Appendix AC Safety Guidelines

Transcription

1 Appendix AC Safety Guidelines SLIPS AND TRIPS BACKGROUND Slips and trips are common causes of injury in the community and at work. Slips and trips can occur to any person at any time, conducting any task. Slips most often occur on heel strike when the heel of a person s shoe slides forwards and doesn t grip with the floor. The floor surface, type and the make up of the shoe can significantly increase or decrease the slip factor. The slip factor is formally known as the coefficient of friction and measures the likelihood of slip or grip between two surfaces (shoe and floor surface). It ranges between 0 and 1 where 0 means no friction (high risk of slipping). It can be measured by an expert in surface slip resistance testing. Slip testing should be done for all high traffic, high risk areas such as marble floors, entrances and exits, staircases and foyers. There is no accepted standard value for the coefficient of friction as the slip factor has many variables such as footwear material, type of gait and contamination of floor surfaces. The preferred coefficient of friction of a floor surface ranges depending on the type of floor and its use. In general terms, a coefficient of friction of 0.35 to 0.46 on a wet surface is regarded as safe. Trips occur when a person s foot contacts part of a surface that may stop their usual movement or when a person contacts an object that may cause them to overbalance and fall. Trips are mostly caused by objects on the floor that impede a person s path. WHERE Oil from leaking vehicles Water or other liquid on tiles or concrete surfaces Spilt food on floor Carpet edges exposed / raised Obstacles on floor - equipment, boxes, cords, chains Raised platforms and ramps Loose gravel surface Entrances and exits Foyers, landings, staircases Polished floor surfaces, and Storage areas. RISK FACTOR Type and condition of floor surface Contamination of floor surface Objects on floor Type of footwear Weather (wet floors) Lighting, especially at night, and Busy crowds. February 2014 Version 3 1 of 16

2 SLIPS AND TRIPS RISK CONTROL GUIDANCE Elimination Can you eliminate the hazard? Does the area with the slippery surface need to be open to public access? Maintain a regular inspection program to eliminate trip and slip hazards Ensure cables are covered and not lying exposed on ground Substitution Can you substitute the hazard? Conduct slip testing on floor surfaces to ensure the safety of personnel Use alternate floor surfaces with a higher slip resistance Isolation Can you isolate the hazard? Separate pedestrians from storage areas and isolate them from high risk slip, trip areas Administrative Can you implement an administrative control? Install signage Establish a regular cleaning program to clean up spills and rubbish Clean up spills immediately or barricade the affected area off Smooth out uneven surfaces such as gravel paths Provide foot mats at the building entrance during wet weather Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Can PPE be used? Establish footwear standards for personnel CONTACT PERSON Ensure all floors are constructed of material that minimise the probability of slips and trips Test slip resistance of floors Ensure all floor surfaces are even with no protrusions Communicate potential slip and trip hazards to personnel Check all floor surfaces for slipping and tripping hazards regularly Ensure all workers / employees wear appropriate footwear Use signage to warn of tripping hazards, and Rout all cables away from pedestrian traffic and tape cables to floors to prevent tripping hazard. WORKERS / EMPLOYEES Report any hazards and spills to the Contact Person and barricade as required Ensure correct footwear is worn to prevent slips and trips, and Obey all signage. Legislation and Standards Relevant State and Territory OHS legislation including acts, regulations and codes of practice AS :1993 Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, part 1: Requirements AS 4586: 1999 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS 4663: 2002 Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces, and Building Code of Australia February 2014 Version 3 2 of 16

3 ELECTRICITY BACKGROUND Electricity is one of the primary forms of energy. Electricity can shock, burn, damage nerves and internal organs or kill people. Electricity can also result in fire and explosion and cause serious damage to property. Electricity can be measured as watts, volts, amps and ohms. Voltage is used to describe the amount of power produced by a generator Amps are used to measure the rate of electrical flow or current Watts are the product of volts and current (amps) Ohms are a measure of the resistance of wires conducting electricity A wide range of electrical voltages can be dangerous for various reasons. A very low voltage (torch battery) can produce a spark powerful enough to ignite an explosive atmosphere. Batteries can also explode if shorted. Contact with voltage above 50 volts can lead to death and the likelihood of being injured by electric shock increases where it is damp or where there is a lot of metalwork. The effects of electricity on the body depends on the magnitude and duration of exposure to the current, the path of the current through the body and the impedance (resistance) of the body. i.e. insulation, gloves and boots. Electricity can also cause fire and explosion. When electricity flows through a conductive material such as electrical wire, heat is produced. With proper design and compliance with the codes and wiring systems, devices will have resistances low enough that current-carrying parts and connections should not overheat. However if there is a poor circuit connection, overload of current or fault in the circuit electricity can escape from the circuit and cause cables to heat and distort or fires to occur. WHERE Temporary power outlets Electrical switchboards and circuitry Portable and fixed equipment, and Batteries used to power vehicles. RISK FACTOR Working on live power Not isolating electrical circuits Burns from hot lights Work at heights Exposed electrical wires Temporary wiring not buried appropriately or strung from trees Equipment close to electrical overhead lines Modifications to electrical equipment, and Inexperienced/ unlicensed workers February 2014 Version 3 3 of 16

4 ELECTRICITY RISK CONTROL GUIDANCE Elimination Can you eliminate the hazard? No live electrical work No overloading of electrical systems Substitution Can you substitute the hazard? Use scissor lifts to reach heights as much as possible Isolation Can you isolate the hazard? Isolate electrical circuits with lock prior to commencing work Separate people from electrical risks with barriers Always use RCD s Administrative Can you implement an administrative control? Train workers / employees, visitors, volunteers and congregation members in safe work procedures Allow lights to cool prior to dismantling Only licensed electrician to test and connect circuit Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Can PPE be used? Insulated gloves and footwear CONTACT PERSON Conduct a risk assessment for all electrical equipment Ensure all electrical outlets and equipment provided for use is safe Test and tag all electrical equipment Conduct thermal imaging on switch boards annually Test RCD s by a licensed electrician, and Monitor personnel performing electrical work and stop any dangerous activity. WORKERS / EMPLOYEES Complete electrical risk assessment for all electrical work and provide this to the Contact Person Develop and implement controls according to the hierarchy of controls Train and assess as competent workers in safe work procedures Ensure only licensed electricians perform electrical work, and Ensure all electrical equipment is regularly tested and tagged. Legislation and Standards Relevant State and Territory OHS legislation including acts, regulations and codes of practice AS 3000: Electrical Installations, and AS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. February 2014 Version 3 4 of 16

5 ERGONOMICS BACKGROUND Ergonomics is defined as the assessment and design of the working environment, to ensure the best fit to the individual. Poor ergonomics can contribute to Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (MSD) are commonly caused by a combination of the following: Repetitive tasks Awkward or fixed posture Fast pace, and Duration of the task. The following hazards should be considered when conducting an ergonomic hazard management form: Physical hazards such as glare on screens, poorly designed chairs and desks Psychological hazards such as excessive workloads, job satisfaction, poor job design, and Electrical hazards such as damaged electrical chords. WHERE Workstations Plant layout Production line work Computer systems, and Maintenance tasks performance. RISK FACTOR Awkward postures while working Inexperienced workers Uneven surfaces, and Cold/hot weather and poor lighting. RISK CONTROL GUIDANCE Elimination Can you eliminate the hazard? Circulate memoranda by to eliminate the need for photocopying and collation of material Substitution Can you substitute the hazard? Use electronic means of picking and packing Isolation Can you isolate the hazard? Use blinds to reduce the light or glare on screens Administrative Can you implement an administrative control? Implement regular breaks into your working day Ensure documents and monitor are located directly in front of the employee Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Can PPE be used? Use footrest to reduce desk and chair height Use headset when talking on the telephone February 2014 Version 3 5 of 16

6 ERGONOMICS CONTACT PERSON Completing workstation ergonomic hazard management forms for all workers / employees Ensuring that all workers / employees have been provided with adequate equipments for tasks undertaken Providing workers / employees with appropriate training in the use of equipment and work practices Encouraging and reinforcing correct working techniques, and Update the church risk register with any identified ergonomic risks. WORKERS / EMPLOYEES Report ergonomic risks to Contact Persons Assist in the completion of workstation ergonomic hazard management forms, and Attend training in workstation ergonomics and safe work practices when required. Legislation and Standards Relevant State and Territory OHS legislation including acts, regulations and codes of practice Ergonomic Principles and Checklists for the Selection of Office Furniture and Equipment - National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, and OfficeWise- WorkSafe Victoria. February 2014 Version 3 6 of 16

7 CHEMICALS BACKGROUND Chemicals can kill or injure persons and damage property or the environment. Substances can come in gas, liquid and solid forms. Dangerous goods are identified by a class diamond and UN number and are designated into nine different categories according to their dangerous properties. They can cause events such as explosion, fire, radiation, corrosion and toxicity in persons exposed and also the environment. Examples of dangerous goods diamonds (classes) are pictured below. Hazardous substances are chemicals or other substances that can harm the health of persons. Hazardous substances are defined by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council as hazardous depending on the concentration and ingredients of the substance. All chemicals must be accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). MSDS are available from ChemAlert 3. The MSDS provides vital information about the substance such as the chemical composition of the substance, what to do in the event of contact with a person or the environment, fire fighting information, storage requirements and handling guidelines. The MSDS also provides information as to what class of dangerous goods (if any) the substance is and if the substance is hazardous or not. Legislation requires that employers complete risk assessments to identify the hazards, assess risks and control hazards associated with storage and handling of dangerous goods and hazardous substances. Registers of dangerous goods and hazardous substances stored on site are also required by OHS legislation and in the case of storage of large quantities of dangerous goods, notification to WorkSafe or Workplace Standards may be required. WHERE Cleaning storerooms and cupboards Chemical storage areas In/on equipment such as lawn mowers, petrol powered gardening items Insect sprays and weed kill used indoors / outside, and Buildings containing Asbestos. RISK FACTOR Naked flames near flammable liquids and gasses Storing incompatible substances together Chemical containers with no label or an inappropriate label Gas cylinders not tied up Chemical storage areas not secured Untrained personnel, and Inappropriate or no personal protective equipment. February 2014 Version 3 7 of 16

8 CHEMICALS RISK CONTROL GUIDANCE Elimination Can you eliminate the hazard? Eliminate the use of the chemical completely Substitution Can you substitute the hazard? Substituting the chemical with a less hazardous substance Isolation Can you isolate the hazard? Ensuring the chemical has adequate bunding (containment of leaks) to prevent spills Engineering Can you engineer out the hazard? Use an automatic dosing system to prevent contact with the chemical Administrative Can you implement the administrative control? Providing chemical training for workers / employees, volunteers and congregation members Restricting unnecessary personnel whilst chemical is in use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Can PPE be used? Providing personal protective equipment for workers / employees, volunteers and congregation members CONTACT PERSON Conduct a review to document the type and quantity of dangerous goods and hazardous substances on site Obtain an MSDS for each chemical from ChemAlert 3 and review to identify risks Complete chemical risk assessments for each substance Ensure emergency procedures are adequate for the safe evacuation of personnel and containment and management of an emergency involving hazardous substances and dangerous goods Train and assess workers / employees as competent in these procedures Monitor handling practices of workers / employees to ensure that they are working safely, and Review risk assessments of all dangerous goods and hazardous substances on site. WORKERS / EMPLOYEES Report chemical risks to Contact Persons Assist in the completion of risk assessments, and Attend training when required. Legislation and Standards Relevant State and Territory OHS legislation including acts, regulations and codes of practice Australian Dangerous Goods Code 1998 National Standard for the Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods 2001 National Code of Practice for the Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods 2001 National Code of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances 1994, and AS : The storage and handling of LP Gas. February 2014 Version 3 8 of 16

9 MANUAL HANDLILNG BACKGROUND Manual handling is defined as any activity requiring the use of force to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, move, hold or otherwise restrain an object or person. This means almost every activity involves manual handling. Manual handling injuries account for over one third of all church injuries and include injuries such as muscle, ligament and tendon tears, disc prolapses and general muscle strains. Manual handling injuries are most commonly sustained by lifting and carrying objects. The most commonly injured body part is the back. There is no legal weight limit for manual handling. OHS legislation is based on a risk management approach where hazards are identified, assessed and controlled. If a manual handling task looks difficult or heavy, assess the task and develop controls to reduce the risk. WHERE Repetitive tasks Pick and pack areas Office areas Storage areas Transporting goods Working with heavy equipment, and Working with people (elderly / sick). RISK FACTOR Carrying the load with one hand Awkward postures while working Carrying loads long distances Lifting and handling objects repeatedly Handling heavy equipment Handling awkward equipment Carrying large boxes with no handles Inexperienced workers Carrying loads over uneven ground, and Cold/hot weather and poor lighting. RISK CONTROL GUIDANCE The following risk control guidance is based on the National Code of Practice for Manual Handling [NOHSC: 2005 (1990)] and the hierarchy of OHS risk controls. The Code states that risk control is best accomplished by a combination of: Job redesign Mechanical handling equipment, and Provision of training. That is, a number of strategies may be adopted to reduce the level of risk associated with manual handling hazards, for example, an administrative control (training) can be implemented in addition to job redesign. The following control guidance is based on the control strategies listed above integrated with the hierarchy of controls. Job Redesign Can you Redesign the job? Eliminate manual handling by using machinery to move loads Repack loads so that each package is lighter, reducing the manual handling load Make the object less bulky Can the shape of the object be made easier to handle? February 2014 Version 3 9 of 16

10 MANUAL HANDLILNG Provide handles Design packaging so that the loads weight does not shift unexpectedly making it harder to handle Park closer to the pick up/drop off points to reduce the distance the load is carried Store heavier and frequently accessed items at waist level Introduce team lifting to reduce loads carried by individuals, and Use assistance from suppliers to reduce the manual handling load. Mechanical Handling Equipment - Can you use mechanical handling equipment? Trolleys, and Request supplier/ manufacturer to alter the packaging of the object to reduce weight/ make it easier to handle. Training Can you provide training? Look at how the task can be performed requiring less manual handling Team lifting and handling of objects Do not store heavy objects above shoulder height or at ground level Manual handling training. Such training should include: Planning the lift Determining the best manual handling technique Getting a secure grip Pulling the load close in to the body, and Train team lifting techniques. CONTACT PERSON Complete manual handling risk assessments and develop and implement controls to reduce risks Develop safe working procedures for tasks involving hazardous manual handling Train and assess workers / employees, volunteers and congregation members as competent in these procedures Ensure all heavy items are moved via forklift or other lifting aide Train workers / employees, volunteers and congregation members in correct manual handling techniques if unable to eliminate or adequately control manual handling risks, and Monitor manual handling practices of workers / employees to ensure that they are working safely. WORKERS / EMPLOYEES Report manual handling risks to Contact Persons Assist in the completion of manual handling risk assessments, and Attend training in manual handling and safe work practices when required. Legislation and Standards Relevant State and Territory OHS legislation including acts, regulations and codes of practice National Standard for Manual Tasks 2007, and National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders caused from performing Manual Tasks February 2014 Version 3 10 of 16

11 WORKING AT HEIGHT BACKGROUND Falls from heights are a significant church issue as a fall can easily result in death. Even a fall from 2 metres can result in death or serious injury if there is an object underneath or if the falling person lands awkwardly. Falls can occur from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, ledges, booms and raised working platforms. The working height limit is 2 metres. Any work above these height limits must be performed using fall prevention controls. Fall prevention controls should be implemented in order of the hierarchy of controls, controls such as scaffolding and work platforms are the safest, followed by the use of barriers and finally fall arrest systems are required if none of the above controls can be implemented. Fall protection or fall arrest systems are required to conform to an Australian Standard - AS Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses. Personnel wearing harnesses need to be competent in their fitting and operation. All safety equipment must be inspected prior to use to ensure the equipment is in a safe condition. WHERE Working on ladders Scissor lifts Scaffolding Booms and cranes, and Overhead walkways. RISK FACTOR Overhead power lines No fall arrest system Working outside on windy days Working outside on wet days Lack of training Lack of maintenance on safety equipment Inexperienced/ unlicensed operators, and Church traffic such as forklifts operating near work at height. RISK CONTROL GUIDANCE Elimination - Can you eliminate the hazard? Eliminate the need to work at height altogether Avoid the use of ladders, if possible Can you use a stable and securely fenced work platform? Erect scaffolding where appropriate Use scissor lifts and booms to raise workers to height Use approved personnel lifting platforms for forklifts Can you use a secure physical barrier? Erect barriers where workers could fall in excess of 2 metres Can you use a physical fall arrest system? All workers / employees, volunteers and congregation members must wear Australian Standard compliant fall arrest systems Administrative Can you use a ladder or implement an administrative control? Provide training and safe work procedures for all work at heights Inspect and maintain safety equipment and destroy any equipment that fails inspection Maintain three (3) points of contact whilst on ladder February 2014 Version 3 11 of 16

12 WORKING AT HEIGHT CONTACT PERSON Identify all working at height activities and conduct risk assessments to identify and control risks Where risk is present, develop and implement management strategies according to the hierarchy of controls, i.e.: Controls such as scaffolding and work platforms are the safest The use of barriers is then the next safest Finally fall arrest systems are required if none of the above controls can be implemented Develop safe working procedures for tasks involving working at height Train and assess staff as competent in these procedures Ensure personnel working at height are competent and wear safety harnesses (if appropriate) Monitor work at heights practices of contractors to ensure that they are working safely (i.e. supervise their work), and Observe personnel working at height and stop any dangerous activity WORKERS / EMPLOYEES Report working at height risks to Contact Persons Assist in the completion of working at heights risk assessments, and Attend training in safe work practices when required. Legislation and Standards Relevant State and Territory OHS legislation including acts, regulations and codes of practice AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairs and ladders- design, construction and installation AS Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses, and AS Industrial fall arrest systems and devices- selection, use and maintenance. February 2014 Version 3 12 of 16

13 WORKING AT HEIGHT BACKGROUND Falls from heights are a significant church issue as a fall can easily result in death. Even a fall from 2 metres can result in death or serious injury if there is an object underneath or if the falling person lands awkwardly. Falls can occur from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, ledges, booms and raised working platforms. The working height limit is 2 metres. Any work above these height limits must be performed using fall prevention controls. Fall prevention controls should be implemented in order of the hierarchy of controls, controls such as scaffolding and work platforms are the safest, followed by the use of barriers and finally fall arrest systems are required if none of the above controls can be implemented. Fall protection or fall arrest systems are required to conform to an Australian Standard - AS Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses. Personnel wearing harnesses need to be competent in their fitting and operation. All safety equipment must be inspected prior to use to ensure the equipment is in a safe condition. WHERE Working on ladders Scissor lifts Scaffolding Booms and cranes, and Overhead walkways. RISK FACTOR Overhead power lines No fall arrest system Working outside on windy days Working outside on wet days Lack of training Lack of maintenance on safety equipment Inexperienced/ unlicensed operators, and Church traffic such as forklifts operating near work at height. RISK CONTROL GUIDANCE Elimination - Can you eliminate the hazard? Eliminate the need to work at height altogether Avoid the use of ladders, if possible Can you use a stable and securely fenced work platform? Erect scaffolding where appropriate Use scissor lifts and booms to raise workers to height Use approved personnel lifting platforms for forklifts Can you use a secure physical barrier? Erect barriers where workers could fall in excess of 2 metres Can you use a physical fall arrest system? All workers / employees, volunteers and congregation members must wear Australian Standard compliant fall arrest systems Administrative Can you use a ladder or implement an administrative control? Provide training and safe work procedures for all work at heights Inspect and maintain safety equipment and destroy any equipment that fails inspection Maintain three (3) points of contact whilst on ladder February 2014 Version 3 13 of 16

14 WORKING AT HEIGHT CONTACT PERSON Identify all working at height activities and conduct risk assessments to identify and control risks Where risk is present, develop and implement management strategies according to the hierarchy of controls, i.e.: Controls such as scaffolding and work platforms are the safest The use of barriers is then the next safest Finally fall arrest systems are required if none of the above controls can be implemented Develop safe working procedures for tasks involving working at height Train and assess staff as competent in these procedures Ensure personnel working at height are competent and wear safety harnesses (if appropriate) Monitor work at heights practices of contractors to ensure that they are working safely (i.e. supervise their work), and Observe personnel working at height and stop any dangerous activity. WORKERS / EMPLOYEES Report working at height risks to Contact Persons Assist in the completion of working at heights risk assessments, and Attend training in safe work practices when required. Legislation and Standards Relevant State and Territory OHS legislation including acts, regulations and codes of practice AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairs and ladders- design, construction and installation AS Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses, and AS Industrial fall arrest systems and devices- selection, use and maintenance. February 2014 Version 3 14 of 16

15 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT BACKGROUND Traffic accidents may not be the most common church injury, however, they are the most dangerous. Many church fatalities have resulted from vehicle collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. Whilst traffic movement at company premises is generally slower than that on public roads, the risk is generally greater. This is due to many reasons including busy move in and move out phases, lack of designated roads and pathways and a high number of pedestrians moving throughout the area. Typical traffic and vehicles can include: Major adjoining roadways UCAVT vehicles Trucks Pedestrians Delivery vans, and Cars belonging to workers / employees, volunteers, visitors and congregation members WHERE On UCAVT sites Shared sites Delivery areas Public roads surrounding the site Car park of site, and Areas surrounding site. RISK FACTOR Speeding vehicles Drivers unaware of traffic management plan Site design - lack of visibility around corners etc. Pedestrians and vehicles sharing same space High traffic levels (both vehicle and pedestrian) in loading dock at same time Inexperienced and unlicensed drivers Wet weather Poor visibility (night time) Lack of safe work procedures for forklift drivers, and Poorly maintained vehicles. RISK CONTROL GUIDANCE Elimination Can you eliminate the hazard? Eliminate vehicle use adjacent to access doors (although this may increase the risk of manual handling hazards) Substitution Can you substitute the hazard? Use entry / exit points that are further from high traffic areas Isolation Can you isolate the hazard? Separate pedestrians and traffic by use of bollards, pedestrian only walkways, exclusion zones, pedestrian exclusion zones and boom gates Engineering Can you engineer the hazard out? Installing boom gates Installing mezzanine walkways Installing mirrors at blind corners Administrative Can you implement an administrative control? February 2014 Version 3 15 of 16

16 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Setting and enforcing speed limits Regular maintenance of vehicles Train and licence vehicle operators Vehicle security- remove keys when not in use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Can PPE be used? Enforcing all personnel to wear safety vests All personnel in traffic areas to wear appropriate sturdy footwear CONTACT PERSON Review the physical layout of the site to ensure the design of the facility allows for the separation of vehicles and pedestrians as far as reasonably practicable Ensure vehicle operators are licensed Complete risk assessments and develop and implement controls for traffic hazards Develop traffic management plan for site Provide traffic controllers for loading dock Communicate the traffic management plan to workers / employees and drivers Monitor traffic movement and practices in and around site Provide drivers with the traffic management plan, and Enforce all personnel to wear safety vests (if applicable). WORKERS / EMPLOYEES Comply with the site traffic management plan Legislation and Standards Relevant State and Territory OHS legislation including acts, regulations and codes of practice February 2014 Version 3 16 of 16