Singapore, 22 October 2010 - The 24-hr PSI at 4pm was 96 (in the moderate range). The 3-hr PSI at 6pm was 79 (in the moderate range).  The prevailing southwesterly to westerly winds are still bringing in smoke haze from the fires in Sumatra to Singapore. Rain in the late morning and early afternoon today brought temporary relief but was not enough to mitigate the haze.

The latest satellite pass today detected 12 hotspots in southern Sumatra.  Due to cloud cover, only 1 hotspot was detected in the Riau province by the satellite. For the weekend, no heavy rains are expected in Riau province. As the prevailing winds are expected to remain southwesterly to westerly, hazy conditions are expected to persist in Singapore over the weekend.

Public Advisory
In view of the current haze situation, persons who feel unwell are advised to consult their doctors. Those with existing heart or respiratory ailments are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities. The general population is also advised to reduce vigorous outdoor activities.

Organisers of public events are advised to obtain the hourly PSI updates and the relevant health advisories from NEA.

Protection of Employees against the Effects of Haze at Workplaces
Under the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH Act), employers have a duty to protect their employees' safety and health at work. Employers should carry out a proper risk assessment and implement appropriate measures, so as to ensure that identified risks are minimised or mitigated.

Every employer is responsible for implementing the "Guidelines for the Protection of Employees against the Effects of Haze at Workplaces" to ensure the protection of their employees as part of their haze action plan. The guidelines would also apply to their contractors.

When there is any feedback or complaints of non-compliance, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will investigate the matter. Enforcement action could also be taken against negligent companies and individuals for not complying with the WSH Act.

The Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) Guidelines for the Protection of Employees against the Effects of Haze at Workplaces have already been uploaded on MOM's website, as well as issued via the WSH Council's WSH Bulletin and the tripartite partners (NTUC, SNEF, ASME, Ethnic Chambers of Commerce, and Foreign Chambers of Commerce).

In the meantime, employers can email MOM_OSHD@MOM.GOV.SG for any queries on this front or read the following weblinks:

"Guidelines for the Protection of Employees against the Effects of Haze at Workplaces":http://www.mom.gov.sg/Documents/safety-health/factsheets-circulars/Workplace%20Guidelines%20During%20a%20Haze.pdf

"Haze FAQs":http://www.mom.gov.sg/Documents/safety-health/factsheets-circulars/Haze%20FAQ.pdf

Further Information
The public is advised to refer to NEA's website (www.nea.gov.sg/psi) for the hourly updates of 3-hr PSI and the relevant health advisory. The public can also access the hourly updates of 3-hr PSI at the following:
• www.weather.gov.sg
• NEA Call Centre : 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632)
• MSD Weather Hotline : 6542 7788
• Weather@SG (weather.nea.gov.sg)
• twitter.com/neasg

NEA will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep the public updated. NEA will also be issuing regular updates to the media on the PSI level.

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For more information, please contact
 
Call Centre: 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632)
Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg