Workplace OHSV1.0

29/11/2009

This presentation provides all new and current employees with information needed to maintain a safe work environment.

Time required to view presentation approx 30 minutes

Information provided is sourced from the UNSW.http://www.cofa.unsw.edu.au/schoolsunits/ohs/

Introduction

This is a basic overview of safety polices and procedures relevant to working within the applied design studio and workshops. It is intended that this information will help

maintain a safe and healthy work environment within the applied design studio and workshops.

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. It needs everyone’s understanding, participation and cooperation.

Remember that you have a legal obligation to work in a way that does not endanger your health and safety, or that of

any other person in the workplace.

Links to National OHS Policy

Health and safety in the Office- WorkCover NSWhttp://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

Workplace layout and Design- Fact Sheet NOHSChttp://www.ascc.gov.au/ascc/healthsafety/safedesign/understanding/workplacelayoutanddesignfactsheet.htm

National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Occupational Overuse Syndromehttp://www.cofa.unsw.edu.au/export/sites/cofa/schoolsunits/ohs/cofa_ohs_downloads/OOS_COP_NOHSC2013_1994.pdf

Office hazards - What are the OHS risks?

While hazards in the office may not always be as obvious as those in factories, office workers may also face a range of health and safety issues, including poor job design, prolonged repetitive work, moving heavy loads, inadequate lighting and cramped or unsafe work areas.

Common office hazards include:

Mechanical hazards, such as filing cabinets that tend to tip when heavily laden top drawers are open.

Physical hazards, like glare or reflections from screens; hot components of photocopiers; poorly designed chairs that do not provide the user with adequate back support; or poorly designed jobs and tasks that demand prolonged work in a fixed posture.

Chemical hazards, such as vapours in the atmosphere – for example, paint, solvents or airborne particles like photocopier toner.

Psychological hazards, like the need to perform excessive workloads under pressure; being bullied by a co-worker or supervisor; lack of satisfaction from a job where there is inadequate recognition of work performed; or repetitive work and insufficient task variety.

Electrical hazards, such as damaged electrical cords; or overloaded power points that may lead to the risk of electric shock.

General workshop/studio safety

Wear enclosed footwear at ALL TIMES. Sandals worn with woollen socks, thongs or bare feet are not an acceptable alternative.

Wear appropriate clothingTie back or cover hair when using machinery and equipmentNEVER use machinery until gaining competencyNEVER use machinery when affected by any drug or alcohol {penalties

apply}NEVER work aloneALWAYS obey written warningsALWAYS wear appropriate personal protection when requiredNEVER smoke, drink or eat in the areaALWAYS clean up after yourself. Keeping studio areas clean and

organised prevents unnecessary hazards to you and to others, and keeps equipment in working order.

Signage

Red circle with a cross means the action is not permitted.

Blue circle means that an action must be performed. Eg. Wear safety glass

Danger signs alert you to the presence of high risk and life threatening hazards

Yellow safety signs are cautionary and alert you to hazards that exist in the area.

Green signs indicate emergency equipment and services. Such as first aid and emergency showers.

Red signs indicate fire related information.

Risk ManagementA risk management approach is used in the area to minimise risks to health, safety and

welfare.The process taken is outlined below.

1.Identifying hazards. What substances and processes do you use which are potentially injurious or hazardous to you and others health;

2.Assessing the risk. Complete a risk assessment strategy and identify what are the risks associated with the hazard (if any). Refer to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), safe working procedures compliance and advisory standards or any other references you can find.

3.Select control measures. Decide how to manage the hazard by seeking out appropriate control measures. The hierarchy of control must be followed when deciding on appropriate controls

4.Implement control measures. Change the environment and your work practices, but make sure all your co-workers and lecturers are involved and consulted.

5.Monitor and review. Continually check the effectiveness of the control measures and modifications that have been made. Stay abreast of changing standards and be aware of new knowledge.

Safe work procedures

All tasks that present a risk to health and safety MUST have a safe working procedure.

Safe working procedures include:

Clear step by step instructions for undertaking the task safelyTo operate any equipment in the area you MUST first receive

instruction and training in how to operate the equipment safely.

Hazards involved in performing the taskWhat personal protective equipment is required when performing

the taskEmergency proceduresClean up and waste disposal requirements

Specific HazardsMany of the techniques used in the applied design workshops and studios

require the use of repetitive actions. Performing repetitive tasks for long periods can lead to injury therefore it is important to

Make sure all the equipment or materials you are using are within easy reachEnsure you maintain a comfortable working posture while working. Avoid

bending and stooping for any period of time. Change your posture regularly.Remember to take regular rest breaks

Ensure you have frequent work breaks when performing repetitive tasks or vary your working routine throughout the day

Try to swap hands if you are continuously using one handTry to take your time when completing a large projectDo some stretching exercises when you take a break

Lifting and moving objectsDo not attempt to lift heavy items on your own. Always use a trolley or ask

someone for help.

Slips, Trips and Falls

You can reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls by:

Wearing the correct footwearCleaning up any spillsMaking sure any electrical cords are not run across

pathwaysReporting any slips, trips and falls to your supervisor

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is very important keeping the area safe.

Observe the following guidelines to make the working environment as safe as possible:

Report any hazards immediately to your supervisor or technical staff

Clean any spills immediatelyAlways wipe down surfaces after workingKeep access to emergency equipment such as fire

extinguishers clearDo not block emergency exits or pathwaysEnsure you have enough room to work safelyKeep electrical cords out of the way

Injuries and incidents

All injuries and incidents must be reported

If you are injured or involved in a safety incident, you need to make sure you:

-Seek immediate first aid or medical attention

-Report the incident/injury to your supervisor as soon as possible after the event

This includes reporting incidents that have not resulted in an injury, but could have lead to unintended and / or unnecessary harm.

First Aid

In each area there are posters that display the names and contact numbers of first aid officers on campus.

These are the people you should contact if you or someone else is injured. You should make yourself aware of the location of the first aid poster in your area.

First aid officers

Denis Cooper 93850722

Jim Ward 93850663

Evan Donohoe 93850684

Fire

If you discover a fire, there are three major considerations:

1. Raising the Alarm

2. Fighting the fire

3. Evacuating the building

The priority of these depends on the circumstances. In all cases, personal safety is of paramount importance.

Raising the alarm

Alert people nearby and enlist their aid.

• Attempt to put out the fire only if you are familiar with the use of extinguishers and the fire is small.

• Determine the type of fire and use the appropriate fire extinguisher.

• If heat or smoke become threatening; leave the building closing all windows and doors if safe to do so.

• Never let a fire get between you and the exit.

What do I do

upon hearing fire alarm? • NEVER enter a building when the alarm is soundingThe fire alarm may be sounded by a bell, hooter or siren, depending on

the building. When you hear the alarm, evacuate the building calmly and promptly, as follows:

• Switch off any electrical equipment or fuel sources in your room if safe to do so

• Close windows and doors if safe to do so. • Leave the building by the shortest possible route. • DO NOT USE LIFTS. • Follow directions of SECO's, Wardens and Security Officers. • Proceed to the Assembly Area designated for the building. • Do NOT cluster around doorways. • Wait for further directions from the SECO, Security Officer or Fire

Brigade. • Do NOT re-enter the building until authorised to do so by the Fire

Officer or delegate. • NEVER enter a building when the alarm is sounding

Fire ExtinguishersPortable fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting

out or containing fires within the capability of the extinguisher.

However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly.

Red( water) :- Is suitable for wood, paper and cardboard. Not to be used on electrical, oil or fats.

Red with black stripe (CO2) :- Is suitable all fires except gas fires.

Red with blue band (Foam):- Is suitable for flammable liquids. Not to be used on electrical, oil or fats.

Red with white stripe(Dry Chemical) :- Is suitable for paper ,wood and textiles, Petrol, oils and paints, Gas fires and

Electrical fires

Emergency Contacts

All emergencies call 56666 or 9385666

To report incidents/emergencies ring Ext 56666 or 1800 626 003. If you are unable to contact anyone on 56666 you can then call

external emergency services.

Note: for external number first dial "0".

Emergency (Ambulance Police Fire) (0) 000

St Vincent’s Hospital (Emergency department) (0) 8382 2520

Poisons Information Centre (0) 131 126