Tender Summary: PPA-164115

Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a professional service provider to conduct a comprehensive review of the Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Port of Saldanha. The engagement aims to ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993) and all applicable environmental legislation. Key goals include mitigating health, safety, and environmental risks during service delivery, protecting personnel and ecosystems, establishing standardized safe work practices, and maintaining zero disabling injury targets through rigorous safety management.

Scope

The project spans a maximum period of twelve months and encompasses the following core activities:

• Conducting a comprehensive review of the Strategic Environmental Assessment for TNPA Port of Saldanha.
• Developing and implementing a Safety, Health and Environmental Management Plan (SHEMP).
• Performing baseline and task-specific risk assessments, along with Standard Working Procedures and Method Statements.
• Managing environmental impacts including water pollution, marine biodiversity, waste disposal, dust, noise, and stormwater runoff.
• Establishing emergency response protocols, permit-to-work systems, and site-specific SHE rules.
• Conducting regular inspections, internal audits, and incident investigations while maintaining a consolidated Health and Safety File.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultation and ensuring continuous safety communication across all operational levels.

Technical Requirements

Contractors must adhere to stringent technical and regulatory standards throughout the project lifecycle:

• Regulatory Compliance: Full adherence to the OHS Act, relevant regulations, and TNPA’s internal SHE specifications.
• Documentation: Submission of a detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP), risk matrices, method statements, and a comprehensive Health and Safety File containing training records, medical certificates, PPE logs, and incident registers.
• Risk Management: Execution of baseline risk assessments identifying hazards such as ecological disruption, stakeholder delays, and developmental fatal flaws. High-risk activities require formal Safe Work Procedures.
• Operational Controls: Implementation of a Permit-to-Work system for hot work and working above two meters. Strict waste management protocols mandating off-site disposal at licensed landfills, spill containment, and prohibition of on-site burning or burying.
• Equipment & Insurance: Provision of OHS-compliant personal tools and machinery. Maintenance of public liability insurance covering R10 million per occurrence, with proof submitted within four weeks of award.
• Security & Access: Enforcement of TNPA security protocols, including vehicle permits, waybill requirements for material removal, and controlled access points.

Skills Requirements

The service provider must demonstrate specialized competencies and qualified personnel:

• Appointment of a formally designated competent person responsible for conducting all risk assessments.
• All personnel must pass TNPA’s SHE Induction Programme with a minimum 80% competency test score, supplemented by general and site-specific OHS training.
• Annual medical surveillance for all staff, including lung function testing where applicable.
• Proven expertise in developing EMPs, risk prioritization frameworks, incident investigation reports, and audit methodologies.
• Strong supervisory and communication capabilities to coordinate toolbox talks, SHE committee meetings, and cross-contractor safety alignment.
• Familiarity with South African environmental legislation, port operations, and marine conservation principles.

Explanation of Unusual/Complex Terms

• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): A high-level planning tool that evaluates cumulative environmental and social impacts of policies, plans, or programs before specific projects are approved, ensuring sustainable long-term decision-making.
• Baseline Risk Assessment: A comprehensive initial evaluation of workplace hazards, serving as a reference snapshot for ongoing risk prioritization, monitoring, and elimination strategies.
• Section 37(2) Agreement: A legally binding clause under the OHS Act that clearly delineates shared health and safety responsibilities between the client and contractor, preventing liability gaps.
• Letter of Good Standing: An official registration certificate issued by the Compensation Fund or authorized insurer confirming statutory compliance and active coverage.
• Permit-to-Work System: A controlled authorization process requiring documented risk mitigation, supervisor approval, and specific safety equipment before commencing high-risk or non-routine tasks.