons are employed, the work places shall be equipped in conformity with their needs, and specially equipping doors, walkways, stairs, showers, washbasins and toilets.

[29 January 2008]

46. Additional requirements are as follows:

46.1. clearly visible and identifiable signs regarding the performance of construction work shall be placed in the vicinity of the construction site and on its border or its fencing;

46.2. at the construction site employees shall be provided with drinking water and, if possible, with some non-alcoholic beverage both in workrooms and in proximity to workplaces;

46.3. employees shall be provided with facilities enabling them to eat and, if necessary, prepare meals in suitable conditions.

VII. Labour Protection Additional Requirements for Organisation of Workplaces in Premises

47. The structure and stability of premises shall correspond to the nature of their use.

48. Emergency doors shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

48.1. emergency doors shall open outwards;

48.2. emergency doors may not be locked or fastened. It shall be ensured that any person who needs to utilise them in an emergency situation can open them easily and without delay;

48.3. it is prohibited to use sliding doors or revolving doors as emergency doors.

49. The temperature in rest rooms, rooms for personnel on guard duty, sanitary facilities, canteens and first aid rooms shall be appropriate to the nature of use of the relevant premises.

50. Windows, skylights and glass partitions shall be appropriately fitted to prevent excessive effects of sunlight, taking into account the nature of the work and the use of the premises.

51. Floors, walls and ceilings of premises shall conform to the following requirements:

51.1. the floors may not have dangerous bumps, holes or slope, they shall be stable and not slippery;

51.2. the floors, walls and ceilings in the premises shall be easily cleaned or refurbished in conformity with standards of hygiene;

51.3. transparent or translucent walls, also all-glass partitions in work rooms and in proximity to traffic routes shall be clearly marked, made of safe material or demarcated in such a way as to prevent the employees from running into walls or injuries in case the walls shatter.

52. Windows, skylights and ventilation openings shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

52.1. employees shall have the possibility to open, close, adjust or secure windows, skylights and ventilation openings in a safe manner;

52.2. open windows, skylights or ventilation openings shall not cause a risk to the safety and health of employees;

52.3. windows and skylights shall be equipped with relevant devices allowing such to be cleaned without a risk to employees cleaning the windows or being in proximity thereof.

53. Doors and gates shall be installed in compliance with the following requirements:

53.1. the location, number and dimensions of doors and gates, and the materials used for construction thereof shall be determined by the specific nature and utilisation of the premises;

53.2. revolving doors and gates shall be transparent or they shall have translucent elements;

53.3. transparent doors shall be marked at such height so the marking is clearly visible;

53.4. transparent or translucent parts in doors and gates that are not made of durable material and may cause a risk to safety and health of employees shall be protected against breakage.

54. Traffic routes shall be clearly marked, taking into account the utilisation of premises and the equipment therein.

55. Escalators and travelators shall function safely, they shall be fitted with safety devices and with easily identifiable and accessible emergency devices.

56. Workrooms shall be sufficiently spacious so that employees may perform their work and a work environment risk would not arise.

VIII. Additional Labour Protection Requirements for Organisation of Workplaces Outside the Premises

57. Movable or fixed workplaces which are located at a height or depth shall be stable and solid taking into account:

57.1. the number of employees therein;

57.2. the maximum loads they may have to bear, and also the weight distribution;

57.3. the outside influencing factors to which they may be subject.

58. If structures, supports and other components of the workplaces referred to in Paragraph 57 of this Regulation are not stable, they shall be safely fixed by appropriate means to avoid any unexpected or sudden movement of the whole workplace or parts thereof.

59. Stability and solidity of workplaces shall be regularly checked also after any change in the height or depth of the location of the workplace.

60. Energy distribution installations at the construction site shall be checked and maintained regularly paying special attention to installations subject to outside influences.

61. Prior to the installation of a construction site, the energy distribution installations in the territory shall be identified, checked and clearly marked.

62. Overhead electric power lines shall be moved outside the construction site or the current shall be cut off or, if this is not possible, protective enclosures with indications shall be installed demarcating them from means of transport and other mechanisms.

63. If means of transport pass under the electric power lines, appropriate warning signs and suspended protections shall be placed.

64. Employees shall be protected from unfavourable atmospheric influence.

65. Protection against falling objects:

65.1. if technically possible, employees shall be protected from falling objects by containment methods (for examples, protective netting, and covered pedestrian walkways);

65.2. materials and equipment shall be laid out or placed so as to prevent the possibility of collapse or overturning;

65.3. if necessary, covered passageways shall be installed at the construction site or access to the danger area shall be prevented.

66. Protection against falls from a height:

66.1. work at a height may be carried out only with suitable work equipment if protective fencing is used which conforms with the laws and regulations regarding labour protection requirements when working at height, or using other means of collective protective equipment (for example, scaffolding, platforms, safety nets). If the use of appropriate equipment is not possible due to the nature of the work, employees shall be provided with safe access to the workplace and supplied with personal protective equipment (safety systems in combination with other equipment elements for the prevention or suspension of falls) which are designed and manufactured in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding personal protective equipment;

66.2. falls from a height shall be prevented by:

66.2.1. suitable equipment utilising solid movable platforms with a sufficiently high side-boards and end-boards, which consist of a main handrail and an intermediate handrail, or other equivalent equipment;

66.2.2. appropriate protective enclosures but, if such are not possible perform other labour protection measures, which prevent the risk of falling.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / The new wording of Sub-paragraph 66.1 shall come into force on 1 September 2014. See Paragraph 2 of the Amendments]

67. Requirements for scaffolding, ladders, gangways and work platforms:

67.1. scaffolding shall be designed, constructed and maintained to ensure that it does not collapse and move accidentally;

67.2. work platforms, gangways and scaffolding stairways shall be constructed, their dimensions shall be selected, they shall be protected and utilised in such a way as to prevent people from falling or protect from falling objects;

67.3. an employee assigned by the employer and who has the necessary knowledge and experience in the relevant field shall check the scaffolding:

67.3.1. before commencement of service;

67.3.2. at regular intervals during service in accordance with instructions attached by the scaffolding manufacturer;

67.3.3. after movement, modification, thunderstorm, earthquake or other circumstances which may have affected the strength or stability of scaffolding, and also if they have not been used for a longer time;

67.4. ladders shall be sufficiently strong and maintained in working order;

67.5. ladders shall be utilised in appropriate places and only for the purpose for which they are intended.

68. Requirements for lifting equipment:

68.1. all lifting equipment and accessories thereof, components, anchoring and supports shall be:

68.1.1. properly constructed, correctly installed, sufficiently solid and utilised only for the purposes intended thereto;

68.1.2. maintained in working order;

68.1.3. tested regularly in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the technical supervision of dangerous equipment (if the abovementioned laws and regulations relate to the lifting equipment);

68.2. only qualified employees who have received training in the use of relevant equipment may operate lifting equipment and accessories thereof;

68.3. the maximum load values shall be clearly indicated on lifting equipment and accessories thereof;

68.4. it is permitted to utilise lifting equipment and accessories thereof only for the purposes intended thereto.

[29 January 2008]

69. Requirements for excavations and earth-handling:

69.1. materials-handling means of transport and machinery intended for earthworks shall be:

69.1.1. designed in conformity with the requirements for safety at work, and also constructed and equipped taking into account the requirements of ergonomics;

69.1.2. maintained in working order;

69.1.3. used only for the work for which they are intended;

69.2. drivers and machinery operators shall be specially trained;

69.3. appropriate security measures shall be taken in order to prevent means of transport and machinery from falling into excavations, trenches or into water;

69.4. if necessary, means of transport and machinery shall be equipped with special constructions that, in case they overturn, would protect the service personnel against being crushed, as well as against falling objects.

70. Requirements for installations, equipment and tools:

70.1. installations, equipment and tools, including hand tools (whether power driven or not) shall be:

70.1.1. designed and constructed in compliance with the requirements of ergonomics;

70.1.2. maintained in working order;

70.1.3. used for the intended purpose only;

70.2. employees utilising installations, equipment and tools, including hand tools (whether power driven or not) shall be specially trained;

70.3. installations and equipment operating under increased pressure shall be checked regularly in conformity with the requirements specified in laws and regulations.

71. The requirements when performing excavations and working on earth structures:

71.1. when working on earth structures (for example, excavations, trenches, wells, tunnels, underground), suitable protection measures shall be taken:

71.1.1. appropriate supports shall be used or sides, walls or slopes shall be secured;

71.1.2. the risk related to falling of employees, materials or objects, and also to flooding shall be prevented;

71.1.3. protection of employees against harmful exposure to chemical substances shall be ensured, where necessary, by installing ventilation or ensuring employees with suitable personal protective equipment;

71.1.4. employees shall be provided with the possibility to reach safe area in case of fire or inrush of water, and also in other dangerous situations;

71.2. before excavation starts, measures shall be taken to identify and reduce to a minimum the risk related to underground cables and other distribution systems;

71.3. safe routes into the excavation sites and therefrom shall be installed;

71.4. dug-out earth, building materials and means of transport shall be placed at a safe distance from the earth structure and, if it is necessary for the safety and health protection of employees, shall be separated by a suitable protective fencing.

[1 July 2014]

72. In the dismantling or demolishing of a building or construction:

72.1. ensure the necessary safety measures and utilise appropriate working methods;

72.2. work shall be planned and performed only under the supervision of a work manager or another employee assigned by the employer who has the necessary knowledge and experience in relevant field.

[29 January 2008]

73. Requirements for work involving metal or concrete frameworks, shutterings and heavy prefabricated building parts:

73.1. metal or concrete frameworks and their components, shutterings, prefabricated building parts and temporary support and buttresses shall be erected and dismantled only under the supervision of a work manager or another employee assigned by the employer who has the necessary knowledge and experience in the relevant field;

73.2. appropriate safety measures shall be taken to protect employees from the risk caused by instability or insufficient solidity of the construction;

73.3. shutterings, temporary supports and buttresses shall be designed, installed and maintained so as to safely withstand the loads and strains provided for during the working process.

74. Requirements for the use of coffer-dams and caissons:

74.1. all coffer-dams and caissons shall be:

74.1.1. made of appropriate and sufficiently resistant materials;

74.1.2. appropriately equipped so employees may have a shelter if there is an irruption of water or material into the coffer-dams and caissons;

74.2. coffer-dams and caissons shall be constructed, installed, transformed and dismantled only under the supervision of a work manager or another employee assigned by the employer who has the necessary knowledge and experience in the relevant field;

74.3. all coffer-dams and caissons shall be checked regularly by an employee assigned by the employer and who has the necessary knowledge and experience in the relevant field.

75. Requirements for work on roofs:

75.1. when working, collective or personal protective equipment shall be used in order to prevent employees as well as materials, tools or other objects from falling;

75.2. if employees work on a roof (or near it) or any other surface made of fragile materials through which it is possible to fall, safety measures shall be taken to avoid the falling or accidental walking on the non-durable surfaces.

[29 January 2008]

IX. Obligations of Other Persons

76. Other persons (self-employed persons, supervisory and control authorities) have the following obligations:

76.1. prior to the commencement of work or activities on the construction site, to inform the project execution co-ordinator or other responsible persons regarding the relevant type of activity, and also to co-ordinate their activities in the field of labour protection;

76.2. to comply with the requirements specified in the laws and regulations regarding the use of work equipment and personal protective equipment.

77. In performing construction work, self-employed persons shall comply with:

77.1. the instructions of the project preparation co-ordinator, project execution co-ordinator, the main performer of construction work and performer of individual construction work;

77.2. the requirements referred to in Paragraph 26 of this Regulation.

[29 January 2008; 1 July 2014 / Amendments to Paragraph shall come into force on 1 October 2014. See Paragraph 3 of the Amendments]

X. Closing Provision

[1 July 2014]

78. The requirement referred to in Sub-paragraphs 7.¹ 1 and 8.¹ 1.1 of this Regulation for the project preparation co-ordinator and project execution co-ordinator to additionally acquire specialised labour protection knowledge in construction shall come into force on 1 January 2015.

Informative Reference to European Union Directive

[29 January 2008]

Legal norms arising from Council Directive 92/57/EEC of 24 June 1992 on the implementation of minimum safety and health requirements at temporary or mobile construction sites (eighth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) have been included in this Regulation.

Prime Minister E. Repše

Minister for Welfare D. Staķe

 

Annex
Cabinet Regulation No. 92
25 February 2003

Prior Notice Regarding Performance of Construction Work

1.

Application date

2.

Address of construction site

3.	Client(-s)
		(name or surname, address)

4.

Type of construction work

5.	Project supervisor(-s)
		(name or surname, address)

6.	Co-ordinator(-s) during the project preparation stage
		(surname, address)

7.	Co-ordinator(-s) during the project execution stage
		(surname, address)

8.

Expected construction work starting date

9.

Expected construction work end date

10.

Maximum expected number of employees on the construction site

11.

Expected number of contractors and self-employed persons

12.	Information on contractors
		(name or surname, address)

Client or project supervisor
	(signature and full name)

Minister for Welfare D. Staķe

---

Translation © 2021 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)