Workplace hazards. External Factors. Grounds Perimeter fences Are important if they are to keep very young or mobile intellectually

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1 Workplace hazards This is a list of typical hazards. It is not meant to be exhaustive. The nature of hazards will vary from workplace to workplace and at one workplace over time. Since the Act requires us to ensure the health and safety of non-employees at workplaces, the decision as to whether some matters wilt constitute hazards may well depend on the age and maturity of students at the school/college (eg secure perimeter fences): External Factors The employer may not be able to directly control some of these problems from outside the workplace but other strategies may be able to be employed effectively. Chemical/pesticide overspraying Vehicle/factory emissions - noise Temperature extremes - heat/cold This has been a particular problem for small schools located adjacent to crops subject to aerial spraying etc. Residues have settled on roofs and found their way into the school rainwater tank used for drinking water. Schools next to busy highways, in industrial areas or under aircraft flight paths suffer these problems. Double glazing, air-conditioning, walls, shrubbery and other acoustic insulation methods have been employed with some success. Special design factors have been incorporated into some schools in areas prone to extremes of heat etc. However demountables without airconditioning are still used in may high heat areas. Grounds Perimeter fences Are important if they are to keep very young or mobile intellectually handicapped children within school grounds and away from traffic - and should also keep animals out. Trees, shrubs, plants Playground equipment, seats, etc. Playground surfaces Gardening equipment - machinery Some trees will drop cones when mature or shed heavy branches in high Winds. Some shrubs and plants have poisonous leaves, cause allergic reactions or aggravate asthma sufferers' conditions. Plants with needles, thorns, spikes or cutting edges also should be avoided in playground areas. Should be purpose designed to approved specifications and should be maintained in a safe condition. Small fingers can be severely injured if jammed under a loose seat plank. Problems can result from broken or irregular surfaces, paths, steps if slippery when wet, sharp projections -remnants of demolished buildings and open drains. Check for toxic sprays. Mowers should be properly maintained with safety guards etc - should not be used when projectiles or noise can cause problems. All such equipment should be safely and securely stored. Vehicles in playgrounds Rubbish Access for delivery vehicles should not endanger pupils. Accumulations of rubbish can attract vermin and pose a fire hazard.

2 Toilets Should be adequate in number - range of pedestal sizes should be appropriate for pupils. Toilets should not leak or overflow - washing facilities should be provided. Wet weather Lighting Building works Renovations Fuel/gas storage Split sites - annexes Walkways to classrooms and between blocks should be covered, paths non-slip and steps not broken or worn. Flooding paths suggest drain blockages. Are grounds adequately lit for safe entry/exit for evening functions, parent/teacher nights etc or other functions? Students should not be able to gain access to building/renovation areas and noise from such work should not disturb classes. Should be in strict compliance with appropriate regulations. Adequate time and travel provisions should be made for teachers who must travel between sites. Buildings Structural soundness Soundness after Fires Climatic conditions Is building structurally sound and all maintenance necessary to maintain it in this condition being carried out - re: drainage, painting, etc? After sections of a building have been fire damaged, apparently undamaged sections should not be re-occupied until a qualified person has checked the soundness of the building. Initial design and siting of a building are of great importance but air conditioning, external louvres, shade trees can help modify climatic extremes. Asbestos Checks can be carried out to determine its presence. Asbestos can occur - as thermal/acoustic insulation under roofing iron, particularly in schools built in the 1960s in sprayed-on coatings on ceilings in fibro walls and roofs in compressed forms in steps of demountables and floors of some food service units in linings of kilns. Strict codes and regulations govern the removal and disposal of asbestos. Walkways, stairs Staff rooms Surfaces should be even and non-slip - steps on stairs should not be worn or broken and guard rails should be secure. Stairwells should provide a safe exit in the case of fire. Should have adequate lighting, space, ventilation, etc. Should not be used to store chemicals or used as duplicating/photocopying areas. Any books/materials/equipment should be in properly constructed storage

3 space. Access ways should not be restricted. Tea making facilities should not be 'makeshift'. Canteens Washing facilities - equipment for storage and preparation of food appropriate, safe and vermin proof. Check that security measures such as bars, grilles and deadlocks - which can only be unlocked from inside as well as out with a key - on doors and windows do not prevent escape in case of fire. Classrooms Store Rooms Fire Safety Doors opening outward into narrow busy corridors pose hazards. However inward opening doors can restrict emergency evacuation, especially if they are the only exit. Automatic door closers can prevent dangerous slamming in windy conditions. Furniture should be appropriate in size for students using the room. Window sashes should be operating as designed and cracked panes replaced. Practical rooms should be property equipped for their particular use. Shelving should be adequate for loads and not extend above normal reach if chemicals are to be stored or unless steps are provided. Ventilation should be adequate for substances stored. Time lock strongrooms should have an internal bell system and ventilation. Adequate numbers of appropriate types of extinguishers should be appropriately placed and clearly labelled. Stairwells should provide a safe exit in the case of fire and where necessary fire escapes should be fitted. Flammable substances should be stored in accordance with regulations and rooms where they are used should be provided with fire doors. Fire blankets should be readily accessible - clearly marked - in rooms where they may be needed. Extinguishers should be checked for charge and operation annually - nozzles can corrode closed etc. Hoses should be checked for perishing and to ensure proper operation. Check that security measures such as bars, grilles and deadlocks - which can only be unlocked from inside as well as out with a key - on doors and windows do not prevent escape in case of fire. Electrical safety First aid Lighting Bird-proofing Cleaning All wiring etc should be carried out by qualified electricians. Where water leaks are near electrical wiring, circuits should be cut off until leaks are repaired. Similarly circuits should be cut off until broken switches and power points are replaced. Frayed cords in appliances also should be replaced. First aid materials should be readily available and adequately trained staff to deal with accidents. Emergency numbers should be clearly displayed and a phone available while staff are on the premises in case of emergencies. Is it adequate and properly positioned for use to which it is being put? Are walkways and stairwells adequately lit? Are fluorescents covered to absorb ultraviolet rays generated? Are roofs proofed to prevent entry of birds and nesting and to obviate need for later spraying? Are solvents etc used and stored safely? Is access to high dust areas available to cleaners (bookstores - dust mites,

4 art and industrial art areas) to keep dust levels low? Are cleaners allowed adequate time for these areas? Spraying If pesticides for cockroaches, etc are sprayed under sinks, steps should be taken to ensure that residues are not left on cups when used. If spraying for birdlice, etc is necessary, all safety precautions should be strictly observed. Thorough and adequate cleaning can obviate need to spray for dust mites, etc. Discuss with cleaners. Appliances/ Equipment Specific subject areas General Portable equipment Photocopiers Computers Heaters Ladders/steps Safety Codes Noise Heat Fumes Dust Industrial Arts Home Economics Appliances Trolleys should be available where heavy equipment has to be moved from place to place. Appropriate exhaust ventilation should be provided to remove emissions which should be no more than an acceptable level (emission tests can be carried out). Is ergonomic furniture provided? Are they appropriate for the area where they are being used. Heaters with naked flames should not be used where volatile vapours or dust can build to explosive concentrations. Gas heaters should not leak and pipe connections should comply with current requirements. Should be provided in all stores, etc where necessary. Where appropriate, safety codes should be clearly displayed. Where equipment produces noise, heat, fumes or dust, the following should be available where appropriate: Protective clothing: ear muffs or plugs, goggles, snoods, helmets, visors, shoes, respirators, overalls, gloves and face guards Extraction equipment - dust and fumes can be controlled by appropriate extraction equipment. Hazards arise from equipment, tools and machinery, dust, fumes and noise levels. Recently, dust from wood with toxic impregnations has become a problem. Are vices and tool anchoring points solid and un-worn? Are bench tops etc, splinter free? Hot liquids, steam, hot plates, irons and toxic cleaning agents.

5 Science Fume cupboards should vent toxic gases to the open air -often they don't work - or vent the gases to other rooms. Chemicals must be stored with due regard to their toxic, explosive qualities and proximity to chemicals they may react with. Hazardous chemicals should be disposed of appropriately (department will collect). Gas connections to bunsen burners and heaters should not leak - explosions have resulted from such leaks. Have old mercury spills from under floors, etc been removed? Such spills will continue to give off toxic vapour. Systems of work Agricultural Science Art Sport/PE Special Education Class sizes Stress RSI Equipment and materials must be used with due care. Some glazes, dyes and paints are toxic and ground-up fired clay gives rise to 'potter's lung'. Safety precautions, proper techniques and regular maintenance of equipment is important. Protection against exposure to the sun should be considered here. Aides should be properly trained in lifting techniques mechanical lifts should be provided where necessary. Adequate toilets and washing facilities should be available. Where necessary, adequate back-up staff should be on call to assist with and restrain violent kiddies. Important, particularly in practical subjects. Can systems of work be modified to avoid stress? Are, techniques to avoid RSI (job rotation - breaks) in use where appropriate? Hazards in TAFE As well as those hazards mentioned overleaf that are commonly found in primary, secondary or special schools within the Department of Education and Training, there are other hazards significantly greater in just about any TAFE college in NSW. TAFE college work areas, including workshops and laboratories, to a large degree simulate the environment with courses in commerce and industry.

6 The following is a list of points to be aware of when undertaking inspections of TAFE college buildings and surroundings, in addition to those already mentioned above: Metal Fabrication Ensure that adequate distance exists between machinery and that safety switches are operating effectively on all machinery. That safety barriers are in existence and guards are in proper working order on all machinery. Check that fume and dust extraction facilities are adequate and in proper working order for the size of the workshop. That adequate lighting exists in welding booths for the work to be performed. Carpentry and Joinery Automotive Vehicle Painting Check that proper dust extraction exists within the workshop and that masks are available for student as well as teacher use. Ensure that any rotating machinery is properly guarded and machipery stop buttons are adequate and in proper working order. Check that exhaust fumes are properly ventilated from the workshop. Earmuffs are available for students in high noise areas as well as safety glasses where necessary. Since many modern paints are highly volatile and in some cases toxic under certain conditions, it is important that all students and teachers are aware of the types of paints in use and their proper use. Ensure that students are adequately clothed and protected from fumes and that fumes are properly exhausted from spray booths and ovens. Laboratories There are many kinds of laboratories - biological, electronic and others which are a potential hazard to teachers and students who work them. Below is a list of points that

7 teachers and students should be made aware of when working in a laboratory. Ensure proper procedures for the use of chemicals and the storage and disposal of chemicals and other wastes. Ensure proper fume extraction exists in biological science laboratories and standard procedures for cleaning and disposal of biological specimens, etc. In electronic laboratories, it is important to ensure that all electronic equipment is safely guarded by fuse or circuit breakers. That proper installation is used on all test boards and equipment. That all test boards and equipment are properly labelled and adequate lighting exists for the work to be performed. The above are just some examples to be used to guide you on an inspection of your workplace. There are numerous other points that need to be checked, such as adequate access to and from workshops and laboratories, well-lit with proper flooring, proper natural light and artificial light for the job to be performed and safety procedures made aware to all students and staff working in these facilities. The grounds for the college, including pathways, driveways, covered footways between also need to be checked. It is important that OH&S Committees be given time, support and resources to develop their own checklists to help ensure health and safety in the workplace. Authorised by John Irving, General Secretary, NSW Teachers Federation, Mary Street, Surry Hills 2010.