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Health and Safety - Dormitories

  • Updated

Each question below includes its SLCP/FSLM key and the related recommendation. In some cases, the same guidance applies to multiple IDs.

Table of Contents

Are building/construction, structural safety and fire permits and certificates for housing/dormitories in line with legal requirements?

hs-55--1

Recommendations

  • Obtain and regularly update building/construction permits, structural safety certificates, and fire permits as per legal requirements.
  • Ensure all housing/dormitory structures meet national and international safety codes.
  • Engage certified engineers and fire safety experts to assess dormitory conditions.
  • Address any structural weaknesses, fire safety violations, or non-compliant construction issues immediately.
  • Install legally required fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and extinguishers in dormitory buildings.
  • Ensure emergency exits are clearly marked, unobstructed, and unlocked at all times.
  • Conduct fire drills and emergency preparedness training for dormitory residents.
  • Ensure dormitories have proper ventilation, sanitation, and access to clean water.
  • Provide safe electrical installations to prevent fire risks.
  • Keep all structural safety and fire safety certifications up to date and readily available for audits and inspections.
  • Establish a regular review process to track permit renewals and necessary updates.

 

Are housing/dormitories in line with all other health and safety legal requirements?

hs-55--3

Recommendations

  • Comply with legal requirements that mandate the physical separation of dormitories from production and storage spaces to reduce risks of fire, pollution, and exposure to hazardous materials.
  • Ensure dormitories are cleaned regularly and equipped with proper waste disposal and sewage systems.
  • Provide sufficient toilets, showers, and washing facilities in line with legal requirements.
  • Ensure dormitories are protected against insects, rodents, and disease-carrying animals.
  • Meet legal requirements for minimum space dimensions per worker.
  • Ensure beds are not stacked more than two tiers high to prevent overcrowding and injury risks.
  • Provide adequate ventilation, lighting, and temperature control measures to ensure comfortable living conditions.
  • Ensure dormitories are equipped with fire alarms, emergency lighting, and fire-resistant materials.
  • Conduct regular emergency drills and train workers on evacuation procedures.
  • Install emergency exits that are accessible and clearly marked.
  • Ensure housing arrangements offer workers privacy and personal space.
  • Provide secure storage for personal belongings and lockers for workers.
  • Train security personnel to handle emergencies and ensure worker safety.
  • Ensure security measures do not infringe on workers' rights and privacy.

 

Housing/dormitories minimum space dimensions are out of line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-11

Housing/dormitories are not lit in line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-13

Housing/dormitories are not ventilated in line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-14

Housing/dormitories protection against heat, cold, and dampness is out of line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-15

Housing/dormitories noise protection is out of line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-16

Housing/dormitories protection against disease carrying animals or insects is out of line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-17

Housing/dormitories cooking and storage facilities are out of line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-18

Housing/dormitories access to free and potable water is out of line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-20

Housing/dormitories do not have legally required toilets, showers, sewage and garbage disposal system

Hs-dor-21

Housing/dormitories protection from fire is out of line with legal requirements

Hs-dor-22

Housing/dormitories emergency preparedness is out of line with legal requirements

hs-dor-23

Are building/construction, structural safety and fire permits and certificates for off-site housing sites not managed and controlled by the facility in line with legal requirements?

hs-dor-26

Recommendations

  • Obtain and regularly update building/construction permits, structural safety certificates, and fire permits as per legal requirements.
  • Ensure all housing/dormitory structures meet national and international safety codes.
  • Engage certified engineers and fire safety experts to assess dormitory conditions.
  • Address any structural weaknesses, fire safety violations, or non-compliant construction issues immediately.
  • Install legally required fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and extinguishers in dormitory buildings.
  • Ensure emergency exits are clearly marked, unobstructed, and unlocked at all times.
  • Conduct fire drills and emergency preparedness training for dormitory residents.
  • Ensure dormitories have proper ventilation, sanitation, and access to clean water.
  • Provide safe electrical installations to prevent fire risks.
  • Keep all structural safety and fire safety certifications up to date and readily available for audits and inspections.
  • Establish a regular review process to track permit renewals and necessary updates.

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