OHS Act Regulations You Must Know for the GCC Factories Exam: The Complete List with Free Downloads
- Nkululeko Thusini
- Oct 2
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 9
GCC Factories OHS Act Regulations Agenda
Introduction
Preparing for the GCC Factories OHS Act exam can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to remembering which parts of legislation to focus on. One of the most common mistakes candidates make is to study the Occupational Health and Safety Act in isolation, without realising that a wide range of regulations support the Act.
These regulations provide practical details on how the Act must be implemented in workplaces across various industries, including power generation, manufacturing, mining, FMCG, oil and gas, and heavy engineering.
For GCC Factories candidates, this means you are expected to know not only the OHS Act itself, but also the key regulations that deal with machinery, pressure equipment, hazardous substances, ergonomics, facilities, and more.
In this blog post, we’ve listed all the regulations you need to learn for the GCC Factories OHS Act exam. Each section includes a summary to guide your study, and we’ve provided a downloadable PDF for every regulation so you can build your own reference library.
Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act, No. 85 of 1993
The Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (OHS Act) is the primary legislation governing workplace health and safety in South Africa. It outlines the duties of employers and employees, empowers the Minister to make regulations, and serves as the legal foundation for all other OHS regulations.
GCC Factories candidates must understand the OHS Act, as exam questions often test its general duties, definitions, and enforcement provisions.
👉 Take our OHS Act Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
General Administrative Regulations, 2003
The General Administrative Regulations (GAR) outline the administrative framework under the OHS Act, including record-keeping requirements, reporting obligations, health and safety committee requirements, and appointment procedures.
For GCC Factories candidates, the key focus is on legal documents and employer obligations that prove compliance during audits or inspections.
👉 Take our GAR Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
General Safety Regulations, 1986
The General Safety Regulations (GSR) encompass a wide range of basic safety provisions, including first aid and fire precautions, as well as working in confined spaces and using ladders.
In March 2025, the Minister issued an amendment to the GSR, which incorporates some of the sections from the Environmental Regulations at Workplaces that are being phased out.
GCC Factories candidates need to focus on the minimum safety standards expected across workplaces.
👉 Take our GSR Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Major Hazardous Installation Regulations, 2023
The Major Hazardous Installation Regulations (MHI) apply to facilities that store, use, or process large quantities of hazardous substances. They focus on risk assessments, land-use planning, and emergency preparedness.
GCC Factories candidates must understand how major accidents are prevented and controlled, particularly in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and energy.
Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations, 2022
The Biological Agents Regulations (HBA) protect workers from exposure to harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They classify agents into risk groups, require risk assessments, and mandate control measures.
In October 2022, the Minister made amendments to the HBA, which included:
Update to some definitions
Amendments to some clauses on HBA 4, 6, and 10
Update on Annexure A
GCC Factories candidates should focus on the link between biological hazards and occupational health programmes, including medical surveillance.
Explosives Regulations, 2024
The Explosives Regulations (ER) control the manufacture, storage, transport, and use of explosives in workplaces. They focus on licensing, safety distances, training, and safe handling.
In March 2025, the Minister made corrections to Annexure 1:
For GCC Factories candidates, the emphasis is on preventing catastrophic incidents in industries like mining, demolition, and manufacturing.
Construction Regulations, 2014
The Construction Regulations (CR) set out health and safety requirements for construction work and related activities. They cover risk assessments, site safety, fall protection, and contractor management.
In July 2018, the Chief Inspector issued a temporary exemption to CR 3(1) (Construction Work Permit):
GCC Factories candidates must pay attention to the duties of the various stakeholders and the safety provisions for construction work.
👉 Take our CR Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2022
The Asbestos Abatement Regulations (AAR) deal with the safe removal, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. They place strict duties on employers to prevent asbestos exposure, conduct surveys, and prepare abatement plans.
In July 2024, the Minister amended AAR 24:
For GCC Factories Candidates, the key learning is around health risks, safe work practices, and employer obligations.
Commercial Diving Regulations, 2022
The Commercial Diving Regulations (CDR) apply to professional diving operations, covering diver training, equipment, supervision, and emergency procedures.
The CDR is a niche regulation. GCC Factories Candidates should be aware of the duties of various stakeholders, training requirements, and safety provisions.
Environmental Regulations at Workplaces, 1987
The Environmental Regulations at Workplaces (ERW) focus on environmental conditions within workplaces, such as lighting, ventilation, noise, and temperature.
Note: On 6 March 2025, the Minister promulgated the Physical Agents Regulations (PAR), which are set to replace ERW. The ERW is set to be repealed 18 months after the publication of the PAR. This means from September 2026, the ERW will no longer be applicable.
GCC candidates need to understand how the basic requirements of lighting, ventilation, noise, and temperature contribute to worker comfort and long-term health, forming part of workplace design and maintenance.
👉 Take our ERW Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Facilities Regulations, 2004
The Facilities Regulations (FR) require employers to provide employees with adequate sanitation, washing facilities, restrooms, and access to drinking water.
Although straightforward, GCC Factories exam questions often test these regulations as part of the minimum legal compliance standards for workplace infrastructure.
👉 Take our FR Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Hazardous Chemical Agents Regulations, 2021
The Hazardous Chemical Agents Regulations (HCA) govern the classification, labeling, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. They align South Africa with the UN’s Globally Harmonised System (GHS).
GCC Factories Candidates should focus on risk assessments, safety data sheets, labelling requirements, and exposure limits.
Driven Machinery Regulations, 2015
The Driven Machinery Regulations (DMR) regulate the use, inspection, and maintenance of driven machinery, including saws, grinders, wood machines, shears, presses, and lifting machinery, among other mechanical machinery.
The DMR are long and involved. They require the GCC Factories to have summary notes on the guarding requirements and limits.
👉 Take our DMR Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
General Machinery Regulations, 1988
The General Machinery Regulations (GMR) ensure the safe use of machinery by providing measures such as supervision, safeguarding, and operation, as well as guidelines for working on electrically live machinery, devices to start or stop machinery, and the reporting of incidents related to machinery.
The GCC Factories Candidates should focus on the requirements for the appointment of a competent person, as outlined in GMR 2(1), and the provisions made for safeguarding and the safe operation of machinery.
👉 Take our GMR Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Lift, Escalator, and Passenger Conveyor Regulations, 2010
The Lift, Escalator, and Passenger Conveyor Regulations (LEPC) ensure the safe design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of lifts, escalators, and conveyors. They place duties on both owners and competent persons.
The GCC Factories Candidates should focus on the importance of statutory inspections and safe operation in public and industrial facilities.
👉 Take our LEPC Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Lead Regulations, 2001
The Lead Regulations (LR) protect workers from exposure to lead and lead-containing materials. They require monitoring of air and blood lead levels, medical surveillance, and control measures such as ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment.
GCC Factories Candidates should focus on the scope of application, definitions, and duties of the employer and exposed persons.
Noise Exposure Regulations, 2025
The Noise Exposure Regulations (NER) establish exposure limits for occupational noise and mandate risk assessments, hearing conservation programs, and medical surveillance. They focus on preventing permanent hearing damage in noisy workplaces such as power plants and manufacturing facilities.
The GCC Factories Candidate must be aware of the permissible exposure limits, control measures, and relevant definitions.
Pressure Equipment Regulations, 2009
The Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER) apply to the design, manufacture, operation, and inspection of pressure vessels and boilers. They enforce compliance with SANS standards, ensuring the safe operation of pressure equipment.
For GCC Factories Candidates, this is a core regulation, as it directly impacts plant engineering responsibilities and statutory inspections.
👉 Take our PER Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Electrical Machinery Regulations, 2011
The Electrical Machinery Regulations (EMR) cover the safe use and maintenance of electrical machinery in workplaces. They cover requirements for various electrical machinery and infrastructure, such as transformers, switchgears, electrical control gears, and switchboards, among others.
The EMR is relatively long and requires GCC Factories Candidates to have summary notes in their own words, ensuring they can answer exam questions effectively.
👉 Take our EMR Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009
The Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR) deal with the design, construction, and certification of electrical installations. They require compliance with SANS 10142 and mandate certificates of compliance (CoC) for new or altered installations.
GCC Factories Candidates must note the legal requirements for safe installations and inspections.
👉 Take our EIR Basics for the GCC Factories online course, which includes summary lessons covering key exam content, a workbook, and practice questions.
Ergonomics Regulations, 2019
The Ergonomics Regulations (ERG) focus on preventing ergonomic-related injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders. They require risk assessments and training for workers.
For GCC Factories Candidates, the focus is on how ergonomic risks assessments, training, and control measures.
👉 Take our advanced Ergonomics Regulations and Risk Assessment online course, which is excellent for GCC Factories exam preparation and practical implementation at your workplace.
Physical Agents Regulations, 2024
The Physical Agents Regulations (PAR) address exposure to heat, cold, radiation, and vibration in the workplace. They establish exposure limits and control measures to safeguard workers from hazardous physical conditions. The PAR are set to replace the ERW by September 2026.
GCC Factories candidates should understand how these hazards are measured and controlled as part of workplace risk management.
Regulations on Hazardous Work by Children, 2010
The Regulations on Hazardous Work by Children (RHWC) prohibit and restrict children from performing dangerous or hazardous work. They define age limits, restrict certain occupations, and regulate working conditions to protect young workers. Although not commonly examined, candidates should be aware that the OHS Act applies to vulnerable groups in the workplace.
Note: Historically, the GCC Factories examiners have not asked questions about these regulations.
Certificate of Competency Regulations, 1990
The Certificate of Competency Regulations (COCR) outline the requirements for obtaining the Government Certificate of Competency (GCC). They set the eligibility, application, and examination requirements. The COCR defines the path to becoming a Certificated Engineer.
Note:Â Historically, the GCC Factories examiners have not asked questions about these regulations.
Conclusion
Mastering the OHS Act and its regulations is not just about passing the GCC Factories exam. It’s also about preparing yourself for the real responsibilities of a GMR 2(1) appointee. As a future plant engineer or engineering manager, you will be legally accountable for ensuring that workplaces under your supervision comply with these regulations.
By downloading and studying each regulation, you’ll gain both the exam readiness and the practical knowledge needed to apply the law in real-world situations. Whether it’s conducting risk assessments, managing machinery safety, or understanding exposure limits, the regulations provide the foundation for effective occupational health and safety management.
Make use of the resources in this post, take your preparation seriously, and remember: the goal is not only to pass the exam but to become a competent, compliant, and confident engineering leader.
Next Steps
Having all the regulations at your fingertips is a powerful start, but knowing what to focus on, how to study, and how to apply the law in exam scenarios is what truly sets successful candidates apart.
That’s where the Palucraft GCC Factories OHS Act Preparation Programme comes in. Our structured course is designed to:
✅ Break down the OHS Act and all 23 regulations into easy-to-understand modules
✅ Provide practice questions and exam techniques tailored for GCC candidates
✅ Give you access to resources, templates, and case studies aligned to real workplace applications
✅ Ensure you pass the exam the first time and step confidently into your GMR 2(1) role
Ready to start your preparation?