Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT. 1 Introduction 1. 2 Scope and Format of the Guidelines 3

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2 Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOREWORD HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT ii iii iv 1 Introduction 1 2 Scope and Format of the Guidelines 3 3 Legal Obligations The Health and Safety in Employment Act General Employer s Responsibilities Hazard Management Employees Duties Principals and Contractors Duties People Who Control a Place of Work Regulations and Approved Codes of Practice Offences and Penalties Other Legislation Other Legislative Matters Relating to the Workplace 9 4 Strategies for Achieving Health and Safety Compliance Occupational Health and Safety Management System Health and Safety Management Plans Hazard Identification, Assessment and Control Documentation Health and Safety Audits Health and Safety Aspects of Design, Manufacturing, Operation and Maintenance Standards for Machinery and Equipment Workplace Supervision Contractors and SubContractors Duties Provision of Health and Safety Information Health and Safety Health and Safety Training Emergency Procedures Accident Reporting 20 5 Safe Work Procedure Guidelines Pumping Station Maintenance and Operation Confined Space Entry 23

3 5.3 Asbestos Atmospheric Monitoring Biological hazards and Worker Hygiene Chemicals Storage, Transportation and Handling Electrical Safety Flood Precautions Fuel Handling and Storage Hazardous Area Classification Hazardous Substances Laboratory Health and Safety Lone Worker Health and Safety Policies Manhole Entry Machinery Safety Manual Handling ise Control tifiable Work Occupational Overuse Syndrome PermitToWork Systems Protective Clothing and Equipment Respiratory Protective Equipment Safe Access and Egress, Ladders, Rigging and Scaffolding Safe Work on or Near Water Screen Based Equipment Site Security and Visitor Control Signage for Health and Safety Stacking and Storage Treatment Plant Operation Trenching, Excavation and Underground Services UltraViolet Radiation UnderWater Work Use of Grinding and Buffing Machinery Use of Mobile Plant Working at Heights Working Under Loads Working on Roads Work in Hazardous Atmospheres 51 6 Bibliography 53 7 Appendices 57 Appendix A Hazard Identification 59 Appendix B Risk Assessment 63 Appendix C Hazard Control 67

4 Appendix D Safety Audit Checklist 71 Appendix E Serious Harm Accidents 79 Appendix F OSH Regional Offices 83 Appendix G Sample Documents and Forms 89

5 NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE NEW ZEALAND WATER INDUSTRY SECOND EDITION JUNE 2001 Prepared for New Zealand Water and Wastes Association Inc. By Sinclair Knight Merz Limited Published by the Drainage Managers Group and the Water Supply Managers Group, Sub Groups of the New Zealand Water and Wastes Association Inc.

6 PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION This is the second edition of the Guidelines. The first edition was an excellent document but required modifying as changes and additions were made in legislation, codes of practice, and workplace methodology. Contractors and SubContractors now carry out much of the work in our industry. Since 1995 we have had 7 fatalities, all associated with contractors and Confined Space Working. A stronger emphasis is therefore placed on this aspect and the importance of appointing reputable contractors who operate Occupational Health and Safety management systems as part of their normal day, rather than seeing them as something the client wants. An introductory section on the elements of a structured Health and Safety system is included. This is structured around the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act and the Regulations, and AS/NZS : Occupational health and safety management systems general guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques. The reader s attention is brought to NZS 4801 (Int): 1999 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. This is an interim standard that is expected to be ratified during this year (2001). The underlying structure of this standard is similar to AS/NZS 4804 and also AS/NZS ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems Specification with guidance for use. The standard is intended to set auditable criteria for an occupational Health and Safety management systems. The Occupational Health and Safety Service (OSH) has produced many fine documents over the years that are readily available and applicable to the Water and Wastewater. This Guideline includes a list of available documents, and also some pro forma forms that can be adopted and customised. A list of OSH offices is also included. OSH has a very good internet Web site which can be accessed at

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following individuals and organisations participated in the revision and their input is greatly acknowledged: Wray Mealings Edward Anderson Peter Thomas Mike Bourke Raveen Jaduram Frank Lewis Department of Labour (OSH) Manukau Western Bay of Plenty DC and NZWWA Project Manager rth Shore City Council Christchurch City Council Metrowater Sinclair Knight Merz In addition to the above, the following people were involved in creating the First edition of the document, and prepared a solid foundation for this revision. Rob Green (Convenor) Stephen Garlick Shane Helm Karst Slykerman Deeco Services Ltd Hastings District Council and later Palmerston rth City Council Hutt City Council New Plymouth District Council Auckland City Council Supplied the photograph for the Front Cover NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE NEW ZEALAND WATER INDUSTRY SECOND EDITION June 2001 ISBN COPYRIGHT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS NOTICE OF INFORMAITON The information contained within this document is COPYRIGHTED to New Zealand Water and Wastes Association, who shall retain copyright and all intellectual property rights to any and all work prepared under this contract by the consultant or contractor. This information may be LEGALLY PRIVILEGED, intended only for the individual(s) it is intended for. If you are the intended recipient, any portion of this document must not be used without written permission from New Zealand Water and Wastes Association. If you are not the intended ii

8 recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this document is strictly prohibited. The NZWWA manuals are published on the understanding that: The NZWWA and individual contributors are not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in this manual. The NZWWA make no representation or warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied, concerning the product, accuracy, or process discussed in this publication and assumes no liability. Anyone using this information assumes all liability arising from such use, including but not limited to infringement of any patent or patents. Further copies of this Guidelines Document are available from the NZ Water and Wastes Association. The document is also available on CD. All enquiries relating to this document should be addressed to: New Zealand Water and Wastes Association PO Box 13880, Onehunga, Auckland 1006, New Zealand Telephone (09) ; Fax (09) ; iii

9 FOREWORD This Guidelines Document has been prepared for the sole purpose of providing guidance in the satisfactory development and implementation of policies and procedures to discharge the legislative duties of Local Authorities and Local Authority Trading Enterprises with respect to the Health and Safety in Employment Act Any inclusions or omissions in this document must not be construed as removing or mitigating individual legal responsibilities placed on various specified parties by the Health and Safety in Employment Act The New Zealand Water and Wastes Association has prepared this Guidelines Document in good faith and accepts no liability for actions taken, or claimed to have been taken, in accordance with suggested policies or procedures outlined in this document but which fail to achieve desired compliance goals. This Guidelines Document is not a Health and Safety Plan. However it does provide clear direction and a firm basis for users to develop their own specific Health and Safety Plans for use by their own Local Authority or LATE. This is the Second Edition of the National Guidelines for Health and Safety in the New Zealand Water. Readers are encouraged to send their comments, corrections, and suggestions for improvements to the NZWWA Office to facilitate production of the Third Edition. iii

10 HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT These National Guidelines for Health and Safety in the New Zealand Water can be applied by Local Authorities and LATES in their roles as Principals, Employers or Contractors. Section 1 provides an introduction to the document. Section 2 summarises the scope and format. USE Section 3 to understand your legal obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act. USE Section 4 (and the associated Appendices) to develop strategies for achieving compliance within your organisation with specific requirements of the legislation. USE Section 5 as a comprehensive blueprint for the development of practical details for the delivery of health and safety in particular work situations that apply to the operations of your organisation. iv

11 1 Introduction Regardless of the scale of the operation, all work must be carried out in accordance with current Health and Safety legislation This document has arisen from a joint initiative by the Drainage Managers and the Water Supply Managers Subgroups of the New Zealand Water and Wastes Association. The members of these Subgroups manage the water supply and wastewater services of territorial authorities throughout New Zealand; these facilities range in size and scope from very small rural water schemes up to extensive water and wastewater services in large metropolitan areas. Despite these differences in scale, all managers of such facilities must ensure that any work performed in association with these services is carried out in full compliance with the Health and Safety in Employment Act This fundamental requirement is well recognised by territorial authorities and most have prepared and adopted both Health and Safety Policies and Health and Safety Management Plans which seek to implement the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act (HSE Act). A primary aim of the Drainage Managers and the Water Supply Managers Subgroups of NZWWA is to ensure that all the activities in our business are carried out safely without injury, and that the HSE Act is being implemented adequately and consistently across all territorial authorities and Local Authority Trading Enterprises (LATEs) in New Zealand. Thus this Guidelines Document has been prepared by: This Guideline will help managers identify the gaps in their Health and Safety systems reviewing and seeking comment on the Second Edition of the Guideline reviewing health and safety policies and management plans of various individual local authorities discussion and review by OSH comparing these with one another and identifying any gaps preparing material to fill identified gaps incorporating supplementary information on health and safety in the water supply and wastewater industries obtained from several overseas sources. The resulting Guidelines Document is not a rigid policy statement expressing how things must be done but, rather, its aim is to help people to identify the gaps in the existing health and safety documentation which has been prepared for their organisation and to provide the impetus for the filling of these gaps with appropriate and comprehensive information. The document therefore is not in itself a Health and Safety Management Plan but it contains all the information and direction necessary for the development of individual Health and Safety Management Plans pertinent to particular circumstances. 1

12 2 Scope and Format of the Guidelines The Guidelines Document is designed to supply user needs in achieving compliance with the Health and Safety in Employment Act. It is aimed primarily at managers and supervisors, who have the key responsibilities for health and safety imposed by the HSE Act. In this document we identify the different requirements of principals, employees and contractors At any time local authorities and LATEs can take the role of principals, employers or contractors. The HSE Act places particular requirements on each of these groups and the Guidelines Document indicates what these requirements are. Application of the Guidelines in the intended way should result in individual drainage, water supply or wastewater managers being able to supply a more comprehensive compliance regime to their own operations than they currently achieve. As previously stated, the Guidelines Document will allow individual managers to identify and rectify gaps or shortcomings in their own documentation and practices and thus, on a national basis, a more uniform extent and depth of compliance will result in the industry. In turn the Guidelines Document deals with the following matters: Legal obligations, and relevant good employer obligations, relating to health and safety and the Intent of the Act Guidelines for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System Individual strategies for meeting these obligations in defined areas Acceptable solutions for individual key subjects identified as health and safety matters which are particularly relevant to the drainage, water supply and wastewater industries. Emphasis is on a practical focus The Guidelines are formatted as a succinct document, with the various sections and subsections enunciated by major headings and then with a series of bullet points amplifying the most important aspects. The document is structured for easy reference, with the emphasis on a practical focus. Where relevant, sources of additional information have been identified. 3

13 3 Legal Obligations This section contains: information about the legislation relating to the provision of health and safety in places of work summaries of your duties as Principal, Employer or Contractor, under various aspects of this legislation 3.1 The Health and Safety in Employment Act General The primary objective of the HSE Act is to provide and maintain a safe working environment for all The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 came into force on 1 April It brought together almost all existing New Zealand occupational health and safety legislation under a single Act, which applies to virtually all workplaces and which sets out general duties required for the provision of a healthy and safe working environment and safe systems of work. The HSE Act has, as its primary objective, the prevention of harm to employees (including contractors, subcontractors and site visitors) while they are at work. The Act promotes excellence in the management of workplace health and safety and sets out the duties of employers (particularly), owners, principals to a contract, selfemployed persons and employees themselves with respect to health and safety. While the general duties specified in the Act are defined clearly, compliance is assisted by supplementary documents such as regulations, guidelines and codes of practice. These provide considerable detail about methods of compliance, often for specific industries or types of workplaces, or for individual processes. Organisations need to have a wellstructured Occupational Health and Safety Management System in place The basis for compliance with the intent of the Act hinges on having a well structured Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) in place. The framework for an OHSMS is contained in AS/NZS 4804:1997 Occupational health and safety management systems General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques. The fundamentals behind this are discussed in the Appendices Employer s Responsibilities Under the HSE Act employers must take all practicable steps to: provide and maintain a safe working environment provide and maintain facilities for the health and safety of employees at work ensure that machinery and equipment in the place of work is designed, made, set up, and maintained to be safe for employees 5

14 implement a comprehensive system of hazard management (see Section 3.1.3)ensure that employees are not exposed to hazards in the course of their work ensure that employees are trained adequately for the work they are required to do, or that they are supervised by an experienced person develop procedures for dealing with emergencies that may arise while employees are at work. The dimensions of an employer s health and safety responsibilities cover: staff in offices staff in field work contractors who are engaged to carry out work when acting as a contractor, the duties placed on contractors under the HSE Act (see Section 3.1.5) obligations to the general public Hazard Management The HSE Act requires key hazard management steps to be undertaken The steps outlined above are to be implemented through a hazard management programme and the provision of information to employees. The key hazard management steps required under the HSE Act comprise the following: fostering of both management and employee commitment identification and regular review of significant hazards in the place of work control of significant hazards by elimination (where practicable), isolation (where elimination is not practicable) or minimisation (where it is impracticable to either eliminate or isolate the hazard) monitoring of the control measures selected provision of information on emergency procedures, hazards, safe working procedures, the location of safety equipment and other matters provision of appropriate training and supervision to employees development of appropriate emergency procedures and plans reporting, recording and investigation of accidents Employees Duties Employees are responsible for their own health and safety The HSE Act requires employees to be responsible for their own health and safety while at work and to ensure that their actions do not harm anyone else. 6

15 3.1.5 Principals and Contractors Duties Employers must take care to ensure that people working on, and visiting their sites, are not harmed A person or company (called a principal ) that hires any contractor or subcontractor must take all practicable steps to ensure that the contractor, subcontractors, or their employees are not harmed while at work. The contractors and subcontractors who employ staff are themselves employers and will therefore be required to perform all the duties of an employer. The principal must ensure that they do whatever is within the principal s control to ensure that people working on the site are not harmed while at work People Who Control a Place of Work An employer may not have full control of a place of work. A person who owns, leases, subleases or occupies a place of work, or has control of plant or equipment used in a place of work, is a person who controls a place of work for the purposes of the Act. They must therefore take all practicable steps to ensure that people in or near or visiting the place of work are not harmed Regulations and Approved Codes of Practice Regulations may be made under the HSE Act relating to the health and safety of employees or other people. The Health and Safety in Employment Regulations came into force in Although the entire Regulations apply, in relation to our industry the Regulations provide for: The HSE Act identifies general and specific duties of employers General duties of employers regarding: facilities to be provided in the workplace indisposed employees drinking water workplace cleanliness Specific duties of employers regarding the management of specific hazards: noise overcrowding containers of liquids loose but enclosed materials raised objects cleaning, maintenance and repair of machinery woodworking and abrasive grinding machinery 7

16 self propelled mobile plant Unsafe work practices may be penalised Duties in relation to working at heights: higher than 3 metres Duties in relation to scaffolding Duties in relation to excavations tifiable work trench faces more than 1.5 metres high excavation at hazardous depth working at heights > 5 metres erection / dismantling of scaffolds > 5 metres high lifting > 500kg, > 5 metres high work in pits, shafts, trenches > 1.5 metres deep and depth > width work in any drive, excavation or heading (unsupported tunnel) work in any excavation with face height > 5 metres and a slope > 1:2 work using explosives work using compressed air/gas breathing equipment Work requiring certificates of competence Duties in relation to employers of young persons Duties of designers, manufacturers and suppliers Penalties Approved Codes of Practice provide recommended means of compliance with provisions of the Act. Compliance with the provisions of an Approved Code of Practice is not mandatory but, where a person is charged with failing to comply with any provision of the Act, the Court may take into account the contents of any relevant Approved Code of Practice and the extent or otherwise of compliance with it. Approved Codes and other publications are available from the nearest branch office of OSH, Department of Labour Offences and Penalties The first category of offence against the Act occurs when a person knowingly takes an action (or knowingly fails to take an action) likely to cause serious harm and that action is contrary to a provision of the Act. Conviction can result in a fine of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. 8

17 It is the duty of everyone to point out unsafe work practices to a site manager or the employer. The second category of offence occurs where a person fails to comply with a provision of the Act, irrespective of the person s understanding of the requirements, and serious harm results. A fine of up to $50,000 can be imposed (or up to $25,000 if serious harm does not result). These second category offences are strict liability offences. In other words, it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person intended to commit the offence, but just to show that the defendant had failed to comply with a provision of the Act. The HSE Act is currently under review fines and penalties are likely to increase At the time of preparing this second edition of the Guidelines the Act was under review. As part of the review, penalties are being proposed that increase the above figures fivefold ie $500,000 and $250,000 respectively. Directors, managers, employees and corporate bodies may be held liable where they are shown to have participated in an offence. 3.2 Other Legislation Other Legislative Matters Relating to the Workplace The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act came into force in The Act repeals the Dangerous Goods Act, the Toxic Substances Act, Explosives Act, Pesticides Act and Fertilisers Act. The Regulations have not been promulgated at this time, however, they will have applicability to specific technical aspects of health and safety where employees have to store, handle, use or transport dangerous goods. The Building Act and its Regulations, plus the Building Code, contain some matters relevant to health and safety in buildings. The Electricity Act and Regulations apply to electrical works and electrical accidents are subject to additional reporting protocol to the Ministry of Commerce The Health and Safety in Employment Act, however, provides the umbrella framework for health and safety, and more technical Acts and Regulations effectively provide compliance details for the objectives of the HSE Act. 9

18 4 Strategies for Achieving Health and Safety Compliance This Section contains: details of what you need to take into account when preparing a comprehensive strategy for achieving compliance with the Health and Safety in Employment Act and related legislation 4.1 Occupational Health and Safety Management System The Occupational Health and Safety Management System identifies key roles and responsibilities A structured and welldeveloped Occupational Health and Safety Management System should be published as an umbrella management guideline for each aspect of Health and Safety Management. Detail principles of the requirements of such a system are included in the appendix. The document should clearly state the Company s or Council s position on each principle and clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of each player in the organisation hierarchy. There is a move to integrate OHSMS and Environmental Management Systems The Australian / New Zealand standard, AS/NZS 4804, gives good guidance for the establishment of an Occupational Health & Safety Management System. A trend that is gaining momentum is to integrate the Occupational Health & Safety Management System with the Quality System (ISO9001) and with Environmental Management Systems (ISO14001). This is presented in AS/NZS Health and Safety Management Plans Health and Safety Plans should be unique to each project While the HSE Act does not specifically require the formulation of a Health and Safety Management Plan the preparation of such a Plan, if comprehensive and in sufficient detail, will provide the basic framework to ensure compliance with the Act s requirements. A Health and Safety Plan is usually developed for a particular job or project. It is unique 1. The guideline fundamentals for the Safety Plan exist in the Occupational Health and Safety Management System. A satisfactory Health and Safety Management Plan will thus address each of the key compliance requirements of the Act. The Plan should therefore set down how the following matters will be dealt with: hazard identification and hazard assessment hazard management and control, including elimination, isolation or minimisation of hazards 1 It is common for Contractors to submit a generic Health and Safety Plan during the Tender phase of the project. However, a unique plan should be developed prior to work commencing and should incorporate the needs of all parties, particularly Safe Work Procedures. 11

19 monitoring of the effectiveness of hazard control measures the provision of information to employees on health and safety matters such as identified hazards, safe working procedures, emergency procedures and location of safety equipment training in health and safety procedures the development of emergency plans accident reporting, recording and investigation. When assessing the adequacy of a Health and Safety Management Plan submitted by a Contractor, as part of the tender evaluation process or during project management, the above listed matters should each be carefully considered for their adequacy. The considerations of the compliance strategies outlined in Sections are obviously relevant and the detailed material in the appendices set down the necessary content of individual aspects of a satisfactory Health and Safety Management Plan. The Health and Safety Management Plan should pay particular attention to documentation requirements and the procedures by which employees themselves can contribute to the improvement of measures for their own health and safety. 4.3 Hazard Identification, Assessment and Control The identification of hazards, their elimination, isolation or minimisation are fundamental to the HSE Act This is the fundamental requirement that underpins the control strategy of the HSE Act. For its satisfactory implementation, managers, supervisors and key staff must be fully familiar, via training, with its application. Hazard identification requires the use of application of three established procedures: hazard identification by area, involving the detailed examination of each specific part of the place of work and the activities carried out therein hazard identification by work process, which involves the examination of individual and/or interrelated tasks hazard identification by work analysis, involving the assessment of the total process used to convert raw materials to an end product. Appendix A gives further details of hazard identification methods. Following completion of the hazard identification process, risk assessment methods should be applied to decide: 12

20 Controls must be regularly reviewed whether each identified hazard is a significant hazard whether control methods are required for those hazards identified as not being significant hazards. Appendix B gives an outline of the risk assessment process. Hazard control must be based on the hierarchy of the HSE Act, i.e.: elimination isolation minimisation. Controls can be either specific local controls to deal with a particular hazard, or management controls related to work practices, or a mixture of both approaches. Controls, once implemented, must remain in place and must be subject to regular effectiveness reviews. These reviews and their findings should be documented, with responsibilities delegated for amendment of hazard controls and signing off after their satisfactory implementation. Appendix C describes the principles of the hazard control process. 4.4 Documentation Successful health and safety management is a logical process, and the results of the hazard identification, assessment and control process must be recorded, with updates of reassessment and control review carried out at appropriate intervals. Responsibilities, actions taken and results must be documented formally, preferably in a standard format. Health and safety monitoring data must be documented to provide a continuous record of conditions, and a baseline of measurements to compare existing conditions with the past. Responsibilities, actions taken and results must be formally documented Information provided to employees should be documented adequately, firstly as a record of data supplied and to allow updating of information when new material becomes available. Updating should be incorporated in the normal quality assurance process. Specific information such as Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on chemicals in use may be reworded into simpler language before transmission to employees but the original MSDS should be filed as a record. Health and safety training provided to employees should be recorded so that the training status of individuals can be easily reviewed and the need for supplementary training identified. 13

21 The recording of accident information, including reports prepared and notifications made is essential. te that near miss accidents must also be recorded. Emergency procedures should be documented, including sketch plans of escape routes. The nature, age and specific issue details of all items of protective equipment and protective clothing should be recorded as some items have defined shelf lives or usage spans and a record of required replacement dates is thus essential. Similar to quality procedures, detailed results of health and safety audits must be recorded to allow the remediation of deficiencies to be monitored and to provide a baseline for comparison with successive audits. 4.5 Health and Safety Audits Regular audits are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Health and Safety Management Plans Audits can apply to the whole workplace, groups of employees, or individuals A health and safety audit is a tool for monitoring the Health and Safety Management Plan (and thus HSE Act) compliance. Audits must be: systematic comprehensive carried out by a suitably experienced person (or persons) documented as to findings, required remediation, actions to be taken and necessary followup. An audit provides an evaluation of the effectiveness of a Health and Safety Management Plan at that time. It does not take the place of ongoing and continual review of the effectiveness of existing health and safety systems. Audits are most effectively carried out using purposedesigned checklists dealing with each particular area, process, or work practice. The checklists should be prepared as part of the development of an overall Health and Safety Management Plan for the place of work, and amended as necessary to reflect changes in the workplace over time. An example of a general Health and Safety Audit checklist to monitor the effectiveness of a typical Health and Safety Management Plan is given in Appendix D. A health and safety audit can be used to inspect the workplace itself, or to measure employee awareness about duties with respect to health and safety and their individual role in the implementation of the Health and Safety Management Plan, or both. 14

22 4.6 Health and Safety Aspects of Design, Manufacturing, Operation and Maintenance Standards for Machinery and Equipment Machinery and equipment must be made, used and maintained safely Section 6(c) of the HSE Act requires that employers take all practicable steps to ensure that machinery and equipment in a place of work is designed, made, set up and maintained to be safe for employees. Specific duties are placed on designers, manufacturers and suppliers of machinery and equipment in regs of the HSE Regulations These duties include compliance with established ergonomic principles regarding the placement of power controls and ensuring that, if the plant is manufactured, used, installed, adjusted, maintained and cleaned in accordance with the designer s instructions, then it will not cause, contribute to, or be a source of harm. In assessing tenders for new machinery and equipment, the employer must ensure that the duties of the designer, manufacturer and supplier have all been fully discharged with respect to health and safety aspects. In general, machinery and equipment must be: covered by such Warrant (or Certificate) of Fitness as is required by law fitted with any safety devices or features as required by law subject to adequate ongoing maintenance as necessary to ensure it is in a safe condition for use operated only by persons duly licensed or certified to operate that equipment or machinery, where such license or certification is required or is advisable. 4.7 Workplace Supervision Supervisors have direct responsibility for health and safety they should actively promote safe work practices Health and safety is the direct responsibility of line management and supervisory staff who are in control of employees in the workplace. Supervisors have a responsibility to ensure that staff: are trained in and use safe methods of work for all jobs demonstrate an understanding of health and safety requirements and that accident prevention is an essential part of their job comply with all relevant statutory duties, health and safety rules, codes of practice and standards know who to contact if assistance or advice with respect to health and safety is required are aware of their required actions in an emergency. 15

23 Primarily the creation of a health and safety culture in any workplace is the responsibility of the employer. Development of such a culture can be assisted by supervisors and line managers actively promoting the involvement of all employees in health and safety matters. 4.8 Contractors and SubContractors Duties Careful attention to Section 18 of the HSE Act is required All those who employ or hire staff have a role to play they must ensure that their employees, visitors or those in close proximity, are not harmed Take care with tenders is the tenderer s health and safety policy adequate? The role of the Local Authority Manager is often that of infrastructure owner, with most of the significant operation, construction and maintenance work being carried out by contractors. It is within these fields of operations, construction and maintenance that there exists the highest risk of a Serious Harm accident to employees, contractors and the general public. Therefore, the need for careful attention to Section 18 of the HSE Act is required. The HSE Act requires, in Section 18, that where a person or company (called a principal ) hires any contractor or subcontractor the principal must take all practicable steps to ensure that the contractor, subcontractor or their employees are not harmed while at work. Contractors and subcontractors who employ staff are themselves employers and as such will be required by the Act to carry out all the duties of an employer. An employer may not have full control of a place of work. A person who owns, leases, subleases or occupies a place of work can be a person who controls a place of work in the terminology of the HSE Act. Such a person must also take all practicable steps to ensure that people in or near or visiting the place of work are not harmed. In practice, the determination of who has fundamental responsibility for health and safety at a place of work may not be precisely defined, but it is clear that all persons with site supervision responsibilities have a role to play. The role of the Drainage, Water Supply or Wastewater Manager of the Local Authority will usually be that of the principal. In this position the first responsibility arises at the tender evaluation stage where the content and comprehensiveness of a tenderer s health and safety policy and management plan should be a major factor in considerations. After awarding a contract there must be further and ongoing overview by the principal, using an adequate audit process, that the contractor and any subcontractors employed continuously implement their health and safety policy and management plans so that their duties as employers to comply with the HSE Act are discharged. 16

24 Breaches of health and safety compliance duties by contractors and subcontractors should be viewed by the principal as a breach of the contract conditions. 4.9 Provision of Health and Safety Information Section 12 of the HSE Act provides for the dissemination of information regarding identified hazards and about emergencies likely to occur in an employee s place of work, including information about access to the appropriate personal protective equipment. The method of information provision should be designed to ensure that every employee is aware of the hazards in their place of work and of the methods for controlling specific hazards. Make sure that your health and safety information Is uptodate and accessible to all Health and safety information to be distributed can be derived from a variety of sources, including: the hazard identification and control process itself health and safety audits Materials Safety Data Sheets on chemicals the findings of accident investigations, both in house and, where relevant, into accidents occurring at other workplaces but which have relevance to the types of work carried out, machinery used or processes present at the subject place of work relevant industry publications and, particularly, the information published by the Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH), Department of Labour. An appropriate person should be designated to coordinate the gathering of information and to arrange for its dissemination, as a specific part of the health and safety management process Health and Safety The HSE Act (Sections 10 and 11) requires that where it is necessary to monitor the working conditions or aspects of the health of employees then the results of any such monitoring must be made available to the employees concerned. The Act does not indicate what monitoring must be done nor how often it should be performed. These matters are part of an employer s assessment of all practicable steps in terms of providing for the health and safety of their employees. 17

25 If you monitor working conditions, employees must be made aware of the monitoring and told the results The Privacy Act 1993 has relevance to the way in which monitoring is carried out and the use which is made of the information obtained. Thus employees must be told that monitoring is being done and that information is being obtained, what purpose it will be used for and who it may be conveyed to. They must also have access to monitoring information about themselves. Health and safety monitoring information should be recorded permanently, but retained securely. The information will be useful for comparative purposes and for assessment of cumulative exposures Health and Safety Training Provide health and safety training for all employees include the job, plant, substances, equipment, special clothing The benefits include not only fewer accidents, but a more competent workforce Section 13 of the HSE Act requires that employers ensure that any employee has knowledge and experience of the work, plant and/or substances they deal with, or they are supervised by a person who does is adequately trained in the safe use of all plant, objects, substances and protective clothing and equipment that the employee may use or handle. Identification of the types and depth of training needed in a particular workplace requires a thorough analysis of all the tasks that make up an employee s job. The process of task analysis allows the identification of specialist skills and knowledge necessary to competently and safely perform a particular job. Training given may be conducted in a formal setting, onthejob, in group sessions or on a onetoone basis. The effectiveness of training given must be evaluated continually, and the type and extent of training can thus be revised. A reassessment of individual employee training needs can also be made and further training planned. Records must be kept of training given to every employee, as part of a typical staff skills register. An example form is included in the Appendix. Thorough and targeted health and safety training helps to develop a workforce competent in the tasks making up their jobs and knowledgeable about the hazards and risks they may encounter and the ways of dealing with them. Other probable benefits include a reduction in accidents and increased productivity. 18

26 4.12 Emergency Procedures Involve employees in the development of emergency procedures Section 6(e) of the HSE Act requires that procedures be developed to deal with emergencies, which may arise while employees are at work. Further, Section 12(a) requires that employees be given information about what to do if an emergency arises. Section 14 then provides for the involvement of employees in the development of emergency procedures. To give effect to these requirements, depending on the workplace involved either a general emergency plan, or one specific to the unique hazards inherent in that workplace, should be developed. What emergencies are likely to arise? Include external threats The first step is to identify, in consultation with employees, all likely emergency circumstances which could affect the workplace. Some or all of the following circumstances may be relevant: flood chemical spill fire bomb threat storm explosion structure collapse radiation leak equipment failure earthquake security Develop a comprehensive plan to deal with potential emergency situations The following subjects may be relevant to the drafting of a particular emergency plan: appointment of a controller specific actions to take (e.g. chemical spill) process shutdown procedures warning systems (e.g. smoke, gas or heat detectors) alarm signals backup systems (e.g. lighting, power) emergency equipment methods of communication emergency services, and associated contact details search and rescue procedures personnel checking (including visitors) emergency procedures training 19

27 Make the emergency plan and procedures easily available to all personnel frequency of emergency drill rehearsals first aid requirements (equipment, training) allclear and reentry procedures protection of records notification and liaison with the media. The appointment of an emergency controller is the essential first step. Such a person must be able to provide effective and decisive leadership in the event of an emergency. This may in turn depend on, or be assisted by, adequate training (e.g. attendance at civil defence courses). The emergency procedure(s) established should be: prepared in written form accompanied by a sketch plan of evacuation routes and assembly points communicated to all staff posted in written form in suitable positions in the workplace subject to regular review and updating practised regularly Accident Reporting Serious Harm Accidents MUST be reported to OSH The HSE Act requires (S. 25) that: a register be kept of all accidents accidents causing serious harm must be reported to OSH, Department of Labour: te that it may be prudent to advise OSH immediately by telephone, to give them the option to inspect the site the accident scene must not be interfered with where an accident involving serious harm has occurred. The only circumstances where the accident scene can be altered are: to save life, prevent further harm or relieve suffering to maintain access of the general public to essential services or utilities to prevent serious damage to or loss of property where the accident involves a motor vehicle on a public highway where the accident is being investigated by the Police, or under other legislation. 20

28 When instances of serious harm occur (as defined in the First Schedule to the HSE Act, and reproduced in Appendix E of these Guidelines) the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour must be notified as soon as possible after the event. Formal written notification in the prescribed format must be given within 7 days. NEAR MISS incidents MUST be treated as Accidents It should be noted that the HSE Act includes in its definition of an accident any incident which might have resulted in harm; thus near miss incidents must be dealt with in the same way as accidents. As well as recording accidents and incidents in a register, employers must investigate these to determine whether or not they were caused by or arose from a significant hazard. Responsibility must be assigned for notification, investigation and reporting of accidents involving serious harm. This includes entering full details of the accident into the register. Appendix E contains procedural steps in the event of an accident involving serious harm notes on effective investigation of near miss incidents. Accidents involving electricity must also be reported to the Department of Commerce under the Electricity Act and Regulations. 21

29 5 Safe Work Procedure Guidelines This Section contains: detailed practical solutions for the provision of health and safety in a wide variety of operational circumstances faced by Councils and LATES, and relating to water supply, wastewater and stormwater management Information which managers can adapt, augment and use to prepare health and safety management plans suitable for their particular circumstances The section is organised in alphabetical order to assist easy reference. However, confined space activities pose such a significant hazard they are covered first. 5.1 Pumping Station Maintenance and Operation 5.2 Confined Space Entry Many pump stations are categorised as confined spaces. Confined Space procedures are described below General tes Take care when repairing, maintaining and operating all pump station plant and equipment Machinery must be isolated before carrying out repair or maintenance work. It may be necessary to switch off nearby plant or pumps. The clearing of pump blockages or the removal of pump parts such as impellors should be done by other than manual means to avoid the possibility of cuts or needle stick injuries. Rotating parts of machinery must be protected by suitable guards, if worker contact is possible. Adequate ventilation of all areas of pumping stations is important and ventilation of normally entered wetwells is essential. Where continuous ventilation is not used, then continuous gas monitoring should be applied using a calibrated gas analyser with alarms for toxicity, flammability, H 2 S, CO 2 and O 2 content. Barriers should be in place to prevent falls from heights. If barriers are absent then a suitable safety harness secured to a reliable anchor point must be used. When using uncaged ladders of 3 m or greater in length a fall arrestor should be in place. 23

30 An airfiltering respirator should be used whenever water blasters, highpressure hoses or other circumstances are present in which inhalable aerosol mists could be generated. Further information about ladders, railings and accessways is contained in the publication Guidelines for the Provision of Facilities and General Safety in Commercial and Industrial Premises, Section 2.4, available from OSH, Department of Labour. Confined space working is described in AS/NZS : Safe Working in a Confined Space. The work is usually very hazardous in both the process and the maintenance activities. The recent history in the New Zealand Water industry has not been good with 7 fatalities between 1995 and The move to outsource maintenance activity has introduced added risks to water companies and utilities, which are now principals in accordance with the HASE Act. It is important to allocate confined space work to companies with sound OHMS systems and proven safe work procedures. Confined space working is 150 times more dangerous than a normal working environment. Given this statistic, the importance of comprehensive procedures cannot be overemphasised. Development, control and improvement of these procedures must be thorough, ongoing and involve persons with appropriate expertise. These procedures will differ slightly from company to company, and work place to work place. They will however incorporate the minimum standards discussed below There are many resources to assist in developing confined space work controls. Generally: Confined spaces are generally poorly ventilated enclosures where workers may be required to enter or work and in which certain specified hazards may be present which may endanger the health and safety of workers. There are more confined space workplaces in the water industry than any other in New Zealand. It is not possible in advance to define every type of confined space that may be encountered in the spheres of operations of a water supply, wastewater or drainage manager. However the following workplace types must be regarded as confined spaces and the appropriate entry procedures must always be adhered to: sewers, stormwater pipelines, water mains and manholes pumping station wetwells sumps, vessels, tanks and pits General confined space entry procedures rely on: atmospheric testing 24

31 continuous observation of personnel working in the confined space. In many working situations the wearing of safety harnesses will be necessary Detailed procedures relating to particular workplace circumstances must be developed by every manager responsible for workers who are called on to carry out entry into confined spaces. The following paragraphs set out the broad strategies that form part of typical confined space entry requirements; they should be adapted as necessary to suit individual parameters. Confined space working environments are extremely hazardous proven safe work practices are essential Training: All persons required to carry out or assist with confined space entry operations must be fully trained in correct procedures and the use of safety, protective and atmospheric monitoring equipment Health and Safety Equipment: All appropriate equipment to ensure health and safety must be at hand before entry is undertaken. The following is an indicative list but other items may be required: barriers to unauthorised entry atmospheric monitoring equipment safety harness lifting tripod and winch respiratory protective equipment traffic signage (if required). Protective Clothing: Minimum required protective clothing should include overalls, safety footwear and, for sewage system work, PVC or rubber gloves. Additional protective equipment which may be required, depending on work circumstances, could include eye protection, hard hat and hearing protection. Permission to Enter: Authorisation to enter a confined space is required from a suitable designated management person. Requests for such authorisation must be recorded, along with a note of any special requirements. In situations where experienced and trained workers will be undertaking regular confined space entry, the authorisation should be arranged on a longterm basis with, say, annual renewal. In any case where there is doubt about the safety of entry or where conditions have changed, the parameters should be reported to the authorising officer for appropriate investigation. A permittowork system (see Section 5.20) may be applicable to particular confined space entry types. The concept of a Confined Space Work Passport has been tried in some companies. The passport is issued annually to those staff who are trained and are required to enter confined spaces often. Entry Procedures: The following general points may be relevant to instances of confined space entry: 25

32 AIR FLOW DIRECTION entering a manhole located in a roadway may require erection of signs and barriers (see Section 5.37), or other temporary measures. The Transit New Zealand Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management 2000 is available for guidance in this area. ventilation can be ad hoc by, for example, removing covers from the entry manhole and at least the adjacent manhole on each side. In some cases portable extraction ventilation equipment can be used. In other typical confined spaces ventilation may be permanently in place whether or not ventilation is in place the atmosphere must be tested immediately prior to entry for oxygen deficiency and for the presence of toxic and/or flammable gases (see Section 5.4) the person(s) entering the space must be kept under continuous observation by a worker located outside the entrance. At least one other person must be within calling distance and who can assist in emergencies all rescue equipment must be in place outside the space, including winch, winch rope, harness and respiratory protective equipment a radio or cellular telephone should be available to summon additional help if required. See also Sections 5.14 and 5.8 for notes on particular health and safety requirements for manhole entry and for flood precautions respectively. Further detailed information is available in the booklet Safety in Confined Spaces available from OSH, Department of Labour. Other reference material including example a Confined Space Entry Form is included in the Bibliography and Appendix 5.3 Asbestos Materials containing asbestos represent a hazard to health only if asbestos dust fine enough to be inhaled is released. Exposure to asbestos dust could occur if asbestoscement pipes or sheets are cut with power tools. For this reason, pipes and sheets should be cut with pipe cutters or handsaws only, and with the area of the cut dampened with water. 26

33 It is unlikely that other asbestos materials such as insulation or pipe lagging will be encountered, but if materials suspected to contain asbestos are found in a workplace, they must not be disturbed. A sample should be taken for analysis and, if asbestos is confirmed as being present, the state of the asbestos should be noted and whether or not it is likely to be disturbed by workplace activities should be assessed. If removal is considered to be the best alternative, a specialist asbestos removal firm should be contracted to carry out the work. It should be noted that construction work with asbestos is notifiable work under the HASE Act Regulations Several informative pamphlets on asbestos hazards and their control are available from OSH, Department of Labour. Guidelines for the management and removal of asbestos 1995 The Health & Safety Regulations Asbestos Atmospheric Monitoring The need for monitoring of workplace atmospheres is particularly relevant for worker entry into confined spaces but both portable monitoring capability and the use of fixed gas detection equipment has various applications in areas where toxic and/or flammable gases may be present or where oxygen deficiency is likely. Instruments vary from personal toxic gas indicators carried on individual workers and which sound an alarm if concentrations exceed preset levels (or, in the case of oxygen, where concentrations fall below set levels), through to handheld multipurpose detectors which (through several channels) can simultaneously monitor for oxygen deficiency, flammable vapours and specific toxic gases (most usually hydrogen sulphide). In addition, fixedinplace gas detectors are available, to continuously monitor atmospheres and to both record data and transmit results to a remote location outside the area. Training in the appropriate use of monitoring instruments is essential. Available equipment varies widely in sensitivity, accuracy, robustness, multipurpose nature and price. Equipment suppliers should be invited to tender against a specification of monitoring requirements when new equipment is being purchased. Care of equipment is very important and regular maintenance and calibration at annual intervals should be part of the equipment supply agreement. 27

34 5.5 Biological hazards and Worker Hygiene A variety of microorganisms originating from humans, animals or animal products are found in untreated wastewater, although there is no evidence that workers are especially prone to infection by these. However, vaccines against certain diseases to which these organisms give rise are available, and in particular it is recommended that immunity to tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitisa, hepatitisb and Typhoid should be maintained in those who may come into contact with sewage. Biological hazards can be reduced through immunisation, attention to hygiene, use of protective clothing Leptospirosis is a disease traditionally associated with exposure to sewage although risks related to this disease for wastewater workers have decreased with improved rodent control and attention to better hygiene. Some risk still exists from unprotected contact with sewage, from swallowing the diseasecausing organism in contaminated food or drink, or by the organism gaining entry to the body through cuts and abrasions. Inhalation of aerosol mists of wastewater can give rise to infections of the respiratory tract. Processes which give rise to aerosols should be redesigned to reduce or eliminate mist formation. If a risk still exists respiratory protection should be worn. Gloves should be worn for all work where contact with sewage is possible. After work the hands and forearms should be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water. Nails should be scrubbed, but not the skin. Washing is particularly important before eating, drinking or smoking. Warm water, soap and towels should be readily available for all workers. Workers who have carried out jobs involving sewage must not, in the same working shift, do work on drinking water systems without thorough decontamination procedures of the sort discussed above. The application of a lanolinbased barrier cream before work and after washing can afford protection and prevent cracking of the skin and thus reduce the risk of infection. Particular care should be taken to cleanse and dress any cut, scratch or abrasion of the skin with a waterproof dressing as soon as possible after injury, whether this is suffered at work or not. Although broken skin increases the danger of infection this can occur without breaks being visible, especially when the skin is wet. Food storage in tea rooms associated with sewerage facilities must be adequate to ensure that contamination cannot occur. 28

35 5.6 Chemicals Storage, Transportation and Handling Chemicals should be handled and stored in accordance with their specific requirements All chemicals for use in the workplace must be stored and handled with care, and in accordance with the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the particular product. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential health effects of exposure and how to work safely with the product. There are nine (9) categories of information that must be present on an MSDS. These categories are specified in the Controlled Products Regulations and include: Product information: product identifier (name), manufacturer and supplier s names, addresses and emergency contact numbers Hazardous ingredients Physical data Fire or explosion data Reactivity data: information on the chemical instability of a product and the substances with which it may react Toxicological properties: health effects Preventive measures First aid measures Preparation Information: who is responsible for the preparation and date of the preparation of MSDS Purchasers of chemicals must obtain the correct MSDS from the supplier at the time of purchase, and ensure that it accompanies the product so that all involved with its use have ready access to the information on the MSDS. In the handling of chemicals people are at risk due to: Inhalation of fumes Contact with the skin Ingestion It is often sensible to summarise the more technical aspects on an MSDS into simpler language. All protective clothing specified in the MSDS must be available and must be worn. Protective clothing such as gloves, aprons and rubber boots along with suitable cleanup materials must be available to cope with spillage. 29

36 When contact of chemicals (particularly corrosive substances) occurs with the skin or eyes, immediate first aid measures must be taken. For the skin, this includes removing contaminated clothing (which should be washed before reuse) and washing the affected skin area with soap and running water. If chemicals enter the eyes they should be rinsed immediately with plenty of water, with the eyelids held open. An eyewash fountain should be situated in areas where chemicals are mixed, and especially in the laboratory. Chemicals being transported must be accompanied by the documentation required by NZS 5433: 1988 and must be packaged and labelled in accordance with legislative requirements. NZWWA is producing a set of standards for chemicals used in water treatment (see references); each has a section on safety. The extremely hazardous nature of HFA (hydro flurosilicic acid) is brought to your attention. 5.7 Electrical Safety Electrical wiring and equipment must comply to the safety requirements of the designated zone As discussed in Section 5.10 electrical wiring and equipment for use in a classified hazardous area should be of an appropriate standard for use in the designated zone. Powered hand tools must be doubleinsulated, or else used only with an isolating transformer or earth leakage circuit breaker to prevent electric shock in use. Battery powered tools are good for electrical shock safety but must NOT be considered as nonsparking in hazardous vapours. n sparking tools (compressed air, brass, copper, rubber) may need to be considered under certain circumstances. 5.8 Flood Precautions A sudden inrush of water leading to injury or drowning of people working in sewage or stormwater reticulation systems may be caused by: a storm, possibly remote from the working site tidal water flow the rapid release of a large volume of water into the system without warning the failure or uncoordinated operation of pumping or control equipment the release of a large volume of water when an upstream pipe blockage is cleared. When work is being carried out in systems with pipes greater than 450 mm diameter the following additional precautions should be taken: 30

37 the weather forecast should be checked as near as practicable to the time of proposed entry the person entering the manhole must be wearing a safety harness properly secured to a winch rope and winch with a second person in attendance a ladder or bars should be placed across the pipe at the downstream side of the manhole or pipe in which work is taking place a safety rope should be run between manholes to allow the safety harness to be attached to it for stormwater systems near the sea particular care should be taken to check high tide times. 5.9 Fuel Handling and Storage Fuels for vehicles and combustion enginepowered equipment items are volatile and flammable liquids. The storage and handling of these substances is controlled by the relevant provisions of the Dangerous Goods (Class 3 Flammable Liquids) Regulations Specific advice on compliance requirements can be obtained, in the first instance, from Local Authority dangerous goods inspectors, or from OSH, Department of Labour. All ignition sources must be removed from areas where fuels are stored and where they may be handled. naked flames or hot surfaces must be allowed in the vicinity. Smoking must be expressly prohibited. Suitable funnels must be used to eliminate or minimise spillage when mixing fuel or refuelling equipment. Equipment fuel tanks should not be filled over sealed footpaths or roadways. If small spills occur they should be soaked up with sand or sawdust, or other suitable material. If a major spillage occurs, emergency services must immediately be notified. In the first instance this means the Fire Service, but the Police and the relevant dangerous goods inspector also must be informed. 2 At time of printing, the Dangerous Goods Act had been replaced by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, however the new Regulations had not been released. 31

38 Equipment must be available for cordoning off the spill area (e.g. drums, temporary fencing) and sand, sawdust, or other material, for absorbing the spill should be available. Fuels should be stored in their correct containers. Drums should be stood upright in a stable position. Small containers for fuel transfer and filling should be approved safety containers of metal or plastic with selfclosing lids. Fuel containers must not be carried in vehicle cabs Hazardous Area Classification Zonal classifications are given to areas where explosive gases could accumulate reference to the relevant NZ Standard provides information on the proper selection of equipment for that Zone Explosive vapours (e.g. methane) may build up in sewers and pumping stations and flammable solvents may enter wastewater streams from various sources, including tradewaste inflows. Vapour concentrations in these circumstances can readily exceed lower explosive limits and thus all sources of ignition must be excluded. Electrical wiring and equipment are obvious potential ignition sources and thus in socalled hazardous areas the types of electrical equipment and facilities must be such as to be safe for use within those areas. Classification of hazardous areas comprises a formalised method of analysing the environment where explosive (gas or vapour) atmospheres may occur and assigning a zonal classification (Zone 0, Zone 1 or Zone 2) based, in descending order of risk, on whether an explosive atmosphere is always, occasionally or infrequently present in the area. The relevant New Zealand Standard is NZS 6101:1 1988: Part 3: Classification of Hazardous Areas Specific Occupancies. Section 13 of the Standard deals with the detailed zonal classifications for sewage treatment plants (and particular plant items found therein) and sewage pumping stations. Reference to this Standard will allow the proper selection of electrical equipment for use in these types of workplaces Hazardous Substances Hazardous substances encountered in water, wastewater and drainage work can include chemicals used in connection with treatment operations, pesticides, and toxic and/or flammable materials either formed in the collection systems or introduced accidentally or as tradewaste inflows. Maintaining a register of Hazardous substances keeps a record of substances that staff are working with and can be given to emergency Services in the event of an accident. Section 5.6 of these Guidelines discusses chemical storage and use, Section 5.10 sets out requirements for work in hazardous atmospheres and Section 5.4 deals with atmospheric monitoring. 32

39 5.12 Laboratory Health and Safety Depending on the size and scope of activities carried out, it may be appropriate to prepare a detailed Health and Safety Manual for a particular laboratory. Good housekeeping is essential in a laboratory. A clearbench policy should be adopted, on a daily basis. Any person working in a laboratory must wear suitable protective clothing and adequate footwear. Gloves and aprons should be worn as required. In some instances respiratory protection may be necessary. Laboratory coats afford good protection to street clothes. They should not be worn into areas where food is stored, prepared or eaten. Where any operation in a laboratory could possibly give rise to the escape of liquid or gas under pressure, explosive breakage of a container, or otherwise cause materials to enter the eyes, eye protection must be worn by all persons in that room. Appropriate eye protection must be worn when working with or near ultraviolet light sources. All procedures evolving hazardous vapours must be carried out in a functioning fume hood. Substances and reagents for use in a laboratory must be stored safely and labelled correctly. Aqueous reagents must be labelled to denote their concentration. Materials Safety Data Sheets and shortform summaries of these should be available. These should define the hazards of those substances used in the laboratory and should specify what action to take in the event of an emergency involving the substance. A list of incompatible chemicals should be prominently displayed in the laboratory. All waste materials should be disposed of safely, and after appropriate neutralisation, autoclaving or other treatment if relevant. Disposal should be in accordance with any local conditions. Materials presenting biohazards, other hazardous substances, flammable materials and sharps must not be disposed of in the normal refuse but instead should either be disposed of as required by the relevant local authority, or removed for disposal by a specialist waste management contractor. Potentially hazardous or nonroutine analyses or experiments must be labelled clearly as to the type of procedure in progress if they are to be left unattended. The name of the person in charge of the activity must also be stated. 33

40 Spillages must be contained and cleaned up as quickly as practicable, by the use of approved methods. Any contaminated surfaces and equipment must be cleaned as necessary once the spillage has been removed. Rotating laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and blenders present obvious hazards from moving parts and/or sharp blades; due care must be exercised in the use of such equipment. Miscellaneous matters of relevance include: solvents must not be used where vapours could be subject to a source of ignition personnel should wash their hands thoroughly prior to eating, drinking or smoking no substances or apparatus should be left in a condition or position such that they could be hazardous to nonlaboratory personnel (e.g. cleaners) laboratories should be kept locked when unattended Lone Worker Health and Safety Policies Special care should be taken when working alone, particularly in remote locations When working alone it is essential that persons are experienced in the work to be done, are fully aware of all hazards associated with the work and of those hazards likely to cause incapacitation such as falls, moving machinery, deep or fastflowing water, or electricity. People who have any medical conditions which may give rise to a life threatening situation when working alone, should notify their employer. Furthermore, a person working alone should have an approved First Aid kit and should be trained in its use. Where it is necessary to work in a remote location, solo work should be discouraged. Where such work is unavoidable it is essential that workers report both at departure and upon return. A means of communication should be established and this should be useable for the duration of time away from the base workplace. work should proceed where assistance is necessary but is unavailable. In remote workplaces the hazards may be exacerbated by that remoteness (e.g. emergency services unavailable, communications restricted, rugged terrain, locked gates). The frequency or severity of hazards is also often greater in remote locations. If a solo worker is called out to a remote location: Report departure to and return from the workplace only those tasks within the worker s capabilities should be done 34

41 where hazards are significant, assistance must be requested and the task only carried out when this assistance arrives under these circumstances, until assistance arrives, action may be necessary to make the situation safe in the interim Manhole Entry The general requirements outlined in Section 5.2 for confined space entry form the fundamental basis for health and safety in entry via manholes into sewer or stormwater pipes. Special requirements include: checking the atmosphere inside the manhole with a calibrated gas analyser. The check should be taken both at the top and the bottom of the manhole by means of a rope, prior to entry. The following table indicates the Evacuation Levels required: Gas or Vapour Instantaneous level WESTWA WESSTEL H 2S 50ppm 10ppm 15ppm CO 200ppm 25ppm O 2 <19.5% or >22% LEL Organic vapours 10% and above 50ppm Definitions WES Workplace Exposure Standard TWA Time Waited Average (average exposure over a 9 hour day) STEL Short Term Exposure Level (Average of a 15 min period) a safety harness must be worn by all persons entering the manhole. A fall arrestor winch should be used when the manhole is greater than 2.4m deep and the diameter is greater than 450mm. no fewer than two persons must be posted at the same manhole, with one of these positioned at the bottom of the manhole shaft and observing and conversing with the person in the pipe on a continuous basis the second person must be positioned at the manhole on the surface and must observe the person at the bottom of the manhole shaft at all times 35

42 Good communications is a FUNDAMANTAL necessity in this work where audible and visible communication with the working team cannot be easily maintained then radio telephone, communications cable, light visibility or safety cable must be used. NOTE: Cellphones do NOT generally work. once the person working in the pipe has progressed past the halfway point then the person within the access manhole and the person at the surface should move to the next manhole in the length being worked. The lid of this manhole should have been removed in advance both the person in the pipe and the person at the bottom of the access manhole shaft must wear hard hats. Batterypowered lights must be used, with the lights on at all times the person working in the pipe must also carry a portable gas analyser, unless forced ventilation is maintained Machinery Safety Moving parts of machinery should be provided with suitable guards according to applicable standards and published Codes of Practice. Machinery must not be operated if the relevant guard is defective or missing. Where it is impractical to guard an item of machinery operation must only be carried out by trained personnel. All machinery must be isolated before repair or maintenance work is carried out. Eye protection must be worn wherever the use of a particular machine may give rise to possible eye injury through dust or ejected particles. The use of hearing protection is recommended wherever noise levels cause hearing discomfort. See section 5.17 on ise Sufficient working space should be allowed, wherever practicable, in the vicinity of pumps, motors, other machinery items, switch boards and electrical equipment. Wherever possible remote greasing points for machinery with moving parts should be introduced. Suitably located isolating switches or emergency stop buttons should be provided to override all other controls wherever automatic or remotelycontrolled plant is in use. A wide selection of booklets and pamphlets describing machinery safety and the guarding of particular types of machines is available from OSH, Department of Labour. 36

43 5.16 Manual Handling The risk of manual handling injuries is always present in workplaces where materials and small plant items are carried, lifted or loaded by hand. Particular types of likely injuries include muscle strains and back injuries, and crushing injuries to the feet where heavy items may be dropped. Correct lifting techniques should always be used, including knee bends and lifting with a straight back. Safety footwear must always be worn. Assistance should be obtained if loads are too heavy or awkward for a single person. If regular and repetitive manual handling work is a feature at a particular workplace the use of mechanical lifting devices to do such work should be investigated. Detailed information about manual handling is contained in the publications Manual Handling A Workbook and Manual Handling Guidelines for the Workplace, each available from OSH, Department of Labour ise Control Employees should not be exposed to noise levels above 85 db(a) for long periods of time, or peak noise greater than 140 db Hazardous noise is any sound capable of causing permanent damage to the sense of hearing in humans. iseinduced hearing loss is permanent and no ameliorative remedy is available. The approach must therefore be preventative, based on: assessment of exposure by measuring noise levels from machines and work activities carrying out various control measures to reduce noise levels monitoring baseline hearing characteristics of continually exposed persons periodically checking for any reduction in hearing acuity of these persons selection of suitable hearing protection for use by workers, with the grade of this protection determined by the extent of the noise hazard assessed for a workplace or area. When new machinery is being selected, information on the noise levels associated with the machinery in use should be obtained from the supplier or manufacturer, and comparative noise levels must then be a factor in assessing and selecting specific equipment items. 37

44 Regulation 11 of the HSE Regulations requires that all practicable steps must be taken to ensure that employees are not exposed to noise levels above 85 db(a), based on an 8 hour average daily exposure, or peak noise levels greater than 140 db. All practicable steps can include engineering noise controls and the wearing of personal hearing protection, or both. As an indication of noise level, 85dB(A) is a level where a person must raise their voice to be heard by a person 300mm away 5.18 tifiable Work The HASE Act Regulations require an employer to notify OSH of certain work that is more than usually dangerous, before the work commences. tifiable work as defined in the regulations: a. Any restricted work, as that term is defined in regulation 2(1) of the Asbestos Regulations b. Any logging operation or tree felling operation, being an operation that is undertaken for commercial purposes c. Any construction work of one or more of the following kinds: Work where workers could fall 5m or more, excluding work on a two storeyed house, or work on a power or telephone line, or work carried out from a ladder only, or maintenance or repair work of a minor or routine nature The erection and use of scaffolds 5m or more above the ground Every excavation which is more than 1.5m deep and which is deeper than it is wide at the top Any form of tunnel or drive where workers work underground irrespective of timbering or support Those excavations where the excavated face is steeper than 1 horizontal to 2 vertical Any construction work where explosives are used or stored Work such as diving, where construction workers breath air or any other gas that has been compressed or is under pressure Any construction work (incl maintenance) in connection with asbestos fibres Lifts of ½ tonne (500kg) or carried out by mechanical means other than by mobile crane, excavator or forklift. 38

45 5.19 Occupational Overuse Syndrome Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS), formerly known as repetitive strain injury or RSI, is a collective term for muscle discomfort resulting from tension. While often associated with keyboard work OOS is potentially a risk factor at any workplace where the frequency and type of repeated movements results in excessive muscle stress. Typical symptoms include muscle discomfort, pain, and burning or tingling areas of the muscles or tendons. Causative factors can be some or all of the following: the workplace not being properly ergonomically designed awkward working positions or postures the type and frequency of working movement requirements sustained muscle tension in work requiring a light touch repetitive work for long periods without rests work pressures to meet deadlines or doing unaccustomed work. The key areas in which simple remedial measures will lead to the prevention of OOS are: workstation design correct working techniques organisation of the flow of work workplace exercises, and work pauses or breaks. Further information is available in Occupational Overuse Syndrome Guidelines for Prevention and Management and Occupational Overuse Syndrome Checklists for the Evaluation of Work, both published by OSH, Department of Labour PermitToWork Systems Ensure that permittowork systems are fully adhered to A permittowork system is an essential link in the protection of personnel working in situations or with plant where the coordination of activities is a prerequisite of safe work. It is essential that a permittowork system is used for its intended purpose, is applied in its entirety and without omissions and that all contractors affected by such a system are fully aware of its requirements and its effects on them. 39

46 The move to outsource maintenance and / or operations activities has lead to a nedd for clear identification of who has possession of the site. The responsibility to establish, operate and maintain a permit to work system can lie either in the infrastructure owner / operator of with the maintenance contractor. Where the contractor has the role, the responsibilities of the owner / operator as Principals cannot be underestimated. Permitstowork must take into account all relevant local conditions. They may be used for: electrical work mechanical work pressure systems confined space work sewage operations. The basic principles which pertain to the development of a satisfactory permittowork system include: the permit must be based on comprehensive, uptodate information and must state exactly what work is to be carried out the permit must state the safety precautions to be taken (e.g. isolation of machinery, purging of vessels, testing, etc), the method of work and the time of expiry of the permit any limitations placed on the permit regarding the space or plant to which it refers and the type of operation to be carried out must be clearly stated while current the permit must be considered to be the principal instruction (with the exception of emergencies) until it expires or is cancelled only an authorised person may amend or cancel a permit all persons carrying out a job which is subject to a permittowork system must have the opportunity of viewing the permit so that they can be sure of the requirements placed on them and that the procedures have been properly prepared if reissue of an expired permit is required, a competent and authorised person should visit the place of work and satisfy themselves that conditions have not materially altered since the original certificate was issued if conditions have changed the permit must be suitably amended before reissue. 40

47 5.21 Protective Clothing and Equipment Protective clothing and equipment required to ensure the health and safety of workers by minimising exposure to hazards can include: overalls safety footwear hard hats gloves eye protection / face shields earmuffs safety harness life lines respirator (correct type) waterproof clothing. All protective clothing and equipment must be properly maintained, securely stored when not in use, kept clean and in good repair, and be subject to regular inspection Respiratory Protective Equipment Where there is a risk to workers from potential or known hazardous atmospheres, appropriate respiratory protection must be worn. All persons likely to have to wear such respiratory protection should be trained in its safe use, and in its proper care and maintenance. Respiratory protection may need to be used in both routine operations and for emergencies. It is essential that the correct equipment is selected for the particular environment for which protection is required. If the likely hazard is oxygen deficiency then selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be worn. For protection against toxic contaminants SCBA is again appropriate but other equipment types such as airline, airpurifying and filter respirators can be used. For particulate contaminants or aerosol mists, the choices are between dust, mist or fume filter respirators, and airline and airpurifying respirators. Detailed information about the selection and types of respiratory protective equipment can be found in the booklet A Guide to Respiratory Protection published by OSH, Department of Labour. 41

48 5.23 Safe Access and Egress, Ladders, Rigging and Scaffolding The location, design and construction of manholes and accessways into chambers must be such that rescue of injured workers is not impeded. The OSH publication Guidelines for the Provision of Facilities and General Safety in Commercial and Industrial Premises, Section 2.4 provides valuable information on requirements for access and egress. All stairways, platforms, landings, walkways and screens should be guarded on each side by a wall, guardrail or handrail. They should be at a safe height and have at least one intermediate rail. A plate or toeboard should be fixed at the foot to prevent sliding underneath, as well as to prevent the fall of loose objects. In some cases it may be desirable to provide mesh panels. The routing of elevated walkways should be considered carefully. They must be at least 600 mm wide and with clear head room. They should be surfaced with nonslip material. Ramps should be avoided if practicable; if ramps are unavoidable the surface should be treated to provide adequate grip. Fixed ladders should comply with the detailed requirements of AS Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders. Design, Construction and Installation. Where practicable stairways should be chosen in preference to ladders. Landing places of adequate size (see AS1657) should be provided. If work involving rigging or scaffolding is to be carried out by workers, the detailed provisions of the Rigging Code of Practice and the document Approved Code of Practice for the Safe Erection and Use of Scaffolding, each published by OSH, Department of Labour, should be followed. Attention is drawn to the requirements for scaffolding in the HASE Regulations, clauses 22 & 35, regarding duties and certificates of competence. Furthermore, OSH is to be notified of work that is more dangerous than usual. This includes: Work where workers can fall more than 5m Erection and use of scaffolds that are more than 5m above the ground. See section 5.35 for working at height 5.24 Safe Work on or Near Water Solo work must not be undertaken where there is the possibility of falling into deep or fastflowing water. Workers must wear safety harnesses and be attached to the shore by life lines. Lifejackets must be worn if these are impractical. Buoyancy aids are, by themselves, not sufficient as they may not necessarily prevent an unconscious person from drowning. 42

49 When work is being carried out in a river, a wetsuit or neoprene waders should be worn as they markedly assist buoyancy in the event of submergence.when workers attempt to cross fastflowing water, lifejackets and safety harnesses and life lines should be used as appropriate. All life jackets must be tested for buoyancy on an annual basis and be replaced if they fail or are suspect. Fastening straps must be replaced immediately if damaged or unusable. Extra care must be taken where a river bank is slippery, undercut or likely to be unstable. For work involving boats the following points are relevant: lifejackets must be worn at all times. The designated person in control of the boat must refuse to operate it until all personnel are so equipped the person in control must be familiar with the craft and its operation, and be capable of handling it safely. They must also be aware of any special hazards in the area of operation checks of the weather and likely water conditions must be made before any operation from a boat proceeds boats must not be used in weather conditions which are or may become beyond their capabilities the boat must have one or more bailers and a throwrope, one end of which must be permanently attached to the boat any motorpowered boat must also carry oars or paddles to be used if the motor fails the maximum loading of a boat (which should be displayed on board) must never be exceeded particular care should be taken when embarking or disembarking, or when transferring equipment between the boat and the shore. Workers must not wear clothing which may become heavily waterlogged for any work on or near water Screen Based Equipment When carrying out maintenance work, screens must be isolated since rakes on screens may start automatically. Cleaning of screens must be carried out with brushes and hoses. Hands must never be used. When screens are being dismantled sprocketdriven chain drives must be locked out to prevent movement. 43

50 5.26 Site Security and Visitor Control When work is carried out in places where the public have a right of access the work site must be securely fenced, guarded and signposted. Visiting parties must be provided with adequate prearranged supervision and should be guided in small groups. Routes for visitors should be selected which are free of potential hazards Signage for Health and Safety The various items of prescriptive legislation (e.g. the HSNO Act and Regulations) which still pertain to elements of health and safety in New Zealand workplaces have a range of requirements for signage and labelling to be applied to containers, equipment or workplace situations. However the Health and Safety in Employment Act, leaves the practicalities up to employers and only requires that all practicable steps to ensure health and safety be taken. Thus, under the HSE Act and related legislation, an employer must decide if signs about aspects of workplace health and safety are a necessary part of all practicable steps. If they are considered to assist with the discharge of this general obligation, the exact form and wording of the signage is in the hands of the employer. Pictogram signs of a type which show an intended action by means of a wordless symbol are available from signage supply companies to cover a very wide range of health and safety situations Stacking and Storage Stacking and storage of equipment, piping, spare parts and materials generally should be arranged systematically and in a way which allows ready access to select and remove or insert individual items. The publication Guidelines for Safe Stacking and Storage, available from OSH, Department of Labour, contains detailed information to help employers to develop safe and effective methods of stacking and storage and to meet their obligations under the law. The document has information about safe systems of work, floors and supporting structures, stock holding structures, positioning of stacks and their optimum size and shape, stability of stacks, fire safety, materials handling equipment and many other relevant matters. 44

51 5.29 Treatment Plant Operation Often general industrial plant hazards are also applicable to water supply and wastewater treatment plants Water treatment plants and equipment also have specific sets of hazards which may be unique to them Many of the hazards of a typical industrial plant are encountered in both water supply and wastewater treatment plant operations. Care should be taken to identify, assess and eliminate, isolate or minimise the following potential general hazards: falls from heights falling into water contact with moving parts of machinery tripping over obstacles or temporary obstructions slipping on greasy or icy walkways falling objects asphyxiation explosion contact with hazardous substances electric shock adverse weather conditions lifting excessive weights traffic operations grass cutting and related activities. Several of these matters have been considered in some detail elsewhere in these Guidelines. In particular, confined spaces (Section 5.2) are widely distributed around a typical treatment plant and should be identified specifically and entry procedures addressed. Special treatment plant equipment and process items may have unique sets of associated hazards; these include: Screens: see Section Tanks: when working above tanks containing liquids, buoyancy aids should be at hand and safety harnesses should be available if a significant risk of drowning in a tank is considered to exist then the tank perimeter should be fenced surfaces around tanks may become slippery due to foam overflow, chemical dust, ice, bird droppings, etc. 45

52 Aeration Tanks: in aeration tanks the extent of dissolved air in the liquid contents means that a person would not float in the water. This is a serious hazard that is not readily appreciated. Trickling Filters: the interior of a filter must be recognised as a confined space. Ventilation fans must be operating during work within a filter. Respiratory protection to prevent aerosol inhalation will be necessary. operators must isolate moving machinery within a filter before carrying out maintenance work work should not be carried out on filter covers during high winds, heavy rain or in icy conditions. If emergency work is necessary a safety harness must be used. Sludge Digesters: the roof void and digester tank interior are confined spaces. Flammable gases are produced in the sludge digestion process and sources of ignition must be excluded rigorously from the vessel prior to performing work on the digester. The oxygen content may also be low Trenching, Excavation and Underground Services The major hazards associated with excavation work include: instability and collapse of the excavation itself damage to underground services (e.g. electrical cables, water mains, pressurised pipelines) with resulting associated hazards contact made by excavation plant and machinery with overhead services such as power lines past contamination of the excavation site by leachate and chemicals. The presence of all underground services should be determined by reference to site plans or other available information prior to excavation work. Locations should be confirmed by the onsite use of cable location equipment or metal detectors. 46

53 Mechanical excavators must not dig within 1 m of hazardous underground services (e.g. gas, power, high pressure water mains), or within 0.5 m of nonhazardous services (e.g. gravity sewers, stormwater mains, Telecom cables, etc). All services must be located by handdigging prior to the operation of excavation machinery. Mobile plant must not be operated within 4 m of any overhead power lines. An excavation of 1.5 m in depth or greater must have the excavated face shored up, as required by reg 24 of the HSE Regulations Any excavations to which people have access and which can accumulate water must be either covered or fenced, in accordance with reg 25 of the HSE Regs. Historical contamination of a site by chemicals may be indicated by an unusual colour or odour of the soil, absence of growth, retardation of vegetation or obvious chemical deposits. If site contamination is known or suspected, sampling of the area around the excavation is essential to confirm whether or not a hazard exists to workers. If significant contamination is confirmed, more detailed planning of the excavation work is required to ensure that workers are not exposed to hazardous contaminants. Advice on correct excavation and trenching techniques is contained in the document Approved Code of Practice for Safety in Excavation and Shafts for Foundations, published by OSH, Department of Labour. Since the First Edition of the Guideline, there has been a significant increase in Directional Drilling techniques used by all utility providers eg. water, telephone, data, gas and electricity. This work method is contrary to the basis for the protection of services previously adopted. Protection is usually from the surface in the form of markers, protective tiles, marking tape with the idea being that a warning of service location below. Horizontal impact with a service is now a real risk and before drilling commences, a thorough determination of other service locations must be undertaken UltraViolet Radiation Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is often used as a disinfection agent to kill pathogenic organisms present in drinking water and wastewater streams. UV radiation is that part of the electromagnetic spectrum lying just beyond the shorter wavelength end of visible light. 47

54 The effects of UV radiation on humans are restricted to the skin and eyes. Acute (i.e. rapidacting) effects of exposure usually occur after a delay period of 224 hours. Typical skin effects are sunburnlike symptoms and interference with skin growth. For the eyes corneal irritation, giving a feeling of grit in the eyes, is common. Effects of repeated exposure to UV light include premature skin ageing, increased opacity of the lens of the eye, and possibly skin cancer. Protective clothing and commercial sunblocks provide skin protection against UV radiation. Eye protection can be obtained by goggles or a face shield; polycarbonate plastic gives best protection UnderWater Work Diving work is highly specialised and any person carrying out diving must hold a current New Zealand Underwater Diving Association certificate, or an equivalent. Under the HASE regulations, diving work is a notifiable activity and OSH must be informed where workers are breathing air that is compressed or under pressure. All diving operations must be carried out in accordance with the Code of Diving Practice, published by the Public Service Association, and/or Approved Code of Practice for Safety in Professional Diving Work (draft), published by OSH, Department of Labour Use of Grinding and Buffing Machinery The use of grinding and buffing machinery creates hazards related to: ejection of dust and debris from the article being cut or ground and consequent risk of dust inhalation or eye injury fire risks from sparks incorrect maintenance or setup of equipment resulting in hazardous malfunctions (eg. a grinding disc shattering) excessively noisy and/or vibrating equipment which contributes to noiseinduced hearing loss and vibrationrelated hand and wrist injuries respectively kickback of workpieces arising from incorrect operating practices and/or absent or inadequate guarding. Operators must: 48 wear eye protection and hearing defenders at all times when using this equipment

55 only use the equipment with all guards in place isolate the tool from the power supply when changing the disc or wheel Use of Mobile Plant Mobile plant should only be operated by trained personnel When plant and machinery is being assessed for its suitability for particular work tasks prior to hiring, leasing, purchasing, using or working with, the possible hazards associated with its operation should be carefully considered. Mobile plant and machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, road rollers, cranes, tractors and forklifts present particular hazards to operators, persons working in their vicinity, pedestrians and the general public, and to other vehicles. Only persons trained and licensed (where appropriate) to use mobile plant and hazardous machinery may operate it. Unauthorised and/or untrained persons must not operate such equipment. Operators must use mobile plant in a way which minimises risks to other site workers and the public. When work is being carried out involving mobile plant and machinery the following points should be noted: no person may ride on any mobile plant, other than the operator high visibility clothing must be worn when working near operational plant the noise levels generated by operating plant may increase the relevance of other hazards by masking alarms or other warning sounds dust generated by mobile plant can severely reduce local visibility, as well as creating a nuisance on and off site keep well clear of operating plant to the greatest practicable extent. If it is necessary to approach the item of plant do so from the front, in clear view of the operator ensure that jibs and booms are greater that 4m from overhead power lines workers should not turn their backs on operating plant hard hats must be worn if headbump hazards are present or there is the possibility of falling objects working beneath a suspended load or riding in excavator buckets must each be avoided at all times. 49

56 OSH, Department of Labour has extensive information booklets on cranes, and on RollOver Protective Structures (ROPS) for large mobile machines Working at Heights The HSE Regulations 1995 (reg 21) require that suitable means must be employed to prevent falls from heights greater than 3 m. Adequate fencing of work platforms will satisfy this requirement. Work at heights may sometimes be more temporary in nature, such as work involving ladders or tree trimming. In such cases harnesses and safety ropes are methods of satisfactory hazard mitigation. Work involving cherry pickers may introduce hazards of contact with overhead power lines or fixed obstructions, or falls from the bucket. Only trained and experienced workers should carry out such work. Refer section 5.23 Safe Access and egress, ladders, rigging and scaffolding 5.36 Working Under Loads If work is required to be carried out under raised objects, then the possible collapse of such objects must be prevented by the placement of suitable supports or props under the object Working on Roads Work on roads is most likely to occur when attending to water supply systems, stormwater and sewer lines. Other circumstances may involve tree or foliage trimming and manhole inspections. Special care must be taken when working in the vicinity of moving traffic. Warning signs, cones, barriers, temporary traffic lights and other controls should be erected as indicated in the Transit New Zealand Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management For very shortterm work circumstances (i.e. less than 2 minutes) the strict requirements of the TNZ Guidelines may be inappropriate. In such cases a suitable alternative is to park the service vehicle in such a way that it protects workers from moving traffic. The vehicle must have a roofmounted yellow flashing light, and its hazard warning lights must also be operating. The vehicle should be parked no closer than 3 m to the point of working, and it must be in gear with the hand brake applied and the engine off. Keys should be removed from the ignition. Even for temporary work it may still be prudent to use cones and signs if traffic density is high. 50

57 For work involving movement along a road, such as surveying or measurement, warning signs must be erected at the following distances from the start of the work: in a 50 kph zone 60 m in a 70 kph zone 80 m in a 100 kph zone 120 m This may need to be supplemented by other traffic controls for busy roads or prolonged work. For work across the entire width of a road or carriageway (e.g. measuring) it may be necessary to temporarily stop the traffic. At least two persons would be required to carry out such activities. It is essential that barriers and warning signs be set up before proceeding with planned work. They may only be removed when all work has been completed. Other recommended procedures include: work, as much as possible, facing oncoming traffic wear high visibility clothing if traffic is reduced to a single lane, use Stop/Go paddle signs any excavation should be securely barriered or drummed off for an excavation left overnight flashing lights must be used work should be planned to coincide, to the greatest possible extent, with offpeak traffic times. Further information is available in the OSH, Department of Labour publication Guidelines for the Provision of Facilities and General Safety in Commercial and Industrial Premises, Section Work in Hazardous Atmospheres Workplace atmospheres may be hazardous because of Deep trenches can also house toxic/explosive gases or have insufficient oxygen oxygen deficiency, or the presence of toxic and/or flammable vapours It is important to realise that stormwater systems and deep trenches are potentially as dangerous as sewerage systems with respect to these hazards. 51

58 Oxygen deficiency arises fundamentally because of inadequate ventilation. It may occur because of the displacement of air by some other heavierthanair gas, or it may result from the absorption, consumption or biochemical depletion of the available oxygen content of the air by the decomposition of organic matter. Adequate testing for hazardous atmospheres in confined spaces is essential use of smell is unreliable The most common toxic and/or flammable gases found in confined spaces associated with water, wastewater or drainage systems include carbon monoxide, methane, petroleum vapour and hydrogen sulphide. Certain substances (e.g. hydrogen sulphide) possess characteristic odours but odour alone is not always a dependable guide because individual sensitivity can vary, the sense of smell can be dulled or even paralysed and sometimes easily recognised odours can be masked by stronger ones. Table 5.1: Acceptable Limits for Common Gases and Vapours Associated with Water and Wastewater Systems* Gas or Vapour Carbon monoxide Methane Hydrogen sulphide Petroleum vapour Toxicity (Workplace Exposure Standard) 50 ppm a simple asphyxiant 10 ppm 300 ppm Lower Explosive Limit 12.5% 4.9% 4.3% 1.4% ppm = parts per million by volume * from Workplace Exposure Standards and Biological Exposure Indices for NZ, 1994 As noted in Section 5.2 entry must not be made into a confined space unless the atmosphere has been tested (see Section 5.8) by an authorised, competent person having relevant local knowledge of the system or installation. The effectiveness of ventilation methods should be continuously monitored Ventilation (followed by monitoring to ensure effectiveness) is the most satisfactory means of removing hazardous gases from a workplace atmosphere. Care should be taken, by continuing to apply ventilation and/or carrying out continuous monitoring, to ensure that a hazardous atmosphere does not recur in the area. It may be possible, by changes in process parameters or tracing tradewaste inflows for example, to reduce or eliminate some sources which introduce hazardous vapours into effluent streams. 52

59 6 Bibliography Legislation Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992 Health & Safety in Employment Amendment Act 1993 Health & Safety in Employment Amendment Act 1998 The Factories and Commercial Premises (First Aid) regulations 1985 Health & Safety in Employment Regulations 1995 Health & Safety in Employment Regulations (Asbestos) 1998 The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (1996) The Building Act Dangerous Goods Regulations The Electricity Regulations OSH Publications Boilers Approved Code of Practice for the Design, Safe Operation, Maintenance and Servicing of, (1995) Cranes and Lifting Appliances Approved Code of Practice for (1985) Demolition Approved Code of Practice for (1994) Excavation and Shafts for Foundations Approved Code of Practice for Safety in (1995) Commercial and Industrial Premises Guidelines for the Provision of Facilities and General Safety in (1995) Managing Hazards to Prevent Major Industrial Accidents Approved Code of Practice for (1994) ise in the Workplace Approved Code of Practice for the Management of (1996) PowerActuated HandHeld Fastening Tools Approved Code of Practice for (1995) Powered Industrial Lift Trucks (Forklifts) Approved Code of Practice for Training Operators and Instructors of (1995) Scaffolding Approved Code of Practice for the Safe Erection and Use of (1995) Visual Display Units Approved Code of Practice for the Safe Use of (1995) 53

60 A Guide to Respiratory Protection, 1999, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington A Workbook Manual Handling, 1991, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Checklists for the Evaluation of Work Occupational Overuse Syndrome, 1991, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Diving in Construction Code of Practice, 1987, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Ergonomics of Machine Guarding, 1979, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guarding of Belt Conveyors, 1976, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guarding of Screw Conveyors, 1981, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guarding of Transmission Machinery, 1989, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guidelines for the Provision of Facilities and General Safety in Commercial and Industrial Premises, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guidelines for Guarding Principles and General Safety for Machinery, 1995, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Occupational Overuse Syndrome, 1991, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guidelines for Safe Stacking and Storage, 1989, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Asbestos, 1995, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Guidelines for the Workplace Manual Handling, 1991, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Presence Sensing Devices for Machine Guarding, 1983, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Rigging Code of Practice, 1990, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Road Works Safety Guide, 1991, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington RollOver Protective Structures for Earthmoving Machines 1985, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Safe Access, 1992, ISBN , OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington 54

61 Safety in Confined Spaces, 1989, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Wire Mesh Guards for Machinery, 1982, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Workplace Exposure Standards and Biological Exposure Indices for New Zealand, 1994, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Occupational Overuse Syndrome Guidelines for Prevention and Management, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Occupational Overuse Syndrome Checklists for the Evaluation of Work, OSH, Department of Labour, Wellington Other Publications Referred to in the Guidelines Document, or that will be Helpful: AS 1657:1992, Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders. Design, construction and installation. Code of Diving Practice, 1988, Public Service Association, Wellington COSSH in Laboratories, 1989, ISBN , The Royal Society of Chemistry, London Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory, 4th Edition, 1986, ISBN , edited by L Bretherick, The Royal Society of Chemistry, London NZS 5433:1988, Code of practice for the safe transport of hazardous substances on land NZS 6101: Part 3, 1991, Classification of hazardous areas specific occupancies Safety in Chemical Laboratories and in the Use of Chemicals, 3rd Edition, 1971, Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, London Safe Practices in Chemical Laboratories, 1989, ISBN , The Royal Society of Chemistry, London Standard for the Supply of Aluminium Sulphate for Use in Water Treatment, 2nd Edition, 1997, Water Supply Managers SubGroup, New Zealand Water and Wastes Association, Auckland Standard for the Supply of Chlorine for Use in Water Treatment, 1997, Water Supply Managers SubGroup, New Zealand Water and Wastes Association, Auckland Standard for the Supply of Fluoride for Use in Water Treatment, 2nd Edition, 1997, Water Supply Managers SubGroup, New Zealand Water and Wastes Association, Auckland 55

62 Standard for the Supply of Hydrated Lime for Use in Water Treatment, 2nd Edition, 1997, Water Supply Managers SubGroup, New Zealand Water and Wastes Association, Auckland The Transit New Zealand Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management 2000 Internet Web Sites Site Safe NZ Safety Institute of Australia Safeguard magazine OSH National Occupational Health & Safety Commission of Australia Canadian Occupational Safety & Health homepage: 56

63 7 Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Hazard Control Safety Audit Checklist Serious Harm Accidents OSH Regional Offices Sample Forms 57

64 Appendix A Hazard Identification Hazard Identification Methods There are three fundamental methods of hazard identification applicable to various workplace circumstances. Hazard Identification by Area Fixed workplaces are ideally suited to hazard identification by area which involves grouping hazards into common types and identifying them by surveying in detail all of the different parts of the workplace. An outline of steps in the process is as follows: (a) Obtain an uptodate and accurate plan of the workplace. (b) Draw up a diagram to show the flow of work or production sequence. (c) Divide the workplace into discrete areas and number them. This division can be based on how work is carried out or on the physical layout of the site. Thus, for example, a small factory might contain a stores area, a production area, workshops, offices and a yard area. (d) Ask staff in each identified area to list what they consider are the hazards in the places they work and why they consider these are hazards or potential hazards. Use a data collection form for information gathering. te: The process of hazard identification may need to be AUDITED; therefore make sure that there is an audit trail established, with information clearly recorded. (e) It is recommended that a meeting be held to fill in the data sheets rather than just handing them out. It is also important that judgements as to the likelihood that harm would result from the hazard are not made at this time. (f) To further assist the hazard identification process make use of all available information. This can come from the following sources; codes of practice, pamphlets, booklets, regulations, manufacturers information material, inhouse and external reports, complaint details, environmental and health monitoring reports, etc. Use can also be made of records and reports on accidents and near misses, both at the particular workplace and more generally within the industry itself. The detailed list of hazards prepared must allow the clear linking of delineated hazards to specific areas of the workplace. A broad list of 59

65 hazards in a general workplace is of very little use on its own for the purposes of hazard control. Hazard Identification by Task Analysis Work that is not done at a fixed workplace is better analysed by first identifying the different types of work involved and the tasks that people are called on to perform, and then the hazards they face in doing these tasks can be identified. This method is well suited to those work activities where there is considerable scope for the workers themselves to decide how the task will be carried out, eg. tradespeople. This analysis method is applicable to such work as maintenance, construction and similar activities where people tend to work in small autonomous groups with minimal supervision. A major problem with this type of approach is that hazards that are not part of a particular person s work tasks will not be identified by that person. Steps in the process include: (a) Identify all the tasks that people carry out. A task consists of a number of steps, actions or stages performed in order to complete a specific work assignment. The task identification process can initially be done by asking people what they specifically do. The work should be broken down into small enough components to be analysed, but not so small as to make the analysis impractical. A task breakdown of the work carried out may already exist, for example from the development of a quality assurance system. (b) Discuss and then list the steps or stages involved in performing each task. (c) Ask those involved what hazards they consider apply to each identified step, and record these. (d) To further assist the hazard identification process, make use of all available information. This can come from the following sources; codes of practice, pamphlets, booklets, regulations, manufacturers information material, inhouse and external reports, complaint details, environmental and health monitoring reports, etc. Use can also be made of records and reports on accidents and near misses, both at the particular workplace and more generally within the industry itself. The detailed list of hazards prepared must allow the clear linking of delineated hazards to specific workplace activities. A broad list of hazards is of very little use on its own for the purposes of hazard control. 60

66 Hazard Identification by Process A more technical approach to hazard identification is to identify the processes involved at a worksite and then go through each process stepbystep, identifying the hazards in each element of the process. The time taken to identify individual potential hazards in this way can be longer than the time taken to quantify the risks of these hazards. Steps in this method include: (a) Make an inventory of all substances and/or chemicals used in the process. (b) Outline the process from the point where raw materials are delivered to the site to where the finished goods are dispatched. Identify the steps where materials are transformed by physical or chemical means. (c) Draw up a flow chart detailing every step of the process (including waste streams) and setting out the various stages where chemicals and substances are used in the process. (d) Identify all the hazards at each stage of the process. (e) To further assist the hazard identification process make use of all available information. This can come from the following sources; codes of practice, pamphlets, booklets, regulations, manufacturers information material, inhouse and external reports, complaint details, environmental and health monitoring reports, etc. Use can also be made of records and reports on accidents and near misses, both at the particular workplace and more generally within the industry itself. The detailed list of hazards prepared must allow the clear linking of delineated hazards to specific processes within the workplace. A broad list of hazards in a general workplace is of very little use on its own for the purposes of hazard control. Hazard Identification by Combination This is the best approach is to use a combination of the above methods as it ensures that a robust identification process is followed and the hazard identification is complete. 61

67 Appendix B Risk Assessment The Risk Assessment Process The Purposes of Risk Assessment A risk assessment has three purposes; these are: To consider the chance of harm actually befalling anyone in particular circumstances and the possible consequences which could result. To enable the planning, introduction and monitoring of preventive measures to ensure that identified risks are adequately controlled at all times. Without effective assessment there can seldom be effective control. To meet responsibilities for identifying and controlling significant hazards as defined in the Health and Safety in Employment Act Key points about assessments are: Assessments must be adequate. They must be sufficient to guide an employer s judgements about measures that should be taken to fulfil all legal obligations. Assessments must cover all risks to the health and safety of employees which the employees are exposed to at work. Assessments must cover risks to people who are not employees but who may be affected by what the employer does (e.g. members of the public, or other contractors at the same workplace). Whenever new or altered risks are encountered the employer must revise the original assessment. A regular review is advisable as part of good management practice. Where groups of employees are especially at risk the groups must be identified as part of the assessment (e.g. those working on their own, plus young, inexperienced or disabled workers). Outline of the Risk Assessment Process Each identified hazard needs to be examined so that a decision can be made as to whether: injury or illness could result from that hazard and, if so, what action is to be taken to reduce the risk. This is a decisionmaking process and must be followed in a systematic manner. At the same time however there is an opportunity to estimate the risk due to any hazard and thereby to determine the relative seriousness of each hazard (i.e. as compared with each other). This estimation is not to decide whether to control the risk presented by the hazard but, rather, to indicate the priority to be given to remedial action. 63

68 The process outlined below can be applied to each hazard. This process should be documented on a risk assessment recording sheet. Step 1 Select the area or task where the hazards are to be assessed and consider each identified hazard in turn. Step 2 Consider ways in which any injury, illness or damage could result from each hazard. If it is considered that injury, illness or damage cannot arise, list the evidence why not and move on to the next hazard (or group of hazards). te: Remember that someone must have considered the situation a hazard to identify it as such in the first place. Care must be taken therefore to analyse all ways in which injury, illness or damage could possibly occur before disregarding any supposed hazard. Step 3 At this stage in the process a list of hazards which could lead to injury, illness or damage will have been generated. To establish a potential severity rating for each hazard consider the following points: the extent of injury or illness which could occur the likelihood that these will be negligible, minor or major the likelihood that they will be longterm or latent in their mode of action the possibility that the injury or illness may be fatal To establish a probable frequency rating for each hazard consider 64 how likely it is that injury or illness will occur; ie. is it remotely possible, is it known to have occurred previously, is there a considerable possibility of injury or illness, does it happen with great regularity.

69 Step 4 Compile a risk rating number by using the Frequency/Severity Table (i.e. multiply together the ratings derived from answers to the above considerations). Such a risk rating enables the most serious hazards (i.e. those with the highest numbers and hence the highest priority) to be considered first. SEVERITY PROBABLE FREQUENCY Fatality Serious harm Minor Negligible Occurs all the time Has occurred previously Strong possibility of occurring Known to have happened in the industry Remotely possible At this stage a risk rating for each hazard will have been derived. Step 5 At this point a list of identified hazards has been generated and these have been assessed in terms of the likely severity of harm from the hazard and the likelihood of that harm occurring. w the list can be separated into significant hazards and other hazards as follows; ie. Consider whether each hazard is an actual or potential cause or source of: serious harm, as defined in the Health and Safety in Employment Act (see Appendix 5); or harm, the severity of which may depend on how often or how long a person is exposed to the hazard (e.g. Occupational Overuse Syndrome); or harm that does not usually occur, or usually is not easily detectable, until some significant time after exposure to the hazard (e.g. the health effects of asbestos exposure). 65

70 It is important to make sure at this stage that all the evidence needed to make a decision is available. If in doubt, expert advice should be obtained and wide consultation should be carried out. The information gathered during the hazard identification process will be valuable. If a hazard does not fit into any of the three harm categories noted above, then the evidence leading to this conclusion should be set down, and then consideration should switch to the next hazard on the priority list. On the other hand if a hazard does conform to the characteristics of one of the above categories, then the details of the type of harm which could ensue must be noted, and the hazard must be added to the significant hazard list. Step 6 Two lists will now have been generated; ie: significant hazards; and other hazards which further divide the original list of identified hazards. The final step is to match the identified hazards with the measures which currently exist for controlling them (if any) and state whether more needs to be done to make the present control measures fully effective. Appendix 3 deals with control of hazards in some detail. 66

71 Appendix C Hazard Control Principles of the Hazard Control Process Options for Hazard Control When a hazard has been identified and assessed as requiring control measures, then the next step is the selection of which control option is required. The final choice of an option is based on factors such as the potential severity of harm posed by the hazard, the likelihood of injury or illness occurring, the cost of control measures, and whether the hazard has been identified as significant. It is important however to look at all the options before making a decision, even though the identified hazard may already have some controls in place. Control of Significant Hazards Sections 8, 9 and 10 of the HSE Act contain specific requirements for the control of significant hazards. These sections require that the following steps are taken once significant hazards have been identified; ie. significant hazards to employees are to be eliminated where practicable if elimination is impracticable the hazards are to be isolated if isolation is also impracticable all practicable steps must be taken to minimise the likelihood that each hazard will be a source of harm to employees. For the third option the following extra provisions apply: the supply and use of protective equipment must be considered employee exposure to the hazard must be monitored, and health monitoring carried out with employee consent. This therefore is the hierarchy of hazard control provided by the HSE Act and the choice of control requirements must be made accordingly. Choice of Control Measures For each identified significant hazard the following questions must be asked, in order: Can the hazard be eliminated? if so, list the steps to achieve this or, if not, record the reasons. If it is decided that the hazard cannot be eliminated then consider Can the hazard be isolated from the employees? 67

72 if so, list the steps to achieve this or, if not, record the reasons. If it is decided that the hazard cannot be isolated then consider 1. What will be necessary to minimise the likelihood of harm from the hazard? 2. What equipment and protective clothing are needed to protect employees from harm arising from the hazard? 3. How are employees exposure to the hazard and their health in relation to this exposure to be most appropriately monitored? 4. Record the answers to these questions. The chosen hazard control strategy must be tested for completeness against the criteria of all practicable steps having been taken. This hierarchy of steps ensures, for example, that supplying employees with protective equipment to guard against the hazard is not done without first considering and evaluating the other more effective options. Control of Other Hazards The process used for significant hazards can also be used to determine the control methods for other hazards. However it is also acceptable to take a less formal approach, as outlined in the following steps. Considerations should include: Can the hazard be removed by design or engineering? Can the hazard be removed by substitution? Can the risk from the hazard be reduced by enclosure to isolate the hazard from workers? Can the hazard be removed at source? Can the hazard be reduced by segregating the process from workers, other than those required to be present during the process? Can personal protective equipment be used to reduce the risk of injury or illhealth? Can rules or procedures be developed to reduce the risk of injury? The hazard control possibilities indicated by the above answers must be recorded in detail. It is important to realise that the methods and systems for the control of hazards, whether significant or not, do not exist in isolation from the other activities organisations undertake in order to carry out their business. The hazard identification and control process must be part of the normal management process. 68

73 Management Control of Hazards These are the procedures by which an organisation manages a health and safety programme pertaining to its operations. There are usually a number of basic management control activities that are common to all hazards, although some hazards may require more. These include: Involvement of employees in the development of health and safety procedures. An information system to ensure employees are informed about and understand the risks from hazards they work with. An accident reporting and investigation system. Regular audit surveys of the workplace. Responsibilities being assigned to ensure hazard controls are implemented and remain effective. An audit system for checking that the controls for specific hazards are in place and are working. An adequate training programme and adequate supervision for all staff. Implementing emergency procedures, perhaps in conjunction with local emergency services, to limit the consequences of an emergency. Responsibilities must be assigned to ensure that the existence of each hazard is made known to all those exposed to it, and that the affected employees are instructed in the use of the correct procedures when exposed to the hazard. Cost of Controls There will be a variety of control methods for different hazards. The degree of control agreed upon will involve a consideration of the cost, the severity of the possible consequences, and the probability of injury, illness or damage which could arise from the hazard. To determine the most appropriate of the proposed options for the identified hazard the estimated cost of the corrective measures should be weighed against the extent to which the risk is reduced. It should be remembered that control of significant hazards has a test of all practicable steps for the control required; this involves a mix of considerations, including cost. Changes to Processes, or New Processes A system is required so that, before processes are changed or new processes or activities are undertaken, potential hazards resulting from these changes are identified, assessed and controlled as necessary. 70

74 A project team should be established to identify hazards in the new activity, and to decide upon appropriate controls. Emphasis should be placed on designing out the hazards, where possible. An audit or review of existing or new hazards must be carried out on a regular basis to test the effectiveness of the selected control measures. 70

75 Appendix D Safety Audit Checklist Example of a General Health And Safety Audit Checklist The following detailed outline is a sample comprehensive checklist to audit health and safety practices in a general workplace. This checklist should be abbreviated or extended to take account of the individual circumstances in any particular workplace. Hazard Management Comment Have all practicable steps been taken to ensure that systems are in place to systematically identify all: existing hazards? new hazards? potential hazards? Does the hazard identification method identify hazards by: area? process analysis? task analysis? Are employees advised of all hazards that may affect them while working? Are all hazards recorded? Are all hazards assessed with respect to risk? Are significant hazards identified? Are all practicable steps taken to eliminate significant hazards? Are all practicable steps taken to isolate significant hazards if they cannot be eliminated? Are all practicable steps taken to minimise significant hazards if they cannot be isolated? 71

76 Hazard Monitoring Comment Is monitoring of employee health the result of: an assessment of a significant hazard? the requirements of regulatory control? the requirement of an OSH, Department of Labour medical practitioner? consent been obtained from employees before monitoring was started? the results of monitoring been given to those employees who were monitored? the results of employee monitoring been provided when requested? has the privacy of individual employees being monitored been protected? Is all relevant legislation being complied with (give details)? Are Codes of Practice being followed (give details)? Are NZ (or other) Standards being followed (give details)? Are manufacturers instructions being followed (give details)? Are preferred methods being followed (give details)? Where there is a requirement to monitor employee health has: Legislation and Codes of Practice Comment 72

77 Protective Clothing, Equipment and Safety Devices Comment Is appropriate protective clothing being worn to minimise the possible effects of hazards? Is protective clothing being worn correctly? Is protective clothing in good order? Is appropriate equipment being used to minimise the possible effects of hazards? Is safety equipment being used correctly? Is safety equipment in good order? Are appropriate safety devices being used to minimise the possible effects of hazards? Are safety devices being used correctly? Are safety devices in good order? Is all equipment and protective clothing being adequately stored and maintained? New Equipment and Machinery Comment Have all practicable steps been taken to ensure that plant and machinery has been: set up with safety in mind? designed with safety in mind? manufactured with safety in mind? 73

78 Information and Training Comment Are all employees provided with adequate training and clear information to ensure that when they are doing their job they can: operate plant and machinery safely? handle chemicals and other substances safely? perform all designated other tasks safely? use protective clothing, equipment and devices correctly and when required? identify, report and take appropriate action to protect themselves from hazards in their working place? Are all employees provided with adequate training and clear information to ensure that when they are doing their job they can: what to do in the event of an emergency while working? the effects of the hazards that they may be exposed to? the effects of any hazards that may be created while working? how to minimise the likelihood of a hazard injuring people? Are accurate records for employee health and safety training and instruction bring maintained Are employees being given effectively supervised when they lack knowledge and/or experience in the work that they are undertaking? 74

79 Emergency Plans and Procedures Comment Have all practicable steps been taken to ensure that emergency plans and procedures are in place for: Flood? Fire? Storm? Equipment Failure? Power Failure? Bomb Threat? Explosion? Structural Collapse? Radiation Leak? Earthquake? Chemical Spills? Do Emergency Plans take into account the following matters? Appointment of an accident controller? Alarm Signal? Search and rescue procedures? Backup systems (e.g. emergency lighting)? Warning Systems (e.g. heat, smoke and gas detectors)? Emergency Procedure training? Media liaison? Action in specific cases, such as chemical spills? Means of communication? tification (who and how) of emergency services? Personnel checking (both employees and visitors)? Process shutdown procedures? First Aid equipment and training? All clear and reentry procedures? 75

80 Accidents Comment Do accident records show: Details of accident which harmed employees? Details of accidents which harmed other persons? Is OSH, Department of Labour being notified of serious harm accidents as soon as possible? Is OSH, Department of labour being sent written details of serious harm accidents within 7 days? Are all practicable steps being taken to investigate accidents? Do investigations determine if accidents were the result of a significant hazard? Do systems ensure that accident sites are not interfered with (unless it is essential to do so)? Employee Involvement Comment Are all employees given the opportunity to be fully involved at all times in: The development of procedures for hazard management as it may affect their jobs? The development of procedures for dealing with emergencies or imminent dangers that may affect their jobs? Attending health and safety surveys and questionnaires? Participating in health and safety team projects? Participating in health and safety surveys and questionnaires? Are records kept of meetings, surveys, questionnaires and consultants? Are all employees given the opportunity, when required to be involved in: 76

81 Duties Of Employees Comment Are employees aware of their responsibilities to: Take all practicable steps to ensure their own safety? Ensure that they do not cause harm to any other persons? Wear the protective clothing which the circumstances of the situation require? 77

82 Appendix E Serious Harm Accidents The Definition of Serious Harm The term serious harm is fundamental to the determination of whether or not a hazard is significant in the context of the HSE Act and, therefore, what types of controls may be applicable to that hazard. The HSE Act contains the following definition of the term serious harm in the First Schedule to the Act: 1. Any of the following conditions that amounts to or results in permanent loss of bodily function, or temporary severe loss of bodily function: respiratory disease, noiseinduced hearing loss, neurological disease, cancer, dermatological disease, communicable disease, musculoskeletal disease, illness caused by exposure to infected material, decompression sickness, poisoning, vision impairment, chemical or hotmetal burn of eye, penetrating wound of eye, bone fracture, laceration, crushing. 2. Amputation of body part. 3. Burns requiring referral to a specialist registered medical practitioner or specialist outpatient clinic. 4. Loss of consciousness from lack of oxygen. 5. Loss of consciousness, or acute illness requiring treatment by a registered medical practitioner, from absorption, inhalation, or ingestion, of any substance. 6. Any harm that causes the person harmed to be hospitalised for a period of 48 hours or more commencing within 7 days of the harm s occurrence. Procedural Steps In The Event Of An Accident Involving Serious Harm Procedure in the Event of an Accident At the time of the accident first ensure your own safety. Then ensure the safety of others. Assess the situation. Minimise the risk of further injury by shutting down plant and equipment, turning off the power supply, extinguishing fires (if this is possible without taking undue risks), etc. Give appropriate first aid. 79

83 Ring for emergency services or get someone else to; this can be attended to earlier depending on manpower availability. Secure the area and do not interfere in any way with the accident scene (unless this is necessary to save life, prevent injury, maintain essential services or to prevent further damage or property loss). Advise OSH by telephone of the accident to give them the opportunity to inspect the site. Seek their approval to move or clean anything. They may accept a photographic record. Management Guidelines Review the situation. Has the accident scene been dealt with appropriately. Find out the extent of the injuries sustained. Prepare documentation of the accident. Decide who should make up the accident investigation team. Make a decision as to the need to report the accident to OSH, Department of Labour (only serious harm accidents must be reported). Make a list of all staff who witnessed the accident. Discuss with relevant persons regarding the need to prepare a press release. Effective Investigation Of Near Miss Incidents Respond to the near miss promptly and positively take immediate control at the scene identify and preserve all possible sources of evidence Collect relevant information obtain an overview of what happened put witnesses at ease when interviewing record the information obtained be positive and keep lines of communication open obtain relevant information from OSH Guidelines and other available sources Analyse and evaluate all nontrivial causes 80 evaluate if the incident is traceable to an identified hazard

84 determine the critical and specific causes Develop and take control measures that may reduce the risk of recurrence take temporary actions immediately take permanent actions as soon as possible consider alternative controls document all details through a written report Review findings and recommendations have the report reviewed decide who should be notified Follow up monitor preventive and/or remedial actions add any new hazards identified to the Hazard Register 81

85 Appendix F OSH Regional Offices rthland Street Address Postal Address 2nd Floor PO Box 141 Manaia House Whangarei Cnr Rathbone and Dent Streets New Zealand Whangarei New Zealand Phone Fax (09) (09) Coverage Area From the tip of Cape Reinga and the north head of Kaipara Harbour through Topuni right down to Mangawhai Heads on the East Coast. Auckland rth Harbour Street Address Postal Address 5 Argus Place PO Box Glenfield Takapuna Auckland Auckland New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (09) (09) Coverage Area From the Waitemata Harbour to the Riverhead Bridge but not including Riverhead (West Auckland) and then taking in Kaukapakapa but not nearby Helensville (also West Auckland) and out to sea. The west takes in the top of the Waitemata Harbour, through the Riverhead State Forest to Makarau Bridge. It then takes in Devonport, and Kawau Island and Great Barrier Island. Manukau Street Address Postal Address 12 Lambie Drive PO Box Manukau Papatoetoe South Auckland Auckland New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (09) (09) Coverage Area In the north from the Portage Road, Otahuhu to Meremere in the south. From the Tasman Sea in the west to the Miranda Coast in the east. 83

86 Penrose Street Address Postal Address 1st Floor PO Box Great South Road Ellerslie Penrose Auckland Auckland New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (09) (09) Coverage Area In the north the harbour bridge is the boundary reaching to the Portage Road in Otahuhu. Penrose covers all the eastern districts in between. In the west their territory takes in the city to Dominion Road and the east side of Queen Street. West Auckland Street Address Postal Address Westgate Business Estate P O Box Pinot Lane Westgate Massey Auckland Auckland 7 New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (09) (09) Coverage Area They handle half of the city and down the west side of Queen St (the east side is dealt with by Penrose). In the north this branch covers Kaipara Heads to Hillsborough in the south. Waikato/Thames Street Address Postal Address 93 Collingwood St Private Bag MBE 433 Hamilton Hamilton New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (07) (07) Coverage Area From the base of the Bombay Hills down the west coast to the west side of Taupo, including Waihi, Morrinsville, Paeroa. 84

87 Taupo/Eastern Bay of Plenty Street Address Postal Address 1st Floor PO Box Haupapa Street Rotorua Rotorua New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (07) (07) Coverage Area Includes Turangi, Taupo, Tokoroa, Kawerau, Whakatane, Opotiki and Murupara in the east. In the west Hamilton takes over. Western Bay of Plenty Street Address Postal Address Unit 2, Promed House PO Box 66 Cnr 10th Ave and Edgecumbe Rd Tauranga Tauranga New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (07) (07) Coverage Area In the north the boundary runs along Athenree Gorge and down the Kaimai Ranges and down to the Matata River on the East Coast. Hawkes Bay/East Coast Napier Street Address Postal Address 6 Taradale Road P O Box 546 Napier Napier New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (06) (06) Gisborne Street Address Postal Address 295 Gladstone Rd PO Box 139 Gisborne Gisborne New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (06) (06) Coverage Area From Cape Runaway and Lottin Point in the north to the East Cape to Waikaremoana to Waione to rsewood to Porongiahau, including the Taraweras. 85

88 Taranaki Street Address Postal Address 97 Gill St PO Box 342 New Plymouth New Plymouth New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (06) (06) Coverage Area These extend south to the second river past Hawera and north to the Awakino Gorge. Patea is now part of their territory. Manawatu/Horowhenua Street Address Postal Address 267 Broadway Avenue PO Box 241 Palmerston rth Palmerston rth New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (06) (06) Coverage Area The new boundaries with New Plymouth mean that Palmerston rth s boundaries now extend to Waverley, and over an area including rsewood, Eketahuna, and north to Turangi. Forestry boundaries differ slightly. Hutt/Wairarapa Street Address Postal Address Professionals Building PO Box Cnr Cornwall Street and Kings Lower Hutt Crescent New Zealand Lower Hutt New Zealand Phone Fax (04) (04) Coverage Area The southern boundary is Horokiwi (south of the Petone overbridge). In the east it takes in the Wairarapa coast, including Eastbourne and Wainuiomata. In the west it reaches the top of the Western Hills, then from the Tararuas to Mt Bruce in the north. 86

89 Wellington/Kapiti Street Address Postal Address Level 3 PO Box Southmark House Wellington Willis Street New Zealand Wellington New Zealand Phone Fax (04) (04) Coverage Area The northern border with Palmerston rth runs along the Ohau River. Wellington branch cover Paraparaumu and Otaki and their boundary with Lower Hutt is Haywards Hill. Nelson/Marlborough Street Address Postal Address 60 Vickerman St PO Box 5079 Port Nelson Port Nelson New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (03) (03) Coverage Area From Golden Bay in the north to Murchison and, in the east, to Kaikoura Nelson covers the top of the south. Canterbury/West Coast Street Address Postal Address Carter House PO Box Lichfield Street Christchurch Christchurch New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (03) or (03) (03) Coverage Area This region covers from the Rangitata River in the south, to the Conway River Bridge in the north, including Akaroa. On the west coast it covers up to Kahurangi Point and down to Big Bay. It also services the Chatham Islands. 87

90 Otago Street Address Postal Address 392 Hillside Road PO Box 537 South Dunedin South Dunedin New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (03) (03) Coverage Area In the north this region covers up to the Waitaki River and Makarora and their southern boundary runs along the north side of the Clutha River. Southland Street Address Postal Address Victoria House P O Box Victoria Avenue Invercargill Invercargill New Zealand New Zealand Phone Fax (03) (03) Coverage Area The southernmost branch covers the south side of the Balclutha River and everything south, including Stewart Island. Centre for National Support (Head Office) Street Address Postal Address 4th Floor PO Box 3705 Aurora House Wellington 62 The Terrace New Zealand Wellington New Zealand Phone Fax (04) (04) Coverage Area In the north this region covers up to the Waitaki River and Makarora and their southern boundary runs along the north side of the Clutha River. 88

91 Appendix G Sample Documents and Forms Health and Safety Policy Hazard Identification Form Hazard Assessment Form Hazard Register Accident Reporting Form Serious Harm (Must conform to OSH Standard) Accident Investigation Form First Aid Register Confined Space Entry Form Record of Training 89

92 HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY is committed to providing a healthy and safe working environment to: ensure the health and safety of our employees protect others from harm resulting from our activities protect our property from accidental damage thereby ensuring our continued successful and profitable operation in a very competitive market. To meet our commitment we will take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of our employees; the safety of other contractors and their employees; and the safety of the public. We will also ensure that all our employees are equally committed to a healthy and safe working environment by ensuring that every employee is: involved in identifying and controlling hazards in our industry informed about all hazards that exist informed about what to do to avoid being harmed by hazards informed about all safety clothing and equipment informed about any health monitoring done informed about emergency procedures informed about accident procedures trained to do the tasks for which they are employed supervised (when necessary) in carrying out their duties aware of their responsibilities for the safety of themselves, their fellow employees and the public Chief Executive Officer Date: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES AND SUBCONTRACTORS READ THIS DOCUMENT 91

93 93

94 HAZARD REGISTER Hazards Identification Register Location: Hazard Location of Identified by/ People Who Could Description Hazard Date Be Exposed Risk Evaluation Action Taken/Date

95 ACCIDENT REPORTING FORM SERIOUS HARM (MUST CONFORM TO OSH STANDARD) 97

96 ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION FORM 99