Fall Protection Study and Protection Plan Development

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), an operating division of Transnet SOC Ltd, is seeking a qualified service provider to conduct a once-off Fall Protection Study and develop a comprehensive Fall Protection Plan for buildings and structures at the Port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. The appointment supports TNPA Civil Maintenance and aims to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993) and the Construction Regulations, 2014. The study covers a register of nine priority assets across the Bayvue and Newark precincts, including administrative offices, gate structures, a marine workshop, an employee care centre, civil stores and a Dutch gable roofed centre. Asset types range from single-storey and multi-level buildings to flat, pitched, gable, mono-pitch, shed and dutch gable roof forms. The port remains fully operational during the study, so all work must be coordinated around live cargo, marine, rail, road and security operations.

The scope of work is structured across a set of priced deliverables: a building assessment package, a risk assessment package, an engineering package, a mobile fall protection package, a procedures package, and a final Fall Protection Plan. The service provider is expected to verify and update the buildings and structures register, classify each asset by fall-from-height risk (Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3), consolidate a hazard and risk register, identify fragile roofs and limited roof access, and carry out engineering assessments where required. Known site challenges include marine corrosion and salt-laden air, high winds, heavy rainfall, lightning risk, possible asbestos-containing materials, work over water at certain wharf structures, and restricted or access-controlled areas. Site access is conditional on approval of the service provider's Safety File, TNPA permits, safety inductions, and provision of PPE. Tenderers must price using the electronic pricing schedule on the Transnet eSupplier Portal and attend a compulsory RFQ briefing and site meeting at the Employee Care Centre on 10 November 2026 at 11:00. Clarification queries are due by 12:00 on 13 November 2026, and bids close at 12:00 on 17 November 2026.

Evaluation follows the 80/20 preference point system, with a value estimated not to exceed R50 million including taxes. Bidders must pass mandatory technical prequalification by submitting a certified and valid Fall Protection Planner certificate issued by the Institute for Work at Height (or an equivalent recognised South African provider), a certified SACPCMP registration in CHSO, CHSA or Pr. CHSA with proof of valid status, and a certified ECSA registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Tech Eng) with proof of valid registration. Price accounts for 80 points and specific goals for 20 points, including B-BBEE status level contribution, 30% black women-owned entities, and 51% black youth-owned entities. The contract is once-off, with a bid validity period of 180 business days. Successful delivery will give TNPA a verified asset register, a risk-classified inventory of its buildings and a practical, enforceable plan for protecting workers from falls from height. Note: the SBD 1 form lists the closing date as 17 November 2025, while all other documents state 17 November 2026. Bidders should confirm the correct date with the designated contact person before submitting.