MOM Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Requirements

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MOM Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Requirements

In Singapore, workplace safety is regulated under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, enforced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

For facilities handling machinery, dust, fumes, or hazardous materials, these regulations require employers to identify risks, implement control measures, and maintain safe working environments.

In particular, combustible dust and industrial machinery are recognised as high-risk hazards, with specific requirements introduced to prevent fires, explosions, and serious workplace injuries.

Who MOM WSH Requirements Applies To

MOM WSH requirements apply to:

  • Factory occupiers and employers

  • Manufacturers and suppliers of machinery

  • Installers and system integrators

  • Facilities handling combustible dust or hazardous materials

Responsibility is shared across the entire lifecycle — from design and installation to daily operations.

Key Requirements Under MOM WSH

1. Notification of Combustible Dust Use

Facilities handling specified combustible dust above certain quantities are required to notify MOM.

This includes:

  • Before starting operations involving combustible dust

  • When increasing quantities beyond threshold levels

  • When ceasing operations involving combustible dust

This allows authorities to monitor high-risk workplaces and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.

2. Labelling and Hazard Communication

All containers or packages containing combustible dust must be clearly labelled.

Labels must include:

  • Warning of explosion or fire hazards

  • Safe handling instructions

  • Precautionary measures

For example, labels should indicate that dust may form an explosive dust-air mixture when dispersed.

This ensures workers are aware of risks during handling, storage, and transport.

3. Safe Use of Machinery

MOM regulations require that industrial machinery is:

  • Designed and tested to be safe

  • Installed without compromising safety

  • Operated according to proper procedures

Manufacturers and suppliers must:

  • Provide safety information

  • Ensure equipment meets safety standards

Installers and modifiers must:

  • Ensure any changes do not introduce new risks

These requirements apply especially to higher-risk machinery, which has been expanded under recent regulations.

4. Risk Control Measures for Combustible Dust

Employers must implement measures to prevent fires and explosions caused by combustible dust.

This includes:

  • Controlling dust accumulation

  • Preventing ignition sources

  • Ensuring proper ventilation and extraction

  • Maintaining safe handling and storage practices

Existing WSH regulations already require control of explosion risks from flammable dust.

5. Duties of Employers and Occupiers

Under the WSH Act, employers and occupiers must:

  • Ensure the safety and health of workers

  • Conduct risk assessments

  • Implement control measures

  • Maintain equipment and systems

  • Provide training and supervision

Safety is not optional — it is a legal obligation.

What This Means in Practice

For industrial facilities, compliance with MOM WSH requirements involves:

  • Identifying dust, fume, and machinery-related risks

  • Installing appropriate extraction and filtration systems

  • Ensuring proper system design and integration

  • Maintaining systems regularly

  • Training workers on safe operating procedures

Compliance is not just documentation — it requires real engineering controls and ongoing management.

Recent Enhancements to WSH Requirements

Singapore has strengthened regulations to improve workplace safety, particularly in manufacturing environments.

Key updates include:

  • Expansion of higher-risk machinery categories

  • Stronger accountability across manufacturers, suppliers, and installers

  • Enhanced controls for combustible dust hazards

  • Increased enforcement and inspections

These changes aim to reduce incidents such as machinery-related injuries and dust explosions.

Common Compliance Gaps

In many facilities, risks arise due to:

  • Poor dust control and accumulation

  • Inadequate extraction systems

  • Lack of hazard labelling

  • Insufficient maintenance

  • Limited understanding of regulatory requirements

These gaps can lead to non-compliance, fines, or serious incidents.

How This Relates to SS667 and NFPA

MOM WSH requirements work together with:

  • SS667 → Local code for combustible dust safety

  • NFPA standards → Detailed engineering guidance for explosion protection

Together, they form a complete framework for managing industrial air and dust-related risks.

How we can help

We support facilities in meeting MOM WSH requirements through:

  • Industrial air filtration system design

  • Dust collection and extraction systems

  • Explosion protection solutions

  • System upgrades and retrofits

  • Maintenance and compliance support

Need Help Assessing Your Compliance?

If you are unsure whether your facility meets MOM WSH requirements, we can review your current setup and recommend appropriate solutions.

Request a consultation